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Hyundai Venue to receive a major overhaul. Know when it will be launched

Hyundai Venue to receive a major overhaul. Know when it will be launched

India Today2 days ago
Hyundai Motor India is set to launch the second-generation Venue on August 24, marking the model's first generational change since its debut in May 2019. Internally codenamed QU2i, the new Venue brings a comprehensive design and feature upgrade while retaining boxy silhouette and powertrain.Sharper, Creta-inspired designSpy shots reveal that the next-gen Venue will maintain its upright, boxy stance but with sharper, more premium styling inspired by the latest Creta and Tucson. Up front, it gets a redesigned grille with rectangular elements, a split headlamp setup with vertical LED DRLs, and a full-width LED light signature.
Photo: Instagram/@laffey_sin_geun
advertisementThe side profile showcases new 16-inch alloy wheels, chunkier wheel arch cladding, and sleeker wing mirrors. At the rear, the SUV will likely adopt connected LED tail-light with a new taillight design.
Overhauled cabin with more techThe interior will get a revised dashboard layout, larger central touchscreen, and an all-digital instrument cluster with updated graphics. Higher variants will likely feature a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a D-cut steering wheel, and is expected to get ventilated front seats.Hyundai is also focusing on better space utilisation inside, with optimised storage and improved ergonomics. Standard safety kit will now include six airbags, while Level 2 ADAS will be offered on top trims alongside features like a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, and rain-sensing wipers.
Photo: Instagram/@laffey_sin_geun
Powertrain line-up unchangedUnder the hood, the Venue will continue with the current trio of engines:1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 83bhp, 5-speed manual1.0litre turbo-petrol, 120bhp, 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT1.5-litre diesel, 100bhp, 6-speed manualMarket positioning and rivalsThe Venue has consistently been one of Hyundai's best-sellers. In its next-gen form, it will rival the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Kia Syros, Skoda Kylaq, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger in the fiercely competitive sub-4m SUV space. Prices are expected to start at around 8 lakh (ex-showroom), with a slight premium over the outgoing model, which starts at Rs 7.94 lakh (ex-showroom).Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
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Tamil Nadu's KMUT Scheme: Gains and Gaps in Cash Transfer to Women
Tamil Nadu's KMUT Scheme: Gains and Gaps in Cash Transfer to Women

