Asia News & Trends
We ought to expose ourselves to international criticism and benchmarking: Sinha Dheeraj
The confluence of systemic disruption and institutional heritage necessitates a leadership mindset that views transformation as an operational mandate rather than a danger. In this open conversation with Adgully, Dheeraj Sinha, who serves as both CEO of McCann India and President of The Advertising Club of India, describes a radical redesign of the nation's top creative standard, the ABBY Awards.Sinha diagnoses a business at a critical crossroads, moving significantly past the idealized period of the solitary "Big Idea." In order to accommodate the consumer's non-linear journey, he describes an ecosystem in which the conventional boundaries between data, commerce, and storytelling must be totally dissolved.The 57-year-old ABBYs platform has a great deal of credibility, respect, and confidence. That legacy is significant, but we also need to change with the times. We added new categories in AI, media innovation, data, B2B, sustainable development objectives, and influencer marketing this year. Since everything is mobile these days, we also eliminated unnecessary categories like mobile. All four of the global jury chairs are CEOs from major international networks. Even Indian jury chairs have judged in Cannes on a global scale. This considerably raises the bar for the honors. The ABBYs are now, in my opinion, "made in India for the world." Based on my experience at Burnett and FCB, work that was successful at the ABBYs was equally successful at Cannes and other international venues.The Advertising Club has established itself as a leader in the field. Although we don't claim to have all the solutions, we think the industry is dealing with a number of significant issues related to AI, structure, influencers, and the future of agencies. It is our responsibility to start discussions that assist the industry in finding solutions. We'll accomplish this through industry initiatives, award platforms, and conversations. The platform needs to be very current and respectable from a values standpoint. Ernst & Young has been hired to audit the awards procedure because of this. Making sure the platform stays in line with global trends is the aim.
Published 22 May 2026 05:53 PM
Avinash Tiwary is promoted to Managing Partner by Havas Media Network India.
Avinash Tiwary has been elevated to Managing Partner at Havas Media Network India. Tiwary led the network's digital transformation, media strategy, and customer support operations as the Head of Digital Services for the North area prior to this promotion. Tiwary updated his LinkedIn profile to reveal his new position.Tiwary established a strong professional network with some of the top international advertising companies in the nation before to joining Havas Media Network India. Among his previous agency positions are those at the Crescent Group, Omnicom Media Group (OMG), and Dentsu. Avinash Tiwary has been promoted to Managing Partner by Havas Media Network India. Tiwary oversaw the network's digital strategy and services for the area as Head of Digital Services, North, prior to this promotion. Tiwary posted an update on LinkedIn on the development. He offers expertise in campaign execution, SEO, media planning and purchasing, digital strategy, and ad technology platforms, such as DoubleClick. Tiwary worked for a number of companies before joining Havas Media Network India, including Dentsu, Omnicom Media Group, and Crescent Group.
Published 18 May 2026 03:09 PM
Nitin Gadkari responds to Shekhar Sumans Marathi language query on Shekhar Tonight, saying You Are A Bihari Too
Fourteen years later, Shekhar Suman makes a comeback with a brand-new late-night talk program called Shekhar Tonite. In the first episode, he invites Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, for one of his infrequent and open discussions. ~Shekhar Suman is returning with Shekhar Tonite, this time on YouTube, after a fourteen-year hiatus. As only he can, he offers viewers poignant discussions, witty humor, and compelling viewpoints. Mr. Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, is the first guest on the show to kick off this exciting new chapter. Gadkari discussed language, politics, public accountability, and the value of unity in variety in a very interesting and thought-provoking discussion. Speaking fervently about Maharashtra and the Marathi language, he considered how residing outside of the state helped him to fully appreciate the significance of Marathi identity and culture. "We are proud of the Marathi language, Marathi culture, Marathi theater, Marathi literature, Marathi songs, and Marathi poets like Arun and Shridhar Phadke," Nitin Gadkari said when discussing the same topic. I became fully aware of the significance of Marathi when I began to spend more time outside of Maharashtra. Our specialty is the concept of unity in diversity. It's a really lovely thing.Shekhar Suman also mentioned the current controversy surrounding the Marathi language during the discussion, stating, "But speaking of Marathi, there was recently a diktat that those who cannot speak Marathi would not be allowed to drive scooters or auto-rickshaws." folks like us Biharis were even more anxious, sir, as those poor folks became frightened. Please look after us Biharis.
Published 16 May 2026 05:28 PM
Cosmetologists and makeup artists are now on the grooms checklist.
For a very long time, weddings were primarily seen as the bride's day, even though they had equal significance for men. Brides would spend months planning every aspect of the wedding, picking out elaborate outfits, matching them with eye-catching jewelry, and completing the look with meticulous hair and makeup. Grooms, on the other hand, kept it simple: wake up, put on their attire, straighten their beard and hair, and call it a day. For months, brides would meticulously prepare every aspect of their wedding, selecting ornate ensembles, accessorizing them with eye-catching jewelry, and completing the ensemble with expertly applied hair and makeup. Conversely, grooms kept things straightforward: get up, put on their clothes, style their beard and hair, and end the day.After all, it's their big day too, and many want to look just as glamorous as their better halves, both on camera and in real life. As a result, men are now giving their appearance on wedding day just as much thought. Not only have their wardrobes become more daring, but they are also increasingly choosing professional grooming and makeup to feel confident and polished throughout the celebrations. Nowadays, men are thinking about their wedding day appearance just as much. In order to feel confident and put together during the festivities, people are now increasingly choosing professional grooming and makeup in addition to experimenting with their costumes. Since it's their big day as well, many of them want to appear on video and in person as dazzling as their better halves."Brides and grooms have separate social media teams creating reels, their own hashtags, and even brand-new Instagram profiles where all of their wedding-related content is shared. Grooms want to appear more assured and youthful as a result.Grooms are increasingly inclined to look flawless on their D-day, but they still don't want the makeup to show. Gusain notes that when it comes to requests from grooms, most of them just want to look natural. Getting makeup done for grooms can be challenging because men wearing makeup is still taboo in our society (save the argument for another day) and many beauty influencers have faced trolling for it. Many beauty influencers have experienced trolling since males wearing makeup is still frowned upon in our society (save the argument for another day). Therefore, even if grooms are more likely to look perfect on their wedding day, they still don't want the makeup to be noticeable. According to Gusain, the majority of grooms' wishes are to appear natural.
Published 13 May 2026 05:42 PM
At tomorrows 19th Rozgar Mela, PM Modi will hand out more than 51,000 appointment letters.
At the 19th Rozgar Mela tomorrow morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will use video conference to deliver over 51,000 appointment letters to recently hired youth in various government ministries and organizations. On this occasion, Mr. Modi will also speak to the crowd. There will be 47 locations nationwide during the 19th Rozgar Mela. The Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Financial Services, Department of Higher Education, and other Ministries and Departments of the Government of India will employ the recently recruited candidates, who were chosen from all over India. The Rozgar Mela is a significant effort to make this vision a reality, in keeping with the Prime Minister's pledge to prioritize creating jobs. Approximately 12 lakh recruiting letters have been sent out through 18 Rozgar Melas held nationwide since the program's founding.
Published 22 May 2026 06:05 PM
India Ambassador to Oman is Prashant Pise
Prashant Pise, a seasoned diplomat, has been named India's new ambassador to Oman. Currently holding the position of Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, he is an officer in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).Prashant Pise, a prominent diplomat from India, has been named ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman. Currently holding the position of Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, Prashant is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) official.Prashant Pise has been appointed as India's next ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). He is an Indian Foreign Service officer from the 1995 batch who would take Godavarthi Venkata Srinivas' seat. India's envoy in Muscat is Godavarthi Venkata Srinivas, a prominent diplomat from the 1993 IFS batch.Prashant Pise is a highly experienced diplomat with decades of experience in Indian foreign policy and international relations. His diplomatic career includes important overseas assignments and policy roles. His first overseas posting was in Cairo, Egypt, from 1997 to 2000, where he gained early diplomatic experience in a crucial geopolitical region. He then served in Tripoli, Libya, until 2004, further expanding his engagement in the Middle East and North Africa before returning to New Delhi and serving as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs from 2004 to 2006. He has held important policy positions and international deployments during his diplomatic career. From 1997 to 2000, he got his first overseas assignment in Cairo, Egypt, where he acquired early diplomatic experience in a significant geopolitical area. Later, he expanded his involvement in the Middle East and North Africa while serving in Tripoli, Libya, until 2004. He returned to New Delhi and served as the Ministry of External Affairs' Deputy Secretary from 2004 to 2006.He led the Indian delegation at the 8th Ministerial Consultations of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue in Dubai in February 2026, demonstrating his ongoing involvement in labor mobility and international migration diplomacy. Prior to this new appointment, he served as Additional Secretary (Emigration Policy and Welfare) in the Ministry of External Affairs. This role is significant because it deals with overseas areas like Indian welfare, migration frameworks, and worker protection issues that are closely linked to Gulf nations where sizable Indian communities reside and work. This position is crucial because it deals with international issues that are closely related to the Gulf nations where sizable Indian communities reside and work, such as worker protection, Indian welfare, and migration frameworks. He headed the Indian delegation to the 8th Ministerial Consultations of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue in Dubai in February 2026, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to international migration diplomacy and labor mobility.
Published 13 May 2026 05:55 PM
Indias Ambassador to Oman is Prashant Pise.
