Author: News Desk
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in India is set to embark on an ambitious project to construct 11 new expressways and highways across the country by 2025. This major infrastructure push aims to improve road connectivity and enhance travel efficiency nationwide. Current Highway Infrastructure As of 2024, the total length of National Highways in India has significantly increased from 91,287 kilometres in 2014 to 1,46,145 kilometres. This expansion reflects a 1.6-fold growth over the past decade. During the financial year 2023-24 alone, more than 12,000 kilometres of new national highways and expressways were constructed. Presently, about 33 kilometres of National Highways are being constructed daily. Upcoming Projects The MoRTH plans to…
Indian Railways has unveiled its list of the highest-earning railway stations across the country for the financial year 2023-2024. This list highlights seven stations that each generate over a thousand crores annually. Notably, no stations from Kerala feature in this elite list. Chennai Central stands out as the sole station from the Southern Railway region to cross the thousand-crore mark. Top Performers in Revenue Leading the pack is New Delhi station, which tops the list with a remarkable revenue of Rs 3,337 crore. Following closely is Howrah station, which secures the second spot with an annual revenue of Rs 1,692 crore. Chennai Central also makes the list, earning Rs 1,299 crore,…
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed the way we conduct transactions, making them quick and hassle-free. However, since everything happens at our fingertips, mistakes like entering the wrong details or experiencing failed transactions are common. In these cases, users often request to reverse a UPI transaction, but retrieving the amount can be tricky due to limited information. Let’s explore how to reverse wrong UPI transactions and prevent such errors. What is a Wrong UPI Transaction? A wrong UPI transaction happens when incorrect details are entered during processing. It’s essential to double-check the account number and other recipient details before initiating…
The Kerala High Court has ruled that the installation of cooling film, also referred to as sun film, on motor vehicles is legal under certain conditions. Justice N Nagaresh clarified that authorities are not authorised to penalise or impose fines on vehicles using these films, provided they meet specific transparency requirements. Petition Against Fines for Cooling Film This ruling came in response to a petition filed by a cooling film manufacturer, a vehicle owner who was fined for using the film, and a company that was warned by the Motor Vehicle Department of potential registration cancellation. The High Court ruled in favor of the petitioners, stating that there…
As part of Kerala’s grand Onam celebrations, Air India Express (AIE) introduced a brand-new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, featuring tail art inspired by the traditional “kasavu” design, at Kochi airport. The airline, known for embracing Indian culture in its operations, unveiled this special aircraft to highlight the rich heritage of Kerala. Kasavu: Symbol of Tradition and Prosperity The kasavu, a handwoven fabric unique to Kerala, is recognized for its cream or off-white colour, bordered with gold. Often adorned with motifs of flowers, peacocks, and elephants, the fabric represents purity, prosperity, and is worn during auspicious occasions like Onam. An Air India Express spokesperson explained that the airline incorporated this…
Onam, a major festival in Kerala, marks the beginning of the Indian festival season. It kicks off a series of celebrations that continue with Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Dussehra, and culminates in Diwali. For marketers, Onam is crucial because the early gains during this festival often set the tone for performance throughout the rest of the festive season. The Economic Importance of Onam In Kerala, Onam is the most significant shopping period of the year. The state sees a higher per capita expenditure during this festival compared to many other regions in India. Additionally, Kerala’s affluent diaspora, spread across the Gulf,…
The State Bank of India (SBI) Foundation has introduced the third edition of its prestigious Asha Scholarship Programme. This initiative aims to assist 10,000 talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds across India, providing substantial financial aid to support their educational aspirations. Scholarship Categories and Eligibility Criteria Key Features of the Programme Application Process and Required Documents Selection Process The selection is based on academic merit and financial need, involving initial screening, telephonic interviews, and document verification. The scholarship amount is directly transferred to the students’ bank accounts. Program Impact and Vision Since its launch in 2022, the Asha Scholarship Programme…
JSW MG Motor India has launched the Windsor EV, an electric crossover utility vehicle (e-CUV) priced at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, introductory). This marks the first vehicle introduced under the partnership between JSW and MG Motor. Positioned between the Comet EV and the ZS EV, the Windsor EV blends features of a hatchback and an MPV, offering a versatile hybrid design. Advanced Features and Design The Windsor EV, based on the Wuling Cloud EV sold in China, boasts a range of advanced features aimed at enhancing user experience. These include: With dimensions of a wheelbase of 2,700mm, a width of…
In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, UAE Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali, shared that a major Abu Dhabi-based bank is in advanced discussions to acquire a significant stake in an Indian bank. While the names of the banks remain undisclosed due to market sensitivities, the potential investment could be valued at billions of dollars, signaling deepening economic ties between the two nations. Key Investment Opportunity with Challenges Ambassador Alshaali acknowledged the magnitude of the deal but emphasized that certain unresolved issues need to be addressed before the investment can move forward. “There are some matters that need to be sorted…
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, India’s leading firm by valuation, has announced a significant new partnership with Israel’s Delta Galil Industries. The collaboration involves a 50/50 joint venture to establish an innovative apparel platform. Delta Galil, renowned globally for its high-quality branded and private label products, specialises in intimate wear, activewear, loungewear, and denim for all ages. Strategic Goals and Market Expansion The new apparel innovation platform aims to meet the unique needs of Indian consumers. Delta Galil, known for its cutting-edge designs and premium products, will utilize this venture to bolster its presence in India’s rapidly expanding market. The joint…