Author: News Desk

UPI users in India can now make digital payments even without an internet connection using USSD and missed-call based services. This facility is available through National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and works across major banks and telecom operators. Users need to dial the *USSD code 99# from their registered mobile number to access offline UPI services. Once connected, a menu appears allowing customers to choose options such as Send Money, Request Money, Check Balance, View Transaction History, or Change UPI PIN. The service works on both smartphones and feature phones, making it especially useful in rural areas and low-network zones. Transactions can be made up to ₹5,000 per transaction, and users can also link Aadhaar numbers or bank accounts…

Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture Starlink briefly ignited excitement across India after its website accidentally displayed preliminary pricing for residential services. The listing showed a monthly subscription fee of ₹8,600 and a one-time hardware cost of ₹34,000 for the Starlink kit, which includes a satellite dish, Wi-Fi router and required cables. It also mentioned unlimited data and a 30-day trial period. However, the numbers vanished soon after. Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations, clarified that the figures were the result of a “configuration glitch” that exposed dummy test data, not the final pricing. She confirmed that Starlink’s India…

Cricket superstar Virat Kohli has invested ₹40 crore to acquire a minority stake in Bengaluru-based Agilitas Sports, a move that will transfer ownership of his athleisure brand One8 to the company. Agilitas, founded by former Puma-India boss Abhishek Ganguly, aims to reposition One8 as a high-performance, India-grown sportswear brand with global ambitions. According to media reports, the startup plans to manufacture sportswear, footwear and accessories, distributing them via omnichannel retail, including online sale, exclusive stores and international expansion by 2026–27. The deal marks Kohli’s departure from a long-standing endorsement relationship with global brands, signaling a shift toward direct business involvement…

A landmark step for India’s defence aviation sector: Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and Lockheed Martin have broken ground on a dedicated Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bengaluru to service the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft fleet. The new facility is expected to be completed by end-2026, with the first C-130J aircraft slated to arrive for maintenance in early 2027. It will offer full-spectrum depot-level support — heavy maintenance, structural inspections, component repairs, avionics upgrades, structural restoration and comprehensive overhaul. Besides sustaining the Indian Air Force’s existing fleet of C-130Js, the MRO hub is designed to serve regional and global…

The IRCTC has announced new berth-allocation norms aimed at improving comfort and accessibility for vulnerable travellers. Under the revised policy, senior citizens, pregnant women, and other eligible categories will now receive preference for lower berths when booking train tickets. This move is part of Indian Railways’ continuing efforts to ease travel for passengers with special needs, ensuring safer and more convenient journeys. Previously, securing a lower berth often depended on availability and manual request; now, the system incorporates automated checks to assign lower berths at booking time where possible. The update benefits a wide range of passengers: elderly travellers who…

India is stepping into a new era of missile warfare with the planned first flight test of BrahMos-II, its next-generation hypersonic cruise missile, targeted for 2027–28. The project is being developed under the BrahMos Aerospace framework with the involvement of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and is seen as one of the country’s most ambitious defence technology programmes. Unlike the current BrahMos supersonic missile, BrahMos-II is designed to operate at hypersonic speeds, reportedly between Mach 6 and Mach 8. At these velocities, the missile would be capable of penetrating even the most advanced air-defence systems, drastically reducing the…

For the first time in the state’s history, 1,183 Gen Z candidates are contesting Kerala’s local body elections, marking a significant shift in grassroots politics. These candidates, all under the age of 25, include 917 young women and 266 young men representing various political parties. Among them, 149 candidates are just 21 years old, the minimum eligible age to contest, with 130 women and 19 men seeking voter support across three-tier panchayat wards. Student leaders from organisations such as SFI, KSU, ABVP, MSF and AISF have entered the fray, reflecting growing political inclusivity. Mainstream parties have opened doors for young…

Gahmar, a quiet village along the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district, holds a remarkable distinction: it’s often called India’s “village of soldiers.” As of 2025, it stands out for its enduring military heritage and the sheer number of its residents who have opted for defence service rather than conventional livelihoods. In Gahmar, joining the armed forces isn’t just a career choice, it’s a legacy. With thousands of veterans and active military personnel, nearly every home has or has had at least one uniformed member. Morning fitness drills, informal coaching by retired soldiers, and community-wide encouragement help shape the young…

MS Dhoni’s transformation from legendary cricketer to one of India’s most strategic private investors has been a quiet but remarkable rise. Far from the spotlight of flashy announcements, Dhoni has steadily built a diverse, future-ready investment portfolio that reflects deep judgment, long-term thinking, and a sharp understanding of India’s evolving economy. Over the past few years, Dhoni has invested across sectors that are shaping modern India — fintech, insure-tech, real estate services, food-tech, drone technology, lifestyle brands, sports businesses and digital-first consumer startups. He also holds stakes in ventures that intersect with sustainability, mobility, cloud kitchens, and health-tech. This diversification…

The Adani Group is setting up a 48-megawatt green data center in Telangana with an investment of ₹2,500 crore. Karan Adani announced this at the Telangana Rising Global Summit, highlighting that the facility will support India’s growing digital needs with advanced AI, cloud systems, and high-performance computing. ₹10,000 Crore Already Invested in the StateHe noted that the group has invested close to ₹10,000 crore in Telangana over the past three years across infrastructure, manufacturing, and logistics, contributing to steady economic activity in the region. Boost to Roads and LogisticsThe company has helped strengthen the state’s logistics network by developing key…