Prashant Pise, a seasoned diplomat, has been named India's new ambassador to Oman. Currently holding the position of Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, he is an officer in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).Prashant Pise, a prominent diplomat from India, has been named ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman. Currently holding the position of Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, Prashant is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) official.Prashant Pise has been appointed as India's next ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). He is an Indian Foreign Service officer from the 1995 batch who would take Godavarthi Venkata Srinivas' seat. India's envoy in Muscat is Godavarthi Venkata Srinivas, a prominent diplomat from the 1993 IFS batch.Prashant Pise is a highly experienced diplomat with decades of experience in Indian foreign policy and international relations. His diplomatic career includes important overseas assignments and policy roles. His first overseas posting was in Cairo, Egypt, from 1997 to 2000, where he gained early diplomatic experience in a crucial geopolitical region. He then served in Tripoli, Libya, until 2004, further expanding his engagement in the Middle East and North Africa before returning to New Delhi and serving as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs from 2004 to 2006. He has held important policy positions and international deployments during his diplomatic career. From 1997 to 2000, he got his first overseas assignment in Cairo, Egypt, where he acquired early diplomatic experience in a significant geopolitical area. Later, he expanded his involvement in the Middle East and North Africa while serving in Tripoli, Libya, until 2004. He returned to New Delhi and served as the Ministry of External Affairs' Deputy Secretary from 2004 to 2006.He led the Indian delegation at the 8th Ministerial Consultations of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue in Dubai in February 2026, demonstrating his ongoing involvement in labor mobility and international migration diplomacy. Prior to this new appointment, he served as Additional Secretary (Emigration Policy and Welfare) in the Ministry of External Affairs. This role is significant because it deals with overseas areas like Indian welfare, migration frameworks, and worker protection issues that are closely linked to Gulf nations where sizable Indian communities reside and work. This position is crucial because it deals with international issues that are closely related to the Gulf nations where sizable Indian communities reside and work, such as worker protection, Indian welfare, and migration frameworks. He headed the Indian delegation to the 8th Ministerial Consultations of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue in Dubai in February 2026, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to international migration diplomacy and labor mobility.
Published 13 May 2026 05:53 PM
Govt Very Much With Startups, Fintechs: FM Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday assured the startup community of the central government's unwavering support amidst regulatory scrutiny faced by some of the country's leading startups in recent times.Addressing concerns raised by startups, particularly in the Fintech sector, during a media event in Bengaluru, Sitharaman stressed the importance of regular support and clarifications from regulators to facilitate innovation without being bogged down by governance and compliance issues. Sitharaman revealed that she had a meeting with combined representatives of many startups a “couple of days ago” to understand the concerns after they wrote a letter to the FM. She acknowledged the anxieties expressed by startups during a recent interaction and said, “I’ve had an interaction with startups, particularly the Fintech ones, to understand with what anxiety they wrote that letter to me. It was a fantastic conversation.” She said that there was a need for startups to have dedicated support teams for compliance matters, ensuring that innovation efforts remain unhindered. “I was very glad they voiced the concerns and they may indirectly come out of what is happening. But the regulators were all there with me and they have really understood and they've connected with them,” Sitharaman remarked. “Let me be upfront and say the concerns were not emanating from Paytm’s issues. It was more on regular support that they may need from the regulators, clarifications, which are periodically required, because their core business is not governance and compliance related issues,” she added.It is believed that this meeting had happened in the wake of the RBI’s action against Paytm Payments Bank, which has heightened attention on regulatory compliance within the fintech startups in India. The meeting saw representatives from various prominent entities in both the private and public sectors in attendance. Among those representing the private sector were individuals from notable companies such as Policybazaar, MakeMyTrip, Razorpay, PhonePe, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, CRED and venture capital firm PeakXV. Additionally, key figures from the public sector, including SBI Chairman Dinesh Khara and officials from NPCI, Canara Bank and Bank of Baroda, were reportedly also present. During the Bengaluru event, the Finance Minister said she had proposed practical solutions to address startup concerns, suggesting monthly virtual conferences with regulators like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Sitharaman said, “I did tell the RBI that once in a month on a dedicated day, they should do a virtual conference with startups, particularly Fintechs, so that they can answer questions and after that put that as a FAQ, so that others who did not attend, can (still) benefit from it.” Sitharaman reassured startups that the government stands firmly behind them and said, “The government is very much with these startups. We want you to be assured that you will be given all assistance." She ended by stressing on the need to simplify compliances and provide necessary assistance to ensure a conducive environment for startups to thrive. Earlier on Wednesday, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced an elaborate framework for a 'regulatory sandbox,' aimed at creating a secure environment for emerging fintech startups to experiment with their product ideas before launching them in the market. In a statement issued by RBI, the central bank said that a sandbox setup will enable regulatory authorities to collaborate with startups and formulate regulations that foster innovation, thereby facilitating the provision of cost-effective financial products. The oversight of this sandbox initiative will be under the purview of the fintech division within the RBI.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:39 PM
Trishala Dutt explains why Sanjay Dutt chose not to stay in the US with his mother, Richa Sharma, while she was receiving cancer treatment.
Trishala Dutt explains why Sanjay Dutt left his mother, Richa Sharma. Many people associate the term "star kid" with riches, glitz, and a carefree lifestyle. The truth behind the beauty, however, was much more agonizing for Trishala Dutt. Recently, Trishala talked about how her mother died at the age of eight from a brain tumor and explained why her father, Sanjay Dutt, couldn't remain in the US full-time while her mother was receiving treatment. while receiving cancer treatment in the USIn the most recent episode of Inside Thoughts Out Loud, Trishala discussed her experiences as the daughter of actor Sanjay Dutt. Trishala talked candidly about the bullying she had as a youngster in the United States, stating that it started when she was only five or six years old and was mostly motivated by her Indian origin. When she attended high school, she said, things "blew up" because people began learning about her identity and her family. Admitting that she had "no one to lean on," Trishala expressed her wish that she had "someone to talk to when I was younger."In addition, Trishala thought back to her mother's death when she was eight years old and remembered how her father, Sanjay Dutt, would frequently travel between India and the US during that trying time in their life."My mother died of a brain tumor in 1996 when I was eight years old. In 1989, she received a diagnosis. It was already grade 4 when they learned about it. One of the deadliest and most aggressive malignancies in humans is that kind of brain cancer. Dad was traveling back and forth between the US and India. She recounted that her father was traveling back and forth between India and the US at the time, making it difficult for her to stay here for her full treatment while simultaneously being an actor back home.She said that she turned to food for solace during her mother's cancer battle, which resulted in a "weight problem." She added that she "just didn't look the part of Sanjay Dutt's daughter" and that people assume that being a celebrity's kid requires one to look a certain way.
Published 22 May 2026 05:56 PM
Day 3 box office receipts for Pati Patni Aur Woh Do Ayushmann Khurranas film ends its first weekend with over Rs 24 crore.
Despite conflicting audience opinions, the film "Pati Patni Aur Woh Do," starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rakul Preet Singh, Sara Ali Khan, and Wamiqa Gabbi, is doing well at the box office. Compared to Saturday's revenues, the movie's first Sunday collection increased by more than 34%. But it fell short of the standard set by the first film, which starred Kartik Aaryan.At the box office, the Mudassar Aziz-directed movie debuted at Rs 4 crore. The film made Rs 5.75 crore on its second day with no growth. The Sacnilk report now states that "Pati Patni Aur Woh Do" has made a net total of Rs 7.75 crore from 6,350 shows on Day 3. As a result, the overall gross collection in India is anticipated to be Rs 21 crore, while the total net collection is Rs 17.50 crore. On Day 3, the film made a net total of Rs 1.25 crore in the foreign market, with an expected total gross collection of Rs 3.25 crore. As a result, the global gross collection presently stands at Rs 24.25 crore.In contrast to the most recent release, the 2019 movie "Pati Patni Aur Woh," which starred Kartik Aaryan, Bhumi Pednekar, and Ananya Panday, made a lot of money. It made 14.51 crore in India on Day 3, bringing its three-day total to 35.94 crore. On the first and second days, respectively, the Mudassar Aziz director earned Rs 9.10 crore and Rs 12.33 crore.
Published 18 May 2026 03:08 PM
The family skips the swearing in when Vijay talks about his relationship with son Jason Sanjay, saying, No clue whats in his mind.
Since taking the oath of office as Tamil Nadu's new chief minister on May 10, actor-turned-politician Vijay has been in the news. His big swearing-in event at Chennai's Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium was met with congratulations from all across the nation, but the absence of his estranged wife Sangeetha Sornalingam and his children, Jason Sanjay and Divya Sasha, also generated heated debate online.Vijay's parents, sisters, and a number of well-known individuals attended the oath-ceremony. More excitement was created when actress Trisha, who is rumored to be dating Vijay, attended the oath ceremony. After that, a previous interview with Vijay about his son Sanjay's career choices and how he never pressured him to become an actor has suddenly appeared online.When asked if his kid was likewise interested in pursuing acting as a career during an interview with filmmaker Nelson Dilipkumar for Sun TV while promoting his 2022 film Beast, Vijay replied, "I have no clue what's in his mind." He also made it clear that he had never coerced his kid into taking action. "I would never do that," Vijay declared. He added that he will encourage his son to pursue his goals. "He is entirely interested in it. I will help him if he feels that he needs it.Additionally, Vijay disclosed that despite being approached by other filmmakers for Sanjay's acting debut, he allowed him to make the ultimate choice. "I tell him that although people are inquiring, ultimately it is his decision. "Please don't disturb me for a couple of years," he said. Right now, I don't want this."
Published 12 May 2026 05:40 PM
Parmeet Sethi said, My mother was shot during the partition the bullet was inside for one to two years.
Parmeet Sethi was raised in Mumbai, while his mother was born in what is now Pakistan before to the partition. In a recent vlog, Parmeet recalled that his mother was wounded during the partition and that the bullet remained inside her body for a few years because there wasn't much technology available at the time to determine the bullet's location. In a recent Aary Vlogs video, Parmeet recalled this story while cooking with his son Aaryamann Sethi and honored his late mother by creating one of her recipes. He referred to his mother, Sushil Sethi, as "total filmy" and recalled that her family had relocated to Ahmedabad and then Mumbai following the partition. "She was shot during the partition," Parmeet revealed. She was shot. He revealed that his mother was just 10 or 12 years old at the time of the occurrence, but he did not say the city she lived in. A tailor used to visit their home to sew garments. He had broken into my grandfather's home to grab the pistol that used to be there. He stated, "He intended to use it during the riots."Parmeet revealed that his mother was startled by the sound of the tailor entering the house. "She was about to scream when he asked her not to make any noise, and he just shot her," he claimed. The bullet was "lost inside her" and could not be found due to the lack of technology in those days. "The bullet was moving around inside her body. He said, "No one knew where it was.Sushil missed school for a while after becoming ill for a year or two. The family had relocated to India by that point. The bullet nearly protruded from her back while the nurse was massaging her one day. They took her to the doctor right away. The bullet was removed during her surgery. It was one or two years later, he said.