The Hindu

time41 minutes ago

  • The Hindu

Tamil Nadu's KMUT Scheme: Gains and Gaps in Cash Transfer to Women

Published : Aug 14, 2025 21:01 IST - 6 MINS READ A year after the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led government in Tamil Nadu launched the Kalaignar Mahalir Urimai Thittam (KMUT) scheme, an unconditional monthly cash transfer of Rs.1,000 to the female head of eligible households in the State, a new report says that the scheme has helped in advancing women's financial autonomy but is yet to address some critical gaps. The report, titled 'A Right to Care, A Right to Welfare: A Study of the Kalaignar Mahalir Urimai Thittam', was released at Chennai's Anna Centenary Library on August 11, months before the 2026 Assembly election in the State. The survey was carried out by a team of researchers led by Prabha Kotiswaran in six districts: Virudhunagar, Dharmapuri, Coimbatore, Nagapattinam, Vellore, and Kancheepuram. 'The KMUT scheme recognises women's unpaid work and is very robust in terms of notification and implementation. We found that women are experiencing higher levels of financial well-being,' said Kotiswaran, a professor of law and social justice at The Dickson Poon School of Law, King's College London (KCL). She added that compared with cash transfer schemes in other States, the Tamil Nadu model 'offered hope'. Expenditure and food choices under KMUT The report, part of KCL's Laws of Social Reproduction project, shows that 96 per cent of the beneficiaries feel free from financial anxieties and more confident in handling life situations. A clear result of this increased independence is the way women decide to spend or save the KMUT amount. The report found that 82 per cent of beneficiaries spent the money, 6 per cent saved it entirely, and 12 per cent split it between saving and spending. About half the women used it for household goods, with spending on medicines now higher than everyday items. The data also showed that the beneficiaries were less likely to spend it on themselves. For instance, the report mentioned a beneficiary with a family of six who said that with inflation, she could not afford to spend anything on herself. Also Read | Welfare schemes win female voters but fail to boost women in politics The report states that the scheme has allowed women to buy a greater variety of food, with fish consumption seeing a notable rise among beneficiaries (17 percentage points) and their household members (19 percentage points). But it also notes that women are eating fewer meals because of rising grocery costs, indicating the amount is insufficient for their own expenses. Role in women's financial independence KMUT has changed the way things work at home for many, as the case of 36-year-old Vijayalakshmi suggests. A member of the women's union Penn Thozhilalar Sangam (PTS), Vijayalakshmi told Frontline that she found the KMUT amount to be helpful as it was extra income for her. 'Before, my kids would go to their father if they wanted something. Now, they come to me too,' she said. In the pre-survey, researchers found that women were at peace with the KMUT amount in hand. One year into the scheme, 91 per cent of the beneficiaries felt self-sufficient and autonomous, 95 per cent were able to spend without their husbands' permission, and 96 per cent felt like an asset rather than a liability. According to the report, women not only have more control over their finances but are also more financially aware, withdrawing their KMUT amount from banks, ATMs, customer service points, and e-Sevai centres. Yet, despite these gains, some PTS members voiced criticism. 'Government functionaries should understand that if women are happy with receiving this meagre amount, how bad their livelihood must be. That should signal that the scheme is hence a failure,' said Sumathi Dorairaj, a PTS member and activist. Kavitha, another PTS member, said that KMUT had not reached more than half the designated people. 'And those who have missed out on it are the ones in the lower reaches of society,' she added. Vijayalakshmi, however, saw no issue with the amount and said it would be spent regardless of how much it was. Impact on work and domestic violence The research found mixed results for the scheme's impact on paid and unpaid work. While the earnings from paid work outside the home fell by 95 per cent, paid work done at home rose by 36 per cent. Savings from unpaid work increased by 14 per cent. The report said some women used the money to travel for paid work, while others used it to earn from home or make domestic and care work easier. But having more income and independence also led to some unexpected problems. The study found a rise in certain forms of domestic violence among the beneficiaries surveyed. Minor violence became more frequent, with indicators such as husbands showing anger or jealousy when their wives spoke to other men or accusing them of being unfaithful. Major violence also increased—physical abuse by husbands rose by 34 percentage points, and wives hitting husbands went up by 16 percentage points. Incidents of sexual violence increased as well, with the frequency of forceful sexual acts rising by 53 per cent. Rethinking the scheme As per the report, 67 per cent of the beneficiaries felt that the KMUT amount should be increased. 'Widows must be given at least Rs.5,000. Many are denied the money because they are under 45 years of age. If they are above 45, they are refused on the grounds that their children are over 18. This Rs. 1,000 is not enough for them,' R. Sumathi, PTS general secretary, told Frontline. Narbadeshwar Mishra, an assistant professor of economics at O.P. Jindal Global University and one of the report's co-authors, said that Rs.1,000 is not enough to lift women out of poverty. He added that while it has made them more familiar with banking, many still do not use it much, and the small amount makes it harder to get loans. The report also observes that some beneficiaries want jobs over payments, and many expect the government to expand the scheme's eligibility criteria to include all women. It stated that '56 per cent of the respondents said they would prefer to access paid work instead of the cash transfer scheme, with only 21 per cent saying they preferred receiving just the cash transfer'. Right to care The report also calls for the inclusion of beneficiaries and women's groups in designing and improving the welfare system, linking it to a formal right to care. PTS president Sujata Mody said that the government must communicate with them to understand what needs to be done going forward. 'In a State like Tamil Nadu, where gender divide is deeply ingrained, KMUT offers respect and appreciation to women. But one cash transfer is not enough, as the scheme has negatively impacted other programmes such as the old age pension, scholarships for children, and MNREGA funds. If the government says the funds are limited, they should be better targeted,' Mody told Frontline. Also Read | The myth of the 'women vote bank' The report concludes that while KMUT has emerged as a success story, it is only a single step forward to empower women. It emphasises recognising unpaid domestic and care work under the UN's Sustainable Development Goals to enable its redistribution. Kotiswaran hopes that the report would help improve KMUT's implementation, including a reconsideration of eligibility criteria with a renewed focus on its purpose—to recognise care. 'If Tamil Nadu is serious about this, more must be done—embed the right to care and cash transfers in law, recognise care workers' rights (including scheme and domestic workers), and invest in the care economy,' she said.

