Author: News Desk
The Indian government has firmly rejected widespread speculation about a potential nationwide lockdown, clarifying that there are no plans to restrict public movement or economic activity even amid global energy concerns triggered by tensions in West Asia. Officials said recent remarks by Narendra Modi about “preparedness” were taken out of context and were meant to emphasise administrative readiness and contingency planning, not lockdown measures. The rumours coincided with the anniversary of India’s 2020 COVID‑19 lockdown, which amplified fears online, but the government stressed that the current situation is not a public health emergency and that normal life will continue. Officials reiterated that authorities remain…
Iran has allowed limited passage through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz for select countries, including India, China, and Russia, even as tensions in the region remain high. The move comes after Iran imposed strict controls over the waterway following the US-Iran conflict, effectively restricting most global shipping and disrupting a key route that handles a significant share of the world’s oil trade. According to officials, only approved vessels from “non-hostile” nations are being allowed to pass, often after coordination with Iranian authorities, highlighting a selective and tightly monitored transit system. India has been in active talks with Tehran to…
India is set to significantly strengthen its maritime capabilities with a ₹40,000 crore project to build eight next-generation corvettes for the Indian Navy. These warships, part of the Next Generation Corvette (NGC) programme, are designed as advanced multi-role platforms capable of handling a wide range of missions including surface warfare, anti-submarine operations, coastal defence, and maritime strike roles. The corvettes will be equipped with modern weapons systems such as surface-to-surface missiles, anti-missile defence systems, torpedoes, and advanced radar and sonar technologies, making them highly lethal and versatile in modern naval warfare. A key highlight of the project is its strong…
Several leading universities from the United Kingdom are expanding into India by setting up branch campuses, marking a major shift in global higher education. At least nine UK institutions are exploring or establishing a presence in India, attracted by its vast and growing student population and increasing demand for high-quality education. The move is driven by both opportunity and necessity. With tightening visa rules and declining international student numbers in the UK, universities are now looking to deliver education closer to students rather than bringing them overseas. India, with millions of students competing for limited seats in top institutions, presents…
Saudi Arabia is undertaking an ambitious engineering project to build a massive artificial lake in the desert as part of its futuristic NEOM development. Stretching approximately 1.7 miles, the lake will be supported by three giant dams and developed with an investment of around $4.7 billion, reflecting the scale of the kingdom’s push toward next-generation infrastructure. The project is designed to produce nearly 90,000 cubic meters of water per week, contributing to a sustainable water supply system in one of the world’s most arid regions. Advanced engineering and water management technologies are expected to play a crucial role in maintaining…
The Middle East aviation sector is showing signs of recovery, with flight cancellations dropping to around 14% as airlines gradually restore normal operations. The improvement comes after a period of significant disruptions caused by regional tensions, which had led to widespread delays and cancellations across major carriers. Airlines are now resuming schedules, reopening routes, and stabilising services as conditions improve, boosting passenger confidence in the region. Despite the progress, industry experts note that uncertainties remain, with airlines continuing to monitor the geopolitical situation closely. The recovery signals resilience in the aviation sector, which is working to bounce back quickly while…
Pet owners often face extra challenges compared to standard passengers, but Emirates is aiming to make traveling with animals smoother and more predictable. The airline has introduced a dedicated team to handle all pet-related bookings and enquiries, offering support from the initial request through to the final handover. “Our team ensures each booking is managed with speed, clarity, and care. Pets are family, and their safe, timely travel is our top priority,” the airline said. The process begins by securing space on a flight and receiving a preliminary quotation based on the pet’s weight and availability. Once accepted, owners must…
Ashok Leyland is set to establish a greenfield battery manufacturing facility in the SIPCOT Pillaipakkam Industrial Park, around 43 kilometres from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The first phase of the project involves an investment of ₹4–5 billion (approximately €37–46 million) and is part of a broader ₹75-billion (€694 million) commitment announced last September. The factory will produce battery packs using LFP cells imported from China’s CALB Group, which will act solely as a supplier without investing in the project. Production is targeted to begin in 2027, though a more precise timeline has not yet been confirmed. Ashok Leyland plans to use…
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is set to spend an estimated $18–20 billion to hire deep-water drilling rigs for what would be its largest oil exploration initiative to date, according to sources familiar with the matter. Last month, ONGC issued a tender for the rigs as part of the government’s Samudra Manthan mission, aimed at boosting India’s energy security. A pre-bid meeting held on March 20 in Mumbai saw participation from a dozen domestic and international drilling companies. “The tender covers a mix of drill ships and semi-submersible rigs for up to five years. Mobilisation is expected within 80…
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a new order to streamline and accelerate the laying and expansion of gas pipelines across India following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz that affected energy supplies. The Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026, issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, provides a clear, time-bound framework to address delays in approvals and land access, enabling faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas. Published in the Extraordinary Gazette of India, the order takes immediate effect and…