Published 08 May 2026 06:02 PM
Axis Bank is Religares pick of the month for March, 10% upside seen at TP of ₹1,185; should you buy?
Domestic brokerage firm Religare Broking has picked Axis Bank as its stock pick of the month for March 2024 with a potential upside seen around 10 per cent. Shares of Axis Bank were on an uptrend and gained around three per cent today as Nifty 50 hit a fresh lifetime high of 22,353.30 on strong macroeconomic indicators.On Friday, March 1, shares of Axis Bank opened at ₹1,074.05 and gained 2.5 per cent to hit an intra day high of ₹1,101.60 against its 52-week high of ₹1,151.50 apiece on the BSE. Shares of Axis Bank settled 2.20 per cent higher at ₹1,099.35 apiece on the BSE. At a current market price (CMP) of ₹1,085, Religare sees a potential upside of 10 per cent on Axis Bank stock at a target price of ₹1,185 from an initiation range of ₹1,080-1,085 and a stop loss of ₹1,030. Religare Broking highlights that in its report that Axis Bank has remained one among the top performer among the private banking majors and we expect the outperformance to continue. ‘’The stock has been in a primary uptrend from last more than eight months, forming series of Higher Highs and lows with gradual rise in volumes. It has formed an elevated base around the 20 weekly EMA which also coincides with rising support trend line,'' said Religare Broking. Following the price action and uptick in volumes indicates the stock to resume its prevailing trend and inch higher to surpass its previous swing high, according to the brokerage. The stock gained marginally (around three per cent) in the previous series with reduction of eight per cent open interest (OI). 98 per cent of the open positions rolled which is same with respect to previously. ‘’OI of 82k contracts as against 89k previously. Decent cash based buying also seen in last three days of February series. With fresh cash accumulation and shorts being trapped, it may witness good short covering,'' said Religare Broking. The bank's net interest income (NII) in the third quarter at ₹12,532, crore, which rose by nine per cent - almost in line with the market estimate of ₹12,555 crore. NII is the difference between interest earned by a bank through loans and interest it pays to depositors. Meanwhile, the net interest margin (NIM) stood at 4.01 percent for the quarter ended on December 31, 2023. Net Interest Margin refers to the difference between the interest income earned and the interest disbursed by a bank in relation to its interest-generating assets such as cash.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:35 PM
Potential for any re-rating delayed for Paytm, says UBS; still sees 25% upside in the stock – heres why
Shares of One 97 Communications (Paytm) have witnessed an almost 50 percent drop just in February as investor sentiment turned negative amid the RBI and Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) saga.In a recent note, brokerage house UBS said it believes that any potential for a re-rating of Paytm based on profitability improvement has been delayed. It has retained a 'neutral' call on the stock and reduced its target price to ₹510 (from ₹650 earlier). The new target indicates an over 25 percent potential upside. "Paytm's share price has derated significantly post RBI regulatory action and the stock is trading at 1.5x EV to one-year forward consensus sales, nearly an 80 percent discount to its Indian internet peers. Our ₹510 price target implies a 2.4x EV to FY25E sales, which is still a 70 percent discount to Indian internet peers. We believe this is justified as Paytm's growth profile is now much weaker at an 8 percent expected revenue CAGR over FY24-26E, versus Indian peers at a much higher 27 percent. Additionally, Paytm's re-rating potential based on its profitability improvement is now also pushed out and the company's margin profile is much weaker than peers. Furthermore, the loss of investor confidence based on the regulatory action is unlikely to change in a hurry. We believe only sustained execution in the coming quarters can re-build investor confidence which would drive a re-rating," explained the brokerage. The RBI on January 31 directed PPBL to stop accepting deposits or top-ups in customer accounts, wallets, FASTags, and other instruments after February 29, citing large-scale non-compliance with regulations and supervisory concerns. In the latest update, the Reserve Bank of India clarified that non-Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) linked merchants (85 percent of the total) can continue to function as normal and gave a 15-day extension till 15th March for most PPBL-linked activities. RBI also informed that @paytm UPI handles can be migrated to banks after approval from NPCI. This implies key linkages between Paytm and PPBL will be transferred to other banks via Paytm and also clears the way for Paytm to function as third-party app provider (TPAP), similar to its competitors PhonePe and Google Pay, once NPCI provides approval for the same. Following RBI's latest update, the anticipated negative impacts on Paytm have been alleviated to a considerable extent. Paytm is poised to retain a significant portion of its customer and merchant base pending certain approvals from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). However, UBS anticipates a churn of 15-20 percent in merchants, customers, and devices in Q4 compared to Q3 levels, accompanied by a steep decline of around 60 percent quarter-on-quarter in loan origination. Additionally, it foresees a challenging FY25 with a projected 2 percent revenue decline, attributed to the loss in the wallet business and gradual normalisation in payments and loan origination activities. To regain lost customers, Paytm is expected to escalate its marketing expenditure, leading to heightened EBITDA losses in FY25, consequently prompting adjustments in its EPS estimates.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:35 PM
Stock market selloff: Nifty forms Bearish Engulfing; 21,850 next?
Nifty on Wednesday could not sustain early gains and saw heavy selling, as it closed below the psychological mark of 22,000 for the time since February 15. The index formed a Bearish Engulfing pattern on the daily chart, which has a negative connotation. The silver lining was the index somehow managed to settle above its 21-day EMA on a closing basis. If the index stays below 22,000 level, chances are it may revisit 19,850-800 level, analysts said.“The index dropped below the 22,000 mark, indicating a growing weakness. Nevertheless, it managed to close just above the 21EMA on the daily timeframe. Observing the daily chart, the index has been navigating within a rising channel. A decline below 21,950 could potentially trigger a correction towards 21,800 in the near term,” said Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities. For the day, the 50-pack index closed at 21,951.15, down 247.20 points or 1.11 per cent. A sustained Nifty trade above 21,950 might spur a recovery in the index towards 22,100, De added. With the Bearish Engulfing candle, Nifty has given up all the gains of the previous week, said Chandan Taparia of Motilal Oswal Securities. This analyst believes that were the index say below 22000, weakness could be seen towards 21,850, followed by 21,700 levels. Resistances are seen at 22,150 and 22,222 levels, he said.atin Gedia – Technical Research Analyst at Sharekhan said that the index has reached its 20-day moving average of 21,944. He said the broad range of 21,800-22,300 still has not been breached. "The daily as well as hourly momentum indicators have a negative crossover, which is a sell signal. But prices are still in a range and, hence, a decisive breach below 21,875 i.e. the previous swing low is required to validate the change of trend. The Index is around the crucial support zone 21,900, which is likely to act as a make-or-break level from short term perspective," Gedia said.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:34 PM
IIT Kanpur’s 1974 batch pledges Rs 10.11 crore
"The Class of 1974 of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) has committed Rs 10.11 crore to fund a range of institute initiatives. The promise is made as part of the batch's Golden Jubilee Reunion, which will take place from February 23 to February 25, 2024, and will bring together over 80 graduates and their families. ""IIT Kanpur takes great pride in its alumni, and time and time again, our alumni have come together for supporting the growth of their alma mater through various means,"" stated Prof. S Ganesh, Director of IIT Kanpur, in response to the Class of 1974's kind pledge. The Class of 1974's commitment to support greatness at the institute by aiding in its development aligns with a shared goal He continued, ""The 'Batch Legacy Fund' will be used to enhance possibilities for both faculty and students. ""We, the proud alumni of the Class of 1974, are honored to unite and contribute to our cherished alma mater, IIT Kanpur,"" he stated, thanking his classmates for this endeavor and his alma mater, batch coordinator Yogesh Khosla. Our combined support is a testament to our great pride in the organization and our common goal of seeing it succeed moving forward. I would want to sincerely thank everyone of my classmates for their kind cooperation in this project. The Class of 1974's 50th reunion was a happy event full with memories, laughter, and introspection that will live on in the archives of IIT Kanpur, an institution thinkinh said. IIT Kanpur stated that the ""Class of 1974 Batch Legacy Fund"" will undoubtedly advance learning within its community and expressed its sincere gratitude to the Class of 1974 for their outstanding contribution and steadfast dedication. The researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) will present their findings to the students during an open house. The purpose of the event is to give students a forum to interact with professionals and well-known businesspeople. March 2 and March 3 of 2024 will be dedicated to the open house. Shaastra will host IITM for Everyone. A statement on the social media account read, ""IIT Madras is open to all for the first time in 15 years."" "
Published 28 Feb 2024 05:34 PM
AAP must leave its headquarters by June 15th, per a Supreme Court order.
The Aam Aadmi Party of Arvind Kejriwal will have to leave its headquarters, which are located on a plot of land designated for the High Court. The good news is that you still have until June 15 to act. The Supreme Court gave the party a long deadline because of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing that this is an encroachment case. The party may now submit an application for alternative land to the Land and Development Office of the Center.The bench, which included Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, stated, "We would request the L&DO to process the application and communicate its decision within a period of four weeks." The bench continued, "AAP has no legal right to remain on the land." The Delhi High Court was granted land in February to expand its operations and build more courtrooms for the Rouse Avenue location. The court had noticed that the AAP was intruding on this land. When considering a case involving the nation's judicial system, the highest court took notice of the issue.The state government promised at a meeting on February 15 that the plot would be removed in two months if a substitute plot was provided, in response to a court order. However, the situation remained unchanged. According to India's Chief Justice, DY Chandrachud, nobody has the authority to impose law on others. "It is absurd for any political party to sit on it. Every intrusion will be eliminated... The land should be given to the High Court so that it can be utilized by the general public and citizens, Justice Chandrachud stated.
