Author: News Desk
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has formally urged his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan to withdraw the proposed Malayalam Bhasha Bill, 2025, warning that it could undermine the constitutional linguistic rights of Kannada speakers in the Kasargod border district. The appeal follows growing concerns that the legislation, which seeks to make Malayalam the compulsory first language in all schools, including Kannada-medium institutions, could place an undue burden on children of linguistic minorities and disrupt long-standing educational practices. In a detailed letter and posts on social media, Siddaramaiah argued that while Kerala has every right to promote Malayalam with pride, “promotion cannot become imposition,” stressing that India’s unity is rooted in respecting every language and…
Vizhinjam International Seaport has achieved a major operational milestone by handling over one million TEUs in record time since the start of commercial operations in December 2024, marking a significant boost for India’s maritime and logistics ambitions. Located just 10 nautical miles from major East-West international shipping routes, the port benefits from a natural draft of 18–20 metres, allowing it to berth ultra-large container vessels without extensive dredging. Since commissioning, Vizhinjam has handled hundreds of vessel calls, including multiple ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs), showcasing its ability to manage high-capacity ships and complex transshipment operations efficiently. Key operational figures from the port’s first year highlight its rapid ascent: The…
The Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) marks a major step forward in India’s defence capabilities, particularly in high-altitude operations. Inducted into the Indian Air Force on October 3, 2022, it is India’s first fully indigenous combat helicopter capable of operating at altitudes beyond 5,000 metres. According to the Global Firepower Index, India ranks fourth globally in helicopter strength, maintaining a fleet of 899 helicopters, of which 674 are active and mission-ready. Indigenous Design and Capabilities Developed under Project Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Prachand is a multi-role attack helicopter with over 65% indigenous components. Recent Ministry of Defence approvals have expanded the program, highlighting its key…
Missile technology has become a defining factor in modern military strength, serving both as a powerful deterrent and a tactical weapon. While the United States, Russia, and China have historically dominated the field with vast nuclear arsenals and cutting-edge hypersonic programs, other nations such as India, North Korea, France, and Israel have also made significant advances. Russia: Hypersonic Supremacy Russia possesses the world’s largest nuclear arsenal and leads in hypersonic missile technology. Its Avangard glide vehicle can reach speeds of Mach 27, making it extremely difficult for current defense systems to intercept, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence. United States: Precision and…
In a notable trend within India’s media landscape, over 50 television channels have surrendered their broadcast licenses to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in the last three years, highlighting a major shift toward digital consumption. Many channel owners cited falling viewership, rising operational costs and the surge in online streaming platforms as key factors influencing their decision to exit traditional broadcasting. Industry analysts say this reflects broader changes in audience behaviour, with viewers increasingly turning to OTT platforms, social media and mobile apps for news, entertainment and niche content. Channels from regional, niche and general entertainment segments have been among those opting out, often redirecting resources…
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, emphasized the potential of agricultural waste as a valuable national resource, highlighting bio-bitumen as a major step toward the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. By converting agro-waste into bio-bitumen, India can curb pollution from crop burning, promote a circular economy, and reduce reliance on imported crude oil. With a 15% blending rate, the country could save nearly ₹4,500 crore in foreign exchange. Speaking at CSIR’s Technology Transfer Ceremony, “From Farm Residue to Road: Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis,” Shri Gadkari called the event a historic milestone, noting that India is the first…
Tata Group-owned Air India has received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner since the airline was privatised nearly four years ago. This marks the airline’s first line-fit or custom-made Dreamliner, a plane built specifically for Air India rather than modified after production. An official confirmed that the title transfer of the aircraft was completed at Boeing’s Everett factory in Seattle on January 7, 2026. Following inspections by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Dreamliner is expected to arrive in India in the coming days. The aircraft features a three-class configuration with economy, premium economy, and business class seating. The last line-fit Dreamliner Air India…
Traveling with pets just got simpler and more convenient thanks to Air India’s updated “Paws on Board” programme. Previously, flying with cats and dogs often meant long separations, stressful cargo travel, or costly boarding arrangements. The airline’s new rules streamline the process, making it faster, clearer, and more pet-friendly. In-Cabin Travel for Small Pets Under the revised policy, cats and dogs weighing up to 10 kg, including their carriers, can now travel inside the economy cabin on selected flights. This applies to both domestic and international routes. Pets must be at least eight weeks old, and restrictions apply for pregnant, sedated, critically…
The Rolls-Royce Phantom, widely regarded as one of the world’s most luxurious and expensive cars, has reached its centenary milestone. To mark 100 years since the launch of the first Phantom in 1925, Rolls-Royce released the limited-edition Phantom Centenary Edition, featuring numerous bespoke elements. Only 25 of these highly customized vehicles have been made worldwide, each unique. Among the elite owners, Dr. B. Ravi Pillai, the NRI industrialist and chairman of the RP Group, is the only individual from India to acquire one. After being transported from London via Dubai to Bahrain, the ultra-luxury car was recently handed over to Dr.…
Kalpetta in Wayanad, Kerala, has become the first judicial district in India to operate entirely as a paperless court system, marking a major step in the country’s push for judicial digitisation. Under the new framework, all judicial processes—from filing cases to issuing final judgments—are now conducted completely digitally. Every stage of court proceedings, including pre-trial hearings, recording of evidence, interlocutory motions, and final adjudication, is handled electronically. The system incorporates Artificial Intelligence tools that create structured case summaries from digital records, allowing judges to quickly understand the facts and procedural history of cases. Interactive question-and-answer features let judicial officers query…