Author: News Desk

Swedish billionaire Johan Eliasch has taken a bold step in environmental conservation by buying 400,000 acres of the Amazon rainforest with the aim of protecting it from deforestation and commercial destruction. The vast tract of land, located in Brazil’s ecological heartland, was at risk from logging, land conversion and resource extraction, which have contributed to accelerated forest loss and biodiversity decline. Eliasch, who has a long record of supporting conservation and climate initiatives globally, secured the land with the intention of preserving it as a carbon sink and safeguarding its rich biodiversity. He believes that proactive private stewardship can complement broader environmental efforts and help mitigate…

Nambi Narayanan, a distinguished scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), played a pivotal role in developing India’s rocket engine technology, significantly advancing the nation’s space capabilities. His expertise in liquid propulsion systems contributed to critical missions, laying the groundwork for reliable and efficient space launch vehicles. Despite his scientific achievements, Narayanan’s career was nearly derailed in 1994 when he was falsely implicated in a high-profile espionage case. Accused of leaking sensitive information related to rocket technology, he endured months of wrongful detention and intense media scrutiny. After thorough investigations by multiple agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and later judicial review,…

Sangeetha Sornalingam has largely stayed out of the media spotlight, but reports suggest she has a significant financial standing of her own. According to media estimates, her net worth is around ₹400 crore. Sangeetha comes from a well‑established Sri Lankan Tamil family based in London, and is the daughter of a businessman with longstanding ties to industry and commerce. While exact details of her personal income are not publicly documented, her wealth is widely understood to stem from family business interests and investments rather than a public career in entertainment or politics. Her relationship with Vijay began long before he became a megastar, and after they married…

Air travel faced major disruptions on February 28 after Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting airspace closures and widespread flight suspensions. Multiple international carriers halted or rerouted flights over safety concerns. The situation was further compounded as the UAE was targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles, with debris causing material damage and one civilian death, though authorities confirmed overall security remained stable. Air India and IndiGo suspend Middle East flightsAir India paused all flights to Middle Eastern destinations, citing the evolving security situation. In a travel advisory posted on X, the airline emphasized that passenger and crew safety is its top…

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai is gearing up to roll out two additional 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes by the end of March 2026, marking a significant expansion of India’s advanced train fleet. Unlike earlier semi-high-speed Vande Bharat sets optimised for daytime travel, these sleeper versions are designed for long-distance overnight services, combining the performance and efficiency of the Vande Bharat platform with enhanced passenger comfort suited for overnight journeys. Each rake will feature modern interiors, improved seating and sleeping arrangements, onboard amenities and safety features aligned with Indian Railways’ vision for premium rail travel. The development is part of a broader push to…

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on 27 February evening announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, naming minister Babul Supriyo, former West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar, senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, and actor Koel Mallick. The Election Commission has scheduled polling for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across several states, including West Bengal, on 16 March. In an X post, TMC extended congratulations to its nominees, noting that they would uphold the party’s legacy and commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of every Indian. Menaka Guruswamy is a senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India and played a key…

Vijay Deverakonda began his career as a tuition teacher, earning just Rs 500. Before achieving fame, he ran a small business and earned around Rs 35,000 per month through tutoring. In his early 20s, he struggled financially; at the age of 25, he was unable to maintain the minimum balance of Rs 500 in his bank account, leading to his account being locked. His father advised him to settle such financial matters early so he could enjoy success later while his parents were still alive. Vijay’s breakthrough came with the 2017 film ‘Arjun Reddy’, for which he was paid Rs 5…

India and the European Union are set to extend Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to each other once their landmark free trade agreement comes into force. According to a Reuters report, the pact will bind both sides to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, ensuring no new import or export restrictions beyond global standards are imposed. The agreement, concluded after nearly 18 years of negotiations, is expected to take effect within a year, following legal reviews and ratification by the European Parliament and Indian authorities. It aims to gradually eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96.6% of traded goods by value, with Brussels estimating that EU exports to India…

Kerala’s Varkala municipality has been selected among 20 urban settlements worldwide to be featured as a ‘Zero Waste City’ by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The announcement coincides with the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30. Varkala is one of only two Asian cities to make it to this prestigious global list, highlighting the international recognition of Kerala’s decentralized waste management model. Boost for Tourism and Global Recognition Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh said the recognition would enhance Varkala’s tourism potential while drawing global attention to Kerala’s approach. “It’s a huge recognition for Kerala’s decentralized waste management initiative. Our…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on March 1, 2026, where he will launch and lay the foundation for several major development projects focused on infrastructure, connectivity, and public services. The visit follows his engagements in Rajasthan and Gujarat. He is expected to arrive in Chennai on the night of February 28 at around 9 PM. Major Development Projects in Puducherry At around 11:45 AM on March 1, the Prime Minister will attend an official event in Puducherry to inaugurate, dedicate to the nation, and lay the foundation stone for projects valued at over ₹2,700 crore.…