India News & Trends
Fandom not denim is UNIQLOsnext growth engine in India
Customers flocked to purchase Maggi limited-edition bowls when they were first offered on rapid commerce platforms earlier this year. At one point, social media posts, Instagram reels, and a good dose of nostalgia caused the bowls to run out of supply. While many customers noticed the collector bowls, fewer may be aware that Japanese clothing store UNIQLO also sells T-shirts and tote bags bearing the Maggi name. Is this the only twist? The products cost up to Rs 1,490, in contrast to the bowls, which were included with sales of noodles.The collection is a part of UNIQLO's UTme! platform, an extension of their worldwide UT graphic T-shirt business that emphasizes customization. The company recently opened its first UT Pop-Up at Ambience Mall in Gurgaon, showing everything from anime and Japanese art to local partnerships with artists like Neha Sharma, in an effort to highlight the category and expose more customers to the world of UT. According to Nidhi Rastogi, marketing director of UNIQLO India, "We wanted a lot more people to know about UT and also experience the pop culture aspect of it."The month-long pop-up was intended to do more than just sell T-shirts, according to Rastogi. The experience structure enables the company to highlight the several pillars of UT, such as anime, art, Japanese culture, movies, and character-based partnerships like Peanuts, even though stores are limited by shelf space.It was about establishing an immersive space where consumers could engage with and comprehend UT outside of our physical locations," she continues.
Published 04 Jun 2026 05:20 PM
Refrain from letting systems rule you Meenakshi Lekhi warns communicators about AI
Reputation management is becoming less about amplification and more about alertness, trust, and strategic judgment as deepfakes, artificial intelligence, misinformation, and real-time media continue to change the communications landscape. Former Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi, who gave the keynote talk at the IMAGEXX Summit & Awards 2026 in New Delhi, provided a pertinent analysis of the increasing complexity that modern communicators face.Speaking to a group of PR executives, corporate affairs specialists, and reputation managers, Lekhi made the case that although technology is speeding up information and impact, ethical communication, quality, and trustworthiness remain the cornerstones of reputation. She emphasized the growing role of communications professionals as crucial advisors who help organizations navigate a time when reputational risks can arise and spread at previously unheard-of speeds, as well as as guardians of brand image."The real merit is in the product itself," she stated, highlighting the need of communication experts. It can be difficult to establish a reputation when quality is lacking, but when it is present, it isn't usually emphasized. You are the ones who oversee that as experts and are aware of the framework that requires the good aspects to be emphasized.She emphasized that media outreach and publicity are just two aspects of the communications function. Lekhi asserts that PR specialists are in a unique position to offer strategic criticism that can enhance goods, services, and client interactions. "Your input might enhance quality while you are maintaining your reputation. Because you are closer to understanding stakeholder expectations and customer emotions, you can all contribute to improvising on services, she added.
Published 03 Jun 2026 09:32 PM
June 2026 JioHotstar New Releases What to Watch This Month
With a program that includes everything from thrilling revenge dramas and epic fantasy battles to international sporting events and beloved returning series, JioHotstar is turning up the heat in June. June's watchlist is jam-packed with reasons to stay in and stream, whether you're waiting for dragons to soar, love tales to reignite, kitchens to erupt into chaos, or cricket and tennis to keep you hooked to the screen. This month, you should be aware of the following:Unsuitable for Work: Currently streaming This witty and realistic drama combines office politics, complex relationships, and a healthy dose of mayhem. This will probably resonate with you if you've ever worked in a job that put your patience to the test. June 4th is the Grand Digital Premiere of Dhurandhar: The Revenge. It's time to stop waiting. With its spectacular action, epic drama, and uncompromising retribution plot, one of the biggest action spectacles of the year makes its digital debut. June 5th, Dhurandhar: The Revenge This action-packed performer is expected to bring drama, emotion, and adrenaline in equal measure following the grand debut. Remember to stream!Afghanistan vs. India One-Off Test, starting on June 6 In a one-time Test match between Afghanistan and India, red-ball cricket takes center stage. There will be a ton of cricketing drama, innumerable battles, and five days. Dridam, June 12th Dridam examines what it takes to persevere in the face of life's most difficult obstacles in this poignant tale of tenacity and resolve. ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026: starting on June 12 The top women's cricket players in the world gather in England for a tournament where every game counts and every moment has the potential to create history.
Published 02 Jun 2026 10:54 PM
Taxed to extinction The potential lack of money from the SC gaming ruling
The Supreme Court has dealt a severe blow to the nation's rapidly expanding real-money gambling industry in what is being touted as the most significant corporate tax battle in Indian history. The Supreme Court affirmed that a 28% GST on internet gaming, casinos, and fantasy sports is legitimate. Significantly, the court granted its application retroactively, resurrecting enormous tax demands valued at more than ₹2.5 lakh crore. The decision, which was made by a court that included Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, essentially puts an end to years of vigorous legal wrangling by tech companies, industry associations, and gaming firms. The court has significantly changed the financial and operational environment of digital entertainment in India by ruling that online money gaming with monetary bets qualifies as betting and gambling for tax purposes.The Supreme Court deconstructed the industry's fundamental defenses in two distinct but related rulings.The first ruling dealt with petitions by several State Governments against High Court rulings in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka that had previously overturned state-level prohibitions on online money gaming. The Supreme Court upheld the state limits by overturning those rulings.The legal nuance is explained by Sudipta Bhattacharjee, Partner at Khaitan & Co., who represented a number of well-known online gaming and casino companies in this group of cases: "In this first judgment, the validity of the anti-online gaming State laws of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka have been upheld by reading "betting" as something different from "gambling." In order to understand how basic constitutional bench rulings in RMDC and three-judge bench rulings in K.R. Lakshmanan have been handled in the context of online money gaming, it will be important to thoroughly examine this ruling.
