Murugappa Group ex-chairman dies
Arunachalam Vellayan, former chairman of the Murugappa Group and chairman emeritus of Coromandel International, passed away at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife, Lalitha Vellayan, sons Arun and Narayanan Vellayan and grandchildren. Over several decades, Vellayan played a pivotal role in guiding the Murugappa Group’s diversified businesses, contributing significantly to its growth and establishing it as one of India’s most respected conglomerates. He served on the boards of several group companies, including Coromandel International and EID Parry, as well as other firms such as Kanoria Chemicals, EXIM Bank and Indian Overseas Bank. Beyond corporate leadership, he led multiple industry and trade organisations, including the Southern India Chamber of Commerce, Fertiliser Association of India and Indian Sugar Mills Association. He also chaired the Board of Governors of IIM Kozhikode.
Delhi-Shanghai AI flights to resume
Air India will resume direct flights between Delhi and Shanghai from February 1, 2026, marking its return to mainland China after nearly six years. The
airline had suspended Shanghai services in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic while still Government-owned.
Now under the Tata Group, Air India plans to also launch non-stop flights between Mumbai and Shanghai in 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Delhi-Shanghai flights will operate four times weekly using Boeing 787-8 aircraft with 18 business and 238 economy seats. Shanghai will become Air India’s 48th international destination.
SR to begin in ASsam
The Election Commission of India has ordered a Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls in Assam, with January 1, 2026, set as the qualifying date. Positioned between the annual special summary revision and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the SR aims to
ensure clean, updated and accurate voter lists. Door-to-door verification will be conducted from November 22 to December 20, followed by publication of the integrated draft electoral roll on December 27 and the final roll on February 10, 2026. Assam Chief Minister welcomed the decision, pledging full State cooperation for a transparent, timely process.
