From 1 April 2025, all drivers in Mumbai will have to pay tolls using FASTag at every toll plaza. This is in line with Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation’s (MSRDC) announcement some time ago regarding a FASTag-only system to make toll payments, which would facilitate quicker and easier passage of vehicles through toll gates. But that is not the key news. The key news is that the toll on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will rise by three percent from 1 April 2025. This hike is expected to dig a hole of up to INR 10 in every passenger car owner every time he gets on the respective expressway. 
Fully operationalised in April 2002, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway – first of its kind in India – was built on a BOT basis. It cost more than INR 16.3 billion to complete, according to a report found on the Magicbricks.com website dated 5 February 2025. An analysis in 1994 estimated the cost to be INR 11.46 billion. 
In its affidavit in response to a PIL filed in the Bombay High Court in 2019 citing a CAG report, MSRDC – the Maharashtra state’s special vehicle that built the respective expressway – mentioned that the CAG failed to consider aspects such as traffic flow in initial years, fluctuation in interest and value of money at the time when the first contract was awarded in 2004. 
After taking into consideration the internal rate of return at 16 percent, the total amount recoverable in 2021 was INR 223.7 billion (22,370 crore), MSRDC is known to have stated in its affidavit filed by Kamlakar Phand, Chief General Manager, MSRDC, justifying the extension of contract to collect toll.  
Known as India’s highest toll collecting expressway and also the costliest, the toll collection across the nine gates of the expressway in FY2022-23 was an estimated INR 480.28 billion (48,028.22 crore). In FY2023-24, it was an estimated INR 648.09 billion (64,809.86 crore), a 35 percent increase from the previous year. The average daily collection of around INR 1.5 billion in FY2023-24 in the respective fiscal marked an all-time high. 
But then it is not just the Mumbai-Pune Expressway that will see a hike in toll tax, driving in turn the cost of consumables, essential goods etc., up, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will also increase the toll tax on national highways and expressways that it governs, effective 1 April 2025, mention sources. 
This hike will also touch two-wheelers as stretches such as the Delhi-Lucknow expressway are known to charge toll from that class of vehicles as well. The toll tax increase, sources say, will be in line with the tradition to yearly revise the charges to account for changes in the wholesale price index (CPI)-based inflation. 
Not stopping there and not taking into account the poor quality as well as sheer unsafe stretches of key highways such as the one connecting Pune with Belgaum, which is said to have been under construction for many-many years now, or the one that connects Mumbai with Goa, motorists of all class of vehicles, two-wheelers included, should brace themselves to see their pockets burn a bigger hole effective 1 March 2025 as road fines increase. 
Not supposed to complain about bad road surface, unsafe road design, crater-like patches or the suddenly appearing speed humps and simply pay the roll tax, motorists found to be under the influence of alcohol will have to pay a fine of INR 10,000 and/or face a six months term in prison for the first offence. Repeat offenders will have to pay INR 15,000 and may face up to 2 years in prison.
Those riding without helmets will have to pay INR 1,000 (earlier it was INR 100) and face license suspension for three months. Failing to wear a seat belt, the fine will be INR 1,000. 
Found talking on the phone while driving, the fine will be INR 5,000. Found driving without a valid driving license, the fine will be INR 5,000. Riding triple seat on a two-wheeler, the fine will now be INR 1,000. Sans a valid insurance (insurance attracts 18 percent GST whereas buying a vehicle amounts to between 28 to 50 percent of the price being taxes!), the fine will now be INR 2,000. Besides three months of imprisonment and community service, a repeat offence will see the fine double to INR 4,000. 
The absence of pollution certificate will attract a fine of INR 10,000 along with a prison sentence of six months and community service. Dangerous driving and over speeding with attract a fine of INR 5,000 each here after. Blocking of emergency vehicles will lead to a fine of INR 10,000. Overloading of commercial vehicles will lead to a fine of INR 20,000. 
Jumping a red signal will attract a fine of INR 5,000. Earlier it was INR 500. Offence committed by juveniles behind the wheel or handlebar will lead to a fine of INR 25,000 rather than INR 2,500. A prison sentence of three years and cancelation of vehicle registration for a year besides ineligibility to get a driving license till the age of 25 will be there too. 

Image for representative purpose only.

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Maruti Suzuki India has established a state-of-the-art Smart Factory Lab at the Government Polytechnic College in Lucknow. The initiative, launched under the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, is designed to train approximately 400 diploma students in its inaugural year, bridging the gap between academic theory and shop-floor engineering.

