The ET GenAI Hackathon 2026 has announced the results of its Idea Submission phase, with the shortlist finalised after evaluating entries from more than 54,000 builders across India. Shortlisted teams now advance to the Prototype Development Phase
The fast-expanding war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has captured global attention largely because it is disrupting oil and gas supplies from the Persian Gulf. Yet another resource is now emerging as far more critical to the survival of the region’s societies. Water
Indian technology stocks have seen an unprecedented rout over the past few weeks over fears of artificial intelligence upending the traditional outsourcing model that powers the country's $300bn (£223bn) back-office industry. The sell-off - part of a global correction in traditional software and
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday managed an easy victory in the biennial polls to five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, with its candidates including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP national president Nitin Nabin
Star Brazilian forward Neymar didn’t receive a call-up to the national team squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, although striker Endrick found a spot. With this snub, Neymar’s hopes of playing at the upcoming FIFA World Cup have received a massive blow
Kerala CM Vijayan to inaugurate Akkulam-Chettuva Waterway Phase 1 on Feb 26

Kerala's inland waterways development reaches a milestone. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the first phase of the Akkulam-Chettuva Water Way. This project is part of the West Coast Canal Renovation. It aims to boost logistics and tourism across the state. The inauguration will also feature the Chilakoor Tourism Project. Several other development initiatives will be launched.
Thiruvananthapuram: Marking a milestone in Kerala's inland waterways development, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the first phase of 280-km Akkulam-Chettuva Water Way at Chilakoor Beach Park in Varkala on February 26.
The Water Way, spanning across different districts, is a major component of the state government's flagship West Coast Canal Renovation project, which is set to accelerate Kerala's sustainable and inclusive development by unlocking immense opportunities in multiple verticals including logistics and tourism, an official release said here on Friday.
V Joy, MLA, will preside over the function scheduled at 4.30 pm, where Minister for Electricity K Krishnankutty will be the chief guest.
The Chief Minister will also inaugurate on the occasion the Chilakoor Tourism Project, and a string of other development initiatives completed by the Inland Navigation Department as part of the West Coast Canal Renovation project.
The West Coast Canal Renovation Project is being implemented by Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Limited (KWIL), a joint venture of the state government and the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL).
You Might Also Like: Kerala hikes 'Dearness Allowance' to 35 percent for employees, pensioners
CIAL has been entrusted with the renovation of the Chilakoor Tunnel in Varkala, a vital link of inland navigation in south Kerala, along with tourism-oriented beautification works to tap into the potential of the scenic site to attract visitors.
As part of the tourism activities, CIAL will launch an electric boat for conducting a gliding 'Light and Sound Show' in the tunnel, highlighting the life and teachings of Sree Narayana Guru who pioneered the social reform movement of Kerala.
The show will also spotlight Sree Narayana Guru's close association with Varkala, the heritage of the area and the cultural legacy of Kerala.
S Suhas, IAS, Director, KWIL, said the 616-km Kovalam-Bekal waterway project is a one-of-its-kind initiative in the country as it creates a unique link among lakes, rivers and man-made canals across the entire stretch of the state.
You Might Also Like: Wayanad landslides: CM Pinarayi Vijayan to open Kalpetta township on February 25
"The waterway will traverse through man-made canals like Parvathi Puthanar, Kollam Thodu, Ponnani-Chettuva Canal, Canoli Canal, Purappuzha Canal, Payyoli Canal and Vadakara- Mahe Canal, bearing the imprint of history. It will also touch 39 rivers and lakes," Suhas noted.
The 280-km Akkulam-Chettuva canal will go across most of the districts in the state.
As part of the project, KWIL is developing a massive infrastructure base across multiple locations, including bridges and boat jetties besides canal dredging and canal-side beautification initiatives.
In the Thrissur-Kattoor section at Madhurampally, a five-kilometer stretch has been widened and deepened to meet State Waterway standards, the release said.
You Might Also Like: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan slams 'Kerala Story' sequel as communal propaganda
Construction of three boat jetties has begun at Triprayar, Kandassankadavu and Enammavu while four boat jetties between Akkulam and Kollam have also been developed.
The Vengoli Bridge across Vadakara-Mahe Canal, connecting the Kozhikode, Kuttyadi, Nadapuram, and Vadakara assembly constituencies, has been completed.
