Author: News Desk

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an officer of the Indian Air Force, was awarded the Ashok Chakra on the eve of Republic Day 2026. He became the first astronaut to receive India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, recognising his extraordinary courage and skill during the Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station. Piloting the SpaceX Dragon “Grace,” Shukla marked India’s return to human spaceflight 41 years after Rakesh Sharma, carrying out complex operations in microgravity with precision and composure. From Lucknow to the StarsBorn in Lucknow, Shukla joined the National Defence Academy at 17, inspired by the Kargil War and a…

On the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation, honoring citizens from every walk of life for their contributions to the country’s growth and unity. She recognized the efforts of artists, craftsmen, sanitation workers, entrepreneurs, teachers, scientists, and the Armed Forces, describing them as the backbone of the nation’s progress. Highlighting India’s role as a messenger of peace, the President recalled the country’s spiritual and civilizational heritage, emphasizing harmony and the need for global peace. Quoting social reformer Shree Narayana Guru, she called for fraternity beyond caste and creed and noted efforts to reconnect sacred…

The Government of India on Sunday announced the 2026 Padma Awards, recognising individuals for exceptional contributions across various fields. Veteran actor Dharmendra and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren will receive the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan posthumously, following their passing last year. Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the awardees, calling them torchbearers of social change whose achievements and innovations inspire nation-building. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the Padma Awards is to encourage citizens to contribute meaningfully to society. This year’s list features 19 women and six individuals from abroad, including NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs, reflecting…

Unique World Robotics (UWR) welcomed astronaut Sunita Williams with a small but thoughtful gift during her visit for STEM Talks, organised with the Kerala Literature Festival. As she opened the package on stage, her reaction said it all. Inside was a palm-sized robot puppy named Gorby, after her much-loved dog, whose name is also tattooed on her hand. A Personal Touch Meets Robotics The robot Gorby responds with cheerful barks when its head is gently stroked, drawing smiles from the audience. The moment followed Sunita Williams’ talk on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of robotics. UWR founder and…

A new Amrit Bharat Express train service between Thiruvananthapuram North (Kerala) and Charlapalli (Telangana) has been launched, strengthening rail connectivity between Kerala and key cities in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Operated by South Central Railways, the weekly superfast express will provide economical and faster travel options for passengers, including students, professionals and traders, linking important cultural, economic and pilgrimage destinations along its route. Running once a week, the train covers a distance of approximately 1,488 km with 29 scheduled halts at major stations such as Varkala Sivagiri, Kollam, Kayamkulam, Mavelikara, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Katpadi Junction and Renigunta Junction, among others. Train number 17042 departs Thiruvananthapuram North at 5:30…

Known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” Kochi (formerly Cochin) is one of India’s oldest and most historically significant port cities, celebrated for its deep maritime roots, vibrant trade legacy and rich multicultural heritage. Strategically located along the Malabar Coast, Kochi’s natural harbour made it a magnet for global traders centuries before the arrival of European powers, linking India with the Middle East, China and the Mediterranean world. Kochi rose to prominence during the spice trade era, when pepper, cardamom, cloves and other prized spices from Kerala were exported to distant markets. Arab traders were among the earliest to establish commercial links,…

India is developing the world’s most powerful hydrogen-powered freight locomotive, with a propulsion system capable of about 3,100 horsepower, marking a historic breakthrough in sustainable heavy-duty rail transport. Concord Control Systems Limited (CNCRD), through its wholly owned subsidiary Advance Rail Controls Pvt. Ltd (ARCPL), has secured a ₹47 crore order from NTPC Limited to build this hydrogen-fuelled locomotive propulsion system, representing the highest-ever horsepower conversion of a conventional diesel locomotive to hydrogen technology globally. The project will retrofit a conventional locomotive with hydrogen-based propulsion, positioning India at the forefront of clean rail innovation. By more than doubling the previous hydrogen rail power benchmark of around 1,600 HP, this initiative underscores hydrogen’s viability as an alternative to…

Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton, celebrated for her unforgettable performances in Annie Hall and The Godfather, left behind a legacy that extended well beyond Hollywood. At her death, her net worth was estimated at $100 million (≈ ₹835 crore), a reflection of her success across films, books, and real estate. From Film Star to Real Estate VisionaryWhile her acting career brought global recognition, Keaton quietly built a real estate empire through restoring and selling luxurious Los Angeles homes. Combining her love for design with sharp business sense, she became one of Hollywood’s most successful celebrity investors. She turned numerous properties into masterpieces, blending vintage…

Raja Nayak’s journey is a powerful story of resilience and ambition, proving that determination can overcome the toughest beginnings. Born into poverty and forced to drop out of school at an early age, Nayak started his working life as a street vendor, earning just enough to survive. A defining moment came when a Bollywood film inspired him to dream beyond his circumstances. Motivated by its message of self-belief and enterprise, Raja Nayak began learning the basics of business through observation, experimentation and sheer persistence. With no access to formal education or capital, he relied on practical experience and relentless effort. Starting with small operations,…

India is rapidly progressing its ambitious Samudrayaan deep-sea exploration mission, with preparations underway for the first dive of the indigenously developed Matsya-6000 submersible in May 2026. The trial, planned at a depth of 500 metres, marks a major milestone toward the project’s ultimate aim of conducting deeper manned dives and joining an elite group of nations with advanced crewed submersible capabilities. Developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai under the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM), the Matsya-6000 is a 25-tonne, human-rated underwater vehicle designed to carry a crew for scientific exploration beneath the sea. Engineers are fine-tuning systems such as pressure hull integrity, life-support modules and navigation…