Report Highlights High Percentage of Uninsured Vehicles and Low Compliance with Pollution Norms in India
Explore everything about the automotive world at Times of India.
Man Loses Leg in 'Phatka Gang' Attack on Moving Train in Kalyan
KALYAN: A 22-year-old farmer from Nashik suffered a partial amputation of his left leg after being hit by the notorious 'Phatka gang' near Kalyan. The incident occurred on Sunday morning while Gaurav Nikam was travelling on the Tapovan Express from Thane to Nashik. According to Kalyan GRP, the incident happened between Shahad and Ambivli railway stations when the train slowed down near Irani Pada. Nikam was on a phone call near the train door when a minor boy from outside struck his hand with a
Allegations of Fraudulent Surrogacy Practices Surface at Hyderabad Fertility Clinic
HYDERABAD: Gopalapuram police have registered five new cases against the head of Srushti Fertility Clinic Dr Athaluri Namratha alias Pachipala Namratha, and others based on complaints lodged by five sets of victims. While in one case a couple alleged that the doctor handed them a baby whose DNA did not match theirs, three other couples accused the clinic of adopting dubious methods. They claimed that they had already paid the money â anywhere from Rs 12.5 lakh to Rs 19 lakh â and even deposited their biological samples when they grew suspicious about the operations of Dr Namratha and her clinic. The frauds occurred between 2019 and 2025. Cops are yet to ascertain details of the fifth case.
Uttarkashi Cloudburst Horror: Flash Floods Sweep Away Village, People Seen Running For Their Lives
DEHRADUN: A man narrowly escaped death after the flash flood swept through Dharali village in Uttarkashi on Tuesday, triggering a massive pile of debris. He was seen crawling out from the rubble, covered in mud and visibly injured, moments after the deadly waters destroyed homes, shops, and roads in seconds. The man's identity and his current condition remained unknown as of Tuesday evening, but widely circulated videos have already hailed him as a hero. Officials have not yet confirmed whether he was later taken to hospital or rescued by disaster response teams.
Can Vijay be the Next MGR in Tamil Nadu Elections?
A huge poster of actor Vijay stares down from the wall. A digital signboard flashes: 285 days, 3 hours, 43 minutes and 46 seconds, a countdown to the 2026 assembly election in Tamil Nadu. Scores of people sit glued to screens, fingers flying over keyboards, some others are on mobile phones trying to reach voters in remote hamlets. The Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) war room in Chennai is fully activated.
Man Loses Leg in 'Phatka Gang' Attack on Moving Train in Kalyan
KALYAN: A 22-year-old farmer from Nashik suffered a partial amputation of his left leg after being hit by the notorious 'Phatka gang' near Kalyan. The incident occurred on Sunday morning while Gaurav Nikam was travelling on the Tapovan Express from Thane to Nashik. According to Kalyan GRP, the incident happened between Shahad and Ambivli railway stations when the train slowed down near Irani Pada. Nikam was on a phone call near the train door when a minor boy from outside struck his hand with a
Allegations of Fraudulent Surrogacy Practices Surface at Hyderabad Fertility Clinic
HYDERABAD: Gopalapuram police have registered five new cases against the head of Srushti Fertility Clinic Dr Athaluri Namratha alias Pachipala Namratha, and others based on complaints lodged by five sets of victims. While in one case a couple alleged that the doctor handed them a baby whose DNA did not match theirs, three other couples accused the clinic of adopting dubious methods. They claimed that they had already paid the money â anywhere from Rs 12.5 lakh to Rs 19 lakh â and even deposited their biological samples when they grew suspicious about the operations of Dr Namratha and her clinic. The frauds occurred between 2019 and 2025. Cops are yet to ascertain details of the fifth case.
Uttarkashi Cloudburst Horror: Flash Floods Sweep Away Village, People Seen Running For Their Lives
DEHRADUN: A man narrowly escaped death after the flash flood swept through Dharali village in Uttarkashi on Tuesday, triggering a massive pile of debris. He was seen crawling out from the rubble, covered in mud and visibly injured, moments after the deadly waters destroyed homes, shops, and roads in seconds. The man's identity and his current condition remained unknown as of Tuesday evening, but widely circulated videos have already hailed him as a hero. Officials have not yet confirmed whether he was later taken to hospital or rescued by disaster response teams.
Can Vijay be the Next MGR in Tamil Nadu Elections?
A huge poster of actor Vijay stares down from the wall. A digital signboard flashes: 285 days, 3 hours, 43 minutes and 46 seconds, a countdown to the 2026 assembly election in Tamil Nadu. Scores of people sit glued to screens, fingers flying over keyboards, some others are on mobile phones trying to reach voters in remote hamlets. The Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) war room in Chennai is fully activated.
Trending News
India-UK Free Trade Agreement: Impact on Luxury Car Imports
Luxury car buyers in India might have a reason to celebrate. India and the United Kingdom have officially signed a Free Trade Agreement that promises to bring down import duties on premium British cars - but only to a certain extent. This means that only select models and only in limited numbers, will qualify for the lower import tax. Here's why.
