Author: News Desk

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is set to seek the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval for the construction of six new submarines under India’s Project 75, according to senior defence officials. This move aims to boost the Indian Navy’s underwater combat strength amid evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Project 75 is part of India’s broader strategy to modernise its submarine fleet with advanced conventional submarines built with enhanced stealth, sensors and weapon systems. The new vessels are expected to feature air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, helping them remain submerged for longer durations without surfacing, vastly improving their tactical effectiveness. The additional submarines would be in addition to the existing P75…

Cancelling tickets for the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper trains is expected to become a costlier affair, as Indian Railways plans to impose steeper cancellation charges compared to conventional long-distance trains. The move is aimed at discouraging last-minute ticket cancellations and ensuring better utilisation of high-demand seats on premium services. Officials said the Vande Bharat Sleeper service, designed for long-haul overnight travel with modern amenities, involves significantly higher operational and maintenance costs. As a result, stricter refund norms are being considered to protect revenue and maintain service efficiency. Under the proposed framework, passengers cancelling tickets closer to the departure time may face higher deductions, similar to premium…

The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrived in India on January 19 for an official visit, marking another milestone in the rapidly expanding India–UAE strategic partnership. The visit reflects the growing depth of bilateral ties across trade, investment, defence, energy and people-to-people engagement. During his visit, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is scheduled to hold high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior Indian leaders, focusing on strengthening cooperation in key areas such as energy security, renewable energy, infrastructure development, fintech, defence collaboration and regional stability. The two sides are also expected to review progress under the Comprehensive Economic…

Plans are underway for Nagpur in Maharashtra to become a key production centre for Dassault Rafale fighter jets, marking a major milestone in India’s defence manufacturing and aerospace ambitions. Under proposals being discussed between French aerospace major Dassault Aviation and Indian partners, the city could host a production facility capable of manufacturing up to 24 Rafale jets annually, making it one of the company’s main global hubs outside France. The move would expand upon the existing Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) facility in the MIHAN Special Economic Zone, which already produces critical components for Rafale and Falcon aircraft. The proposed production line in Nagpur is expected to centralise final assembly as…

India is on track to surpass the United States and become the second-largest solar energy market in the world by 2026, according to industry data and market analysts. Rapid deployment of solar power capacity, supportive government policies, declining solar equipment costs and increased investment are driving this surge. India’s consistent push toward renewable energy targets is positioning it as a global leader in solar growth behind China. The country’s solar energy expansion has been propelled by large-scale utility solar plants, ambitious renewable purchase obligations for distribution companies and increased participation by corporate and residential buyers. India’s geographical advantage, abundant sunlight and investment…

The Government of India has received an invitation from the U.S. President Donald Trump to join the proposed “Board of Peace” initiative focused on Gaza, according to reports citing official and diplomatic sources. The invitation was conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor, highlighting Washington’s interest in involving key global partners in efforts to support stability and peace in the region. Trump’s concept for the Board of Peace forms part of a broader diplomatic push linked to a 20-point ceasefire and reconstruction roadmap for Gaza, which has seen endorsement through a U.N. Security Council resolution. The proposed board is envisaged as an international body comprising world leaders and…

InterGlobe Aviation’s IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has indicated that it will soon clarify whether it can operate around 2,000 flights daily, a significant milestone that would reflect the carrier’s operational scale amid industry growth and demand. The airline is evaluating its network capacity, aircraft availability and crew resources before making a formal announcement, according to company executives. IndiGo has been steadily expanding its flight operations domestically and internationally, leveraging a large fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft to serve a wide range of destinations across India and abroad. Achieving an average of 2,000 daily flights would mark a new operational…

Retail major Lulu Group International is gearing up to strengthen its presence in India’s fast-growing online retail market by partnering with local e-commerce players in the first quarter of 2026, according to Chairman and Managing Director Yusuff Ali. The strategic move is aimed at complementing Lulu’s extensive brick-and-mortar footprint with a robust digital shopping ecosystem. At a recent industry event, Ali highlighted that the collaboration will help Lulu tap into the rapidly evolving consumer preferences in India, where online shopping continues to grow rapidly, driven by increased internet penetration and changing buying habits. By leveraging established e-commerce platforms, Lulu aims to enhance its product availability, delivery capabilities…

Kerala is set to strengthen its maritime and industrial capabilities with the proposed establishment of a shipbuilding yard at Ponnani Port under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The project, currently in the planning stage, aims to attract private investors to develop modern infrastructure for shipbuilding, ship repair, and allied marine engineering activities, with support and facilitation from the state government. Located in Malappuram district, Ponnani Port is strategically positioned along India’s west coast, making it suitable for maritime manufacturing and repair services. The proposed shipyard is expected to cater to a wide range of vessels, including fishing boats, coastal vessels,…

The Indian Navy’s INSV Kaundinya, a traditionally constructed sailing vessel inspired by 5th-century Indian maritime history, has successfully completed its historic 18-day voyage to Muscat, Oman, arriving on 14 January 2026 after setting sail from Porbandar, Gujarat in late December. Built using ancient stitched-shipbuilding techniques, where wooden planks are tied with coir rope and natural resins without metal nails, INSV Kaundinya embodies India’s centuries-old maritime craftsmanship and naval tradition. The design draws inspiration from historical depictions found in Ajanta cave paintings, blending traditional methods with symbolic cultural motifs that evoke the country’s seafaring past. The vessel’s maiden overseas voyage retraced ancient trading routes across the Arabian Sea that once connected the Indian…