Author: News Desk
Kerala is aiming to position itself as a national hub for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan inaugurating Naviq Technology, a new company launched by the IBS Software Group in Kochi. Located at the IBS Tower in Infopark Phase I, Naviq Technology has been established to drive AI-led innovation and modernisation across the global travel industry. The company will build on IBS Software’s more than two decades of experience in travel technology and operate independently from the group’s other subsidiaries. It will work with international airlines, airports, cruise lines, vacation providers and hospitality companies to accelerate…
Azad Engineering has delivered its first indigenously developed turbo jet engine to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Ministry of Defence, marking a major milestone in India’s efforts towards self-reliance in aerospace and defence technology. The achievement follows the successful manufacturing and assembly of critical engine components, showcasing Azad Engineering’s capabilities in precision manufacturing, advanced engineering, and complex aero-engine systems. The company said the delivery highlights its role in supporting India’s indigenous defence programmes and strengthening domestic propulsion technology capabilities. The successful development and delivery of the turbo jet engine will support future engine development trials and…
Thalapathy Vijay’s much-awaited political action drama Jana Nayagan has created a massive buzz at theatres across India, with packed shows and record advance bookings marking a strong start for the film. The film, which was delayed due to pending censor certification, released on July 23 across around 1,000 screens in Tamil Nadu. Advance bookings witnessed huge demand, with several theatres reporting sold-out shows from morning screenings to late-night shows. According to booking platforms, thousands of tickets were sold within hours, while multiplex chain PVR INOX reported more than three lakh advance bookings for the Vijay starrer. Trade analysts expect the film to…
More than 4,500 Google employees have signed a petition urging CEO Sundar Pichai to provide stronger protections for workers facing possible layoffs amid the company’s AI-driven restructuring. The employees are demanding better severance packages, voluntary exit options, and a more predictable process before job cuts are announced. The petition was submitted by members of the Alphabet Workers Union after nearly 100 employees gathered outside Google’s campus in support of the campaign. Workers have called for guaranteed severance, voluntary exit packages before layoffs, removal of performance quotas, and extended paid leave options for affected employees. The concerns come as Google continues…
Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick has secured a $1.7 billion debt and equity funding deal for his latest venture, Atoms, which aims to build a “computer for the physical world” by combining artificial intelligence and robotics. The funding round is backed by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and Uber, along with support from banks including Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan. Ben Horowitz, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, will join Atoms’ board as part of the investment. Kalanick said the funding will help Atoms develop advanced robotics systems to automate industrial processes across sectors such as mining, construction, heavy transport, and food production. He…
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed agreements with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) and Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL) to advance the Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Mk-II programme. Under the agreement, six Airbus A321 aircraft will be converted from commercial to green configuration by AIESL, paving the way for the development and production of advanced surveillance aircraft for the Indian Air Force. A separate contract has been signed with Adani Defence as the development-cum-production partner for mission systems of the AEW&C Mk-II programme. The DRDO said the new AEW&C Mk-II system, developed by…
Indian Railways is preparing to introduce Vande Bharat Sleeper trains in Andhra Pradesh, marking a major upgrade in long-distance rail travel in the state. The sleeper version of Vande Bharat trains is expected to begin operations in the Vijayawada Railway Division by Dussehra, according to railway officials. Unlike the existing chair-car Vande Bharat services, the new trains are designed for overnight and long-distance journeys with improved comfort and premium facilities. Currently, Vande Bharat Express trains connect Vijayawada with destinations including Secunderabad, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam. The upcoming sleeper trains aim to offer passengers a more comfortable alternative for longer routes. The…
India is advancing plans to develop and operationalise at least five indigenous small modular reactors by 2033 as the country looks to expand nuclear power and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre is developing multiple reactor designs, including a 220-megawatt Bharat Small Modular Reactor, a 55-megawatt reactor and a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor designed for hydrogen production. Tarapur in Maharashtra has been approved as the site for the 220 MW and 55 MW projects. India currently has around 8.8 GW of installed nuclear capacity and aims to increase this to about 22 GW by 2031–32. The country’s…
Indian Railways is set to manufacture 17,000 new general and sleeper coaches as part of a major capacity expansion aimed at strengthening affordable rail travel. The move comes amid rising passenger demand, particularly in general and non-AC classes. According to the Railway Ministry, a significant share of India’s railway passengers rely on these categories for affordable travel. The new coaches are expected to expand capacity across the network and provide more travel options for passengers, especially on long-distance routes. The expansion also comes as Indian Railways continues to increase train services and introduce new passenger trains. The focus on general…
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has awarded a ₹91.6 crore contract to Siemens Limited for installing advanced communication systems for the Kochi Metro Phase-II corridor. The agreement, signed on July 21, 2026, covers key technology systems needed for smooth metro operations, including passenger announcement systems, digital information displays, CCTV surveillance, emergency communication facilities, fibre-optic networks, access control systems, office automation, and cybersecurity solutions. KMRL said the communication package is among the major system works required to make the Phase-II corridor operational. The contract was signed by KMRL Chief Engineer Johnson T.C. and Siemens representatives Amit Bhardwaj and Udayaditya Pathak. The…