Author: News Desk

In a landmark move that blends big tech with sustainable infrastructure, Google (Alphabet Inc.) is set to invest $6 billion in India’s southern state of Andhra Pradesh to build its first data centre in the country, according to government sources. The project, located in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam, will be Google’s largest data centre in Asia, both in terms of capacity (1 GW) and investment. The plan also includes a $2 billion investment in renewable energy, intended to power the facility and align with Google’s global sustainability goals. Big Tech Meets Green Power With a capacity of 1 gigawatt,…

Shailesh Jejurikar, an India-born executive and current Chief Operating Officer of Procter & Gamble (P&G), is set to take over as the CEO and President of the global consumer goods giant on January 1, 2026. With this appointment, Jejurikar will become the first India-born CEO in P&G’s nearly two-century history—marking a significant moment for global leadership and Indian corporate influence. From Assistant Brand Manager to Global Chief Jejurikar’s P&G journey began in 1989 when he joined the company as an Assistant Brand Manager in India. Over the next three decades, he rose through the ranks, managing operations across continents, leading iconic product categories like Tide, Ariel, and Downy, and most recently serving…

In a groundbreaking move for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Abu Dhabi has launched commercial self-driving taxi services accessible via the Uber app. The autonomous fleet now operates on Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands, two of the city’s busiest business, residential, and financial hubs, marking a significant expansion of the emirate’s ambitious smart transport project. From Trial to Real Roads: Autonomous Taxis Now Serving Central Abu Dhabi The autonomous taxi initiative began in late 2024 with a small fleet operating on Saadiyat and Yas Islands. Since then, the service has rapidly scaled up and moved into more complex, high-traffic…

Federal Bank has partnered with fintech companies M2P Fintech and MinkasuPay to launch India’s first biometric authentication solution for e-commerce card transactions. This enables customers to authenticate purchases using fingerprint or Face ID instead of one-time passwords (OTPs). Faster and more secure checkoutThe solution reduces transaction time to 3–4 seconds while ensuring high security. It combines convenience with safety by eliminating OTPs, replacing them with device biometrics for quicker and seamless authentication. Compliance and compatibilityThe system adheres to RBI’s two-factor authentication norms and includes OTP fallback if biometrics fail. Customers can opt in with one-time consent during checkout. It works…

In a major policy shift aimed at reshaping Maharashtra’s mobility ecosystem, the state government has announced it will soon launch its own ride-hailing app for taxis, auto-rickshaws, and bike taxis, positioning it as an alternative to private aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik shared details of the initiative this week, describing the app as a move to curb monopolistic practices, create jobs, and empower youth across the state. “This scheme will make lakhs of youth in Maharashtra self-reliant,” Sarnaik said. “Our government aims to offer an affordable, transparent alternative through a state-backed app.” Why It Matters: Reducing Reliance on Private Aggregators The upcoming app—tentatively named Jai…

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, developed jointly by ISRO and NASA, was successfully launched on July 30, 2025, at 5.40 p.m. IST. The satellite lifted off aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Mission Goals and Orbit DetailsWeighing 2,392 kg, the NISAR satellite was placed into a 743-km sun-synchronous orbit about 19 minutes after launch. Its key objectives include monitoring land and ice deformation, studying land ecosystems, and observing oceanic changes. These areas align with mutual research interests of the U.S. and Indian scientific communities. Advanced Data CapabilitiesThe NISAR satellite will…

British aerospace company Rolls-Royce has proposed a partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to jointly develop and manufacture a new engine for the CATS Warrior, an advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). This proposed collaboration aims to support India’s indigenous Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) program. Need for a More Powerful Engine HAL is reassessing the engine requirements for the CATS Warrior drone following an increase in its maximum takeoff weight from 1.3 tons to 2.1 tons. While the current PTAE-W turbojet engines, each delivering 3.7 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust, are adequate for basic operation, a more powerful propulsion system…

A B Cotspin India Ltd., a key player in the textile manufacturing sector with over 25 years of experience, has unveiled a large-scale expansion project valued at up to ₹1500 crores. The company plans to add around 2,00,000 spindles to its existing capacity of 50,832 spindles. The expansion is expected to be completed over the next three years. Nationwide Expansion Across Key StatesThe expansion will be implemented across India, including states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It will involve the development of integrated green textile manufacturing units, with a focus on sustainability and scale. Integrated Facility and Infrastructure DevelopmentAs part…

Tata Motors is preparing to acquire Italian commercial vehicle maker Iveco for $4.5 billion (₹39,000 crore), marking the automaker’s largest deal to date and the Tata Group’s second-biggest acquisition after Corus. The acquisition surpasses the company’s 2008 purchase of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which was valued at $2.3 billion. Deal Structure and Timeline The acquisition is expected to be formally announced soon, with the boards of Tata Motors and Iveco set to meet for approval. Tata will acquire a 27.1% stake from Exor, the Agnelli family’s investment arm, and plans to launch a tender offer to buy out remaining shareholders.…

Most airports worldwide have dedicated runways for aircraft, but Gisborne Airport in New Zealand operates differently. Located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, this small city airport is one of the very few in the world where a railway track runs directly across the main runway. Rail Line Divides the Main RunwaySpread over 160 hectares, Gisborne Airport is intersected by the Palmerston North–Gisborne railway line. This track cuts right through the middle of the airport’s main runway, dividing it nearly in half. Both the airport and the railway operate daily between 6:30 am and 8:30 pm. After…