Author: News Desk
In a notable trend within India’s media landscape, over 50 television channels have surrendered their broadcast licenses to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in the last three years, highlighting a major shift toward digital consumption. Many channel owners cited falling viewership, rising operational costs and the surge in online streaming platforms as key factors influencing their decision to exit traditional broadcasting. Industry analysts say this reflects broader changes in audience behaviour, with viewers increasingly turning to OTT platforms, social media and mobile apps for news, entertainment and niche content. Channels from regional, niche and general entertainment segments have been among those opting out, often redirecting resources…
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, emphasized the potential of agricultural waste as a valuable national resource, highlighting bio-bitumen as a major step toward the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. By converting agro-waste into bio-bitumen, India can curb pollution from crop burning, promote a circular economy, and reduce reliance on imported crude oil. With a 15% blending rate, the country could save nearly ₹4,500 crore in foreign exchange. Speaking at CSIR’s Technology Transfer Ceremony, “From Farm Residue to Road: Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis,” Shri Gadkari called the event a historic milestone, noting that India is the first…
Tata Group-owned Air India has received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner since the airline was privatised nearly four years ago. This marks the airline’s first line-fit or custom-made Dreamliner, a plane built specifically for Air India rather than modified after production. An official confirmed that the title transfer of the aircraft was completed at Boeing’s Everett factory in Seattle on January 7, 2026. Following inspections by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Dreamliner is expected to arrive in India in the coming days. The aircraft features a three-class configuration with economy, premium economy, and business class seating. The last line-fit Dreamliner Air India…
Traveling with pets just got simpler and more convenient thanks to Air India’s updated “Paws on Board” programme. Previously, flying with cats and dogs often meant long separations, stressful cargo travel, or costly boarding arrangements. The airline’s new rules streamline the process, making it faster, clearer, and more pet-friendly. In-Cabin Travel for Small Pets Under the revised policy, cats and dogs weighing up to 10 kg, including their carriers, can now travel inside the economy cabin on selected flights. This applies to both domestic and international routes. Pets must be at least eight weeks old, and restrictions apply for pregnant, sedated, critically…
The Rolls-Royce Phantom, widely regarded as one of the world’s most luxurious and expensive cars, has reached its centenary milestone. To mark 100 years since the launch of the first Phantom in 1925, Rolls-Royce released the limited-edition Phantom Centenary Edition, featuring numerous bespoke elements. Only 25 of these highly customized vehicles have been made worldwide, each unique. Among the elite owners, Dr. B. Ravi Pillai, the NRI industrialist and chairman of the RP Group, is the only individual from India to acquire one. After being transported from London via Dubai to Bahrain, the ultra-luxury car was recently handed over to Dr.…
Kalpetta in Wayanad, Kerala, has become the first judicial district in India to operate entirely as a paperless court system, marking a major step in the country’s push for judicial digitisation. Under the new framework, all judicial processes—from filing cases to issuing final judgments—are now conducted completely digitally. Every stage of court proceedings, including pre-trial hearings, recording of evidence, interlocutory motions, and final adjudication, is handled electronically. The system incorporates Artificial Intelligence tools that create structured case summaries from digital records, allowing judges to quickly understand the facts and procedural history of cases. Interactive question-and-answer features let judicial officers query…
Germany and India are finalizing the terms of a submarine manufacturing agreement valued at over $8 billion, which would become New Delhi’s largest-ever defense deal, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The deal, set to be highlighted during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to India next week, is expected to include, for the first time, a transfer of submarine production technology to India. Currently, India operates about a dozen older Russian submarines and six newer French-made models. If the agreement proceeds, plans to purchase three additional French submarines could be scrapped. Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and India’s state-owned Mazagon…
Anil Agarwal, founder and chairman of Vedanta Group, has announced that he will donate 75% of his family wealth to charity, following the sudden death of his son, Agnivesh Agarwal, at the age of 49. Agnivesh, who was recovering from a skiing accident, passed away due to cardiac arrest in the United States, leaving Agarwal and his family in deep grief. Born in 1954 in Patna, Bihar, Anil Agarwal started his journey from a humble background. He began in his father’s aluminium business before moving to Mumbai at the age of 19, trading scrap metals. He acquired his first major…
India’s Reliance Industries Ltd said it would consider resuming purchases of Venezuelan crude if sales are formally permitted to non-U.S. buyers, signaling a possible return of the South American producer to India’s import mix. “We are awaiting clarity on access for Venezuelan oil by non-U.S. buyers and will consider purchasing the oil in a fully compliant manner,” a Reliance spokesperson said in response to questions from Reuters. State-owned refiners Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation are also open to buying Venezuelan oil should restrictions be lifted for non-U.S. companies, according to industry sources. Both companies declined to comment officially.…
In a remarkable gesture of giving back, Mahesh Samdani, a US-based alumnus of Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, has donated $1 million to his alma mater. The generous contribution was announced recently and is slated to support a range of academic and student-focused initiatives, including scholarship programmes, research excellence and innovation platforms. Samdani, who graduated from BITS Pilani before building a successful career in the United States, expressed his desire to help nurture future leaders and innovators. His donation reflects a growing trend of global alumni supporting higher education institutions in India, especially in STEM and research domains. Officials at BITS Pilani…