With the Thar, M&M has come full circle. In a market where every other vehicle has an SUV tag, the company plans to stick to its core competence of making rugged, true-blue, all-terrain SUVs, and marks a fresh beginning for the 75-year-old firm that enjoyed an indomitable position in the SUV segment till 2012, reports Shally Seth Mohile.

Besides opening up the possibility of a policy that allows vintage cars retrofitted with electric batteries to ply on roads, this also gives a clue to how cars older than 15 years that are banned can be valued again by a similar conversion to EVs, says Ritwik Sharma.

As part of the ritual, ''halwa'' is prepared in a big ''kadhai'' (large frying pot) and served to the entire staff involved in the Budget making exercise of the ministry.Halwa was served while maintaining COVID protocol with all present in mask and those distributing sweets were wearing gloves.

Automaker Jeep India on Wednesday launched a locally assembled version of its premium SUV Wrangler in the country with introductory prices starting at Rs 53.9 lakh (ex-showroom).The company had started the production of the model at its Ranjangaon plant near Pune in February and is now ready for retail across the country.The locally-assembled Jeep Wrangler is available in two variants - the Unlimited and Rubicon, priced at Rs 53.9 lakh and Rs 57.9 lakh, respectively.Both variants come with a BS-VI compliant 2-litre turbo petrol powertrain, which produces 268 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque and comes mated with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Step on the gas and the power that propels the compact four-seater will take you by surprise as it hurtles to­wards the 80 kmph like a racing thoroughbred, never compromising any stability thanks to its rigid chassis and solid 1,600-kg kerb weight that gives it a well-planted feel along straights, corners and tricky lanes and roads, says Pavan Lall.

Close to half a dozen more three-row premium mid-size models are expected to hit the road over the next two years.

The car is built in a manner that stands tall and rugged on the city streets, without ever being uncomfortable, says Pavan Lall.

Market leader Maruti Suzuki is putting finishing touches to its plan of finding its feet in what is being hailed as a battle of epic proportions in India's fastest-growing passenger vehicle segment, reports Arindam Majumder.

Jeep India, a part of automotive group Stellantis, on Tuesday announced the opening of bookings for its upcoming SUV Meridian, the production of which has also commenced from its joint venture manufacturing facility at Ranjangaon, Maharashtra.Customers can book the Meridian either at Jeep India dealership network or through the company's website with a down payment of Rs 50,000.Deliveries of the vehicle will start in June, it said in a statement.

The Meridian feels comfortable and upright with the quality of gadgetry, interiors and plastics expected from an international brand car.However, it lacks the overall premium-ness that may come with a top-end Japanese car or even a mid-range German car, says Pavan Lall.

The new MICRO LED, Neo QLED and Lifestyle TV come with advancements in picture and sound quality with more screen size options.

A laser lights each little particle so you can vacuum it away into oblivion 

Compact ergonomics, good camera and sound, flagship processor make for a little powerhouse 

This is a colour that truly looks of the forest and from the forest

Galaxy Watch 4 can be much more cost effective and efficient

Fitbit also plans on giving out six months of free premium subscription service to those who purchase the new devices

The Android-powered Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are joined by the Pixel Watch, running WearOS, and the Google Pixel Buds Pro to create a cohesive set of devices

As per estimates released by IDC, India’s smart wearable device market grew by merely 2.1 per cent in March quarter

The rupee fell in the wake of the US election but held up better than most other Asian currencies, which were hit by a dollar rally

The retail portion of the IPO emerged as the only fully subscribed category, receiving 1.02 times the shares reserved for retail individual investors (RIIs)

World Meteorological Organization says big gaps exist and investments lag far behind

Raises ₹5,085 crore from institutional investors; company betting big on enhancing quick commerce segement

RBI intervenes to manage currency amid global economic challenges

Thursday’s gain partially helped to retrace Wednesday’s 3% rout, when Trump’s win triggered a powerful rally in the dollar, reducing the appeal of commodities priced in the currency

Meanwhile, the dollar index was trading higher by 0.05 per cent at 105.05

While the report acknowledged that Trump’s victory introduces a mix of challenges, it also presents long term incentives to expand its manufacturing, diversify export markets, and enhance economic self-reliance

ITI was the lowest bidder for the ₹1,537-crore Project 15 spread across Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur

Buzzing stocks: Max Healthcare, HFCL, Welspun, PowerGrid, Waaree Renewable, Ambuja Cements, Hyundai, Samvardhana, GIC, BSE, FSN e-Commerce, 3m India, Suven Pharma, eIH, RPower, Sundaram-Clayton

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 84.39 against the greenback, then fell further to an all-time low of 84.40, registering a fall of 2 paise over its previous close

Analysts offered mixed reviews; Jefferies issued an underperform rating with a target price reduction from ₹690 to ₹680, while Motilal Oswal maintained a neutral stance with a target of ₹880.

Rupee pressured by continued foreign fund outflows and a firm dollar overseas

Buzzing stocks: United Spirits, Tata Chemicals, MTNL, Aurobindo Pharma, LCC Infotech, Tata Power, Federal Bank, EMS, Eicher Motors, Apollo Tyres, Allcargo Terminals, Vodafone Idea, Happiest Minds, Brigade, ESAF Small Finance Bank, NBCC, Kalyan Jewellers, Garden Reach, Unichem Lab, Dredging Corp, AstraZeneca Pharma. Prism Johnson, PI Industries, Shilpa Medicare, Thermax and Thomas Cook

The top court remarked that the recruitment of civic police volunteers serves as a means of “granting political patronage”

What transpired during the proceedings? What were the directions issued by the top court?

On October 15, the top court raised questions about the role, hiring process, and authority of the civic volunteers in West Bengal; prime accused Sanjay Roy was a civic volunteer

Kolkata tram faces uncertain future as court delays decision on resuming services, sparking fears of permanent closure