Starlink Plans, Oral Health, Mangoes

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It’s March 17. Today, we’re covering the telecom regulator’s Starlink plans, oral health crisis, and Alphonso mango production. Plus, job openings at Tesla, McKinsey, the Gates Foundation, and more in Who’s Hiring at the end.

Policy & Governance

> New Immigration Bill Proposes Stricter Penalties
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, proposes up to seven years' imprisonment and ₹10 lakh fine for using forged passports or visas. The bill mandates compulsory reporting of foreigners by hotels, universities, hospitals, and requires airlines and ships to submit passenger manifests. Existing immigration-related acts will be repealed and replaced by this comprehensive legislation upon parliamentary approval. (The Hindu)

> Fencing Border with Myanmar Continues
India will fence its 1,643-km Myanmar border within ten years, with ₹31,000 crore allocated for fencing and road construction. The project, using indigenous technology, aims to curb illegal infiltration. ₹114.09 crore has been spent so far. The move faces opposition from Naga and Kuki-Zo groups, citing disruption of ethnic ties. Similar fencing may extend to Pakistan and Bangladesh borders. (The Hindu)

> Subsidy, Insurance for Gig Workers
Tamil Nadu will offer a ₹20,000 subsidy for select gig workers to buy e-scooters, alongside an insurance scheme covering 150,000 workers for accidental deaths and disabilities. The state also plans to build lounges in cities like Chennai and Coimbatore to support delivery workers. Union leaders welcomed the move but urged broader benefits, including paid leave. (Reuters)

> NCB Seizes Drugs Worth ₹88 Crore
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized 102.39 kg of methamphetamine worth ₹88 crore in Assam’s Imphal and Guwahati zones, arresting four individuals linked to an international drug cartel. Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the operation, reaffirming the government’s commitment to a drug-free India. (Indian Express)

Environment

> Chennai Lake Threatened by Worm Poaching
Pulicat Lake, a crucial wetland near Chennai, faces ecological damage due to rampant poaching of polychaete worms. These worms play a vital role in the food chain, supporting fish, crabs, and migratory birds. Poachers trap them for aquaculture farms, disrupting the ecosystem. Experts warn that excessive removal prevents natural replenishment, endangering biodiversity and local fishing livelihoods. (BBC)

Business

> India Advances 2036 Olympic Bid with Formal Submission
India officially submitted a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on October 1, 2024, expressing its desire to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The IOC has not established a fixed deadline for 2036 bids, operating instead on a continuous dialogue basis. Ahmedabad, in Gujarat, is anticipated to be central to India's proposal, although a multi-city bid is a possibility. Nations competing to host include Indonesia, Turkey, and Chile. (Reuters)

> Skoda Plans EV Investments Amid VW’s Tax Dispute
Skoda Auto plans to manufacture EVs in India, with or without a local partner, as stricter fuel efficiency norms loom in 2027. The company has signed an initial agreement to invest $1.7 billion in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, its parent Volkswagen faces a $1.4 billion tax dispute in India, which could escalate to $2.8 billion with penalties, threatening its local operations. (Economic Times)

> Delhi Metro Partners with Blue Dart
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Blue Dart have signed an MoU to transport cargo via metro trains during non-peak hours, marking a first in South Asia Pacific. The initiative aims to reduce road congestion and emissions while ensuring faster deliveries. DMRC will leverage its infrastructure to create an urban freight network across Delhi-NCR. (Economic Times)

Tech, Media & Telecom

> U.S. Journalist Sues India Over Revoked Citizenship
Raphael Satter, a Reuters cybersecurity reporter, is suing the Indian government after it revoked his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status. The cancellation came in December 2023, the same time a defamation suit was filed against him in India over his reporting on Indian cybersecurity firm Appin and its co-founder, Rajat Khare.

Authorities accused Satter of "maliciously" damaging the country's reputation but provided no specifics on how his work posed a national security threat. Satter, who denies ever conducting journalism in India, says he only visited the country to see family. (The Guardian)

> Why Indian Research Struggles to Build Real-World Tech
Indian researchers often struggle to turn ideas into real-world technologies due to limited early-stage funding and weak industry-academia collaboration. While government grants help with initial research, private sector investment usually comes much later, leaving many projects stuck in the so-called "valley of death"—a phase where neither academic nor private support is available. Additionally, top engineering institutes like the IITs focus more on theoretical research, making it difficult to attract students to practical, industry-driven projects. (Swarajya)

> TRAI Eyes Shorter Spectrum Term for Starlink
India's telecom regulator plans to recommend a five-year satellite broadband spectrum allotment to assess market adoption, defying Starlink’s request for a 20-year permit. TRAI is finalizing key recommendations on pricing and allocation. Starlink recently partnered with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel for distribution, despite earlier lobbying battles over auctioning versus administrative allotment of spectrum. (Economic Times)

Health

> The Growing Oral Health Crisis
Dental caries and gum disease affect over 60% and 85% of Indians, respectively, yet preventive care remains overlooked. Experts warn of rising fluorosis, oral cancer risks, and costly late-stage treatments. Lack of dental insurance worsens the crisis, deterring timely care. Experts have called for awareness campaigns and expanded public dental services. (The Hindu)

Quick Hits

> Pakistan's military accused India of backing militant groups in Balochistan after a train hijacking killed 26 people. Officials claim to have "solid evidence" but have not provided details.

> Unseasonal heat waves in Maharashtra’s Konkan region have hit Alphonso mango farmers hard—yields could drop to just 30% of the usual produce this year.

> Sikkim has started charging a ₹50 entry fee for tourists visiting the state.

> Ola Electric Mobility’s shares have dropped over 60% from their peak in August 2024, hitting an all-time low on March 3. Five charts break down the company’s struggles.

> Mumbai Indians secured their second Women's Premier League (WPL) title with an eight-run victory over Delhi Capitals in the final.

> Take a glimpse into the lives of India’s labourers through pictures clicked by their teenage children.

Worth a Look

PM Modi sat down for a rare, three-hour conversation with Lex Fridman, diving into AI, philosophy, and India’s future. Worth a listen.

Who’s Hiring

> Tesla is hiring a legal counsel to help with general advisory work, data privacy, contracts, and labor issues.

> Scale AI is hiring a growth marketing manager and strategic projects lead for generative AI. A great opportunity to work with one of the most exciting tech companies globally.

> McKinsey is hiring a product manager in its Visual Graphics & Media organization.

> The Gates Foundation is hiring a project manager to help with coordination, implementation, and maintenance of projects.

> Deel is hiring a legal counsel (mobility) for the APAC region. The company was last valued at $12 billion.

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