Published 01 Jun 2026 09:16 PM
Siddaramaiah became a member of the CWC
New Delhi: Siddaramaiah, the departing chief minister of Karnataka, was named a member of the Congress Working Committee on Tuesday night by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. His appointment occurred just one day before his replacement, DK Shivakumar, took the oath of office as chief minister of Karnataka, indicating the party leadership's desire to make fun of him.Siddaramaiah's record-long tenure of more than eight years across two terms as chief minister came to an end mere days after he resigned. On the eve of DK Shivakumar, his longtime competitor and now-former deputy, taking the oath of office as the new chief minister, he was also appointed as a member of the CWC. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah engaged in a protracted internal conflict over the position, frequently making subtle jabs at one another.
Published 03 Jun 2026 09:46 PM
The Supreme Court will now have 37 judges after adding five new members
additional Delhi: The Supreme Court will now have 37 judges, one less than the revised sanctioned strength of 38, with the appointment of five additional judges on Monday.Senior Supreme Court lawyer Venkita Subramani Mohana, Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar of the Bombay High Court, Chief Justice Sheel Nagu of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, and Chief Justice Arun Palli of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court have all been promoted as top court judges, according to separate notifications released by the Union Law Ministry's Department of Justice on Monday morning. Last month, the government issued an order that amended a law to boost the supreme court's sanctioned strength from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India. Although there were already two open positions, the apex court now has six open positions after the sanctioned strength was expanded.The nominations were made in four days after the Supreme Court Collegium suggested the five candidates on May 27. PTI
Published 01 Jun 2026 09:24 PM
Senior Advocate V Mohana is among the five new judges recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium
XFollowing the recent increase in the court's sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by the Honorable Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, has proposed the appointment of the five new judges to the highest court. Senior counsel V Mohana and the four Chief Justices of the High Court have contributed to this recommendation. After Justice Indu Malhotra, V Mohana will be the second woman directly selected from the bar to the Supreme Court, making her elevation genuinely historic.The number of Supreme Court judges has increased to 38. The Honorable President recently issued an act expanding the number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38. The action was intended to address the Increasing the number of pending cases The burden of judges Quicker case resolution The collegium has suggested the five new appointments to cover the extra openings as a result of this enlargement. The Supreme Court will have 37 judges instead of just 32 if it is accepted, leaving just one vacancy.Which Judges Are Suggested? The following names have been suggested by the collegium: Sheel Nagu, Justice Senior Advocate V. Mohana, Justices Shree Chandrashekhar, Sanjeev Sachdeva, and Arun Palli
Published 29 May 2026 05:52 PM
The Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions has appointed Raghav Chadha as its chairman
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has been appointed chairman of the Committee on Petitions after the Upper House reconstituted the panel. The move gives the young parliamentarian a significant parliamentary responsibility in India’s legislative framework.The Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions will now be chaired by Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha. The Upper House reorganized the committee and gave the Raghav Chadha significant legislative authority before making its judgment.After Rajya Sabha head C. P. Radhakrishnan reconstituted the committee, Raghav Chadha was named head of the Committee on Petitions. Chadha now has a significant parliamentary function in managing citizen petitions pertaining to legislative and public policy issues. Parliamentary committees are crucial to democratic accountability and legislative scrutiny, which makes this development significant. One of the key parliamentary committees is the Committee on Petitions, which reviews citizen petitions pertaining to legislation, public complaints, policy issues, and things that need the attention of the Parliament. Among its primary duties are the Examining petitions submitted to the Rajya Sabha Analyzing citizen complaints related to government Suggestions for remedial actions Encouraging public involvement in parliamentary democracy Increasing governance's responsibility The committee serves as the official avenue through which citizens can bring up matters with Parliament directly.
Published 26 May 2026 05:56 PM
One thing unites Travis Scott and Radhika Merchant: a watch valued at Rs 28 crore.
A luxury watch has unexpectedly become a common link between rapper Travis Scott and Radhika Merchant. Both have been spotted wearing the ultra-rare Richard Mille RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire, a watch reportedly valued at around ₹25–28 crore. Only a handful of pieces are believed to exist worldwide, making it one of the most exclusive timepieces ever produced.The watch features a sapphire crystal case, a flying tourbillon movement, and an intricate skeletonized design that showcases Richard Mille's high-end engineering. Its rarity and craftsmanship have made it a favorite among celebrities, athletes, and ultra-high-net-worth collectors.Radhika Merchant drew attention when she wore the watch during IPL 2026 appearances, while Travis Scott has also been seen sporting the same model. The coincidence has generated considerable buzz on social media, where users noted that the watch costs more than many luxury cars and even some supercars. Radhika Merchant drew attention when she wore the watch during IPL 2026 appearances, while Travis Scott has also been seen sporting the same model. The coincidence has generated considerable buzz on social media, where users noted that the watch costs more than many luxury cars and even some supercars.In short, despite coming from completely different worlds—global hip-hop and Indian business royalty—Travis Scott and Radhika Merchant share a taste for one of the world's rarest and most expensive watches: the Richard Mille RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire, worth approximately ₹28 crore.
