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BISAG-N Recruiting 100 Young Professionals in IT and AI; Apply by October 17

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BISAG-N Recruiting 100 Young Professionals in IT and AI; Apply by October 17

Gandhinagar: The Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, has invited applications for 100 Young Professional positions. This recruitment drive offers a significant opportunity for young tech graduates and postgraduates to work on cutting-edge projects in fields like AI, Data Science, and Geo-informatics.

The positions are offered on a contractual basis, initially for a one-year period, which can be extended up to a maximum of four years based on performance and project requirements. The deadline to submit online applications is October 17, 2025.

Vacancy Details and Eligibility

The recruitment is for two levels of Young Professional roles, differentiated by qualification and remuneration.

1. Young Professional-I (90 Vacancies)

  • Salary: ₹30,000 per month
  • Age Limit: 22 – 26 years
  • Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a B.E./B.Tech degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, or Data Science with a minimum of 60% marks.

2. Young Professional-II (10 Vacancies)

  • Salary: ₹42,000 per month
  • Age Limit: 22 – 26 years
  • Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess an M.E./M.Tech degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, or Data Science with a minimum of 60% marks.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates must submit their applications exclusively through the online portal.

  • Official Website: For detailed information and to access the application form, visit https://bisag-n.gov.in.
  • Deadline: All applications must be completed and submitted by October 17, 2025.

This is an excellent chance for young tech talent to contribute to national projects and gain invaluable experience at a prestigious government institution.

Indian Bank Opens Recruitment for 171 Specialist Officer Roles; Apply by October 13

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Indian Bank Opens Recruitment for 171 Specialist Officer Roles; Apply by October 13

Chennai: Public sector lender Indian Bank has announced a major recruitment drive for 171 Specialist Officer (SO) positions across various domains. The bank is seeking experienced professionals for roles in Information Technology, Information Security, Credit Analysis, and more. Selected candidates are liable to be posted anywhere in India.

This is a significant opportunity for professionals with relevant experience in the banking and financial technology sectors to join a leading national bank. The application window is now open, with the deadline set for October 13, 2025.

Vacancy Breakdown and Key Positions

The 171 vacancies are spread across Chief Manager, Senior Manager, and Manager scales. Here’s a look at some of the key roles:

  • Manager (Information Technology): 20 vacancies
  • Manager (Information Security): 15 vacancies
  • Manager (Corporate Credit Analyst): 10 vacancies
  • Manager (Financial Analyst/Risk Management/Data Analyst/CA): 15 vacancies
  • Senior Manager (Various Depts.): 70 vacancies (IT, Info Security, Credit Analyst, etc.)
  • Chief Manager (Various Depts.): 41 vacancies (IT, Info Security, Credit Analyst, etc.)

Eligibility, Pay Scale, and Age Limit for Managerial Roles

1. Manager (IT)

  • Pay Scale: ₹64,820 – ₹93,960
  • Age Limit: 23 – 31 years
  • Qualification: BE/B.Tech/Postgraduate degree in relevant fields, or a degree with an NIELIT ‘B’ Level Certificate. Requires a minimum of 3 years of work experience and relevant certifications.

2. Manager (Information Security)

  • Pay Scale: ₹64,820 – ₹93,960
  • Age Limit: 23 – 31 years
  • Qualification: BE/B.Tech in Computer Science/IT/ECE/Cyber Security, or MCA/M.Sc in CS/IT/Cyber Security. Requires a minimum of 3 years of work experience.

3. Manager (Corporate Credit Analyst)

  • Pay Scale: ₹64,820 – ₹93,960
  • Age Limit: 24 – 31 years
  • Qualification: Chartered Accountant (CA) or a degree in any discipline with MBA (Finance)/MMS (Finance). Requires a minimum of 2 years of work experience.

Note: Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government norms.

Selection Process

The selection will be based on an Online Examination and/or an Interview.

