Oakter, a leading consumer IoT brand by Riot Labz Pvt Ltd, has announced the launch of its upgraded Mini UPS, engineered to ensure seamless internet connectivity for next-gen AirFiber and WiFi routers.

Designed especially for Jio AirFiber and Airtel Xstream AirFiber users, the new model introduces a premium plastic body that is sleeker, lighter and blends well with contemporary home interiors. While the design is completely refreshed, the Mini UPS retains the same proven performance and technical specifications that made its earlier metal version a category-defining success.  With a special introductory price of ₹2,899, the upgraded Mini UPS is now available for purchase on Amazon & Flipkart.
With a 6×2000 mAh Li-ion battery configuration, the upgraded Mini UPS delivers up to 4 hours of zero-lag backup, enabling smooth streaming, video calls, and smart-home operations even during power cuts. It supports major router brands including Jio Fiber, Airtel Xstream Fiber, TP-Link, D-Link, and other leading Wi-Fi routers.

This upgrade has managed to reduce the weight of the mini ups by 25 %. The standard 220V input design with router-compatible DC output, the UPS blends easily into home setups while delivering stable power performance.

Commenting on the launch, Shishir Gupta, CEO, Oakter, said,“Connectivity has become the backbone of modern homes. While network speeds are advancing rapidly, the weakest link has often been power reliability. Our new Mini UPS strengthens that link — with a sleeker, lighter design and the same trusted performance. Keeping the price at ₹ 2,899 as an introductory offer is our way of thanking more than a million existing users who’ve made Oakter the go-to choice for uninterrupted connectivity.”
Technically identical to its predecessor, the upgraded Mini UPS continues to feature an Intelligent Battery Management System, an LED charging indicator, and built-in surge and deep-discharge protection, the device ensures safe and long-lasting performance for everyday use. These smart safety features help protect both the UPS and connected devices, offering stable and dependable power support.

The Mini UPS is designed for effortless installation with a true plug and play setup. Users simply connect it between the router and the power source to enjoy uninterrupted internet without needing any technical assistance. It also comes with a 12-month warranty for the UPS unit and a 6-month warranty on accessories, offering added peace of mind for users.

The book “How Islamic Nations Were Formed “KAISE BANA ISLAMIC DESH,” authored by senior journalist, writer, and Editor-in-Chief of Sudarshan News Channel, Dr. Suresh Chavhanke, was officially launched during the “Clarion Call for a Sanatan Nation” event held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The launch emerged as a historic moment when all 2,000 copies of the first edition were completely sold out within just one hour of release.

The book presents a deep, factual, and analytical account of the process through which 58 Muslim-majority countries came into existence, tracing developments across different historical periods. A key distinction of this work lies in its comparative approach, wherein global events are studied alongside parallel developments in India. This comparison highlights how similar processes have unfolded internationally and how comparable patterns, according to the author’s analysis, are emerging within India. Such a comprehensive, contextual, and comparative study in book form has not been previously available at a global level.

The book was formally unveiled at 1:00 PM by Shri Alok Kumar, International President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and Jagadguru Shanti Giri Maharaj. Remarkably, before 2:00 PM, all copies of the first edition had already been sold. This unprecedented achievement has been taken into cognizance by the India Book of Records, which has initiated the process of including the event in its official records.

The “Clarion Call for a Sanatan Nation” program witnessed participation from over 3,000 representatives representing nearly 1,000 organizations from across the country. While addressing the audience, Dr. Suresh Chavhanke explained his thesis that the Islamisation of any country follows a five-stage process. According to his analysis, India has currently reached a combined phase of the third and fourth stages. Following his assertive, fact-driven, and cautionary address, the audience responded with overwhelming interest, leading to the rapid sale of the book.

KAISE BANA ISLAMIC DESH has been published as part of the “Population Jihad” series, under which several more significant publications are planned. The book is available in print as well as across all major digital and online formats, ensuring wide accessibility and reach among readers nationwide and beyond.

The Bihari diaspora residing in Sydney, Australia, showcased a spectacular display of cultural commitment by celebrating the sacred Chhath Mahaparv on a grand scale this year. The four-day festival was meticulously organised by the Bihar Jharkhand Cultural Association (BJCA), which represents approximately 1,000 Bihari families in the city.

