Author: News Desk

Kerala saw a record surge in tourist arrivals in 2025, welcoming 25,880,365 visitors, marking the highest-ever footfall in the state’s tourism history, Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas said on Friday. This figure exceeds the 2024 total of 22,985,363, reflecting an increase of nearly 2.9 million visitors in a single year. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the minister said Kerala has entered a phase of consistently setting new tourism records. Domestic tourism accounted for the bulk of growth, with 25,058,366 domestic visitors in 2025 compared to 22,246,989 in 2024—a 12.46 percent rise and 36.3 percent higher than pre-COVID levels.…

Kerala Muslim Jamaat president Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, February 16, 2026, to discuss issues affecting the Muslim community, including minority welfare and broader international developments. In a social media post, Mr. Kanthapuram, who is also recognized as the Grand Mufti of India, said he briefed the Prime Minister on concerns and demands raised during his recent Kerala yatra titled ‘With Humanity.’ Modi reportedly appreciated the educational and social welfare initiatives carried out by Jamia Markaz and the Kerala Muslim Jamaat. Kanthapuram emphasized that development should be inclusive, arguing that growth…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined India’s vision for artificial intelligence at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting the country’s efforts to promote responsible AI development, strengthen global cooperation, and address concerns related to misuse, employment, and public trust. The summit brought together global leaders, technology companies, startups, and researchers to discuss the future of AI with a focus on inclusion, accountability, and real-world impact. As the first major AI gathering of its kind hosted in the Global South, the event reflects India’s ambition to shape international…

The government informed the Lok Sabha that India currently has 25,001 pilots under the age of 65 holding valid flying licences. However, no centralised data is maintained on how many commercial or airline transport pilots are unemployed or not actively flying. According to the latest data, there are 10,051 Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) holders for planes and 210 for helicopters. The largest group consists of Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) holders, with 12,480 for planes and 777 for helicopters. Additionally, 1,483 pilots hold Private Pilot Licences (PPL). The information was provided in response to a question from Sharmila Sarkar by…

Japan is significantly increasing its investment focus on India, with capital flowing into diverse sectors as firms and financial institutions seek growth opportunities. Strategic acquisitions by major Japanese banks highlight a broader push to strengthen the India-Japan investment corridor, combining commercial banking, investment banking and advisory capabilities. The renewed interest reflects confidence in India’s structural growth prospects — supported by a large consumer base, expanding digital infrastructure and strong economic momentum. Compared to Japan’s mature domestic market, India presents high-growth opportunities that align with Japanese firms’ long-term expansion strategies. Japanese foreign direct investment in India has crossed ₹2.7 lakh crore,…

With just weeks to go before the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Union government to address the long-pending citizenship and legal status issues faced by roughly 89,000 Sri Lankan Tamils residing in the state. Stalin described the matter as one of “profound humanitarian, constitutional and national importance,” noting that many have lived in India for decades and nearly 40 % were born on Indian soil.” In his letter, Stalin sought a “humane and pragmatic” resolution, including waiving passport and visa requirements where appropriate for citizenship or long-term visa applications and delegating powers to district-level authorities…

India plans to add 50 new airports over the next five years, creating significant opportunities for the country’s real estate sector, K Rammohan Naidu, the Civil Aviation Minister, said on Friday. Describing airports as the “scaffolding” for real estate development, he highlighted efforts to address building height restrictions near airports while maintaining aviation safety standards. India is among the world’s fastest-growing civil aviation markets, with 165 operational airports. On average, a new airport or terminal is inaugurated every 33 days, Naidu noted during his address at the National Urban and Real Estate Development Conclave 2026, organised by industry body Naredco…

Bill Gates, Chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, visited Andhra Pradesh today, meeting Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to discuss leveraging technology in governance and public health initiatives. Mr. Gates was welcomed at Gannavaram Airport by State Minister Nara Lokesh and senior officials. At the State Secretariat in Amaravati, he was received by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who introduced members of the cabinet and top bureaucrats. Officials showcased Andhra Pradesh’s digital initiatives at the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) centre, including Data Lake, AWARE 2.0, and WhatsApp Governance, designed to enhance citizen service…

Kochi is upgrading its urban transport infrastructure with the introduction of fast electric-hydrogen hybrid ferries connecting Aluva to Cochin International Airport. The initiative aims to reduce travel time to about 10 minutes while minimizing environmental impact, according to a Times of India report. Currently, Water Metro ferries operate primarily on battery power with diesel backup. To address concerns over battery supply and diesel emissions, authorities are exploring greener alternatives. “We plan to deploy fast boats on the Aluva–Airport route so commuters can reach the terminal in about 10 minutes,” said Sajan P John, Chief Operating Officer of Kochi Water Metro…

Driver Logistics LLP inaugurated its state-of-the-art Logistics Park at Kinfra Hi-Tech Park, Kalamassery. The event was attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, highlighting the importance of strengthening supply chain and logistics capabilities in the region. Strategically located within the industrial and technology hub of Kinfra Hi-Tech Park, the new facility is designed to enhance operational efficiency and support the company’s growth plans across South India and beyond. It integrates advanced warehousing, inventory management, and distribution systems to meet increasing demand from sectors including FMCG, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce. Speaking at the inauguration, Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized that modern logistics infrastructure…