Author: Athira Sethu
India has helped the Maldives construct a high-speed ferry, the first of twelve vessels planned to establish transport link services between two atolls, according to local media reports. G. Balasubramaniam, Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, emphasized India’s ongoing commitment to supporting essential public services and projects that directly benefit Maldivian communities, as reported by PSM News. As part of an existing agreement, India will supply 12 high-speed ferries to the Maldives. During a ceremony launching the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) services in Faafu and Dhaalu Atolls, Balasubramaniam noted that the first ferry was built with India’s assistance to commence operations in…
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to raise Rs 9,500 crore by monetising five operational highways through its first asset acquisition under the public Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT). As a public InvIT, RIIT will seek Rs 600–700 crore from retail investors as equity for acquiring the assets. The initial public offer (IPO) is expected to launch later this month, with 10% of the total equity units allocated to retail investors. Individuals can invest between Rs 10,000 and Rs 2 lakh in the units. Funds for the acquisitions will come from a mix of…
Arijit Singh’s recent announcement regarding his retirement from playback singing may have shocked fans, but the artist’s impact continues through his philanthropic and local ventures. Beyond the recording studio, Arijit has been making a difference in his hometown of Jiaganj, Murshidabad, West Bengal, through his restaurant, Heshel. Unlike typical celebrity-owned dining spots that focus on luxury and high price points, Heshel is built on simplicity and service. Run by Arijit’s father, the establishment is a long-standing family business that recently gained attention for providing wholesome, nutritious meals for as little as Rs 40. Wholesome Food at Unbeatable Prices The restaurant serves…
India’s footprint in global defence manufacturing continues to grow as Gliders India Limited (GIL) has secured a ₹30 crore export contract from Vietnam for Su-30 brake parachutes and pilot parachutes. These components are critical safety systems for fighter aircraft, essential during landings and emergency situations, rather than routine accessories. GIL’s Expertise in Aerospace Systems GIL, a Defence Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, has built a strong reputation in aerospace textiles and recovery systems. The Vietnam order demonstrates international trust in Indian-manufactured defence equipment and the increasing acceptance of Indian products in military aviation markets that demand strict quality…
Kerala plans to develop a rare earth corridor linking Vizhinjam port, Chavara, and Kochi, which could attract investments of ₹42,000 crore, Finance Minister K N Balagopal announced in the Budget on Thursday. The corridor will include a center near KMML Chavara, positioning Kerala as the nation’s permanent magnet hub. The project is expected to generate 50,000 jobs. Additionally, ₹100 crore is allocated to establish a Rare Earth Critical Minerals Mission in partnership with KMML, KELTRON, and NFTDC. KMML is a state-owned titanium dioxide and mineral sands producer based in Chavara, KELTRON is the state-run electronics and tech company, and NFTDC…
Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast is moving beyond traditional passenger car sales in India by preparing to launch its own ride-hailing service through its parent group’s mobility arm, Green and Smart Mobility (GSM). The compact VinFast VF5 EV expected to debut soon in the Indian market will form the backbone of the new taxi fleet, supported by the larger Limo Green MPV for varied passenger needs. GSM already operates electric ride-hailing services in other Asian countries and plans to bring a fully electrified fleet to Indian cities, potentially giving competition to existing providers by using a dedicated fleet of VinFast vehicles. The strategy reflects VinFast’s broader ambition to deepen…
Draymond Green, a pivotal figure in the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty, has seen his financial and professional profile grow significantly over the past decade. Drafted in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft, Green evolved from a role player into a three-time NBA champion, known for his defensive intensity, versatility and leadership on the court. Green’s NBA earnings have risen steadily as he signed contract extensions with the Warriors, reflecting his status as a core contributor to the team’s success. These contracts, combined with playoff bonuses and performance incentives, have significantly boosted his career income. Off the court, Green has capitalised on his high profile through endorsements,…
Indian Railways has floated a tender for the construction of a halt station at Nedumbassery, situated close to Cochin International Airport in Kerala, marking a key step toward improved rail access for air travellers. The project, announced by the Railways’ Gati Shakti division, carries an estimated cost of ₹7.56 crore, with the deadline for bid submission set for February 5, 2026. Under the tender, the successful contractor will be responsible for building the station within nine months, including a station building, 600-metre platforms on either side, a pedestrian overpass with a lift, and parking facilities to support passenger convenience and safety. Once completed, the new Nedumbassery halt station, positioned between Angamaly and Chowwara stations, will be the first railway station…
Professor Madhavi Lata’s journey is a story of grit, resilience and scientific brilliance. Hailing from Yedugundlapadu, a small village in Andhra Pradesh, she once sold her old notebooks for 40 paise to buy kerosene during her childhood. Despite financial hardship, she pursued engineering, becoming the first engineer from her village. Lata’s academic path included a B.Tech in civil engineering, followed by an M.Tech and PhD from premier institutions, leading to her becoming Assistant Professor and later a senior faculty member at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, including being the first woman in IISc’s civil-engineering department. Her most notable professional contribution was as the geotechnical consultant on the Chenab…
India has a pivotal role in shaping the future of space, not just for itself but for the world, said astronaut and test pilot Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair at Huddle Global 2025 in Kovalam. He emphasized that as nations advance plans for space colonization, the world will look to India to represent broader global interests in outer space. Speaking on the theme “Astronaut Mindset Towards Nation Building,” Nair highlighted that Indians already contribute roughly 30 percent of the global space workforce, with many professionals employed at leading centers like NASA. “India must develop its own capabilities in space rather than only…