Bengaluru, Feb 12: The Adani Defence and Aerospace stall, showcasing futuristic technology, has been one of the main attractions at Asia’s largest five-day air show and the 15th edition of the country’s premier aerospace exhibition ‘Aero India 2025’ in Bengaluru.

Focusing on cutting-edge technology, the spacious stall features state-of-the-art weaponry. The highlight of the display is the ‘Vehicle-Mounted Counter-Drone System’, developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The stall presents futuristic weaponry across four layers of defence, covering protection, detection, neutralization, and the use of artificial intelligence in safeguarding national borders.

Speaking to media, Ashish Raghuvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence and Aerospace, stated, “All the capabilities we are working on are on display at the show. From drones to small arms, ammunition, missiles, surface-guided missiles, and most importantly, artificial intelligence and advanced machinery, Adani has been working closely with the defence sector.”

Ashok Wadhwan, Head of Land Systems, said, “We aim to become strategic partners of the defence forces. Our focus is on futuristic technology, developing products that go beyond their expectations. If they can imagine a capability, we want to turn it into reality and build those advanced systems in India.”

Providing details about the display, Wadhwan elaborated, “We have structured our technology into four layers. The first layer focuses on protection, which includes unmanned vehicles and unmanned underwater systems designed for initial surveillance and threat detection.”

He continued, “The second layer is detection, which includes aircraft converted into aerial surveillance platforms — our ‘eyes in the sky’. We are focusing on detection across land, air, and underwater domains. The third layer is neutralization, which includes loitering objects, missiles, and other ammunition. The final layer comprises advanced weaponry, including firearms.”

“In addition, we are showcasing artificial intelligence-powered solutions designed to protect forces. Our capabilities are built to detect, neutralize, and safeguard borders,” he said.

“Our primary focus is on the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, though exports are also part of our strategy. However, our priority remains our national defence forces,” Wadhwan underlined.

“We are collaborating with Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs) rather than competing with them. Our aim is to partner with them to enhance national defence capabilities,” he added.

Discussing the partnership with DRDO, he explained, “We work closely with DRDO as a Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) for missiles and counter-drone systems. We have localized these technologies and successfully delivered them to the armed forces.”

Highlighting the significance of the Vehicle-Mounted Counter-Drone System, Ashish Raghuvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence and Aerospace stated, “Electronic warfare is a crucial aspect of future air defence. Drones pose significant threats to both civil and military establishments. The system displayed here can detect drones of all sizes and offers users multiple options for neutralization.”

“Operators can choose between a soft-kill jammer or a hard-kill laser. This innovation is a major advancement for the country, developed under a public-private partnership. We will continue to innovate and improve these solutions,” he added.

Emphasizing the importance of detection in electronic warfare, Raghuvanshi noted, “Detection is a critical component of electronic warfare. Our modular and effective solution can distinguish between a friend and a foe, enhancing operational security.”

On the benefits of partnering with DRDO, he said, “For example, DRDO’s Centre of Excellence for missiles is among the best in the world. Strengthening public-private partnerships will help elevate these technologies to the next level, ensuring India remains at the forefront of defence innovation.”

New Delhi, Feb 11: Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) on Tuesday reported a 13.7 per cent rise in its consolidated net profit to Rs 341 crore for the October-December quarter of the current financial year compared to the corresponding figure of Rs 300 crore in the year-ago period.

The total revenue from operations increased 10 per cent to Rs 1224.7 crore during the quarter under review from Rs 1,115.5 crore in the year-ago period, IRCTC said in an exchange filing.

The board of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) approved a second interim dividend of Rs 3 per share along with its financial results for the third quarter of the financial year 2024-25 (FY25) on Tuesday.

“The Board of Directors of the company at its meeting held today (Tuesday, l1th February 2025), has inter-alia declared 2nd interim dividend at the rate of Rs 3/- per equity share of the face value of Rs 2 each i.e. @150 per cent for the Financial Year 2024-25,” IRCTC said in an exchange filing.

The public sector undertaking (PSU) has fixed Thursday, February 20, as the record date for determining the eligibility of shareholders for receiving the said interim dividend.

A segment-wise breakup of the revenue stream shows that the catering segment earnings grew to Rs 554.81 crore in Q3 FY25 from Rs 507.76 crore in Q2 FY25, recording a growth of 9.26 per cent. Meanwhile, the packaged water drinking segment Rail Neer saw a 15.02 per cent YoY to Rs 96.35 crore.

The internet ticketing revenue recorded a 5.4 per cent growth to Rs 353.72 crore in the December quarter. The tourism segment revenue was up 16 per cent YoY to Rs 223.73 crore.

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation reported a 4.5 per cent increase in standalone net profit to Rs 307.8 crore for the quarter ending September 30, 2024. Net profit in the year-ago period stood at Rs 294.7 crore. Revenue from operations during the period under review stood at Rs 1064 crore, up 7.3 per cent y-o-y. In the year-ago period, standalone revenues were Rs 992 crore.

Vespa has unveiled its updated 2025 scooter lineup in India, introducing the new Vespa 125 with prices starting at Rs 1.32 lakh (ex-showroom). The 125cc range consists of four variants, with the top-spec ‘S Tech’ version priced at Rs 1.96 lakh. While the company has announced pricing for the 125cc models, details for the 150cc versions are expected at a later date.

The latest lineup brings subtle design refinements while maintaining Vespa’s signature retro styling. The scooters now come in fresh colour options, including both single and dual-tone shades. The base Vespa 125 retains its classic appeal with an oval headlamp and smooth, flowing bodywork, while the Vespa S features a more dynamic look with a trapezoidal headlamp. Despite the visual updates, Vespa continues to use its durable monocoque metal body, ensuring longevity and a premium feel.

The Vespa S 125 has been launched in India at Rs 1.36 lakh (ex-showroom), making it Rs 4,000 costlier than the standard model. This premium variant enhances the riding experience with a more stylish appeal and a wider range of colour options. Buyers can choose from eight distinct shades, including Pearl White, Matte Verde Ambizioso, Oro, Matte Nero Black, Red & Pearl White, Matte Giallo Yellow, Arancio Impulsivo, and Black & Pearl White.

Among these, the ‘Oro’ shade stands out with its elegant gold finish, reflecting India’s cultural affinity for gold. Meanwhile, the standard Vespa 125 is available in seven colour choices, such as Rosso Red, Pearl White, Nero Black, and Azzurro Provenza, giving buyers plenty of options to match their style.

Vespa has refined its 125cc and 150cc engine lineup, bringing subtle yet meaningful improvements in performance. The updated 125cc engine now delivers 9.3bhp at 7,100rpm and 10.1Nm of torque at 5,600rpm, while the 150cc variant produces 11.4bhp at 7,500rpm and 11.66Nm at 6,100rpm. These upgrades result in a slight increase in power and torque over the previous models, enhancing the riding experience.

In addition to mechanical updates, Vespa has introduced two new premium variants—the Vespa Tech and Vespa S Tech. These models feature updated styling and come equipped with modern features such as a 5-inch TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and keyless ignition. The Vespa Tech, priced at Rs 1.92 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra), is available in three distinct colours: Energico Blue, Grigio Grey, and the India-exclusive Qala, which incorporates Mehendi-inspired graphics on the body and seat. Meanwhile, the Vespa S Tech, offered in Nero Black (Matte) and Pearl White, sits at the top of the range with a price tag of Rs 1.96 lakh.