The Lucknow facility is part of a broader educational upgrade across the country, wherein Maruti Suzuki has deployed Smart Factory Labs across four selected government institutions:

• Government Polytechnic College, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)
• Institute of Engineering and Rural Technology (IERT), Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh)
• Government Polytechnic, Ambala (Haryana)
• Government Polytechnic, Nilokheri (Haryana)

During the inauguration ceremony in Lucknow, Maruti Suzuki also awarded merit-based scholarships to five top-performing students to encourage academic excellence.

The Smart Factory Labs are engineered to replicate modern industrial settings, transitioning students from traditional mechanical coursework into digitised production ecosystems. The facilities provide hands-on training with several industry-standard systems – Industry 4.0 & Industrial IoT (IIoT), Automation & Motion Control, Pneumatics & Fluid Power and Energy Measurement Infrastructure.

Under the guidance of Maruti Suzuki technical experts, the curriculum emphasises experiential learning, machinery operations, diagnostics and modern shop-floor safety workflows.

Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Skill development is a core pillar of Maruti Suzuki’s CSR initiative. By upgrading facilities into Smart Factory Labs, we are building future-ready professionals in alignment with the Government of India’s Skill India mission. These labs will provide experiential learning opportunities to meet the evolving needs of the manufacturing sector, minimise the skill gap, and instil confidence in students in using industry-specific equipment’s.”

“Alongside upgrading facilities at Government colleges, Maruti Suzuki has also set up four Japan India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM), a collaboration between the governments of Japan and India. JIMs impart advanced manufacturing techniques, hands-on learning, and efficient shop-floor management practices based on Japanese manufacturing principles and soft skills required to make students industry-ready,” he further added.

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced a landmark three-year partnership with the Tennis Premier League (TPL), coming on board as the league's Exclusive Sponsor.

The multi-year agreement integrates the automaker across the entire TPL ecosystem, including its digital application and all eight franchise teams as the front-of-jersey sponsor.

The partnership marks a significant milestone for the homegrown league, which broadcasts live on Jio Hotstar and has completed 7 seasons under the auspices of the All India Tennis Association (AITA).

The event is backed by Indian tennis legends Leander Paes and Sania Mirza, alongside celebrity franchise co-owners Sonali Bendre Behl (Lucknow Blazers) and Rakul Preet Singh (Hyderabad Strikers). The league has established itself as an impactful non-cricket sporting property in India.

A core focus of the multi-year deal is the expansion of TPL’s grassroots and talent-identification infrastructure. Over the past two years, the league’s flagship ‘Race to Gold Scholarship’ initiative has provided developmental support to more than 80 young tennis players across the country.

With Kia India’s financial backing and resources, the program plans to empower an additional 120-plus young athletes in the coming years. The long-term objective of this sustained investment is to nurture Olympic-level talent capable of competing at the 2036 Olympic Games.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice President - Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said, “At Kia India, we believe sports have the power to inspire aspirations and create meaningful cultural connections. Tennis, with its youthful energy, global appeal, and premium character, strongly resonates with our brand philosophy. Our partnership with Tennis Premier League reflects a shared vision to make tennis more engaging and relevant for a new generation of audiences in India. Through TPL’s growing ecosystem and grassroots focus, we look forward to supporting greater participation, engagement, and talent development around the sport.”

Kunal Thakkur, Co-Founder, Tennis Premier League, added, "This partnership with Kia India is a great moment for us. Over the last few years, we have focused deeply on building a strong grassroots ecosystem through our app and initiatives like Race to Gold along with our League. Having a global brand like Kia India recognize and back this vision gives us the confidence to scale our efforts and truly impact the future of Indian tennis."

Mrunal Jain, Co-Founder, Tennis Premier League, stated, "TPL has always believed in creating a complete tennis ecosystem—from identifying young talent to giving them a platform at the highest level. With Kia India coming on board, we are not just adding a sponsor; we are gaining a long-term partner who shares our vision of building champions for India."

Leander Paes, 18-time Grand Slam Champion, remarked, “Over the years, Tennis Premier League has created a strong platform that is helping tennis grow at every level – from grassroots development to professional competition. Partnerships like this with Kia India is extremely important for the future of Indian tennis, as they bring long-term vision, credibility, and meaningful support to the ecosystem.”

The alliance links Kia's global sports portfolio, which includes a 25-year legacy as the major partner of the Australian Open, with India's emerging contemporary sports culture.

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Caterham has unveiled a new limited-edition model, the Seven Nürburgring Edition, marking a century of the famous German circuit widely regarded as the world’s most demanding race track. Production will be strictly limited to just 100 units globally, with customers able to choose between the Seven 420R or Seven 340R platforms depending on their market. Pricing in the United Kingdom starts at GBP 48,995 (approximately USD 65,690) including VAT.