Published 04 Mar 2024 05:31 PM
Article 21: The Constitutions Soul, with Citizens Liberty Supreme
According to the Supreme Court, Article 21 is the essence of the Constitution because it protects citizens' rights to liberty, which are so valuable that a person would lose them if the high court takes too long to decide cases pertaining to it. Amol Vithal Vahile, a prime accused in the murder of a corporator in Maharashtra, was granted bail by the Bombay High Court on January 29 following prodding from the top court, according to a bench of Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta.In a recent ruling, the bench stated that it is evident that prior to this court's order being issued on January 29, 2024, the high court had dismissed the bail application on one or more grounds rather than considering it on its merits.It goes without saying that Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is its core because it upholds the fundamental right to liberty for all citizens. It stated, "Depriving the party of their precious right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India would mean not reaching a quick decision and brushing off the issue on one or the other basis pertaining to a citizen's liberty." The bench stated that it has encountered numerous cases from the Bombay High Court in which the applications for bail and anticipatory bail were not resolved promptly. The bench mentioned one instance where the application for anticipatory bail was pending for over four years. "We have also encountered many cases where the judges find an excuse to reroute the case on unrelated grounds rather than rendering a decision based on the merits of the case. As a result, we ask the chief justice of the Bombay High Court to communicate our request to all judges who have criminal jurisdiction so that the issue of bail and anticipatory bail can be decided as soon as possible," the bench stated.It requested that the Supreme Court's Registrar (Judicial) forward this directive to the High Court's Registrar (Judicial), who will present it to the Bombay High Court's chief justice. The bench stated on January 29 that, despite the fact that Vahile had been detained for more than seven years, on March 30, 2023, the high court had ordered him to appear before the trial court for regular bail.
Published 02 Mar 2024 06:02 PM
SEA urges Centre to not extend ban on export of de-oiled ricebran
The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has asked the Indian Government to not extend the ban on the export of de-oiled rice bran beyond March 31.In a letter to Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; and Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; the President of SEA, Ajay Jhunjhunwala, said the total export of de-oiled rice bran constitutes only around 6 per cent of the production. The restriction has adversely affected processors and exporters along with paddy farmers, hindering them from realising better returns on their produce, he said. The government banned the export of de-oiled rice bran in a notification dated July 28, 2023, effective until November 30, 2023. This was further extended till March 31, 2024 in a notification dated December 8, 2023. Stating that processing of ricebran has picked up with the commencement of new season in November, he said availability of de-oiled ricebran has improved. This is evident from the reduction of price from ₹18,000 a tonne on July 28 2023 (the date of issuing notification) to ₹12,500 a tonne at present. Mentioning that the industry benefits from the export of de-oiled rice bran, he said easy clearance of meal leads to sustained processing, leading to better capacity utilisation, continuous oil availability, increased employment, and significant value addition along with valuable foreign exchange. India, which has successfully developed export market for de-oiled rice bran over the last 30 years, primarily serves Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh and other Asian countries. “An abrupt change in export policy has given opportunity to our competing countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh to capture Vietnam market for de-oiled ricebran and the market will be lost in no time,” he said. Eastern States, including West Bengal, are a significant producer of de-oiled ricebran. Since the cattle feed industry remains underdeveloped in this part of the country, there is limited demand for de-oiled ricebran in eastern India, he said. “The exorbitant local freight charges to move de-oiled ricebran from eastern India to south or west India makes export the principal means of disposal for de-oiled ricebran in the region. Since export is banned, ricebran processors in Eastern India are facing the prospect of shutting down their operations, adversely impacting the rice milling industry and reducing ricebran oil production,” Jhunjhunwala said. Though export restriction on de-oiled ricebran was imposed in July 2023 to ease milk prices, there is almost no reduction in milk prices across the country since this ban, he said. This is because the cost component of de-oiled ricebran in milk price is very nominal. “We are still of the view that continuing this ban will not support reduction in milk prices but will continue to negatively impact the ricebran processors and de-oiled ricebran exporters,” he said, and requested the government not to extend the ban beyond March 31.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:45 PM
Government Employees Platform Plans Strike From May 1 Over OPS Demand
A group of Union and state government employees announced they will go on indefinite strike starting on Labour Day (May 1) this year to demand the restoration of the old pension scheme (OPS), The Hindu reported.The Joint Forum For Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS), which was described as a platform of trade unions and associations working among Union and state government employees, said it had decided to serve strike notices starting March 19. Under the OPS, which was retired in 2004, retired government employees received half their last-drawn salary every month as a pension. The government concerned would foot the entire amount. The National Pension Scheme (NPS) replaced the OPS and involves the employee contributing 10% of their basic salary and the government contributing 14% into a corpus, which can be invested into different types of funds. How much an employee would receive upon retirement depends on the market return on these investments. Shiv Gopal Mishra, who is convenor of the JFROPS and is among the leaders of a railway workers’ union, told The Hindu that the decision to go on strike was taken after talks with the Union government had broken down. “We held several protests demanding restoration of OPS. We wrote letters to prime minister and finance minister urging them to restore the OPS. We have also been raising this issue in the JCM [joint consultative machinery] meetings, but the government ignored our demands and we are now forced to go on an indefinite strike,” Mishra was quoted as saying.The Hindu also cited government employees’ unions as claiming that ahead of the call for a strike, ballots conducted in various government departments suggested that nearly 100% of employees supported a strike.They have also argued that pensioners were worse off under the NPS because it does not hike pensions on a regular basis in order to correct for inflation. Some state governments have decided to restore the OPS for their employees. But the Reserve Bank of India has said that going back to the OPS would increase governments’ liabilities and put their financial security at risk. The Union government said in parliament in December that it does not plan on restoring the OPS. It has also warned its employees from going on strike before and argued that their right to form associations did not include a guaranteed right to go on strike. When Mishra was asked by The Hindu how the model code of conduct for the general elections would affect their planned strike, he said they wanted the issue to be discussed by the people. “This is an issue that involves lives of crores of people. Let the people discuss and decide on our demands. Even if the model code of conduct comes in picture, the Cabinet will be there, the Cabinet secretary will be there and they can take a decision on our demand,” he told the newspaper. Another employees’ union leader was cited as saying that ‘all unions’ except the pro-government Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh would take part in their planned strike.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:44 PM
Benefits of Sattu Indias first protein beverage
These days, a growing number of individuals are including tasty and nourishing "superfoods" from all over the world in their diets. Imagine those colorful matcha lattes, creamy avocado toasts, delicious chia pudding, quinoa salads, and cool kale smoothies. They are healthy in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. Just a gentle reminder: Is it really necessary to spend a lot of money to maintain your health?No, I believe! Sattu is an ancient superfood from India that is tasty, affordable, and very potent. This adaptable component, which is made from roasted gram flour, has been loved and consumed for more than 3,000 years, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Chana sattu, once cherished by diligent farmers for a rapid energy boost, is now widely accepted as a wholesome and organic supplement to contemporary meals nationwide. Let's examine the advantages of sattu powder, how it outperforms the most well-liked protein-rich foods, and why it should be at the top of your diet list before you hurry to try another foreign health craze.A traditional Indian flour produced from roasted barley or chickpeas is called sattu powder. In India, it is a native source of protein. It is a well-liked superfood with several health advantages due to its high protein content. Sattu, sometimes referred to as the "desi protein shake," is high in minerals, fiber, and plant-based protein. It is a popular dish in India that is becoming more and more well-known abroad.
Published 08 May 2026 06:04 PM
Arjun Rampal If I have to look extremely good, then my go-to is Gabriella’
"The radiant and perfect complexion of Janhvi Kapoor has been unveiled, and the secret to her lovely skin is a homemade face mask. Kapoor bragged about the many health advantages of this concoction, which is made of honey, mashed bananas, curd, orange scrub, and almond oil. Dr. Aanchal Panth shared her thoughts on this celebrity-endorsed skincare product, as social media was ablaze with claims of its efficacy. Let's investigate if giving it a shot is worthwhile. Kapoor began by taking curd and placing it in a bowl with mashed bananas, honey, and an additional layer of malai. After thoroughly blending, she smeared it across her freshly washed face. She then squeezed an orange, rubbed the juice of the fruit over her face, and covered it with the mask. Following the removal of the mask, she applied almond oil beneath her eyes. Dr. Panth elucidated the effectiveness of the mask by pointing out that although it is moisturizing, putting orange directly on the skin is not advised. "This is a good mask that will help with moisturizing, especially if you have dry skin."" She noted that scrubbing orange juice on the face can be extremely irritating to the skin, but that as she used the malai of the curd, the thicker part of it will be even more moisturizing. It may make your skin more vulnerable to UV radiation, particularly if you have dark patches or sensitive skin. Completely avoid this, she continued. Regarding the almond oil, Dr. Panth clarified that it can be used as well as over the entire face, particularly in light of the damage caused by the orange; it serves as a beneficial moisturizer. The ingredients are broken down as follows: Dear Honey: Being a naturally occurring humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated and becomes smooth and silky. Additionally, it has antibacterial qualities that enable it to effectively combat bacteria that cause acne and reduce inflammation. Bananas: Potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin E are among the many vitamins and minerals they contain that are rich in and help to hydrate and nourish the skin. Banana enzymes gently exfoliate the skin to reveal a brighter complexion by removing dead cells Lactic acid, which is present in curd, acts as a mild exfoliator to encourage cell turnover and reveal younger-looking skin. It also helps reduce redness and irritation and has moisturizing qualities. Orange: Natural acids found in citrus fruits, such as oranges, can irritate delicate skin, particularly when applied topically. It contains substances that may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, raising the possibility of sunburn and other injury. To lessen the chance of discomfort, dilute orange juice or zest with water or combine it with other calming components before applying it directly to the skin. Almond oil: High in fatty acids and vitamin E, it nourishes and moisturizes the skin, leaving it feeling silky and smooth. It also aids in scar fading. "
Published 28 Feb 2024 05:28 PM
Is this Janhvi Kapoor-approved DIY face mask worth the hype?
