Author: News Desk
India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train has entered service, marking a major milestone in the country’s shift towards cleaner transportation. The train is powered by a 1,200-kilowatt hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system, which generates electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen. Its only direct by-products are water vapour and heat, making it a zero-emission alternative to conventional diesel-powered trains. The 10-car train has a passenger capacity of around 2,600 people and is designed to operate at a maximum approved speed of 75 kmph, with a design speed of up to 110 kmph. The train connects the Jind Junction, Gohana Junction and Sonipat sections…
India has achieved a major milestone in advanced power transmission technology with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) developing the country’s first homegrown 1200 kV ultra-high voltage transformer. The breakthrough strengthens India’s capabilities in the design and manufacture of equipment required for ultra-high-voltage power networks. The transformer is designed for 1200 kV Ultra High Voltage Alternating Current (UHVAC) transmission systems. Such high-voltage networks can help transmit large amounts of electricity over long distances, making them important for future power transmission infrastructure. BHEL’s achievement is significant because advanced 1200 kV transformer technology is highly specialised and available with only a limited number…
The future of flying cars will need more than advanced aircraft. It will also require a completely new power infrastructure. Hitachi Energy and Eve Air Mobility have signed an agreement to jointly develop the electrical systems needed to support Eve’s electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs. The partnership will focus on developing charging infrastructure and adapting existing electric vehicle charging technology for aircraft. The companies will also explore the power requirements needed to support future urban air mobility operations and charging facilities at vertiports. Eve, which is controlled by Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, is currently conducting flight tests…
India’s private space sector has achieved a historic milestone with the successful launch of Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1. The rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota as part of Mission Aagaman and successfully reached Low Earth Orbit. The mission marks a major breakthrough for India’s commercial space industry. Vikram-1 is the first privately developed orbital-class rocket from an Indian company to successfully reach space, demonstrating the growing capabilities of the country’s private spacetech ecosystem. The successful launch proves that Indian startups can independently design, develop and launch orbital-class rockets. It could also pave the way for future…
India has achieved a significant clean energy milestone by commissioning the country’s first and deepest geothermal wells in Ladakh’s Puga Valley, marking a major step toward harnessing geothermal energy for electricity generation. Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh V K Saxena inaugurated the two geothermal wells, each drilled to a depth of 1,000 metres at an altitude of over 14,000 feet. The project is being implemented by the ONGC Energy Centre and will support India’s first demonstration-scale 1 MW geothermal power project. Officials said the wells are crucial for evaluating geothermal reservoirs, planning the power plant and enabling future commercial development of…
India’s whole cardamom exports have recorded remarkable growth, with export earnings more than tripling over the past two years as global demand for the premium spice continues to rise. According to Commerce Ministry data, exports reached $436.8 million in 2025-26, compared with $201.2 million in 2024-25 and $131.9 million in 2023-24. Export volumes also increased significantly, rising to 16,399 tonnes in 2025-26 from 7,674 tonnes a year earlier and 7,083 tonnes in 2023-24. Strong Global Demand Officials attributed the sharp rise to growing international demand for premium-quality Indian cardamom, known for its distinctive aroma, purity and flavour. The United Arab Emirates remained India’s largest export destination, importing cardamom worth $135.22 million, followed by Saudi…
Kerala has taken a major step towards expanding its maritime industry with the formation of a joint venture between Malabar Cements Ltd and Artson Engineering Ltd, a Tata Projects Group company, to establish a shipbuilding unit at Cochin Port. Although details regarding the complete structure of the project and Tata’s investment plans are yet to be fully disclosed, government sources have confirmed that shipbuilding activities will become a reality in Kochi. According to an official statement, key approvals required for the project have already been secured. The Cochin Port Authority has provided the required land and preliminary development activities have begun.…
As global energy markets remain uncertain due to geopolitical tensions and rising fuel concerns, India is exploring unconventional ways to reduce dependence on imported oil. One such solution is gaining attention in Gujarat, where cattle waste is being converted into vehicle fuel. A bio-CNG station in Banaskantha, supported by Suzuki Motor Corp. and Banas Dairy, is producing compressed natural gas from methane extracted from cattle waste. The fuel is sold at around ₹80 per kg and is being used by hundreds of vehicles every day. The plant collects nearly 88 tonnes of cattle waste daily from 16 villages. Farmers supplying…
India’s efforts to expand the global presence of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile are gaining momentum, with the United Arab Emirates emerging as a potential future customer. The possible export move is expected to receive support from Russia, which jointly developed the missile programme with India. Since BrahMos Aerospace is a partnership between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, Moscow’s approval is required for exports to third countries. However, strategic, economic and diplomatic factors suggest that Russia is unlikely to oppose a potential UAE deal. A Successful India-Russia Defence Partnership The BrahMos programme, established in…
The Indian Navy will host a major multinational maritime security training exercise, Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi from July 20 to 23, bringing together personnel from around 25 countries. The four-day engagement is being conducted in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) under the Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), the CMF’s dedicated Training Task Force. Countries participating in the exercise include Australia, Canada, Japan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Djibouti, Seychelles, the United States and the United Kingdom. The exercise aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, improve interoperability between participating forces…