Published 04 Jun 2026 05:36 PM
Peddi movie review and live updates Ram Charan is praised and the movie is expected to launch at Rs 100 cr
Peddi Movie Review and Release LIVE Updates: Buchi Babu Sana's film Peddi marks Ram Charan's return to the big screen. The movie, which also stars Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Boman Irani, and Divyenndu, opens in theaters on Thursday, June 4. Peddi is aiming for a global opening of Rs 100 crore, but it's unclear if the Ram Charan film will be able to do it.Peddi, a sports drama starring Telugu superstar Ram Charan, has finally opened in theaters throughout the world after months of delays. The movie debuted with a splash, with special performances on the evening of June 3 and a global release on June 4. Peddi is a rural action film that portrays the lives of an athlete who struggles for his identity. It is directed by Buchi Babu Sana and stars Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Boman Irani, Jagapathi Babu, and Divyenndu. The movie made Rs 9.82 crore in the first few days of advance reservations without block bookings, according to industry tracker Sacnilk. By Wednesday afternoon, the amount had reached Rs 16.66 crore with block bookings. Worldwide, the film has garnered Rs 35 crore gross in advance purchases.
Published 04 Jun 2026 05:29 PM
On its 25th anniversary Aamir Khan Lagaan will be re-released in theaters the nostalgic teaser charms people over
Lagaan transformed a straightforward game into one of the most captivating tales ever portrayed on the Indian film, long before cricket dramas became popular. Ashutosh Gowariker's Aamir Khan-starring movie will now be re-released in theaters to commemorate its 25th anniversary. Fans are ecstatic after the re-release's teaser was recently released by the creators.Long before cricket dramas gained popularity, Lagaan turned a simple game into one of the most engrossing stories ever seen on Indian cinema. In honor of its 25th anniversary, Ashutosh Gowariker's film starring Aamir Khan will now be rereleased in theaters. Following the producers' recent publication of the teaser for the re-release, fans are overjoyed.Fans were nostalgic after watching the official re-release trailer. It provided a window into the dusty fields of pre-Independence India, where a group of brave locals engaged in a memorable cricket match against British officers. The comments area was inundated with enthusiastic words from fans. A comment said, "All-time best movie ever." Someone else wrote, "Real Cinema Is Back." A fan wrote, "Nostalgia hit, sir." "I couldn't see Lagaan in theaters in 2001," wrote another. greatest regret. Since then, seeing this in a crowded theater has truly been a dream of mine. It will eventually come to pass. A different fan merely said, "This is gold."vThe movie, which takes place in 1893 during the late Victorian period of British colonial control in India, centers on a group of central Indian villagers who are suffering from years of drought and high taxes. When a haughty British Indian Army commander challenges them to a game of cricket, their fortunes drastically change. Their taxes will be waived if they prevail. The villagers must learn the game and overcome overwhelming odds to win because they are not familiar with the sport. Aamir Khan played the lead in Ashutosh Gowariker's 2001 film Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India. Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, Paul Blackthorne, Suhasini Mulay, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Raghubir Yadav, A. K. Hangal, and a number of others were among the ensemble cast.
Published 03 Jun 2026 09:39 PM
Salman Khan legal team initiates a lawsuit against Kala Hiran and requests that the movie be removed
Salman Khan's legal team has filed a lawsuit against Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy's producers, claiming that the film violates the actor's personality rights. The notification calls for the immediate suspension of the movie's distribution schedule and marketing initiatives, including the removal of advertisements and posters. The notice, which is addressed to casting director Akshay Pandey, threatens more legal action if the demands are not met. The film, which was produced by Amit Jani and directed by Bharat S. Shrinate, is thought to have been inspired by the 1998 Blackbuck case, which has been connected to Khan for many years.Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, according to Khan's legal team, is problematic since it seems to be based on a case that is currently pending before the Rajasthan High Court. The notice claims that the proposed movie violates the actor's personality rights and is defamatory. It further asserts that the creation and promotion of such a project might impede the legal system and compromise Khan's right to a fair trial. Additionally, the notification claims that Salman Khan has never authorized nor permitted the use of his name, likeness, or any incident related to him in the movie. His attorneys have insisted that the filmmakers immediately cease all project-related development, production, and marketing. They have also requested an unqualified written apology from the creators.The legal notification stated that if the filmmakers did not comply with the demands within 24 hours, civil and criminal actions might be started. Producer Amit Jani responded by publicly posting the warning on social media and implying that the action was meant to put pressure on individuals associated with the movie. Jani stood his ground, criticizing what he saw as an attempt at intimidation with quotes from poetry.
Published 02 Jun 2026 10:59 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
A Significant Return for Marc Jacobs Beauty
Luxury makeup brand Marc Jacobs Beauty has officially returned in 2026 after being discontinued in 2021, marking one of the most talked-about beauty industry comebacks of the year. The brand relaunched with an entirely new collection of makeup products, including lipsticks, blush sticks, bronzers, eyeliners, mascaras, eyeshadows, and highlighters. The comeback is being led in partnership with Coty Inc., with products launching online and through Sephora stores.Beauty enthusiasts and industry experts have responded positively to the relaunch. The new collection features playful heart, star, and daisy-inspired packaging while maintaining the bold, high-performance formulas that made the original brand popular. Several products, particularly the Heart On Lipstick, Drawn This Way Eyeliner, and Born Star Eyeshadow, have generated strong demand and early sell-outs.Industry analysts view the return as a strategic move in the premium beauty market, where consumers are increasingly seeking distinctive brands with strong creative identities. Marc Jacobs himself recently described the relaunch as a modern reinvention rather than a revival of the old line, emphasizing individuality and self-expression as the brand's core philosophy.