"The radiant and perfect complexion of Janhvi Kapoor has been unveiled, and the secret to her lovely skin is a homemade face mask. Kapoor bragged about the many health advantages of this concoction, which is made of honey, mashed bananas, curd, orange scrub, and almond oil. Dr. Aanchal Panth shared her thoughts on this celebrity-endorsed skincare product, as social media was ablaze with claims of its efficacy. Let's investigate if giving it a shot is worthwhile. Kapoor began by taking curd and placing it in a bowl with mashed bananas, honey, and an additional layer of malai. After thoroughly blending, she smeared it across her freshly washed face. She then squeezed an orange, rubbed the juice of the fruit over her face, and covered it with the mask. Following the removal of the mask, she applied almond oil beneath her eyes. Dr. Panth elucidated the effectiveness of the mask by pointing out that although it is moisturizing, putting orange directly on the skin is not advised. ""This is a good mask that will help with moisturizing, especially if you have dry skin."" She noted that scrubbing orange juice on the face can be extremely irritating to the skin, but that as she used the malai of the curd, the thicker part of it will be even more moisturizing. It may make your skin more vulnerable to UV radiation, particularly if you have dark patches or sensitive skin. Completely avoid this, she continued. Regarding the almond oil, Dr. Panth clarified that it can be used as well as over the entire face, particularly in light of the damage caused by the orange; it serves as a beneficial moisturizer. The ingredients are broken down as follows: Dear Honey: Being a naturally occurring humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated and becomes smooth and silky. Additionally, it has antibacterial qualities that enable it to effectively combat bacteria that cause acne and reduce inflammation. Bananas: Potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin E are among the many vitamins and minerals they contain that are rich in and help to hydrate and nourish the skin. Banana enzymes gently exfoliate the skin to reveal a brighter complexion by removing dead cells Lactic acid, which is present in curd, acts as a mild exfoliator to encourage cell turnover and reveal younger-looking skin. It also helps reduce redness and irritation and has moisturizing qualities. Orange: Natural acids found in citrus fruits, such as oranges, can irritate delicate skin, particularly when applied topically. It contains substances that may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, raising the possibility of sunburn and other injury. To lessen the chance of discomfort, dilute orange juice or zest with water or combine it with other calming components before applying it directly to the skin. Almond oil: High in fatty acids and vitamin E, it nourishes and moisturizes the skin, leaving it feeling silky and smooth. It also aids in scar fading. "
Published 28 Feb 2024 05:27 PM
What happens to your body if you use expired makeup repeatedly?
"Expiring the last bit of your favorite makeup may seem innocuous, but Dr. Swapna Priya, a consultant dermatologist at CARE Hospitals in HiTec City, Hyderabad, cautions that doing so can put your health at danger. Imagine having red, irritated eyes after using your favorite mascara. Or imagine discovering fresh breakouts the next morning because of your reliable foundation. Regretfully, these situations occur more frequently than you may imagine, particularly when using expired cosmetics. Expiring the last bit of your favorite makeup may seem innocuous, but Dr. Swapna Priya, a consultant dermatologist at CARE Hospitals in HiTec City, Hyderabad, cautions that doing so can put your health at danger. This is why you should routinely declutter your cosmetics bag is essential for both general wellbeing and healthy skin. Allergy Reactions: Even in those who have never had an allergic reaction before, expired makeup can cause one. Red signals include swelling, stinging, and burning that you should not disregard. Infections: When makeup products like mascara and eyeliner go close to expiration, bacteria thrive there. You run the risk of developing eye infections like conjunctivitis when using them. Joyous deal Long-Term Issues: More Than Just Temporary Unease Using makeup that has expired might have negative long-term repercussions that can outweigh any immediate reactions, such as irritation: Chronic Skin Issues: Dermatitis and early aging of the skin can be caused by repeated contact with expired cosmetics. "
Published 28 Feb 2024 05:26 PM
Ramakrishna Ghoshs injury has been replaced by Macneil Noronha.
Macneil Noronha, an all-rounder from Karnataka who recently won the MA Chidambaram Trophy at the Naman awards for being the highest run-getter in the 2024/25 Colonel CK Nayudu Trophy, will join Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for INR 30 lakh as a replacement for Ramakrishna Ghosh, who injured his right foot during their game against Mumbai Indians on May 3rd and is out for the season. He will not play this season.Macneil Noronha will take Ghosh's place at CSK for INR 30 lakh.Noronha, a Karnataka all-rounder, has won the MA Chidambaram Trophy at the Naman Awards for scoring the most runs in the Colonel CK Nayudu Trophy for 2024–2025. Noronha was called up by the Karnataka team for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after an outstanding season, and he played in three games for his state.For the remainder of the 2026 Indian Premier League season, the Chennai Super Kings have selected Karnataka all-rounder Macneil Noronha to replace injured uncapped player Ramakrishna Ghosh.He was called up to Karnataka's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad as a result of his domestic achievements, and he played in three games. Noronha made an impressive 34 off 21 deliveries in his most recent match against Tripura in December 2025. He also contributed a wicket. The move comes after Ghosh was sidelined for the rest of the season due to a right foot injury he sustained during Chennai's match against Mumbai Indians on May 3. Ghosh had just made his eagerly anticipated IPL debut in that match, contributing to Chennai's decisive eight-wicket victory. Introduced into the attack in a high-pressure match, the young player returned figures of 1 for 24 from his three overs, taking the crucial wicket of Suryakumar Yadav, who had looked dangerous after reaching 21 off just 12 balls. In that match, Ghosh made his eagerly anticipated IPL debut and contributed to Chennai's convincing eight-wicket victory. The youthful player, who was brought into the attack in a high-stress match, recorded figures of 1 for 24 from his three overs, taking the crucial wicket of Suryakumar Yadav, who had appeared dangerous after reaching 21 off only 12 balls.Chennai will be hoping that Noronha will offer valuable depth as they continue to strive for a play-off position in spite of the setback.
Published 13 May 2026 05:46 PM
Gautam Gambhirs Serious Pre-IPL 2024 Message To KKR
Before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, which begins on March 22, Kolkata Knight Riders coach Gautam Gambhir had a direct message for his team. During a Star Sports conversation, Gambhir clarified that the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a fantastic chance for young players to demonstrate their abilities in the "toughest league in the world," not about Bollywood or the post-match celebrations. The former Indian batter, who captained KKR to the IPL title in 2012 and 2014, added that since the league is most similar to international cricket, there is extra pressure on players and teams to perform well. "I stated unequivocally on Day 1 that I take the Indian Premier League seriously. It has nothing to do with Bollywood, you, the after-party, or other such things. It's about getting out there and playing competitive cricket, which is why I think this league is the hardest in the world because it's authentic cricket," stated Gambhir. "It is probably closest to international cricket as compared to any other league and if you want to be known as a successful franchise, you should be able to deliver on the cricket field," he stated. Gambhir stated that the players must put in a lot of effort for the team's ardent fan base after KKR finished seventh in the previous season and missed out on the play-offs. "I believe there are ardent supporters. We must tell them the truth. We should probably try to put a smile on their faces because, in my opinion, Kolkata fans have been the most devoted because they have endured a lot over the first three IPL seasons," Gambhir remarked.
Published 04 Mar 2024 05:55 PM
IPL 2024 Schedule announced Timings, venues, squads, live streaming and all you need to know about 17th season of IPL
"IPL 2024 Schedule: The season's opening game will pit Royal Challengers Bangalore against the reigning champions, Chennai Super Kings. IPL 2024 Schedule in Full: According to the official schedule announcement, the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) will begin action on March 22 in Chennai. However, because the T20 extravaganza coincides with the impending general elections, only the first 21 matches—which stretch over 15 days—were revealed on Thursday. Following the election commission's announcement of the Lok Sabha election date, the remaining schedule will be made public. In the opening game of the season, Royal Challengers Bangalore will play the reigning champion Chennai Super Kings. Seventy league games in all and the two qualifiers, the elimination round, and the championship game will be among the four playoff games. Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants are the ten IPL teams for 2024. Take a look at the schedule that follows: March 22: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Chennai Super Kings, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, 8 p.m. Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, hosts the Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals match on March 23 at 3:30 PM. On March 23, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the Kolkata Knight Riders take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (7.30 PM) Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur will host the Rajasthan Royals vs. Lucknow Super Giants on March 24 at 7:30 PM. Mar. 24: Mumbai Indians vs. Gujarat Titans, 7.30 p.m., Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad Mar. 25: Punjab Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 7:30 p.m. Mar. 26: Gujarat Titans against. Chennai Super Kings, 7.30 PM, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Mar. 27: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad will host Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Mumbai Indians (7.30 PM) March 30: 7.30 PM match between the Lucknow Super Giants and the Punjab Kings at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow March 31: Gujarat Titans at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad against Sunrisers Hyderabad (3.30 PM) 28 March: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur; Rajasthan Royals vs. Delhi Capitals, 7:30 PM Mar. 29: Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host the Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Kolkata Knight Riders (7.30 PM) match. March 31: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium vs. Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals Visakhapatnam's ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium (7.30 PM) April 1: 7.30 PM Mumbai Indians vs. Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai April2: 7.30 PM match between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Lucknow Super Giants at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru April 3: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium vs. Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals Visakhapatnam's ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium (7.30 PM) April 4: 7.30 PM game between Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad April 5: 7.30 PM, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad; Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Chennai Super Kings Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Rajasthan Royals vs. Royal Challengers, Bangalore, April 6 (7.30 PM) April 7: 3.30 PM, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India vs. Delhi Capitals April 7: Gujarat Titans vs. Lucknow Super Giants, 7.30 PM, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow"
Published 28 Feb 2024 03:47 PM
First look at New York’s 34,000-seater Nassau County International Cricket Stadium that will host India vs Pakistan clash at T20 World Cup
No matter where the match is played, India vs. Pakistan in an ICC event is always one of the highlights of the competition. Even though India won the 50-over World Cup match in Ahmedabad, the match between the archrivals at the T20 World Cup in 2022 at the MCG featured a Virat Kohli spectacular that is likely among their best ever. The legendary match will take place in New York on June 9th for the forthcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. The construction of the stadium began on Wednesday and is anticipated to be completed in three months. ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice stated, "We are excited to be unveiling the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024." "Work on the stadium, which will hold 34,000 cricket fans, has begun, marking an extremely significant milestone in the run-up to the biggest ICC event ever," Geoff Allardice continued. June 2nd will see the USA take on Canada in the opening game; Barbados will host the June 29th championship game. What sort of pitch should we anticipate? Pitch conditions have been quite important in the recent matches between India and Pakistan. When assistance is available, players like Shaheen Shah Afridi have tormented the Indian batters, and when it isn't, the Indian batters have attacked him and propelled the side to rapid victories. The wicket in New York will be a drop-in wicket. Drop-in wickets are generally more conducive to batting. Drop-in wickets are popularly utilised in Eden Park in New Zealand and Adelaide Oval in Australia. The pitch is being groomed in Florida, according ICC.The first-ever modular cricket stadium, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, is currently under construction and should be finished in just three months. The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 is expected to feature eight matches at the 34,000-seat stadium, the most notable of which is the high-profile match between India and Pakistan on June 9.