Chhath Puja in Sydney – A Testament to Faith and Unity

Led by Neetu Kumari and Praveen Kumar, the BJCA successfully hosted the traditional rituals at over 25 different locations across Sydney. A large number of families enthusiastically participated in the holy observances, performing the customary rituals and offering ‘Arghya’ to the setting and rising sun.

This massive community event served as a testament to the community’s profound faith and also highlighted the strong organisation, unity, and dedication of the Bihari diaspora towards preserving its roots and culture abroad.

Promoting ‘Bihari Asmita’ Globally

Praveen Kumar, President of the Bihar International Trade Organization (BITO), which functions under the guidance of the Honourable Shri Chirag Paswan Ji, played a central and pivotal role in organizing the Mahaparv. Kumar, a prominent Sydney-based industrialist and an influential leader within the global Bihari community, is actively working to ensure that ‘Bihari Asmita’ (Bihari Pride/Identity) gains due recognition and respect worldwide. The large-scale celebration of a traditional festival like Chhath, successfully championed by his initiative, unequivocally underscores the growing cohesion and influence of the community on an international stage.

New Delhi, Oct 27: Supported by the recent GST reforms, Indian economy continues to be on strong footing and is expected to record strong growth in the current financial year 2025-26, as per the latest edition of Monthly Economic Review (MER) released by Finance Ministry on Monday.

The report noted that both urban and rural demand are seen gaining further momentum after the GST rate cut across sectors and upward trends are visible in the July-September quarter (Q2) of the current fiscal.

“Demand conditions across rural and urban India strengthened with the implementation of the GST reforms and the festive season, coinciding with industry reports signalling robust growth in sales, particularly in sectors such as automobiles,” the report prepared by Department of Economic Affairs under Finance Ministry said.

With growth outlook being positive, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently raised its growth forecast for India for FY26 to 6.6% from 6.4% earlier.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has pegged FY26 GDP growth at 6.8%.

One of the key economic indicators showing the health of economy, retail inflation has declined to record low. The headline retail inflation fell to 1.54% in September 2025 primarily on the back of lower food prices.

“The prices of non-food and non-fuel items remained stable, with core inflation coming in at 4.6 per cent in September 2025. Barring shocks stemming from adverse weather events and supply chain disruptions, price stability is expected to prevail,” said the Finance Ministry report.

Notably, India’s trade performance has remained fairly good despite imposition of punitive tariff by the US on a basket of export items.

Even as trade deal negotiations with the US continue, merchandise trade data for September 2025 presented early evidence of diversification of export destinations.

“Looking ahead, the lower GST rate is expected to support a positive demand outlook by reducing the tax burden on consumers and businesses, stimulating consumption and investment across sectors and boosting employment generation in the economy. Moreover, a strong performance in the industries and services sector, along with a stable labour market, will further enhance domestic demand,” the report said.

The report underlined the strength of Indian economy but at the same time also sounded a note of caution.

“Nevertheless, global uncertainties warrant caution and will continue to affect external demand, presenting downside risks to the growth outlook. The implementation of various growth-enhancing structural reforms and government initiatives, including GST 2.0, is expected to mitigate some of the negative impacts of these external challenges.”

Beating market estimates, Indian economy logged 7.8% year-on-year growth in the April-June quarter (Q1) of the current fiscal and retained the tag of the fastest-growing major economy in the world.

New Delhi, October 25: The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) and International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT-Hyderabad) to undertake joint studies and collaborative research.

The partnership with IIT Hyderabad aims to develop India-specific standards and test frameworks, explore future network technologies such as 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), and enhance India’s participation in ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union – Telecommunication Standardization Sector) Study Groups.

“The partnership creates a formal framework for TEC to work closely with IIT Hyderabad on next-generation telecom and standardisation activities,” an official release from DoT said.

This MoU aims to accelerate indigenous R&D and increase India’s influence in global standardisation processes by strengthening India’s contributions to global standardisation bodies such as ITU and 3GPP.

The collaboration with IIIT Hyderabad aims to develop India-specific standards and test frameworks, explore future network technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, Smart Cities, and Quantum Communications, and enhance India’s contributions to ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union – Telecommunication Standardization Sector) Study Groups.