Published 04 Jun 2026 06:02 PM
The days of microbladed eyebrows are over but are they reversible
Our eyebrows have seen more changes than any other feature. Brows have seen it all, from the thin, pencil-style brows of the year 2000 to the fuller, laminated look of today. But one thing hasn't changed: if you get your eyebrows correct, half of your appearance is taken care of.Microbladed eyebrows were commonplace for a very long period. Because the fad promised bigger, more natural-looking brows with less daily work, celebrities, influencers, and regular people loved it. For many, it provided a long-term solution for uneven or sparse eyebrows. But beauty trends change quickly, and what was once considered contemporary and attractive is now beginning to feel antiquated. Many people are starting to reconsider their previous microblading decisions as softer, more natural brows become more popular.In essence, microblading is a cosmetic tattooing method in which pigment is manually applied to the skin's surface to simulate eyebrow hair. According to Dr. Ruby Sachdev, an aesthetician and consultant at Gleneagles Hospital in Bengaluru, it became well-liked by those who want larger eyebrows without using makeup every day.
Published 03 Jun 2026 09:52 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
Ek bihari sab pe bhari Virat Kohli gives Vaibhav Sooryavanshi particular recognition
Virat Kohli's heartfelt praise for young Bihar cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become one of the most talked-about moments after the IPL 2026 season. Following Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title-winning campaign, Kohli met the 15-year-old sensation and shared words of encouragement that quickly went viral on social media.In a video released by RCB, Kohli advised Vaibhav to stay focused on hard work and self-belief rather than outside opinions. He told the youngster that his success had come through dedication and confidence and urged him to keep aiming higher. The highlight of the conversation was Kohli's special line, "Ek Bihari, sab pe bhari", praising the Bihar-born batter for his remarkable performances throughout IPL 2026. .Vaibhav emerged as one of the biggest stars of the tournament, earning widespread admiration for his fearless batting and maturity at such a young age. His performances attracted praise from former cricketers and fans alike, with many viewing him as one of Indian cricket's brightest future prospects.The interaction between Kohli and Vaibhav was widely appreciated by cricket fans, who saw it as a passing-of-the-torch moment between one of India's greatest batters and a rising teenage talent. Kohli's message of humility, hard work, and self-belief has since been shared extensively across social media platforms.
Published 04 Jun 2026 05:53 PM
Virat Kohli changes once more incorporating elements of Abhishek and Sooryavanshi into his game
The cameras showed Kohli putting his arm over Sooryavanshi's shoulder and conversing with him for several minutes. Although the topic of the talk is unknown, rest assured that Sooryavanshi returned home much wealthier than he would have if he had only received a few honors. Less than a day has passed since Sooryavanshi was recommended for Test cricket by none other than the great Sachin Tendulkar. He had also complimented his batting style earlier.It is important to note that earlier in the 2026 IPL season, Kohli signed Sooryavanshi's cap and gave him an autograph after the left-handed hitter destroyed the RCB bowlers all over the field during the match at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.Sooryavanshi won five awards when the IPL 2026 concluded. The 15-year-old was named Super Striker, Super Sixes of the Season, Orange Cap, Emerging Player of the Season, and Most Valuable Player. Sooryavanshi broke Chris Gayle's record for the most maximums in a single IPL season with 72 sixes during the 19th T20 competition. In the competition, he also became the fastest Indian to reach 1000 runs. In addition, he became the youngest player in the tournament to hit 1000 runs, surpassing Rishabh Pant.Sooryavanshi acknowledged that he would need to improve his fitness going forward if he wanted to have a lengthy career after receiving so many honors. "I need to improve my fitness if I want to avoid getting hurt. Everyone is really encouraging. In an interview with Ravi Shastri, Sooryavanshi stated, "Everyone supports me, including the senior players and support staff. It's a good atmosphere." Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar has praised Sooryavanshi as well. According to the renowned Indian hitter, the young player possesses all the necessary skills to participate in the game's longest format.In relation to Sooryavanshi, the next tri-series in Sri Lanka will include him. The left-hander will play for India A against Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A.In relation to Sooryavanshi, the next tri-series in Sri Lanka will include him. The left-hander will play for India A against Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A.
Published 02 Jun 2026 10:57 PM
For the first time in an IPL season Indian hitters outpace foreign batters
IPL 2026 had the highest batting strike rate of any season at 156.34. For the first time in an IPL season, Indian hitters (157.10) scored more runs than foreign batters (154.71). 237.30 strike rate, 776 runs, and 72 sixes In an IPL season, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became just the second hitter to score the most runs, hit the most sixes, and have the greatest strike rate (minimum 50 balls faced). Like Sooryavanshi, Chris Gayle was named Most Valuable Player in 2011.In the previous nine seasons, none of the highest run-scorers were among the top 15 strike rates in that season. The difference between Sooryavanshi's IPL 2026 run total and the next highest total for a batsman with a strike rate of 235 or more in any IPL season (Romario Shepherd's 70 runs in 2025) is 706 runs. IPL 2026 saw 65 totals of 200 or more, the highest in a T20 competition and 13 more than the previous record of 52 in IPL 2025. Individual teams also set new records in IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) all scored nine runs of 200 or more, the most in a Twenty20 competition.In terms of bowling, PBKS and RR gave up 200-plus totals nine times, which is also the most in a Twenty20 competition. IPL 2026 saw the highest number of sixes struck in a season, 1426, up 10.2% from the previous record of 1294 sixes in 2025. Thanks to 72 sixes from Sooryavanshi, who established the individual record for most sixes in a T20 competition, RR struck 181 sixes, the most of any team in a T20 event.
