NASA has announced the appointment of Amit Kshatriya as its new associate administrator, entrusting him with a pivotal role in advancing the agency’s space exploration initiatives. Kshatriya, who has been a central figure in NASA’s Artemis program, will oversee mission planning, technology integration, and interagency collaborations at a time when the U.S. space program is rapidly expanding. His elevation underscores NASA’s commitment to strengthening leadership in human spaceflight and preparing for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

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Amazon has officially announced the return of its flagship shopping event, the Great Indian Festival Sale, promising deep discounts, exclusive launches, and bundled offers across a wide range of categories. Scheduled ahead of the festive season, the sale is expected to give a strong boost to India’s e-commerce activity as consumers prepare for Diwali shopping.

Tecno has expanded its smartphone lineup in India with the unveiling of the Pova Slim 5G, a device blending sleek design, high-speed connectivity, and artificial intelligence-driven functionality. Positioned in the highly competitive mid-range segment, the handset offers a strong mix of performance and innovation aimed at young professionals, gamers, and tech-savvy consumers. With AI enhancements in photography, power management, and user experience, Tecno is seeking to differentiate itself in a crowded market dominated by established players such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and Realme.

Samsung has expanded its popular Fan Edition lineup with the launch of the Galaxy S25 FE, a smartphone designed to strike a balance between premium features and accessible pricing. Positioned as a cost-effective alternative to the Galaxy S25 series, the device incorporates high-end specifications, refined design elements, and a focus on performance-driven functionality. The launch highlights Samsung’s strategy of broadening its product ecosystem to capture mid-to-premium market segments, while reinforcing its dominance in the competitive Android smartphone landscape.

In a landmark ruling that underscores growing global scrutiny of digital giants, Google has been found liable for violating user privacy, with damages amounting to $425 million (approximately Rs. 3,550 crore). The decision signals a decisive shift in how courts are holding Big Tech accountable for data mismanagement, deceptive practices, and breaches of consumer trust.

India’s eastern state of Odisha is positioning itself as a new frontier for semiconductor manufacturing and allied industries, as the government intensifies efforts to attract high-value investments in the sector. With global supply chains diversifying and India’s push for self-reliance in advanced electronics, Odisha’s proactive policies and infrastructure initiatives are drawing the attention of both domestic and international investors.

India’s leading food delivery platforms, Zomato and Swiggy, have both increased their platform fees, a move expected to impact millions of frequent users across the country. While the increment is modest in absolute terms, the timing highlights the companies’ continued efforts to optimize revenue streams and offset rising operational costs. For consumers, the change means slightly higher order values, while for the platforms, it represents an essential lever to strengthen unit economics amid intensifying competition and increasing regulatory scrutiny.

TVS Motor Company has unveiled the Ntorq 150, its latest addition to India’s fast-growing premium scooter market. Positioned as an upgrade over the popular Ntorq 125, the new model is designed to appeal to urban riders seeking a balance of performance, technology, and style. With improved engine capacity, enhanced features, and modern connectivity options, the Ntorq 150 reflects TVS’s strategy to capture a larger share of India’s two-wheeler market, where shifting consumer preferences are driving demand for higher-capacity scooters.

India has approved a Rs. 1,500 crore program aimed at recycling critical minerals, a strategic move designed to strengthen supply security for industries dependent on scarce raw materials. The plan underscores New Delhi’s growing recognition of mineral recycling as an essential pillar of sustainable development and economic resilience. By reducing import reliance and addressing environmental concerns linked to traditional mining, the initiative is expected to advance India’s green energy transition, support emerging technologies, and attract private sector participation.

India’s services sector surged to its fastest pace of growth in 15 years this August, underscoring the resilience of Asia’s third-largest economy amid global headwinds. The expansion, reflected in a marked rise in new business orders and robust demand across industries, reinforces the services sector’s role as the primary driver of India’s GDP. Analysts believe this momentum will bolster employment, strengthen fiscal revenues, and enhance investor confidence.