This partnership aims to accelerate indigenous R&D and increase India’s influence in global standardisation processes by strengthening India’s contributions to global standardization bodies such as ITU and 3GPP.

“The collaboration will further the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by strengthening indigenous research, design and manufacturing in telecom – developing India-specific standards, test frameworks and home-grown solutions that bolster national self-reliance, secure critical communications infrastructure, and reduce dependence on imports,” said the press release.

TEC, the technical arm of the DoT, formulates technical standards, specifications, and conformity assessment requirements for telecom equipment and networks in India, ensuring interoperability, quality, and alignment with global best practices. TEC represents India in international fora such as the ITU-T, ITU-R and coordinates National Working Groups for global standardization activities.

New Delhi, October 25: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) under Ministry of Finance has successfully dismantled a major narcotics manufacturing and distribution network operating across the National Capital Region, in a coordinated multi-day operation.

The operation was carried out from October 21 through October 23, 2025.

Based on specific intelligence developed by DRI, officers raided a clandestine facility for manufacturing methamphetamine located at an isolated farm premise near high-rise residential buildings in Greater Noida. The search resulted in the seizure of 11.40 kg amphetamine and 110.923 kg precursor chemicals used for its manufacture.

Simultaneously, the main handler of the syndicate was apprehended from his residence in Gurugram, and 1.33 kg of amphetamine was recovered from his possession.

In a swift follow-up action, DRI officers identified another premises suspected to be used for storing and distribution of the contraband in West Delhi. The premises were located in a densely populated and congested area, surrounded by narrow lanes, posing considerable logistical and security challenges.

During the operation, the officers encountered large number of persons, who attempted to obstruct official action.

“Despite the presence of hostile elements and the risk of evidence destruction, the DRI team with assistance from Delhi Police, displaying restraint, and tactical acumen, successfully secured the premises and completed the search,” DRI said in a statement.

The search led to multiple arrests and recovery of 7.79 kg cocaine, 1.87 kg heroin, 3.54 kg amphetamine; 2 kg ganja; 0.15 kg methaqualone along with 4.50 kg precursor chemicals used for the manufacture of narcotics substances along with Rs 37 lakh in cash, suspected to be proceeds of drug trafficking.

Driven by robust outbound merger and acquisitions (M&A) and continued EV momentum, India’s automotive sector recorded as many as 30 deals worth US$4.6 billion in July-September quarter (Q3) of 2025.

As per the report released on Wednesday by consultancy firm Grant Thornton Bharat, the Q3 of 2025 is the strongest quarter in a year for the Indian auto sector in terms of number of deals.

The deal activity was largely driven by Tata Motors’ US$ 3.8 billion acquisition of Italian commercial vehicle maker Iveco during the period under review. It contributed 95% of total M&A value.

“Excluding this deal, values dipped 36% over the last quarter, signalling that large strategic bets continue to define overall deal momentum,” said Grant Thornton Bharat in a release.

The September quarter of 2025 reflected a strategic pivot toward global expansion, electrification, and supply chain recalibration, as both strategic acquirers and private investors intensified focus on future-ready mobility platforms.

The report said that while M&A activity was dominated by cross-border consolidation plays, private equity (PE) interest remained steady in scalable, tech-enabled segments such as electric mobility, fleet electrification, and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS).

“The Indian automotive sector is in a phase of strategic reset — balancing policy reform, consumer realignment, and global expansion. The rollout of GST 2.0 and targeted tariff interventions have set the stage for renewed demand, even as OEMs and investors pivot toward cleaner, smarter mobility solutions,” said Saket Mehra, Partner and Automotive Industry Leader, Grant Thornton Bharat.

Mehra further noted that the September quarter’s strong M&A and PE activity reflects India’s growing global ambition in commercial mobility and a clear shift toward scalable, tech-enabled platforms.

“As policy tailwinds and festive demand converge, we anticipate sustained momentum across alternative fuel technologies, auto-tech, and supply chain digitisation,” he added.

Cross-border deals dominated in the Q3 of 2025, accounting for 71% of volumes and 99% of total values, with Asia and Europe being key regions of activity.

