Author: News Desk

Top executives of the Tata Group, including Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata and Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on October 7, 2025. The meeting came amid internal disputes among Tata Trusts trustees over board appointments and governance, which could affect the functioning of the $180 billion conglomerate. Government Meeting on Key Issues Noel Tata and Chandrasekaran, joined by Tata Trusts Vice-Chairman Venu Srinivasan and trustee Darius Khambata, arrived together at the Home Minister’s residence, where Finance Minister Sitharaman also joined. The discussions reportedly centered on resolving disagreements within the Trusts that hold a 66% stake in Tata Sons, the promoter and holding company of…

Mariam Mohamed is set to make history as the first Emirati to represent the UAE at Miss Universe. The 26-year-old fashion student from Dubai, recently crowned Miss Universe UAE, will compete in the 74th edition of the global pageant in Pak Kret, Thailand, on November 21, 2025, joining contestants from 130 countries. Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Women Speaking about her journey, Mohamed said, “To wear this title is an honour beyond words. It’s not just my journey, it’s a reflection of every dreamer who calls the UAE home.” She emphasized that Miss Universe is not just about beauty, but about resilience and the power of women rising together. She added, “The UAE…

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Tuesday approved four major railway projects worth ₹24,634 crore under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. These projects will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 894 kilometres across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh. The projects are expected to benefit around 3,633 villages, impacting a population of 8.584 million people, including the aspirational districts of Vidisha and Rajnandgaon. According to the CCEA, the initiative focuses on multi-modal connectivity and logistics efficiency, providing smoother movement of people, goods, and services through integrated planning and coordination with stakeholders. Project Details The four projects include: These routes will not only enhance freight and passenger connectivity but also boost tourism, linking popular destinations like Sanchi, Satpura Tiger…

Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is set to visit India from October 9 for five days, marking the first official engagement by a senior Taliban minister since 2021. The visit comes shortly after India formally acknowledged the Taliban as a member of a regional grouping at the Moscow Format consultations in Russia. Background and Significance Muttaqi, listed on the UN Security Council’s list of banned terrorists, received special permission from the UN Sanctions Committee to travel. During his visit, he will be accorded full protocol as a visiting foreign minister and meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House on October 10. The agenda is expected to include talks with government…

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,…