Beta Technologies makes history: First passenger-carrying electric aircraft lands in New York-New Jersey airport zone; major step for US aviation
The journey to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport lasted 45 minutes, carrying a pilot and four passengers, as stated in their official release, Reuters reported.
Transport organisations, including aviation companies, are exploring services utilising electric battery-powered aircraft with vertical take-off and landing capabilities to provide short urban travel solutions, offering an alternative to ground traffic.
The Federal Aviation Administration established comprehensive training and pilot certification guidelines for air taxi operations in October, describing it as "the final piece in the puzzle for safely introducing these aircraft in the near term."
That same month, Beta secured $318 million in equity capital to support production, certification and commercialisation of electric aircraft, with their total raised capital exceeding $1 billion.
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"After years of rigorous safety testing in all types of environments, we're proud to stand here with the Port Authority and the city of New York to demonstrate exactly how this aircraft can serve cities by easing congestion, reducing emissions, and increasing accessibility," Kyle Clark, CEO and founder of the privately held company, in the announcement told Reuters.
The Vermont-based enterprise was established in 2017.
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India.com
12 minutes ago
- India.com
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New Delhi: On July 26, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives as the chief guest. His presence at the event grabbed headlines not only in India and Maldives, but across the world. The visit stood out for several reasons. Maldives' President Mohamed Muizzu had built his 2023 election campaign around the slogan 'India Out'. After coming to power, he had sent strong signals distancing the country from India. He also moved swiftly to forge closer ties with China. His early months in office were marked by a decision to send back Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. This was viewed in New Delhi as a potential pivot toward Beijing. That same leader has now invited the Indian prime minister as guest of honour at the nation's biggest official event. The symbolism was unmistakable. 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Singapore and U.S. Media Weigh In Singapore-based Channel News Asia headlined its coverage: 'India's Modi reshapes ties with Maldives.' Their report highlighted how Modi's visit included new infrastructure partnerships, financial commitments and signs of renewed warmth between the two countries. PM Modi inaugurated a new defense ministry building and Indian-funded projects and announced economic support. According to Channel News Asia, the visit was viewed in New Delhi as reassurance that Maldives would not drift too far into China's orbit. The channel highlighted how Muizzu's early months had raised concerns after he ordered the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. The Washington Post echoed this view. In a detailed report, the paper called the two-day trip 'strategically vital' and said it pointed to India's broader goals of asserting presence across key sea routes in the Indian Ocean. 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But things began to improve when Muizzu attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony earlier this year. That visit set the stage for a gradual warming of ties, culminating in the current trip. A New Phase for India-Maldives Relations Pakistan's Express Tribune said Modi's visit ended on a note of clarity and mutual affirmation. It quoted President Muizzu calling the trip 'a defining moment' in relations between the two nations. In social media posts shared at the conclusion of the visit, Muizzu acknowledged the importance of people-to-people ties and long-term cooperation across sectors. In a reciprocal message, PM Modi said India would stand by the people of Maldives in their aspirations. Germany's Deutsche Welle (DW) provided a strategic lens on the visit. It emphasised Maldives' critical location along shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean. Despite its image as a tourist haven, the report described Maldives as a 'geopolitical hotspot' nestled across 1,192 islands. 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Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Engg faculty to get Aadhaar-verified ID
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Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
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"On top of that, AI is creating substantial efficiencies requiring fewer people. The combination of factors is forcing TCS and other firms to shrink their labour forces. This is likely the start of a broader trend for both TCS and the rest of the industry. " The reduction is not limited to TCS. During the recent earnings calls, HCLTech CEO Vijayakumar said, "We plan to optimise underutilised facilities, mainly outside India, including those from acquisitions. Second, there will be a talent reduction, particularly in certain geographies outside India. We will share more details once we finalise the timeline and plan." stry experts believe that hiring is largely concentrated in niche areas such as AI, cloud, and cybersecurity, with ramp-ups occurring primarily through large deal wins. "Most new jobs are tied to specific projects or organisational changes, rather than large-scale hiring drives. 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The race is about building future-ready teams, rebalancing talent supply chains, and staying competitive in a landscape defined by constant change," he added. Even as upskilling and reskilling remain constant priorities, Indian IT is no longer making headlines for aggressive hiring, as headcount growth has decoupled from revenue gains. Instead, companies are increasingly turning to campus recruiting to onboard students trained in newer skill areas.
