Author: News Desk
Surekha Yadav, a native of Satara, Maharashtra, embarked on a path few envisioned for women in 1980s India. In 1988, she became Asia’s first female locomotive pilot, breaking into a male-dominated domain and redefining what is possible in Indian Railways. Her journey began humbly: selected as an assistant driver in 1989, Yadav steadily climbed the ranks, from goods-train operator in 1996, to motor-woman in 2000, and then a full-fledged driver of mail and express trains. In 2010, she became a ghat driver, a role demanding extreme skill and caution, navigating the treacherous Western Ghat gradients with precision. Among her many milestones:…
India is the world’s top producer of ice apple, also called nungu, tadgola, palmyra fruit, or palm fruit. The country boasts the highest concentration of palmyra palm trees, thriving in its hot tropical regions where the fruit naturally grows. Favorable climate, long summers, and high domestic demand have made India the largest source of fresh ice apples globally. What Is Ice Apple? Ice apple is the soft, jelly-like fruit of the palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer), commonly eaten in India to beat the summer heat. Translucent, mildly sweet, and rich in electrolytes, it naturally cools the body. Often sold by roadside vendors—especially in South India—it is…
Kamal Haasan’s journey from the culturally vibrant locality of Alwarpet to building a ₹450-crore artistic empire is a remarkable tale of passion, persistence, and reinvention. Born into a modest middle-class Tamil family, Haasan entered the film world as a child actor and quickly rose through the ranks as one of India’s most versatile performers. Over the years, he earned a reputation for taking on complex roles, experimenting with genres, and pushing creative boundaries that shaped modern Indian cinema. Beyond acting, Haasan strategically expanded his footprint through production ventures, establishing a strong presence in the industry with films known for both…
Kasargod is preparing to host the IEDC Summit 2025, one of Asia’s largest student events promoting youth entrepreneurship, organized by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM). The summit is part of KSUM’s flagship initiative through Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centres (IEDCs), which foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students and academic communities across Kerala. Scheduled for December 22 at LBS College of Engineering, the event will serve as a platform for students to showcase innovative ideas and transform them into viable startups. It will also allow academic institutions and young innovators to connect with industry professionals and experts. The 2025 summit aims…
Berger Paints Emirates Ltd Co, a step-down subsidiary of Asian Paints International Pvt. Ltd., Singapore, has announced plans to establish its second paint manufacturing facility in the United Arab Emirates. The project involves an investment of AED 140 million, approximately Rs 340 crore. The new plant will have an initial production capacity of 55,800 kilolitres per year and will span 100,000 square metres within the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi. The facility is expected to enhance Asian Paints’ market presence in the Middle East and expand its global manufacturing footprint. In a separate development, Asian Paints has partnered with the…
Rajnath Singh will meet Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov in New Delhi on December 4 during President Putin’s visit. The two will review ongoing military projects and look at new areas to work together. A key point on the table is the delivery schedule for the remaining S-400 systems India has ordered. India may also weigh the option of buying more S-400 units and even explore the S-500, which can take down ballistic missiles at long ranges. Both sides are expected to talk about shipbuilding ties and the future of jointly developed weapons. The ministers last met in Qingdao in…
Haier Appliances India, the Chinese refrigerator and television maker, has applied for a Press Note 3 approval from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to receive a fresh capital infusion of Rs 1,000 crore from its parent company, according to its latest filing with the Registrar of Companies (RoC). The Indian entity is owned by Haier Singapore Investment Holding Pte. Ltd., and while the filing confirms the application is in process, the company has not specified the exact purpose of the capital infusion. Under Indian law, companies with parent entities from nations sharing land borders with…
The recent long-term LPG procurement agreement with the US is a strategic step for supplier diversification, but higher freight costs due to the longer shipping distance could make imports slightly more expensive for oil marketing companies in the short term. India remains heavily dependent on LPG imports, which currently meet 55–60% of demand despite steady growth in domestic production. Import reliance has risen to 66% in fiscal 2025 from 51% in fiscal 2017, according to a Crisil report. The Indo-US deal, covering the import of 2.2 million tonnes per year, reduces India’s historical dependence on Middle Eastern suppliers. While the…
The Centre will invest ₹4,500 crore over the next three years to modernize the state-run Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said at the chips-to-startup program at the facility. The funding will come from the ₹76,000 crore India Semiconductor Mission (ISM 1.0), launched in 2021. Vaishnaw explained that the investment will allow SCL to scale production 100 times and create new intellectual property. For the expansion, the laboratory requires 25 acres of land, and the Punjab government has been requested to provide it promptly to help modernization efforts. A 26-acre parcel near SCL has been a potential…
The late industrialist Ratan Tata’s beachfront villa on Mahe, the largest island in Seychelles, has been put up for sale. According to his will, Tata left the property to RNT Associates, his Singapore-based fund that supports Indian startups. Independent valuers appointed by the executors of the will had placed a relatively modest valuation of ₹85 lakh on the villa, according to reports. Sources indicate that Aircel founder C. Sivasankaran, along with his family or associates, has shown interest in buying the property for $6.2 million (roughly ₹55 crore). When approached, Sivasankaran told TOI, “I don’t know what you are talking…