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Firstpost Defence Summit 2024: Ready to unveil the future roadmap of Indian aerospace and defence
Mumbai: The Firstpost Defence Summit 2024 is set to convene on 24 February 2024, in the heart of New Delhi, bringing world leaders, industry stalwarts, policymakers, experts, and senior diplomats together to chart the course for the future of Indian Aerospace and Defence sector.
At the summit, participants from countries like the United States, Israel, Vietnam, Maldives, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Ukraine and Japan, apart from India, will delve into the changing dynamics of the defence industry and explore strategies to propel India as a global leader in manufacturing, exports, and research and development (R&D) in this critical sector.
In recent years, the Aerospace and Defence sector has witnessed significant transformations, driven by technological advancements, evolving geopolitical landscape, and changing security threats. Recognizing the need for proactive measures to adapt to these changes and seize emerging opportunities, Firstpost is hosting this first-of-its-kind summit that brings together stakeholders from across the globe to catalyse dialogue, foster partnerships, and shape policies that will shape the future of defence in India.
The summit will also serve as a platform to showcase the best global business practices across various facets of the Aerospace and Defence sector, including Manufacturing, R&D, Academia, Startups, Technology, and Data Security. The event will feature discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions centred around three key sub-themes:
1 Building ‘Capacities’ for Economically Strategic Aerospace and Defence
2 Promoting Comprehensive R&D Ecosystem for the Defence sector
3 Strengthening the DRDO-Industry-Academia and Startup Ecosystem
Speaking about this initiative, Palki Sharma, Editor, Firstpost said “We, at Firstpost, are proud to present the first-of-its-kind Defence Summit, which will catalyze driving conversations on security, technology and strategic choices. We are delighted to take this first step in providing a platform for defence officials, policymakers & world leaders to discuss and share insights on the future of defence.”
Network18 chief executive officer (Digital) & president of corporate strategy Puneet Singhvi, highlighted how the summit will play a crucial role in the nation’s pursuit of becoming a key defence exporter. He said, “As the global geopolitical stage evolves, India marches forward in its transformation. In this unwavering drive towards defence modernization, Network18 takes great pride in initiating the first-ever platform that drives conversations on the future of defence. The Firstpost Defence Summit 2024 is the beacon illuminating crucial arenas such as aerospace, AI, UAVs, cyber warfare & naval security. The summit is poised to redefine India’s role as a leading defence exporter on the global stage. By amplifying voices and ideas, we feel proud to pave the way for a future where India’s prowess in defence technologies and capabilities shines brightly, fostering prosperity & security for all.”
The summit will feature keynote addresses and sessions by stalwarts like Shri Rajnath Singh, the Minister of Defence of India; General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff in India; Ehud Olmert, the Former PM of Israel; Djoomart Otorbaev, the Former Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan; Dr. Samir V Kamat, the Chairperson of DRDO; Mariya Ahmed Didi, the Former Defence Minister of Maldives; Dr Nidhi Bansal, the Director of Technology Development Fund at the Ministry of Defence and Vivek Lall, the Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation, among others.
The Firstpost Defence Summit 2024 promises to be a landmark event, setting the stage for collaborative efforts towards building a robust and resilient Aerospace and Defence ecosystem in India.
eNews
Swiggy sees record orders during India vs New Zealand T20 final
Chicken biryani tops match-day menu as fans order 7,500 times per minute at peak.
MUMBAI: India’s T20 final didn’t just break stumps, it broke Swiggy’s delivery records, proving cricket fans celebrate victories with plates, not just flags. Swiggy, India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, reported a sharp spike in food orders during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand. On 8 March 2026, overall orders rose 23.2 per cent year-on-year compared with the same date in 2025, driven by fans turning living rooms into mini stadiums complete with match-day feasts.
Key highlights from the evening:
- Orders during peak match hours (7–10 pm) were 2.1 times higher than pre-match levels.
- The highest order rate hit 7,500 orders per minute at 19:45.
- Chicken biryani reigned supreme as the most-ordered dish, followed by masala dosa, chicken fried rice, garlic breadsticks and paneer butter masala.
While metros such as Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad led volumes, the cricketing fever spread nationwide. Among emerging cities, Thiruvananthapuram, Surat and Rajkot recorded the strongest order growth. Smaller markets including Shillong, Agartala and Port Blair also showed significant appetite, underlining the expanding footprint of quick-commerce food delivery across India.
The surge reflects a growing trend of pairing major sporting events with doorstep delivery, turning big matches into shared, convenient celebrations. In a night where every boundary mattered, Swiggy proved the real MVP might just be the delivery partner who kept the snacks and the vibes flowing without missing a single wicket.