Published 25 Jan 2024 12:35 PM
Oggy Janta Party vs. Cockroach Janta Party: A new political battle on the internet
Following the filing of two distinct trademark applications for the term "Cockroach Janta Party" in the midst of the movement's explosive social media popularity, the viral rise of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has now entered a legal phase.The event occurred soon after a legal demand notice allegedly resulted in the movement's X account being withheld in India. Simultaneously, the youth-led satirical campaign proceeded to garner enormous internet traction through political commentary, memes, and Instagram. The movement began when Surya Kant's contentious comments during a Supreme Court hearing sparked online indignation and ridicule.Following remarks made by Chief Justice Surya Kant during a recent hearing that went viral online, the hashtag #CockroachJanataParty started to trend. The Chief Justice reportedly likened young people without jobs who turned to media, social media, and RTI activism to "cockroaches."But by then, the term had already become a popular online trend. The Cockroach Janta Party page and associated social media profiles were soon established by Abhijeet Dipke, a political communications consultant and former Aam Aadmi Party volunteer. According to reports, the campaign gained millions of followers on X and Instagram in a matter of days.
Published 22 May 2026 06:06 PM
Pawan Singh of the BJP Discusses Running for the Lok Sabha
Pawan Singh, an actor and singer from Bhojpur, stated on Monday that "time would tell" if he decided to run in the next Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to the media following his meeting with BJP president JP Nadda, Singh—who had been scheduled to run as the BJP candidate from Asansol in West Bengal but declared he would not after receiving negative feedback on his candidacy—avoided discussing the reasons behind his decision. "I spoke with the president of the party. After meeting with Nadda, Singh told the media, "Whatever happens in the future will be good." "That only time would tell," he responded when asked if he would run in the upcoming elections. I'll let you know if something occurs. Put it on hold for the time being "... On the other hand, Singh declined to respond to inquiries regarding the reasons behind his choice.Singh withdrew his name from the Lok Sabha election contest on Sunday from the West Bengal seat of Asansol, one day after the BJP announced him as its candidate from the seat currently held by Shatrughan Sinha of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).Singh thanked the BJP leadership in a post on X, but he also stated that he would not be able to run from Asansol "due to some reason," without providing an explanation.
Published 04 Mar 2024 05:25 PM
CM Sukhwinder Sukhu will continue for 5 years, says Shivakumar; can say, replies Congress HP chief Pratibha Singh
Amid the ongoing political crisis in Himachal Pradesh, state Congress president Pratibha Singh on Friday undermined party observer DK Shivakumar's statement about Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, stating that “it is the people of the state who will decide the fate of the government".Congress leader and Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar has said the Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu-led Himachal Pradesh state government will stay and all the MLAs want the Congress government for five years. However, Pratibha Singh's comment has revealed that the party's state unit and its observers are not on the same page on the issue. Reacting to Shivakumar's statement, Pratibha Singh was quoted by ANI as saying, “Observer ke bolne se kya hota hai', it is the people who will decide what will happen in the future." Mentioning her loyalty to the Congress party, Pratibha Singh noted, “I have spent my entire life in the Congress party. We started from the Congress party." "We affiliate with the Congress ideology. I can't say what can happen tomorrow," she added, hinting at another trouble for the party after the resignation of Vikramaditya Singh from the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu cabinet. Interestingly, Pratibha Singh recently applauded the activities of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and said the Congress was on a weak footing. She also called out the Himachal CM for not listening to her advice to organise the party to regain strength in the state. "From day 1, I had been telling the CM that we would be able to face the upcoming elections only if he strengthens the organisation. This is a very tough situation for us. We can see a lot of difficulties on the ground. As per the directions of PM Narendra Modi, the BJP is going to do a lot of things...We are on weak footing there. I urged him (CM) again and again that we need to strengthen and the party needs to be organised...I can say that it is a difficult time. Still, we have to contest elections and win," she told ANI. The Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government suffered a major setback after losing the Rajya Sabha elections because of cross-voting to the BJP. The grand old party lost the lone seat of the state in the Upper House of Parliament after its six MLAs cross-voted for the BJP. Moreover, Congress senior leader and minister Vikramaditya Singh announced his resignation from the cabinet. The development prompted the Congress party to send former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to the hill state to resolve the crisis. With the disqualification of the six Congress rebel MLAs, the strength of the House has reduced from 68 to 62. The halfway mark is now 32. The Congress now has 34 MLAs and the BJP has a total of 28 MLAs, including independents. The fortunes of the grand old party rely on its ability to keep the rest of its party MLAs together.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:48 PM
Himachal Pradesh Political Crisis: Six rebel Congress MLAs disqualified. What lies ahead for the hill state?
Himachal Pradesh Assembly speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on February 29 disqualified the six rebel Congress MLAs who cross-voted during the Rajya Sabha elections. With this, the six MLAs cease to be members of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly.After the disqualification, the Congress government has, for now, survived in Himachal Pradesh after a two-day scare over its future due to cross-voting by six of its MLAs in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate in the Rajya Sabha election on February 27. The strength of the house after the disqualification, pending judicial scrutiny, comes down to 62. The Congress now has 34 MLAs in the house, with 32 being the majority mark. Three independent MLAs who supported the Congress also cross-voted for the BJP in the Rajya Sabha election. The BJP had demanded a trust vote soon after the Congress lost the Rajya Sabha polls due to defections. Former Chief Minister, Jairam Thakur, and other leaders claimed that the Congress party had lost the majority in the house. However, the Congress government passed the budget on Wednesday, February 28, while 25 BJP MLAs were not present in the house after 15 of them were suspended. Also, the disqualification of six rebel MLAs has changed the dynamics. "Our experts will analyse the situation, and after looking at their judgments, we will take a decision. It is too early to say anything. Congress was totally exposed in the Rajya Sabha elections. Congress has lost its opportunity. Morally, they have no right to stay in power and the emotions of the people of Himachal Pradesh are clear from this," Rajeev Bindal, Himachal Pradesh BJP president, told news agency ANI. This disqualification order is subject to judicial scrutiny and will attain finality after judicial scrutiny, Pathania said. Also, it remains to be seen if these six MLAs approach the court against the disqualification. The six legislators had cross-voted, along with three independents, during Rajya Sabha polls. However, they have not been disqualified for cross-voting, but for violating the whip and skipping the budget session of the Himachal Pradesh assembly. Pathania said he wanted to prevent 'the aya Ram gaya Ram' politics. This phrase is used to refer to politicians switching party allegiances frequently. The Congress government's survival will also depend on whether the party can ensure that there are no more defections among the 34 MLAs. The Congress government's survival will also depend on whether the party can ensure that there are no more defections among the 34 MLAs.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:46 PM
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Hyundai Motor India Acquires GMs Talegaon Plant; to Invest Rs 6,000 Crore in Maharashtra
Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), has acquired the Talegaon factory of General Motors India, located in Pune, Maharashtra. Following the fulfillment of specific requirements and obtainment regulatory clearance from the relevant government departments and stakeholders, the acquisition has been completed. Hyundai Motor India has also inked a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government. With this, it has pledged to spend Rs 6,000 crore in the state. At the moment, the Talegaon factory produces 1,30,000 units per year. To reach its targets, the automaker plans to increase production capacity even further. HMIL states that the facility will be updated to meet the company's global manufacturing and operational needs. To achieve production excellence, investments will be undertaken in stages to gradually update the plant's existing infrastructure and equipment.Mr. Un Soo Kim, MD & CEO, of Hyundai Motor India Ltd., shared his thoughts on the acquisition and commented ''India is a very important market for Hyundai Motor Company, and we are committed to providing benchmark creating products & technologies to Indian customers. As we look forward to the next decade of progress for Hyundai Motor India, it is critical for us to augment our manufacturing capacity in India.''He further added ''The Talegaon manufacturing plant will play the role of a catalyst in achieving HMIL’s 1 million annual production capacity milestone. The acquisition of the Talegaon plant reinforces our commitment to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), by making India a hub for advanced smart mobility solutions, Make-In-India for the world. Our manufacturing operations are scheduled to begin in Talegaon, Maharashtra in the year 2025.”With a starting price of Rs 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom), Hyundai launched the eagerly awaited Creta Facelift in India on January 16. Along with many interior upgrades and a new engine option, the facelift gives the car a more robust exterior look. Over 70 safety features—36 of which are standard—are included in the recently redesigned Creta. TPMS, electronic stability control, an all-wheel disc brake system, and six airbags are a few of them. The highest-spec versions come with 19 Level 2 ADAS features (Hyundai SmartSense).The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) and 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine options for the SUV remain the same. However, a new 1.5-litre turbocharged GDi petrol engine is now offered as an option in this lineup. The new 1.5-litre turbocharged GDi petrol unit delivers 158bhp and 253Nm of performance numbers.
