Author: News Desk

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting on October 7, 2025, to review preparations for the upcoming international friendly match featuring the Argentina football team at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi, this November. Football legend Lionel Messi is expected to play, drawing global attention to the event. Stadium Upgrade and Infrastructure Plan The meeting focused on bringing the Kochi stadium up to international standards ahead of the match. Officials discussed plans for stadium refurbishment, improved parking facilities, security measures, traffic management, crowd control, electrical safety, and waste management. Ensuring adequate drinking water and maintaining clean surroundings were also key priorities. Coordination and Oversight A senior civil servant has been assigned to coordinate between departments involved in the event. A panel led by Chief…

Malayalam cinema icon and honorary Indian Army officer Lt Col (Hony) Mohanlal was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card by General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi on October 7, 2025. The recognition celebrates his sustained contribution to society and his long-standing association with the Armed Forces. Mohanlal, who was recently honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, first received his honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army in May 2009. Speaking after receiving the commendation, he described it as a “great honour” and a “warm gesture” from a fraternity he has proudly served for 16 years. In a brief interaction with the media, the actor said he…

The Indian Air Force plans to upgrade around 75% of its Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet—over 200 jets—to the advanced “Super Sukhoi” standard. This modernization aims to extend the aircraft’s operational life into the 2050s and boost combat capabilities significantly. Indigenous Technology IntegrationThe upgrade will incorporate next-generation systems developed in India, including DRDO’s ‘Uttam’ AESA radar for superior target detection and tracking, a state-of-the-art electronic warfare suite, AI-powered mission computers, and modern cockpit displays. Advanced Weapons CapabilitiesThe jets will carry new armaments such as the BrahMos-NG supersonic missile, Astra BVRAAM, and Rudram anti-radiation missiles, enhancing air superiority, deep strike, and maritime strike…

Construction on the 238-kilometre Hafeet Rail network, connecting Suhar in Oman with Abu Dhabi in the UAE, is moving forward at a steady pace. Project Overview and Completion Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, told the Global Rail 2025 conference in Abu Dhabi that the project is over 50 percent complete and nearing its final stages. Hafeet Rail is part of the broader GCC Railway initiative and is a joint venture between Etihad Rail, Mubadala, and Oman’s Asyad Group. Strategic Air–Rail Partnership At Global Rail 2025, Hafeet Rail and Abu Dhabi Airports announced a partnership to link Al Ain International…

Stock trading platform Dhan, operated by Raise Financial Services, has secured $120 million (approximately INR 1,065 crore) in its Series B funding round, valuing the company at over $1.2 billion, according to sources close to the deal. Funding Led by Hornbill Capital and MUFG The mixed primary and secondary round was led by Hornbill Capital and Japan’s MUFG. Existing investors including BEENEXT, Ramesh Damani (DMart founder), DSP Family Office, JM Financial Family Office, and Aashish Somaiyaa (White Oak Capital) also participated. Pravin Jadhav, founder and CEO of Raise Financial Services, said the investment will help Dhan grow, innovate, and introduce…

Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly announced it will invest more than $1 billion in India over the coming years to expand manufacturing and supply capabilities through local drugmakers. The company aims to leverage India’s skilled workforce to strengthen its global production network. Boosting Access to Key Medicines The collaborations with Indian firms will increase availability of Lilly’s key drugs, including treatments for obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and autoimmune conditions. “We are making significant investments to increase manufacturing and medicine supply capacity worldwide,” said Patrik Jonsson, President of Lilly International, noting India’s strategic role in capability building. Partnership with Local Manufacturers Currently,…

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus have announced that India’s first private-sector helicopter final assembly line will be set up in Vemagal, Kolar district, Karnataka. The facility will produce the Airbus H125 helicopters, marking a significant step for domestic aerospace manufacturing. Made in India H125 for Civil and Defence Needs The ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopter is designed to serve both civil and para-public markets while fulfilling the Indian armed forces’ need for a light multi-role helicopter. It is particularly suited for operations in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. Airbus and TASL plan to offer a military variant,…

Smriti Irani, the well-known television actor and Union Minister, made a striking comeback to the fashion world after more than 20 years. She appeared at Bombay Fashion Week, walking the ramp barefoot, a moment that quickly drew attention on social media. This marked her first runway appearance since her modelling career began in the 1990s, blending nostalgia with contemporary style. A Statement in Style In a widely shared video, Irani wore a purple saree paired with a statement necklace, sunglasses, and subtle makeup. Her look was praised for balancing elegance with simplicity. Walking barefoot rather than in heels was seen…

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India and Qatar aim to double their bilateral trade over the next five years. Trade between the two nations reached $14.15 billion in FY25. The announcement comes as India navigates steep US tariffs affecting its $86.5 billion goods trade with the United States. Ministerial-Level Talks Strengthen Economic Ties Earlier in the day, Goyal co-chaired the India–Qatar Joint Commission on Economic and Commercial Cooperation alongside Qatari Minister Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani. The leaders reviewed overall trade and investment relations, identifying ways to address trade barriers and enhance collaboration across emerging…

Navi Mumbai International Airport showcases a blend of culture and modernity. Large digital screens throughout the terminal display flight information alongside Maharashtra and India’s artistic and cultural heritage. The airport, designed in the shape of a lotus, combines traditional architectural elements with state-of-the-art technology. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the first phase on Wednesday, with commercial flights from Ulwe, roughly 37 km from South Mumbai, set to begin in December. Passenger Convenience and Smart Features Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airport Holdings, highlighted the airport’s focus on reducing passenger stress through technology. Key features include: Passengers can…