Samvardhana Motherson International executed three outbound acquisitions during the quarter, reinforcing India’s role in global auto supply chains.

As per the report, PE activity remained strong in Q3, with 23 deals worth US$ 531 million, marking a 15% increase in volumes but a 17% drop in values compared to Q2.

“The decline in value reflects the absence of large-ticket transactions, as 70% of deals were below USD 10 million, underscoring investor preference for smaller, focused bets,” the report said.

Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) continued to dominate PE deal flow, accounting for nearly 80% of total PE value, led by Rapido’s US$ 271 million investment from Prosus and WestBridge Capital. IFC-backed funding in electric bus operators JBM Ecolife Mobility and GreenCell Mobility, together worth US$ 137 million, further reinforced investor confidence in urban electrification and multimodal transport infrastructure.

New Delhi: Citing the development of country’s first indigenous antibiotic Nafithromycin and successful clinical trial for Hemophilia treatment, Union Science and technology Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said that India must build a self-sustainable innovation ecosystem to achieve global recognition in research and innovation.

The Minister emphasized the need to build a self-sustainable innovation ecosystem so that India could reduce its dependence on government funding and create a culture of private sector participation and philanthropic support to achieve global recognition in research and innovation.

The Department of Biotechnology in collaboration with pharma major Wockhardt has developed antibiotic “Nafithromycin” which is effective against resistant respiratory infections, particularly useful for cancer patients and poorly controlled diabetics.

Another successful story of government and private sector collaboration is a major breakthrough in gene therapy, marking the first successful indigenous clinical trial for Hemophilia treatment.

Inaugurating the 3-day medical workshop on “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Multi-Omics Data Integration and Analysis”, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India must develop a self-sustainable ecosystem to drive its scientific and research growth. He stated that most nations that have achieved global recognition in science and innovation have done so through self-sustaining, innovation-driven models with extensive engagement of the private sector.

Singh further mentioned that India has already sequenced over 10,000 human genomes and aims to scale this up to one million. The gene therapy trial, he added, recorded a 60–70% correction rate with zero bleeding episodes, representing a milestone in India’s medical research landscape.

The Minister highlighted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most transformative tools of the modern era, reshaping healthcare accessibility, governance efficiency, and decision-making. He mentioned that AI-based hybrid mobile clinics are already serving rural and remote regions, ensuring quality healthcare for all.

He also referred to the AI-driven grievance redressal system developed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), which has achieved a weekly disposal rate of 97–98%, significantly improving citizen satisfaction and service delivery.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India is entering a new era of self-reliance in biotechnology, AI and genomic medicine.

Many consumer items such as shampoo, talcum powder and utensils have seen more-than-expected price cut post GST reforms 2.0 under which most daily-use items have been placed under lower rate slabs, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman claimed on Saturday.

“In quite a few cases, a more-than-expected price reduction due to GST reforms has been passed on to end consumers,” the Finance Minister said.

Sitharaman cited the case of shampoo, talcum powder, clinical diapers, household items of iron and steel, and umbrellas where prices came down more than the GST rate cut.

“For Shampoo, GST rates have been reduced from 18% to 5%. The intended benefit was 18 to 5% which means around 11.02%. Actual Decrease in price based on average price reported by various CGST Zones is 12.36%,” she said.

Similarly, for face powder, GST rates have been reduced from 18% to 5% and the intended benefit was 11.02% but the actual decrease in price is 12.22%.

“For Clinical diapers, GST rates have been reduced from 12% to 5%. The intended benefit was 6.25% but the actual decrease in price is 10.38%. For table, kitchen or other household articles of iron, steel and copper; utensils, GST rates have been reduced from 12% to 5%. The intended benefit was 6.25% but the actual decrease in price is 10.24%,” the Minister said.

She further said that for toys like tricycles, scooters, pedal cars etc., including parts and accessories thereof, GST rates have been reduced from 12% to 5% and the intended benefit was 6.25% but the actual decrease in price is 8.93%.

“For umbrellas and sun umbrellas, including walking-stick umbrellas, garden umbrellas and similar umbrellas, GST rates have been reduced from 12% to 5%. The intended benefit was 6.25% but the actual decrease in price is 9.19%,” she said.

