Author: News Desk
Anil Agarwal, founder and chairman of Vedanta Group, has announced that he will donate 75% of his family wealth to charity, following the sudden death of his son, Agnivesh Agarwal, at the age of 49. Agnivesh, who was recovering from a skiing accident, passed away due to cardiac arrest in the United States, leaving Agarwal and his family in deep grief. Born in 1954 in Patna, Bihar, Anil Agarwal started his journey from a humble background. He began in his father’s aluminium business before moving to Mumbai at the age of 19, trading scrap metals. He acquired his first major…
India’s Reliance Industries Ltd said it would consider resuming purchases of Venezuelan crude if sales are formally permitted to non-U.S. buyers, signaling a possible return of the South American producer to India’s import mix. “We are awaiting clarity on access for Venezuelan oil by non-U.S. buyers and will consider purchasing the oil in a fully compliant manner,” a Reliance spokesperson said in response to questions from Reuters. State-owned refiners Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation are also open to buying Venezuelan oil should restrictions be lifted for non-U.S. companies, according to industry sources. Both companies declined to comment officially.…
In a remarkable gesture of giving back, Mahesh Samdani, a US-based alumnus of Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, has donated $1 million to his alma mater. The generous contribution was announced recently and is slated to support a range of academic and student-focused initiatives, including scholarship programmes, research excellence and innovation platforms. Samdani, who graduated from BITS Pilani before building a successful career in the United States, expressed his desire to help nurture future leaders and innovators. His donation reflects a growing trend of global alumni supporting higher education institutions in India, especially in STEM and research domains. Officials at BITS Pilani…
India is poised to construct its first underwater rail-road tunnel, a transformative infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times between critical regions. The concept involves building a dual-purpose tunnel beneath a water body that can support both rail and road traffic, showcasing cutting-edge engineering and design. The 15.8km twin-tube underwater tunnel will run beneath the Brahmaputra River in Assam and will facilitate the movement of both road and rail vehicles. This pioneering project will enhance strategic access and regional integration by linking Gohpur on one bank with Numaligarh on the other. The tunnel is expected to support seamless transit, relieve traffic congestion…
The Outer Ring Road (ORR) project is set to be a major infrastructure boost for Thiruvananthapuram, with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari playing a key role in steering the project at the Centre. The ORR, which is awaiting final approvals, is expected to significantly improve urban mobility, reduce congestion and strengthen the capital’s long-term growth prospects. Designed to connect major national highways and improve access to critical infrastructure such as the Vizhinjam International Seaport, the project falls under the Centre’s broader push for high-impact road infrastructure led by Nitin Gadkari. The minister has repeatedly emphasised fast-tracking strategic road corridors that support logistics,…
India’s space programme is set for a high-profile start to 2026 with a significant mission scheduled for January 12. The launch, managed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), will carry multiple key payloads, including India’s first dedicated military satellite, advancing the nation’s defence space capabilities. In addition to the defence payload, the mission will conduct a pioneering on-orbit refuelling technology demonstration, a crucial capability for future long-duration and deep-space missions. On-orbit refuelling enables satellites to receive fuel in space, extending their operational life and reducing the need for replacement missions. The rocket will also deploy another satellite for Nepal, underlining India’s growing role in supporting space…
In a first-of-its-kind development for India’s aerospace sector, the Adani Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to build commercial fixed-wing aircraft in India. The collaboration, announced jointly by the two companies, aims to establish India as a manufacturing hub for regional jets and related aerospace systems, expanding the country’s footprint in the global civil aviation supply chain. Under the agreement, Adani and Embraer will work together on design, production and assembly of regional jet aircraft suited for short-to-medium range passenger services. The venture is expected to create advanced manufacturing facilities, generate skilled jobs, and deepen technology transfer in aircraft engineering and certification processes. Officials from…
India women’s cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues has made her first personal investment by partnering with Tvarra, a fast-growing Indian brand that specialises in women’s helmets and protective gear. The collaboration marks a strategic entry for Rodrigues into the world of entrepreneurship and brand advocacy, extending her influence beyond cricket into sports safety and lifestyle products. Tvarra is known for designing helmets tailored for women riders, combining safety, comfort and style. With a focus on empowering female commuters and adventure enthusiasts, the brand has steadily gained traction in India’s expanding two-wheeler and cycling segments. Rodrigues’ investment is expected to strengthen Tvarra’s reach and credibility as it continues…
The Kerala government has issued a legal notice to Dubai-based TECOM Group, signalling a decisive move to reclaim control of the Kochi Smart City project after years of delays and underperformance. The action follows a state cabinet decision to initiate the takeover of the flagship IT and urban development project, citing failure to meet agreed timelines and milestones. Kochi Smart City was conceived as a joint venture with TECOM to create a world-class technology and business hub. However, prolonged stagnation and limited on-ground progress led the government to invoke legal and contractual provisions to protect public interest and unlock the…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally commissioned the Indian Navy’s latest indigenous vessel, Samudra Pratap, in a ceremony underscoring India’s commitment to maritime security and self-reliance in defence production. The event highlighted the role of the new ship in strengthening India’s coastal and offshore surveillance capabilities amidst evolving regional strategic dynamics. Built domestically with advanced systems and technologies, Samudra Pratap enhances the Navy’s ability to conduct maritime reconnaissance, patrols, search and rescue operations, and fleet support missions. The vessel’s commissioning aligns with India’s broader focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing, reducing dependence on foreign platforms while boosting indigenous expertise and employment in strategic sectors. In his…