Author: News Desk
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…
India is poised to construct its first underwater rail-road tunnel, a transformative infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times between critical regions. The concept involves building a dual-purpose tunnel beneath a water body that can support both rail and road traffic, showcasing cutting-edge engineering and design. The 15.8km twin-tube underwater tunnel will run beneath the Brahmaputra River in Assam and will facilitate the movement of both road and rail vehicles. This pioneering project will enhance strategic access and regional integration by linking Gohpur on one bank with Numaligarh on the other. The tunnel is expected to support seamless transit, relieve traffic congestion…
The Outer Ring Road (ORR) project is set to be a major infrastructure boost for Thiruvananthapuram, with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari playing a key role in steering the project at the Centre. The ORR, which is awaiting final approvals, is expected to significantly improve urban mobility, reduce congestion and strengthen the capital’s long-term growth prospects. Designed to connect major national highways and improve access to critical infrastructure such as the Vizhinjam International Seaport, the project falls under the Centre’s broader push for high-impact road infrastructure led by Nitin Gadkari. The minister has repeatedly emphasised fast-tracking strategic road corridors that support logistics,…
India’s space programme is set for a high-profile start to 2026 with a significant mission scheduled for January 12. The launch, managed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), will carry multiple key payloads, including India’s first dedicated military satellite, advancing the nation’s defence space capabilities. In addition to the defence payload, the mission will conduct a pioneering on-orbit refuelling technology demonstration, a crucial capability for future long-duration and deep-space missions. On-orbit refuelling enables satellites to receive fuel in space, extending their operational life and reducing the need for replacement missions. The rocket will also deploy another satellite for Nepal, underlining India’s growing role in supporting space…