Author: News Desk

Adani Defence & Aerospace, part of Adani Enterprises Ltd, has supplied 2,000 indigenously produced Prahar 7.62 mm Light Machine Guns to the Indian Army, marking a major step forward in India’s domestic small arms manufacturing capabilities. Faster-Than-Scheduled DeliveryThe first batch of these weapons was delivered in just seven months, significantly ahead of the agreed timeline. The First-of-Production Model was completed within six months, much earlier than the planned 18 months, followed by Bulk Production Clearance that enabled full-scale manufacturing. Advanced Manufacturing Facility in GwaliorThe weapons are produced at Adani Defence’s small arms facility in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India’s first fully…

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), operated by TRV (Kerala) International Airport Limited, has announced its Summer Schedule 2026, which will run from March 29 to October 25, 2026. The new schedule reflects a 10 percent rise in international weekly flight operations compared to the previous winter schedule. Increase in Flight OperationsUnder the updated plan, the airport will handle a total of 634 weekly Air Traffic Movements (ATMs). International operations will grow from 310 to 340 weekly ATMs, highlighting increased airline interest and improved global connectivity. New Routes and Better ConnectivityThe airport has introduced new domestic destinations, including Navi Mumbai and Guwahati.…

Reliance Industries Ltd. has set investment banking advisory fees for the planned IPO of its telecom arm, Jio Platforms Ltd., at around 0.65% of the issue size, according to sources familiar with the matter. This is roughly in line with fees expected for the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd.’s own upcoming listing. If Jio’s IPO reaches its potential size of $4 billion, total advisory fees could reach $26 million, with the majority likely going to lead banks such as Kotak Mahindra Capital and Morgan Stanley. The final fee allocation will depend on the banks’ client coverage and the company’s…

Amid rising tensions in West Asia, India is set to complete the induction of its S-400 Triumf air defence system, with the final two squadrons expected from Russia in 2026. According to The Hindu, one squadron could arrive as soon as next month, while the last is slated for delivery by November, finalizing the $5.43 billion deal signed in 2018. Of the five S-400 squadrons contracted, three are already operational with the Indian Air Force, significantly boosting the country’s layered air defence network. Referred to domestically as the ‘Sudarshan Chakra,’ the system can detect, track, and engage a wide range…

India and other Asia-Pacific economies may face rising credit stress if the ongoing Gulf conflict continues, as surging energy prices and supply chain disruptions ripple through global markets, according to a Moody’s Ratings report released on Friday. The report highlighted that import-dependent countries could experience tighter access to fuel, food, and industrial inputs. Disruptions in fertilizer supply chains could reduce crop yields, drive up food prices, and raise affordability risks. In 2024, India sourced 43% of its petroleum and petroleum products from GCC countries, Iraq, and Iran, compared with 84% for Japan, 67% for Korea, and 42% for China. “Producers…

India’s Ministry of Defence has signed contracts totaling Rs 858 crore for two significant defense procurements. The first contract, valued at Rs 445 crore, is for the procurement of Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems for the Indian Army. This deal was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport and is intended to strengthen India’s ground-based air defense capabilities. The second contract, worth Rs 413 crore, involves the depot-level inspection of P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft for the Indian Navy. This agreement was signed with Boeing India Defense Private Ltd under the Buy Indian category, ensuring 100% indigenous content. The inspection program will support…

Billionaire Elon Musk joined a phone call earlier this week between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, the New York Times reported. The call, held on Tuesday, was the first direct conversation between Modi and Trump since the US and Israel carried out military strikes on Iran on February 28. The discussion focused on the ongoing conflict in West Asia. According to the New York Times, Musk’s participation—confirmed by two unnamed US officials—was unusual, as private citizens rarely join conversations between two heads of state during a wartime crisis. His presence also suggests that Musk and Trump…

India’s first hydrogen-powered train has successfully completed its oscillation trial run, conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) as part of its evaluation. Once it enters commercial service, India will join a select group of countries—including Germany, Sweden, Japan, and China—that operate hydrogen trains. The train will run on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana. Developed by the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), it represents a major step toward cleaner and greener rail transport in India. In a written statement to the Rajya Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project involved everything from initial design to prototype manufacturing,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday pushed states to accelerate the shift toward alternative energy, citing rising uncertainty due to the West Asia conflict. Speaking at a meeting with chief ministers and lieutenant governors, he stressed the need to expand sources like biofuels, solar power, compressed biogas under the GOBARdhan initiative, and electric mobility, while also scaling up piped natural gas access. He also underlined the importance of stepping up domestic exploration of oil and natural gas, calling for active cooperation from states. The urgency comes as the conflict in West Asia disrupts global energy flows, particularly with the blockade…

India’s shipbuilding sector is shifting from reliance on foreign vessels to domestic ambition, with nearly 90% of trade historically carried on foreign ships. A ₹70,000 crore allocation under Make in India marks a decisive push to boost local capability, secure trade routes, and reduce strategic risk. Domestic yards are poised to benefit from defence orders, commercial demand, and global supply chain shifts, scaling up capacity and expertise. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders leads with a ₹23,758 crore order book, building destroyers, submarines, and commercial vessels, while also handling oil-sector engineering and offshore projects. Garden Reach Shipbuilders (GRSE) has an ₹18,482 crore backlog,…