Author: News Desk

Indian exports are navigating challenges following the 50% tariffs imposed by the United States under President Donald Trump. These tariffs affected over 60% of India’s exports to the US, including textiles, gems and jewellery, marine products, and leather goods. Pharmaceuticals and electronics were comparatively less impacted. Exports to the US fell sharply by 37.5%, dropping from USD 8.8 billion in May 2025 to USD 5.5 billion in September 2025, marking the steepest decline of the year, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). Market Diversification Softens Impact Despite these setbacks, India is successfully diversifying its export markets, turning trade barriers into opportunities. Exports grew 6.7% YoY in…

Business tycoon Anand Mahindra praised the serene charm of a village in Palakkad, Kerala, calling it “the perfect escape” from modern life. Sharing a video on X (formerly Twitter), he highlighted the simple rhythms of rural life and the beauty of authentic travel experiences. Finding Joy in Simplicity The video, originally posted by user @iAkankshaP to show a “South Indian Village Morning,” features lush greenery, traditional homes, and villagers starting their day. Mahindra commented, “It’s not a tourist destination, nor is it trying to be. At its best, travel awakens us to moments that are authentic, experiences that endure in our memories.” Reflecting…

The Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCI) marked a milestone today with the launch of its newest vessel, Dredge Godavari, at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). A Global First in Dredging DCI says the Godavari is the first-ever 12,000 m³ Beagle Series dredger constructed anywhere in the world, setting a new benchmark for the global dredging industry. Next-Generation Technology “The vessel has been designed with advanced engineering and modern technology, representing the next generation of dredgers,” DCI stated. “It delivers unmatched efficiency, precision, and environmental sustainability.” Collaboration and Expertise Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited in partnership with international design and technology experts, the Godavari features highly efficient dredging mechanisms, advanced…

As part of its clean energy goals, the Delhi government is intensifying efforts to expand rooftop solar installations across village areas under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The initiative aims to use the vast roof space in rural Delhi to boost renewable energy generation. Women Lead Awareness Effort Through ‘Solar Sakhi’ Campaign In support of this drive, Tata Power has rolled out the Solar Sakhi campaign in north Delhi, training about 100 women as community educators. These “Solar Sakhis” visit villages, explain the benefits of solar energy, and help residents access government subsidies. BSES is running similar outreach programmes across its own service areas. Subsidies…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent Diwali on Monday with Indian Navy personnel aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, stationed off the Goa coast. This marks the tenth consecutive year he has celebrated the festival with members of India’s armed forces, a tradition he began during his first term as Prime Minister. During his address, Modi praised the capabilities of INS Vikrant, remarking that the ship’s name alone was enough to give Pakistan “sleepless nights.” The visit comes months after Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. India’s First Home-Built Aircraft Carrier Commissioned…

The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday signed a contract worth Rs 659.47 crore with a consortium of M/s MKU Ltd and M/s Medbit Technologies Pvt Ltd to procure night sights (image intensifiers) and accessories for 7.62 x 51mm assault rifles for the Indian Army. Enhancing Night Combat Capability The night sights will allow soldiers to fully utilise the longer effective range of the SIG 716 Assault Rifle. These systems can engage targets up to 500 metres even under starlight, providing a significant improvement over existing passive night sights. Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing The procurement includes more than 51 per…

Indian tourists traveling to Japan will soon be able to make payments using Unified Payments Interface (UPI) apps such as PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay. This is part of a new collaboration between NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL) and NTT DATA Japan, aimed at making digital payments seamless for Indian travelers abroad. With this initiative, select merchants in Japan will accept UPI QR code payments, eliminating the need for cash or foreign cards. The move is expected to enhance convenience for Indian visitors, allowing them to shop, dine, and pay for services directly using their familiar UPI apps. Officials from NIPL stated that this partnership is a significant step toward internationalizing UPI and expanding its adoption outside India. The rollout will initially cover key tourist hubs and popular destinations, making…

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has unveiled a new “Business Class” bus service designed to bring luxury air-travel style comfort to road journeys. As announced by Transport Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar, the service will operate on the Thiruvananthapuram–Kochi corridor and complete the trip in just 3½ to 4 hours once the six-lane national highway is completed. Each bus will accommodate 25 passengers, with each traveller getting access to a personal TV screen, charging port, Wi-Fi connectivity, and seats imported to match airline-business-class standards. An onboard hostess, alongside the driver, will attend to passengers throughout the journey. The bus fleet is part of Kerala’s wider push to upgrade…

In a refreshing upgrade for rail travellers, the menu on Kerala-based Vande Bharat Express trains has been revamped to include a wide array of regional delicacies. The change follows the termination of a previous catering contract over quality concerns; the new menu is being rolled out by caterers onboard trains like the Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru Central and Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod services. Passengers will now find local dishes such as Thalassery veg biryani, Varutharacha chicken curry, Kerala-style chicken roast, Nadan kozhi curry, and snacks like sharkara upperi, unniyappam, garam pakoda, and ullivada. These additions are aimed at providing a taste of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage. Breakfast options remain familiar, with idlis, appams, idiyappam and upma, along with kadala curry, egg…

On the eve of Diwali, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 300 mark, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-2). This stage imposes restrictions on the use of diesel generator (DG) sets across the National Capital Region (NCR) and prohibits the entry of interstate buses into Delhi unless they are powered by electricity, compressed natural gas (CNG), or BS-VI compliant diesel engines. Experts anticipate that the air quality may further decline to ‘severe’ levels…