Author: News Desk
The Kerala government has announced a 5% increase in wages for contract and daily wage workers as part of its 2026–27 state budget, Finance Minister K N Balagopal said on Wednesday. The raise aims to enhance the earnings and living standards of informal sector workers, who make up a large segment of the state’s workforce. The budget also includes targeted increases for other groups, such as a ₹500 monthly bump for ayahs in pre-primary schools and a ₹1,000 wage increase for SC/ST promoters. Additionally, funds have been allocated for healthcare needs, including ₹30 crore for medicines for spinal muscular atrophy patients, and infrastructure projects like an international yoga research centre in Kannur.…
The Kerala government has announced plans to formally urge the Union government to fast-track approvals for the long-pending Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road (ORR) project, aiming to speed up environmental clearances and related sanctions needed for its execution. The Outer Ring Road, designated National Highway 866, is envisaged as a major infrastructure link connecting Vizhinjam International Seaport with the broader national highway network, facilitating smoother cargo movement, decongesting city traffic and strengthening regional logistics. Delays in green clearances, particularly for the northern stretch of the road, have hindered land acquisition progress and stalled compensation to affected landowners, slowing overall project momentum. State officials have highlighted that timely clearance is essential not just for compensation disbursements…
Russia has signalled a major step in defence cooperation by offering India unrestricted technology transfer and production collaboration for the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter and the SU-57 MKI heavy unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) package. Senior officials from Russia’s defence export agency and United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) outlined proposals that would allow India to receive Su-57 aircraft produced in Russia, followed by a phased shift to licensed local production at Indian aerospace facilities such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The transfer offer reportedly covers a broad range of advanced technologies, including engines, AESA radar, optics, low signature systems, artificial intelligence elements and modern weapons integration, with flexibility to integrate Indian-made…
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has deactivated over 2.5 crore Aadhaar numbers belonging to deceased persons as part of a nationwide effort to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the Aadhaar database, officials said. Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada told Parliament that the move is essential to prevent identity theft, fraud and unauthorised use of Aadhaar numbers after a person’s death. Active Aadhaar numbers of individuals who have passed away could otherwise be exploited for illicit transactions or to improperly claim welfare benefits, the government said. The cleanup is part of ongoing database sanitisation measures, including regular updates using civil registration system data and improved…
Airbus is on track to deliver the first C295 tactical transport aircraft assembled at its final assembly line in Vadodara, Gujarat during the second half of 2026, a major milestone for India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing sector. The aircraft is part of a 56-aircraft order placed by the Indian Air Force (IAF) under a ₹21,935 crore contract signed in 2021 to replace its ageing Avro fleet and boost airlift capability. The first 16 C295s were delivered in “fly-away” condition from Airbus’s facility in Seville, Spain, but the remaining 40 aircraft will be made and assembled in India at the new Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)–Airbus final assembly line inaugurated in Vadodara in October 2024 as part…
Quick-service restaurant giant Devyani International is consolidating its position in India’s fast-growing food services sector by acquiring the remaining stake in Sky Gate Hospitality, the operator of popular brands like ‘Biriyani By Kilo’ and ‘Goila Butter Chicken,’ in a deal valued at around ₹57.5 crore. The company’s board approved the purchase of an additional 11.4% stake from Sky Gate’s promoters and founders, giving Devyani full ownership. The transaction will be executed through a combination of cash and non-convertible redeemable preference shares, according to a regulatory filing. Following the announcement of strong Q3 results, Devyani shares rose nearly 10% to ₹125.88…
The success of the Kochi Water Metro has drawn the attention of Karnataka authorities, who are considering a similar system along the state’s coastal regions. A delegation from the Coastal Development Authority (CDA), led by chairman M. A. Gafoor and including secretary Pradeep D’Souza and other officials, visited Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) to study the operations and explore the feasibility of implementing a water metro in Karnataka. During the visit, the team examined key operational and technical aspects of the Kochi system, including floating jetties, vessel operations, shipbuilding yards, and water-level management. They noted that the Kochi Water Metro…
Vizhinjam International Seaport has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing container transshipment hubs, setting multiple operational benchmarks in January 2026. Developed and operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) under a PPP with the Government of Kerala, the port recorded its highest-ever monthly throughput of 123,092 TEUs. It also handled a record 62 vessels in a single month and achieved a peak Gross Crane Rate of 30.12 moves per hour, underscoring sharp gains in productivity within just over a year of commercial operations. The port’s rapid rise is reflected in its global standing. Vizhinjam now ranks 83rd…
Actor-turned-entrepreneur Vivek Oberoi has approached the Delhi High Court seeking legal protection for his personality rights to prevent the widespread misuse of his identity on digital platforms. The petition, filed through advocates Sana Raees Khan and Pranay Chitale, asks the court to restrain multiple defendants, including unidentified parties listed as John Doe, from exploiting or misappropriating elements unique to Oberoi. This includes his name, image, voice, and other identifiable aspects of his persona without his consent. Oberoi has also requested the removal of postcards, posters, videos, and social media content that allegedly violate his rights. The suit claims that individuals…
Kochi Airport is set to expand beyond traditional airport operations with the launch of a 36-acre Aero Park on February 9, which will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Designed as an integrated aviation ecosystem, the Aero Park combines aircraft hangars, parking bays, training facilities, technical service units, and business infrastructure within a single campus. CIAL Managing Director S. Suhas described it as a flagship project that will generate large-scale employment, boost tax revenue, and build future-ready capabilities for India’s growing aviation sector. The project’s first phase includes six initiatives with a total investment of ₹101 crore. A major…