Author: News Desk

Federal Bank has partnered with fintech companies M2P Fintech and MinkasuPay to launch India’s first biometric authentication solution for e-commerce card transactions. This enables customers to authenticate purchases using fingerprint or Face ID instead of one-time passwords (OTPs). Faster and more secure checkoutThe solution reduces transaction time to 3–4 seconds while ensuring high security. It combines convenience with safety by eliminating OTPs, replacing them with device biometrics for quicker and seamless authentication. Compliance and compatibilityThe system adheres to RBI’s two-factor authentication norms and includes OTP fallback if biometrics fail. Customers can opt in with one-time consent during checkout. It works…

In a major policy shift aimed at reshaping Maharashtra’s mobility ecosystem, the state government has announced it will soon launch its own ride-hailing app for taxis, auto-rickshaws, and bike taxis, positioning it as an alternative to private aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik shared details of the initiative this week, describing the app as a move to curb monopolistic practices, create jobs, and empower youth across the state. “This scheme will make lakhs of youth in Maharashtra self-reliant,” Sarnaik said. “Our government aims to offer an affordable, transparent alternative through a state-backed app.” Why It Matters: Reducing Reliance on Private Aggregators The upcoming app—tentatively named Jai…

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, developed jointly by ISRO and NASA, was successfully launched on July 30, 2025, at 5.40 p.m. IST. The satellite lifted off aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Mission Goals and Orbit DetailsWeighing 2,392 kg, the NISAR satellite was placed into a 743-km sun-synchronous orbit about 19 minutes after launch. Its key objectives include monitoring land and ice deformation, studying land ecosystems, and observing oceanic changes. These areas align with mutual research interests of the U.S. and Indian scientific communities. Advanced Data CapabilitiesThe NISAR satellite will…

British aerospace company Rolls-Royce has proposed a partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to jointly develop and manufacture a new engine for the CATS Warrior, an advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). This proposed collaboration aims to support India’s indigenous Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) program. Need for a More Powerful Engine HAL is reassessing the engine requirements for the CATS Warrior drone following an increase in its maximum takeoff weight from 1.3 tons to 2.1 tons. While the current PTAE-W turbojet engines, each delivering 3.7 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust, are adequate for basic operation, a more powerful propulsion system…

A B Cotspin India Ltd., a key player in the textile manufacturing sector with over 25 years of experience, has unveiled a large-scale expansion project valued at up to ₹1500 crores. The company plans to add around 2,00,000 spindles to its existing capacity of 50,832 spindles. The expansion is expected to be completed over the next three years. Nationwide Expansion Across Key StatesThe expansion will be implemented across India, including states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It will involve the development of integrated green textile manufacturing units, with a focus on sustainability and scale. Integrated Facility and Infrastructure DevelopmentAs part…

Tata Motors is preparing to acquire Italian commercial vehicle maker Iveco for $4.5 billion (₹39,000 crore), marking the automaker’s largest deal to date and the Tata Group’s second-biggest acquisition after Corus. The acquisition surpasses the company’s 2008 purchase of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which was valued at $2.3 billion. Deal Structure and Timeline The acquisition is expected to be formally announced soon, with the boards of Tata Motors and Iveco set to meet for approval. Tata will acquire a 27.1% stake from Exor, the Agnelli family’s investment arm, and plans to launch a tender offer to buy out remaining shareholders.…

Most airports worldwide have dedicated runways for aircraft, but Gisborne Airport in New Zealand operates differently. Located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, this small city airport is one of the very few in the world where a railway track runs directly across the main runway. Rail Line Divides the Main RunwaySpread over 160 hectares, Gisborne Airport is intersected by the Palmerston North–Gisborne railway line. This track cuts right through the middle of the airport’s main runway, dividing it nearly in half. Both the airport and the railway operate daily between 6:30 am and 8:30 pm. After…

The UAE is expected to attract 9,800 millionaires in 2025, according to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2025. This positions the UAE as the top destination for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) for the third straight year. On average, nearly one millionaire is relocating to the country every hour. Massive Wealth Shift Into the UAE The total private wealth moving into the UAE in 2025 is estimated to be around $63 billion. This inflow is being driven by favorable tax policies, long-term residency options like Golden Visas, a strong legal and business environment, and modern infrastructure. The UAE, especially cities like…

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has finalized the toll rates for the 71-kilometre Karnataka stretch of the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway, between Hedigenabele (near Hoskote) and Sundarapalya (near KGF). Car and jeep users will be charged between ₹185 and ₹280, depending on direction and trip type. Light commercial vehicles and minibuses will pay up to ₹455, while heavy vehicles face tolls as high as ₹955. Toll collection will begin soon after technical setup and coordination with district authorities. Though the road has been open unofficially for seven months, the expressway already includes four toll plazas and a 120 kmph speed limit. Despite a ban on two-wheelers, many riders have been found entering illegally through…

Tata Steel’s Chief Information Officer Jayanta Banerjee said the company can now deliver steel within 72 hours, thanks to its robust digital platforms. While it can’t match the 10-minute delivery models of quick-commerce brands, the steelmaker has significantly reduced delivery times from seven days to just three. Inspired by Quick-Commerce Giants Banerjee compared Tata Steel’s digital aspirations to consumer-facing platforms like Zomato, Zepto, and Blinkit. “We are trying to be the Zomato or Blinkit of the steel world,” he said, emphasizing the aim to make steel delivery as efficient as possible. Massive Scale with Global Presence Tata Steel has a…