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Sunil Mittal says India must hold satellite 'Kill Switch', warns against dependence on single provider
Sunil Bharti Mittal advocates for India to independently manage its satellite communications infrastructure for national security. He highlights the various satellite operators, including Elon Musk's Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb, competing for market access. Mittal argues that India should not rely solely on foreign providers for critical communications.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's secret affair: Why did US intelligence suspect Alice Huang of spying for China?
Alice Huang, a Chinese entrepreneur, is under scrutiny for alleged connections to the Ministry of State Security in China. US intelligence suspects she could have obtained confidential insights about Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, raising questions about her impact on Nvidia's chip sales. As a precaution, Nvidia's board has begun evaluating its relationship with Huang and her enterprise amidst growing concerns over China's tech ambitions.
TVS RTR 125 unveiled: New sporty 125cc motorcycle brings racing DNA, aggressive styling & everyday practicality; check details
TVS Motor Company has unveiled the RTR 125 at EICMA 2026, expanding its European motorcycle line-up. Developed for A1 licence holders, the 125cc sports motorcycle targets young and first-time performance bike buyers. The company also showcased its wider portfolio, including the RR 310, RTR 310, Ronin, RTX 300 and special '82 Series editions.
Electric two-wheeler sales hit record 2.24 lakh units in October on festive demand, new models
TVS Motor retained its leadership in October, nearly doubling registrations to 60,433 units and expanding its market share to 27% from 20.6% in the same month last year. Hero MotoCorp also gained ground, with its share rising to 13.4% from 10.9%, while Bajaj Auto maintained its market share at nearly 22%.
UAE, Canada space firms in alliance as nations seek Starlink alternatives
Terrestar Solutions Inc. has entered into a partnership with Space42 Plc and Viasat Inc. to enhance mobile satellite connectivity. This collaboration aims to create an open standard for sharing satellite infrastructure globally. The parties signed a memorandum of understanding in Ottawa during an important diplomatic visit. Terrestar plans to develop a low-Earth orbit satellite system to improve coverage in underserved areas.
Whenever you feel 'demotivated' in life, rewatch an old video of Elon Musk from Tesla's near-bankruptcy days
Social media user Unnati shared an old video of Elon Musk pitching Tesla’s $109,000 Roadster in 2008, when the company was nearing bankruptcy. Musk explained how revenue from expensive cars would fund affordable electric vehicles. During the crisis, SpaceX secured a major NASA contract, while Tesla investors provided crucial funding to keep the automaker running.
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US agency approves Amazon Leo's $11.5 billion acquisition of Globalstar
The Federal Communications Commission said Tuesday it has approved Amazon Leo's $11.5 billion deal to acquire Globalstar as the retail giant's satellite arm aims to build a satellite-based communications network to take on Elon Musk's SpaceX Starlink unit.

Explainer | Why would Musk merge SpaceX and Tesla?
Elon Musk has expressed support for a potential merger between Tesla and SpaceX. This merger could create a technology and manufacturing powerhouse worth approximately $3.5 trillion. By combining their resources, both companies could streamline operations and enhance collaboration on projects like AI and robotics. However, there are challenges related to governance, regulatory scrutiny, and execution risks that need to be addressed.

Sat Sovereign, Not Satrapi: Why India can't get locked in with one side in satcom battle
Elon Musk argues that Starlink can benefit underserved rural areas of India through improved connectivity. The ongoing debate surrounding satellite communications in India is focused on pricing and market control. Countries are competing for access to low-Earth orbit frequencies and altitudes, which are limited resources. India has an opportunity to create a non-aligned satcom policy to ensure equitable access.

Musk is getting it wrong on India's space "oligarchs". Here's why
Though Starlink boasts extensive satellite internet coverage, many potential users find the service economically unviable. The Indian government is strategically evaluating its communications infrastructure choices, potentially leaning towards homegrown solutions for critical services, which may boost Reliance's positioning against SpaceX in the market.

Musk's mother of all mergers will birth a $3.5 trillion tech monster
Elon Musk is considering merging Tesla and SpaceX, with both companies forming committees to evaluate the proposal. This merger could enhance their collaboration in artificial intelligence and robotics, as both companies have overlapping interests. While Tesla may gain from SpaceX’s rocket-launch capabilities, there are concerns about financial risks and governance issues. Investors are skeptical, particularly regarding the potential burden on Tesla's existing operations.

US Market: Musk backs Tesla-SpaceX merger idea, envisioning a $3.5 trillion giant
Elon Musk backs the idea of a Tesla-SpaceX merger that could create a technology conglomerate valued at around $3.5 trillion. The combination could unite electric vehicles, satellite communications, robotics and AI computing, while raising questions over regulation, governance and shareholder value.

SpaceX Q3 revenue soars 161% YoY on AI business growth, beating estimates
Elon Musk's SpaceX on Tuesday reported a 161% rise in revenue for the third quarter, beating estimates, buoyed by a surge in its AI business and steady growth at its Starlink

ET Exclusive: Jio wants satellite broadband that connects 'every Indian home,' says Akash Ambani
Jio Platforms is preparing for its IPO while focusing on debt reduction and bolstering the balance sheet. The company plans to enhance customer engagement and revenue through digital service expansion and 5G monetization strategies. Jio is also exploring satellite connectivity opportunities to ensure broad access to digital services in India and beyond. Investment in technology and operational efficiencies remains a priority for sustainable growth.

