
Smarter, Safer, Greener: This Week in Auto Tech
EV and Autonomous Driving are among the leading topics that are keeping automotive engineers busy across the world. And that's also reflected in a way in this week's edition of our ETAutoTech newsletter.Talking about EVs, building just good EVs may not be good enough. Building them with minimal environmental impact is. And, that's why any technology development that eliminates use of rare earth minerals commands special attention. Let us take a look.
Top Highlights
Made in India, Rare-Earth Free!
VNIT's Game-Changer for EVs
Nagpur's VNIT researchers have developed rare earth-free tech for
electric vehicles
—marking a major step in reducing India's reliance on Chinese imports.
Why it matters:
Rare-earth magnets are expensive and geopolitically sensitive. This innovation could change the EV cost equation.
Read Full Story
Smart Tech Trends
India 2030: Self-Driving Boom?
NITI Aayog's Big Forecast
By 2030, the Indian auto landscape will be dominated by self-driving, smart, and safe tech features. Expect AI, ADAS, and automation to rule the road.
Get the Insights
Cloud Cars Are Coming
Wipro Showcases AI-Powered SDV in Bengaluru
Wipro's CEO Srini Pallia unveiled a cloud-connected car prototype built on AI-driven software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture.
See What's Inside
ADAS on the Road
NueGo Brings Driver Assistance to Electric Buses
Electric bus operator NueGo equips its fleet with
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
(ADAS) to boost safety on highways.
Explore More
Global Moves
Flying Taxis in NYC?
Archer & United Team Up
Archer plans to launch an air-taxi network in New York City with United Airlines. Think Uber for the skies.
Catch the Flight Plan
China vs. Buzzwords
Ban on 'Smart' & 'Autonomous' in Ads
China clamps down on misleading vehicle ads using terms like 'smart' or 'autonomous' unless fully validated.
Read the Policy Shift
Japan Talks Safety Amid Trade Tensions
Car Safety Takes Center Stage in Tariff Talks
Japan to raise auto safety standards as a bargaining chip in upcoming tariff discussions with the US.
Inside the Talks
EV Disruptions
Tesla Faces Heat
Robotaxis & Budget EVs in the Spotlight
Tesla scrambles to refocus on affordable EVs and its long-promised robotaxi rollout amid backlash and sliding demand.
Full Story
Volkswagen's China Strategy
In-House Autonomous Driving for China
VW doubles down on local R&D, building its own automated driving tech tailored to Chinese roads.
View Development Plans
Startup Spotlight
Garuda Aerospace Lifts Off
Raises ₹100 Cr in Series B
Drone-tech startup Garuda Aerospace secures big funding from Venture Catalysts to expand into precision agri and smart delivery.
Read the Funding Update
Looking Ahead
Nissan Sets 2027 Target
Next-Gen Autonomy by FY27
Nissan to roll out next-generation autonomous driving technology with real-time hazard perception by fiscal year 2027.
Future Drive Tech
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Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
Army deploys drones to make rapid advances
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The Army has started placing orders with Indian companies for a range of drones, loitering munitions and counter-drone systems as part of emergency procurements , cleared by the Rajnath Singh-led defence ministry, to boost operational some contracts have been inked to boost counterinsurgency capabilities, a much larger number is expected to be inked in the coming weeks as the ministry has given sweeping powers to the armed forces to quickly identify and purchase cutting-edge systems developed by the industry, besides replenishing ammunition and long-range, standoff of the systems purchased is Nagastra 1R advanced loitering system that can take down infiltrators and target enemy positions at shallow depths on the Line of Control. The Army has placed an order for 450 of the munitions with Solar Industries , valued at ₹158 crore. The cost-effective systems are already in use by the Army and the fresh batch has to be delivered within 12 order has been placed with ideaForge Secures for hybrid Mini UAVs, which have already been battle-tested and inducted into the Army's inventory for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) operations. This is a fixed-wing VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) company said it went through a "rare and rigorous validation process" before the selection that included two independent high-power technical committees that verified the integrity and origin of Mini UAV's critical evaluation was carried out as the forces do not want any critical parts of the system to be of Chinese reported, the armed forces are focusing on long-range weapons , jammers, air defence systems and indigenous solutions for the 'new normal' approach against forces have drawn up a roadmap to award contracts worth thousands of crores, a large chunk of which is set to go to the private sector. Weapons worth ₹44,000 crore are likely to be ordered in the coming days, including ammunition for prolonged conflict. A special focus is on 'long range vectors', weapons that can be used from a standoff distance to strike deep into enemy forces are also looking to acquire jammers and low-level transportable radars in higher numbers in the coming months as they proved effective in thwarting large-scale drones attacks during Op armed forces are also likely to go in for a range of air defence capabilities to further strengthen the network that kept the Pakistani missile and drone barrage in check.


Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
US immigration rules are blocking Indian talent, say tech leaders
Hyderabad: As the global tech race accelerates, US companies say they are losing their edge—not because of a talent shortage, but because of immigration roadblocks. A growing number of American tech executives warn that restrictive immigration policies are shutting out high-skilled Indian professionals, especially in fast-moving sectors like AI, software development, and semiconductor engineering. The result, they say, is a bottleneck that's strangling innovation and weakening the country's competitive edge. In a recent survey by US-based legal firm Manifest Law, over 500 senior leaders in the tech industry pointed to a range of immigration challenges—from capped visa quotas and intensified scrutiny to surging govt fees and falling H-1B registrations. A striking 78% of respondents said that current immigration restrictions are affecting their ability to hire global talent, with Indian professionals being the most affected. 'The roles most impacted are STEM-related—software engineers, AI professionals, hardware specialists, and even startup founders,' said Nicole Gunara, principal immigration lawyer at Manifest Law. 'These aren't just workers. They are innovators. And companies are struggling to get them through the door,' he explained. The rising cost of hiring international talent emerged as a key obstacle. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently implemented a 70% hike in the base H-1B petition fee for large employers, and the initial registration fee for the H-1B visa lottery skyrocketed from $10 to $215 for fiscal year 2025. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like San Pedro I: Scholarships You Can Apply For (Start Now) College Scholarship | Google Search Search Now Undo Visa delays and escalating legal fees have only added to the burden. Indian professionals, in particular, are bearing the brunt of these changes. From 2022–2023, 72.3% of all H-1B visas were granted to Indian nationals, and nearly half of all science, technology, engineering, and mathematics optional practical training (STEM OPT) applicants in the US were from India, according to Manifest Law. 'Indian nationals fill a massive part of the US STEM talent gap,' Gunara noted. 'The US simply doesn't have the domestic pipeline to keep up. At some point, policymakers will have to recognize that bringing in highly skilled immigrants is the fastest and most effective solution,' he said. The survey revealed significant support for targeted immigration reforms. About 56% of tech leaders support raising the H-1B cap, while the same number back the creation of a new visa specifically for venture-backed startups. Other suggestions include industry-specific visa programmes (62%) and clearer pathways from student visas to green cards (64%). But the consequences of current policies may go beyond the hiring crunch. Orn Bodvarsson, a senior economist and academic, warned that the long-term appeal of the US is eroding for Indian students and professionals alike. 'They are facing fewer opportunities, higher risks, and lower returns on education investments. Over time, that means reduced demand for US university admissions and job offers. The bottom line is short- and long-term Indian immigration will fall,' he cautioned. As the US strives to lead in next-generation technologies, experts say its success may depend not just on funding and infrastructure—but on whether it welcomes the global talent needed to build the future.


Time of India
23 minutes ago
- Time of India
Oberois' global push eyes Saudi, Egypt amid India focus
The Oberoi Group is primed for further growth as its eponymous brand sits at the "centre" of premium travel-the fastest-growing segment in India's hospitality industry, Arjun Oberoi, executive chairman of the luxury hotel chain , told ET. He said the group will enter new markets like Saudi Arabia and Egypt while continuing its sharp focus on the growing domestic market. Also speaking in a joint interview, Vikram Oberoi , group CEO, said the operator of Oberoi and Trident hotels has seen a "strong" uptick in financial performance, driven by a mandate to grow the portfolio with "carefully-curated, brand-aligned" properties, push a high-premium strategy, and deliver "exceptional" service. It was the first media interaction of the two Oberoi scions since the passing of patriarch PRS Oberoi in November 2023 and the formal handover to the third generation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mini House for 60 sqm for Seniors with Toilet and Bath (Click Here) Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo The Oberoi Group delivered one of its strongest performances in the financial year 2025. For the year ended March 2025, EIH Ltd , the group's flagship, posted a 14% rise in net profit at ₹770 crore, while revenue grew 10% to ₹2,880 crore. Vikram Oberoi said guests are becoming more selective and are willing to pay a premium for quality service. Live Events "People are traveling more, both for leisure and business. STR (Smith Travel Research) data shows we have significantly outperformed the market on revenue per available room, with a premium on average room rates and occupancy," he said. Vikram Oberoi expects India's affluence to accelerate. "Twenty years ago, the Indian-to-foreign guest ratio was small. The proportion of our Indian guests has grown exponentially." Having signed 21 new projects in under two years, the chain has launched its most ambitious growth strategy. The pipeline includes 19 hotels, two luxury boats, and a Nile River cruiser. Twelve of these are in India; the rest are in London, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bhutan, and Nepal. Sixteen will operate under the Oberoi brand and five under Trident. About half the new projects will be owned, the rest under management contracts. Last November, the group said it will open a hotel in London's Mayfair through an arrangement with British property major Grosvenor and EIH London Investments Ltd. Saudi Arabia is another key focus. "We've announced two hotels there. We're also entering countries we should've been in earlier-Indonesia and Egypt. India will remain our main thrust. It's still the right time to invest here," said Arjun Oberoi. Post-Covid, competition in Indian hospitality has intensified, with IHCL, Marriott, Accor, and Hilton expanding rapidly. Arjun Oberoi explained that the chain is guided by internal benchmarks and won't stretch the brand to risk dilution. "Why are our hotels recognised globally? Not just for the locations-but because we've crafted each one with love, care and thoughtfulness," he said. While the generational transition has worked well, the company has also faced hurdles. The brothers are currently locked in a legal battle over PRS Oberoi's will, challenged by their stepsister Anastasia, who is claiming a share of the family properties. "The matter is sub-judice; we wouldn't like to comment," said Arjun Oberoi. The hospitality chain is also locked in a dispute with the Himachal Pradesh government over The Wildflower Hall in Shimla. More recently, it exited the UAE market, ending its management of The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah. Going forward, residences are another focus area, particularly where there is a hotel and viable residential opportunity. "Mixed-use developments are increasingly the preferred model, and many partners see this as the best way to monetise assets," said Arjun Oberoi.