Automobile / The Times of India
Kareena Aade, a 49-year-old transgender woman, is breaking barriers as the first trans-person auto driver in the Mumbai metropolitan region. Shunned by her family years ago, she arrived in Mumbai with nothing and worked various jobs before an NGO gifted her an e-auto.
Despite police action, auto-rickshaws continue to overload passengers outside Noida's Sector 52 metro station. Drivers are raising fares due to restrictions on passenger numbers. Commuters are protesting the unjustified fare hikes, especially with limited transport options. Sector 51 and 52 metro stations are key interchange points.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has launched the e-Zero initiative in Delhi, automatically converting cyber financial crimes above Rs 10 lakh reported on the 1930 helpline into FIRs. Home Minister Amit Shah announced the project's imminent nationwide expansion, aiming for swift investigations and cybercriminal crackdown.
A devastating head-on collision between an auto-rickshaw and a dumper truck near Hardalmau turn in Hardoi district resulted in the immediate deaths of six individuals and serious injuries to three others. Among the deceased were two women and four men, with the auto carrying nine passengers, including two children.
EPFO is proposing to increase the auto settlement limit for its subscribers from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, pending approval by the central board of trustees. The organisation has already streamlined the claim process significantly, resulting in faster settlements and an expected record of over 6 crore settlements this year.
US President Trump has announced a 25% tariff on imported cars and components, significantly affecting US consumers and potentially inciting retaliation from the EU and Canada. Indian automakers might evade immediate impact, but the auto parts and tyre industries, particularly those with US-export dependencies, could face challenges.
The post-mortem reports of three youths from Kathua who were found dead suggest they died from trauma injuries caused by an accidental fall. There were no signs of physical assault or gunshot wounds, ruling out a terrorist attack. They were last in contact with family members before losing their way to a wedding, with alcohol found at the scene.
US companies Harley-Davidson and Tesla, despite President Trump's push for lower Indian import duties, prefer manufacturing outside the US. Harley imports its bikes from Thailand, and Tesla will ship its cars from Germany due to locational advantages and economies of scale. India's recent customs duty cuts are unlikely to change these import strategies.
Chief Minister M K Stalin has criticized the Union government for the Advocates Amendment Bill 2025, claiming it threatens the legal profession's autonomy. Although withdrawn due to protests, Stalin urges its total withdrawal and accuses BJP of undermining Tamil identity and judicial independence. He also mentioned that TNs population control work puts it at a disadvantage in the delimitation exercise, affirming rejection of the three language policy.
Former Goa MLA Lavoo Mamledar died in Karnataka's Belagavi after being assaulted by autorickshaw driver Amirsuhil Shakilsab Sanadi during a road rage incident. The altercation occurred when Mamledar's car brushed against the autorickshaw, leading to a heated argument and subsequent physical assault. Sanadi has been arrested and jailed.