뉴스

Kolkata metro to receive 60 new generation trains in next five years: Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

The announcement was made following Vaishnaw's commute via the Kolkata metro on Saturday (June 6)

FIFA set for football's generation clash

Maruti, Tata lead hatchback revival

For nearly a decade, India's carmakers chased the sport utility vehicle (SUV) dream.Higher margins, aspirational buyers and a growing appetite for larger vehicles pushed manufacturers to flood showrooms with sport utility vehicles and compact SUVs, steadily relegating hatchbacks — once the backbone of India's passenger vehicle market — to the sidelines.Also Read: Tata Motors PV launches next-gen Tiago from Rs 4.69 lakh, Tiago.ev from Rs 6.99 lakh with lifetime battery warrantyThe strategy worked. Utility vehicles now account for well over half of all passenger vehicle sales in India and contributed nearly two-thirds of the 4.3 million vehicles sold in FY25.But as economic pressures mount, vehicle prices climb and first-time buyers struggle to enter the market, India's biggest automakers are beginning to acknowledge a reality they may have overlooked: the country's next wave of growth could come from the very segment they left behind.From Maruti Suzuki's renewed commitment to entry-level cars to Tata Motors' ambitious reinvention of the Tiago, hatchbacks are once again finding themselves at the centre of boardroom conversations.Also Read: Small cars strike back: Maruti Suzuki bets on mass mobility while costs squeeze fourth quarter profitsAnd this time, carmakers are betting that small cars no longer have to feel small.The forgotten customerThe shift is being driven by a growing recognition that India's passenger vehicle market cannot rely indefinitely on premiumisation.While SUVs have transformed the industry's revenue mix, they have also pushed average vehicle prices steadily higher, making car ownership increasingly difficult for millions of households.Maruti Suzuki Chairman R. C. Bhargava recently signalled the company's intent to rebalance its portfolio."We are planning to develop both small cars and SUVs. The small car market is growing. India is a country where small cars have a long-term future," Bhargava said.The comments mark a notable shift in tone from an industry that spent years focusing on larger and more expensive vehicles.For Maruti, which built its dominance on models such as the Alto, WagonR and Swift, the renewed emphasis reflects confidence that affordability will remain central to India's mobility story."A large part of the population… need small cars" for basic mobility, Bhargava said.Industry analysts say the opportunity remains substantial."In the small cars segment, there is a much bigger conversion pool that carmakers can navigate. Hence, there is this renewed push towards small cars and that segment," said Hemal Thakkar, Senior Director, Crisil Intelligence."India is a price sensitive market and hence, small cars will stay and customers are looking for upgrades within vehicles. If carmakers can provide small cars with new features and upgrades, then there will be more customers for the small car space," he added.Making hatchbacks aspirational againIf Maruti is signalling a strategic return to small cars, Tata Motors is attempting something more ambitious — making hatchbacks desirable again.The company this week unveiled the next-generation Tiago and Tiago.ev, positioning them as technology-rich products aimed at reviving a segment many in the industry had effectively written off."Hatchbacks remain the gateway to personal mobility for millions of Indian families and yet, for far too long, this segment received scarce attention from the industry, when it genuinely deserved far more," said Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director and CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles.Calling the new Tiago "not an evolution but a full reinvention", Chandra said the vehicle brings substantially upgraded design, connected technologies and safety features that were once largely reserved for more expensive categories.The next-generation Tiago gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity, a dual-screen dashboard, wireless charging and a segment-first 360-degree surround-view camera."The feeling of wow shouldn't be reserved for expensive cars," Chandra said."Today hatchback customers want far more than mobility, they want design, tech, safety and pride of ownership. A car they want to flaunt."The company has also positioned the Tiago.ev as an affordable electric mobility option, offering a lifetime battery warranty and fast-charging capability that can add up to 100 kilometres of range in 18 minutes."Tiago will make EV more accessible," Chandra said.Why affordability is back in focusThe renewed interest in hatchbacks comes as affordability re-emerges as a key concern across the industry.Vehicle prices have risen sharply in recent years because of stricter regulations, higher commodity costs and the addition of new safety and technology features.That has increasingly pushed first-time buyers out of the market.According to Srikumar Krishnamurthy, Senior Vice President and Co-Group Head, Corporate Ratings, ICRA Limited, hatchbacks continue to play a critical role in expanding the customer base."Hatchbacks remain a preferred segment, particularly for first-time buyers and households seeking a second vehicle, as affordability and comfort are key purchase considerations," he said."From an original equipment perspective, a presence across segments also helps improve reach, especially in Tier 2/3 cities."Krishnamurthy added that rising vehicle costs are forcing manufacturers to revisit their entry-level offerings."With input costs rising and vehicle prices expected to increase further, affordability is becoming even more important, especially in the mass-market segment. In response, OEs are looking to reposition entry-level hatchbacks and compact SUVs through new launches and refreshed variants that offer a stronger value proposition to consumers."Beyond SUVsThe industry's renewed focus on hatchbacks does not mean SUVs are going away.Far from it.Utility vehicles remain India's dominant passenger vehicle category and continue to drive growth and profitability for manufacturers.What is changing, however, is the recognition that growth cannot come solely from moving customers up the value chain.To sustain volumes, carmakers need to bring new buyers into the market.That is especially important as India adds millions of young consumers entering the workforce, many of whom are seeking their first personal vehicle but remain highly sensitive to price.Affordable electric hatchbacks could further strengthen the segment's appeal in coming years."Affordable EV hatchbacks could become an attractive proposition as charging infrastructure improves, range-anxiety concerns ease, and the financing environment becomes more supportive," Krishnamurthy said.For much of the past decade, India's hatchbacks were treated as yesterday's story while SUVs became the industry's obsession.Now, as automakers search for their next growth engine, the segment that once put millions of Indians behind the wheel is beginning to look relevant again.The future of India's auto market may still be taller, bolder and SUV-shaped. But increasingly, carmakers are recognising that the road to scale may once again begin with a hatchback.