Engineered specifically for the challenges of the Nürburgring, the car features a bespoke race suspension developed exclusively by Bilstein using its advanced vertical dynamics test rig. The setup was refined to deliver exceptional capability on both road and track, resulting in a tailored package unique to this edition. Power comes from a naturally aspirated 2.0 litre Ford Duratec engine producing 210 brake horsepower at 7,600 rpm, giving a power-to-weight ratio of 375 bhp per tonne. Paired with a five-speed gearbox, the Seven Nürburgring Edition sprints from zero to 60 miles (approximately 96 km) per hour in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 136 miles (approximately 219 km) per hour.

As a fully licensed Nürburgring product, the car incorporates distinctive circuit branding and logos, along with three available paint finishes named Traffic Red, Agate Grey and Basalt Grey, though custom colours are also offered. Exterior upgrades include a red track day roll bar, a mesh grille with a dual-colour Seven logo, a 620-style nosecone with carbon aero whiskers, a Gunmetal Grey chassis, carbon front wings and a Black Pack comprising a black windscreen, headlamp bowls and exhaust heat shield. Inside, leather seats feature Nürburgring embroidery and red stitching, echoed on the transmission tunnel, while carbon interior panels, four-point road harnesses, sequential shift lights and an individually numbered plaque for each of the 100 cars complete the package.

For a century, the 12.9-mile circuit in Germany’s Eifel Mountains, nicknamed the Green Hell, has served as the ultimate proving ground for cars and drivers with its changing elevation and 73 corners. Caterham has flourished there for decades, most notably achieving an 11th place finish at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2002 driven by Chris Cooper, Chris Harris, Clive Richards and Peter Haynes.

Trevor Steel, Senior Vice President – Operations, Caterham Cars, said, “For a century, this track has championed values that are at the heart of what the Seven is all about – balance, precision and an unmatched driving experience. We set out to capture the spirit of the ‘Ring, with every element of the car being honed to reflect the track’s unique demands and character. Designed both for use on the track and the road, the Seven Nürburgring Edition is a unique vehicle that perfectly pays tribute to this famous, globally renowned circuit.”

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South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Group has entered into a multilateral agreement with 9 corporate partners from South Korea, Mainland China, Hong Kong, and France to develop an integrated hydrogen ecosystem in Hong Kong.

The announcement was made during the International Hydrogen Development Symposium 2026, coinciding with a separate intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the governments of South Korea and Hong Kong to align clean energy policies.

The corporate alliance is structured to establish a regional hydrogen market while positioning Hong Kong as an operations base for the Group’s expansion across the Asia-Pacific territory. The project is aligned with the Hong Kong Government’s Climate Action Plan 2050 and the city's 2024 Hydrogen Roadmap, which provides financial subsidies via the New Energy Transport Fund for zero-emission infrastructure.

The execution plan focuses on localised energy production and transit infrastructure to operate by the end of 2030. Key initiatives include:

• Waste-to-Hydrogen (W2H) Production: Utilising local landfill gas (LFG) resources to generate low-carbon fuel.
• Fleet Deployment: Introducing fuel cell commercial vehicles, focusing on tour buses and airport shuttles to service the transit sector.
• Refuelling Network: Constructing hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) in high-traffic freight corridors.

Seung Kyu Shin, Executive Vice-President and Head of Energy & Hydrogen Policy Sub-Division, Hyundai Motor Group, said, “This MoU was signed as Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to advancing Hong Kong’s proactive hydrogen policies and driving the acceleration of its hydrogen ecosystem utilising the Group's hydrogen business capability and experience. Starting with Hong Kong, we look forward to expanding our collaboration and business opportunities across the broader Asia-Pacific hydrogen market.”

Alpha Lau, Director-General of Investment Promotion of Invest Hong Kong, stated, “Today multi-party signing is both a landmark moment for Hong Kong’s green economy and a clear signal that the city’s hydrogen ecosystem is gaining real traction. Over the past three years, InvestHK has helped leading hydrogen enterprises establish themselves in Hong Kong, several of which have since listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising over HK$2.5 billion in total. For businesses with global green ambitions, Hong Kong is where business growth takes shape.”

The Group's HTWO Guangzhou facility, its first overseas fuel cell production site, will manufacture and supply the vehicle systems required for the regional deployment. Under the timeline established by the consortium, project site selection will be finalised by 2027, followed immediately by the engineering design phase for the production plants.

The division of responsibilities among the ten signatory companies is structured as follows:

This project expands the Group’s global W2H portfolio, which includes the HTWO Energy Cheongju facility in South Korea utilising sewage sludge and an active landfill-to-hydrogen joint venture in Indonesia with Pertamina.

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