Author: News Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally invited Tarique Rahman, the newly sworn-in Prime Minister of Bangladesh, to visit India at a mutually convenient time, signalling a strengthened diplomatic outreach between the two neighbouring countries. The invitation was conveyed through India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who handed over a personal letter from PM Modi to Rahman following his inauguration. In his letter, Modi congratulated Rahman on his electoral victory and assumption of office, noting that the result reflects the trust the people of Bangladesh have placed in his leadership. Modi highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between India and Bangladesh, based on shared history, cultural ties and…
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has unveiled a first-of-its-kind initiative to develop pollinator-friendly “bee corridors” along stretches of national highways. The project aims to support bee populations and other vital pollinators by planting native flowering vegetation along highway verges, medians and green belts to provide food, habitat and movement pathways for pollinating species. Native species of trees and plants, including Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun, and Siris, will be planted. Bees and other pollinators are essential for healthy ecosystems and agricultural productivity, playing a crucial role in the reproduction of flowering plants and crops. However, pollinator populations have been declining…
td (APSEZ) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Port of Marseille Fos to strengthen trade connectivity between India and Europe under the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The MoU was signed during the visit of Emmanuel Macron, highlighting the growing India–France strategic partnership and aligning it with the broader IMEC and India–EU trade vision. The partnership proposes the creation of an IMEC Ports Club to improve coordination among key ports along the corridor, completing the India–EU trade pathway under IMEC. Launched at the Narendra Modi-hosted G20 Summit in New Delhi, IMEC is a 6,000-km multimodal connectivity initiative linking India and…
In a significant step toward sustainable infrastructure, Vaikom in Kerala has become home to India’s first fully solar-powered, energy-neutral boat station. The project marks a major milestone in integrating renewable energy into public transport facilities. The boat station now operates entirely on solar energy generated through rooftop photovoltaic panels installed at the facility. The system produces sufficient electricity to meet the station’s daily power requirements, effectively making it energy neutral. Any surplus power generated can be fed back into the grid, enhancing overall efficiency. The initiative aligns with Kerala’s broader push toward renewable energy adoption and green mobility solutions. By…
India and France have significantly expanded their strategic partnership following bilateral discussions between Narendra Modi and Emmanuel Macron, with agreements spanning defence, energy, technology, education and global governance. Both leaders described the India–France relationship as a “force for global stability” at a time of geopolitical volatility. The talks focused on strengthening cooperation in defence manufacturing, advanced military platforms and joint production initiatives, reinforcing France’s role as one of India’s key strategic defence partners. In the energy sector, both sides reaffirmed collaboration in civil nuclear energy, renewable power and green hydrogen development. Discussions also covered resilient supply chains, critical minerals and…
Mumbai is gearing up for its own Water Metro transport system, with services expected to launch from December 2026 in phases, according to Maharashtra Ports Minister Nitesh Rane. The project aims to introduce battery-powered electric ferries that will help decongest road traffic and offer a cleaner, faster public transport alternative along the city’s waterways. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is on track to be completed by February 28, after which authorities will finalise the first routes and implementation strategy. Plans include six to eight waterways corridors across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with two key city sectors likely to be prioritised for the initial phase. Potential initial routes are expected to…
‘Bharat-VISTAAR’ was launched in Jaipur as a new AI-powered platform designed to give farmers comprehensive support in one place. The system provides information on weather, market prices, pests and diseases, soil health, crop guidance, and government schemes via phone calls, chatbots, and, in the future, a dedicated mobile app. In its first phase, Bharat-VISTAAR will operate in Hindi and English, reaching lakhs of farmers across states including Maharashtra, Bihar, and Gujarat. Built as a voice-first AI, it allows even farmers using basic feature phones to access services simply by calling the helpline at 155261. The platform also includes voice input-output,…
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is aiming to roll out the first Vande Bharat Sleeper prototype by June 2026. RVNL Chairman and Managing Director Saleem Ahmad said during the Q3FY26 earnings call that the project is progressing smoothly and as planned. The RVNL-led joint venture plans to manufacture 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets, each consisting of 16 coaches, bringing the total coach production to 1,920 units. “Vande Bharat is a prestigious project for both us and Indian Railways. Our immediate milestone is to deliver the prototype to the railways, and we are confident of achieving this by June 2026,” Ahmad…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Emmanuel Macron at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, marking a key moment in the French President’s three-day official visit to India. The meeting focused on strengthening India–France strategic ties, with discussions expected to cover technology, artificial intelligence, defence cooperation and global partnerships. President Macron arrived in Mumbai on Monday night, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron. He landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, where he was received by Devendra Fadnavis and Acharya Devvrat. The visit highlights the deepening relationship between India and France, two major democratic nations that have steadily expanded…
India’s maritime sector has a new entrant in ship ownership. Ashapura Shipping Group has acquired a 14-year-old handysize bulk carrier, marking its transition from chartering operations to owning vessels outright. The ship, previously known as Arawana, has been renamed Imperial Varalaxmi. While the financial details of the deal were not disclosed, the acquisition represents a strategic milestone for the Kandla-based logistics and cargo handling company. Founded in the early 1990s, Ashapura Shipping Group has built its presence in bulk and breakbulk cargo handling, stevedoring, port operations, and project logistics, primarily along India’s western coastline. The company has traditionally relied on chartered vessels to move cargo.…