Delhi To Siliguri In 6 Hours? Ashwini Vaishnaw Announces Bullet Train Project For Bengal

Vaishnaw announced that 60 next-generation metro rakes would be introduced in Kolkata over the next five years.

Sixty next-generation trains to be introduced for Kolkata Metro in 5 years: Vaishnaw

The Minister also said that the proposed bullet train services between Delhi–Varanasi and Varanasi–Siliguri were aimed at sharply reducing travel time

Are these the first shots of the US Air Force's sixth-generation F-47 fighter?

A thermal image from Area 51 fuels speculation about the US Air Force's next-gen stealth fighter, the Boeing F-47. Globally, nations like China and European blocs are also racing ahead with their own advanced fighter programs. These cutting-edge aircraft will feature all-aspect stealth, AI integration, and manned-unmanned teaming, promising a new era of air dominance.

Allahabad High Court grants bail to rape and murder accused over lack of scientific evidence

The Judge granted bail to the accused, Manoj, because the FSL report did not confirm that the DNA in the deceased’s vaginal smear matched the applicant due to insufficient DNA profile generation

Lokesh invites Russia's Rosatom to set up small reactors in A.P. for power generation

At a meeting with the top officials of the State-owned corporation, he also proposes construction of a nuclear desalination plant in one of A.P.’s mega industrial parks

‘Ready to co-develop Su-57 further with India without restrictions’: Putin hardsells fighter jet

Russia's President Putin has offered India joint development and production of the fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet. Despite India's withdrawal from a previous joint project, Russia is open to collaboration, aiming to bolster defence ties amidst India's own AMCA project and regional security concerns.

As China and Pakistan move forward with their fifth generation plans, India's two short term options

As India grapples with a shrinking air force fleet and setbacks in its advanced fighter jet initiatives, Russia has stepped in with a compelling proposition: the Su-57 fighter jets, offered with technology transfer. This comes at a crucial time as China expands its own stealth fighter capabilities.

Putin's Sukhoi Pitch: Why India Remains Reluctant As Russia Pushes For Su-57 Fighter Jet Deal

India is simultaneously trying to modernise its air force, bridge a shrinking squadron strength, and push ahead with its own indigenous fifth-generation fighter programme.