India-UK FTA: Key details
As part of the FTA, India will slash tariffs on automotive imports from the UK from the existing 100–110 per cent
Delhi's Electric Vehicle Policy Extended: New Deadline and Key Perks
Delhi's electric mobility plans have received a fresh update. The government is extending its current Electric Vehicle Policy until March 31, 2026, or until a new one is officially notified - whichever comes first. The extension was approved in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at the Delhi Secretariat.Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, as per PTI, said the move allows the government more time to conduct wide-ranging public consultations before rolling out a revised, fu
India to Make Two BIS-Certified Helmets Mandatory with Every New Two-Wheeler Sold
India is set to take a major step forward in two-wheeler safety. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recently proposed a change to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. This proposal will require manufacturers to provide two BIS-certified helmets - one for the rider and one for the pillion - with every new two-wheeler sold in the country starting January 2026. The objective is to promote safer riding habits and reduce road fatalities, especially among pillion riders who often do not wear helmets. Dealerships will also need to deliver both helmets at the time of vehicle handover.
For an industry that has long struggled with poor safety awareness and widespread use of fake helmets, this new regulation could bring about much-needed change. According to Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird, this rule could lead to a significant increase in helmet demand. Kapur mentioned that if every new two-wheeler comes with two helmets, the annual requirement could exceed 4 crore helmets. However, a challenge lies ahead as India's actual production capacity for genuine ISI-certified helmets is only around 3 crore units per year, leaving a substantial gap.
The proposed rule aligns with the government's broader efforts to reduce road fatalities, with over 1.5 lakh deaths reported annually in India due to road accidents, a significant portion of which involve two-wheeler riders. Steelbird, one of India's largest helmet manufacturers, is already heavily investing in automation and plant expansion. The company plans to introduce 75 new helmet models over the next five years, catering to various segments from budget to premium.
Despite these positive steps, the issue of fake helmets remains a concern. Approximately half of the helmets used on Indian roads are counterfeit, lacking safety standards and providing inadequate protection. Kapur emphasized the importance of strong enforcement to ensure that only genuine ISI-marked products are sold and that any law mandating two helmets per vehicle must have robust checks in place.
Kapur believes that effective enforcement of this law will not only save more lives but also help eliminate counterfeit helmet suppliers from the market.
Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India.
Beyond Vision: The Role of Radar in Advancing Autonomous Driving in India
The article is authored by Hitesh Garg, VP and India MD,
NXP
Semiconductors.
India is at a crucial point in its journey toward autonomous mobility with a vision of obtaining full autonomy, which is still on the horizon, but the groundwork is being laid with ADAS becoming more prevalent in mid-range and premium vehicles. A recent report by McKinsey & Company estimates that by 2030, up to 20–30% of new cars sold in India could come with at least Level 2 autonomy, including features like
The BSA Bantam 350: A New Contender in the 350cc Segment
The iconic BSA nameplate is making a fresh splash, this time in the 350cc segment. The company has unveiled a new motorcycle called Bantam 350, which is heavily inspired by the 43 FJ sold in India since last year. The retro-modern motorcycle was showcased at the ongoing Bike Shed Moto Show in London. The Bantam 350 will be available in a choice of five colour options: Avalon Grey, Oxford Blue, Firecracker Red, Barrel Black, and Victor Yellow. Here's a quick look at this RE Hunter 350 rival, which may or might not be sold in India.
Delhi Traffic Police's New Initiative: Reporting Traffic Offences for Rewards
Delhi Traffic Police has come up with a new way to not only curb violations but also reward vigilant citizens. The department has relaunched the Traffic Prahari app, a platform that lets users report violations. With the app, users can easily report traffic violations they witness in real time. All they need to do is register on the app using their phone number and email ID. Once registered, they can upload photos or videos of traffic rule violations directly through the app. The best part? Peop
Tesla Launches First Showroom in India at Mumbai's BKC | Model Y Pricing Revealed
Source: Tesla
Tesla is finally accelerating into India's electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of its first official showroom in Mumbai, signaling a bold yet strategic move. The much-anticipated debut marks a significant step for Elon Musk's company as it tests Indian consumer appetite for premium electric vehicles amidst rising climate awareness and urban demand. The showroom, designed to reflect Tesla's futuristic brand image, is located at Maker Maxity Mall in Bandra Kurla
The National Highways Authority of India Strengthens Policy Against Misuse of FASTags
The National Highways Authority of India has tightened its policy against the misuse of FASTags, specifically targeting what are known as "loose FASTags" or "tag-in-hand" practices. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways confirmed the update in an official release, ANI reported.
The new directive instructs toll collecting agencies and concessionaires to immediately report instances where FASTags are not affixed to a vehicle’s windscreen. This is a deliberate act by some users that disru