Author: News Desk
E. Sreedharan presented the revised plan for a high-speed rail corridor in Kerala at a press conference in Ponnani. The updated alignment now includes Pathanamthitta district and will feature 20 stations along a 465 km route. A dedicated team has been formed to push detailed planning and advance project implementation, with the aim of improving connectivity across the state. Route and Stations The corridor is planned to start at Thiruvananthapuram Central, passing through Thiruvananthapuram Airport via a tunnel, Varkala, Kollam, Kottarakkara, Pathanamthitta, Thiruvalla, Kottayam, Vaikom, Ernakulam, Nedumbassery, Thrissur, Pattambi, Malappuram, Karipur, Kozhikode, Koyilandy, Vadakara, Thalassery, and ending at Kannur. Stations…
Qatar stopped its liquefied natural gas (LNG) production on Monday after Iranian attacks on Gulf countries, following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran. The precautionary shutdown affected Qatar’s Ras Laffan complex, a key hub that accounts for about 20% of global LNG supply, crucial for both Asian and European markets. Ripple Effects Across the Middle East The unrest has forced multiple shutdowns: Saudi Arabia’s largest domestic refinery was temporarily closed after a drone strike, most oil production in Iraqi Kurdistan halted, and several Israeli gas fields suspended operations, affecting exports to Egypt. QatarEnergy, whose clients are largely in Asia, prepared…
After days of anxiety and waiting, flight services from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to India restarted on Monday night, bringing huge relief to thousands of stranded Indians. Routes to Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru were among the first to operate after the suspension. Relief and Emotion at the Airports Airports witnessed scenes of happiness as passengers finally boarded flights home. On an Emirates service from Dubai to Bengaluru, a cabin crew member welcomed travellers with a simple but heartfelt message, calling it the first flight to take off after the disruption. For many on board, it was more than just an…
Fashion luminary Sabyasachi Mukherjee, known globally for his richly detailed couture and deep roots in Indian aesthetics, has opened a window into his grand Kolkata residence, sprawling over 7,250 square feet. The home’s interior celebrates maximalist décor, featuring dramatic crystal chandeliers, layered textiles, custom furniture and a thoughtful mix of antique and contemporary art. Unlike minimalistic modern spaces, Sabyasachi’s home embraces layers, patterns, colour and craft, mirroring the designer’s own ethos of heritage-infused luxury. The residence features bespoke seating areas, richly upholstered furnishings, curated art collections and ornamental lighting that brings theatrical warmth to every room. Each space feels like a carefully staged tableau,…
Rana Daggubati, the acclaimed actor known for his work in Telugu cinema and pan-India films like the Baahubali series, has built a multifaceted career that extends well beyond acting, and so has his net worth in 2026. He has built a diversified financial portfolio that extends well beyond his film career. As of 2026, his net worth reflects earnings from cinema, production ventures, startup investments and long-term brand associations. Apart from commanding strong remuneration for Telugu and pan-India films, Rana plays a key role in production and studio ventures linked to Suresh Productions, one of Telugu cinema’s most established banners, and is associated with the…
Kerala is set to begin construction on its first battery energy storage project, a 125 MW/500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), near the 220 kV substation at Mylatti in Kasaragod this Saturday. Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty will officially mark the start of work on the project, which is being implemented by Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) with support from the Solar Energy Corporation of India and central government viability gap funding of ₹135 crore. The new facility will enable large-scale storage of solar and other low-cost power during off-peak daytime hours, making it available for up to four hours during peak evening demand. This aims to reduce reliance on costly power purchases and…
The ongoing West Asia crisis has triggered widespread uncertainty across the tourism and travel sectors in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and other regional partners, posing challenges for international visitors and global events. Countries that were key hubs for travel and hospitality, especially the UAE, a major destination for leisure and business tourism, are now facing cancellations, delays and confusion among tourists and eventgoers due to heightened geopolitical tensions and related safety concerns. The crisis has disrupted flight schedules and hotel bookings, while tourists with non-refundable plans and tickets find themselves in limbo. Some travelers are left uncertain about whether they can attend scheduled events or…
The Delhi High Court has granted permission for a forensic inspection of the will of Sanjay Kapur, a key legal development in the ongoing family dispute over the late actor’s estate. The inspection aims to examine the authenticity and contents of the will as part of efforts to resolve disagreements among family members regarding inheritance and property distribution. The court also clarified that actresses Karisma Kapoor and Rani Kapur are at liberty to continue with legal proceedings related to the estate case even in the absence of Priya Kapur, another family member involved in the matter. This decision allows the sisters to pursue their legal rights while the forensic audit…
Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has called on the Film Federation of India (FFI) to endorse and support the creation of a dedicated investment fund aimed at strengthening film financing in the Indian entertainment industry. Yadav said that an organised fund could help address persistent challenges around budgeting, cash flow and distribution, making it easier for filmmakers and producers, especially those working on mid-budget and content-driven projects, to secure stable financial backing. Highlighting the need for sustainable funding mechanisms, Yadav emphasised that a structured investment vehicle could attract both domestic and institutional investors, bringing more transparency and professional capital into Bollywood’s financial ecosystem. With escalating production costs and…
The reported death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for nearly 37 years as its Supreme Leader, has left the country at a critical political crossroads with far-reaching implications for both domestic governance and regional stability. As the ultimate authority in Iran’s theocratic system, Khamenei’s loss creates a leadership vacuum that Tehran must now fill under constitutional provisions. In the immediate term, a temporary leadership council comprising key figures including President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and Guardian Council cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has assumed authority to govern until the Assembly of Experts selects a new Supreme Leader. The transition is unfolding amid escalating conflict with the United States and Israel, intensifying geopolitical pressure…