Author: News Desk

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has selected L&T Technology Services Limited as the lowest bidder for the Telecommunication System contract for Kochi Metro Phase 2. KMRL had invited bids for the contract with a 730-day completion timeline. Technical bids were opened on 17 November 2025, with three firms submitting proposals. The technical evaluation was completed on 30 December 2025, followed by opening and evaluation of financial bids the same day. L&T Technology Services emerged as the lowest bidder. Financial Bid Values Scope of WorkThe contract includes the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the telecommunication system for Phase…

Artificial Intelligence is often misunderstood as a threat to human intelligence, but in reality it represents a transition phase in how people work, believes Deepu Xavier, co-founder of hiring-tech startup ZappyHire. Drawing parallels with the shift from typewriters to computers, Deepu says AI should be seen as an enabling tool rather than a replacement for human thinking. Speaking about ZappyHire’s journey, he recalled that when the company was founded, AI was not yet a mainstream concept. The idea emerged from observing how hiring relied heavily on manual, repetitive processes. This led to a simple but powerful question: why can’t interviews themselves be…

The Ministry of Railways announced that India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will begin operations between Guwahati and Kolkata, marking a significant step in modernising the rail network. Following the success of Amrit Bharat trains for non-AC passengers, the Sleeper variant will offer AC-class travellers enhanced comfort and convenience for long-distance journeys. As of 26th December, 164 Vande Bharat services are operational nationwide. This year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated 42 railway projects, inaugurated 13, and laid foundation stones for 21 others, collectively valued at over ₹25,000 crore. Major infrastructure milestones include the completion of the 272-kilometre Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link,…

‘Bandar Apna Dost’, an AI-generated YouTube channel based in India, has garnered widespread attention for its massive earnings and automation-driven content strategy, earning over ₹38 crore in revenue. Launched with minimal human intervention, the channel uses artificial intelligence to generate scripts, voices and visuals, producing content that resonates with a broad online audience while raising fresh debates around AI’s role in creative industries. The channel’s automated workflow involves generative text and speech tools to create engaging videos on a wide range of topics. This has enabled rapid content production and monetisation at a scale that traditional creators often struggle to match. However, its success…

India’s health authorities have banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of oral nimesulide formulations exceeding 100 mg for human use, marking a major regulatory step against the widely prescribed painkiller. Government Decision and Health RationaleThe move comes after safety concerns raised by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which highlighted the drug’s link to liver toxicity, potentially fatal in certain cases. In a notification issued on December 30, the government said prohibiting higher-dose formulations was necessary in the public interest. Regulatory History and Expert ReviewNimesulide has previously faced multiple restrictions in India. Its use in children under 12 was…

The Ministry of Defence on December 30, 2025, signed contracts worth ₹4,666 crore for the procurement of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines for the Indian Army and Navy, and Heavyweight Torpedoes for the Indian Navy. The agreements were inked in New Delhi at South Block in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Under the first contract, over 4.25 lakh CQB Carbines with accessories, valued at ₹2,770 crore, will be supplied by Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd. These indigenously manufactured carbines will replace legacy small arms, offering a compact design, high rate of fire, and enhanced…

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has unveiled its extended Export Cargo Warehouse to boost cargo handling capabilities. The expansion raises the airport’s annual export cargo capacity from 75,000 tonnes to 1,25,000 tonnes, allowing faster processing and improved management of various cargo types. The upgraded facility features two new X-ray machines, Explosive Trace Detection systems, a dedicated Dangerous Goods room, two Cold Rooms maintained at +2°C to +8°C, a Radioactive Cargo room, and a Valuables room, enhancing safety, security, and operational efficiency. The inauguration was led by S. Suhas, Managing Director of CIAL, with other dignitaries in attendance including E. Vikas,…

Saudi Aramco is set to acquire a 20% stake in a new refinery that India’s state-owned Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) plans to build, according to Business Standard. The total investment for the project is estimated at around $11 billion. The refinery is planned at Ramayapatnam port in Andhra Pradesh, on India’s east coast, and will have a processing capacity of 180,000 to 240,000 barrels per day (bpd). BPCL, India’s second-largest state refiner with 706,000 bpd of crude processing capacity, aims to sell a 30–40% equity stake to outside investors. Of this, Saudi Aramco is expected to take 20%, Oil…

Adani Group is urging the central government to expand international flying rights, saying greater access is vital to increase passenger traffic at the eight airports it operates. The company is investing billions of dollars in new terminals, runways, and passenger facilities across these airports. According to reports, this push puts Adani at odds with India’s two largest airlines, Air India and IndiGo, which have cautioned the government to move carefully on opening air traffic rights to foreign carriers. Air India has warned that rapid liberalisation could expose Indian airlines to what it calls “unfair competition” from well-funded West Asian carriers.…

Vande Bharat sleeper train is set to launch soon, marking a major upgrade in long-distance rail travel. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video of its speed trial, where the train reached its maximum design speed of 180 kmph on the Kota–Nagda section. Key highlights of the trial include: The Vande Bharat sleeper is the overnight, fully air-conditioned version of the existing Vande Bharat chair car, designed for long-distance journeys. Manufacturing and expansion details include: Each prototype train has 16 coaches: coach composition: The sleeper coaches are designed for comfort and convenience. Passenger features include: Passenger amenities also include safety and convenience features: Toilets and…