Author: News Desk

OFF/BEAT, the new venture by boAt cofounder Aman Gupta, has secured ₹100 crore (about $10.7 million) in its seed funding round, led by Bessemer Venture Partners. The startup has not disclosed the participation of other investors. Transition from boAt to OFF/BEAT Gupta announced OFF/BEAT in March after moving to a non-executive role at boAt, which is preparing for a public listing. The new venture is expected to operate as a venture studio platform, supporting emerging founders and ideas, though its specific offerings have not yet been revealed. Focus on Cultural and Technological Shifts OFF/BEAT stated that India is experiencing a…

In March 2026, the Indian Army took a major step toward electric mobility by issuing and closing tenders for a new class of “Silent Scout” electric motorcycles and scooters. These vehicles are designed not just as replacements for traditional petrol-powered bikes but as tools that redefine mobility, reconnaissance, and communication in forward operating areas. Key Procurements and Tenders Central to this initiative is tender GEM/2026/B/7383148, issued by the Department of Military Affairs, focusing on electric motorcycles and scooters for operational use. A related sub-tender, GEM/2026/B/7293693, targets “Battery Operated Two Wheeler Messengers,” highlighting the Army’s need for silent, rapid communication between…

India and Turkiye held the 12th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) in New Delhi on April 8, 2026. The Indian delegation was led by Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Turkish delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Berris Ekinci. This was the first round of FoC since 2022, when the previous meeting took place in Ankara. Relations between the two countries have been tense due to statements by Turkish President Recep Erdogan on Kashmir and Turkiye’s military support to Pakistan during the Operation Sindoor conflict last year. The consultations in…

India is fast-tracking DRDO’s Project Kusha, an advanced long-range air defence system, to strengthen the country’s ability to protect its skies while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. Officially named the Extended Range Air Defence System, Project Kusha is being developed as a homegrown alternative to imported systems like the Russian S-400. Three-Layer Missile Structure Reports indicate that Project Kusha will operate across three tiers of missiles: the M1 with a range of around 150 km, the M2 covering roughly 250 km, and the M3, the most sophisticated, expected to reach 350–400 km. Early development milestones for the M1 interceptor have…

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has instructed the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to reduce landing and parking charges at non-major airports by 25% to help curb the sharp rise in domestic airfares amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. The move is part of a broader effort by the government to support airlines struggling with higher operational costs caused by disruptions in fuel supplies and soaring global jet fuel prices. 25% Reduction for Domestic Flights According to the ministry, the reduction in landing and parking charges — which form part of the aeronautical tariff — will apply immediately to all…

India and Bangladesh have signaled a renewed effort to strengthen bilateral relations under the new Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government, following high-level meetings in New Delhi this week. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hosted Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kobir from April 7–9, marking the first senior bilateral visit since the BNP took office in February 2026. The visit underscored Dhaka’s “Bangladesh First” policy, with Mr. Khalilur Rahman reiterating the new government’s intent to prioritize national interests in foreign affairs. Bangladesh formally renewed its request for the extradition of former Prime…

Adani Group stocks rallied sharply on Wednesday, rising as much as 13% after a legal development in the United States improved investor confidence and sparked widespread buying across the group’s listed companies. The trigger was a US court agreeing to hear a request from lawyers representing Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani for a pre-motion conference aimed at dismissing a civil securities fraud case filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Following the update, all Adani Group stocks traded higher. The gains were also supported by a broader rebound in Indian equity markets, which amplified the upward momentum.…

Rakesh’s career started on a promising note. Beginning at tech giant Apple, he enjoyed a high salary and a luxurious workspace. He later moved through major banks and computer manufacturing firms, seemingly living the ideal corporate life. But beneath the prestige and comfort, he felt disconnected and unfulfilled. “At first, everything seemed perfect, but gradually I realised that people were being used, and I had become a ‘people pleaser’, losing myself in the process. I had all the facilities, yet no real happiness,” he reflects. The corporate world, with its constant manipulation and hidden expectations, left him questioning the meaning of…

Mumbai-listed Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd (SDHI) has secured a first-of-its-kind order from Energy ONE Ltd to build four dual-fuel ammonia bulk carriers. The deal, valued between $240–280 million (₹2,230–₹2,603 crore), marks the first ammonia-powered bulk carriers to be constructed in India and one of the largest commercial shipbuilding projects undertaken locally. Pioneering Dual-Fuel Ammonia Vessels Each ship will have a Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) of 92,500 and measure 229.5 metres in length with a beam of 37 metres. The vessels will feature an ammonia-fuelled propulsion system, designed by KMS-EMEC from South Korea and classed by Det Norske Veritas (DNV). This represents a major step forward in India’s technological…

Astronaut-designate P. Balakrishnan Nair has been elevated to the rank of Air Commodore in the Indian Air Force, recognizing his exceptional service as a test pilot and his pivotal role in India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. Key Role in Gaganyaan Mission Air Commodore Nair is part of a select group of Indian astronauts undergoing rigorous training for the Gaganyaan mission, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The promotion comes as India ramps up preparations for its maiden crewed orbital flight. Recently, the crew completed a specialized simulation in Ladakh known as Mission Mitra. Distinguished Aviation Career A highly experienced fighter pilot and test aviator, Nair has…