Author: News Desk
India and Canada on Monday signed key agreements on uranium and critical minerals and committed to finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney laid out a roadmap to deepen bilateral cooperation and aim to raise annual trade to USD 50 billion by 2030, up from the current USD 13 billion. Expanding Economic and Energy Cooperation The two leaders announced a new strategic energy partnership covering LNG, LPG, uranium, solar, hydrogen, and other clean energy sources. A landmark USD 2.6 billion deal with Saskatoon-based Cameco will supply nearly 22…
Travel platform EaseMyTrip announced plans to operate charter flights from Oman to India to help Indian nationals stranded in the Middle East. The announcement was made by founder and chairman Nishant Pitti on X (formerly Twitter), where he also urged people to join a dedicated WhatsApp channel for updates and travel support. Support Amid Rising Tensions These efforts come as tensions escalate in the Middle East following conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which reportedly led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Flight cancellations have hit major hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat, leaving…
SpiceJet has announced four special flights from the United Arab Emirates on March 3 to bring back Indian nationals stranded after the sudden closure of airspace. The airline will operate services from Fujairah to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi, including two flights to Mumbai, aiming to ensure passengers return as quickly as possible. Resuming Scheduled Flights From March 4, SpiceJet plans to resume its regular flights between Fujairah and Delhi and between Fujairah and Mumbai. The move is intended to gradually restore normal connectivity between the UAE and India. The airline is also considering additional special flights, depending on passenger demand…
E. Sreedharan presented the revised plan for a high-speed rail corridor in Kerala at a press conference in Ponnani. The updated alignment now includes Pathanamthitta district and will feature 20 stations along a 465 km route. A dedicated team has been formed to push detailed planning and advance project implementation, with the aim of improving connectivity across the state. Route and Stations The corridor is planned to start at Thiruvananthapuram Central, passing through Thiruvananthapuram Airport via a tunnel, Varkala, Kollam, Kottarakkara, Pathanamthitta, Thiruvalla, Kottayam, Vaikom, Ernakulam, Nedumbassery, Thrissur, Pattambi, Malappuram, Karipur, Kozhikode, Koyilandy, Vadakara, Thalassery, and ending at Kannur. Stations…
Qatar stopped its liquefied natural gas (LNG) production on Monday after Iranian attacks on Gulf countries, following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran. The precautionary shutdown affected Qatar’s Ras Laffan complex, a key hub that accounts for about 20% of global LNG supply, crucial for both Asian and European markets. Ripple Effects Across the Middle East The unrest has forced multiple shutdowns: Saudi Arabia’s largest domestic refinery was temporarily closed after a drone strike, most oil production in Iraqi Kurdistan halted, and several Israeli gas fields suspended operations, affecting exports to Egypt. QatarEnergy, whose clients are largely in Asia, prepared…
After days of anxiety and waiting, flight services from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to India restarted on Monday night, bringing huge relief to thousands of stranded Indians. Routes to Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru were among the first to operate after the suspension. Relief and Emotion at the Airports Airports witnessed scenes of happiness as passengers finally boarded flights home. On an Emirates service from Dubai to Bengaluru, a cabin crew member welcomed travellers with a simple but heartfelt message, calling it the first flight to take off after the disruption. For many on board, it was more than just an…
Fashion luminary Sabyasachi Mukherjee, known globally for his richly detailed couture and deep roots in Indian aesthetics, has opened a window into his grand Kolkata residence, sprawling over 7,250 square feet. The home’s interior celebrates maximalist décor, featuring dramatic crystal chandeliers, layered textiles, custom furniture and a thoughtful mix of antique and contemporary art. Unlike minimalistic modern spaces, Sabyasachi’s home embraces layers, patterns, colour and craft, mirroring the designer’s own ethos of heritage-infused luxury. The residence features bespoke seating areas, richly upholstered furnishings, curated art collections and ornamental lighting that brings theatrical warmth to every room. Each space feels like a carefully staged tableau,…
Rana Daggubati, the acclaimed actor known for his work in Telugu cinema and pan-India films like the Baahubali series, has built a multifaceted career that extends well beyond acting, and so has his net worth in 2026. He has built a diversified financial portfolio that extends well beyond his film career. As of 2026, his net worth reflects earnings from cinema, production ventures, startup investments and long-term brand associations. Apart from commanding strong remuneration for Telugu and pan-India films, Rana plays a key role in production and studio ventures linked to Suresh Productions, one of Telugu cinema’s most established banners, and is associated with the…
Kerala is set to begin construction on its first battery energy storage project, a 125 MW/500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), near the 220 kV substation at Mylatti in Kasaragod this Saturday. Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty will officially mark the start of work on the project, which is being implemented by Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) with support from the Solar Energy Corporation of India and central government viability gap funding of ₹135 crore. The new facility will enable large-scale storage of solar and other low-cost power during off-peak daytime hours, making it available for up to four hours during peak evening demand. This aims to reduce reliance on costly power purchases and…
The ongoing West Asia crisis has triggered widespread uncertainty across the tourism and travel sectors in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and other regional partners, posing challenges for international visitors and global events. Countries that were key hubs for travel and hospitality, especially the UAE, a major destination for leisure and business tourism, are now facing cancellations, delays and confusion among tourists and eventgoers due to heightened geopolitical tensions and related safety concerns. The crisis has disrupted flight schedules and hotel bookings, while tourists with non-refundable plans and tickets find themselves in limbo. Some travelers are left uncertain about whether they can attend scheduled events or…