KTM has introduced fresh updates to its popular 390 Duke, enhancing its appeal in the streetfighter segment. The motorcycle now comes equipped with cruise control as a standard feature, adding to rider convenience on long rides. Additionally, KTM has expanded the color choices by introducing a new Ebony Black variant alongside the existing Electronic Orange and Atlantic Blue options

KTM has retained the price of the 390 Duke at Rs 2.95 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), ensuring that high-performance motorcycling remains within reach for enthusiasts. The bike is powered by a 399cc LC4c engine, delivering 46 PS and 39 Nm of torque.

The KTM 390 Duke now comes equipped with cruise control, making highway rides more effortless. Riders can set their desired speed using the left-handlebar switches, with the system monitored through the TFT display. This feature optimizes engine management and electronic controls to enhance efficiency and stability.

Known as ‘The Corner Rocket,’ the 390 Duke stands out with its aggressive styling and precise handling. The Gen-3 model also boasts fully adjustable suspension, reduced unsprung mass, and improved dynamics for better traction and control. With multiple ride modes, launch control, cornering ABS, and supermoto ABS, it continues to deliver an unmatched performance experience.

The Gen-3 KTM 390 Duke gets fully adjustable suspension, allowing riders to fine-tune compression and rebound damping at the front, while the rear offers rebound damping and preload adjustment. The bike also comes with Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) and selectable ride modes – Street and Rain – for different road conditions. A 3D IMU enables cornering traction control, adding to its safety and handling precision. Additional features include launch control, Quickshifter+, cornering ABS, and Supermoto ABS, making it a well-equipped machine for spirited riding.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government introduced a new policy in its 2025-26 budget to provide financial assistance for the purchase of modern ferry boats on the Gateway of India-Mandwa-Elephanta Island ferry route. This move is intended to enhance passenger safety, particularly as ferry traffic to these popular tourist destinations surges on weekends. The initiative addresses long-standing demands from ferry operators to replace aging wooden boats, which are costly to maintain and pose significant safety risks.

State Govt’s Decision Comes After Gateway Tragedy

Currently, numerous passenger ferries operate on this route, many of which are aging wooden vessels. Ferry boat associations have repeatedly called for financial aid to modernise the fleet, citing safety concerns and high operational costs.

The government’s decision follows the tragic ferry accident near Gateway of India on December 18, 2024, where 15 people lost their lives after a speedboat operated by Navy personnel collided with a wooden ferry. The incident shed light on the vulnerabilities of older boats and fueled demands for a safer fleet.

Using Wooden Boats For Water Travel Poses High Risk

Reports citing experts have highlighted that wooden boats are more susceptible to structural damage in accidents compared to modern vessels. Unlike road transport, where the Motor Vehicles Act imposes a 15-year operational limit on vehicles, the Inland Vessels Act does not specify an age cap for boats. Instead, wooden boat licences are renewed annually after retrofitting, which involves replacing old parts and wood to keep them functional. However, safety concerns remain, prompting the push for modern vessels.

Despite the introduction of catamarans on the route, the transition to a fully modern fleet has been slow due to high costs. According to report, Sardar Mirza Jamalundin Mahdakar, President of the Gateway Elephanta Jal Vahatuk Sahakari Sanstha stated that the cost of a single catamaran is approximately Rs 7-8 crore, making it difficult for operators to afford without government support. Unlike road transport, water transport in Maharashtra has historically lacked subsidies, further delaying the adoption of safer, more advanced boats.

Massive Funding For Improving Maharashtra’s Coastline Region

In addition to this new policy, the state budget has also allocated funds for key maritime infrastructure projects. A floating jetty will be constructed at Kashid in Raigad district to facilitate better coastal connectivity. Additionally, the government has announced a large-scale infrastructure initiative worth Rs 8,400 crore, backed by external funding, to improve facilities in Maharashtra’s coastal districts.

Mumbai, March 11: IndusInd Bank shares were locked in a 20 per cent lower circuit on Tuesday as the lender’s internal review projected an adverse impact of approximately 2.35 per cent on its net worth (as of December 2024).

The steep fall erased around Rs 14,000 crore in the bank’s market value. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 720.35, to go below the lower band on the NSE.

The bank’s net worth is expected to decline by nearly Rs 2,100 crore after accounting discrepancies of 2.35 per cent of its net worth were found in its derivatives portfolio during an internal review.

The Hinduja-promoted lender plans to absorb this loss in its Q4 earnings or the first quarter of the next fiscal year (FY26).

The internal review findings have sparked a string of target price cuts from several brokerages for the bank’s stock amid fresh turmoil, days after the Reserve Bank of India allowed only a one-year extension to Chief Executive Officer, Sumant Kathpalia.

The bank has appointed an external agency to independently review and validate its internal findings on the derivatives portfolio, as per the Reserve Bank of India’s September 2023 guidelines on bond investment classification and valuation.

IndusInd Bank will face a “litmus test” from the succession viewpoint and the board is likely to evaluate both external as well as internal candidates, Citi said. Recent developments have raised the risk perception and impact disclosed borrowings cost too, it added.

“We downgrade IIB to ‘HOLD’ from ‘BUY’ as we cut multiple to 1.0x from 1.4x driven by uncertainties relating to earnings quality and future leadership. Woes continue for IIB since an irregularity was unearthed in derivative accounting,” said Gaurav Jani from PL Capital- Prabhudas Lilladher.

This discrepancy spanned across a 5-7 year period till March 31 2024, however, due to an RBI directive, there are no irregularities with effect from Apr 1 2024.

“In our view, this episode had a bearing on RBI’s decision to extend MD and CEO’s tenure only for 1 year. Valuation is 0.9x on FY27 ABV and we trim target price to Rs 1,000 from Rs 1,400,” said Jani.