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Singapore orders blocking of online content targeting Indians

The directive from Singapore’s home ministry, said police, have targeted 14 specific posts that appeared to promote a narrative that Singapore is being over-run by Indians

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.

More than 1,000 Indians deported from U.S. in 2026

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said a total 3,567 Indians were deported from U.S. to India in 2025

3,567 Indians Deported From US In 2025; 1,076 So Far In 2026: MEA

MEA says 1,076 Indians deported from US to India so far this year, 3,567 in 2025. India-US hold talks as Trump administration's crackdown on illegal migration continues.

Pocket-friendly packets: Why Indians are swapping big snack packs for smaller ones

Consumers are increasingly opting for smaller pack sizes of everyday goods, from edible oils to soaps, as rising costs strain monthly budgets. This shift, driven by economic stress and geopolitical factors, is leading FMCG companies to reduce grammage in popular low-priced packs to maintain affordability and protect profit margins.

Over 3,500 Indians deported From US In 2025, More Than 1,000 This Year

The Trump administration has been targeting illegal migrants in the US as part of a major crackdown

Great Nicobar Project isn't about defence: Rahul Gandhi

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi released a video of his Nicobar visit, calling the Great Nicobar Project a "lie" and alleging it benefits a businessman for hotels and casinos. He initiated an online petition, "we choose green over greed," urging Indians to protect the island's ecosystem and tribal communities from destruction.

'1,076 Indians deported from US in 2026': MEA

US bill seeks to end H-1B green card pathway: Will Indians be hit hardest?

Unicorn in the USA: Indians aren't stealing American jobs, they're building entire HR depts

Immigrants are driving America's innovation, founding 59% of billion-dollar startups, known as unicorns. People of Indian origin lead this trend, establishing 96 such companies. These ventures employ thousands and contribute trillions to the U.S. economy, challenging narratives of immigrants harming the job market. International students also play a crucial role in this entrepreneurial surge.

1,076 Indians deported from the US this year, says MEA

“A total of 1,076 Indian nationals have been deported from the US to India so far this year,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said

'Success of reforms and hard work Indians': PM Modi hails 7.7% GDP growth in FY26

India's economy achieved a strong 7.7% growth in FY26. This expansion highlights the nation's inherent economic strength. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attributed this success to effective reforms and the diligent efforts of 140 crore Indians. The government remains committed to improving ease of living and doing business. This growth creates new opportunities for the country's youth.

'In India, We Almost Find A Global Market': Swedish Ambassador To NDTV

Indians are now the largest immigrant group coming into Sweden.

Opinion: Opinion | Panic In Silicon Valley: Why 15,000 Indians Fled US Last Year - With More On Their Way

More than 15,000 Indian tech professionals returned home from the US in 2025, and 7,300 have already returned this year, driven by layoffs, visa denials, and a job market that's fast becoming a nightmare.

Think India Has Just One Monsoon? Here's What Actually Brings The Rain — And When

Most Indians simply call it the monsoon, but several seasonal wind systems influence rainfall across the country. Here's how each one shapes the weather

Rupee rises 50 paise to 95.24 against US dollar post RBI policy decision

The rupee appreciated 50 paise to 95.24 against the US dollar on Friday after the RBI liberalised norms for FPI investment in government securities. Forex traders said the announcements in the RBI policy boosted investor sentiments after the apex bank asserted that the country's forex reserves provide sufficient buffer against external shocks. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.72, then touched 95.24 in intraday trade, registering a rise of 50 paise from its previous close. On Thursday, the rupee rose 2 paise to settle at 95.74 against the US dollar. The Reserve Bank on Friday expectedly kept interest rates unchanged for the second time in a row as it weighed the impact of rising energy prices and supply disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis. Announcing the second bi-monthly monetary policy for the current fiscal, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has unanimously decided to retain short-term lending rate or repo rate at 5.25 per cent with a neutral stance. Moreover, the RBI raised limit for investments by Non-Resident Indians, Overseas Citizens of India in equity instruments. Malhotra also said that the central bank's policy on exchange rate remains unchanged and it does not target any specific rate/band for the rupee. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading at 99.40, higher by 0.01 per cent. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading up 0.36 per cent at USD 95.37 per barrel in futures trade. On the domestic equity market front, Sensex fell 142.06 points or 0.19 per cent to 74,217.95, while the Nifty was down 38.75 points or 0.17 per cent at 23,377.80. Foreign institutional investors offloaded equities worth Rs 4,447.06 crore on a net basis on Thursday, according to exchange data. Meanwhile, RBI has lowered GDP growth projection to 6.6 per cent from 6.9 per cent earlier for the current fiscal and raised CPI inflation projection to 5.1 per cent for FY27, higher from earlier estimate of 4.6 per cent. PTI

Iran envoy thanks Indians for solidarity during national tragedy

Iran envoy thanks Indians for solidarity during national tragedy

Indians can now bet on the monsoon

Heatwaves may be more important

What Trump's Green Card changes mean for millions of Indians seeking permanent residency in US

A recent USCIS announcement sparked panic by suggesting temporary US residents must return home for Green Card applications, except in extraordinary cases. While the administration later clarified it was a reminder of existing discretion, the episode has created significant uncertainty around the Adjustment of Status process, impacting many immigrants and businesses.

‘Instagram Is Your Town Square, Not A Ballot Box’: Shashi Tharoor’s Message To Gen Z

Addressing young Indians drawn to the viral ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ movement, the Congress MP acknowledged frustrations over unemployment and exam controversies.