Author: Athira Sethu

Starting November 15, vehicle owners without a FASTag, or with an invalid or non-functional FASTag, can pay tolls using UPI at 1.25 times the standard rate. This is a relief compared to the current system, where those without a valid FASTag must pay double the toll in cash. The change comes from a notification issued on Friday, aimed at reducing cash transactions at toll plazas and curbing revenue leakage. Currently, about 98% of toll payments are processed via FASTag, but cash payments still occur when tags are missing, invalid, or have insufficient balance. No Penalty for Malfunctioning FASTag or Toll…

Whisky consumption in India is firmly anchored in the south. According to the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the five southern states—Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana—plus Puducherry—together consumed 23.18 crore cases of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in FY25. That’s nearly 58% of the country’s total whisky sales, showcasing South India’s dominance in the liquor market. Nationally, overall IMFL whisky sales fell slightly—down 1.4% year-on-year to 40.17 crore cases. Yet, the south’s dominance stayed unshaken. Industry experts attribute this trend to higher purchasing power, cultural acceptance, and strong retail networks in the southern states. Even amid economic…

India has approved 10 semiconductor projects across six states, with a total investment of $18.2 billion, as part of a strategic push to establish a homegrown chip industry. The aim is to reduce reliance on imports, secure supply for critical sectors, and capture more value in the electronics supply chain, particularly as global manufacturers diversify away from China. These projects span fabrication plants, testing facilities, and packaging units. A highlight is Tata Electronics’ $11 billion fab in Gujarat, developed in partnership with Taiwan’s Powerchip. To encourage investment, the government will cover 50% of project costs for all fabrication, testing, and…

Yeedi Vijayalakshmi, better known by her screen name Rambha, was one of the busiest and most popular actresses in the late 90s and early 2000s. Her debut came in 1992 with the Malayalam film Sargam, where she played Thankamani. Despite not knowing Malayalam, her performance won hearts, and the film became both a critical and commercial success, even winning a National Award. Rise to Fame Across Industries Following Sargam, Rambha entered Telugu cinema with Aa Okkati Adakku, where she earned her famous screen name. She quickly rose to pan-Indian popularity, starring opposite legends like Rajinikanth, Mammootty, Chiranjeevi, Ajith Kumar, and…

India’s startup ecosystem is expanding faster than ever, from fintech innovators in major metros to agritech pioneers in smaller towns. What often goes unnoticed, however, are the support systems behind many of these success stories, government-backed incubators. These incubators, run by various ministries and departments, do more than provide funding. They offer mentorship, access to labs and co-working spaces, networking opportunities, guidance from experts, and crucial links to markets and investors. Importantly, many of these programs extend beyond metropolitan hubs, empowering startups in tier-2 and tier-3 cities to scale both nationally and internationally. Here’s a look at eight standout government-backed…

Onam in Kerala is a celebration of harvest, joy, and togetherness. For startups, the festival offers more than cultural meaning. It holds lessons about mindset, culture, and leadership that can shape how young companies grow and sustain themselves. Abundance Is a Mindset, Not a Budget Startups often focus on what they lack: capital, time, or manpower. But abundance is not about resources. It is about generosity in thought and action. Sharing knowledge openly, encouraging collaboration, and mentoring teammates create a sense of richness that no amount of funding can match. The Power of Small Gestures Onam traditions show how small…

Land Rover is gearing up to redefine the compact luxury SUV space with the launch of the Baby Defender — its first fully electric 4X4. Designed to preserve the rugged DNA of the legendary Defender while appealing to a younger, urban audience, the Baby Defender is set for a global debut in 2027. EV Platform & Performance Built on Land Rover’s Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA), the Baby Defender will feature dual-motor all-wheel-drive setups and 800V charging architecture, enabling ultra-fast charging speeds of up to 350 kW. This combination promises both urban convenience and uncompromising off-road power. Design & Dimensions Spy images reveal a boxy silhouette, upright stance, and signature Defender…

Yoga has become a way of life for many, rooted in ancient wisdom and now embraced through modern ideas. The wellness movement is expanding beyond traditional spaces and elite retreats. Across India, new-age startups are redefining how people access and experience wellness, making it more personal, inclusive and environmentally conscious. Here are four inspiring ventures that are making wellness feel more real, more rooted and more reachable. WellnessLoka Founded in 2016 by Ajay Jolly and Rinie Rajan Mathews, WellnessLoka is a Kerala-based platform that simplifies the process of discovering and booking authentic wellness experiences. The platform features over 3500 wellness…

Rapido, known for its bike taxi and ride-hailing services, has announced its entry into India’s food delivery market. The company is introducing a zero-commission model, aiming to attract cost-sensitive consumers and first-time users. This strategic move mirrors its approach in the mobility sector, where it focused on low-cost services to build a large user base and increase transaction frequency. Growing Network, Lower CostsRapido claims to have more users and drivers than food delivery giants Swiggy and Zomato. It plans to leverage this network to scale operations quickly. A key part of the strategy includes offering affordable delivery options, which could…

Air India Express has reached a significant milestone by expanding its fleet to 100 aircraft with the induction of a Boeing 737-8. The newly added aircraft took its maiden flight on the Bengaluru-Hindon route, marking another step in the airline’s rapid growth. In an official statement on Monday, the airline announced that by the end of the month, it aims to operate more than 500 daily flights, covering an extensive network of 54 destinations across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Since its acquisition by the Tata Group in January 2022, Air India Express has almost doubled its fleet.…