'But 15?': Pandya left stunned by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's IPL heroics

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi electrified IPL 2026, becoming the tournament's top scorer with 776 runs and a record 72 sixes. His explosive batting, including a 29-ball 97 in the Eliminator, drew widespread praise. All-rounder Krunal Pandya lauded the Rajasthan Royals opener as a "generational talent" with "brains," not just power, eagerly anticipating his future career.

Kerala Agriculture department to collaborate with General Education department to form ‘Kathiru’ farming clubs

Clubs to inculcate awareness about agriculture and scientific farming practices in the younger generation

'New generation of leaders': CJP appoints three spokespersons; first presser today

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a unique political formation born from an internet sensation, has appointed Saurav Das, Vijeta Dahiya, and Ashutosh Ranka as its official spokespersons. This move signals the party's ambition to reshape India's political discourse with a new generation of leaders.

Punjab Farmer's Daughter Tops Air Force Academy Merit List

Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister congratulated both the cadets.

From Messi to Ronaldo, 13 legends who could play their final FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to serve as a farewell stage for several of football’s most iconic players. From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Luka Modrić, Neymar and Mohamed Salah, a generation that has defined the modern game could be making its final World Cup appearances. For some, it is one last chance at glory; for others, a final opportunity to cement enduring legacies.

‘Betrayal Of Entire Generation’: Shashi Tharoor Takes Aim At Centre Over NEET-UG Paper Leak Crisis

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor questioned the credibility of the examination system in India in comparison to other countries in the wake of paper leak controversy.

Anant Raj shares rally 5% after signing Rs 25,000 crore Haryana Data Centre MoU

Shares of Anant Raj surged as much as 4.6% to Rs 563.25 in Tuesday's trade after the company announced a landmark partnership with the Government of Haryana to accelerate the state's digital infrastructure buildout.The real estate and infrastructure developer has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Haryana Enterprises Promotion Centre (HEPC), marking a significant step in its ambitions to expand its data centre and cloud services business.The agreement was formalized on June 1, 2026, during the launch of the "Make in Haryana Policy & Other Sectoral Policies" event, presided over by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.Rs 25,000 crore investment planUnder the MoU, Anant Raj intends to invest around Rs 25,000 crore in building data centres and cloud infrastructure across Haryana. The move highlights the company's increasing emphasis on digital infrastructure as demand continues to grow for artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and data storage solutions.The partnership framework involves several key government departments and agencies, including:Haryana Enterprises Promotion Centre (HEPC)Department of Information Technology, Electronics & CommunicationHaryana State Electronics Development CorporationCitizen Resources Information DepartmentDepartment of Industries & CommerceThe agreement is designed to support Anant Raj's expansion of its Digital Infrastructure Business, encompassing both data centre operations and cloud services. The Haryana government, through HEPC, has committed to providing facilitation support and ease-of-doing-business assistance to help fast-track the project.The company said the arrangement aims to foster long-term cooperation between the state government and Anant Raj, positioning Haryana as a major hub for next-generation digital infrastructure investments.Anant Raj clarified that the MoU does not involve any shareholding arrangement, special rights, equity issuance, or related-party transaction. The agreement is focused solely on enabling investment and operational expansion in the state.Share price performance and technical indicatorsOver the past three years, the stock has delivered strong returns, rallying nearly 254%. The company currently commands a market capitalization of approximately Rs 19,406 crore.From a technical perspective, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 61. An RSI reading below 30 typically indicates oversold conditions, while a reading above 70 suggests the stock may be overbought.The stock also exhibits strong bullish momentum, trading above all eight of its key Simple Moving Averages (SMAs), signaling a positive technical trend.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

18 Ministers, 13 Castes, 3 PhDs: Decoding BJP’s Bengal Cabinet Formula

With an average age of 57, the cabinet largely leans on seasoned leadership while making room for a younger generation of politicians.

Bidar Zilla Panchayat CEO directs Panchayat Development Officers to ensure safe drinking water, prevent GE cases

He also issued a series of directions focusing on water safety, conservation, and employment generation.