Published 01 Jun 2026 09:34 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
Naveen Patnaiks full-circle moment: The former chief minister uses his old strategy to oppose the BJP
Former Odisha Chief Minister and current Leader of the Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, is once again relying on a strategy that defined much of his 24-year tenure—positioning himself as the defender of Odisha’s interests against decisions taken by the Centre. After losing power to the BJP in 2024, Patnaik has increasingly focused on state-centric issues such as delimitation, parliamentary representation, the Mahanadi water dispute, and law-and-order concerns to challenge the BJP government in Odisha. Political observers describe this as a “full-circle moment” because Patnaik used a similar approach in the past to build and strengthen the Biju Janata Dal. By emphasizing Odisha’s regional identity and portraying himself as the protector of the state's interests, he successfully maintained political dominance for over two decades. Now, as the BJP governs Odisha under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Patnaik appears to be reviving the same formula from the opposition benches. In recent weeks, Patnaik has criticized the BJP government over the handling of the Mahanadi river dispute, expressed concerns about proposals that could reduce Odisha’s representation in Parliament, and raised questions about governance and public safety. These interventions indicate a shift from his traditionally restrained style toward a more active opposition role aimed at reconnecting with voters and rebuilding the BJD’s political momentum.
Published 04 Jun 2026 05:44 PM
Chor Chor To Eggs, Stones The Story Of Abhishek Banerjees Attack
Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee claimed at 11 p.m. outside Kolkata's Belle Vue Clinic that police and the ruling BJP were threatening doctors to refuse to admit her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, hours after he was heckled, thrown eggs, shoes, stones, and slushy mud at Sonarpur during his first public appearance since the party's election defeat in the state.On Saturday, Abhishek Banerjee went to see the relatives of TMC employees who had reportedly perished in violence during the election. Around 1:30 pm, he arrived at the home of TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh in Beleghata, where the relatives of Biswajit Pattanayak, a victim of reported post-election violence, were summoned to meet him. A group of CID officers and a videographer arrived at Abhishek Banerjee's home around eight kilometers distant to deliver a notice regarding the purported Vidhan Sabha signature scam. The CID was notified by his protection that he was not at home. Meanwhile, he posted on Twitter, saying, "Today, I visited the family of Biswajit Pattanayak in Beleghata. "Abhishek Banerjee received an in-person notice from the CID team at 2:22 pm to appear before the investigative agency headquarters at Bhawani Bhavan on Monday at 12 pm regarding the TMC MLAs signature scandal inquiry. After that, Abhishek Banerjee traveled to the South 24 Parganas district's Sonarpur. When BJP members were spotted getting ready for protests nearby, the three-term MP from Diamond Harbour, which is in the same district, had not yet arrived at his destination. At some areas, black flags were visible, and demonstrators were shouting "go back" chants.In Sonarpur, groups of women also congregated at various locations. They joined in shouting identical slogans, however they were observed wielding eggs rather than black flags. As the convoy went through the neighborhood, these eggs were thrown at Abhishek Banerjee and his teammates.
Published 03 Jun 2026 09:47 PM
Why the BJP benefits from the Himachal vote results despite Chief Minister Sukhu appeal for local factors
The BJP's win in three of the state's four municipal corporation elections has given the opposition a lift and a chance to test its narrative against the ruling Congress government with just a year until the 2027 Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections. The BJP's assertion that public opinion is shifting against the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government has been strengthened by the results, which are the first significant urban electoral verdict for the Congress since the party regained power in the hill state in 2022. The Himachal Pradesh urban local body (ULB) election results were advantageous to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since it won direct, party-symbol-driven municipal elections. The BJP presented the victories as a popular vote on his state government, while Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu blamed these defeats on "local factors" and significant Congress support in village panchayats.
Published 02 Jun 2026 11:05 PM
Arun Lakhani a Pawars related Maharashtra BJP candidate for MLC Who is he
After the BJP nominated him from the Wardha-Chandrapur-Gadchiroli Local Authorities constituency for the June 18 state MLC elections, Nagpur-based industrialist and BJP leader Arun Lakhani became the focus of political discourse. In addition to holding a prominent position in the Maharashtra BJP and being close to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Lakhani will soon be related to NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule. Due to his son Sarang Lakhani's engagement to Sule's daughter Revati, his candidacy has drawn interest from both parties.Because Lakhani is not from any of the three districts that comprise the seat, his nomination has also generated controversy. The BJP's decision to nominate a candidate who is seen as an outsider has raised concerns because the seat has always been represented by figures with deep ties to Wardha, Chandrapur, or Gadchiroli.But Lakhani is a well-known figure in the BJP. He has a long history with the Maharashtra BJP and serves as its co-treasurer. His selection is thought to have been influenced by his social activities in Vidarbha, his work in the infrastructure industry, and his close relations to the BJP leadership, which includes both Gadkari and Fadnavis.Before going into business, Lakhani, who was born in Malkapur in the Buldhana district, studied petrochemical engineering. He is the Chairman and Managing Director of Vishvaraj Environment Ltd., a business that deals with road construction, wastewater treatment, and water delivery.Lakhani is best known for the Nagpur 24x7 water delivery project, which was one of the first significant initiatives in India to use a public-private partnership (PPP) model to offer municipal water around-the-clock.
Published 01 Jun 2026 09:26 PM
Entertainment
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Sports Trend
Ramakrishna Ghoshs injury has been replaced by Macneil Noronha.
Published 13 May 2026 05:46 PM
Twenty four hours before to the Indias Got Latent controversy, Kapil Sharma forewarned Samay Raina that something bad is going to happen.
Published 08 May 2026 06:00 PM
IPL 2026 DC vs. KKR Live Score, Playing 11 Updates Delhi and Kolkata want to make it to the playoffs at Kotla
Published 08 May 2026 05:57 PM
GT defeats tenacious Punjab thanks to a calm performance from Washington Sundar and traditional Test bowlers.