The Karikkakom Steel Lifting Bridge constructed across the Parvathi Puthanar Canal has also been commissioned, the release said.
Other projects completed by the Inland Navigation Department like Moozhikkal Lock-cum-Bridge in Kozhikode, St Andrews Bridge in Thiruvananthapuram, and the 14 km section of the Vadakara-Mahe Canal have become operational.
The construction of the Kottapally Bridge in Kozhikode will begin soon.
As part of the canal development project, various works worth Rs 95.6 crore have received administrative sanction. These include Varkala West Coast Canal - Reach 1 & Reach 2, Kadinamkulam West Coast Canal Reach, Vadakara-Mahe Canal - First Reach and Chirayinkeezhu Kadakom Bridge, which are in progress, the release said.
Meanwhile, the deepening works on the northern side of the Sivagiri Tunnel is also on.
Out of the total outlay of Rs 325 crore for the Phase-1 of the West Coast Canal Renovation and Rehabilitation Project, approximately Rs 280 crore has been utilized for creating safe, secure, and improved living conditions for residents along the banks of the canal, the release said.
Also, through the Punargeham project, several rehabilitation measures have been implemented, it added.
Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
Source: EconomicTimes
Related Posts: Reassure Alliance details four-phase approach to hardware acquisition and repurchase Kerala govt announces 10% DA hike for employees— Check details Kerala hikes ‘dearness allowance’ to 35 percent for employees The Kerala Story 2’ Release In Trouble Senior Kerala Congress MLA K Babu steps down from electoral politics Kerala Lottery Result 19 Kerala Story 2 Congress rejects Mani Shankar Aiyar’s remark that Pinarayi Vijayan will continue to be Kerala CM Kerala Lottery Result Today 16-2-2026 Kerala must make contribution to strengthen secularism in India
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said Sunrisers Leeds' signing of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed "indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians". Gavaskar's comments are the most high-profile criticism of Sunrisers' deal for Abrar at last week's Hundred auction
5 hours ago
The US artificial intelligence (AI) firm Anthropic is looking to hire a chemical weapons and high-yield explosives expert to try to prevent "catastrophic misuse" of its software. In other words, it fears that its AI tools might tell someone how to make chemical or radioactive weapons
5 hours ago
If one wants to explore the many debates and controversies surrounding the Congress and its role in shaping India’s political trajectory, there may soon be a new address in the capital to turn to. At 3, Safdarjung Lane, the official residence of Nishikant Dubey — the Bharatiya Janata Party MP
5 hours ago
Chelsea have been handed a Premier League record fine of £10.75m and a suspended transfer ban. It was a result of the club making secret payments to unregistered agents and third-parties over transfers between 2011 and 2018. But it could have been a lot worse
5 hours ago
Kerala Congress (M), BDJS announce names of 12 candidates eachKerala Congress (M) and BDJS announced candidates for the upcoming assembly polls, including KC(M) chairman Jose K Mani from Pala and 12 others from BDJS. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:36 AM IST By Vishnu Varma
5 hours ago
Iran’s National Security Chief Ali Larijani on Monday penned a note to Muslim countries, questioning their lack of support for Tehran as the US-Israeli war is now entering its third week with no clear end in sight, disrupting global energy supplies and raising fears of a spike in global inflation
5 hours ago
Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi expressed strong displeasure over Dr. Asif Nazar being considered for the Lahorighat Assembly ticket, citing Nazar's alleged association with an individual charged in an attack on Bordoloi. Bordoloi wrote to AICC General Secretary Jitendra Singh
5 hours ago
A sessions court in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district on Monday convicted five persons and acquitted 35 others in connection with a 2016 case in which seven Dalits were assaulted in the town of Una, The Indian Express reported. Additional Sessions Judge Jignesh Pandya of the court in Veraval
5 hours ago
It's Hollywood's biggest night. The 98th Academy Awards featured emotional speeches, comical relief and a bevy of backstage fun. But it was perhaps a night to forget for Timothée Chalamet. As well as losing out to Michael B Jordan for best actor and One Battle After Another for best picture
5 hours ago
US President Donald Trump on Monday said more than 30 mine laying ships of Iran have been destroyed which has affected Tehran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. “We are hammering their capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz with more
5 hours ago
