Author: News Desk

The GST Council has revamped vehicle tax rates, making commuter rides more affordable while simplifying the tax structure for automakers and buyers alike. Effective September 22, small petrol cars (up to 1200 cc or diesel up to 1500 cc, under 4 m in length), motorcycles up to 350 cc, and three-wheelers now attract an 18% GST rate, down from 28%. Hybrid cars under these specifications are also included in this reduced bracket. In contrast, motorcycles above 350 cc and larger vehicles, petrol cars over 1200 cc, diesel over 1500 cc, and longer than 4 m, plus luxury cars, yachts, and personal aircraft, now fall under a simplified 40%…

Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group, has announced a major push into advanced battery technology. The company revealed plans to invest in the development and manufacturing of next-generation batteries for both automotive and non-automotive uses, including energy storage systems. Partnership with CALB Group To drive this initiative, Ashok Leyland has entered into a long-term partnership with CALB Group, a leading battery technology company from China. The agreement was signed by Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO of Ashok Leyland, and Jacky Liu, CEO of CALB (HK) Co. Ltd, in the presence of Shom Hinduja, President of Alternative…

Onam is more than just a harvest festival, it’s a celebration of Kerala’s rich culture, unity, and joy. And now, it’s stepping into the digital era. Game developer Onewiibe, based in Kerala, has taken a bold step by combining tradition with technology to create a new way to celebrate Onam. For the first time in Kerala, Onam celebrations are being gamified. Onewiibe has launched two interactive games: Scream Xtream, a high-energy challenge, and a Digital Boat Race, simulating Kerala’s iconic Vallam Kali (snake boat race). These games are built for all age groups and aim to deliver the feeling of Onam in…

Survey procedures have officially begun in Ernakulam district for the construction of Kerala’s ambitious coastal highway. The government issued an order on August 28 to initiate the second phase of the project, from Vypeen to Munambam, prior to the first phase, which spans South Chellanam to Fort Kochi. Pre-survey steps like document collection are already in motion, with field work expected to start after the Onam festival. According to revenue officials, surveyors are being assigned and work is underway to assess bends, road alignments, and other construction needs. Gazette notifications detailing landowner information have already been issued, and survey stones…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin shared a ride in the Russian leader’s official car, the Aurus Senat, after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China on Monday. The limousine carried both leaders from the summit venue to their bilateral meeting at a hotel. Aurus Senat: Russia’s Fortress on Wheels The Aurus Senat, often described as a “fortress on wheels,” is a luxury armoured limousine developed under Russia’s Kortezh project. The car was designed by Aurus Motors, a venture involving the Russian state research institute NAMI, Sollers JSC, and the UAE’s Tawazun Holding. Inspired by the Soviet-era ZIS-110,…

Kochi witnessed a fresh wave of online investment frauds just days after news broke of a city-based pharmaceutical businessman losing Rs 25 crore in a similar scam. On Tuesday, police reported three more cases where individuals, including senior citizens, lost a combined Rs 85.5 lakh to fraudulent trading schemes. Senior Citizen Loses Over Rs 65 Lakh The biggest loss was reported from Udayamperoor, where a senior citizen was cheated of Rs 65.45 lakh. Fraudsters promised him 8–15% profit through pre-market trading in Indian and US stock markets. After gaining his trust, they added him to a WhatsApp group managed by…

India marked a milestone in its semiconductor journey with the launch of the country’s first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor, Vikram, at the Semicon India 2025 conference. The processor was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw, alongside test chips from four approved projects. Vikram: Built for Space Applications Developed by ISRO’s Semiconductor Laboratory, the Vikram processor is engineered to withstand the harsh conditions of space launch vehicles. Vaishnaw called the launch a critical step toward reducing India’s dependence on imported chips, especially in strategic sectors. Rapid Growth of Semiconductor Infrastructure Vaishnaw highlighted India’s…

Reliance Industries chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani announced major milestones and future plans for Jio at the company’s 48th Annual General Meeting in Mumbai. From a confirmed IPO timeline to a new artificial intelligence strategy, Ambani outlined Jio’s roadmap for the coming years. Jio IPO by First Half of 2026 Ambani confirmed that Reliance Jio Platforms will file for its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. “Today, it is my proud privilege to announce that Jio is making all arrangements to file for its IPO,” Ambani told shareholders. He added that the…

Megan McArthur, the first woman to pilot a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, has officially retired after over 20 years of distinguished service at NASA. A two-time space traveler, she logged 213 days in orbit and played a critical role in both space exploration and scientific advancement. Her final mission was as pilot on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-2 flight in April 2021, marking her first long-duration stay aboard the International Space Station. During her 200-day mission, McArthur served as a flight engineer for Expeditions 65/66, conducting vital research in human health, materials science, and robotics, all to support future Moon and Mars missions.…

South India is preparing for a major transport upgrade with plans for a high-speed bullet train corridor linking Hyderabad, Chennai, Amaravati, and Bengaluru. Announcing the project at the India Food Manufacturing Summit 2025 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu said surveys are already in motion. He described the region, home to more than five crore people, as one of the world’s biggest markets and said faster connectivity will unlock vast economic opportunities. “This bullet train will connect Hyderabad, Chennai, Amaravati, and Bengaluru. It’s going to happen soon, and when it does, it will unlock the biggest market in…