Rs 16,000-crore Vizhinjam Port expansion to raise annual capacity to 5.7 million TEUs, create 5,000 jobs

IANS | August 18, 2026 2:02 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 18 (IANS) As Vizhinjam International Seaport commences full-fledged Export-Import (EXIM) operations, the Rs 16,000-crore Phase 2 expansion will raise annual capacity to 5.7 million TEUs ( twenty-foot equivalent units), add 1,200 metres of container berth and bring permanent rail connectivity, enhanced road connectivity, logistics parks, warehousing and other supporting infrastructure, it was announced here on Tuesday.

Tarapith fire: Bengal cops nab main owner of Birbhum hotel

IANS | August 18, 2026 1:32 PM

Kolkata, Aug 18 (IANS) The cops of Birbhum District Police in West Bengal, on Tuesday afternoon finally arrested Tapas Paul alias Probir, the main owner of Hotel Bideshini, where a major fire broke out on Monday morning killing nine people so far.

Govt notifies 405 key defence items worth Rs 3,070 crore for indigenous manufacturing

IANS | August 18, 2026 1:24 PM

New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) The Department of Defence Production has notified the sixth 'Positive Indigenisation List' comprising 405 strategically important items with an estimated business potential of Rs 3,070 crore, aimed at strengthening local manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports, according to a statement issued by the Defence Ministry on Tuesday.

Vizhinjam Port opens India’s new maritime gateway: CM Satheesan

IANS | August 18, 2026 1:14 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 18 (IANS) Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious maritime vision for Kerala, declaring that the commencement of full-fledged EXIM operations at Vizhinjam International Seaport marks the opening of the country’s new maritime gateway through this port, which will transform Kerala into a port city through 'Mission Samudra'.

RJD to hold 'Lok Bhawan March' in Patna over students' issues, Siwan firing; posters appear in Patna

IANS | August 18, 2026 12:03 PM

Patna, Aug 18 (IANS) The political temperature in Bihar has risen amid growing concerns among students and young people over paper leaks, unemployment, recruitment irregularities and the education system. The controversy surrounding the use of an AK-47 by a cop during a student protest in Siwan has now emerged as a major flashpoint between the RJD and the Bihar government.