Published 24 Jan 2024 11:23 PM
Volvo’s 10,000th car in India is its first pure electric offering
Volvo Car India has achieved a significant milestone by producing its ten thousandth car at its Bangalore facility. The company, which began assembly operations in 2017, has seen the highest production of the XC60 model, with over 4000 units produced to date.Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director of Volvo Car India, in a company statement, revealed that the honour of being the ten thousandth car produced goes to the XC40 Recharge, the company's first pure electric offering.Malhotra said, "It is indeed a matter of pride for the company to have reached this milestone in a short span of time in spite of nearly three years of pandemic disruptions."Gao Feng, Production Head of Volvo Car India, highlighted the plant's achievement of rolling out India's first domestically assembled electric vehicle (EV), the XC40 Recharge. Today, the company assembles all its models in India, including the XC90, XC60, S90, XC40 Recharge, and the recently launched C40 Recharge.Meanwhile, Volvo Car India announced a 2% price increase for its conventional engine vehicles on Monday, while the prices of its EV offerings remain unchanged.Following the price hike, the XC60 is priced at ₹68.9 lakh, the S90 at ₹68.25 lakh, and the XC90 at ₹1,00,89,000.However, the prices of the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge remain unchanged at ₹57.9 lakh and ₹62.95 lakh, respectively.
Published 24 Jan 2024 11:26 PM
Hyundai introduces ‘IONIQ 5 N NPX1’ concept with N Performance Parts
Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled the ‘IONIQ 5 N NPX1’, a concept model equipped with prototype N Performance Parts, at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024. The ‘NPX1’ is the first N Performance Parts concept model based on the company’s high-performance electric vehicle (EV) IONIQ 5 N. The company plans to enhance the EV ownership experience with N Performance Parts, a project that began in 2019 and continues to develop high-quality tuning parts for customers. Following the success of internal combustion engine vehicles such as the Elantra N, i30 N, and i20 N, Hyundai N plans to offer specialised tuning components for all-electric N models, including the IONIQ 5 N.The ‘NPX1’ concept model previews a range of N-specific enhancements that will soon be available for purchase from a catalogue of N Performance Parts.These enhancements include a carbon front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, rear wing spoiler, lightweight hybrid carbon wheels, high-performance brake pads, and lowering springs. The concept model’s interior is further enhanced with Alcantara material and racing bucket seats.The prototype N Performance Parts applied to the NPX1 concept will be further developed for production in preparation for sales in 2024. Starting with the IONIQ 5 N, Hyundai N will expand the availability of N Performance Parts products for all N models.Joon Park, Vice President of N Brand Management Group at Hyundai, said, “In 2024, Hyundai Motor Company will take a step forward as a leader in new tuning parts suitable for the high-performance EV era as demonstrated with the ‘NPX1’ concept model.”He added that the company is also developing software customisation such as sound and vehicle calibration by over-the-air (OTA) updates, opening a completely new category of EV customisation for an exciting future for the tuning community.
Published 24 Jan 2024 11:23 PM
Tata Punch facelift launch confirmed for 2025
The Tata Punch petrol will see a mid-life facelift sometime next year. Confirming this development on the sidelines of the Punch EV launch, Tata Motors’ Passenger Vehicles Unit MD, Shailesh Chandra, said, “As far as the upgrade of the Punch is concerned, you know that it was launched in October 2021. Typical facelift period is three years. So, we should be expecting a facelift for the ICE version only in mid-2025, or slightly later.” Just like what we’ve seen on the Nexon and Harrier facelifts recently, expect Tata Motors to update the Punch SUV’s styling with fresh design cues to bring it in line with the newer Tata models. Changes to the front bumper and grille, along with minor tweaks to the headlamps and the bonnet can be expected to make the small SUV look new.Like the Nexon and the Nexon EV facelift, there will be styling bits that will help differentiate the petrol-powered Punch from the recently launched Punch EV. What’s more, Chandra also said that the Punch will have feature differences between the petrol and EV versions.
Published 24 Jan 2024 11:26 PM
Renault Bigster global debut later this year
The new Renault Bigster SUV will see a global debut later this year and is expected to go on sale internationally by early 2025. Revealed as a concept in 2021, it is essentially a three-row iteration of the all-new Duster, which made its global debut a few months ago. Sources have conveyed to our friends at Motor1 Brazil that the Bigster SUV will share its design cues largely with the new Duster and the Bigster concept. Essentially, it will be most likely an elongated version of the Duster, similar to what we see with the Creta and Alcazar in India. There will, however, be styling, tech and equipment differences on the inside and out. This new SUV from Renault will be around 4.6 metres long – nearly 0.3 metres longer than the new Duster, which measures 4.34 metres. It will get rugged looks and interior bits from the Duster, but there will be more upmarket materials and additional creature comforts to justify the SUV's higher price tag. The Duster currently has a 2,657mm wheelbase, which also could see an increment for the Bigster in order to facilitate easy ingress-egress and more cabin room. As far as the platform goes, the Bigster will share the same CMF-B modular architecture. There isn’t much known about its powertrain options, however, it will be safe to expect that the SUV will share its powertrain line-up with the latest-gen Duster, which comes with three engine options – two of which are electrified. Starting the proceedings is the 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid that gets two electric motors; this engine comes with an automatic gearbox. It also comes with regenerative braking and a 1.2kWh battery, enabling purely electric driving for up to 80 percent of the time in the city.The next engine is the 130hp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol coupled with a 48V starter motor. While the Duster will also come with a 1.0-litre petrol-LPG option in some markets, there is no diesel option in any market right now. The next engine is the 130hp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol coupled with a 48V starter motor. While the Duster will also come with a 1.0-litre petrol-LPG option in some markets, there is no diesel option in any market right now.
Published 24 Jan 2024 11:26 PM
Tata Motors aims for EVs to make up 15-17 percent of its volume in 2024
Tata Motors, which currently holds over 75 percent of electric vehicle market share, expects strong demand for its latest all-electric model – the Punch EV. The carmaker clocked its best-ever EV sales of 69,153 units in CY23, registering a robust 62 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth (CY22: 43,451 units). The electric SUV, which expands the company’s EV portfolio to four products – Tiago EV, Tigor EV, Nexon EV and Punch EV – will allow Tata Motors to tap into another vacant space in the segment. In the ongoing calendar year, it has the Curvv and Harrier EVs lined up for introduction, while next year, it will further expand its EV line-up with the Sierra EV and Altroz EV. Tata Motors currently sees EV volume contribution being pegged at around 12-15 percent (17-20 percent in terms of revenues), and expects it to reach 15-17 percent by the end of 2024. It expects EV penetration in its portfolio to touch 25 percent over the next three years, and reach 50 percent by 2030. The company anticipates waiting periods to creep in for the Punch EV, but is also geared to ramp up capacity at its newly operational plant in Sanand, Gujarat, to bring the delivery times under control, and within reasonable timeframes. “We are prepared to ramp up capacity starting the second half of this month, and we are hopeful of keeping the waiting periods within a reasonable number of months,” said Shailesh Chandra, managing director of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM) and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles. As the company switches to Gen-2 ground-up EV architecture – Acti.ev – with the Punch EV, Tata Motors says its magnitude of investment in EVs has increased multifold. Tata Motors believes the Punch EV is uniquely positioned between the Tiago EV and Nexon EV in its portfolio, and targets the young buyer eyeing an all-rounder product.“With almost 65 percent buyers being younger than 35, tech-savvy, and having a certain price point in mind, if one offers a product with a high value, it is bound to create a new customer segment for this kind of an EV, which, with its over 400km range, does not limit the car purely for city use,” Chandra said.He further said that the Nexon and Tiago EVs have very different customer bases – the former is used as a primary car, but in a multi-car household, while the latter – a 320km-range product – is primarily used within the city with limited outdoorsy experience. “The Punch EV sits right in between the two. There is no such product below Rs 15 lakh so far, and therefore, there is not going to be significant cannibalisation within our portfolio,” he further highlighted.Last month, Tata Motors opened two of its flagship EV-only stores in Gurugram, and aims to expand the exercise with more such outlets in key markets across the country in the next 12-18 months.
Published 25 Jan 2024 09:51 PM
2024 Hyundai Creta Facelift Review: New Look, Updated Interior And Powertrains Enhance Bestseller’s Appeal
Strikingly different face with new radiator grille. All-new dashboard and interior trim with Level 2 ADAS. Dual-clutch transmission returns but with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol. This is the new Hyundai Creta. Not a generation change, but this is a facelifted version of the second-gen Creta which has been Hyundai’s best-selling model for some time now. It has been given a substantial refresh in terms of design, features and a new range-topping powertrain.The Creta remains the same size as the version it replaces. On paper, the length has increased by 30 mm due to the redesigned bumpers but overall width, height, wheelbase and front/rear tracks don’t change. Even ground clearance is the same at 190mm.The front and rear design has undergone a sea change. Two years ago, Hyundai started production of the Creta in Indonesia and it looked different than the one in India and most jumped the gun to say that this was the one that would come to India as well. However, what has arrived is quite different. It gets a rectangular radiator grille shape – surprisingly, more similar to the smaller Venue rather than the parametric grille we see in the bigger new Tucson. Horizon lights with DRLs give it a distinct identity and are reminiscent of the new flagship Santa Fe that broke cover in 2023.Hyundai has done an Apple here with the headlamps - instead of tri-beam it is now quad-beam. The SUV looks less rounded and more upright now due to the changes. The previous design of the Creta was quite polarising, just like its name when it was first launched eight years ago, but both grew on us and how. This one is less polarising than the outgoing Creta, but a tad generic. Now that is my personal opinion - looks are subjective so let us know in the comments if you think otherwise.Hyundai recently updated its engines to be BS6 Phase-2 compliant, so the Creta continues with its previous set of powertrains. There are some changes though. The engine options start with a 1.5 petrol from its Kappa family, a 1.5 turbo diesel is on offer too with the range topper being the new 1.5 turbo petrol which is also available in the all-new Verna. The previous Creta came with a 1.4-litre turbo which is now discontinued. On the transmission side there is a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission it calls ‘iVT’ for the naturally-aspirated petrol engine. Diesel gets a 6-speed torque converter or a 6-speed manual while the turbo petrol gets a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.The 1.5 diesel is slicker than ever and feels more refined than in the earlier Creta. It has oodles of torque and it appears in a wide range across the rev band. What I like is how vibrations are under check and so is the noise. The six-speed automatic isn’t as quick as the dual clutch but is fairly practical. Where the gearbox lacks in speed it compensates with finesse. Acceleration feels purposeful and confident. Steering weighs up nicely and the Creta suspension does well to balance between absorbing potholes and maintaining poise, whatever the speed.The CVT version too feels perfect for urban and less hurried highway driving. The start is smooth and through the power band it doesn’t feel stressed. It is only when you floor the throttle is when the engine sounds a bit stressed as you need to rev higher for peak torque.