  • Online Exam: The test will be for 220 marks with a duration of 2 hours.
    • Syllabus: The exam will cover Reasoning, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Professional Knowledge relevant to the post.
    • Negative Marking: There will be a penalty for wrong answers.
  • Exam Centers in Kerala: The examination will be conducted at centers in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Thrissur.

How to Apply

Candidates must apply online through the official Indian Bank website.

  • Application Fee:
    • SC/ST/PwD Candidates: ₹175
    • All Other Candidates: ₹1000
    • The fee must be paid online.
  • Steps to Apply:
    1. Visit the careers page on the official website: www.indianbank.in.
    2. Fill out the application form with the correct details.
    3. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, thumb impression, a handwritten declaration, and other necessary documents as specified in the notification.
    4. Pay the application fee and submit the final form.

Canara Bank Announces 3,500 Apprentice Openings Across India; 243 Vacancies in Kerala

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Canara Bank Announces 3,500 Apprentice Openings Across India; 243 Vacancies in Kerala

New Delhi: Canara Bank has invited applications for a massive apprenticeship program, offering 3,500 positions across various states and union territories. This presents a significant opportunity for recent graduates to gain valuable experience in the banking sector. Of the total vacancies, 243 are designated for Kerala and three for Lakshadweep.

The apprenticeship will have a duration of one year, during which selected candidates will receive hands-on training at various branches within their applied state. A key requirement for applicants is proficiency in the local language of the state they are applying for; for Kerala and Lakshadweep, this is Malayalam.

Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend of ₹15,000. The last date to submit applications is October 12, 2025.

Vacancy Details for Kerala

The 243 apprentice positions in Kerala are distributed according to reservation norms as follows:

  • General (UR): 128
  • OBC: 65
  • EWS: 24
  • SC: 24
  • ST: 2

Additionally, 9 seats within these vacancies are horizontally reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PwD).

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the program:

  • Educational Qualification: A degree (graduation) in any discipline from a recognized university. The degree must have been obtained between January 1, 2022, and September 1, 2025 (both dates inclusive).
  • Age Limit: Applicants must be between 20 and 28 years old as of the application deadline. They should have been born between September 1, 1997, and September 1, 2005.
  • Age Relaxation: Upper age limits are relaxed by 10 years for PwD, 5 years for SC/ST, and 3 years for OBC (NCL) candidates. The age limit for widows and divorced women who have not remarried is 35 years (40 for SC/ST, 38 for OBC).

Selection Process

The selection will be based on merit, followed by a language proficiency test and medical examination.

  1. Shortlisting: A shortlist will be prepared based on the marks obtained in Plus Two (12th Standard)/Diploma. A minimum of 60% is required for General/OBC/EWS candidates, while a minimum of 55% is sufficient for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
  2. Local Language Test: Shortlisted candidates will undergo a local language test. However, candidates who have studied the local language (Malayalam for Kerala) as a subject in their 10th or 12th standard are exempted from this test upon producing their mark sheets or certificates as proof.
  3. Medical Examination: Final selection is subject to clearing a medical examination.

How to Apply

The application process is entirely online and involves a two-step procedure:

  1. NATS Portal Registration: Candidates must first register themselves on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal at www.nals.education.gov.in.
  2. Canara Bank Application: After registering on the NATS portal, applicants must fill out the online application form on the Canara Bank official website: www.canarabank.bank.in.
  • Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of ₹500 is applicable for General/OBC/EWS candidates. SC, ST, and PwD candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
  • Documents to Upload: Applicants need to upload a recent passport-sized color photograph, signature, left thumb impression, a handwritten declaration, and copies of educational certificates as specified in the notification.

Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one state and will have the option to provide their preference for branches within that state.

