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Elon Musk has a class 12 competitor from India: Hyderabad student makes satellite receiver that works without internet
A Class 12 student from Hyderabad has developed SummitSathi, a satellite-based receiver that downloads cloud images without internet or mobile connectivity. Three units, costing around Rs 68,000 each, are planned for deployment across 10 villages in Himachal Pradesh's Seraj Valley to provide an additional source of weather-related information during network disruptions.
India's innovation journey begins in classrooms: Narayana Murthy
Advocating for transformative educational reforms, NR Narayana Murthy suggested a nationwide program to prepare 500,000 teachers annually by engaging retired STEM professionals. He stressed that enhancing educational quality is vital for India's goal of a $5-trillion economy. With an estimated budget of $20 billion over 20 years, the initiative seeks to improve teacher welfare and develop critical thinking skills in the nation's classrooms.
IRDA's new consultation paper proposes major reforms to improve insurance distribution and reduce complaints
Irda's recent consultation paper aims to restructure insurance distributor commissions to enhance market efficiency and penetration. The report highlights India's low insurance penetration rate compared to global averages and emphasizes improving policy persistency. It suggests restructuring compensation models, linking payouts to ongoing services, and reducing initial commission incentives to curb misselling. This proposed overhaul aims to foster greater trust and improve customer service within the insurance sector.
From lab to farm: How Proximal Soilsens is developing a ‘glucometer’ for soil testing
Developed over nearly a decade of research at IIT Bombay, Proximal Soilsens’s patented NutriSense X aims to make laboratory-grade soil testing portable, faster and accessible. The device tests multiple soil parameters in seconds, without requiring electricity or elaborate laboratory infrastructure.
Ode to a compassionate algorithm: Philanthropists are backing AI for public good
From Flipkart’s Binny Bansal to Chrys Capital’s Ashish Dhawan and Karishma Sanghvi of Sun Pharma, a growing number of entrepreneurs are writing cheques for AI that can diagnose diseases, empower teachers, modernise courts and strengthen public services, betting that the technology can create social returns as significant as commercial ones.
AI demand unlikely to be derailed by Nvidia CEO controversy: Taiwan supply chain executives
Global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to remain strong despite the controversy surrounding Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang, with Taiwan's semiconductor supply chain sources expecting limited long-term impact on the industry, according to a news report by Focus Taiwan.
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Pune teacher sells father's land to teach 10 poor students, all clear MPSC exams; now he runs a Rs 20 crore campus in his village but still lives in a rented house
After selling his inherited house and farmland in 2005, Pune-based teacher Yajurvendra Mahajan started educating 10 underprivileged students. All cleared MPSC exams. His Deepsthamb Foundation now supports around 600 students, including persons with disabilities, orphans and transgender people, offering free education, accommodation, counselling and employment assistance.
Why did you come back? The Indian dream beyond India's borders
The trend of Indian emigration continues, driven by aspirations for better opportunities abroad. Despite improvements in India, many individuals still seek to leave the country. Historical patterns of migration are linked to economic conditions and personal ambitions. The allure of the United States remains significant for many professionals. However, immigration policies may restrict future movement and opportunities for those seeking success.
Yemen urges Lebanon to curb Hezbollah's military support to Houthis, seeks joint action
Yemen's Foreign Minister Afrah Al-Zouba called on Lebanon to take action against Hezbollah's military support for Houthis. She emphasized the need for coordination between the two nations to protect their sovereignty and security. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned external military activities by Lebanese elements in Yemen's affairs. Salam stressed the importance of maintaining Lebanon's independence and avoiding involvement in foreign conflicts.
Indian-born Nithya Raman elected Mayor of Los Angeles, scripts history as first South Asian mayor of the city
Nithya Raman has made history by becoming the first South Asian mayor of Los Angeles. She won the election against incumbent Karen Bass during the recent mid-term elections. Raman, an urban planner with degrees from Harvard and MIT, aims to address housing and transit issues. The Indian-American community has achieved significant political gains across the country in these elections.
