Author: News Desk

A viral social media post claiming that BSNL customers’ SIM KYC has been suspended by TRAI, leading to SIM deactivation within 24 hours, has been circulating widely. The notice also includes a contact number for a “KYC verification executive,” urging users to call immediately. However, Channeliam Fact Check has found this claim to be false. Fake BSNL Notice Spreads Misinformation The viral message suggests that BSNL is deactivating SIM cards unless customers update their KYC details. However, BSNL has clarified that this notice is completely fake and is being circulated by fraudsters to deceive users. The message is part of…

Land Rover has a long and dynamic history, having been owned by multiple companies over the years. Currently, it is owned by Tata Motors, an Indian automotive giant that acquired the brand along with Range Rover in 2008. Under Tata’s leadership, Land Rover vehicles have been modernized with more efficient engines. In 2012, Land Rover was grouped with Jaguar to form Jaguar Land Rover Limited (JLR), and in 2023, the company simplified its name to JLR as part of a broader sustainability and branding strategy. This change also streamlined model naming, avoiding redundancies like “Land Rover Range Rover.” Land Rover…

Starting April 2025, car prices in India will increase as leading automakers, including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors, and Mahindra & Mahindra, announce price hikes. The decision comes in response to rising input costs, inflation, and operational expenses. Maruti Suzuki, the country’s top passenger car manufacturer, plans to raise prices across its entire model range by up to 4%. Hyundai Motor India will implement a price increase of up to 3%, while Mahindra & Mahindra will raise prices for its SUVs and commercial vehicles by a similar margin. Tata Motors is also set to hike prices on its passenger and…

The Indian cola industry is witnessing intense competition in the sugar-free segment, with Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Reliance Consumer’s Campa vying for dominance. To attract health-conscious consumers, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have introduced affordable 200 ml packs of their diet and light drinks for just ₹10. These smaller, lower-priced bottles are gaining popularity without impacting the prices of their flagship products. Diet and Light Drinks Expand Market Reach Both Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have launched sugar-free variants like Thums Up X Force, Coke Zero, Sprite Zero, and Pepsi No-Sugar. Industry officials claim this is the first time diet and light drinks are available…

Several Tata Group companies have reportedly partnered with electric vehicle (EV) giant Tesla, contributing to its global supply chain network. According to The Times of India, firms like Tata AutoComp, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Tata Technologies, and Tata Electronics played a role in supplying $2 billion worth of components from India to Tesla in FY24. Tesla’s Plans to Expand Supplier Base Tesla is also engaging with suppliers to establish facilities closer to its manufacturing hubs. This strategic move aims to strengthen its supply ecosystem while reducing dependency on certain regions. An industry source told The Economic Times, “Tesla is, in a way, readying the supplier base in India. We are very sure that once Tesla starts manufacturing here, Indian…

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a revision in ATM interchange fees, increasing charges by ₹2 for financial transactions and ₹1 for non-financial transactions. This change, set to take effect from May 1, is expected to have a greater financial impact on smaller banks with a limited ATM network. Potential Cost Burden on Customers While banks have yet to decide whether to pass on the increased interchange fees to customers, industry experts suggest that customers will eventually bear the additional costs. A senior banking official noted that every interchange fee revision in the past decade has led to…

US aircraft manufacturer Boeing has laid off up to 180 employees at its Boeing India Engineering Technology Center (BIETC) in Bengaluru. The job cuts are part of a broader global workforce reduction, a source confirmed. Boeing, which employs around 7,000 people in India, is facing various challenges worldwide. The layoffs occurred during the December 2024 quarter, as the company continues efforts to streamline its operations. Boeing’s Global Workforce Reduction Last year, Boeing announced plans to reduce its global workforce by 10%. The layoffs in India have been relatively measured, ensuring minimal impact on customer service, safety, and quality standards, according…

Bain Capital, a global private investment firm, has entered into definitive agreements to acquire joint control in Manappuram Finance, a Kerala-based non-banking financial company (NBFC). The investment will be made through Bain Capital’s affiliates, BC Asia Investments XXV Ltd. and BC Asia Investments XIV Ltd. Despite the new partnership, the existing promoters will continue to remain fully invested in the company. Investment Details As part of this strategic transaction, Bain Capital will invest ₹4,385 crore to acquire an 18% stake in Manappuram Finance on a fully diluted basis. The acquisition will be conducted through a preferential allotment of equity and…

Pramod Mittal, once among the wealthiest people in the world, is now a cautionary tale of how quickly fortunes can change. The younger brother of Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, Pramod was known for his lavish lifestyle and enormous financial empire. However, after years of extravagant spending and high-risk financial decisions, he found himself facing bankruptcy and legal troubles. The Early Success and Lavish Lifestyle Pramod Mittal was the chairman of Ispat Industries Limited, which later became JSW Ispat Steel, and was deeply involved in the steel industry, like his brother Lakshmi. At the peak of his career, Pramod’s net…

In 2008, Pankaj Chaddah and Deepinder Goyal left their high-paying jobs at Bain & Co to start FoodieBay, an online restaurant directory. Within months, it became the largest platform of its kind in Delhi-NCR. By 2010, the company rebranded to Zomato, expanding its services and attracting investments from major firms like Info Edge India, Sequoia, and Ant Financial. A $200 million investment from Ant Financial in 2018 helped Zomato achieve unicorn status. However, Chaddah left the company that same year. Chaddah’s Role in Zomato’s Growth As a co-founder, Chaddah played a key role in Zomato’s expansion beyond listings. Under his…