Author: News Desk
IIT Madras-incubated startup Waterfly Technologies is preparing for the first ocean trial of its electric-powered flying boat, Hummingbird, by December 2026. The planned trial between Chennai and Puducherry will test the craft’s performance in real marine conditions as the company works towards commercialising its technology for cargo transportation. How the E-Flying Boat Works Hummingbird uses Wing-in-Ground (WIG) technology, allowing the craft to travel close to the water’s surface by using an aerodynamic effect known as ground effect. This can reduce drag and improve aerodynamic efficiency compared with conventional flight. The upcoming ocean trial will use a 300-kg craft that has…
The Chenab Railway Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir is set to become a new tourist attraction, with a dedicated viewing deck and an engineering museum being developed near the structure. The facilities will allow visitors to appreciate the bridge’s scale, the surrounding Himalayan landscape and the engineering achievements behind its construction. A Viewing Deck Above the Chenab River Located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, the Chenab Railway Bridge stands 359 metres above the riverbed. The 1,315-metre-long structure is recognised as the world’s highest railway arch bridge, with a main steel arch spanning 467 metres. The planned viewing deck will…
The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) has partnered with Japan’s Mie University to expand academic and research collaboration between India and Japan, focusing on semiconductors, digital technologies and talent development. The institutions signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) at IIT Hyderabad on September 15, 2026. The agreements establish a framework for academic cooperation, student exchanges and joint research initiatives. The partnership was announced publicly on October 13. Student and Faculty Exchanges in Focus The agreements provide for exchanges involving students, faculty and staff, along with the sharing of academic information, joint research, lectures, symposia and other mutually agreed activities.…
Elon Musk’s satellite internet service Starlink is still waiting to begin commercial operations in India, despite years of preparation, key regulatory approvals and partnerships with major Indian telecom operators. The delay highlights the challenges of balancing satellite connectivity, national security requirements and competition in one of the world’s largest internet markets. Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has obtained a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence from the Department of Telecommunications and authorisation from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). It has also signed distribution agreements with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. However, these approvals do not…
Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani has proposed using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate examination question papers shortly before tests begin, as part of efforts to prevent leaks in high-stakes examinations such as the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG). Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum 2026 in New Delhi on October 13, Nilekani said conventional question papers create an incentive for people to obtain and sell them in advance. He suggested that a large, secure question bank could be used to generate a fresh paper at the last minute, reducing the risk of advance access and leaks. AI and Large Question Banks…
Around nine out of every 10 new aircraft delivered in India over the next decade are expected to be powered by engines manufactured by GE Aerospace or its joint venture partner, highlighting the company’s growing role in the country’s expanding aviation sector. Vikram Rai, CEO of GE Aerospace South Asia, said more than 1,400 GE engines are currently operating in Indian commercial aircraft. The company expects to deliver more than 3,400 additional engines over the next nine to 10 years as airlines expand their fleets to meet rising passenger demand. GE Plans to Expand India’s Supply Chain GE Aerospace spent…
Adani Enterprises, the flagship company of the Adani Group, and US-based engineering and manufacturing company Jabil have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a proposed 50:50 joint venture for manufacturing and assembling artificial intelligence (AI) and data centre equipment in India. Announced on October 13, 2026, the proposed partnership aims to build a large-scale AI infrastructure manufacturing platform to serve India’s growing demand for computing capacity and support exports to international markets. The agreement builds on the companies’ June 2026 announcement of plans to develop an AI and data centre manufacturing ecosystem in India. AI Racks, Servers…
Southern Railway has announced special train services from Kerala ahead of the Navaratri festival to accommodate increased passenger demand and ease congestion on regular trains. The services will connect Thiruvananthapuram North with Santragachi in West Bengal and Bengaluru, offering additional travel options during the festive period. According to the railway announcement, train number 06105, the Thiruvananthapuram North–Santragachi Special, will depart from Thiruvananthapuram North at 2.15 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026. It is scheduled to reach Santragachi at 1.45 p.m. on Saturday, October 17. The return service, train number 06106, will leave Santragachi at 2.15 p.m. on Sunday, October 18,…
IndiGo has signed a $328 million financing agreement with global banking major Citi to fund the purchase of eight Airbus aircraft, strengthening its fleet expansion plans. The transaction, backed by credit insurance from Belgian export credit agency Credendo, marks a milestone for India’s aviation financing sector and the aircraft leasing ecosystem at GIFT City. The financing covers six Airbus A321 aircraft and two A320 aircraft. Citi acted as the sole mandated arranger, export credit agency coordinator and lender, while Credendo provided credit insurance to support the transaction. The deal was executed through IndiGo’s subsidiary, InterGlobe Aviation Financial Services IFSC Private…
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit India from October 17 to 22, as New Delhi and Washington continue efforts to advance their strategic partnership and resolve differences over a proposed bilateral trade agreement. According to the US Department of State, Rubio will meet senior Indian government officials to discuss bilateral relations, regional and global developments, and opportunities for expanded energy cooperation. He will also engage with business leaders to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic ties. His itinerary includes Mumbai and Jamnagar in Gujarat. The visit comes as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed cautious…