Author: News Desk
Kochi-based startup Navalt, India’s largest manufacturer of solar electric boats, is set to deliver two 100-tonne capacity “roll on/roll off” (Ro-Ro) vessels to the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) later this year. The high-speed boats are currently under construction, Navalt founder and CEO Sandith Thandasherry told TNIE. “These Ro-Ros can carry four 40-foot container trucks or 30 cars at a time. SWTD will determine the routes and other operational details,” Sandith said. An SWTD official confirmed the boats are expected to be launched within six months. Navalt has so far manufactured 80 vessels deployed across 11 states and exported boats…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is emerging as a significant mediator in the ongoing Iran-Israel crisis, with Washington expressing strong confidence in his involvement following a high-level call with US President Donald Trump. Speaking to CNN-News18, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the conversation as “a very important phone call,” highlighting its focus on global energy security and maritime stability. Gor emphasized that international waters, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, should not be controlled by any single country. “We want India and the rest of the world to have secure access to their energy needs,” he said. Gor noted that…
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has submitted a detailed project report (DPR) to develop a modern passenger water transport (PWT) system across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in collaboration with the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). Building on the success of the Kochi Water Metro, the project aims to utilize Mumbai’s coastline and waterways to create an integrated, eco-friendly, and efficient transport network suited to the city’s geography. The system is designed as a low-emission alternative to road and rail, improving connectivity, easing congestion, and boosting tourism and economic growth. The DPR proposes 11 new routes supported by 24 new terminals, integrated…
Iran has informed the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organization that “non-hostile vessels” can pass through the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Iranian authorities, according to a note obtained by Reuters on Tuesday. The ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel has effectively disrupted shipments of roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas through the strait, creating significant supply interruptions. The note, issued by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, was sent to the 15-member Security Council and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and later shared with the 176 members of the…
The Union government has called an all-party meeting today at 5 pm to discuss the escalating West Asia crisis. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to chair the session, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also in attendance. The urgency comes as tensions in West Asia continue to rise, disrupting key maritime routes and raising concerns about the safety of Indian nationals across Gulf countries. Earlier this week, Rajnath Singh held a high-level review with military leadership, including CDS Anil Chauhan and senior officials, to assess the evolving situation. On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the…
India has taken a major step in strengthening its air defence capabilities, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completing early development trials of its ambitious Project Kusha. Project Kusha is an indigenous long-range air defence system designed to detect, track, and neutralise a wide range of aerial threats including fighter jets, drones, cruise missiles, and even hypersonic weapons. The system is being developed as a multi-layered missile shield featuring three interceptor variants—M1, M2, and M3—with ranges extending from around 150 km to nearly 400 km. Positioned as India’s answer to advanced systems like the S-400, Project Kusha…
The government has introduced a new technology-driven solution that allows viewers to access Doordarshan (DD) channels without the need for a traditional set-top box, marking a major shift in how free television is consumed in India. The move builds on the reach of DD Free Dish, India’s free-to-air direct-to-home platform operated by Prasar Bharati, which already serves millions of households with free TV and radio channels. With this initiative, users can access DD channels directly through compatible devices, reducing dependence on hardware installations and making television more accessible, especially in remote and underserved regions. The development is expected to further…
Dr N Jency has created history by becoming the first transgender woman in Tamil Nadu to earn a PhD and be appointed as an assistant professor. Currently teaching in the English Department at Loyola College Chennai, her achievement marks a major milestone for transgender representation in Indian academia. Hailing from Tiruttani in Tiruvallur district, Jency’s journey was filled with social stigma, financial struggles, and personal challenges. Despite these obstacles, she excelled academically, even earning gold medals in her undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Her appointment is being celebrated as a breakthrough moment, not just for her, but for the transgender community,…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cautioned that the ongoing US-Iran conflict could have long-term consequences for India, urging the country to remain prepared for emerging challenges. Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Modi described the situation as “worrisome” and warned that the impact on global trade, energy supplies, and economic stability may persist over time. He highlighted that disruptions in key routes like the Strait of Hormuz and rising geopolitical tensions could affect India’s oil imports, supply chains, and overall economic outlook. The Prime Minister also stressed the need for vigilance on internal security, noting that such global conflicts can create vulnerabilities…
Jio Platforms CEO Mathew Oommen has outlined a bold vision for India’s transition into an “intelligence economy,” where artificial intelligence becomes the core driver of growth. Speaking at an industry event, Oommen emphasised that India’s strong policy framework, leadership, and young population position it uniquely to lead this next phase of global economic transformation. He highlighted that the future will move beyond traditional telecom services, with companies evolving from connectivity providers to builders of intelligence infrastructure powered by AI, tokens, and distributed systems. According to Oommen, India must not just scale existing technologies but create new digital platforms, similar to…