Author: News Desk

Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR), one of the country’s leading rating agencies, has assigned long-term foreign currency credit ratings with a stable outlook to three Adani Group companies—Adani Ports & SEZ (APSEZ), Adani Green Energy Ltd. (AGEL), and Adani Energy Solutions Ltd. (AESL). APSEZ received an A- (Stable) rating, surpassing India’s sovereign threshold, while AGEL and AESL were rated BBB+ (Stable), in line with India’s sovereign rating. JCR highlighted APSEZ’s strong credit profile, diversified asset base, and resilient cash-flow generation, noting its leadership among Indian infrastructure companies with an above-sovereign rating. The rating reflects APSEZ’s operations across 15 domestic and…

Fresh scientific evidence has brought much-needed clarity to the high-profile Sabarimala gold theft case. Experts have confirmed that the sanctum door panels were never replaced and that the crime involved stripping gold from copper-plated sheets, not the removal of solid gold fixtures. The findings were submitted to the Special Investigation Team and presented before the Kerala High Court on Wednesday. They dismiss theories that the sanctum fixtures were swapped out or trafficked through international smuggling networks. Scientists from ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, who carried out detailed material testing, stated that the panels currently installed are the original copper sheets.…

With India’s 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal potentially reaching $50 billion, the Rafale is the clear frontrunner. However, New Delhi must look beyond traditional “Make in India” assembly. For a deal of this magnitude, India holds the leverage to demand a two-way street: France should begin procuring Indian-made defense systems for its own military. For decades, the Indo-French defense relationship has been a one-way flow of high-value acquisitions. As the scale of investment hits unprecedented levels, India should mandate that France integrate indigenous hardware, such as the Astra BVR missiles, Pinaka rocket systems, or Indian loitering munitions, into the French Armed Forces or…

Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu has expressed confidence that the strategic collaboration between the Adani Group and Brazilian aerospace major Embraer will deliver significant growth within two years. The partnership aims to establish a final assembly line for regional transport aircraft in India, marking a major step toward strengthening the country’s aviation manufacturing ecosystem. Speaking at the Wings India 2026 aviation summit in Hyderabad, the minister highlighted India’s strong bilateral ties with Brazil and indicated that upcoming high-level discussions, including a visit by Brazil’s president could help set specific timelines for implementation. The collaboration reflects India’s broader push to develop a robust aviation supply chain and boost domestic…

Amazon has announced a new round of layoffs affecting roughly 16,000 corporate jobs worldwide as part of an ongoing organisational restructuring aimed at reducing layers, increasing ownership and streamlining decision-making. In a blog post, Amazon’s Senior Vice-President of People Experience and Technology, Beth Galetti, said most US-based employees impacted by the cuts will be offered a 90-day period to seek other positions within the company, with timelines tailored to local requirements in other countries. Those who do not secure internal roles or choose not to pursue one will be provided with transition support, including severance pay, outplacement services and health insurance benefits where applicable. The latest layoffs…

The Fort Kochi–Vypeen Ro-Ro ferry service in Kochi is facing an uncertain future as ongoing financial losses, operational challenges and safety concerns mount, prompting the Kochi Corporation to reconsider its agreement with operator Kerala Shipping & Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd (KSINC). A recent audit highlighted persistent deficits, high maintenance costs, including expensive annual dry-docking and discrepancies in revenue reports that have burdened the civic body with large subsidies. With one of the two vessels scheduled for dry dock soon and a third ordered boat still facing delivery delays, service capacity could be halved. Service issues have also affected passengers, with uneven operating hours contributing to overcrowding on remaining runs.…

Finance Minister K N Balagopal presented the Kerala State Budget in the Legislative Assembly, projecting a revenue increase of ₹45,889.49 crore. The budget places strong emphasis on infrastructure development, social welfare, education, transport, and employment generation. One of the major announcements is the proposal for a high-speed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, to be implemented in four phases on the model of the Delhi–Meerut RRTS. An allocation of ₹100 crore has been made for preliminary works. The project will be executed in four segments: Thiruvananthapuram–Thrissur, Thrissur–Kozhikode, Kozhikode–Kannur, and Kannur–Kasaragod. The Union Ministry of Housing and…

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced plans to begin commercial manufacturing of the SJ-100 regional aircraft in India within the next three years, signalling a major expansion into civil aviation beyond its traditional defence portfolio. Speaking at Wings India 2026, HAL Chairman and Managing Director D.K. Sunil said the move could help Indian airlines navigate global supply chain delays that have slowed deliveries from major aircraft manufacturers. HAL showcased the SuperJet 100 (SJ-100) aircraft at the event, a twin-engine regional jet suited for routes up to 3,000 km with about 100 seats, positioning it as a potential game-changer for short and medium-haul connectivity in India. Under this strategy, HAL expects to lease up…

Kerala Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal, while presenting the Kerala Budget 2026–27, alleged that beyond manipulating votes, the central government is effectively “stealing” state funds. He criticized the Centre for disregarding Kerala despite the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) praise of the state’s financial management. Balagopal highlighted that at the very end of the financial year—traditionally the period of highest expenditure—the Centre cut ₹5,944 crore from Kerala’s approved borrowing limit, describing it as a “double blow” to the state. He stated that his budget speech was a way to formally protest this severe financial neglect on behalf of the people of…

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured a significant international infrastructure order worth around ₹10,000 crore for a metro rail project in Saudi Arabia, marking another milestone in its global expansion journey. The contract has been awarded by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City as part of the ongoing development and expansion of the Riyadh Metro, a flagship project under the kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative. The scope of work includes engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of metro corridors comprising both elevated and underground stretches, as well as the construction of modern stations equipped with advanced transit systems. The project will be executed by L&T’s Heavy Civil Infrastructure division, highlighting…