Author: News Desk
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a ₹2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the manufacture and delivery of eight Dornier 228 aircraft along with Operational Role Equipment for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) under the Buy (Indian) category. The agreement was formalised in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh on February 12, 2026. This programme is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment by strengthening HAL’s production ecosystem and supporting a broad network of MSMEs and ancillary industries involved in manufacturing and maintenance. It will also create sustained opportunities in Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) and life-cycle technical support. The contract reinforces the Government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make-in-India initiative,…
Adani Power Ltd has taken a major strategic step into India’s nuclear energy sector by incorporating a wholly owned subsidiary, Adani Atomic Energy Limited (AAEL), focused on generating, transmitting and distributing electricity derived from nuclear or atomic power. The company announced the move in a regulatory filing to the stock exchange, with AAEL incorporated on February 11, 2026, and authorised with an initial capital of ₹5,00,000 split into 50,000 equity shares of ₹10 each, all wholly held by Adani Power. The formation of AAEL marks Adani Power’s formal entry into a segment that has historically been dominated by state-run entities. While specific project plans or partnerships have…
The Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has introduced rejuvenated varieties of two iconic spice crops — Cochin ginger and Alleppey finger turmeric, aimed at enhancing yield, quality and resistance to disease. These improved varieties are expected to benefit spice growers across Kerala by increasing productivity and strengthening market competitiveness. Cochin ginger and Alleppey finger turmeric are globally recognised for their distinct flavour, aroma and medicinal properties, and have significant demand in both domestic and export markets. The newly developed strains have been bred to improve plant vigour and mitigate susceptibility to fungal and pest attacks, which have historically affected crop performance. Farmers adopting these varieties can expect higher…
The Delhi Metro Magenta Line is poised to become the longest operational line in the city’s transit network following the sanction of three new corridors comprising 13 additional stations. The Magenta Line, which connects key residential and commercial hubs in Delhi and the National Capital Region, will see enhanced reach and coverage as these extensions progress. Spanning multiple sectors, the expanded line is expected to boost connectivity for daily commuters, ease passenger congestion on existing routes and support integrated travel across adjacent lines. It will link crucial areas including emerging neighbourhoods and major transit points, providing seamless access to workplaces, markets and educational hubs. The project is…
Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) is set to raise around ₹1,500 crore to support operations and development across six airports it manages, according to company filings. The capital raise may come through a mix of debt and equity, providing financial flexibility for ongoing projects and future expansions. AAHL, a unit of Adani Group, operates a portfolio of major airports including economic and international hubs, and the planned fundraise is aimed at strengthening balance sheet capacity while supporting capex plans and service enhancements. The move aligns with the company’s growth strategy to improve facilities, upgrade infrastructure and enhance passenger experience across its airport network. The plan underlines continued private investment…
Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) is on track to secure a significant contract from the Indian Navy for the construction of six large survey vessels in a deal estimated to be worth approximately ₹6,000 crore, according to industry sources. The state-run shipbuilder emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for the tender by quoting below ₹1,000 crore per vessel, giving it a competitive edge in the procurement process. The Indian Navy is expected to formally announce the bid outcome soon and declare the winning shipyard. Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding was reported as the second-lowest bidder in the contest. If confirmed, this contract would further bolster Cochin Shipyard’s position in India’s defence shipbuilding landscape and…
The Union government has allocated ₹1,418.51 crore to Kerala for fisheries development over the past five years, Union Minister for Fisheries Rajiv Ranjan Singh told the Lok Sabha. The funds were approved under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a flagship scheme aimed at sustainable growth of the fisheries sector, enhancing infrastructure, productivity and fisherfolk incomes. Projects supported include provision of 20 deep sea fishing vessels, installation of 42 artificial reefs along the coast to rejuvenate stock, 1,140 alternate livelihood initiatives such as bivalve cultivation, and 740 biofloc units that help increase aquaculture yields. Integrated and climate-resilient fishing villages have also been developed to strengthen coastal infrastructure and community resilience. The government highlighted environmental safeguards in offshore…
The Kerala High Court has granted an interim stay on a liquor naming and logo contest floated in connection with a proposed premium brandy linked to Kerala State Beverages (Manufacturing and Marketing) Corporation (BEVCO) and Malabar Distilleries Ltd. The order came while considering two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) that challenged the legality of the initiative. The petitioners contended that inviting public participation to name and design branding for a liquor product amounts to indirect advertisement and violates Section 55H of the Kerala Abkari Act, which prohibits advertisements and solicitations that encourage liquor consumption. They argued that a government-owned entity associating itself with such a promotional exercise could run contrary…
In a major push to strengthen national security, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has cleared defence procurements worth ₹3.6 lakh crore. The approvals mark one of the largest military modernisation drives in India’s history and aim to significantly enhance combat readiness across air and maritime domains. The centrepiece of the package is the proposed acquisition of 114 Rafale multi-role fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The jets are expected to boost the IAF’s squadron strength and enhance its capability to conduct precision strikes, air superiority missions and deep penetration operations amid evolving regional security challenges. In…
Mahindra Last Mile Mobility has officially launched the Mahindra UDO, a futuristic electric three-wheeler that blends style, performance and practicality for India’s booming last-mile segment. The vehicle draws inspiration from aircraft design, reflected in its aerodynamic silhouette and bold aesthetics, and is positioned as an “autoplane” that redefines the everyday auto-rickshaw experience. The name “UDO,” meaning “to fly” in Hindi, underscores the brand’s focus on elevated comfort and driving dynamics. Priced at an introductory ₹3.59 lakhs (ex-showroom), down from the standard ₹3,84,299 for a limited period, the UDO boasts a real-world range of around 200 km and an ARAI-certified range of up to 265 km,…