Love Horoscope Today for March 17, 2026: A spontaneous moment could lead to a meaningful connectionLove Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:28 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link Aries: Mars is pushing you to
5 hours ago
Dubai arrests Iranian drone strike survivors after they sent explosion photos to loved ones3 foreigner nationals who survived drone strike in Dubai have been arrested after sending photos of the explosions to family members. Updated on: Mar 16
5 hours ago
‘Firms need to move to adaptive, energy-efficient AI models’Sarah Hooker is convinced that the future lies in AI systems that use less computing power, cost less to run and can adapt to the needs of users. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 6:58 AM IST By Shweta Taneja Share via Copy link In the last
5 hours ago
Baghdad witnessed a significant drone and rocket attack on the U.S. embassy early Tuesday. This incident marks the most intense assault since the commencement of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. Iraqi security forces have heightened their presence across the capital. The Green Zone
5 hours ago
Russell Wilson trade update: Chiefs hand a shock to Giants QB with Justin Fields move Published on: Mar 17, 2026 5:03 AM IST By Khushi Arora Share via Copy link New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) waves to fans after the game against the Dallas Cowboys (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5 hours ago
London [UK], March 17 (ANI): The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial Reporting and Third Party Investment.In 2022, Chelsea FC’s current owners voluntarily reported to the League that they had evidence of
5 hours ago
A Bengaluru-based cafe has drawn attention on social media after adding a 5 per cent “Gas Crisis Charge" to a customer’s lemonade order, sparking debate on social media platform X. The unusual fee, applied on a bill for two mint lemonades, has left many users amused and some questioning its
5 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Still using an older laptop? These Intel 13th Gen laptops show what modern performance feels likeIntel 13th Gen laptops bring improved performance
6 hours ago
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is planning to delay a high stakes visit to China later in March by about a month because of the Iran war. "We've requested that we delay it a month or so," he told reporters at the White House
5 hours ago
LDF ally ISJD, UDF ally RSP name candidates for four seats eachThe ISJD and RSP announced their candidates for Kerala Assembly polls, with ISJD's K Krishnankutty retiring from politics and RSP seeking assembly representation. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:30 AM IST By Vishnu Varma
6 hours ago
Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Operational strategies at work need refinementHoroscope Today: Read the astrological predictions for each zodiac sign based on an expert's guidance on March 17, 2026. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:19 AM IST By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma
5 hours ago
The report from Elara Capital said retail gasoline and diesel prices “could be fully protected through excise cuts until roughly $110/bbl, beyond which price hikes on diesel and gasoline would become inevitable”. Also Read :Fino Payments Bank Shares Fall To 52-Week Low Amid Probe Reports;
5 hours ago
Punjab Assembly session: House passes motion against LoP Bajwa over ‘band player’ remarkThe Punjab assembly condemned opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa for alleged derogatory remarks about a minister, leading to chaos and a walkout by Congress. Published on: Mar 17
5 hours ago
More than a thousand citizens in Ladakh's Leh and Kargil regions rallied on Monday, echoing calls for statehood and adherence to the Sixth Schedule. Leaders from the Apex Body Leh alongside the Kargil Democratic Alliance expressed their discontent regarding the central government's stance
5 hours ago
Menstrual pain is often dismissed as an inevitable part of being a woman. But when cramps become debilitating, interfere with daily life or are accompanied by chronic pelvic discomfort, they may signal something more serious. One such condition is endometriosis – a long-term disorder affecting
5 hours ago
Khushbu Sundar comes out in support of Trisha amid her viral pics with Vijay: ‘She is one of the most dignified women’Khushbu Sundar has addressed the online chatter surrounding the public appearance of Vijay and Trisha Krishnan, after the divorce petition filed by Sangeeta. Mar 17, 2026
5 hours ago
Rex Culpepper's fiancee pays sweet tribute after tragic bike accident death: ‘I don’t regret' Published on: Mar 17, 2026 4:55 AM IST By Yash Nitish Bajaj Share via Copy link Former Syracuse quarterback Rex Culpepper died after an accident on Saturday (Instagram/Rex Culpepper) Rex Culpepper
5 hours ago