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Regional parties better placed to respond to people’s needs: Former Speaker

The Hindu Huddle 2026 in Bengaluru

Adopting artificial intelligence, machine learning become a necessity in health sciences: V-C of BLDE Deemed University

Vice-Chancellor of BLDE Deemed University, Vijayapura, Arun C. Inamadar has said that adopting Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in health sciences had become a necessity more particularly for the students now

TMC turmoil: Minority cell secy quits over Abhishek Banerjee's 'dictatorial attitude'

TMC State Minority Cell Secretary Ajmal Siddiqui resigned, citing the party's disrepute and involvement in scandals. He criticized the leadership, particularly Abhishek Banerjee's "dictatorial attitude" and sycophancy, stating the party does little for the people. Siddiqui expressed a desire for development in Bengal, with no immediate plans to join another party.

Abnormal rise in price of cotton yarn hits the textile industry in Karur

One kg of yarn with high counts rose to ₹400, from ₹300 and textile industry sources say the removal of import duty on yarn by the Centre has brought partial relief to the units in Tiruppur

ANNAMALAI QUITS BJP! | New Political Chapter? Annamalai Charts Independent Path After BJP Exit | N18

A major political development has unfolded in Tamil Nadu as K. Annamalai has stepped away from the BJP to launch a new political movement focused on youth participation, governance reforms, and grassroots engagement. The move has sparked intense debate across political circles, with supporters viewing it as the beginning of a new chapter in Tamil Nadu politics, while critics question whether distancing himself from the BJP could limit his political influence.Annamalai's decision is expected to reshape political equations in the state, particularly among young voters seeking alternative leadership and fresh political ideas. Political analysts are closely watching how the new movement evolves and whether it can emerge as a significant force in Tamil Nadu's highly competitive political landscape. n18oc_breaking-newsn18oc_Indian18oc_politicsNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

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.

FIR Lodged Against Cockroach Janata Party Over 'Anti-National Activities' After Massive Delhi Protest

Thousands of supporters carrying posters and banners gathered at Jantar Mantar on Saturday to participate in the CJP's protest.

Centre Organises 'MY Bharat Youth Convention' In Delhi To Celebrate Young Achievers

In line with PM Modi's vision of empowering youth as the driving force behind the country's growth, the event saw the participation of over 6,000 attendees from across the country

Take pledge to bring down TVK government: M.K. Stalin to DMK cadre

“The TVK government is, in a way, being sustained by our support because our former alliance partners are backing it,” he said, while admitting cadres from various parties into the DMK

ONION FARMERS IN CRISIS! Nashik Farmers Abandon Onion Cultivation Amid Mounting Losses | News18

India's onion farmers, particularly in Maharashtra's Nashik district, are facing a deepening crisis as falling auction rates and oversupply continue to push prices downward. In what many are calling the "Onion Paradox," bumper production has failed to translate into profits, leaving growers burdened with mounting debt and financial losses. As returns shrink, several farmers are reportedly shifting to less risky crops in search of stable incomes.The situation has triggered growing demands for government intervention, with farmer groups seeking measures such as better price support, improved procurement systems, export incentives, and market reforms. The crisis highlights the challenges faced by agricultural producers when supply outpaces demand, leaving farmers vulnerable despite strong harvests. n18oc_breaking-newsn18oc_IndiaNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

Regional parties assert independence, stress national interest at Hindu Huddle 2026

'Indecorous behaviour': India condemns disruption at CJI Surya Kant's London speech

The statement came after clips circulated on social media showing a participant seeking to question the Chief Justice while he was delivering a lecture on artificial intelligence and international law. Organisers intervened and prevented the interaction from continuing, asking attendees to remain focused on the subject of the event. The Chief Justice noted that AI is already influencing a broad range of sectors, including governance, commerce, communication, defence and the justice system itself.

Flowers in hand, calls for Pradhan's exit, 'cockroaches' end protest peacefully: All you need to know

The protest attracted hundreds of participants, most of them students and young professionals. Many attendees wore cockroach masks and carried flowers, while schoolchildren were also seen at the venue accompanied by their parents. Protesters raised slogans and called for the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over issues linked to examinations such as NEET, CBSE, CUET and SSC.

Annamalai 2.0 Is All Set To Woo The Gen Z: Who Is In His Team?

After parting ways with the BJP, K Annamalai is taking the digital route to build his new political movement, backed by a young team driving his Gen Z outreach.

Praveen Chakravarty sought VCK’s support before filing Rajya Sabha nomination: Thirumavalavan

Speaking to journalists, Mr. Thirumavalavan said that Mr. Chakravarty had informed him that he would be filing the nomination, and that former MLA S.S. Balaji had been asked to participate on behalf of the VCK

Watch: Abhijeet Dipke Heads To Delhi's Jantar Mantar To Participate In Cockroach Janta Party's Protest

Cockroach Janta Party stages protest against NEET 2026 paper leak and the alleged irregularities in the CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system.

$1.3 trillion erased from Wall Street: Here's what slowed down AI rally

Tech stocks, particularly semiconductors, experienced a significant downturn Friday, driven by investor caution over AI valuations and robust US jobs data. The PHLX Semiconductor Index saw its steepest drop since March 2020, erasing billions in market value. This retreat follows a period of record highs, with strong employment figures fueling concerns about interest rate cuts.

TVK's rapid rise influenced Annamalai's BJP exit? Leader may tap disenchanted Vijay voters

K. Annamalai's departure from the BJP and the launch of a new political movement are poised to significantly impact the saffron party in Tamil Nadu, with potential repercussions for other major parties. The move has already seen initial resignations from the BJP, with supporters citing Annamalai's unique vision.

Kochi Corpn. to issue notice to CSML over streetlight maintenance

LED lights have drawn flak from councillors across political parties over their alleged erratic functioning and poor upkeep; CSML claims that at no point were more than 200 lights non-functional in a network of over 43,000 lights

'20% Cheaper Than E20': India Launches E85 Petrol, Shifting Gears For Green Mobility & Energy Security

The 85 per cent ethanol blend drastically minimises tailpipe emissions, particularly carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter