Author: News Desk

India and Saudi Arabia have launched a Joint Working Group (JWG) to boost maritime cooperation, marking a new step in their growing strategic partnership. The agreement was finalised during a high-level virtual meeting on August 20, 2025, between India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser. The initiative builds on centuries-old ties and aligns with both countries’ national visions—India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. With bilateral trade touching USD 42 billion in FY 2024–25, both sides…

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have dismissed recent rumours suggesting that motorcycles and scooters will be charged tolls from July 2025. Official Clarification In a public statement, NHAI confirmed that two-wheelers are exempt from toll charges under the National Highway Fee Rules of 2008. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also reaffirmed this on social media, saying toll exemption for two-wheelers “remains in full effect.” Why Two-Wheelers Stay Toll-Free The exemption exists to ease financial pressure on low-income road users and reduce congestion at toll plazas. Two-wheelers cause minimal wear and tear…

Startups and businesses today face growing risks online, from cyberattacks to data breaches. F9 Infotech, founded by Jayakumar Mohanachandran and Rajesh Radhakrishnan, helps companies protect themselves with clear, practical solutions. Cloud services are the backbone of modern business, and cybersecurity keeps that core safe. F9 Infotech combines advanced tools and careful planning to stop risks before they become problems. Started in Kerala and now working with clients in the UAE and beyond, F9 Infotech stands out for treating client challenges as its own. Rather than waiting for a breach, the company builds security into systems from the start. Many startups…

The central government is preparing a massive financial package worth nearly ₹70,000 crore to boost shipbuilding, ship repair, and port infrastructure. The plan, expected to be cleared by the Union Cabinet by mid-September, is aimed at turning India into a competitive global maritime hub. Three-part package According to reports, the package will have three major components: Together, these schemes are expected to create the policy clarity and capital support needed to attract large-scale investments into the sector. Shipping clusters in key coastal states The proposed cluster programme aims to build facilities with a capacity of 1.0–1.2 million gross tonnage (GT)…

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced the Nusuk Umrah service, a new digital platform that allows international pilgrims to apply for Umrah visas and book related services directly online, without intermediaries. A Digital One-Stop Platform Accessible at umrah.nusuk.sa, the platform is designed to simplify the pilgrimage process and enhance the overall pilgrim experience. It complements existing options such as accredited travel agents while offering a direct, user-friendly alternative. Customised Pilgrimage Options Through Nusuk Umrah, users can either select integrated packages or customise their journeys by booking individual services, including visas, accommodation, transportation, and guided tours. All services are provided…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will roll out its first domestically manufactured semiconductor chip by the end of 2025. Speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum on August 23, he also underlined that work on a Made-in-India 6G network is progressing at a rapid pace. A Lost Chance, Now Regained Modi reflected that India could have started semiconductor manufacturing 50–60 years ago but missed the opportunity for decades. He said the government has now reversed this situation with factories being set up across the country and production set to begin soon. Semiconductors and 6G for Self-Reliance Calling semiconductors critical…

As Kerala prepares for its grand Onam celebrations, a surprising cultural twist has taken over the internet. Kerala Tourism’s latest campaign reimagines Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa in a traditional Malayali avatar. A Timeless Icon in Kasavu Saree The AI-generated artwork shows the world’s most famous smile draped in Kerala’s signature off-white kasavu saree, her hair adorned with jasmine flowers. While her attire reflects the state’s festive spirit, the serene expression that made her a global icon remains unchanged. The Campaign and Its Tagline The initiative is part of this year’s Onam promotions, running from August 26 to September 5.…

There is a widespread belief that Indian Army personnel are fully exempt from paying toll tax on national highways. However, the reality is more nuanced. Under the Indian Tolls (Army and Air Force) Act, 1901, soldiers are exempt from toll tax only when on duty and travelling in a government vehicle. In such cases, they must present a valid Army ID card, duty orders or transit pass and a unit authorisation letter. This exemption does not apply to soldiers travelling for personal reasons or in private vehicles, even if they show their Army ID. The National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, clarify that personal vehicles are not…

Tucked in the lap of the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh has earned the affectionate nickname “Sleeping State of India.” This isn’t because it’s inactive, but because life here follows a calm, unhurried rhythm. In its villages and small towns, the day begins with the sunrise and winds down soon after sunset. By nightfall, streets fall silent, shops close early, and the soft stillness of the mountains takes over. Why People Call It the Sleeping StateThe name reflects the simple daily routine of Himachal’s residents. Most families eat dinner early, spend evenings indoors with loved ones, and head to bed before late…

Uttar Pradesh is more than India’s political and cultural nerve centre—it’s rapidly emerging as an economic powerhouse. Several entrepreneurs from cities like Kanpur, Noida, Prayagraj, and Agra have created successful businesses that dominate sectors ranging from FMCG and fintech to infrastructure and edtech. Here’s a look at the top 9 richest individuals from UP and how they made their mark. Top 9 Richest People in Uttar Pradesh 1. Muralidhar Gyanchandani – ₹14,000 crore Company: RSPL Group (Ghadi Detergent)City: KanpurThe man who brought Ghadi Detergent into every Indian household, Muralidhar built one of India’s top FMCG brands from Kanpur. 2. Bimal Gyanchandani –…