Published 08 May 2026 05:56 PM
Political Trends
- Chor Chor To Eggs, Stones The Story Of Abhishek Banerjees Attack
- Why the BJP benefits from the Himachal vote results despite Chief Minister Sukhu appeal for local factors
- Arun Lakhani a Pawars related Maharashtra BJP candidate for MLC Who is he
- A lesson from Sachin Pilot in Rajasthan behind the Congress leadershis decision in Karnataka
- A hot wave is gripping Uttar Pradesh the BJP is being criticized for power outages and smart meters
Events
NEET-UG 2026 canceled LIVE: Nashik police detain suspects in paper leak
Due to reports of a paper leak, the National Testing Agency (NTA) canceled the May 3 NEET-UG 2026 exam on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The government has requested that the CBI conduct a thorough investigation into the "irregularities." While the Rajasthan Special Operations Group looks into the claims of the exam paper leak, this decision was made."With the approval of the Government of India, the National Testing Agency has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on May 3, 2026, and to re-conduct the examination on dates that will be notified separately, based on the inputs subsequently examined by NTA in coordination with the central agencies, and the investigative findings shared by the law enforcement agencies and to ensure that there is transparency in the system," the NTA stated in a press release. It further stated that the Agency's official channels will be used to disseminate the updated exam dates and admission card issuance timetable. The Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) took action in response to claims that the NEET-UG 2026 entrance test question paper, which was administered on May 3, had been leaked.The purported anomalies concern "a guess paper" that was distributed prior to the test and allegedly included questions that were quite similar to the real paper. According to Vishal Bansal, Additional Director General of the Rajasthan Police SOG, the agency was investigating if the material's distribution was connected to organized crime. On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, a large-scale demonstration against the purported paper leak was organized by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and took place close to the Shastri Bhawan.
Events
Tamil Nadu government formation LIVE Vijays TVK receives unwavering support from the CPI and CPI(M)
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which was created by actor C. Joseph Vijay, currently has the backing of nine additional MLAs from the Congress (five), CPI (two), and CPI(M) (two), thanks to the two Left parties' unequivocal support on Friday, May 8, 2026.TVK won 108 seats (including Vijay's second seat) despite having a split mandate in the Assembly election, as no party or front was able to achieve a majority. To demonstrate a majority of 118 MLAs, the party now needs the backing of two more MLAs.TVK chairman Vijay's claim to form the state government was refused by Governor Rajendra Arlekar, who asked the party to return only after gaining the backing of 118 MLAs. Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Congress members organized a nationwide protest against Arlekar.The coalition now has 108 seats in TVK, 5 in Congress, 2 in CPI, 2 in CPI(M), and 2 in VCK. In the meantime, Vijay's attempt to form the government of Tamil Nadu has received official unreserved endorsement from the Communist Party of India (CPI).
Events
The ninth edition of Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival showcased special balloons shaped like elephant and frogs
"The ninth annual Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival featured unique balloons fashioned like ducks and twin frogs, but Elli, the UK-made balloon built like an elephant, stole the show. It leaves an indelible impression. Soaring over coconut fields in a hot air balloon, I get the breathtaking image of the buttery sun shimmering over the foggy Pollachi landscape. The pilot guides Elii, a unique balloon shaped like a grey elephant, as it ascends over the sky, Mark Stokoe. The co-pilot, Lisa Stokoe, is ecstatic about the star attraction at the just finished Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival (TNIBF). ""This elephant can fly."" Based in the UK, the duo intends to showcase Elii in international ballooning events as they travel the globe. Cartoon-shaped balloons are visually appealing, particularly at the largest event, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, when up to 500 balloons are arranged in a line. We innovate shapes for fun, but many people do it for profit. Talking about her family's two loves, travel and hot air ballooning, Lisa states, ""My son Ben has a pilot's license and has been training with Mark during his outings in Thailand and France."" Based in the UK, the duo intends to showcase Elii in international ballooning events as they travel the globe. Cartoon-shaped balloons are visually appealing, particularly. G.D. Gopalakrishnan, President of the Chamber of Commerce in Pollachi, officially opened the ninth edition of the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival. The festival at Pollachi on January 12 featured hot air balloons from the United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. In association with Global Media Box, Tamil Nadu Tourism served as the festival's host. Between January 13 and January 16, more than ten balloons representing the UK, France, Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam filled the air. Every day from 2 pm to 10 pm, there will be carnivals that provide visitors of all ages with an authe"
Events
Vishwakarma Jayanti 2024 From history, significance to puja rituals
"Today, February 21, 2024, marks the beginning of the fourth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, the fourth iteration of the Khelo India Winter Games festival is scheduled to begin. The sporting event is scheduled to occur at Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. During the event, athletes from across the nation will compete in a variety of winter sports, such as snowboarding, snow mountaineering, Nordic skiing, and alpine skiing. The Department of Youth Services & Sports, J&K Sports Council, in partnership with the Tourism Department, the Gulmarg Development Authority, and multiple other stakeholders, is organizing the Khelo India Winter Games 2024. The first phase of the 2024 Khelo India Winter Games festival was held from February 2–6 in Leh, and it mostly featured ice hockey and ice skating games. Start Date of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, 2024 On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, in Gulmarg, the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 are slated to begin. To promote awareness of issues related to the preservation of natural habitats, wildlife protection, and indigenous groups' worries about mountain development, the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 mascot is a snow leopard. Khelo India Winter Games 2024: Closing Date in Gulmarg The last day of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg is February 25, 2024. Khelo India Winter Games: Gulmarg, 2024: Total Registrants. The official website, kheloindia.gov.in, states that more than 1200 people will be participating in the Games, including more than 700 athletes, 141 support staff, 113 technical officials, 250+ volunteer and A total of 136 medals and a sports-specific volunteer are up for grabs in the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 in Gulmarg. View the schedule for every event at the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg in 2024. Nordic Skiing at the Golf Course, Gulmarg, J&K, February 21–24, 2024 Ski Mountaineering at Kangdoori, Gulmarg, J&K, February 22–24, 2024 Alpine Skiing in Kangdoori, Gulmarg, J&K, February 22–25, 2024 February 22–25, 2024: Snowboarding in Gulmarg, J&K at Kangdoori. "