Akash Ambani charts Jio’s next phase of growth with satellites, 6G and AI
Akash Ambani outlined Jio Platforms' future focus on satellite communications, pre-6G patents, and AI integration. The company is developing an indigenous satellite communications stack aimed at expanding home broadband services. Ambani revealed Jio's patent strategy aligns with India's goal of 10% global 6G patents originating domestically. Jio's AI initiatives seek to innovate and improve traditional voice and data services for Indian consumers.

SpaceX earnings to be released tomorrow, October 20: 10 points to know
SpaceX will release its third-quarter 2026 earnings after the US stock market closes on Tuesday, October 20. The report lands one day before Tesla shares its own results on Oct. 21. Because SpaceX is privately held, financial data usually circulates through private investor letters rather than public filings.

Elon Musk's Starlink responds to Reliance, says ‘ready to connect India’ with high-speed internet
Starlink has said it is ready to provide high-speed internet services in India, asserting that it has spent over five years working with regulators, industry and operators and built dedicated infrastructure with the requisite government approvals. The Elon Musk-led company made the statement while tagging Reliance Industries' post on competition in satellite communications.

SpaceX stocks: Why is Elon Musk-owned Space Exploration Technologies Corp-SPCX share price at Nasdaq down?
Elon Musk's SpaceX struck a deal to acquire a nationwide low-band spectrum portfolio, posing a direct challenge to US wireless companies.

Skyroot eyes funding boost; MDR deferment cheers D2C brands
Happy Thursday! Skyroot is eyeing a big funding round as it gears up to scale rocket production. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.

India first, orbit next: Skyroot eyes $300 million dual valuation plan
Skyroot is in talks with Indian family offices to raise $150 million at a valuation of $2.3-2.5 billion, while the company is seeking to mop up the same amount from global investors such as General Catalyst, General Atlantic and Silicon Valley venture fund Benchmark at a higher valuation of up to $3 billion, the people said.

Jio’s 10-year timeline: How Ambani's Reliance transformed Indian telecom
Reliance Jio has altered India's telecom industry since its launch in 2016 with affordable services. This transformation included a price war that changed mobile data consumption patterns across the country. Jio has expanded from basic connectivity to include 5G and various digital services. The company's partnerships with major tech firms have broadened its market reach and offerings.

Satellite network a 'technology of geopolitical control': Think tank for hard limits on Starlink
An Indian policy group has advised the government to enforce strict conditions on foreign satellite operators. The Kutniti Foundation argues that SpaceX's Starlink poses strategic risks to India's telecommunications sovereignty. The report emphasises the need for India to establish its own satellite constellation to ensure data security. It highlights concerns about potential foreign intelligence vulnerabilities linked to external operators.

No one will buy Starlink if too expensive in India, SpaceX will need to make price affordable: Musk
Elon Musk has highlighted the essentiality of offering affordable prices for Starlink in India to drive customer adoption. He believes that increased competition will provide greater choices for consumers, ultimately benefiting the populace. Musk also took aim at Mukesh Ambani's advocates for their inconsistent views on Starlink's market viability. Meanwhile, the Indian government noted the presence of various players in the satellite communication space, dismissing monopoly claims.

US Stock Market prediction for Friday: S&P 500, Dow Jones, Nasdaq, Russell 2000 eye green openings, Stocks of Nvidia, Tesla, Amazon, Apple, Verizon, SpaceX to watch out today
US Stock Market prediction today: Megacap growth stocks were broadly higher on the day, with Nvidia up 1.6 per cent premarket, while Tesla and Amazon.com were higher by around 1 per cent each.

Jio to always stand for affordability: Akash Ambani on tariff hike by competitors
Jio Platforms MD Akash Ambani said the company will continue to focus on affordability while delivering quality services, even as rivals raise tariffs. His comments came after Bharti Airtel increased postpaid prices by Rs 50. Ambani also outlined Jio’s technology ambitions, including its satellite stack and planned low-Earth orbit constellation.

Oligarchs! India responds after Musk's allegations of bias in satellite service approvals
The Indian government rejected claims of bias in satellite communication approvals as “baseless and misconceived”, saying Starlink and other global operators face the same security vetting process. The response came after Elon Musk alleged Starlink’s India entry was being blocked by oligarchs protecting their “monopolistic chokehold”.

Elon Musk says Starlink's entry in India 'blocked' by oligarchs, alleges 'monopolistic chokehold'
Elon Musk on Wednesday alleged that Starlink’s entry into India is being “blocked” by certain oligarchs seeking to protect their “monopolistic chokehold” over Indian consumers. Without naming the individuals or companies, Musk accused them of preventing the satellite internet service from entering the Indian market and called it a “crime against the people of India”.

Starlink builds 20 gateway sites in India, says user data will stay in country
Starlink has constructed 20 gateway sites across India to develop its satellite communication services. The company designed its operations with specific security controls to comply with Indian regulations. Starlink's investment aims to provide high-speed connectivity in areas lacking reliable telecom infrastructure. SpaceX's broader expansion plan includes advancements in satellite connectivity, focusing on artificial intelligence and computing capabilities.

World Space Week 2026: The rocket revolution is happening above us — How cheaper launches could change everyday life on Earth
Sixty-nine years after Sputnik's launch marked the beginning of the Space Age, new advancements are reshaping space access. Reusable rockets, such as SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Starship, are cost-effective alternatives to traditional expendable launch vehicles. This transformation supports not only increased launch frequency but also diverse missions involving satellites and human exploration. World Space Week 2026 emphasizes these advancements while inspiring students through rocketry programs worldwide.
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