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Despite new technologies, IMD continues to rely on weather balloons

Twice-daily launches from IMD’s Thiruvananthapuram centre continue to provide vital atmospheric data for forecasting

Union Minister launches ‘Samriddhi Kendra’ in Guntur village under Bharat Net Udyami Scheme

Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar says the centre is designed to provide multiple public services under one roof — including a Health ATM for medical diagnostics, a postal office, a Jan Aushadhi Kendra, and FTTH broadband services — and to serve as a model for rural development

‘X-ray of the soil’ helps Gujarat farmers cut fertiliser use, boost yields

Officials say the Soil Health Card programme, under which more than 2.23 crore cards have been issued to farmers over the past two decades, is aimed at promoting balanced fertiliser use and improving soil fertility; farmers receive recommendations based on laboratory analysis of soil samples collected from their fields

NFHS collected data on COVID deaths, toilets and fuel, but information missing from factsheets

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.

Drunk man stabs co-passenger over minor argument on moving train in Kerala

Drunk man stabs co-passenger over minor argument on moving train in Kerala

Modest growth in State’s Own Tax Revenue emerges as weak spot in T.N.’s economy

Based on unaudited provisional figures put out by the office of the Principal Accountant General (Accounts and Entitlements), Tamil Nadu, the growth rate worked out for SOTR in 2025-26 vis-à-vis 2024-25 was 6.8%

Uttarakhand’s Rs 2 lakh housing aid scheme for soldiers’ families: Eligibility, benefits and more explained

Uttarakhand is taking significant steps to support the families of deceased soldiers and war-disabled veterans through its newly announced Housing Assistance Grant. Providing a substantial one-time grant of Rs 2 lakh, this program is designed to aid in the construction or repair of homes, strengthening housing stability for these families.

Veterans Get Key Roles, Abhishek Stays: What Mamata Banerjee’s TMC Reshuffle Signals

The TMC reshuffle gives important organisational responsibilities to trusted veterans, but stops short of removing Abhishek Banerjee from his key post.

Guarantee scheme beneficiaries to be verified again: K’taka CM

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar orders review of Karnataka's guarantee schemes, with focus on identifying ineligible recipients and improving beneficiary records.

SC: Can’t use OSA to deny accused access to documents relied on by prosecution

The Supreme Court has ruled that an accused's right to a fair trial includes access to prosecution documents, even if classified under the Official Secrets Act. The court ordered the government to provide highly confidential documents to retired Major General V.K. Singh, facing charges for revealing secrets in his book, emphasizing fair trial rights.

US stocks today: Nasdaq crashes 1,100 pts, Dow 600 pts as chip stocks slide; jobs data fuels rate hike fears

Wall Street's nine-week winning streak ended with a thud on Friday, as red-hot technology stocks suffered their largest ​daily decline this year after a hot May jobs report fueled fears of a hawkish policy pivot from the U.S. Federal Reserve.Selling was concentrated among chip stocks and other technology favorites that have surged higher in recent weeks as the Nasdaq Composite Index and S&P 500 rose repeatedly to fresh highs.All three major U.S. stock indexes closed sharply lower, with ‌plunging chip stocks ⁠dragging the ⁠tech-laden Nasdaq down by its largest one-day percentage loss since last year.The S&P 500 ended its nine-week run of Friday-to-Friday gains, its longest weekly winning streak since one that ended in December ​2023."After the record run we've seen the last nine weeks in equities, specifically tech and semiconductors, the dam just broke today," said Ryan Detrick, chief market strategist ​at Carson Group in Omaha. "Obviously, the stronger-than-expected jobs report puts the Fed in a tough spot regarding any interest rate cut for the rest of the year. And the market is throwing a fit by hitting the big winners so far this year."Rising interest rates and the Iran war weighed on ​sentiment heading into the weekend, but many investors said they expected tech stocks to continue rallying."The market ⁠reaction today ‌was more driven by positioning rather than fundamentals," said Ohsung Kwon, chief equity strategist at Wells Fargo. "The semiconductor sector was ​way overbought. That's why we're ​seeing the selloff. I don't think it's the end of the semi bull market." The U.S. economy added 172,000 jobs ⁠in May, according to the Labor Department, more than double analyst expectations, while the unemployment rate ​held firm at 4.3%. The robust report was double-edged: it provided reassurance of U.S. economic health, but ​all but killed any hopes of an interest rate cut from the Fed in the near future.Financial markets are pricing in a growing likelihood of a rate hike at the conclusion of the Fed's December meeting, according to CME's FedWatch tool.Fading hopes for a near-term resolution to the Middle East war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz are stirring fears that energy price pressures could morph into wider, systemic inflation. Iran reaffirmed its support for Hezbollah and demanded that Israel withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon, further complicating efforts to secure a near-term peace deal that would include the resumption of traffic through the ‌crucial strait. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has negotiated three truces, and while fighting has been greatly reduced, the two sides continue to trade airstrikes.According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 lost 199.64 points, or 2.63%, to end at 7,384.67 points, ​while the Nasdaq Composite lost ​1,117.38 points, or 4.16%, to 25,713.58. The ⁠Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 684.53 points, or 1.33%, to 50,877.40.Nvidia, the largest company by market value, fell sharply, as did smaller rivals Intel, Micron, AMD and Broadcom. Lululemon Athletica slumped after the athletic apparel maker cut its annual profit forecast and projected second-quarter earnings well below Wall Street estimates. Cooper Companies rose ​after the contact lens maker beat estimates for second-quarter results.Cryptocurrency firms Coinbase and Strategy were pulled lower by bitcoin's sharp drop. S&P Global said it would not change the eligibility requirements for its major indices, which effectively rules out a swift entry for Elon Musk's SpaceX to the benchmark S&P 500 after it goes public in what would be the world's biggest initial public offering.S&P Dow Jones Indices will announce the results following its rebalancing after markets close. Chipmaker Marvell Technology, which boasts over $270 billion in valuation, is among the contenders to be added to the benchmark index.