Events
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"
Events
Khelo India Winter Games 2024 Starts From 21 February in Gulmarg J&K Details
"Today, February 21, 2024, marks the beginning of the fourth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, the fourth iteration of the Khelo India Winter Games festival is scheduled to begin. The sporting event is scheduled to occur at Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. During the event, athletes from across the nation will compete in a variety of winter sports, such as snowboarding, snow mountaineering, Nordic skiing, and alpine skiing. The Department of Youth Services & Sports, J&K Sports Council, in partnership with the Tourism Department, the Gulmarg Development Authority, and multiple other stakeholders, is organizing the Khelo India Winter Games 2024. The first phase of the 2024 Khelo India Winter Games festival was held from February 2–6 in Leh, and it mostly featured ice hockey and ice skating games. Start Date of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, 2024 On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, in Gulmarg, the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 are slated to begin. To promote awareness of issues related to the preservation of natural habitats, wildlife protection, and indigenous groups' worries about mountain development, the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 mascot is a snow leopard. Khelo India Winter Games 2024: Closing Date in Gulmarg The last day of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg is February 25, 2024. Khelo India Winter Games: Gulmarg, 2024: Total Registrants. The official website, kheloindia.gov.in, states that more than 1200 people will be participating in the Games, including more than 700 athletes, 141 support staff, 113 technical officials, 250+ volunteer and A total of 136 medals and a sports-specific volunteer are up for grabs in the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 in Gulmarg. View the schedule for every event at the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg in 2024. Nordic Skiing at the Golf Course, Gulmarg, J&K, February 21–24, 2024 Ski Mountaineering at Kangdoori, Gulmarg, J&K, February 22–24, 2024 Alpine Skiing in Kangdoori, Gulmarg, J&K, February 22–25, 2024 February 22–25, 2024: Snowboarding in Gulmarg, J&K at Kangdoori. "
Events
Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair Promoting Sustainable Solutions
"On February 19–20, 2024, in New Delhi, the Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair was held in association with ICAR—Central On February 19–20, 2024, in New Delhi, the Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair was held in association with ICAR—Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi. A collaborative endeavor between ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi, and numerous stakeholders is the Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair, scheduled for February 19–20, 2024, in New Delhi. The purpose of the event is to highlight the many applications of neem in environmental sustainability, healthcare, and agriculture. Highlights of the Trade Fair and Inauguration The Trade Fair was opened by Dr. Himanshu Pathak, DG of ICAR and Secretary of DARE. 22 international and Indian businesses took part, showcasing their neem-based goods. There were about 250 attendees, ten of them were from abroad. Seminar Subject ""Neem for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, and Environment"" is the main focus. The potential of neem to meet the needs of the industry for raw materials and its part in carbon farming are highlighted. Highlights of the Program Features Seven technical sessions addressing different facets of neem development and research. The industrial and sociocultural uses of neem are among the areas of discussion. Publications and Documentary ""Neem Field Gene Bank - Provisioning Opportunities for Conservation and Utilization"" Technical Bulletin, WNO Calendar, and Souvenir publications. The WNO Documentary was released with the goal of raising awareness of the importance and uses of neem."
Events
PM Modi to inaugurate projects in UP
Top Events of the Day: With PM Modi launching ₹91,000 crore projects, Uttar Pradesh will see a boom in development. Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated in Maharashtra, and Modi places the cornerstones for important projects. Sixth ED summons for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Top Events of the Day: India has a hectic February 19 taking place. While Maharashtra celebrates Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti, PM Modi will inaugurate massive infrastructure projects totaling ₹91,000 crore in Uttar Pradesh. As the Chandigarh Mayor Polls case progresses and the Supreme Court considers Sharad Pawar's plea over NCP leadership, legal experts are keeping a close eye on both developments. As a result of Mahua Moitra and Mukul Roy's summonses in different cases, and Arvind Kejriwal's sixth ED summons in connection with the Delhi liquor scandal, investigations are intensifying. Maritime security is the main focus worldwide. stage with the start of the Milan 2024 drill in Visakhapatnam and the launch of Japan's asteroid debris mission. PM Modi to showcase ₹91,000-cr tech projects at the UP Ground-Breaking Ceremony: Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially open sixty large-scale infrastructure projects in Uttar Pradesh, which will be a big step in the right direction to strengthen the state's economy. According to news agency ANI, these projects, which have a combined worth of an astounding ₹91,456.89 crore, are anticipated to provide approximately 81,424 new job opportunities. HCL Tech mandates three days of in-office work starting on February 19: According to a message released on February 16 by the Noida-based IT company, HCL Technologies, a major player in the industry, has requested that all of its workers who are involved in Digital Foundation Services (DFS) report to work at least three days a week starting on February 19. On February 19 (India), Zenith Drugs' first public offering (IPO) will launch. The subscription period for the Zenith Drugs IPO begins on February 19, 2024, and ends on February 22, 2024. The SME IPO is a fully new issue of 51.49 lakh shares and is a book built issue of ₹40.68 crores. The IPO pricing range for Zenith Pharmaceuticals is ₹75 to ₹79 per share. Bigshare Services Pvt Ltd is the registrar for the Zenith Drugs IPO, and Gretex Corporate Services Limited is the book running lead manager. Gretex Share Broking is the issue's market maker.
EventsGadgets Trend
Before its launch in India, the Realme 12 5G was teased with a dynamic button.