Published 25 Jan 2024 09:51 PM
Tata Punch EV Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs. 10.99 Lakh
Tata Motors has launched the all-new Punch EV in the Indian market with prices ranging from Rs. 10.99 lakh to Rs. 14.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Based on Tata’s new born EV ‘Acti.ev’ architecture, the Punch EV will become Tata’s fourth EV to go on sale in India after the electric versions of the Nexon, Tiago and Tigor. The vehicle will be available in a total of five trims- Smart, Smart +, Adventure, Empowered and Empowered +and two range options – Standard and Long Range (LR).In terms of design, the Punch.ev has a lot in common with the standard Punch but also features a few distinctive styling cues that set it apart. These include the new slim, full-width LED DRLs, a charging port situated behind the front Tata logo and new 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The interior, however, is vastly different from the ICE model and is equipped with a 10.25-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, along with a 10.25-inch full-digital instrument console.The EV’s equipment list includes ventilated front seats, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, cornering fog lamps, auto-folding wing mirrors, an electric sunroof, wireless phone charging and 360-degree cameras. On the safety front, the Punch EV gets six airbags and electronic stability programme (ESP) as standard, and a blind spot monitor on the top-spec variant.The EV’s equipment list includes ventilated front seats, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, cornering fog lamps, auto-folding wing mirrors, an electric sunroof, wireless phone charging and 360-degree cameras. On the safety front, the Punch EV gets six airbags and electronic stability programme (ESP) as standard, and a blind spot monitor on the top-spec variant.The Punch.ev also features bolstered ventilated leatherette seats, mood lights and an Air purifier with AQI display. Additionally, the Punch.ev comes with paddle-shifters, which enables the 4-level multi-mode regeneration and over-the-air software upgrade capabilities.On the powertrain front, the Long Range variant of the vehicle will be offered with a 90 kW motor with a torque output of 190 Nm. It will also feature a battery capacity of 35 kWh and a ARAI range of 421 km. The regular Punch.ev will have a 25 kWh battery, with a range of 315 km along with a 69 kW motor and 114 Nm of torque output.The Punch EV will be offered with a 3.3 kW wall box charger as standard while a 7.2 kW AC fast charger is also available as an option for an additional Rs 50,000.To be offered in five trims- Smart, Smart+, Adventure, Empowered and Empowered+.Gets a new infotainment system and full-digital instruments display.To be offered with two range options – Standard and Long Range (LR).
Published 25 Jan 2024 09:51 PM
Red Bull Racing RB20 F1 Race Car Launch Date Revealed
Red Bull announces its Formula 1 2024 season launch date, set for February 15, aligning with Mercedes and Alpine's unveiling. Sergio Perez is confirmed to continue alongside Verstappen in 2024. Its predecessor, the RB19, dominated the 2023 season with all but one of the 22 Grand Prix races. Red Bull Racing has officially announced its Formula 1 2024 season launch date, aligning with its rivals Mercedes and Alpine. The unveiling is scheduled for February 15, a mere six days before the commencement of winter testing in Bahrain. While it remains uncertain whether Red Bull will present the actual RB20 car or reveal an updated colour scheme on a show car, expectations are high following the exceptional success of its predecessor, the RB19, which dominated the 2023 season, securing all but one of the 22 Grand Prix victories and propelling Max Verstappen to a more than comfortable third world championship.In response to questions about the team's prospects in the upcoming season, Christian Horner, Red Bull team boss, drew parallels with Mercedes' dominance in 2020 and emphasised the dynamic nature of Formula. Despite subtle rule changes, Horner acknowledged the evolving competition and expressed the team's commitment to adapting lessons learned from the RB19 to the development of the RB20, aiming for a competitive car to defend their titles.Sergio Perez is confirmed to continue alongside Verstappen in 2024, facing a crucial year to secure a contract extension with Red Bull. The team's launch follows announcements from Mercedes and Alpine, with Mercedes revealing its new W15 on February 14. Alpine, Renault's brand, is set to unveil its 2024 motorsport season, encompassing both F1 and the World Endurance Championship teams, on February 7. The launch dates for AlphaTauri, McLaren, and Haas are yet to be disclosed, completing the lineup of F1 teams preparing for the upcoming campaign.
Published 25 Jan 2024 09:50 PM
Toto Wolff Extends Contract With Mercedes For 3 More Years
Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff signs a new three-year contract, extending his leadership until the end of 2026. The deal involves Wolff, INEOS owner Jim Ratcliffe, and Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius.The contract excludes performance clauses.Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff has inked a new three-year contract, securing his leadership until at least the end of 2026, according to an exclusive interview with The Daily Telegraph. The deal involves Wolff, INEOS owner Jim Ratcliffe, and Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius. Remarkably, the contract excludes performance clauses, emphasising trust between the parties and Wolff's commitment to achieving success rather than relying on specific track outcomes.Wolff, who owns 33 per cent of the team, clarified, "I've never had a performance clause; you either trust each other or you don't." The new agreement arises amid speculation about Wolff's position due to Mercedes' recent struggles in comparison to Red Bull's consecutive title wins. Despite external pressures, the contract demonstrates mutual confidence and a desire to navigate challenges as a united front. The lack of performance clauses aligns with Wolff's emphasis on stability and a long-term perspective. He believes that the absence of such conditions reinforces the shared goal of achieving a strong return on investment, which, in the context of Formula 1, translates to winning races and championships. His commitment extends beyond the team principal role, encompassing responsibilities as a co-shareholder and a member of the board.Reflecting on the risks associated with his role, Wolff expressed a concern for "bore-out" rather than burnout, indicating a preference for overcoming challenges and embracing difficulties rather than stagnating in a dominant position. The Mercedes team principal remains driven by the prospect of re-establishing the team's dominance in Formula 1.Wolff's new contract is significant not only for its duration but also for the absence of conditional performance metrics. It reflects a collective decision by the stakeholders to persist in their current roles and address the challenges that come with a downturn in the team's performance. The deal positions Wolff as a key figure in Mercedes' efforts to reclaim its leading position in Formula 1 and underscores the importance of trust and collaboration among the team's principal shareholders.In the larger context, the contract signals a commitment to stability, allowing Mercedes to navigate a transitional phase in Formula 1 and work towards regaining competitiveness. While the team faces uncertainties regarding the performance of the new Mercedes W15 car, Wolff's enduring leadership provides continuity and stability during a critical period.As Wolff embarks on the next three years, the focus will be on steering Mercedes back to the summit of Formula 1, where it enjoyed a dominant position for much of the past decade.
Published 24 Jan 2024 11:22 PM
2024 Bajaj Chetak review, first ride
Where every other electric scooter in the mainstream has aspired to carve a niche for itself in the market as a futuristic next-generation mobility solution, Bajaj has attempted to authentically replicate an experience in electric with their Chetak. The all-metal body, the rounded design and the minimal technological intervention. All of which meant that up until now the Chetak was left to an ever-diminishing demographic of people familiar with the original Chetak. For 2024, without really making too many big changes, Bajaj has upped their ante and expanded the reach of the updated bike to new demographics with a slight rejig of the equipment list.But before we jump into what's new. Let us talk about the design and build of the new Chetak for a second. The design hasn’t changed from the first generation of the Chetak. The rounded fascia with the round headlamp and the svelte body section set in an all-metal body make for a very premium-feeling scooter. It also gets all LED lighting as standard. However, while the build on the paint and the bodywork do feel premium, the plastics and the body mouldings do seem a little off-brand for the premium electric scooter. Switchgear, though, is a premium touch and feels solid, although we did notice a few times when buttons on the instruments would not respond momentarily. But before we jump into what's new. Let us talk about the design and build of the new Chetak for a second. The design hasn’t changed from the first generation of the Chetak. The rounded fascia with the round headlamp and the svelte body section set in an all-metal body make for a very premium-feeling scooter. It also gets all LED lighting as standard. However, while the build on the paint and the bodywork do feel premium, the plastics and the body mouldings do seem a little off-brand for the premium electric scooter. Switchgear, though, is a premium touch and feels solid, although we did notice a few times when buttons on the instruments would not respond momentarily.
Published 24 Jan 2024 11:21 PM
Hyundai Creta 2024 facelift vs Kia Seltos vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs others: Price comparison
India Today was the first news organisation to confirm that Hyundai Motor India will launch the Hyundai Creta facelift in the country in 2024. We also maintained that the Hyundai Creta facelift price will range from Rs 11 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). Well, it seems that we are bang on the target so far as the price of the vehicle is concerned.Among the other rivals, the Elevate's price ranges from Rs 11.58 lakh to Rs 16.40 lakh (ex-showroom), the Urban Cruiser Hyryder's price from Rs 11.14 lakh to Rs 20.19 lakh (ex-showroom), that of the Kushaq from Rs 11.89 lakh to Rs 20.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the price of the Taigun from Rs 11.70 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom) and the Astor from Rs 9.98 lakh to Rs 17.90 lakh (ex-showroom). In the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry, the SUV segment continues to witness fierce competition with manufacturers constantly upgrading their models to meet the changing preferences of consumers. In this comparison, we will focus on the recently launched Hyundai Creta 2024 facelift, the popular Kia Seltos, the established Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and a few other noteworthy contenders. Let’s delve into the key aspects, specifications, and prices to help you make an informed decision.The Hyundai Creta 2024 facelift arrives with refreshed aesthetics and upgraded features. Packed with cutting-edge technology, the Creta continues to be a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. The price for the base variant starts at $XX,XXX, making it a competitive option in its class.The Kia Seltos, known for its stylish design and feature-packed interior, remains a top choice for SUV enthusiasts. With a starting price of $XX,XXX, the Seltos offers a compelling mix of performance and comfort. Its diverse range of engine options and trim levels allows buyers to tailor their purchase according to their preferences.
Published 24 Jan 2024 11:21 PM