Author: News Desk
A viral claim that the Indian government is forcing smartphone manufacturers to share their source code as part of new security regulations has been fact-checked and debunked by the Channeliam Fact Check, in regards to a report by PIB. The government categorically denied the report, calling it false and misleading. The controversial claim originated from a Reuters report suggesting that India was considering rules requiring companies such as Apple, Samsung, Google and Xiaomi to provide access to their proprietary source code and make other software-level changes to strengthen mobile security. However, the Channeliam Fact Check clarifies that the Government of India has not proposed any measure to force smartphone makers to share source code with authorities. The…
The Malayalam film industry has announced a token strike on January 22, 2026, during which theatres across Kerala will close and all film shoots and related activities will be suspended for the day as a protest against ongoing economic challenges facing the sector. The decision, made jointly by various industry bodies, reflects mounting frustration with the state government’s lack of progress on long-standing demands, including relief on entertainment taxes and special electricity tariffs for cinemas and film units. According to organisers, the strike is intended as a final warning before potentially more prolonged action unless meaningful government intervention is secured. The protest highlights deep financial strains in…
India generates between 150 and 500 million tonnes of construction and demolition (C&D) waste annually, contributing to air and water pollution, heavy metal contamination, CO2 emissions, and overburdened landfills. Traditional construction waste recycling remains limited, worsening the environmental impact. Megha Rathee, co-founder of Delhi-based startup Vishwa Hara Chakra, explains that India produces around 400 million tonnes of cement and 200 billion bricks each year, which, while essential for urbanization, depletes resources and emits significant carbon. Founded in 2024, Vishwa Hara Chakra focuses on eliminating cement and creating carbon-negative, socially conscious, and technologically advanced construction solutions. Megha’s background in education and institution-building…
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has implemented a 100% increase in financial assistance for ex-servicemen (ESM) and their dependents, following approval by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The increased support is being provided through schemes managed by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare via the Kendriya Sainik Board. The MoD stated that this move underscores the government’s commitment to recognising the service and sacrifice of veterans. In a social media post, the Ministry said the hike in assistance reaffirms the Government’s dedication to supporting ex-servicemen and their families. The increased grants include: These schemes are funded through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare…
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said he does not use a mobile phone or the internet for his daily work. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, Doval confirmed this in response to a question during a Q&A session. He stated that he only uses a phone for family matters or essential communication with people in other countries and relies on alternative methods of communication for official work. Ajit Doval is India’s National Security Advisor and the fifth person to hold the position. A retired IPS officer from the Kerala cadre,…
Reliance Industries Ltd, led by Mukesh Ambani, announced that Jio will launch an artificial intelligence (AI) platform designed to allow users to access services in their own language. Speaking at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot, Ambani said the platform will be supported by the upcoming AI data centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, and aims to make AI services more efficient and widely accessible. “In Jamnagar, we are building India’s largest AI-ready data centre to provide affordable AI for every Indian. Jio will introduce a people-first intelligence platform, developed in India for India and the world, allowing citizens, starting from…
KJ Yesudas, born on January 10, 1940, in Kerala, is a singer whose voice combined rare sweetness with deep emotion. Over a career spanning six decades, he performed more than 50,000 songs in multiple languages, earning the title of Ganagandharvan, or “celestial singer,” from his fans. Few artists have matched his versatility. He has sung in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Odia, and even in English, Arabic, Latin, and Russian. He won eight National Awards for Best Male Playback Singer, a record that remains unmatched. Yesudas was born in Kochi to a family steeped in music and theatre. His father,…
The Adani Group plans to invest Rs 1.5 lakh crore in Gujarat’s Kutch region over the next five years, reaffirming its long-term commitment to the state, according to Adani Ports and SEZ Limited Managing Director Karan Adani. Speaking at an event in Rajkot attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Karan Adani said the proposed investments reflect India’s approach to balancing economic growth with climate responsibility and energy security. He described Gujarat as central to the Adani Group’s growth, noting that the state has been the foundation of the group’s development since its early years. He added that Chairman Gautam Adani…
Etihad Rail has unveiled the full plan for the UAE’s national passenger rail network, marking a major milestone in the country’s transport development. The network will connect 11 cities and regions, linking communities across the Emirates with strategically placed stations to form the nation’s first fully integrated passenger rail system. The project is designed to offer safe, reliable, and efficient travel for residents, citizens, and tourists alike. Initially, four main stations will operate in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, with additional stations to be rolled out in phases. Etihad Rail’s modern passenger trains are designed to connect Dubai and…
The Indian Railways is undertaking its most ambitious modernization drive to date, aimed at connecting regions, improving logistics, and boosting regional development. The National Rail Plan (NRP) Vision 2030, extending to 2051, outlines this effort, which will make the rail network the backbone of the country with a total investment of ₹5.4 lakh crore. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, spanning 272 km and costing ₹44,000 crore, opened in June 2025. Traversing the challenging Himalayas, it includes 36 tunnels totaling 119 km and 943 bridges. The Chenab Rail Bridge, at 359 meters, is the world’s highest railway arch bridge, surpassing the Eiffel Tower…