Taco Bell launches first new Baja Blast flavor in 20 years: Meet Baja Midnight
Taco Bell launches first new Baja Blast flavor in 20 years: Meet Baja Midnight

Hindustan Times

timean hour ago

  • Hindustan Times

Taco Bell launches first new Baja Blast flavor in 20 years: Meet Baja Midnight

For the first time in over two decades, Taco Bell is introducing a new drink in its cult-favorite Baja Blast series. According to CNN, on August 14, the fast-food chain will debut Baja Midnight, a striking purple soda blending the original tropical lime flavor with passion fruit. Taco Bell's Baja Midnight is priced at $2.49 for a small, $2.79 for a medium, and $2.99 for a large drink.(Screengrab/Taco Bell website) The move marks a milestone in Taco Bell's beverage strategy as the brand seeks to grow drink sales to $5 billion within five years and tap into a growing GenZ market hungry for bold flavors and Instagram-worthy drinks, the report added. Also read: Labubu or Lafufu? Here's how to know if your viral doll is authentic The legacy of Baja Blast Baja Blast first hit Taco Bell menus in 2004 through an exclusive partnership with Mountain Dew: the first of its kind between a quick-service restaurant and a beverage maker. Its tropical lime flavor was designed to complement Taco Bell's menu, becoming a brand differentiator and fan favorite, another New York Post report stated. Over the years, Baja Blast saw limited-time variations, from the Baja Blast Freeze to seasonal store releases, but Baja Midnight is the first permanent addition, the report added. What's new about Taco Bell Baja Midnight The new drink, according to All Recipes report, has been described as an 'unexpected' twist, adding passion fruit to the beloved lime base. The soda will be available year-round alongside the classic Baja Blast and priced at $2.49 for a small, $2.79 for a medium, and $2.99 for a large. For a limited time, fans can also try the Baja Midnight Freeze, a frozen version priced at $3.79 for a regular and $3.99 for a large. Rewards Members will get an early taste: a free medium Baja Midnight with a $5 purchase in the Taco Bell app on August 15. Also read: Chicago Air and Water Show 2025: List of aircrafts participating this weekend - from Squadron to KC-135 Beverages: A big growth bet for Taco Bell Baja Midnight is more than just a menu item; it is part of the whole beverage expansion. Thirty Live Más Café locations are slated to open by the end of the year to offer an expanded lineup of drinks. The first San Diego Live Más Café gained a 40 per cent jump in sales, with over 300 drinks being ordered per day, reported CNN. Located among one of the fastest-growing categories within quick service restaurants, beverages are seen by Taco Bell to compete with other beverage-focused chains such as Dutch Bros and Scooter's Coffee. FAQs What is Baja Midnight? Baja Midnight is a new permanent soda flavor at Taco Bell, combining the tropical lime of Baja Blast with passion fruit. When will Baja Midnight be available? It launches nationwide on August 14, 2025. Will Baja Midnight be sold in stores? No, it's exclusive to Taco Bell restaurants. How much does it cost? The drink starts at $2.49 for a small, while the Freeze starts at $3.79.

