Author: News Desk

Indian Railways has saved around ₹6,000 crore by shifting from diesel to electric traction, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha. The move is part of a broader push towards rail electrification, which has helped reduce fuel costs and improve operational efficiency across the network. Vaishnaw also highlighted that energy is the second-largest expense for the Railways after staff costs, making electrification a key strategy for long-term savings. India has rapidly expanded its electrified rail network, with tens of thousands of kilometres covered in recent years, reducing dependence on diesel locomotives. The minister noted that diesel engines will gradually be phased out, as electric locomotives become…

Varun Beverages has announced the acquisition of a 100% stake in South Africa-based Crickley Dairy for an enterprise value of around ₹131 crore. The deal will be executed through its South African subsidiary, The Beverage Company (Bevco), and is subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from South Africa’s competition authorities. This acquisition marks Varun Beverages’ entry into the value-added dairy and juice-based drinks segment, as the company looks to diversify beyond its core beverage portfolio. The move also strengthens the company’s international presence, particularly in the African market, where it is expanding operations and product offerings. Crickley Dairy’s full acquisition will give Varun Beverages complete operational control,…

In a major relief for flyers, India’s aviation regulator has introduced new passenger-friendly rules for air travel. Airlines are now required to provide at least 60% of seats on every flight free of charge, eliminating mandatory seat selection fees for a majority of passengers. Additionally, passengers travelling on the same PNR (such as families or groups) must be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats, addressing a long-standing concern among travellers. The new norms also ensure that children under 12 are seated with at least one parent or guardian without extra cost, improving safety and convenience for families. These guidelines have been introduced by the Directorate…

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation has announced an investment of ₹25 crore in Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based private space company. The funding is part of the state’s broader strategy to position Tamil Nadu as a hub for deep-tech and space innovation, supporting startups in cutting-edge sectors. Founded at IIT Madras, Agnikul Cosmos is developing small satellite launch vehicles like Agnibaan and has already achieved milestones such as launching from India’s first private launchpad. The investment is expected to help the company scale manufacturing, enhance rocket development, and expand launch capabilities, strengthening India’s growing private space ecosystem. This move reflects increasing government support for spacetech, electric mobility, and semiconductor startups, as…

The Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA) has urged the government to introduce ethanol-based cookstoves as an alternative and complementary cooking solution to LPG in India. The proposal comes at a time when India remains heavily dependent on imported LPG, with global supply risks rising due to geopolitical tensions. Ethanol cookstoves are being suggested as a way to strengthen energy security and reduce import dependence. Ethanol, a domestically produced biofuel, burns cleanly with low smoke and reduced indoor air pollution, making it an environmentally friendly cooking option. These stoves also do not require gas cylinders and can operate using liquid fuel directly. GEMA has recommended pilot projects and…

The government has made Aadhaar-based biometric authentication mandatory for LPG e-KYC, but clarified that this applies only to users who have not yet completed their KYC verification. Under the new rule, LPG cylinders will be delivered only after successful e-KYC authentication, ensuring that connections are linked to genuine users and reducing misuse of subsidies. The e-KYC process involves biometric verification using Aadhaar, which can be completed online through mobile apps using face authentication, OTP, or biometric methods. The move is aimed at improving transparency in LPG distribution, preventing duplicate or fake connections, and ensuring that subsidies reach the right beneficiaries. Authorities have also urged consumers…

Ali Larijani, one of Iran’s most powerful political figures, has been killed in an airstrike during the ongoing Middle East conflict. He was 67. Larijani served as head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and was widely seen as a key strategist shaping the country’s security, nuclear policy, and foreign relations. He had earlier served as parliament speaker (2008–2020) and played a major role in nuclear negotiations. His death reportedly came during Israeli airstrikes targeting top Iranian leadership, marking one of the highest-profile killings since the conflict escalated. Larijani had emerged as a central figure in Iran’s leadership, especially after the earlier killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where the two leaders discussed the escalating situation in West Asia and stressed the need to ensure safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. During the call, Modi strongly condemned the recent attacks on the United Arab Emirates, which has faced some of the most intense Iranian strikes among Gulf nations since the US–Israel conflict with Tehran began on February 28. He expressed concern over the loss of innocent lives and the widespread damage to civilian infrastructure. Sharing details…

India’s pharmaceutical sector is facing a major disruption as a propane gas shortage begins to impact production across key manufacturing hubs. Several pharma plants in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh have reported partial or complete shutdowns, as propane is critical for reactors and steam generation in drug manufacturing. The shortage is already affecting the production of essential medicines, including paracetamol, vitamins, and hormone-based drugs, raising concerns about possible supply constraints in the coming weeks. Industry experts warn that nearly 200 pharmaceutical units could face disruptions within days, as fuel shortages impact key processes such as sterilisation and chemical synthesis. The crisis is linked to global supply disruptions,…

Honda Cars India is set to manufacture its first electric vehicle in India, the Honda 0 Alpha, with an investment of around ₹1,200 crore at its Tapukara plant in Rajasthan. The move marks a major step in Honda’s entry into India’s fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) market, where it has so far focused mainly on hybrid technology. The 0 Alpha electric SUV is expected to be locally produced, reinforcing India’s role as a key manufacturing hub for Honda’s global EV strategy. Production is likely to begin ahead of its anticipated launch around 2027, positioning the model to compete in the rapidly expanding compact electric SUV segment. The investment will also…