Canara Bank Recruitment, Bank Apprenticeship, Government Jobs 2025, Banking Jobs, Graduate Jobs, Kerala Jobs, Canara Bank Vacancy, Bank PO, NATS, Apprentice Jobs

Kerala PSC Greenlights Shortlists for 18 Key Posts, Including SI, HSST, and Divisional Accountant

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Kerala PSC Greenlights Shortlists for 18 Key Posts, Including SI, HSST, and Divisional Accountant

Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant development for thousands of job aspirants in Kerala, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has decided to publish the shortlists for 18 different posts across various government departments. The decision, made in a recent commission meeting, will expedite the recruitment process for key positions including Sub Inspector of Police, Higher Secondary School Teacher, and Divisional Accountant.

Candidates who have appeared for the examinations for these posts can soon expect the shortlists to be available on the official PSC website. This move brings aspirants one step closer to securing a coveted government job in the state.

The recruitment drive spans a wide range of departments, from education and finance to law enforcement and transportation, reflecting the diverse employment opportunities offered through the PSC.

Key Posts for Which Shortlists will be Published:

Administrative, Financial, and Teaching Roles:

  • Divisional Accountant: In Kerala General Service (Direct & By Transfer – Cat No: 723/2024 to 725/2024 and various NCA notifications).
  • Divisional Accounts Officer: In Kerala Water Authority (Cat No: 344/2024 to 346/2024 and 780/2024 to 783/2024).
  • Assistant: In Kerala Financial Corporation (Cat No: 432/2024).
  • Higher Secondary School Teacher (HSST) – Communicative English: Senior (Cat No: 574/2024) and Junior (Cat No: 575/2024, 645/2024).
  • High School Teacher (English): In the Education Department (Cat No: 603/2024).
  • High School Teacher (Hindi): By Transfer in Alappuzha & Thrissur (Cat No: 249/2024).
  • Instructor in Secretarial Practice and Business Correspondence: In the Technical Education Department (SC – Cat No: 407/2024).
  • Scientific Assistant (Pathology): In the Medical Education Department (Cat No: 279/2024).

Uniformed and Special Services:

  • Sub Inspector of Police (Trainee): In Kerala Civil Police (Open Market, Ministerial, Constabulary – Cat No: 510/2024 to 512/2024).
  • Armed Police Sub Inspector (Trainee): In Armed Police Battalion (Open Market, Constabulary – Cat No: 508/2024, 509/2024).
  • Assistant Prison Officer cum Driver (Warder Driver): In Prisons and Correctional Services (Cat No: 732/2024).

Driving Positions:

  • Forest Driver: In the Forest and Wildlife Department (Viswakarma, SC, OBC – Cat No: 564/2024 to 566/2024).
  • Driver Grade II (HDV) / Driver cum Office Attendant (HDV): In various departments in Thiruvananthapuram (Cat No: 567/2024) and for Ex-servicemen in NCC/Sainik Welfare (Cat No: 620/2024, 420/2024). Also in Malappuram & Idukki (Cat No: 061/2024).
  • Driver Grade II (LDV) / Driver cum Office Attendant (LDV): In various departments across districts (Cat No: 621/2024, 622/2024, 062/2024, 419/2024).
  • Chauffeur Grade II: In the Tourism Department (LC/AI – Cat No: 649/2024).

Major Recruitment Drive: Indian Railways to Announce 8,875 Vacancies for NTPC Posts in 2025

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Major Recruitment Drive: Indian Railways to Announce 8,875 Vacancies for NTPC Posts in 2025

New Delhi: Indian Railways is set to release a notification for the 2025 recruitment of Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) posts, announcing a massive drive to fill 8,875 vacancies across the country. This presents a significant opportunity for job seekers aspiring to join one of India’s largest employers.

The recruitment will be conducted by 21 Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), including the one in Thiruvananthapuram. The application process will be entirely online, and the selection will be based on a Computer-Based Test (CBT).

The vacancies are broadly divided into two categories based on educational qualifications: graduate and undergraduate (Plus Two/12th pass).

