Author: News Desk

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC) has won the bid for the Kochi–Kanyakumari–Thoothukudi natural gas pipeline project, marking a significant expansion of India’s southern gas infrastructure. The project involves a 425-km pipeline that will transport regasified LNG from the Kochi terminal in Kerala to key demand centres in Tamil Nadu, including Thoothukudi. The pipeline, with a capacity of around 6–6.8 MMSCMD, is expected to strengthen gas availability for industries, power plants, and city gas distribution networks across the region. The project is part of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board’s broader plan to expand India’s national gas grid and increase the share of natural…

India is facing a tightening LPG supply situation as both imports and domestic production decline sharply. According to recent data, monthly LPG imports have dropped to nearly half of February levels, continuing a downward trend seen in March. At the same time, domestic LPG output has fallen by around 10% from its March peak, further worsening supply conditions. The decline is largely linked to disruptions in global energy supply chains, particularly due to tensions in West Asia and challenges in key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for India’s fuel imports. India relies heavily on imports to meet…

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit Germany from April 21, with a major focus on advancing a multi-billion-dollar submarine deal between the two countries. The proposed agreement, estimated at over $8 billion, is part of India’s Project-75I programme to build six advanced submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion systems, significantly boosting naval capabilities. During the visit, Singh is expected to hold talks with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and engage with top government and industry leaders to strengthen defence ties. Key discussions will include technology transfer, joint manufacturing under Make in India, and expanding industrial collaboration, particularly with German defence major…

Maruti Suzuki is reportedly discontinuing the Maruti Suzuki Ignis in India, marking the end of its run after years of declining demand. Dealer sources indicate that production of the Ignis has already stopped, and bookings have been halted in several locations, although the company has not yet made an official announcement. Launched in 2017 and sold through the premium Nexa network, the Ignis stood out for its quirky design and compact urban appeal. However, changing consumer preferences and the growing popularity of SUVs impacted its sales performance. In a strategic shift, Maruti Suzuki is now working on a new micro…

A remarkable example of employee recognition has emerged from Kottayam, where Oxygen Digital Shopping honoured its Vice President Praveen Prakash with a BMW car for completing 25 years of service. Praveen Prakash began his career at Oxygen as a 19-year-old technician and steadily rose through the ranks to become Vice President, reflecting a long journey of dedication and growth within the organisation. The gesture was announced by CEO Shijo K. Thomas, who said the company strongly believes that employees are its backbone and that long-term commitment and hard work must be recognised in meaningful ways. He added that Praveen’s journey…

India is accelerating plans to transform Vizhinjam International Seaport into a major global maritime hub, leveraging disruptions in global shipping caused by the West Asian conflict. The move is part of the Centre’s Maritime Amritkal Vision 2047, aimed at strengthening India’s port infrastructure and reducing dependence on foreign transshipment hubs. The goal is to upgrade Vizhinjam’s existing transshipment terminal into a full-fledged global hub. Strategically located along one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, nearly 40% of global cargo traffic passes close to Vizhinjam, giving it a natural advantage. The government aims to position the port as a stable alternative to major…

India’s restaurant industry is facing a massive crisis, with losses estimated at ₹79,000 crore per month due to a severe shortage of commercial LPG. The disruption has been triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, particularly involving Iran, which has impacted LPG supply routes and availability. Restaurants, which depend heavily on uninterrupted gas supply for daily operations, are now struggling to function normally. According to industry estimates, the sector has seen a 15–20% slowdown in activity, with many establishments forced to cut menus, reduce operating hours, or temporarily shut down. The impact is widespread, affecting everything from small eateries and street food…

India marked the 173rd anniversary of its first passenger train journey, a landmark moment in the country’s transport history. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw commemorated the occasion by sharing a historic image of the early train and the Thane railway bridge, symbolising the origins of Indian Railways. The first passenger train in India ran on April 16, 1853, between Bori Bunder in Mumbai and Thane, marking the beginning of rail transport in the country. Sharing the post on social media, the minister described the journey as one that “continues,” reflecting the enduring legacy and growth of Indian Railways over more than a century.…

India has achieved a significant milestone in electronics manufacturing, with Apple’s suppliers exporting components and sub-assemblies worth a record $2.5 billion to China in FY26. The surge has been driven by the government’s Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), which aims to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. Industry experts say this marks an early success of the policy initiative. What makes this development notable is the reversal of traditional trade flows. For years, China exported key electronic components to India for assembly. Now, Indian manufacturers are supplying components to China, signaling a shift in global supply chains. The exports include critical…

In a major shift in Asia’s billionaire rankings, Gautam Adani has overtaken Mukesh Ambani to become the richest person in Asia. According to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Adani’s net worth has risen to around $92.6 billion, slightly ahead of Ambani’s $90.8 billion, pushing him to the 19th position globally while Ambani follows at 20th. The shift comes after a sharp surge in Adani Group stocks, signaling a strong comeback after previous market volatility. The development highlights how quickly fortunes can change at the top of global wealth rankings. For years, Ambani had held the top spot in Asia, backed by the…