Stories from India

The Indian government is advising against the installation of pre-paid smart electricity meters across various state-run entities. This directive applies to government offices, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and other state-run institutions.

Listed companies in India reported a 14.7% increase in net profits during the third quarter. This represents the fastest growth rate recorded in two years.

Air India Express and IndiGo are set to resume flight services in coordination with the Air Alliance. Passengers are advised to contact the alliance for flight-related information. The service is part of a broader resumption of operations within the region.

A Delhi court has ordered further investigations into a petition involving the relatives of a 2017 rape victim in Unnao.

Indian private airline Indigo will connect Roland Garros airport in Reunion with Chennai, India. The new flight service will operate three times per week on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Flights are scheduled to operate on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The service connects to the former Madras airport. IndiGo Airlines will commence its first flight service to Chennai. The service follows approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security for passenger and cargo operations in India. This follows the inauguration of the airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move opens a new gateway for aviation in the region.

At least 22 suspected cases of heatstroke have been recorded in Telangana as temperatures rise across the state. Local health authorities are monitoring the situation.

The Indian rupee has fallen to a record low against the US dollar. Rebecca Bunden reported on the factors driving the currency's decline from Mumbai. The movement is linked to broader regional instability. Pressure on the currency is driven by India's heavy dependence on energy imports, requiring the sale of rupees to purchase oil and US dollars. Additionally, a hawkish tone from the US Federal Reserve has weighed on the rupee. While the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its latest meeting, it signaled that rates could remain higher for longer, increasing the attractiveness of US assets. The central bank has attempted to curb speculative activity by capping banks' net open rupee positions. Foreign investors have withdrawn more than 20 billion from the market. Speculation suggests the RBI may need further interventions to support the currency.

The state of Maharashtra will develop AI cities across five innovation areas. Initiatives include the establishment of a state AI Data Exchange and the Maharashtra Advanced Center for Artificial Intelligence training.

Twelve labourers were killed and 20 others were injured when a pickup van overturned in the Dhar district last night. The vehicle was carrying 35 labourers returning home from Bagar near the Chiklio crossing.

The Indian government plans to increase the application of artificial intelligence within industries, governance, and public services. The initiative aims to promote the integration of AI technologies across these sectors.