Sitharaman noted that since September 22 the Finance Ministry has been receiving information from the zonal levels on all items.

She further said that the Ministry has been closely monitoring the prices of 54 products to ensure that the benefits of the revised tax structure are reaching the end consumers.

“The Next-Gen GST benefits have been fully passed on across all 54 items,” the Finance Minister said.
In sweeping rate reductions across sectors, the GST Council in its meeting in September this year decided to move to two-tier rate structure of 5% and 18% for most items with focus on common-man.

The world is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis fueled by the overuse of chemical fertilizers and non-biodegradable plastics. While conventional plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, chemical-intensive farming practices are degrading soil health and polluting water sources at alarming rates. In response to these pressing challenges, BIORGANO has emerged as a brand that combines innovation with responsibility, offering eco-friendly bio-fertilizers and cornstarch-based packaging solutions that are practical, scalable, and impactful.

Economic & Practical Benefits of Bio-Fertilizers

One of the most common concerns around sustainable products is their cost. BIORGANO’s bio-fertilizers address this directly. Unlike conventional chemical fertilizers, which often need to be applied in large quantities, BIORGANO’s products are concentrated with beneficial microbes. This means farmers require smaller doses, yet they achieve far greater benefits.

The advantages go beyond cost-saving:

• Reduced fertilizer input costs due to efficiency of microbial formulations.
• Lower irrigation needs as soil health and water retention improve.
• Higher long-term yields, improved soil fertility and crop resilience.

Over time, these benefits make bio-fertilizers not just eco-friendly but also more economical than chemical alternatives. As biotechnology advances and demand grows, the cost of sustainable materials and formulations continues to fall. BIORGANO ensures its products are competitively priced without compromising on quality or ethics, making them accessible to farmers and businesses alike.

Cornstarch: A Game-Changer in Bio-Packaging

Traditional plastics are among the biggest contributors to pollution, especially in developing countries. They clog oceans, choke landfills, and linger in the environment for centuries. BIORGANO’s answer is cornstarch-based packaging granules, which are biodegradable and versatile. Unlike plastic, cornstarch doesn’t suffocate the planet — provided it is composted under specific conditions.

What makes cornstarch packaging even more exciting is its dual benefit. Cornstarch granules can be converted into non-toxic bio-enzymes that boost soil fertility and agricultural yields. This creates a win-win scenario for the ecosystem — reducing plastic dependency while enriching the soil.

Cornstarch packaging is also highly versatile, flexible, moldable, durable, and wrappable. It can be adapted for countless uses, including:

• Takeaway food containers (an eco-friendly alternative to Styrofoam and plastic).
• Shopping bags and bubble wraps.
• Films, liners, and box packaging.
• Specialized uses such as medicine packaging, seed packaging, and agricultural supplies.

Simply put, there is little that cornstarch packaging cannot do, making it a viable and sustainable substitute across industries.

Future Vision

BIORGANO’s vision goes beyond products, it is about transforming how we think about sustainability in practice. The company aims to expand its bio-fertilizer presence across India’s key agricultural belts, particularly in states where chemical fertilizer dependency is high, but farmers are increasingly open to organic alternatives.

At the same time, BIORGANO is preparing to enter global markets. With sustainability gaining traction in Europe, the USA, and the Middle East, the brand sees enormous export potential for both its bio-fertilizers and bio-packaging solutions.

In the next decade, BIORGANO envisions itself as a key driver of agricultural and environmental change. Its mission is to help shift conventional farming toward organic, soil-friendly, and sustainable practices. By making bio-fertilizers widely available and scientifically advanced, BIORGANO seeks to support farmers while healing the planet.

Shaping a Greener Tomorrow

From enriching soil to replacing plastic, BIORGANO is proof that eco-friendly solutions can also be practical and cost-effective. Its bio-fertilizers empower farmers to achieve higher yields with fewer inputs, while its cornstarch packaging provides industries with durable, biodegradable alternatives to harmful plastics.

The message is clear: sustainability is no longer an aspiration; it is a necessity. With innovation, science, and commitment, BIORGANO is not just responding to an environmental crisis but actively shaping a greener ecosystem for future generations.