Author: News Desk

Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia and a global energy crunch, Saudi Arabia is turning to an Indian space start-up for satellite imagery. Bengaluru-based, Google-backed Pixxel, which operates the Firefly constellation of 18 hyperspectral satellites, will supply specialized satellite data to Saudi Arabia’s national platform, UP42. Instead of purchasing data individually, Saudi agencies can now access Pixxel’s imagery directly through the platform. A press release from Pixxel noted that “integrating hyperspectral capabilities into NSG UP42 strengthens Saudi Arabia’s geospatial infrastructure by providing government entities, regulators, and enterprises with deeper environmental and surface intelligence through a unified, sovereign platform.” Unlike conventional…

Hong Kong-based satellite operator AsiaSat has issued notices to the Indian government and its local customers, including broadcasters like JioStar and Zee, alleging breaches of existing contracts, according to sources familiar with the matter. The action comes after India’s space regulator, IN‑SPACe, decided not to allow AsiaSat and other Chinese-owned satellite operators to continue providing services in the country beyond March 31, citing national security concerns. One source, who requested anonymity, said AsiaSat sent a “trigger notice” under a bilateral investment treaty to the government, including the Department of Space, citing contract violations. A trigger notice is an official warning…

A strong first-year performance at the Port of Colombo highlights the growing global presence of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), while also pointing to the rising importance of the Indian Ocean Region in global trade and the blue economy. The Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), which began operations in April 2025, has crossed one million TEUs within its first year. This marks the fastest ramp-up ever recorded at the Port of Colombo and places CWIT among a limited group of global terminals to achieve this scale so quickly. CWIT is a joint venture between APSEZ, John Keells…

Indian Space Research Organisation has rolled out new applications to promote tourism and digitally monitor heritage sites across the country. The apps—Bharat Darshan and KASTURI—are part of ISRO’s Bhuvan platform and were launched during the User Interaction Meet 2026 in Hyderabad. Bharat Darshan provides detailed information on 42 UNESCO-listed heritage sites, while KASTURI focuses on cultural and archaeological landscapes, currently covering around 20 locations. These apps use satellite data, GPS coordinates, and geospatial mapping to allow users to explore sites virtually while also enabling authorities to monitor and protect them. Officials say this is the first initiative to bring all major heritage sites onto a single digital platform, improving both tourism…

Indian Railways has saved around ₹6,000 crore by shifting from diesel to electric traction, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha. The move is part of a broader push towards rail electrification, which has helped reduce fuel costs and improve operational efficiency across the network. Vaishnaw also highlighted that energy is the second-largest expense for the Railways after staff costs, making electrification a key strategy for long-term savings. India has rapidly expanded its electrified rail network, with tens of thousands of kilometres covered in recent years, reducing dependence on diesel locomotives. The minister noted that diesel engines will gradually be phased out, as electric locomotives become…

Varun Beverages has announced the acquisition of a 100% stake in South Africa-based Crickley Dairy for an enterprise value of around ₹131 crore. The deal will be executed through its South African subsidiary, The Beverage Company (Bevco), and is subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from South Africa’s competition authorities. This acquisition marks Varun Beverages’ entry into the value-added dairy and juice-based drinks segment, as the company looks to diversify beyond its core beverage portfolio. The move also strengthens the company’s international presence, particularly in the African market, where it is expanding operations and product offerings. Crickley Dairy’s full acquisition will give Varun Beverages complete operational control,…

In a major relief for flyers, India’s aviation regulator has introduced new passenger-friendly rules for air travel. Airlines are now required to provide at least 60% of seats on every flight free of charge, eliminating mandatory seat selection fees for a majority of passengers. Additionally, passengers travelling on the same PNR (such as families or groups) must be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats, addressing a long-standing concern among travellers. The new norms also ensure that children under 12 are seated with at least one parent or guardian without extra cost, improving safety and convenience for families. These guidelines have been introduced by the Directorate…

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation has announced an investment of ₹25 crore in Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based private space company. The funding is part of the state’s broader strategy to position Tamil Nadu as a hub for deep-tech and space innovation, supporting startups in cutting-edge sectors. Founded at IIT Madras, Agnikul Cosmos is developing small satellite launch vehicles like Agnibaan and has already achieved milestones such as launching from India’s first private launchpad. The investment is expected to help the company scale manufacturing, enhance rocket development, and expand launch capabilities, strengthening India’s growing private space ecosystem. This move reflects increasing government support for spacetech, electric mobility, and semiconductor startups, as…

The Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA) has urged the government to introduce ethanol-based cookstoves as an alternative and complementary cooking solution to LPG in India. The proposal comes at a time when India remains heavily dependent on imported LPG, with global supply risks rising due to geopolitical tensions. Ethanol cookstoves are being suggested as a way to strengthen energy security and reduce import dependence. Ethanol, a domestically produced biofuel, burns cleanly with low smoke and reduced indoor air pollution, making it an environmentally friendly cooking option. These stoves also do not require gas cylinders and can operate using liquid fuel directly. GEMA has recommended pilot projects and…

The government has made Aadhaar-based biometric authentication mandatory for LPG e-KYC, but clarified that this applies only to users who have not yet completed their KYC verification. Under the new rule, LPG cylinders will be delivered only after successful e-KYC authentication, ensuring that connections are linked to genuine users and reducing misuse of subsidies. The e-KYC process involves biometric verification using Aadhaar, which can be completed online through mobile apps using face authentication, OTP, or biometric methods. The move is aimed at improving transparency in LPG distribution, preventing duplicate or fake connections, and ensuring that subsidies reach the right beneficiaries. Authorities have also urged consumers…