Author: Athira Sethu
Ukraine is developing an independent satellite communications network to reduce its reliance on Elon Musk’s Starlink system, as the country seeks greater control over communications supporting its military and critical infrastructure. According to a report by The Guardian, Ukraine is working towards a planned constellation of approximately 245 satellites. The initiative comes amid concerns over dependence on foreign-controlled satellite infrastructure during the ongoing war with Russia. A key step in the effort came in October 2026, when Ukraine’s communications company Himera and Danish satellite manufacturer GomSpace launched the OBRIA NANO experimental satellite into orbit. OBRIA NANO Marks First Step The…
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Palazzo Chigi in Rome on November 4, following Tata Motors’ acquisition of a controlling stake in Italian commercial vehicle maker Iveco Group. The meeting focused on the Tata Group’s strategy after the acquisition and the growing economic and industrial partnership between India and Italy. Chandrasekaran reportedly outlined the group’s plans following the takeover. On October 30, Tata Motors completed the initial settlement of its cash tender offer, acquiring an 89.42% stake in Iveco for approximately €3.43 billion. The acquisition made Iveco an indirect subsidiary of Tata Motors. The…
Malayalam film actors Kunchacko Boban and Prithviraj Sukumaran have been appointed as brand ambassadors of the Kerala Forest Department. The state government has issued an official order confirming their appointments, which will be honorary. The department plans to use the popularity of the two actors and the reach of cinema to strengthen public awareness about forest and wildlife conservation. Their responsibilities will cover seven key areas, ranging from conservation campaigns and digital communication to environmental education and public participation. Seven Areas of Responsibility The actors will participate in awareness campaigns through public events, recorded messages and digital platforms. They will…
India’s shipbuilding industry has reached another milestone with the launch of Wilson Energy 1, a 99-metre dry cargo vessel built by Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL) for Norway-based Wilson ASA. The vessel is the first of eight 6,300-deadweight-tonne (DWT) cargo ships being constructed under an international contract valued at approximately ₹1,041 crore. Launched at the Malpe shipyard in Udupi, Karnataka, on October 26, 2026, the vessel is the largest commercial ship built at the facility since UCSL began operations under Cochin Shipyard Limited’s ownership. Wilson ASA Chairman Eivind Eidesvik and his daughter Anna Eidesvik jointly launched the vessel. Norwegian Ambassador…
India is preparing to take its indigenous Vande Bharat trains to international markets, with plans to begin exporting complete trainsets within the next three to four years. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the target on November 1, 2026, during the flag-off ceremony of the Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. Vaishnaw said Indian Railways is continuously improving the trainsets with each new version, incorporating lessons from earlier models to enhance their design and performance. He added that India would move beyond exporting individual railway components to supplying complete trains to overseas markets. India has already started exporting railway equipment, including propulsion…
UCSL Launches First of Eight Cargo Vessels for Norwegian Company Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has launched the first of eight 6,300 deadweight tonne (DWT) dry cargo vessels being built for Norway-based Wilson ASA. The vessel was launched at the shipyard in Malpe, Udupi district, Karnataka, on October 26, 2026. The launch marks a major milestone for UCSL, as the vessel is the largest built at the yard since the company was incorporated in 2021. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in December 2026. Vessel Designed for Fuel Efficiency The…
Nepal has formally sought financial support from the UN-backed Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage following devastating floods, putting the newly established climate-aid system to a major test. The request follows a catastrophic glacial flood on August 26 that caused extensive loss of life and widespread damage to infrastructure. Nepal’s government has estimated direct losses at around $2.56 billion, while reconstruction costs could reach $4–5 billion. Nepal sent a letter to the fund’s co-chairs on September 1, seeking immediate support and arguing that international climate commitments must translate into concrete assistance for countries facing the worst impacts of climate…
Marriott International is planning a major expansion in India as the country’s hotel and travel market continues to grow. In an exclusive report by The Economic Times, Marriott International President and CEO Anthony Capuano said India could become the company’s third-largest global market in the next three to four years. The US is currently Marriott’s biggest market, followed by China, Mexico and India. Marriott is expanding beyond major Indian cities and plans to add thousands of new hotel rooms across the country. The company signed more than 60 hotel deals in India in the first half of this year, the highest number in its Asia Pacific excluding China region. Marriott has more than 200 hotels in its India pipeline, with over 30,000 additional…
Indian Railways has launched a new online personal luggage booking facility for passengers travelling with confirmed reserved tickets, making it easier to declare and pay for excess luggage before their journey. The service became available from July 31 as part of the Railways’ digital transformation initiative. Under the new system, passengers can book excess luggage online within the prescribed weight limits, avoiding long queues at parcel offices. The platform also provides details on class-wise baggage allowances, maximum permissible weight, restricted items and applicable charges before travel. The move is expected to improve passenger convenience, streamline luggage handling and reduce disputes…
Dalmia Bharat has started work on its second manufacturing unit in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of ₹3,100 crore. The foundation stone for the new facility was laid in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Nara Lokesh and Dalmia Bharat Managing Director and CEO Puneet Dalmia. The upcoming integrated manufacturing facility is designed to produce one of the world’s greenest cements and will strengthen Dalmia Bharat’s presence in southern India. The project is part of the company’s expansion plans announced in 2025. Scheduled to be commissioned by the third quarter of FY28, the…