The first day of May 2025 is set to become a landmark in the history of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) as the Fastag Authentication System (FASTag) ends.

The FASTag electronic toll collection system in India, which uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, was introduced to enable seamless toll payments without stopping at toll plazas. This is set to be replaced with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) that will collect toll through a device, possibly fitted in the vehicle number plate. This system will calculate tolls through GPS and GPS-aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) as per the actual distance travelled.

This will eliminate the need to pay tolls for the entire highway if one is getting off earlier. With its introduction, toll transactions are expected to see a reduction in technical glitches, helping clear long queues faster. The government of India has received feedback for a more efficient upgrade to FAStag, the bank-based digital wallet system that has been in use since 2016.

So far, users crossing a single toll plaza multiple times a month are issued monthly passes worth INR 340, which means INR 4,080 a year. On the other hand, a yearly pass for INR 3,000 is being proposed for the whole year, allowing unlimited travel across various national highways of India. As per Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), GNSS with annual and lifetime passes for private cars is the solution to decongest Indian highways.

Though originally slated for 1 April, the launch of the new toll collection system has now been scheduled for 1 May. As per media reports, a better network of India’s satellites are being activated for it. GNSS will be in operation alongside FAStag during the initial stages, with select lanes receiving technology for the new system.

The trials with the new technology are already underway on Panipat-Hisar and Bengaluru-Mysore national highways.    

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The Hyundai Motor India Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Hyundai Motor India, has launched Samarth UnnATi in association with the AssisTech Foundation in Gurugram.

The initiative provides grant support of INR 7.5 million to assist startups developing assistive technology solutions for persons with disabilities. It focuses on capacity building, mentorship, investor linkages and market access.

Gopalakrishnan C S, Trustee, Hyundai Motor India Foundation, said, “At Hyundai, we believe that accessibility and innovation are powerful enablers of inclusion and progress. Through ‘Samarth by Hyundai’, we are committed to creating opportunities that empower persons with disabilities to participate more independently and confidently in society. The Samarth UnnATi – AT start-up scaleup program is an important step towards strengthening Assistive Technology ecosystem by supporting innovators who are developing impactful solutions to address real-world accessibility challenges. Through our partnership with AssisTech Foundation, we aim to accelerate the adoption of assistive technologies and help build a more inclusive society.”

Prateek Madhav, CEO and Co-Founder, AssisTech Foundation (ATF), said, “By 2050, the need for assistive products in the global population is estimated to increase to 3.5 billion (UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology). To reach this breadth, innovation cannot be a standalone phenomenon. It must be nurtured, deployed at scale and reach the people who need it the most. Samarth UnnATi is the engine that drives this, bringing together these largely disparate efforts toward a more cohesive approach.”

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Cars24 Labs has announced a partnership with the Startup Policy Forum to collaborate on AI policy, industry engagement and AI adoption in India.

The partnership involves Cars24 Labs contributing to Startup Policy Forum initiatives through policy discussions, founder engagements, industry dialogues and global immersion programmes, sharing practical learnings from deploying AI across Cars24 operations.

Vikram Chopra, Builder, Cars24, said, "At Cars24, we've always believed that the best way to understand AI is to build with it. Cars24 Labs was created with that mindset, and we've learned a great deal from putting AI into real products used by millions. Partnering with Startup Policy Forum gives us an opportunity to share those learnings, learn from others, and contribute to the conversations that will shape how India builds and adopts AI in the years ahead."

Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President & CEO, Startup Policy Forum, said, "Cars24 has been a valued member of SPF, and we've worked closely with them on several policy initiatives that matter to India's new economy. Being among the most AI-forward startups in our country, Cars24 is doing some incredible work on AI adoption and innovation. We're excited to partner with Cars24 Labs. It's deeply aligned with our mission of bridging the gap between India and global AI ecosystems, enabling cross-border collaborations, and encouraging AI adoption by Indian companies."

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N.A.N. GreenMet, the critical minerals and advanced manufacturing platform founded by Navin Agarwal (Vice Chairman, Vedanta), has launched N.A.N. MagneTech to establish a Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnet manufacturing facility at the Naidupeta Industrial Park in Andhra Pradesh.

The company has earmarked an investment of INR 12.5 billion in Phase I to build an initial capacity of 1,200 tonnes per annum, with a long-term target of 10,000 tonnes per annum.

It expects commercial production to begin in Q1 2028, generating annual revenues of INR 12 to INR 15 billion. The facility will integrate oxide processing, metal and alloy production, sintered magnet manufacturing and closed-loop recycling.

The project has secured feedstock supply arrangements with an Australian rare earth producer and executed off-take agreements with domestic automotive original equipment manufacturers. Technical development is led by Dr. John Ormerod, Dr. Masato Sagawa and Dr. Gaurav Shukla.

Navin Agarwal, Founder & Chairman, N.A.N. GreenMet, said, “The industries shaping the future will be defined by those who control advanced materials and manufacturing technologies. At N.A.N. GreenMet, we are building a globally competitive industrial enterprise that strengthens India’s manufacturing capabilities in strategically important sectors. N.A.N. MagneTech is an important milestone in that endeavour, bringing world-class technology to establish a domestic rare earth magnet ecosystem that supports the country’s long-term industrial growth”.

Dr. John Ormerod, Chairman of the Technology Board, N.A.N. MagneTech, added, "We are bringing the most advanced Japanese process technology to India, covering the complete oxide-to-magnet ecosystem. Backed by a secured feedstock strategy and closed-loop recycling, this platform is engineered to deliver consistent, world-class quality."

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European technology company N-Dream has brought its AirConsole gaming platform to India through a collaboration with Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and KPIT Technologies, with the marked debut on the Sierra.ev SUV.

AirConsole is integrated into the vehicle's connected services pack and the Arcade App, utilising the vehicle's display setup. Passengers connect smartphones as controllers by scanning a QR code on the screen. The initial launch brings approximately 15 games, including Kaun Banega Crorepati. The in-vehicle gaming technology will be exclusively available on the Sierra.ev for a period of four months, before it can be made available on other models and brands.

Anthony Cliquot, CEO, N-Dream / AirConsole, said, "India is one of the fastest-growing automotive markets in the world. Experiencing the Sierra.ev's launch event in Mumbai where AirConsole was so prominently featured, made our team proud. To see our gaming platform in the vehicle alongside other premium offerings, was a clear testament of how entertainment and passenger experiences are becoming paramount for consumer choice. TMPV is moving at a pace that few in this market can match right now, and this partnership with AirConsole will enable gaming to be part of that momentum."

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, "The Sierra has always been an icon, and with the Sierra.ev, we have elevated that legacy for an electric era. Bringing AirConsole's in-car gaming experience to the Sierra.ev redefines what connected, immersive technology can add to the ownership experience. As the first vehicle in India to offer this capability, we are delighted to partner with AirConsole to deliver an entirely new dimension of entertainment and engagement for our customers."

Pushpahas Joshi, EVP at KPIT Technologies & Board Member at N-Dream, said, “KPIT is very excited to bring AirConsole to India. This is going to be the first among several launches that will enhance consumer experience in the Cockpit of the future. AirConsole is a category creating product loved by more than 4 million car owners worldwide. As part of its strategy towards futuristic Products & Solutions, AirConsole became part of KPIT family in November 2023. Since then, KPIT has enabled AirConsole to expand outside Europe -into Asia and USA. I am very sure, that, owners of Tata cars & their families will enjoy the cool In-car gaming experience with AirConsole”

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