Cloudburst, flashfloods damaged houses in J&K’s Reasi

Flashfloods from a cloudburst in Reasi's Bathoi village on Thursday caused significant damage to homes and blocked roads with mudslides. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. This marks the fifth such event in the Jammu region recently. Authorities are providing immediate assistance to affected families, while adverse weather also led to the suspension of pilgrimages in Kishtwar.

Tamil Nadu Governor visits Auroville, distributes ID cards to residents

Between visibility and storytelling: Huma Qureshi and Kritika Kamra on Bollywood’s future

Upcoming actors struggle for opportunities because Hindi film production has fallen by half, says Ms. Qureshi; we are making movies for numbers and mid-budget movies have disappeared, says Ms. Kamra

Government Free Food Grains Made Families Spend Saved Money On Fruits, Says Author Anand Ranganathan

Author Anand Ranganathan claims that government-provided free food grains have helped households save money, which is being redirected toward buying fruits and vegetables, potentially improving overall nutrition levels. n18oc_india News18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

Telecom service providers bear civil liability for financial loss in SIM swap frauds caused by their negligence: Karnataka High Court

Court directs BSNL to pay ₹55 lakh as compensation to cooperative bank which had lost ₹50 lakh due to SIM swap fraud

GQG trims Adani exposure in Rs 5,750 crore block deal, sell shares in two group stocks

GQG Partners has pared its holdings in two Adani Group companies through block deals worth about Rs 5,750 crore, with SBI Mutual Fund emerging as the buyer of the entire stake on Friday. According to NSE block deal data, GQG Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund sold shares in Adani Enterprises and Adani Energy Solutions.The larger transaction involved 1.64 crore shares of Adani Enterprises sold at Rs 2,913.4 apiece, translating into a deal value of about Rs 4,789 crore. In a separate transaction, GQG sold 63.66 lakh shares of Adani Energy Solutions at Rs 1,504.8 per share, amounting to around Rs 958 crore.Together, the two transactions were valued at about Rs 5,747 crore. The shares were acquired by SBI Mutual Fund at the same prices through corresponding block deals.The stake sale comes after a strong run in Adani Group stocks over the past year, during which several group companies recovered sharply from the volatility that followed allegations made by US-based short seller Hindenburg Research in 2023.GQG had emerged as one of the earliest large institutional investors to back the Adani Group following that episode. Beginning in 2023, the fund manager invested billions of dollars across multiple Adani companies, helping restore investor confidence at a time when foreign institutional participation in the group had weakened.Since then, Adani companies have focused on deleveraging, strengthening cash flows and improving operational performance. Several group entities have reported healthy earnings growth, while execution across infrastructure, energy and transport businesses has remained strong.The latest transaction will be viewed by market participants largely as a portfolio rebalancing exercise rather than a change in the fund's broader investment thesis on the group.Adani Enterprises, the flagship incubator of the conglomerate, houses businesses spanning airports, roads, green hydrogen, data centres and mining services. Adani Energy Solutions is one of India's largest private-sector transmission companies and is expanding its presence in smart metering and distribution infrastructure.Shares of both Adani Enterprises and Adani Energy Solutions are likely to remain in focus as investors assess the implications of the stake sale and changes in institutional ownership.

Biodiversity park in Ayyappancovil wins Vanamithra Award for conservation efforts

Historian Manoj Mathirappally ’s green vision earns Kerala Forest department’s recognition

Wars, energy crisis, Covid: PM says India confronted global crisis with strength

Wars, energy crisis, Covid: PM says India confronted global crisis with strength