Author: Athira Sethu

A private company from Kochi, Smart Engineering & Design Solutions (India) Pvt Ltd (SEDS), has become the first non-government entity in India to design a naval warship, the newly commissioned INS Mahe. INS Mahe, built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), is the lead ship of an eight-vessel class of Anti-Submarine Warfare shallow-water corvettes. SEDS, based in Kakkanad, managed the complex naval architecture, packing advanced sensors, weapons systems and combat-ready design into a compact, efficient hull. According to company officials, the shift signals a broader opening of India’s defence ship-design sector to private-sector participation under the “Make in India / Aatmanirbhar Bharat” vision.…

Global investment firm Think Investments has invested over Rs 136 crore in edtech unicorn PhysicsWallah ahead of its IPO next week. The funding is part of a pre-IPO round as the company prepares for its public debut. According to the disclosure, Think Investments bought 1.07 crore shares from 14 PhysicsWallah employees at Rs 127 each — about 17% higher than the IPO issue price — securing a 0.37% stake valued at Rs 136.17 crore. Think Investments, which manages assets worth $4 billion globally, focuses on high-growth, tech-driven firms. In India, it has invested in leading startups such as Swiggy, Meesho,…

President Droupadi Murmu visited the famous Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Kerala on Wednesday, becoming the first head of state to reach the sacred Sannidhanam by vehicle. The temple, one of India’s most revered pilgrimage centers, drew national attention as the President personally took part in the traditional rituals usually followed by devotees. Murmu began her journey early in the morning, arriving in Pathanamthitta by helicopter before traveling by road to Pampa, the base camp of the Sabarimala hill shrine. There, she performed the customary ritual of tying the Irumudikettu, a sacred offering carried by Ayyappa devotees, at the Pampa Ganapathi temple.…

Several major global companies, from Amazon to TCS, have announced significant layoffs in 2025, citing efficiency drives, restructuring, and increased investment in artificial intelligence (AI). Amazon is reportedly planning to cut nearly 15% of its human resources department, known as the People eXperience Technology (PTX) team, along with some roles in other departments, according to Fortune. The HR division alone employs over 10,000 people worldwide. The cuts come as the e-commerce giant aims to reduce costs while heavily investing in AI infrastructure and products. The IT sector has seen similar workforce reductions. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) plans to lay off…

Starting November 15, vehicle owners without a FASTag, or with an invalid or non-functional FASTag, can pay tolls using UPI at 1.25 times the standard rate. This is a relief compared to the current system, where those without a valid FASTag must pay double the toll in cash. The change comes from a notification issued on Friday, aimed at reducing cash transactions at toll plazas and curbing revenue leakage. Currently, about 98% of toll payments are processed via FASTag, but cash payments still occur when tags are missing, invalid, or have insufficient balance. No Penalty for Malfunctioning FASTag or Toll…

Whisky consumption in India is firmly anchored in the south. According to the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the five southern states—Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana—plus Puducherry—together consumed 23.18 crore cases of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in FY25. That’s nearly 58% of the country’s total whisky sales, showcasing South India’s dominance in the liquor market. Nationally, overall IMFL whisky sales fell slightly—down 1.4% year-on-year to 40.17 crore cases. Yet, the south’s dominance stayed unshaken. Industry experts attribute this trend to higher purchasing power, cultural acceptance, and strong retail networks in the southern states. Even amid economic…

India has approved 10 semiconductor projects across six states, with a total investment of $18.2 billion, as part of a strategic push to establish a homegrown chip industry. The aim is to reduce reliance on imports, secure supply for critical sectors, and capture more value in the electronics supply chain, particularly as global manufacturers diversify away from China. These projects span fabrication plants, testing facilities, and packaging units. A highlight is Tata Electronics’ $11 billion fab in Gujarat, developed in partnership with Taiwan’s Powerchip. To encourage investment, the government will cover 50% of project costs for all fabrication, testing, and…

Yeedi Vijayalakshmi, better known by her screen name Rambha, was one of the busiest and most popular actresses in the late 90s and early 2000s. Her debut came in 1992 with the Malayalam film Sargam, where she played Thankamani. Despite not knowing Malayalam, her performance won hearts, and the film became both a critical and commercial success, even winning a National Award. Rise to Fame Across Industries Following Sargam, Rambha entered Telugu cinema with Aa Okkati Adakku, where she earned her famous screen name. She quickly rose to pan-Indian popularity, starring opposite legends like Rajinikanth, Mammootty, Chiranjeevi, Ajith Kumar, and…

India’s startup ecosystem is expanding faster than ever, from fintech innovators in major metros to agritech pioneers in smaller towns. What often goes unnoticed, however, are the support systems behind many of these success stories, government-backed incubators. These incubators, run by various ministries and departments, do more than provide funding. They offer mentorship, access to labs and co-working spaces, networking opportunities, guidance from experts, and crucial links to markets and investors. Importantly, many of these programs extend beyond metropolitan hubs, empowering startups in tier-2 and tier-3 cities to scale both nationally and internationally. Here’s a look at eight standout government-backed…

Onam in Kerala is a celebration of harvest, joy, and togetherness. For startups, the festival offers more than cultural meaning. It holds lessons about mindset, culture, and leadership that can shape how young companies grow and sustain themselves. Abundance Is a Mindset, Not a Budget Startups often focus on what they lack: capital, time, or manpower. But abundance is not about resources. It is about generosity in thought and action. Sharing knowledge openly, encouraging collaboration, and mentoring teammates create a sense of richness that no amount of funding can match. The Power of Small Gestures Onam traditions show how small…