IG Drones, an Indian drone technology company, has won a contract to survey the construction progress of India’s first Personal Rapid Transit system metro corridor in Uttarakhand using drones. Its UAVs equipped with high-resolution cameras and other sensors will conduct aerial mapping of the project considered India’s first “Neo Metro.” The drones’ data analytics capabilities will enable tracking the building progress in real-time. Companies like IG Drones are playing an increasing role in efficient monitoring of large infrastructure projects, reducing costs and delays.

The elite unit of the Indian Navy involved in the successful rescue of 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from the Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lila Norfolk was the MARCOS (Marine Commandos). This rapid response operation was initiated following an attempted hijacking in the North Arabian Sea. The operation showcased the Indian Navy’s capability and readiness to handle maritime security threats, employing various assets including a warship, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, P-8I aircraft, and Predator MQ9B drones. The sanitization operation carried out by the MARCOS commandos confirmed the absence of hijackers on the vessel, thereby ensuring the safety and security of the crew onboard. The MARCOS unit is known for its expertise in maritime operations and plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests.

Arunachal Pradesh has successfully implemented the indigenous road construction technology “REJUPAVE,” developed by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), Ministry of Science and Technology. This technology has been specifically designed to construct high altitude bituminous roads in low and sub-zero temperature conditions, a scenario prevalent in the region, especially near the Indo-China border. The use of REJUPAVE is particularly significant for the Border Roads Organization (BRO) in their project VARTAK, as it addresses the challenges of building and maintaining durable roads in harsh and cold environments. The technology has proved its efficacy in constructing bituminous road sections at the World’s Highest Sela Road Tunnel and the LGG-Damteng-Yangste (LDY Road) road section, showcasing India’s innovative capabilities in road construction under extreme conditions.

In 2023, Mumbai became the global leader in the total number of IPOs, according to a Nikkei report. This achievement was underscored by the rise of over 10% in India’s benchmark Sensex index, reflecting growing investor confidence bolstered by economic reforms. Mumbai’s ascendancy in the IPO market marked a significant shift, overtaking Hong Kong, which had previously dominated this area. This development was part of a broader divergence in Asian markets, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 index reaching a 33-year high, while Hong Kong experienced its fourth consecutive year of decline.