Author: News Desk

Swiss pharmaceutical and biotech company Lonza is expanding its centralized services model, which currently covers finance, human resources, IT, and purchasing, to include additional functions such as quality control, supply chain, and marketing, the company confirmed to Keystone-ATS on Wednesday. The move is part of a broader restructuring initiative, with certain activities and roles gradually being transferred to lower-cost centers, including some positions currently based in Visp. Lonza did not provide exact figures, but both the Unia trade union and canton Valais indicated that around 40 employees are expected to relocate. Employees affected by the restructuring are on individual contracts…

Israel-based AI robotics and software company XTEND, which also has a major production facility in Florida, has announced an $11 million agreement with India’s defence technology firm Rayonix Tech to manufacture and distribute unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in India. The deal aims to expand XTEND’s AI-enabled autonomy platform, XOS, into the Indian market. Under the agreement, Rayonix will develop local manufacturing, testing, and distribution capabilities for UAV systems powered by XTEND’s XOS operating system. The collaboration includes technology transfer and operational support programs. Notably, XTEND supplied 5,000 assault drones to the Israeli army last year. XTEND’s XOS will act as…

India is steadily moving toward becoming a global exporter of fully built warships, though senior naval officials emphasize that domestic needs will remain the top priority. Vice Admiral B Sivakumar told Republic World that while India has the capability and flexibility to supply warships abroad, such initiatives will take time as the Navy focuses on expanding its own fleet. The Indian Navy is pursuing an ambitious modernization plan aimed at achieving a 200-ship force structure, considered crucial for securing India’s maritime interests across the Indian Ocean Region. This expansion responds to shifting regional security dynamics, including heightened naval activity by…

The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHRA) has announced a statewide closure on March 23 in response to a severe shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, which is disrupting regular operations across the hospitality sector. In addition to the shutdown, KHRA members plan to hold a protest march to the oil companies’ bottling units in Kochi on Thursday. The association has urged the state government to designate the hospitality industry as an essential service. Such a classification would require authorities to ensure a steady supply of LPG cylinders, shielding hotels and restaurants from sudden market shortages and supply chain disruptions. “The…

Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia and a global energy crunch, Saudi Arabia is turning to an Indian space start-up for satellite imagery. Bengaluru-based, Google-backed Pixxel, which operates the Firefly constellation of 18 hyperspectral satellites, will supply specialized satellite data to Saudi Arabia’s national platform, UP42. Instead of purchasing data individually, Saudi agencies can now access Pixxel’s imagery directly through the platform. A press release from Pixxel noted that “integrating hyperspectral capabilities into NSG UP42 strengthens Saudi Arabia’s geospatial infrastructure by providing government entities, regulators, and enterprises with deeper environmental and surface intelligence through a unified, sovereign platform.” Unlike conventional…

Hong Kong-based satellite operator AsiaSat has issued notices to the Indian government and its local customers, including broadcasters like JioStar and Zee, alleging breaches of existing contracts, according to sources familiar with the matter. The action comes after India’s space regulator, IN‑SPACe, decided not to allow AsiaSat and other Chinese-owned satellite operators to continue providing services in the country beyond March 31, citing national security concerns. One source, who requested anonymity, said AsiaSat sent a “trigger notice” under a bilateral investment treaty to the government, including the Department of Space, citing contract violations. A trigger notice is an official warning…

A strong first-year performance at the Port of Colombo highlights the growing global presence of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), while also pointing to the rising importance of the Indian Ocean Region in global trade and the blue economy. The Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), which began operations in April 2025, has crossed one million TEUs within its first year. This marks the fastest ramp-up ever recorded at the Port of Colombo and places CWIT among a limited group of global terminals to achieve this scale so quickly. CWIT is a joint venture between APSEZ, John Keells…

Indian Space Research Organisation has rolled out new applications to promote tourism and digitally monitor heritage sites across the country. The apps—Bharat Darshan and KASTURI—are part of ISRO’s Bhuvan platform and were launched during the User Interaction Meet 2026 in Hyderabad. Bharat Darshan provides detailed information on 42 UNESCO-listed heritage sites, while KASTURI focuses on cultural and archaeological landscapes, currently covering around 20 locations. These apps use satellite data, GPS coordinates, and geospatial mapping to allow users to explore sites virtually while also enabling authorities to monitor and protect them. Officials say this is the first initiative to bring all major heritage sites onto a single digital platform, improving both tourism…

Indian Railways has saved around ₹6,000 crore by shifting from diesel to electric traction, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha. The move is part of a broader push towards rail electrification, which has helped reduce fuel costs and improve operational efficiency across the network. Vaishnaw also highlighted that energy is the second-largest expense for the Railways after staff costs, making electrification a key strategy for long-term savings. India has rapidly expanded its electrified rail network, with tens of thousands of kilometres covered in recent years, reducing dependence on diesel locomotives. The minister noted that diesel engines will gradually be phased out, as electric locomotives become…

Varun Beverages has announced the acquisition of a 100% stake in South Africa-based Crickley Dairy for an enterprise value of around ₹131 crore. The deal will be executed through its South African subsidiary, The Beverage Company (Bevco), and is subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from South Africa’s competition authorities. This acquisition marks Varun Beverages’ entry into the value-added dairy and juice-based drinks segment, as the company looks to diversify beyond its core beverage portfolio. The move also strengthens the company’s international presence, particularly in the African market, where it is expanding operations and product offerings. Crickley Dairy’s full acquisition will give Varun Beverages complete operational control,…