Author: News Desk
The Outer Ring Road (ORR) project is set to be a major infrastructure boost for Thiruvananthapuram, with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari playing a key role in steering the project at the Centre. The ORR, which is awaiting final approvals, is expected to significantly improve urban mobility, reduce congestion and strengthen the capital’s long-term growth prospects. Designed to connect major national highways and improve access to critical infrastructure such as the Vizhinjam International Seaport, the project falls under the Centre’s broader push for high-impact road infrastructure led by Nitin Gadkari. The minister has repeatedly emphasised fast-tracking strategic road corridors that support logistics,…
India’s space programme is set for a high-profile start to 2026 with a significant mission scheduled for January 12. The launch, managed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), will carry multiple key payloads, including India’s first dedicated military satellite, advancing the nation’s defence space capabilities. In addition to the defence payload, the mission will conduct a pioneering on-orbit refuelling technology demonstration, a crucial capability for future long-duration and deep-space missions. On-orbit refuelling enables satellites to receive fuel in space, extending their operational life and reducing the need for replacement missions. The rocket will also deploy another satellite for Nepal, underlining India’s growing role in supporting space…
In a first-of-its-kind development for India’s aerospace sector, the Adani Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to build commercial fixed-wing aircraft in India. The collaboration, announced jointly by the two companies, aims to establish India as a manufacturing hub for regional jets and related aerospace systems, expanding the country’s footprint in the global civil aviation supply chain. Under the agreement, Adani and Embraer will work together on design, production and assembly of regional jet aircraft suited for short-to-medium range passenger services. The venture is expected to create advanced manufacturing facilities, generate skilled jobs, and deepen technology transfer in aircraft engineering and certification processes. Officials from…
India women’s cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues has made her first personal investment by partnering with Tvarra, a fast-growing Indian brand that specialises in women’s helmets and protective gear. The collaboration marks a strategic entry for Rodrigues into the world of entrepreneurship and brand advocacy, extending her influence beyond cricket into sports safety and lifestyle products. Tvarra is known for designing helmets tailored for women riders, combining safety, comfort and style. With a focus on empowering female commuters and adventure enthusiasts, the brand has steadily gained traction in India’s expanding two-wheeler and cycling segments. Rodrigues’ investment is expected to strengthen Tvarra’s reach and credibility as it continues…
The Kerala government has issued a legal notice to Dubai-based TECOM Group, signalling a decisive move to reclaim control of the Kochi Smart City project after years of delays and underperformance. The action follows a state cabinet decision to initiate the takeover of the flagship IT and urban development project, citing failure to meet agreed timelines and milestones. Kochi Smart City was conceived as a joint venture with TECOM to create a world-class technology and business hub. However, prolonged stagnation and limited on-ground progress led the government to invoke legal and contractual provisions to protect public interest and unlock the…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally commissioned the Indian Navy’s latest indigenous vessel, Samudra Pratap, in a ceremony underscoring India’s commitment to maritime security and self-reliance in defence production. The event highlighted the role of the new ship in strengthening India’s coastal and offshore surveillance capabilities amidst evolving regional strategic dynamics. Built domestically with advanced systems and technologies, Samudra Pratap enhances the Navy’s ability to conduct maritime reconnaissance, patrols, search and rescue operations, and fleet support missions. The vessel’s commissioning aligns with India’s broader focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing, reducing dependence on foreign platforms while boosting indigenous expertise and employment in strategic sectors. In his…
The Kerala government has launched a new education initiative called the “Malayalashree” project to introduce Malayalam language instruction in Oriental schools across the state. The move seeks to provide students in these schools with a stronger foundation in the state’s official language while preserving their core religious and cultural studies. Under the Malayalashree project, Malayalam will be taught as part of the curriculum in participating institutions, helping students improve their language proficiency, communication skills and access to mainstream educational and employment opportunities. Officials say the initiative aims to bridge the linguistic gap and promote greater inclusion within Kerala’s diverse education landscape. The project reflects Kerala’s broader commitment to multilingual…
The Indian Navy is set for its largest fleet expansion in a single year, planning to commission 19 warships in 2026. This surpasses last year’s tally of 14 vessels, which included a submarine. Officials say this reflects the unprecedented pace of production and the growing maturity of India’s domestic shipbuilding industry. Peak of Fleet Expansion The Navy’s expansion will see the addition of more Nilgiri-class multi-role stealth frigates. The lead ship was commissioned in January 2025, followed by INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri in August 2025, with at least two more expected this year. Other additions include a survey vessel of the Ikshak class and a diving support vessel of the Nistar class. Integrated Construction…
Indian Railways is set to revolutionize travel with the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR), India’s first bullet train system. Years of planning, engineering, and construction have gone into this project, and the official launch is scheduled for August 15, 2027, aligning with the country’s Independence Day celebrations. Faster Travel Between Mumbai and Ahmedabad The corridor will connect Mumbai in Maharashtra with Ahmedabad in Gujarat, covering 508 kilometres in under three hours. Currently, the same journey by conventional trains takes 7–8 hours, making the bullet train a major time-saver. The corridor is being built to international high-speed rail standards and features a 21-kilometre underground tunnel and a 7-kilometre undersea section beneath Thane Creek, showcasing…
Reliance Industries is tapping into nostalgia to drive its consumer business, bringing back iconic Indian brands such as Campa and BPL. The strategy aims to appeal to Indians’ fondness for brands of the past while boosting Reliance’s FMCG and consumer electronics ventures. Rapid Growth in FMCG What started with Rs 3,000 crore in FMCG sales in FY24 accelerated to Rs 11,500 crore in FY25, with the July–September FY26 quarter alone contributing Rs 5,400 crore. Campa, in particular, has emerged as the largest contributor to Reliance’s FMCG business, but the company plans to replicate the success across other legacy labels, including Ravalgaon in confectionery and Velvette in personal care. Reliance is also reintroducing Kelvinator…