Breakdown of Vacancies for Graduates (5,817 Posts)

A total of 5,817 positions are reserved for candidates holding a bachelor’s degree. This is a golden opportunity for graduates looking for stable and rewarding careers in the railway sector. The post-wise distribution is as follows:

  • Goods Train Manager: 3,423
  • Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist: 921
  • Station Master: 615
  • Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor: 161
  • Traffic Assistant (Metro Railway): 59

Opportunities for Undergraduates (3,058 Posts)

For candidates who have completed their Plus Two (12th standard), there are 3,058 vacancies available across various clerical and assistant roles. These positions serve as an excellent entry point into a railway career. The breakdown is as follows:

  • Commercial cum Ticket Clerk: 2,424
  • Accounts Clerk cum Typist: 394
  • Junior Clerk cum Typist: 163
  • Trains Clerk: 77

This upcoming notification follows the 2024 recruitment, which had a slightly higher number of vacancies. For comparison, the 2024 notification offered 8,113 graduate and 3,445 undergraduate positions. Notably, the previous notification included a three-year age relaxation due to it being the first major recruitment drive after the COVID-19 pandemic. Details regarding the age limit for the 2025 cycle will be clarified once the official notification is published.

Aspiring candidates are advised to keep an eye on the official websites of their respective RRBs for the detailed notification, application dates, and syllabus.

TJS George, Titan of Indian Journalism and Padma Bhushan Awardee, Passes Away at 97

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TJS George, Titan of Indian Journalism and Padma Bhushan Awardee, Passes Away at 97

BENGALURU, India – Veteran journalist, celebrated author, and fearless columnist Thayil Jacob Sony George, popularly known as TJS George, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025. He was 97. A towering figure in Indian journalism and literature for over seven decades, George was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2011 for his immense contributions to literature and education.

Born on May 7, 1928, in Kerala, TJS George began his illustrious career in 1950 at The Free Press Journal in Mumbai after graduating with honours in English Literature from Madras Christian College. His career saw him take on pivotal roles at numerous prestigious publications, including the International Press Institute, The Searchlight, and the Far Eastern Economic Review. A true pioneer, he became the founding editor of the influential Asiaweek magazine in Hong Kong.

For the last several decades, George was the esteemed editorial advisor of The New Indian Express. His signature weekly column, ‘Point of View’, ran uninterrupted for 25 years until its conclusion in June 2022. Through his writing, he became a powerful and consistent voice against social injustice, corruption, and threats to democracy, earning the respect and admiration of readers across generations.

Beyond his journalistic work, George was a prolific author and respected biographer, known for his incisive analysis of political and social issues. His notable literary works include acclaimed biographies such as Lee Kuan Yew’s Singapore and The Life and Times of Nargis, as well as the critically acclaimed book The Dismantling of India.

Though his family roots were in Thumpamon, Kerala, he spent much of his later life in Bangalore and Coimbatore. He is survived by his wife, Ammu, and their two children, Sheba Thayil and acclaimed writer Jeet Thayil.

Kerala Lottery Result Today ANNOUNCED: Suvarna Keralam SK-21 Winning Numbers Are Out!

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Kerala Lottery Result Today ANNOUNCED: Suvarna Keralam SK-21 Winning Numbers Are Out!

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA – The official results for the Kerala State Lotteries’ Suvarna Keralam SK-21 draw have been announced today, Friday, October 3, 2025. The live draw took place at 3:00 PM at Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, revealing the lucky numbers that have won significant cash prizes.

The top prize of a staggering ₹1 Crore has been claimed by ticket number RD 823274, which was sold in the Pathanamthitta district. The second prize of ₹30 Lakhs goes to ticket number RM 263475 from Thiruvananthapuram, while the third prize of ₹5 Lakhs has been won by ticket number RH 254600, sold in Kollam.

