Business

Bharti Airtel Partners with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to Provide Satellite Internet Access

Published

11 months ago

March 12, 2025

Bharti Airtel has officially announced via its X (Twitter) account that it has entered into a partnership with American billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX to launch Starlink’s satellite internet services in India. According to a regulatory filing from Airtel, the agreement is contingent upon securing regulatory approvals for SpaceX to offer Starlink services within the country.

“Airtel has announced an agreement with SpaceX to deliver Starlink’s high-speed internet services to customers in India,” the company stated. “This marks the first agreement of its kind in India, pending SpaceX obtaining the necessary authorizations to operate in this market. The collaboration will allow Airtel and SpaceX to explore how Starlink can enhance Airtel’s service offerings while leveraging Airtel’s deep understanding of the Indian market.”

“Together, Airtel and SpaceX plan to provide Starlink equipment in Airtel’s retail outlets and offer satellite services to business clients, and connect communities, schools, and health centers in even the most remote areas of India,” stated Bharti Airtel.

As part of the agreement, Airtel will have the option to sell Starlink equipment in its stores and offer high-speed satellite internet services to businesses. This partnership aims to not only expand connectivity but also to explore how Starlink’s satellite technology can enhance Airtel’s existing network. Additionally, SpaceX will benefit from Airtel’s ground infrastructure across India. This cooperation aligns with Airtel’s broader strategy to deliver innovative connectivity solutions throughout the nation, as highlighted in their statement.

Currently, the Union Home Ministry is reviewing a security clearance application submitted by SpaceX. Industry experts have noted that the collaboration between Airtel and SpaceX seeks to introduce consumer satellite services in India, contrasting with Airtel’s existing service, OneWeb, which primarily targets business customers.

This partnership heightens competition with Reliance Jio, which has previously sparred with Musk’s SpaceX over service allocation methods. Jio has advocated for an auction-based system, whereas SpaceX supports administrative allocation, which the government has opted to pursue.

“Airtel and SpaceX will also look into how Starlink can enhance the Airtel network while allowing SpaceX to utilize Airtel’s extensive ground network infrastructure and capabilities in India,” Airtel noted.

“By integrating Starlink, alongside its current partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb, Airtel will improve its capacity to deliver comprehensive connectivity solutions and reach areas that are currently underserved,” the company added.

Airtel Managing Director and Vice-Chairman Gopal Vittal described the development as “a significant milestone” in advancing satellite connectivity.

Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, remarked, “The Airtel team has been a crucial player in India’s telecom landscape, so partnering with them to enhance our direct offerings is a strategic move for our business.”

Business

India May Buy More Oil From Venezuela Instead of Russia

Published

1 week ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business : The United States has told India that it can soon resume buying oil from Venezuela.The suggestion is part of a U.S. effort to reduce India’s dependence on Russian crude oil.

This pitch comes as India plans to cut Russian oil imports by several hundred thousand barrels per day in the coming months. Under the Trump administration, the United States had imposed a 25 % tariff on countries that bought Venezuelan oil, including India.

Now, the U.S. wants India to resume Venezuelan oil purchases to help diversify India’s energy sources. The United States is also trying to reshape energy ties with India as part of broader diplomatic engagement.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez said she agreed with India on energy cooperation in a recent phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi said both sides agreed to deepen their partnership and expand cooperation in all areas.

Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Recently, Venezuela opened its oil sector to private investment to attract foreign capital and boost production.

India was one of the major buyers of Russian crude after the Ukraine war began in 2022. But India is now seeking alternative suppliers as part of its energy strategy.

Business

Chicken Prices Remain Stable in Local Markets

Published

2 weeks ago

January 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chicken prices remained stable in local markets today.Traders said there was no major change in rates.Consumers continued to make regular purchases.

Boneless chicken is priced at ₹210 per kilogram.Regular chicken is available at ₹160 per kilogram.Chicken liver is being sold at ₹120 per kilogram.

Country chicken is priced higher due to demand.It is selling at ₹360 per kilogram.Live chicken is available at ₹130 per kilogram.

Skinless chicken is priced at ₹200 per kilogram.Vendors said supply is sufficient in the market.They expect prices to remain steady in the coming days.

Customers expressed satisfaction with the current rates.Market officials said there is no shortage of chicken.

Business

Gold Prices Edge Up in India on January 19, 2026

Published

3 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gold prices in India recorded a slight increase on January 19, 2026, supported by global market trends, local demand, and movements in the rupee-dollar exchange rate.

As per market estimates, 24-carat gold, which is considered pure gold, is priced at ₹14,569 per gram, or ₹1,45,690 per 10 grams. 22-carat gold, commonly used for jewellery, is trading at around ₹13,355 per gram, or ₹1,33,550 per 10 grams.

The prices have risen marginally compared to the previous day. The increase is mainly linked to a weaker Indian rupee against the US dollar, which makes imported gold more expensive.

Gold rates vary slightly across cities such as Mangalore and other parts of the country. These differences depend on local taxes, transportation costs, jeweller margins, and regional demand.

Demand for gold remains strong due to the wedding season and festive buying, which continues to support higher prices. Investors also turn to gold during uncertain economic conditions, as it is seen as a safe-haven asset.

Experts say that global geopolitical developments, inflation concerns, and central bank policies are also influencing international gold prices, which in turn affect domestic rates.

Market participants expect gold prices to remain firm in the near term if the rupee stays weak and demand continues at current levels.