The Economic Times

Ashok Leyland has announced its sales figures for March 2026. The commercial vehicle maker saw a 5 percent increase in total sales, reaching 25,381 units. Domestic sales also grew by 5 percent. Medium and heavy vehicle sales saw a 1 percent rise, while light commercial vehicle sales experienced significant growth. This indicates a positive trend for the company.

Renault India saw a significant jump in sales for March 2026. Domestic wholesales grew by 77 percent. For the entire fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, total sales increased by 11 percent. The new Renault Kiger and new Triber models are driving this success. These popular vehicles accounted for 63 percent of March sales.

In March 2026, Escorts Kubota celebrated a notable surge in tractor sales, tallying 12,119 units sold a year-on-year increase that reflects robust domestic demand, with sales up by 7.5%. Despite facing a downturn in exports, the company remains optimistic about the agricultural sector's growth, citing better water supply and a buoyant farm outlook.

VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd, a dynamic collaboration of Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, has emerged victorious in March 2026, tallying 13,311 units solda commendable 10.1 percent growth year-over-year. The Eicher brand shined brightly with a 13.6 percent boost in local sales of trucks and buses, bolstered further by contributions from Volvo-branded vehicles that complemented this success story.

Skoda Auto India has achieved its highest-ever quarterly sales, selling 20,028 units in Q1 2026, a 17% increase year-on-year. This surge, building on a record 2025, is attributed to strong demand for the Kushaq and Slavia, alongside the popular Kodiaq. The brand director highlighted an enhanced product range and expanded market reach as key drivers for this sustained growth momentum.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd saw a significant 29 percent jump in March 2026 sales. The company achieved its highest annual sales volumes ever in FY26. Electric vehicle sales also surged by 77 percent. The company expects continued growth in FY27, driven by new products and a strong multi-powertrain strategy.

Eicher Motors said its arm VE Commercial Vehicles reported a 10.1% rise in March 2026 sales to 13,311 units, driven by domestic growth, though exports declined year-on-year.

Mahindra & Mahindra announced strong sales figures for March. Total sales surged 21 percent year-on-year to 99,969 units. SUV domestic sales saw a significant 25 percent jump. Commercial vehicle sales also grew 11 percent. For the full fiscal year, SUV sales increased by 20 percent, showcasing robust performance.

Mahindra & Mahindra announced robust sales figures for March and the full fiscal year 2026. The farm equipment division saw significant growth in tractor sales, reaching record domestic levels. The automotive segment also performed well, with strong increases in utility vehicle and commercial vehicle sales. SUV sales achieved a new high for the fiscal year.

An auto-rickshaw driver surprised a techie by offering to accept less than the meter fare after learning about his internship stipend. The driver, earning significantly more daily, insisted the intern pay only 400 instead of 443. This act of unexpected generosity sparked a discussion online about the kindness of some drivers.

An IT intern's modest stipend surprised an auto-rickshaw driver, who then offered to accept a lower fare. The driver's unexpected act of generosity, suggesting a rounded-down payment, deeply impressed the passenger. This simple gesture highlighted the quiet presence of kindness in everyday life and resonated widely online.

YouTube Android Auto: Google is reportedly testing a limited version of YouTube for Android Auto, allowing users to manage playback directly from their car's dashboard. There is currently no official confirmation from Google regarding a wide rollout, and the interface reportedly lacks video rendering and content browsing capabilities to minimize driver distraction.

Elections for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council are set for April 12. A multi-cornered contest is expected with 173 candidates vying for 28 seats. Major parties like BJP and Tipra Motha Party are contesting separately. CPI(M) and Congress are also fielding candidates. The results will be declared on April 17.

Trade disruption at the Strait of Hormuz affects more than just oil and gas. Key industries like automobiles, chemicals, and personal care products face supply shortages. UBS reports the region is a vital source for many commodities. This blockage creates manufacturing challenges due to lack of availability, not just higher costs. Prolonged issues could impact global manufacturing.

Google Play settlement 2026: Google will pay $5 million to California residents in a class-action settlement over automatic subscription renewals. Eligible users who paid for at least one renewal term between May 30, 2014, and October 27, 2019, will receive an estimated $5.85 automatically. This resolution aims to compensate users for unexpected charges without Google admitting wrongdoing.