Participants are encouraged to check the full list of winning numbers below. Winners should verify their numbers with the official results published in the Kerala Government Gazette and surrender their winning tickets within 90 days to claim their prize.

The next Suvarna Keralam lottery draw is scheduled for October 10, 2025.

Here is the complete list of winning numbers for all prize tiers from the Suvarna Keralam SK-21 draw:

1st Prize: ₹1 Crore

  • RD 823274

Consolation Prize: ₹5,000

  • RA 823274, RB 823274, RC 823274, RE 823274, RF 823274, RG 823274, RH 823274, RJ 823274, RK 823274, RL 823274, RM 823274

2nd Prize: ₹30 Lakhs

  • RM 263475

3rd Prize: ₹5 Lakhs

  • RH 254600

4th Prize: ₹5,000

  • 0825, 1275, 1456, 2176, 2615, 2676, 3614, 3632, 3711, 5413, 5698, 5723, 6006, 6790, 6885, 7345, 9097, 9779, 9799

5th Prize: ₹2,000

  • 1510, 3092, 3251, 3999, 5395, 8889

6th Prize: ₹1,000

  • 0875, 1298, 1583, 1750, 1794, 2083, 2175, 2719, 3362, 3606, 4046, 4693, 5773, 6789, 6862, 6881, 7352, 7727, 7833, 8868, 8947, 8951, 9070, 9350, 9717

7th Prize: ₹500

  • 0001, 0126, 0145, 0975, 1031, 1173, 1213, 1297, 1325, 1373, 1561, 1627, 1691, 2334, 2339, 2675, 3111, 3163, 3312, 3706, 3839, 4077, 4089, 4155, 4371, 4786, 5181, 5243, 5324, 5475, 5578, 5636, 5693, 5845, 5941, 6141, 6223, 6333, 6353, 6544, 6556, 6623, 6656, 6864, 6931, 7112, 7273, 7520, 7524, 7565, 7581, 7643, 7679, 7787, 7809, 7845, 8090, 8161, 8195, 8197, 8233, 8329, 8349, 8453, 8554, 8566, 8702, 8953, 8967, 9416, 9656, 9753, 9817, 9867, 9891, 9979

8th Prize: ₹200

  • 0099, 0138, 0163, 0186, 0257, 0684, 0897, 0909, 0964, 1197, 1226, 1274, 1445, 1508, 1840, 2530, 2541, 2716, 2792, 2885, 3263, 3337, 3468, 3523, 3815, 3828, 3985, 4127, 4293, 4353, 4449, 4474, 4483, 4752, 4766, 4885, 4944, 5056, 5109, 5252, 5282, 5344, 5364, 5501, 5548, 5584, 5732, 5750, 5807, 5933, 5946, 6075, 6087, 6129, 6637, 6869, 6872, 6898, 7033, 7081, 7093, 7147, 7172, 7226, 7281, 7304, 7495, 7922, 8064, 8075, 8102, 8116, 8189, 8219, 8242, 8400, 8407, 8440, 8669, 8704, 8818, 8893, 8917, 8985, 9079, 9194, 9426, 9476, 9675, 9740, 9870, 9902

9th Prize: ₹100

  • 0036, 0055, 0212, 0266, 0291, 0378, 0387, 0442, 0444, 0509, 0591, 0603, 0666, 0692, 0734, 0850, 1066, 1149, 1180, 1305, 1374, 1615, 1624, 1648, 1657, 1745, 1939, 1963, 2024, 2056, 2124, 2340, 2407, 2562, 2693, 2775, 2865, 2872, 2993, 3068, 3099, 3120, 3190, 3229, 3241, 3396, 3414, 3547, 3600, 3605, 3703, 3814, 3918, 3950, 3993, 4106, 4138, 4235, 4400, 4444, 4492, 4552, 4557, 4617, 4624, 4765, 4795, 4986, 5102, 5113, 5126, 5170, 5205, 5209, 5257, 5275, 5286, 5292, 5308, 5378, 5387, 5591, 5805, 5931, 5987, 6117, 6137, 6144, 6286, 6367, 6406, 6491, 6540, 6564, 6580, 6670, 6712, 6719, 6730, 6737, 6840, 6871, 6891, 6948, 6965, 6972, 7011, 7138, 7440, 7532, 7543, 7593, 7623, 7636, 7762, 7813, 7929, 7940, 8031, 8172, 8187, 8261, 8313, 8461, 8474, 8517, 8542, 8586, 8593, 8622, 8641, 8695, 8821, 8839, 9013, 9026, 9099, 9160, 9209, 9455, 9534, 9679, 9727, 9945

