Author: News Desk

India is home to several mighty rivers that sustain millions of people and a diverse range of wildlife. Among these, one river is often called the “Amazon of India” because of its size, strength, and rich ecosystem. This river flows through forests, hills, and fertile plains, supporting agriculture, transportation, and countless species. Towns and cultures have developed along its banks for centuries, and its abundant waters create a vital natural environment. The river referred to as the “Amazon of India” is the Brahmaputra. It is one of Asia’s largest and most powerful rivers, carrying vast amounts of water across plains…

The Indian Navy is making a major move to modernise its helicopter fleet with the planned acquisition of 60 UH-M helicopters, a ship-adapted version of the proven Dhruv platform. This is one of the largest naval helicopter orders in recent years and represents a significant step in enhancing India’s maritime capabilities. The UH-M (Utility Helicopter – Maritime) has already begun flight trials, and the programme is advancing through the certification process. HAL aims to complete certification by 2027, with production starting in 2028. The Navy could see the first helicopters joining its squadrons by the end of the decade, gradually replacing older models and expanding rotary-wing capacity across ships and carriers. What makes the UH-M unique…

Amid ongoing tensions in Iran, concerns have risen over potential LPG supply disruptions in India. To safeguard domestic energy needs, the Centre has invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, giving it authority to prioritise critical users. Under this directive, Priority Sector I—which includes household Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transport—is guaranteed 100% of its average consumption over the past six months. This ensures that when gas is available in the national grid, household kitchen pipelines receive supply first, before industrial users like factories or power plants. LPG vs Piped GasThe key difference between Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Piped Natural…

R. Thyagarajan, founder of the Shriram Group, is one of India’s most unusual billionaires. Despite building a financial services empire valued at around ₹1.5 lakh crore, he lives an extremely simple life without a smartphone and drives a modest car worth about ₹6 lakh. Thyagarajan started his career in the insurance and finance sector before identifying a major gap in India’s lending system—many small entrepreneurs, truck drivers, and shop owners were unable to access loans from traditional banks. To address this, he co-founded Shriram Chits, which later grew into the massive Shriram Group. Today the group serves around 11 million customers through thousands of…

As India ramps up its focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum computing, universities are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s research and innovation ecosystem. Ajay Sood, in conversation with ETEducation, highlights how national missions, funding mechanisms under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), and programs connecting academia, industry, and startups are driving the next phase of India’s science and technology development. The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), through the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC), evaluates the state of various scientific fields, identifies challenges, and recommends mission-oriented strategies for…

New Delhi has installed India’s first microalgae-based PureAir Tower along the Aerocity highway corridor, introducing a biotechnology-driven approach to tackle urban air pollution. Positioned on a busy road median, the tower transforms conventional road infrastructure into an active air purification system. This pilot initiative targets vehicular emissions along one of the city’s busiest traffic corridors. How the Microalgae Air Tower WorksUnlike traditional smog towers that rely on mechanical filters, this system uses photosynthetic microalgae to absorb pollutants directly from the surrounding air. It captures carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter at street level. Through natural biological processes, these pollutants are converted…

Netflix announced the launch of Eyeline Studios in Hyderabad, expanding its global production and innovation footprint in India—a key market for the streaming giant’s growth. The 32,000-square-foot facility is the fifth global hub for Eyeline, joining locations in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Seoul, and London, and complements a smaller office in Mumbai. The Hyderabad studio represents a major long-term investment in India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) ecosystem. Netflix plans to integrate it fully into its global production network, contributing to high-end visual storytelling, virtual production, and next-generation production technologies. The office was inaugurated by Telangana Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy alongside senior…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commissioned the Haldia Bulk Terminal, formally dedicating the facility to the nation. Built to handle 4 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of dry bulk cargo, the terminal is a fully automated facility located on the Hooghly River and includes direct rail connectivity for cargo evacuation. The project marks an important upgrade for bulk cargo movement along India’s eastern maritime corridor, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce handling losses, and streamline logistics for industries dependent on imported raw materials. Automated Bulk Handling and Rail Connectivity According to Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and CEO of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, the terminal introduces…

Indian Railways has completed redevelopment at 180 out of 1,337 railway stations identified under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), Parliament was informed on 11 March. The scheme, launched as a long-term initiative, aims to modernise railway stations nationwide by enhancing passenger facilities, connectivity, and infrastructure. According to Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, redevelopment is ongoing across multiple states and railway zones. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme follows a phased approach based on master plans, which cover: The scheme also incorporates sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, ballastless tracks where required, phased development, and long-term creation of city-centre-like hubs at major stations. So far, 180 stations…

Meta, led by Mark Zuckerberg, is reportedly planning large-scale layoffs that could affect around 20% of its workforce, or nearly 16,000 employees, as the company invests heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure and prepares for efficiency gains from AI-assisted operations. Sources told Reuters that while plans have been communicated to senior leaders, no official date or final numbers have been confirmed. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone described the report as speculative. If implemented, this would be the largest reduction in staff at Meta since its “year of efficiency” restructuring in late 2022 and early 2023. Previously, Meta cut 11,000 employees in November…