Author: News Desk

Uber India is reinforcing its commitment to India’s fast-evolving mobility landscape with a fresh $20 million (₹177.5 crore) investment in Mumbai-based Everest Fleet, one of the country’s largest managed fleet operators. This follows Uber’s previous $30 million investment in September 2024, taking its total funding in the company to $50 million within a year. As per regulatory filings, Everest Fleet will issue 9,682 Series CCCPS shares at ₹1,83,388 each, valuing the company at around ₹3,700 crore ($420 million). Post-transaction, Uber India will own roughly 15.62% of Everest Fleet, while founder Siddharth Anand Ladsariya will continue to hold nearly 49.54%. Founded in 2016, Everest Fleet operates more than 18,500 vehicles, including CNG, EVs, and goods carriers,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated four new Vande Bharat Express trains, further extending India’s flagship semi-high-speed rail network. The newly launched trains will operate on crucial intercity corridors: Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi and Bengaluru–Ernakulam. The Vande Bharat trains are designed to offer faster travel times, greater passenger comfort, and enhanced onboard safety. Built under the ‘Make in India’ program, the trains feature advanced technology such as Kavach anti-collision systems, ergonomic seats, automatic plug doors, and bio-vacuum toilets. Other passenger-friendly additions include free onboard Wi-Fi, GPS-based passenger information, and energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning systems. According to officials, these new routes are expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve connectivity between major metros and regional…

India’s technological dependence on the US has sparked serious reflection after industrialist Harsh Goenka imagined a scenario where America bans India from using Google, X, ChatGPT, or Instagram. Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu reacted by stressing that India’s vulnerability goes far beyond apps, it extends to operating systems, semiconductor chips, fabrication units, and cloud infrastructure that form the backbone of the digital economy. Vembu has proposed a decade-long “National Mission for Tech Resilience,” urging India to shift from being a passive user of foreign technology to a producer of indigenous innovation. His plan calls for large-scale investments in chip design, local…

In a major political endorsement, former U.S. President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Vivek Ramaswamy in the 2026 Ohio governor’s race. Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump described Ramaswamy as “young, strong and smart” and stated, “I know Vivek well … he is something SPECIAL.” Trump also emphasised Ohio’s importance to his political base, referencing his electoral wins in the state in 2016, 2020 and 2024. He urged Republicans to unite behind Ramaswamy, saying he “will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio … he will never let you down.” Ramaswamy, an Indian-origin entrepreneur and former presidential candidate,…

The Kerala Government has approved in principle the alignment for Phase I of the Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail Project, marking a significant step toward modernising the state capital’s public transport infrastructure. As per the latest Government Order, the first phase will run 31 km from Pappanamcode to Eanchakkal, covering 27 stations. The approved corridor includes major stops such as Pappanamcode, Kaimanam, Killipalam Junction, Thampanoor, Secretariat, Palayam, Pattom, Medical College, Sreekaryam, Technopark (Phases I–III), Kochuveli, Chakka, Airport, and Eanchakkal. The decision follows detailed studies and multiple review meetings conducted by the Secretary-level Committee led by the Chief Secretary, with participation from the Finance, Revenue, Local Self-Government, and Transport (Metro)…

Smartphone manufacturers are facing an unexpected squeeze as the global semiconductor supply shifts toward AI infrastructure. With tech giants like NVIDIA, AMD, and cloud providers cornering advanced chip production for GPUs and high-performance computing, smartphone makers are struggling to secure components essential for new models. This diversion has led to delays in production schedules, higher input costs, and reduced profit margins. Industry leaders warn that the situation could worsen through 2026 as chipmakers prioritize AI-centric contracts. Meanwhile, a weaker rupee and rising import costs are forcing some handset brands to hike prices, particularly in mid-range and entry-level segments. Others are…

Denmark-based A.P. Moller – Maersk has unveiled a major strategy to deepen its presence in India, launching a plan that includes an approximate $2 billion investment targeted at its subsidiary APM Terminals’ operations in India and across the maritime value chain. Key focal points include expanding and modernising ports such as Pipavav Port in Gujarat, building ship-repair and manufacturing capabilities, exploring vessel re-flagging under the Indian registry, and strengthening logistics and warehousing to serve India’s export and manufacturing thrust. Maersk executives emphasise that India’s evolving role in global supply chains, with production shifting inwards and incentives aligning, offers “huge potential” for the…

The United States has tightened its visa approval process by introducing new medical-screening norms that allow officers to deny visas to applicants suffering from chronic illnesses. According to the new rules, conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, respiratory issues, cancers, and neurological disorders may lead to visa rejections if officials believe the applicant might depend on publicly funded healthcare during their stay. The US Department of State’s updated guidance directs consular officers to evaluate not only an applicant’s communicable disease status but also their overall health, financial capability, and potential to become a “public charge.” This includes assessing the health and financial preparedness of dependents, ensuring that…

From October 28, 2025, Indian Railways requires users to complete Aadhaar verification to book reserved train tickets online during peak morning hours. Between 8 AM and 10 AM, only Aadhaar-authenticated accounts can book tickets, a window that typically sees high demand for popular trains and aims to prevent fraudulent or multiple bookings. Outside this two-hour period, users without Aadhaar can continue booking as usual. This new rule applies specifically to the first day of ticket reservation openings. Previously, Aadhaar verification was also made mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets online, with OTP authentication required for additional security. Passengers who haven’t linked…

Researchers at IIT Madras have developed and patented a low-cost, minimally invasive device that could change how millions of Indians with diabetes monitor their blood sugar. Designed to be accurate, comfortable, and affordable, the device offers an easier alternative to traditional glucose testing methods that rely on painful finger pricks. The innovation comes from the institute’s Electronic Materials and Thin Films Lab, headed by Professor Parasuraman Swaminathan. It combines reusable electronic components and a low-power display with a disposable microneedle patch, reducing both cost and discomfort. India has more than 10 crore people living with diabetes, according to the ICMR-INDIAB…