US Midterms 2026: Cost of living and government corruption are top issues, AP Voter Poll says
Voters are participating in Election Day to influence control of the U.S. House and Senate. Many electorate members express dissatisfaction with the current economic situation attributed to Trump's policies. Polls indicate a significant desire for checks and balances on the presidency from Congress. Various gubernatorial candidates, along with major ballot measures, also shape the election landscape. Early voting statistics show heightened engagement compared to previous elections and reflect voter concerns.
PM approves Southern bullet train corridor linking Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amaravati and Chennai: Vaishnaw
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Southern Bullet Train Corridor which will connect Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amaravati, and Chennai. This high-speed rail project aims to reduce travel time significantly between these economic hubs. The Bengaluru-Chennai journey will take just 73 minutes, while Bengaluru-Hyderabad will take about two hours and 10 minutes.
India to export Vande Bharat trains in 3-4 years: Ashwini Vaishnaw
India will commence the export of Vande Bharat trains in three to four years. The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train has been recently launched to enhance overnight travel comfort. It features advanced design improvements aimed at passenger convenience and aims to reduce travel time significantly. Fares for the sleeper service are competitive compared to international train services.
Assam signs Rs 600 crore deal for India's first state-run proton therapy centre
The Government of Assam has signed an agreement with IBA Particle Therapy India Pvt. Ltd. to establish a Proton Beam Therapy Centre. This facility will be the first of its kind in India, aiming to provide advanced cancer treatment. The project involves an investment of approximately Rs. 600 crore, with support from the World Bank. Specialised training will be provided to medical personnel for operating this advanced technology.
UP looks beyond Lucknow to boost startups, MSMEs as Aavishkaar, Intellecap partner with Invest UP
With more than 11.5 million MSMEs across the state, Uttar Pradesh is looking beyond its established startup centres to build a wider enterprise ecosystem. A new Invest UP partnership with Aavishkaar Foundation and Intellecap aims to take capital, advisory support and market connections closer to entrepreneurs across its districts.
Why are nearly 2,000 MBBS seats vacant in India? Private and state medical authorities ask NMC to step in
Despite numerous rounds of counseling, approximately 2,000 MBBS seats in India still remain empty. High tuition fees are deterring potential candidates from enrolling, especially in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where significant vacancies persist. Authorities are contemplating lowering eligibility cut-offs to fill these spots, prompting discussions on the accessibility of medical education and its future ramifications for students.
Out of Europe? India's steel MSMEs battle data gaps, rising cost and EU's carbon wall
Smaller Indian steel exporters say they are struggling to obtain emissions data from raw-material suppliers and bear the cost of carbon accounting and verification under the EU’s carbon border rules.
Honeywell leaning on physical AI to net $1 billion India revenues
The $69 billion building, process, and industrial automation giant, carved out from the Honeywell industrial conglomerate as part of a companywide restructuring, is betting big on physical AI, leveraging its hardware and software experience, Anant Maheshwari, president of strategy and president & CEO of global regions told ET in an interview.
3 Warning Signs Your Supplier Is in Distress
Suppliers to multinational corporations are under growing pressure from tariffs, logistics disruptions, compliance demands, and repeated global shocks, yet many buyers still rely on conventional indicators—audits passed, orders filled, service levels met—that can obscure deeper distress. Supplier weakness often appears first not as outright failure but as a gradual retreat: range thinning, when suppliers stop investing in innovation and improvements; descaling, when they reduce capacity, defer upgrades, or lose resilience; and withdrawal, when they quietly stop bidding, decline complex work, or exit parts of the network. By assessing supplier health across innovation, investment, capability, service resilience, commercial participation, and network position, executives can detect early warning signs before a valued partner disappears. The right response depends on the stage of distress: protect innovation through cost-sharing and co-investment, protect capability through operational support and simpler governance, and protect optionality through targeted retention plans and stronger supplier voice mechanisms.
