India has officially surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, with a GDP of $4 trillion as per IMF data. This was announced by NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam during a press conference following the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting in New Delhi. With only the United States, China, and Germany ahead of India, the country is projected to become the third-largest economy in the next 2-3 years. This is a significant milestone for India's economic growth and development.
China's restriction on the export of rare earth materials, crucial for the manufacturing of electric motors and other automotive components has caused global disruptions in various industries including that of automobiles. Japan's Suzuki Motor Corporation is the latest to feel the effects as it halts production of its popular Swift hatchback due to supply shortages. This move has global ramifications, with Mercedes-Benz and other European auto companies being impacted and even causing slowdowns in the EV market. India, where the Swift is a top-selling model, may also face supply gaps and has now begun exploring alternatives for rare earth-dependent components. As Japan plans to seek cooperation with the United States to build a more secure rare earth supply chain, experts warn that China's monopolistic hold on these elements poses a major geopolitical threat to industries worldwide.
Maharashtra's 701-kilometer Samruddhi Mahamarg, connecting Mumbai to Nagpur, is finally fully operational with the inauguration of the final 76-kilometer stretch. This stretch, spanning Igatpuri to Amane, posed significant engineering and environmental challenges, with the highest rainfall zone in Maharashtra. Thanks to advanced construction methods and new safety measures, a 13.1-km section, with India's longest and widest road tunnels, stands out as a technological marvel. And to further enhance travel experience, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation is working on widening the old Mumbai-Nashik Highway. This project is set to have a transformative impact on regional connectivity, logistics, and long-distance travel in Maharashtra.
Data cloud company Snowflake has announced a strategic partnership with e-commerce enablement platform Shiprocket. This collaboration will empower 1.5 lakh Indian merchants with faster access to data, enabling data-driven decision-making and gaining a competitive edge. The use of Snowflake's AI Data Cloud has significantly reduced data processing time and improved operations for Shiprocket's vast network of merchants. Additionally, the collaboration opens up opportunities for advanced applications such as Generative AI and large language models in the future.
As the world marks World Environment Day 2025, Indian industry leaders like ITC and ASUS are stepping up to the plate with transformative actions and innovative solutions to tackle the issue of plastic pollution. Through initiatives like Bioseal and Oxyblock, ITC is reducing its dependence on conventional plastics while ASUS is promoting responsible e-waste disposal through its #DiscardResponsibly campaign. Both brands have exemplified how sustainability can be incorporated into their operations and consumer engagement, setting an example for others in the business world to follow.
Indian companies are stepping up their commitment to sustainability as they implement practical and scalable initiatives focused on reducing waste, promoting clean energy, and restoring ecological balance. Examples include CEF Group's waste processing plant in Srinagar, their bio-CNG and urban farming projects in Jammu, Ahmedabad, and Ghaziabad, and employee-driven sustainability initiatives. Similarly, Calderys APAC is prioritizing responsible innovation and environmental stewardship in their sourcing and refining processes, and engaging employees in social and environmental projects. These efforts reflect a shift towards circular economy principles in the business world.
The wait for the updated Yezdi Adventure is finally over as iconic brand Classic Legends announced the official launch date for the updated version. The highly anticipated model is expected to receive a unique twin headlamp design with an asymmetric theme, reminiscent of BMW GS models. This design overhaul was initially planned for last year but was postponed due to development issues. With the new design and no changes in the engine specifications, the Yezdi Adventure is set to make a comeback into the market on June 4.
In a bold move by IRCTC, over 2.5 crore user IDs have been disabled due to suspected involvement in ticketing fraud. This decision comes as a response to a viral post by lawyer Sonu Nigam, who highlighted the woes of booking Tatkal tickets on social media. With evidence of agents using technology to secure tickets, this raises serious questions on the fairness of the Tatkal system and the unequal access it provides for ordinary users.
A recent national survey has revealed that the Indian Railways' Tatkal ticket booking scheme, introduced to assist urgent travellers, has now become a nightmare for many passengers. Despite efforts to prevent touts and ensure fair access, travellers struggle to book tickets online and often end up waitlisted. An earlier investigation found agents and railway staff taking advantage of loopholes to sell Tatkal tickets at higher prices. With high demand and inflated prices, the scheme has become a burden for passengers, who now fear a similar situation may be happening again.
Lulu Malls India, owned by Lulu Group International, has received three top honours at the ICSC Global MAXI Awards 2025, showcasing their excellence in marketing and emotional connections with audiences. The awards were presented at the prestigious ICSC Global Conference in Las Vegas, where Lulu Malls competed with top shopping centers from 15 countries. This recognition reinforces Lulu Malls' commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional experiences for their customers.
The Indian government has joined the ongoing discourse surrounding copyright issues with their latest initiative, PB-SHABD (Prasar Bharati - Shared Audio-Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination). Through this, Prasar Bharati is offering free services and resources to creators such as YouTubers, podcasters and video editors, including safe and authentic content. This initiative aims to address concerns around copyright strikes and promote creativity without fear of infringement.