From Hero to Kingpin: 26/11 NSG Commando Arrested for Running Major Ganja Smuggling Racket

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From Hero to Kingpin: 26/11 NSG Commando Arrested for Running Major Ganja Smuggling Racket

JAIPUR, India – In a shocking turn of events, a former National Security Guard (NSG) commando who fought terrorists during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks has been arrested as the alleged kingpin of a massive cannabis (ganja) smuggling network. The Rajasthan Police’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) apprehended Bajrang Singh in a dramatic, well-planned operation in Churu on Wednesday night.

Police seized 200 kg of cannabis from Singh during the arrest. The operation, codenamed ‘Operation Gaanjaney,’ brought a dramatic end to a two-month-long manhunt for the man who went from being a national hero to a wanted criminal with a Rs 25,000 reward on his head.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Vikas Kumar confirmed that Singh was the mastermind behind a syndicate smuggling large quantities of ganja from Telangana and Odisha into Rajasthan.

A Hero’s Fall from Grace

Bajrang Singh’s journey is a startling tale of contrasts. After dropping out of school in the 10th grade, his physical fitness earned him a spot as a constable in the Border Security Force (BSF). He served with distinction on the nation’s borders in Punjab, Assam, and West Bengal, fighting both infiltrators and Maoists.

His exceptional service led to his selection into the elite NSG, where he served as a commando for seven years. His most notable hour came in 2008 when he participated in the anti-terror operations during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

However, his life took a different turn after he returned to his village in 2021 with political ambitions. According to police, it was during his foray into local politics that he established connections with criminal elements. Leveraging his old contacts and knowledge of routes from his BSF days in Odisha and Telangana, Singh quickly built a powerful smuggling empire, rising to become a kingpin within a year.

The Dramatic Capture

For two months, the Rajasthan ATS and Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) had been on Singh’s trail. He proved to be an elusive target, constantly changing locations, using fake mobile IDs, and hiding in remote villages.

The breakthrough came from an unexpected source: Singh’s cook. By monitoring the cook’s communications, the police intelligence team gathered crucial clues that pointed to his hideout in Ratangarh, Churu.

Realizing the danger of confronting a trained commando, the police executed their plan with extreme caution. After spotting Singh on a motorcycle on Wednesday, they chose not to arrest him immediately. Instead, they discreetly followed him to his secret hideout. After careful planning, they launched a surprise raid and successfully took him into custody.

“This operation was a result of weeks of planning and intelligence sharing,” said IGP Kumar. “The arrest of a hardened operative like Bajrang is a significant achievement in neutralizing the terror-narcotics nexus in Rajasthan.”

Adani Ports Shatters Records with 11% Surge in H1 Cargo Volume, Analysts Bullish Despite Stock Dip

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Adani Ports Shatters Records with 11% Surge in H1 Cargo Volume, Analysts Bullish Despite Stock Dip

MUMBAI, India – Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) announced a record-breaking operational performance for the first half of fiscal year 2026, handling its highest-ever cargo and rail volumes, driven by significant growth in its container segment.

In a business update released Friday, India’s largest private port operator reported handling 244.2 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in the first half of FY26 (April-September 2025), an impressive 11% increase year-on-year. This growth was largely fueled by a robust 20% surge in container volumes over the same period last year.

