Author: News Desk

The UAE dirham’s recent strengthening against the Indian rupee is making imports from India more affordable, helping to reduce inflation, analysts and retailers say. Indian Rupee Hits Record Low The Indian rupee recently dropped to nearly 24 against the UAE dirham, its lowest ever, due to the strengthening US dollar. Over the past year, the rupee has weakened from 22.5 to almost 24 per dirham, according to xe.com. Food Prices Expected to Drop Dr. Dhananjay Datar, chairman of Al Adil Supermarkets, noted that the weaker rupee will lead to lower food prices. He estimates a 15% reduction in the cost of…

Tata Motors has launched India’s first trials of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks. Over the next 24 months, 16 advanced hydrogen-powered vehicles with different configurations and payload capacities will be tested on major freight routes, including Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Surat, Vadodara, Jamshedpur, and Kalinganagar. These trucks will feature Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (H2-ICE) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (H2-FCEV) technology. Government Support for Hydrogen Mobility The trial was inaugurated by Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Pralhad Joshi. Gadkari emphasized hydrogen’s role in transforming India’s transport sector by cutting emissions and enhancing energy self-reliance. Joshi highlighted the trial as a crucial step in…

Indian Railways is set to introduce its first hydrogen-powered train this month, marking a significant move towards sustainable transportation and zero-carbon emissions. This development aligns with India’s efforts to adopt clean energy solutions in railway operations. High-Power Engine Developed by ICF The hydrogen-powered train, built by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), boasts an impressive 1,200 HP engine. This makes it the world’s most powerful hydrogen train, surpassing the 500-600 HP capacity of similar trains in other countries. The train will operate on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route under the Northern Railway’s Delhi Division. Government’s Push for Green Transport To accelerate India’s…

Indian Railways plans to construct a 69.4 km railway line connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelefu in Bhutan. The project, estimated to cost around Rs 3,500 crore, will establish a direct railway link between the two regions. Boost for Tourism and Trade The new railway line is expected to enhance tourism and trade between India and Bhutan, further strengthening bilateral ties. Bhutan’s First Railway Link This will be Bhutan’s first-ever railway connection, with the construction fully funded by the Government of India. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has already been completed. Managed by NF Railway Train operations on this route…

Tuhin Kanta Pandey has officially taken over as the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), succeeding Madhabi Puri Buch. With his vast experience in public administration and financial management, Pandey is poised to bring fresh perspectives and strategic leadership to SEBI. Here’s a look at his journey and what he brings to the table. A Senior IAS Officer Pandey, an officer from the 1987 batch of the Odisha cadre, is a seasoned bureaucrat with years of experience in public administration. His career has been marked by his dedication to governance, making him well-equipped to lead SEBI.…

Aadithyan Rajesh, a young and dynamic entrepreneur from Kerala, has carved out a name for himself in the tech industry, despite his impressive age. Currently based in Dubai, Aadithyan founded Trinet Solutions, a company that specializes in web design and software development, showcasing the power of early passion and entrepreneurial spirit. Early Passion for Technology Aadithyan’s journey into technology began at a very young age. At just five years old, his father introduced him to the BBC Typing website, sparking a passion that would last a lifetime. By nine, Aadithyan had already developed his first mobile app, marking the start…

In an exclusive interview with Channeliam.com, Mio Oka, the Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), India Resident Mission, shared valuable insights into ADB’s contribution to India’s development and its future plans. Over the years, ADB has emerged as a crucial financial partner for the country, supporting various sectors and playing a key role in India’s growth trajectory. Key Areas of ADB’s Investment in India ADB has consistently committed substantial funds to India’s development. In 2023, the bank provided $2.59 billion in sovereign lending to the country. However, in 2024, this commitment saw a significant increase, rising to $4.24 billion. These…

Ola Electric is once again under scrutiny. The Bengaluru-based electric vehicle (EV) startup frequently finds itself making headlines, often for negative reasons. Recently, reports suggest that the company is planning to lay off over 1,000 payroll employees and contract workers as part of its effort to reduce losses. However, Ola Electric has yet to officially confirm these claims. Layoffs at Ola As reported by Bloomberg, the SoftBank-backed company intends to cut jobs in various departments such as procurement, fulfillment, customer relations, and charging infrastructure. This isn’t the first time Ola Electric has faced mass layoffs. In November, unverified reports indicated…

The Mahakumbh festival in Uttar Pradesh has not only been a spiritual gathering but also a powerful economic booster for the state, significantly contributing to its GST collections and the broader economy. Over the months of January and February, Uttar Pradesh witnessed a remarkable increase in GST revenue, driven by the influx of visitors attending the religious event. The state’s GST collections surged by over ₹1,000 crore during this period, compared to the same months last year, showcasing a double-digit growth that outpaced the national average of 9% in February. GST Growth and State Comparisons During this period, Uttar Pradesh…

Tesla, the global leader in electric vehicles (EVs), is preparing to open its first showroom in India, located in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). According to The Times of India, the company has secured a 4,000-square-foot space on the ground floor of a commercial tower, marking a significant step towards its long-awaited entry into the Indian market. Tesla has been eyeing India for years, but delays in its plans were caused by disagreements over import and manufacturing regulations. However, the recent posting of job openings in India has fueled speculation about the company’s imminent launch. Tesla’s Mumbai Showroom The BKC showroom…