Author: News Desk

India’s next-generation fighter jet, the HAL Tejas Mk2, has achieved a significant upgrade with a weight reduction of around 200 kilograms, making it more efficient and combat-ready. The reduction has been achieved through advanced techniques such as jig-less assembly and monolithic machining, which simplify construction and eliminate unnecessary structural weight. Engineers from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) have also increased the use of carbon-fibre composites and single-piece structures, improving strength while reducing overall mass. This weight reduction has been strategically utilized to enhance the aircraft’s performance. The Tejas Mk2 now features higher internal fuel capacity and increased payload capability, allowing…

An oil painting by the legendary Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma, titled Yashoda and Krishna, fetched ₹167.2 crore at the Saffronart spring auction on April 1, setting a new record as the most expensive Indian painting ever sold at auction. The sale exceeded the previous record by ₹49.2 crore, marking a rise of over 40 percent. The painting was acquired by Cyrus S. Poonawalla, founder and managing director of the Pune-based Serum Institute of India. Who is Cyrus S. Poonawalla? Dr Poonawalla established the Serum Institute in 1966 and grew it into the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. Recognised as the 46th-richest…

India’s ambitions in human spaceflight have advanced with the start of a unique high-altitude experiment in Ladakh involving the four astronauts selected for the Gaganyaan Mission. The programme, named Mission Mitra, is designed to simulate the extreme conditions of space right here on Earth. Led by the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), Mission Mitra—short for Mapping of Interoperable Traits & Reliability Assessment—is being conducted in Ladakh, known for its freezing temperatures, low oxygen levels, and isolated terrain. This makes it an ideal stand-in for the harsh environment of space. The four astronauts, including Group Captain…

Gulf countries are exploring ways to move oil without relying on the Strait of Hormuz, amid growing concerns over potential disruptions linked to Iran’s influence over the strategic waterway. According to the Financial Times, officials and industry leaders see building alternative pipelines and transport links as the most practical solution to secure uninterrupted exports. The proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a US-backed plan to connect India with Europe through the Middle East, is part of these discussions. The Strait of Hormuz has long been the main route for Gulf oil exports, but recent tensions have highlighted how vulnerable it is.…

Coconut harvesting in parts of Kerala is being reimagined through technology, with workers now available for booking on-demand, similar to cab services. Skilled climbers arrive equipped and ready, bringing structure and convenience to a traditionally informal sector. The development reflects a broader transformation underway in India’s services economy—where even hyper-local jobs are being integrated with digital platforms. Industrialist Anand Mahindra recently highlighted the trend on social media, pointing to a viral video of a coconut harvester at work. What stood out was not just the efficiency of the service, but the worker’s background. The climber, he noted, was from Chhattisgarh,…

Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu, the official commentator, administrator, and Public Relations Officer of the elite Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), has become the vital link between the team and the public. Known as the “Voice of Surya Kiran,” she translates complex aerobatic maneuvers into engaging stories of skill, discipline, and national pride for audiences across India. At 29, Sandhu hails from Panchkula near Chandigarh and comes from a distinguished military family: her father, Colonel Kirpal Singh, served in the Indian Army’s Artillery, and her mother, Brigadier Karamjit Kaur, was part of the Military Nursing Service. “With both my parents in…

Aditya Dhar has become one of the most talked-about filmmakers in India, delivering back-to-back worldwide blockbusters in just four months with Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar 2, the latter still running strong at the global box office. Remarkably, he has crossed the ₹3,000 crore milestone with only three films to his name. Dhar made his directorial debut with Uri: The Surgical Strike in 2019, which earned critical acclaim and grossed ₹335.99 crore worldwide. Five years later, he returned with Dhurandhar in December 2025, shattering expectations with a massive ₹1,354.84 crore collection. Just two months later, Dhurandhar 2 hit theaters in 2026 and is performing phenomenally, fueled by pre-release buzz and word…

The Defence Ministry has signed contracts totaling ₹858 crore for the procurement of the Tunguska Air Defence Missile System and depot-level inspection of the P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The ₹445 crore Tunguska missile contract for the Indian Army was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russia, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. These advanced missiles will enhance India’s multilayered air defence against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, while also reinforcing the Indo-Russian strategic defence partnership. Separately, a ₹413 crore contract for depot-level inspection of the P8I aircraft fleet for the Indian Navy was signed with Boeing India Defense…

Indian billionaire Ravi Jaipuria’s Varun Beverages has completed the $125 million acquisition of South Africa’s Twizza, following all necessary regulatory approvals. The deal transfers control of Twizza’s manufacturing facilities and distribution network across Southern Africa to Varun, integrating the company into its African operations. Twizza will now operate under BevCo, Varun’s South African subsidiary, and founder Ken Clark and his family no longer hold ownership. The acquisition was confirmed by South Africa’s Standard Bank, with the R2.1 billion transaction finalised after approvals in South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini. The deal, first announced in December 2025, was part of Varun Beverages’…

The government has flagged a rise in LPG booking scams, where cybercriminals are targeting consumers by exploiting panic around gas shortages. Scammers are sending fake SMS, WhatsApp messages, and social media ads, claiming urgent LPG booking requirements or limited stock availability to create panic among users. These messages often include fraudulent links, fake apps, or QR codes, redirecting users to counterfeit websites that closely resemble official LPG booking platforms. Once users interact with these links or scan QR codes, they are tricked into sharing OTP, bank details, or personal information, leading to financial fraud and data theft. Authorities have clearly stated that official LPG providers…