Author: News Desk

The Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA) has urged the government to introduce ethanol-based cookstoves as an alternative and complementary cooking solution to LPG in India. The proposal comes at a time when India remains heavily dependent on imported LPG, with global supply risks rising due to geopolitical tensions. Ethanol cookstoves are being suggested as a way to strengthen energy security and reduce import dependence. Ethanol, a domestically produced biofuel, burns cleanly with low smoke and reduced indoor air pollution, making it an environmentally friendly cooking option. These stoves also do not require gas cylinders and can operate using liquid fuel directly. GEMA has recommended pilot projects and…

The government has made Aadhaar-based biometric authentication mandatory for LPG e-KYC, but clarified that this applies only to users who have not yet completed their KYC verification. Under the new rule, LPG cylinders will be delivered only after successful e-KYC authentication, ensuring that connections are linked to genuine users and reducing misuse of subsidies. The e-KYC process involves biometric verification using Aadhaar, which can be completed online through mobile apps using face authentication, OTP, or biometric methods. The move is aimed at improving transparency in LPG distribution, preventing duplicate or fake connections, and ensuring that subsidies reach the right beneficiaries. Authorities have also urged consumers…

Ali Larijani, one of Iran’s most powerful political figures, has been killed in an airstrike during the ongoing Middle East conflict. He was 67. Larijani served as head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and was widely seen as a key strategist shaping the country’s security, nuclear policy, and foreign relations. He had earlier served as parliament speaker (2008–2020) and played a major role in nuclear negotiations. His death reportedly came during Israeli airstrikes targeting top Iranian leadership, marking one of the highest-profile killings since the conflict escalated. Larijani had emerged as a central figure in Iran’s leadership, especially after the earlier killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where the two leaders discussed the escalating situation in West Asia and stressed the need to ensure safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. During the call, Modi strongly condemned the recent attacks on the United Arab Emirates, which has faced some of the most intense Iranian strikes among Gulf nations since the US–Israel conflict with Tehran began on February 28. He expressed concern over the loss of innocent lives and the widespread damage to civilian infrastructure. Sharing details…

India’s pharmaceutical sector is facing a major disruption as a propane gas shortage begins to impact production across key manufacturing hubs. Several pharma plants in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh have reported partial or complete shutdowns, as propane is critical for reactors and steam generation in drug manufacturing. The shortage is already affecting the production of essential medicines, including paracetamol, vitamins, and hormone-based drugs, raising concerns about possible supply constraints in the coming weeks. Industry experts warn that nearly 200 pharmaceutical units could face disruptions within days, as fuel shortages impact key processes such as sterilisation and chemical synthesis. The crisis is linked to global supply disruptions,…

Honda Cars India is set to manufacture its first electric vehicle in India, the Honda 0 Alpha, with an investment of around ₹1,200 crore at its Tapukara plant in Rajasthan. The move marks a major step in Honda’s entry into India’s fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) market, where it has so far focused mainly on hybrid technology. The 0 Alpha electric SUV is expected to be locally produced, reinforcing India’s role as a key manufacturing hub for Honda’s global EV strategy. Production is likely to begin ahead of its anticipated launch around 2027, positioning the model to compete in the rapidly expanding compact electric SUV segment. The investment will also…

PhonePe has temporarily delayed its IPO plans amid rising global market volatility linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The fintech major, backed by Walmart, was aiming for a valuation of around $9 billion to $10.5 billion, making it one of India’s most anticipated public listings. However, ongoing conflicts and uncertainty have weakened investor sentiment, with stock markets witnessing declines and significant capital outflows. This has impacted IPO activity across sectors. The company stated that it remains committed to going public but will resume the IPO process once market conditions stabilise. PhonePe’s decision reflects a broader trend, as several companies are reconsidering IPO timelines due to…

Honda has commenced pan-India road testing of its upcoming electric SUV, the Honda 0 Alpha, marking a major milestone in its electrification plans for India. The testing phase, known as public road verification, will assess the vehicle’s performance across diverse real-world conditions, including urban roads, highways, rough terrain, and extreme climates. The 0 Alpha is expected to be manufactured in India at Honda’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan, backed by an investment of around ₹1,200 crore. The electric SUV is likely to launch in 2027 and will compete in the fast-growing compact EV segment against rivals like Hyundai Creta EV, Tata Curvv EV, and Mahindra BE.6. With this model, Honda aims…

Indian Railways is looking to attract ₹35,800 crore (₹358 billion) in private investment through a revamped public-private partnership (PPP) model for infrastructure development. As part of the proposed reforms, the Railways plans to offer 50-year concession periods, significantly longer than the current 20–35 year range, to ensure better returns and reduce financial uncertainty for investors. A key highlight of the new framework is that Indian Railways will take over the entire responsibility for land acquisition, including costs, addressing a major bottleneck that has delayed projects in the past. The national transporter has already identified around 15 projects to be rolled out under this model by 2028, covering areas such…

Samsung Electronics is facing a potential disruption in its semiconductor production as its largest workers’ union moves closer to a strike. Union members are currently voting on a proposed strike scheduled for May, with leaders warning that the action could impact global chip supply chains. The workers are demanding better wages and bonuses, arguing that they are not adequately benefiting from the recent boom in the semiconductor industry. The union has also indicated that the strike could halt or slow chip production, raising concerns across industries that rely heavily on semiconductors, including smartphones, AI systems, and automobiles. Samsung has responded by offering wage hikes and…