Author: News Desk

Pakistan has reportedly moved to reinforce its air defence network with the acquisition of China’s Type 625E short-range system, designed mainly to counter drones and low-altitude aerial threats. The development comes amid concerns within Pakistan over damage attributed to Indian drone activity during Operation Sindoor. According to a report by Defense Security Asia, the system is expected to be integrated into Pakistan’s broader air defence setup in the coming days. However, there has been no official confirmation from Islamabad or the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), leaving key details of the deal undisclosed, including numbers, delivery timelines, and configurations. Pakistan has…

The Government of India has given approval for the establishment of a modern ship repair complex at Vadinar in Gujarat, marking a major boost to the country’s maritime infrastructure. The initiative is aimed at strengthening India’s domestic ship repair capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign facilities for servicing large vessels. The project received clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. It will be jointly executed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), functioning under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The total estimated investment for the project stands…

India has reportedly offered the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system to Vietnam during the official visit of Vietnamese President To Lam, marking another major step in the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. The offer comes amid increasing geopolitical tensions and maritime security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the South China Sea. Analysts believe closer India-Vietnam defence cooperation could play an important role in balancing regional power dynamics. The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, is regarded as one of the world’s fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles. It is capable of being launched from land,…

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit India later this month for high-level bilateral discussions and to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting involving India, the United States, Australia, and Japan. According to sources, the visit is likely to take place from May 24 to 26 and will mark Rubio’s first trip to India since assuming office. U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor expressed optimism about strengthening ties, stating that Washington is eager to deepen cooperation with New Delhi. High-level engagements planned During the visit, Rubio is expected to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar,…

The Keltron Tool Room cum Training Centre in Kuttippuram, a public sector undertaking under the Government of Kerala, has invited applications for its upcoming skill development programmes. The institute is offering two short-term courses aimed at building industry-ready technical skills: CNC Milling Operator (25 days) and CNC Lathe Operator (25 days). Candidates who have completed ITI, Plus Two, or Diploma qualifications are eligible to apply for these programmes. The training is designed to provide hands-on exposure to modern CNC machine operations, helping participants gain practical experience for employment in manufacturing and engineering sectors. Interested candidates can contact the training centre…

The United Arab Emirates plans to develop a defence industrial free zone in Al Selmiyyah, Abu Dhabi, as part of efforts to strengthen its domestic defence manufacturing base and improve long-term military readiness. The initiative was announced by the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement in partnership with AD Ports Group, according to the UAE state news agency. Focus on defence manufacturing hub The proposed free zone aims to attract leading global defence equipment manufacturers and encourage localisation of defence production within the UAE. The broader goal is to reduce reliance on imports and build a more self-sufficient defence industrial ecosystem.…

The IIT Madras Global Research Foundation has announced the launch of its first international centre in the United States, marking a major step in expanding India’s deep-tech innovation presence into global markets. The centre, located in Menlo Park, California, was officially launched on April 24 and was highlighted at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland. Positioned close to Silicon Valley, it is designed to serve as a gateway for Indian deep-tech startups to access global capital, mentorship, and international partnerships. According to IIT Madras Global CEO Thirumalai Madhavnarayan, the Menlo Park facility will act as a strategic base for US…

CK Hutchison, the telecom and infrastructure group controlled by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing, has agreed to sell its stake in UK mobile operator VodafoneThree to its joint venture partner for $5.8 billion. The stake will be acquired by Vodafone Group, which already owns 51% of VodafoneThree. CK Hutchison holds the remaining 49% through its telecom arm, CK Hutchison Group Telecom Holdings. Following the announcement, CK Hutchison shares rose more than 4%, reaching their highest level in over six years, while Vodafone shares also climbed to their strongest level since 2022. Deal brings full control to Vodafone VodafoneThree was created…

Instant home services startup Pronto has raised $20 million (around Rs 189 crore) from US-based investor Lachy Groom, known for backing crypto and software companies. The fresh funding has pushed the company’s valuation to $200 million, nearly doubling from its level in March, founder Anjali Sardana said. The new investment is an extension of Pronto’s earlier $25 million round led by Epiq Capital, General Catalyst, and Bain Capital Ventures. With this extension, the total size of the round has reached $45 million. Sardana said the company will focus heavily on expanding its supply base. “Ensuring steady supply is the top…

Siemens Limited has delivered the first set of 9,000-horsepower electric locomotives to Indian Railways for commercial operations, marking a major step in freight modernisation. These D9 locomotives, designed for high-capacity freight movement, can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h and rank among the most powerful freight engines in global rail operations. They are also the first rolling stock in India to be tested and certified under the European standard EN 14363. The project has moved quickly, with the locomotives entering service within 36 months of the contract being awarded, reflecting one of the faster large-scale rail manufacturing timelines in…