Author: News Desk
Kerala is set to begin construction on its first battery energy storage project, a 125 MW/500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), near the 220 kV substation at Mylatti in Kasaragod this Saturday. Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty will officially mark the start of work on the project, which is being implemented by Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) with support from the Solar Energy Corporation of India and central government viability gap funding of ₹135 crore. The new facility will enable large-scale storage of solar and other low-cost power during off-peak daytime hours, making it available for up to four hours during peak evening demand. This aims to reduce reliance on costly power purchases and…
The ongoing West Asia crisis has triggered widespread uncertainty across the tourism and travel sectors in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and other regional partners, posing challenges for international visitors and global events. Countries that were key hubs for travel and hospitality, especially the UAE, a major destination for leisure and business tourism, are now facing cancellations, delays and confusion among tourists and eventgoers due to heightened geopolitical tensions and related safety concerns. The crisis has disrupted flight schedules and hotel bookings, while tourists with non-refundable plans and tickets find themselves in limbo. Some travelers are left uncertain about whether they can attend scheduled events or…
The Delhi High Court has granted permission for a forensic inspection of the will of Sanjay Kapur, a key legal development in the ongoing family dispute over the late actor’s estate. The inspection aims to examine the authenticity and contents of the will as part of efforts to resolve disagreements among family members regarding inheritance and property distribution. The court also clarified that actresses Karisma Kapoor and Rani Kapur are at liberty to continue with legal proceedings related to the estate case even in the absence of Priya Kapur, another family member involved in the matter. This decision allows the sisters to pursue their legal rights while the forensic audit…
Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has called on the Film Federation of India (FFI) to endorse and support the creation of a dedicated investment fund aimed at strengthening film financing in the Indian entertainment industry. Yadav said that an organised fund could help address persistent challenges around budgeting, cash flow and distribution, making it easier for filmmakers and producers, especially those working on mid-budget and content-driven projects, to secure stable financial backing. Highlighting the need for sustainable funding mechanisms, Yadav emphasised that a structured investment vehicle could attract both domestic and institutional investors, bringing more transparency and professional capital into Bollywood’s financial ecosystem. With escalating production costs and…
The reported death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for nearly 37 years as its Supreme Leader, has left the country at a critical political crossroads with far-reaching implications for both domestic governance and regional stability. As the ultimate authority in Iran’s theocratic system, Khamenei’s loss creates a leadership vacuum that Tehran must now fill under constitutional provisions. In the immediate term, a temporary leadership council comprising key figures including President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and Guardian Council cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has assumed authority to govern until the Assembly of Experts selects a new Supreme Leader. The transition is unfolding amid escalating conflict with the United States and Israel, intensifying geopolitical pressure…
The ongoing Middle East conflict, marked by recent military strikes and retaliatory actions, could have significant economic consequences for India, experts say. A major concern is the impact on energy supplies; a large share of India’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas imports passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint that has seen heightened instability, potentially pushing up global oil prices and India’s import bill. Rising geopolitical risk is already being felt through higher freight and insurance costs, which can slow trade flows and delay cargo shipments, increasing input costs for exporters and importers alike. The country’s extensive trade links with Gulf nations, including major…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed strong condemnation of the recent attacks on the United Arab Emirates, underscoring India’s solidarity with the Gulf nation during a period of escalating violence in the region. In a phone conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Modi conveyed his deepest sympathies for the lives lost and damage caused by the strikes, while reaffirming support for the UAE’s efforts to ensure civilian safety and security. Modi also thanked President Al Nahyan for the care and protection extended to the large Indian expatriate community residing in the UAE, which comprises millions of workers and families whose well-being is a priority for the…
In a thrilling ICC T20 World Cup encounter against West Indies, Indian opener Sanju Samson produced a stellar batting performance in a high-pressure run chase, surpassing a historic benchmark previously held by Virat Kohli. Samson’s innings showcased his aggressive strokeplay, composure under pressure and ability to counterattack in crucial phases of the match, playing a significant role in India’s pursuit of a challenging target. By eclipsing Kohli’s record in a World Cup chase context, Samson has etched his name into India’s cricketing lore, highlighting his growing stature as a match-winning batter on the global stage. His contribution sparked widespread reactions from fans and experts alike, who…
In an interview with channeliam, A.N. Shamseer, Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, shared insights on how artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform governance and digital assets in the state. Asked about the role of AI in managing databases, public assets, and building digital infrastructure, Shamseer highlighted Kerala’s advanced position in digitalization compared to other states. “Kerala is far ahead regarding digitalization. We have traveled a lot compared to other states,” he said. Shamseer explained that the state is focusing on training government employees in AI applications through specialized courses and career advancement programs. “We are giving a lot of courses,…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a crucial Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting tonight in New Delhi upon his return from a two-day tour across several states, including Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The high-level meeting was convened against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, particularly following coordinated United States and Israeli strikes on Iran, which have intensified regional conflict and raised global security concerns. Government sources say Modi arrived in Delhi around 9:30 pm before presiding over the CCS discussion, which included top ministers such as the Defence, Home, External Affairs and Finance ministers. The agenda was expected to assess evolving developments in the Middle East, evaluate the security of nearly…