Author: News Desk

The Reserve Bank of India has updated its e-mandate framework to make recurring digital payments smoother and more user-friendly. Under the new rules, auto-debits up to ₹15,000 will no longer require OTP authentication, making subscriptions and bill payments seamless. However, transactions above ₹15,000 will still need additional authentication, ensuring security for higher-value payments. Users must still complete a one-time registration with authentication, after which recurring payments can proceed automatically within the limit. To maintain safety, the RBI has made it mandatory for banks to send pre-debit alerts at least 24 hours before the transaction, along with post-debit notifications. Customers will also have the option…

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is planning a massive ₹10,000 crore investment to upgrade infrastructure and accelerate production of fighter jets and helicopters. The expansion will focus on enhancing manufacturing capacity for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft and indigenous helicopter programs, addressing delays and boosting delivery timelines. Key upgrades include new assembly lines, hangars, advanced tooling, and digital technologies, aimed at improving efficiency and increasing output across facilities in Bengaluru and Nashik. HAL currently has large pending orders, including around 180 Tejas Mk-1A jets and multiple helicopter programs, making faster production a strategic priority for the armed forces. The investment is also expected to boost self-reliance in…

Thousands of government employees in Karnataka are facing delays in receiving their March salaries, triggering concern across multiple departments. The delay has affected sectors including revenue, education, police, and animal husbandry, with many workers still unpaid well into April. While some employees received salaries around April 9–10, a large number remain unpaid, causing financial stress for nearly 6.4 lakh workers. Officials have attributed the delay to a mix of technical issues and administrative inefficiencies, though the unusually long delay has raised questions. There are also allegations that funds may have been diverted toward welfare schemes such as Gruhalakshmi, but the state finance department…

The Indian Navy has commissioned DSC A23, the fourth vessel in its indigenous Diving Support Craft (DSC) series, marking another step in strengthening maritime capabilities. The craft is part of a five-ship project under Make in India, designed and built domestically to enhance self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Measuring around 30 metres in length with a catamaran hull, DSC A23 offers improved stability, larger deck space, and better sea-keeping, making it ideal for coastal and harbour operations. These vessels are equipped for a wide range of missions, including underwater diving support, inspection, repair, and salvage operations, significantly boosting the Navy’s operational readiness. The commissioning highlights…

Amazon is investing an additional $5 billion in AI startup Anthropic, deepening their strategic partnership in the fast-growing artificial intelligence space. The agreement is part of a broader deal in which Anthropic will spend over $100 billion over the next decade on Amazon’s cloud platform and AI chips. Amazon may invest up to $20 billion more in the future, depending on business milestones, adding to its earlier $8 billion stake in the company. Anthropic, known for its Claude AI models, will rely heavily on Amazon Web Services and its custom-built Trainium chips to scale its AI systems. The partnership highlights the growing race for computing…

Leema Rose Martin has emerged as the richest candidate in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, declaring assets of over ₹1,000 crore. She is the wife of lottery baron Santiago Martin, whose business empire significantly contributes to the family’s wealth. Her declared portfolio includes real estate assets, buildings, and jewellery worth hundreds of crores, highlighting a strong concentration of wealth. According to disclosures, a large portion of her assets is tied to land and property investments, along with substantial movable assets such as gold and financial holdings. Her candidature has drawn attention to the increasing role of high-net-worth individuals in Indian elections, where financial strength…

Air India has signed a 10-year agreement with French aerospace major Thales to maintain its inflight entertainment (IFE) systems. The deal, part of Air India’s broader fleet modernisation strategy, will cover 57 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including both existing and new planes. Under the FlytCARE programme, Thales will provide end-to-end maintenance services, including repairs, spares, logistics, and technical support. The agreement also includes support for new widebody aircraft equipped with advanced AVANT Up systems, featuring 4K screens, Bluetooth connectivity, and fast charging ports. Services will be delivered from Thales facilities in Delhi and Mumbai, aimed at improving turnaround time and system reliability. The partnership is expected…

India has initiated diplomatic engagement with Iran to ensure the safe passage of its ships through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. The move comes after firing incidents involving two India-flagged vessels, raising serious concerns over maritime safety in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that it is in constant contact with Iranian authorities to facilitate secure transit and protect Indian seafarers. The Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial global chokepoint, handling a significant share of the world’s oil and gas shipments, making any disruption a major concern for India’s energy security. Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, India is also…

John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is set to become the next CEO of Apple, succeeding Tim Cook. Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001, has played a key role in developing the company’s flagship products, including iPhones, Macs, and other hardware innovations. The leadership transition is part of a planned succession strategy, with Cook stepping down after nearly 15 years as CEO and moving into the role of executive chairman. Under Cook’s leadership, Apple’s valuation surged to over $4 trillion, making it one of the world’s most valuable companies. While exact figures on Ternus’s net worth are…

Adani Power has emerged as the most valuable company within the Adani Group, with a market capitalisation of around ₹3.99 lakh crore. The milestone was achieved after the company’s shares surged nearly 4.5% to hit a fresh 52-week high, reflecting strong investor sentiment. With this rally, Adani Power has overtaken Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, which now stands at a lower market value of about ₹3.65 lakh crore. The surge is backed by strong stock momentum, improving financials, and positive market outlook for the power sector. Adani Power’s rapid rise highlights growing investor focus on energy and power generation assets, especially as…