5 smart ways to save on flight tickets, hotel bookings and travel expenses during this festive season
Planning a festive getaway doesn't have to break the bank! Discover essential tips to save on flights, accommodation, and more while enjoying your holiday. From setting fare alerts to strategically using credit card rewards, learn how to effectively budget for your dream vacation without compromising your financial stability. Start saving smart today for a stress-free festive travel experience!
It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
Childcare costs have escalated significantly, impacting many households and their financial stability. This financial burden is influencing voter decisions, particularly among parents with young children. Candidates are increasingly addressing childcare issues in their campaigns to appeal to affected voters. While some propose substantial reforms, others prefer tax incentives as solutions. Parents are seeking representatives who genuinely support affordable childcare and early education initiatives.
'Can't tell you whether to apply for Jio IPO': Nitin Kamath on Jio's rise, Zerodha's growth & what changed India's stock market
Nithin Kamath (Google Trends): Zerodha co-founder Nitin Kamath has credited Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel for helping transform India’s digital economy and expand participation in the stock market. As Jio Platforms’ $3.2 billion IPO draws investor interest, Kamath said affordable mobile data, Aadhaar and UPI helped create the digital infrastructure that enabled businesses such as Zerodha to grow.
Women entrepreneurs can power Asia’s digital trade boom
Women entrepreneurs across Asia are increasingly turning to digital trade, enabling them to reach markets far beyond their local confines. This transition allows them to bypass traditional mobility challenges and limited funding opportunities. A variety of initiatives are in place to bolster women-led enterprises through training and improved financial access.
Expensive flights, struggling airlines: Why India's airfare crisis has no easy fix for passengers
India's proposed new airfare framework would require airlines to submit fare structures to the DGCA a month in advance, amid festive-season fare spikes of up to 68% on major domestic routes. Rising fuel costs, limited capacity and airline failures complicate efforts to protect passengers from steep price increases.
Cleartrip eyes sustained revenue growth driven by air travel, non-air business
Cleartrip expects to sustain its growth momentum in 2027, with non-air services such as hotels, buses, trains and holiday packages gaining share. The Flipkart-owned platform reported 40% overall growth in January-June 2026, while its chief growth officer flagged subdued travel demand, higher airfares and a 30-40% rise in road-based travel activity.
NYC Ferry carried 7.4 million passenger trips in FY2025, while the city subsidised each trip by an average of $8.33 across six routes serving all five boroughs
New York City's ferry service has seen significant growth, now serving around 7.4 million passengers. To keep fares affordable amidst increasing demand, public funding remains essential. Over the years, rising ridership and fare revenues have lowered the subsidy needed per trip. NYCEDC is committed to balancing operational costs with equitable access, offering seasonal services and discounts to boost passenger numbers from diverse income groups.
The burden of cancer drugs: Millions battle exorbitant prices as life-saving treatment slips out of reach
For millions of cancer patients, the cost of treatment can be as frightening as the diagnosis. From steep markups to patented drugs that remain out of reach, the affordability crisis runs deep. A proposed cap may help, but question remains if it will be enough to change the picture.
Househelp@₹100: The 10-minute boom can't sweep aside a math problem
India’s instant househelp startups are scaling rapidly by offering affordable, on-demand domestic services, but steep losses and high customer-acquisition costs are raising questions about whether the model can become profitable. Snabbit spent Rs 195 crore in FY26 against Rs 12.2 crore in operating revenue, while Urban Company’s InstaHelp is also prioritising scale over near-term profits as the sector competes to build a regular household habit.
Dr Doom, who predicted global financial crisis, has a forecast for India
Economist Nouriel Roubini, known as “Dr Doom” for predicting the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, sees India emerging as a major growth story over the coming decades. He believes easing US tariffs, deeper trade ties, friendshoring and continued reforms could strengthen India's economic prospects. However, India must accelerate growth towards 9% to create enough jobs for its young workforce as artificial intelligence reshapes employment and global manufacturers diversify beyond China.
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