Author: News Desk

Iran has agreed to a two-week ceasefire and will begin negotiations with the United States on Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan. The decision follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement that Washington would pause attacks if Tehran fully reopens the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s foreign minister stated that safe passage through the strategic waterway would be allowed during this period, coordinated with its armed forces. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the ceasefire, calling for it to hold and lead to a broader resolution. He reiterated Australia’s long-standing position urging de-escalation, warning that prolonged conflict threatens global economic stability. Albanese also acknowledged…

A clean-tech startup, Greenvize, claims to offer a solution to rising LPG prices by enabling cooking using hydrogen generated from water. The company says it has developed an advanced stove based on this technology. The system works using a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen to produce fuel for cooking. According to the company, the stove is highly cost-efficient. With just 100 ml of distilled water and 1 kWh of electricity, it can support continuous cooking for up to six hours. The process is also environmentally friendly, as it releases only water vapour during cooking, making it a…

India’s digital payments ecosystem reached a new milestone in 2025, with Unified Payments Interface (UPI) processing 228.5 billion transactions, marking a 33% year-on-year growth. The total transaction value touched nearly ₹299.7 trillion, underlining UPI’s dominance as the backbone of everyday digital payments in the country. The surge reflects a growing shift toward small-value, high-frequency transactions, as UPI continues to replace cash for daily purchases across cities and smaller towns. Merchant adoption also expanded rapidly, with QR code infrastructure and digital acceptance networks growing significantly, enabling even small businesses to go cashless. Meanwhile, Bharat BillPay transactions rose 40% year-on-year, highlighting increasing adoption of automated and recurring digital payments such…

India plans to increase the adoption of electric cooking stoves as households face LPG shortages caused by ongoing tensions in West Asia. The government is exploring financial support models, including zero-interest loans through state-run Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL). Expanding the National Efficient Cooking Programme The three-year-old National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) may be redesigned to meet rising demand. A proposed model could have a third party, such as a multilateral financial institution, subsidize interest on EMIs, reducing the cost for lower-income consumers. Currently, the NECP does not offer interest subsidies. Financing Discussions EESL is reportedly in talks with institutions…

India has achieved a significant breakthrough in its nuclear energy programme as the indigenously designed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, reached criticality. Prime Minister Hails Achievement Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the development a defining step in India’s civil nuclear journey, advancing the second stage of the country’s three-stage nuclear programme. He highlighted that the PFBR can produce more fuel than it consumes, underscoring India’s scientific and engineering capabilities. The milestone also moves the nation closer to utilizing its abundant thorium reserves in the third stage. PM Modi congratulated the scientists and engineers who contributed to…

The government has increased the supply of small 5-kg LPG cylinders nationwide, allowing consumers to buy them easily at authorised distributors by showing a valid ID. This step comes amid rising demand and supply pressures due to ongoing West Asia tensions affecting energy logistics. No Address Proof Needed The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has clarified that 5-kg free trade LPG (FTL) cylinders can be purchased without submitting any proof of address. Consumers only need a valid government-issued ID such as: No extra paperwork or address verification is required, simplifying access for migrant workers and others without permanent addresses.…

Bangladesh’s newly elected BNP government has initiated its first high-level diplomatic outreach with India, as Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman arrived in Delhi. This marks the first major political engagement with India since Prime Minister Tariq Rahman’s government assumed office in February. The minister is in India for a two-day official visit. Meeting with National Security AdvisersKhalilur Rahman, who served as the National Security Adviser during the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, is scheduled to meet Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The two had previously held discussions in Delhi last November. Official Talks with Foreign Minister S. JaishankarOn Wednesday,…

Orient Electric has announced the launch of Aero O2, a first-of-its-kind ceiling fan in India that aims to go beyond traditional cooling by actively improving indoor air quality. The company says the fan is powered by Bio-Oxy Plasma ION+ technology, which is designed to release active ions that help break down pollutants such as PM2.5, smoke, and microbes, creating a cleaner indoor environment. According to the company, Aero O2 can enhance oxygen levels by up to 90% over time and significantly reduce harmful gases like CO₂ and NO₂, addressing growing concerns around indoor air quality in urban homes. Orient Electric…

The central government is set to launch a Rs 2.5-lakh-crore credit guarantee scheme in the coming days to support sectors affected by the West Asian crisis, officials said. Expansion of ECGLS Framework The new scheme builds on the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECGLS) introduced in 2020 to aid MSMEs during the Covid-19 pandemic. 90 Percent Credit Guarantee Under the plan, businesses availing loans through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) are expected to receive a 90 percent credit guarantee. If a borrower defaults, the government will cover the lender’s loss. Coverage and Duration The scheme is likely to…

Tata Sons’ new ventures are facing major financial challenges, with combined losses projected at up to Rs 29,000 crore in FY26—far exceeding an earlier estimate of Rs 5,700 crore. The surge in losses is largely driven by Air India, along with Tata Digital, Tata Electronics, and Tejas Networks. Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran is expected to present a detailed turnaround plan at the June board meeting, addressing concerns raised by Noel Tata over rising losses and execution gaps. The deferral of Chandrasekaran’s third-term reappointment at the February board meeting reflects unease over the group’s financial performance. Tata Digital under the spotlightAmong the…