Vodafone Idea is currently in exploratory discussions with multiple satellite communication providers, including Elon Musk’s Starlink. This move comes shortly after its telecom competitors, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, secured agreements with Musk’s company to introduce Starlink’s satellite internet services in India.

The company disclosed its ongoing talks on Wednesday after Indian stock exchanges sought clarification regarding its stock movement. Earlier in the day, a local financial news platform reported Vodafone Idea’s interest in satellite internet services.

Vodafone Idea’s satellite broadband strategy

Vodafone Idea’s Chief Technology Officer, Jagbir Singh, highlighted the company’s vision for satellite connectivity. “Our strategy is to provide services—whether fixed or mobile—in uncovered areas, where satellite makes perfect sense,” Singh stated in the report.

Additionally, the company aims to expand fixed wireless broadband coverage in rural areas and smaller towns, where traditional infrastructure deployment is cost-prohibitive.

Starlink’s expansion in India

Elon Musk’s SpaceX recently partnered with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio to distribute Starlink’s satellite internet services in India. These partnerships will allow the telecom giants to stock Starlink’s equipment in their retail stores, providing direct access to the satellite communication service for consumers across thousands of locations.

However, Starlink’s entry into the Indian market remains subject to government approval before it can officially commence operations in the country.

The much-anticipated Malayalam romantic comedy Oru Jaathi Jathakam, starring Vineeth Sreenivasan, has faced an unexpected delay in its OTT release. The film, originally scheduled to stream on ManoramaMAX from March 14, 2025, did not premiere as planned due to legal and censorship issues.

The streaming platform confirmed the delay through an official statement on its Instagram handle. According to the post, the postponement was caused by a recensoring process following a High Court notice regarding certain remarks in the film. As a result, the movie is undergoing additional scrutiny to meet legal and censorship guidelines before its digital debut.

ManoramaMAX assured viewers that Oru Jaathi Jathakam will be available soon, adding a Coming Soon tag to its promotional materials. However, a new release date has not yet been confirmed.

Storyline and box office performance

Oru Jaathi Jathakam revolves around a young man from North Malabar whose life takes a dramatic turn after a palmistry reading. A female palmist predicts that he will endure struggles, emotional distress, and social ridicule, making him hesitant about marriage. The film delves into how this prophecy affects his relationships and personal choices.

Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film performed fairly well at the box office, collecting Rs 9.23 crore. The unique storyline, combined with Vineeth Sreenivasan’s engaging performance, resonated with audiences.

Directed by M Mohanan, the film features a strong supporting cast, including Kayadu Lohar, Indu Thampy, Mridul Nair, Nikhila Vimal, and Isha Talwar. With its blend of humor, self-doubt, and destiny, the movie offers a fresh perspective on love and personal beliefs.

Harvard University has taken a major step toward making education more accessible and affordable by offering free tuition for undergraduate students whose families earn $200,000 or less per year. This initiative, set to begin in the 2025-26 academic year, is expected to benefit thousands of students from middle-income families who aspire to study at the prestigious Ivy League institution.

The university will also provide full financial coverage, including tuition, housing, food, health insurance, and travel expenses, for students from families earning $100,000 or less annually.

Eligibility criteria for Harvard’s tuition-free education

Harvard’s new financial aid structure will be based on household income:

Families earning $100,000 or less:

Full financial coverage, including tuition, food, housing, health insurance, and travel costs.

Additional $2,000 start-up grant in the first year.

A $2,000 launch grant during the junior year to support the transition beyond Harvard.

Families earning $200,000 or less:

Tuition fees waived.

Additional financial aid to cover billed expenses based on financial circumstances.

Families earning above $200,000:

Many will still qualify for financial aid, depending on their specific financial situation.

Harvard’s commitment to affordability

Harvard University previously offered free tuition to students from families earning less than $85,000 per year. The new financial aid expansion aims to make higher education more accessible to students from middle-income backgrounds, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to attending one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

Harvard University President Alan M. Garber and Edgerley Family Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Hopi Hoekstra announced the initiative on March 17, stating that the goal is to broaden access and remove financial constraints for talented students.

The university’s financial aid team will work individually with students and families to match assistance based on specific financial circumstances. Students can visit Harvard’s official website for further details and application guidelines.