Govt: All app-based taxi companies have to register like normal firms

App-based players such as Ola, Uber and TaxiForSure would have to register with state transport departments like all normal taxi operators and there would be no exception for those which claim to be "aggregators", the transport ministry said on Monday.

"We don't recognize the aggregators as a separate category. They have to follow the norms set for other taxis by the respective state governments. It's for the states to set norms and implement them. They can follow the provisions in the guidelines," Union road transport secretary Vijay Chhibber told TOI on the sidelines of a road safety summit organized by International Road Federation.

Apple, Google again named best global brands

Technology giants Apple and Google have been adjudged the best brands in the world for the third consecutive year as technology companies dominated Interband's 16th annual best global brands report.

"For the third year in a row, Apple (ranked first) and Google (ranked second) claim the top positions. Valued at $170.276 billion, Apple increased its brand value by 43%," Interbrand said.

"Google, valued at $120.314 billion, increased its brand value by 12%," the brand consultancy firm said in a release.

Flipkart

Flipkart: Hyderabad Man Allegedly Cons E-Commerce Portal Out of Rs 20 Lakh, Report Says

Veera Swamy, 32, ordered electronic goods and returned fake products for refunds more than 200 times, India Times reported. Flipkart is said to have filed a report with local police.

Digital India

Digital India: Ankit Fadia Named Initiative's Ambassador After Government's Denial

The government confirmed the appointment of four brand ambassadors, including Ankit Fadia, after initially denying that Fadia was appointed on Tuesday.

Airtel

Airtel: Advertising Standards Council of India Rules Telecom Company's Ads Are Misleading

Airtel's 4G speed challenge ad campaign, launched in August, claims that the company offers the fastest network. The company said it would provide technical data to the agency to prove the claims.

Khadi: Sales of Hand-Woven Clothing Jump After Prime Minister Touts Products in Mann ki Baat

Stores selling khadi have seen increase in sales since Narendra Modi urged people to buy the discounted clothing to help poor weavers in his Sept. 20 address, The Times of India reports.

Central Bureau of Investigation: Government Body Clears Manmohan Singh in Coal Case

There is no evidence that the ex-prime minister was involved in a coal block allocation case currently under investigation, a CBI spokesperson said Monday.