The strong momentum continued through September, with the company handling 41.6 MMT of cargo, up 11% YoY.

The company’s logistics arm also set new benchmarks. Rail volumes hit an all-time high of 358,406 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in H1 FY26, marking a 15% YoY growth. For September alone, rail volumes climbed 22% to 60,640 TEUs.

Despite the strong operational update, APSEZ’s stock experienced a slight downturn in Friday’s trading session. As of 01:12 p.m. IST, the scrip was trading 0.36% lower at Rs 1,417.60 apiece on the National Stock Exchange, underperforming against a relatively flat Nifty 50 index.

However, market analysts remain overwhelmingly optimistic about the company’s prospects, viewing the current operational strength as a key indicator of future growth. According to Bloomberg data, an overwhelming 21 out of 22 analysts tracking the stock maintain a ‘buy’ rating, with one recommending a ‘hold’. The consensus 12-month price target suggests a potential upside of 20.8%, reinforcing the bullish long-term outlook previously echoed by firms like Motilal Oswal, which noted APSEZ is “well-positioned for further expansion.”

Sabarimala Gold Missing? Controversy Erupts as Firm Claims Original Plates Vanished During Temple Repairs

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Sabarimala Gold Missing? Controversy Erupts as Firm Claims Original Plates Vanished During Temple Repairs

Pathanamthitta: A major controversy is unfolding at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple following sensational claims that the original gold-plated panels of the Dwarapalaka (gatekeeper) sculptures, donated by industrialist Vijay Mallya in 1999, have mysteriously disappeared. The Travancore Devaswom Board and former head priest Unnikrishnan Potti are now under scrutiny as their official explanations contradict the statement from the Chennai-based firm that handled the recent restoration work.

The discrepancy came to light when Adv. K.B. Pradeep, owner of SmarT Creations in Chennai, revealed that his company received new copper plates for gold plating in 2019, not the original gold-leafed panels from 1999. “We never accept repair work for items not originally made by us. They provided new copper plates, which we then gold-plated,” Pradeep stated, dismantling the Board’s claim of simple “repairs and maintenance.”

This revelation raises serious questions about the whereabouts of the original gold plates. Allegations are now surfacing that the gold, originally thin sheets layered onto copper plates at the Sannidhanam itself, has been misappropriated.

The mystery deepened when it was noted that the panels, removed from the sanctum sanctorum in 2019, only reached the Chennai factory 39 days later. Official Devaswom records only mention “copper plates,” a detail critics claim was a deliberate move to facilitate the alleged pilferage. The Board’s involvement is now being questioned, with many dismissing their explanation of it being a “clerical error.”

Timeline of the Controversy:

  • 1999: Industrialist Vijay Mallya funds the gold plating of the Dwarapalaka sculptures. Official letters from the Devaswom Board to its works and vigilance departments serve as evidence of this work.
  • 2019: The plates are removed for what was claimed to be restoration work. However, SmarT Creations reports receiving new copper plates instead of the old ones.
  • 2021: A new pedestal offered by Unnikrishnan Potti is moved to the strong room due to its incorrect size after the existing one showed signs of fading.
  • 2023: The temple’s chief priest (Tantri) officially requests repairs, citing discoloration and damage to the gold-plated panels.
  • 2025 (Sept 7): Based on an email from Unnikrishnan Potti, the panels are again removed and sent to Chennai for work.

Discrepancy in Weight Adds to Suspicion

Adding another layer to the controversy, reports indicate a discrepancy of nearly four kilograms in the weight of the plates after they were returned from the renovation. The Devaswom Board has so far failed to provide a satisfactory explanation or proper documentation for this weight loss. While a formal inventory (mahazar) from the time is missing, the original letters authorizing the 1999 gold plating project stand as crucial evidence. The demand for a comprehensive investigation into the matter is now growing louder.

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