Mahindra meets Batman. Meet the BE 6, world's first Batman-inspired SUV
Mahindra meets Batman. Meet the BE 6, world's first Batman-inspired SUV

India Today

time3 hours ago

  • India Today

Mahindra meets Batman. Meet the BE 6, world's first Batman-inspired SUV

Mahindra has revealed the BE 6 Batman Edition, created in partnership with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products. Touted as the world's first commercially available Batman-inspired SUV, the model will be limited to just 300 units. advertisementPriced at Rs 27.79 lakh (ex-showroom), bookings will open on August 23, 2025, with deliveries commencing on September 20, to coincide with International Batman Day. Which variant is the Batman edition based on?The special edition is based on the 79kWh Pack Three variant of Mahindra's Electric Origin BE 6 SUV and draws its design inspiration from Christopher Nolan's acclaimed The Dark Knight Trilogy. Mahindra describes the model as a fusion of cinematic heritage and modern luxury, offering Batman fans a tangible collectible that goes beyond conventional motoring. Exterior designOn the outside, the BE 6 Batman Edition debuts an exclusive Custom Satin Black paint scheme with Batman decals on the front doors and R20 alloy wheels for a muscular stance. Alchemy Gold-painted suspension components and brake callipers provide a striking contrast, while a 'BE 6 The Dark Knight' badge marks its limited-edition status. Bat emblems from The Dark Knight Trilogy appear across the hub caps, front quarter panels, rear bumper, windows, and rear windshield, along with a distinctive Infinity Roof design. The Night Trail carpet lamps project the Bat emblem onto the ground, while a 'Batman Edition' signature sticker is placed on the rear door designThe interior continues the theme with a numbered brushed Alchemy Gold Batman Edition plaque on the dashboard, a charcoal leather instrument panel with a brushed gold halo around the driver's cockpit, and suede-leather upholstery with gold sepia stitching. The Bat emblem is embossed on the seats, the 'Boost' button, and dashboard graphics. Gold accents feature on the steering wheel, In-Touch Controller, and Electronic Parking Brake, complemented by a custom key fob. Additional touches include race car–inspired open straps with Batman Edition branding, a themed welcome animation on the infotainment display, and custom Batman-inspired exterior engine sounds. Pratap Bose, Chief Design abd Creative Officerm Auto and Farm Sectors at Mahindra, said the Batman Edition was created to feel 'so personal, so visually arresting' that it becomes like owning a piece of cinematic history. Warner Bros. executives Vikram Sharma and Anand Singh emphasised Batman's enduring popularity in India and said the model captures both the hero's timeless appeal and the nation's growing appetite for cutting-edge electric mobility. advertisementMahindra BE 6 Pack 3The range-topping Pack 3 (79kWh) variant delivers the highest levels of performance and luxury. Equipped with a larger 79kWh battery, it produces 281hp and 380Nm of torque, enabling a 0–100kmph sprint in just 6.7 seconds. Charging is equally impressive, with the ability to go from 20% to 80% in only 20 minutes using a 175kW DC fast charger. The BE 6 comes with ambient lighting offering 16 million colour options across the interiors and infinity roof, complemented by night trail carpet lamps. Safety is equally advanced, thanks to the VisionX augmented reality head-up display (ARHUD) and L2+ ADAS suite, which uses five radars and a vision camera. Key features include driver-initiated auto lane change, lane centring, emergency steering assist, blind spot detection, and both front and rear cross-traffic alerts. The variant offers three drive modes: Range, Everyday, and Race—along with a Boost mode that unleashes maximum torque for 10 seconds. With its larger battery, it achieves an ARAI-certified range of 682km, and will initially be offered in a rear-wheel-drive Mahindra BE 6 Batman Edition aims to offer more than just an electric SUV, it is positioned as a collector's item that merges pop culture with automotive innovation, making each drive a celebration of one of the most iconic characters in popular to Auto Today Magazine- Ends

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