GTA VI Release Date: Grand Theft Auto VI is slated for a November 2026 release, with pricing potentially between $70-$80. The game returns players to Vice City and the state of Leonida, featuring a Bonnie-and-Clyde-style narrative with protagonists Jason and Lucia navigating the criminal underworld together.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation is developing an auto-settlement system. This will help subscribers claim unclaimed money from inactive accounts. The facility will initially focus on Aadhaar-verified accounts with small balances. This initiative aims to clear idle funds efficiently. Members who joined after October 2017 will receive priority for future settlements.

An Indian man in London captured a video of a classic auto-rickshaw navigating the city's traffic, a sight that instantly evoked memories of home. The unexpected appearance of the familiar vehicle amidst typical UK cars created a striking contrast, resonating with viewers who shared their own nostalgic sentiments.

GTA 6 Price Confirmed: Grand Theft Auto VI arrives on consoles November 19, 2026. PC gamers face a wait, possibly until late 2027. Take-Two Interactive's CEO confirms standard game pricing. Intrusive advertisements will not be part of the experience. This offers clarity on cost and gameplay for eager fans. Rockstar prioritizes console stability before PC launch.

A major fire erupted at a car parts factory in Daejeon, South Korea. The blaze has resulted in 50 people sustaining injuries. Of these, 35 are reported to be in serious condition. Firefighters were deployed in large numbers to combat the flames. The Prime Minister has directed that saving lives is the utmost priority.

A parliamentary panel urged the government to finalize a 'golden share' strategy to protect PSU autonomy as state stakes fall below 51%. Recommendations also include enhancing MoU frameworks, prioritizing vacant officer positions, and developing a roadmap for InvITs and REITs. The committee stressed bridging revenue gaps and optimizing debt management for economic stability and growth.

Sagar Defence Engineering has begun work on India's first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Centre in Andhra Pradesh. This facility will develop advanced unmanned maritime platforms. It will also integrate smart manufacturing and digital twin systems. The centre aims to boost India's maritime manufacturing and security capabilities. It will also support smart fishing fleet networks.

The escalating conflict in West Asia has triggered a severe fuel crisis in Chennai, impacting nearly 60,000 auto-rickshaws that rely on LPG and CNG. According to IANS, approximately 25% of the city's gas-run fleet was unable to refuel on Tuesday, leading to long queues at the few operational stations and a surge in commuter fares.

Panic LPG buying: Long queues are seen at LPG dispensing stations and gas agency offices across West Bengal. Auto drivers and domestic consumers are facing hours of waiting to refill cooking gas. Online booking systems are crashing due to heavy traffic. Restaurants are also affected, with some trimming operations. The state government is taking steps to restore booking servers and ensure supply.

CAG K Sanjay Murthy urged autonomous institutions to use the Risk-Control Maturity Scorecard (RCMS) for financial prudence. This self-monitoring tool aims to identify areas needing attention as the number of autonomous bodies and investments grow. The initiative shifts focus from reactive compliance to proactive risk management, with institutional management holding primary responsibility for controls.

Experts at a New Delhi roundtable discussed India's strategic autonomy and its evolving relationship with the US, emphasizing economic growth as crucial for global influence. The conversation also touched upon India-China dynamics, multilateralism, and the importance of democratic values in shaping the emerging world order.

The Congress party has voiced strong criticism regarding India's foreign policy. They allege that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being blackmailed by the United States. This comes after the US granted a temporary waiver for Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil. Congress leaders claim this situation compromises India's strategic autonomy and national sovereignty.

A woman and her husband have been charged for dragging out an autorickshaw driver from his vehicle, pouring petrol on him and setting him ablaze in Uttar Pradesh's Agra. Police said the victim refused to delete the old photos and videos of him and the woman from his phone. The incident happened on February 27 and police have filed a case.

Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace has successfully tested FWD YAMA, India's first autonomous swarm interceptor. This new technology is designed for counter-drone warfare and air defence missions. It offers a cost-effective solution to combat the growing threat of low-cost drones. The system uses artificial intelligence and swarm coordination for precision interception.

Maharashtra Transport Strike news: Transport unions across Maharashtra have announced a strike on March 5 and autos, tempos, school buses, taxis, cabs and autorickshaws will go off roads from midnight today. The transport unions in the state are protesting the alleged misuse of the e-challan system and arbitrary penalties. School and college students are likely to be the worst-hit.

Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei's death is historically significant but will not automatically lead to the fall of the Iranian system, the widow of the country'in an interview Tuesday. The passing of a man -- however central he may be to the architecture of power -- does not automatically mean the end of a system, said Farah Pahlavi, three days after US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic killed Khamenei.

The plans, due on Wednesday as part of a drive to boost EU industry more broadly, are complicated by divisions between member states, with France taking a more protectionist line and Germany more worried about potential retaliation.

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has joined the DMK. He expressed happiness joining the 'mother party' founded by Perarignar Anna. Panneerselvam stated that Chief Minister MK Stalin is providing good governance. He criticized AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami's autocratic style. Panneerselvam aims to work as a cadre for the DMK's development.

Troubled automaker Stellantis, behind brands like Jeep and Fiat, announced Thursday a net loss of 22.3 billion euros ($26.3 billion) for last year, blaming a lack of demand for electric vehicles. Stellantis' revenue fell only by two percent to 153.5 billion euros last year while its sales actually rose from 5.41 million vehicles in 2024 to 5.48 million last year.

WiseTech Global is set to reduce its workforce by up to 2,000 employees. This significant job cut, nearly a third of its global staff, is part of a major two-year overhaul. The company is aggressively integrating artificial intelligence into its software and operations. This strategic shift aims to create a leaner and more efficient organization.

The WTO's dispute settlement body has established a panel to examine China's complaint against India's automotive and renewable energy sector policies. Beijing alleges that India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes discriminate against Chinese goods, violating global trade rules. Bilateral consultations failed to resolve the dispute, prompting China's second request for a panel.

The man who was shot dead on Family Day in an Alberta neighbourhood has been identified. The autopsy report has revealed key details about the shooting incident victim. Separately, a youth has been placed on a peace bond concerning alleged ties to the 764 Network. This follows a similar case in New Brunswick.

If California wins, it could force U.S. automakers to comply with two diametrically opposed regulatory schemes: President Donald Trump's anti-EV policy and California's pro-EV regime, which 11 other states have adopted.

Andrew Yang, a former presidential candidate, predicts significant job losses for white-collar workers. He believes artificial intelligence will replace many office roles within the next year to eighteen months. This automation surge could impact millions, leading to economic challenges. Yang advocates for universal basic income and AI company taxes to mitigate these effects.

Uber is investing more than $100 million into the creation of autonomous vehicle charging hubs. The investment will build DC fast charging stations at its autonomous depots and at pit stops across major cities.

A guaranteed income program in Maine is giving automatic payments of up to $2,000 to eligible parents. The Build HOPE Project helps low-income families who are studying after high school. The cash comes with no spending rules. Officials say such programs are growing across the US as leaders test new ways to reduce poverty and support education.

India is embracing artificial intelligence for space. AI helps track space debris, preventing collisions with satellites. Companies are using AI for Earth observation, analyzing vast imagery data. Autonomous satellite operations are becoming a reality. AI is also enhancing geospatial readiness and satellite communications. This technology is shaping India's growing space economy.

Anand Mahindra has unveiled the Mahindra UDO, a new electric three-wheeler aimed at modernising Indias traditional auto-rickshaw. The vehicle features a sleek, aerodynamic design and is expected to offer improved efficiency for urban transport. Mahindra believes the electric three-wheeler has the potential to succeed not only in India but also in global markets. The company had previously experimented with electric mobility as early as 1999 with the launch of the BIJLEE.

The State Administration for Market Regulation released guidelines for manufacturers, dealers and parts suppliers aimed at preventing a race-to-the-bottom price war. They ban automakers from setting prices below the cost of production to squeeze out competitors or monopolize the market. Violators may face significant legal risks, the regulator warned.

Mahindra UDO: Mahindra has launched the UDO, an electric auto-rickshaw featuring an aircraft-inspired design and a real-world range of up to 200 km. The new vehicle focuses strongly on both driver and passenger comfort, offering pilot-style seating and improved legroom for a more relaxed ride. Equipped with first-in-segment safety features and smart driving aids such as hill-hold assist, the UDO aims to upgrade last-mile transport across India.

India has opened its insurance sector to 100% foreign ownership. This move aims to boost insurance coverage and attract global investment. Foreign investors can now own domestic insurance companies through the automatic route. This policy change aligns with recent amendments to insurance laws.