On March 6, the Realme 12 5G is expected to debut in India. It will be released in the nation concurrently with the recently unveiled Realme 12+ 5G model in a few markets. Pre-orders for both phones were made available by the company last week. Prior to the models' release in India, Realme has also disclosed a few of their most important features. The Realme 12 5G's design, camera, and color options have been verified. There are now hints that the phones will have a dynamic button.On March 6, the Realme 12 5G is expected to debut in India. It will be unveiled in the nation concurrently with the Realme 12 5G, which has been hinted at to feature a Dynamic Button that functions similarly to Apple's Action Button. According to the teaser, the button can be used to access a number of custom actions that control various features, including the flashlight, do not disturb (DND) mode, silent mode, airplane mode, shutter on the camera, and more. This has a similar purpose to Apple's Action button, which lets users personalize which actions activate the flashlight, camera, focus modes, and other features. The button, which is located on the right edge beneath the volume rocker, has not been given any information by the company.The Realme 12+ 5G variant,The Realme 12 5G will have a 108-megapixel primary sensor with a 3x in-sensor zoom, as the company had previously confirmed. It has also been hinted at in a purple hue. Large circular rear camera modules are featured in the teasers, which also feature designs similar to those of the Realme 12+ 5G, Realme 12 Pro 5G, and Realme 12 Pro+ 5G.In India, the Realme 12 5G and Realme 12+ 5G will go on sale simultaneously. It is anticipated that the phone's Plus version will resemble its international counterpart. The company has stated that the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC, a 120Hz AMOLED display with rainwater smart technology, and a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 OIS-supported primary camera will be included in the Indian version.
Gadgets
At MWC 2024, brands show the future of connected cars and aerial mobility
While Wireless and Mobile technologies took centerstage at the just concluded Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, there was also some spotlight at the connected cars and aerial mobility at arguably the world’s most important consumer tech show. The Smart Mobility Summit at MWC brought together industry leaders from both established automotive and drone companies, along with tech pioneers. The transportation and travel sectors face a dual challenge — increasing capacity and reducing emissions. Embracing digital transformation is crucial to overcoming these hurdles, paving the way for substantial growth in both connected cars and aerial mobility. And this transformation was the key topic of discussion among the industry executives who gathered at the summit. The aerial mobility market is expected to reach $68.1 billion by 2032, growing at 35.2 per cent annually. Connected car drivers in the US alone are projected to increase by 15.5 per cent by 2027, reaching 174.8 million. Mobile network technologies like 5G and network slicing enable new features like autonomous driving, piloting, and C-V2X communication. Additionally, the growing availability of technologies like 4G and LPWA lays the foundation for reliable, always-on connectivity for transportation networks. The discussions were also important because deploying connected transportation solutions varies by region and requires a deep understanding of available networks and technologies. Given that the MWC saw attendance of industry veterans from different parts of the world, they could share knowledge and discuss smart solutions relevant to them. Led by industry leaders and experts, the summit covered topics such as enhancing cars with new connected features, recent advancements and challenges in smart drones, and mid-to-long-term transformation, including the role of new network technologies, electrification, and the use of teleoperation and digital twins. The Smart Mobility Summit also presented a unique opportunity to industry veterans to connect with key players who are shaping the future of mobility.
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Realme 12 5G, Realme 12+ 5G pre-orders begin in India. Launch date, pre-order benefits and more
Realme has confirmed that its Realme 12 5G smartphone will also make its debut in India alongside Realme 12+ 5G on March 6. The Chinese smartphone maker has also opened pre-orders for the Realme 12 series from today with a promise of availing limited time benefits of up to ₹ 3,000. The Realme 12 5G and Realme 12+ 5G can be pre-ordered by going to Amazon, Realme's official website and mainline stores. The two devices will be availabe to pre-order from 2pm onwards on February 29 and will go on till March 5. Meanwhile, the Realme 12 5G series will go on sale from 3:00 pm from March 6th onwards and will be available with limited offers till March 10th. Customers pre-ordering the Realme 12+ 5G are eligible for a ₹1,000 bank offer and ₹1,000 price offer on the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant and ₹1,000 bank offer on the 8GB RAM/256 GB storage variant. Furthermore, customers will also be entitled to 1 year of complete mobile protection on Flipkart and 1 year of screen damage protection on the Realme website. Meanwhile, customers pre-ordering the 6GB RAM/128GB storage variant of the Realme 12 5G are eligible for a coupon of ₹2,000 coupon and customers pre-ordering the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant are entitled to a ₹1,000 coupon. Apart from this, Realme is also offering the same 1 year of mobile protection and 1 year of screen damage protection as the Realme 12+ 5G. Realme had earlier also confirmed that the upcoming Realme 12+ 5G will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset and will sport a 50MP Sony LYT 600 primary sensor with support for optical image stabilization and up to 2x in sensor zoom. Realme 12+ 5G is also confirmed to come with a 120Hz AMOLED panel which will come with the latest Rainwater Smart Touch feature which will help users take advantage of their smartphone even with wet or dry hands.
Gadgets
OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact edition launched in India: Price, specs, launch offers and everything you should know
OnePlus has launched a Genshin Impact Edition of the OnePlus 12R, which brings a host of design and UI changes to the smartphone based on the popular mobile game from miHoYo. The smartphone was unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain and will be available in India and other global markets from next month. The latest OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact edition is priced at ₹49,999 for the 16GB RAM/256GB storage variant. In contrast, the standard OnePlus 12R is priced at ₹45,999 for the same RAM and storage configurations, while the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant is priced at ₹39,999. The latest OnePlus smartphone will go on sale from March 19 and will be available on Amazon, OnePlus.in and select OnePlus Experience Stores from March 19. The OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact Edition can be purchased at a discount of ₹1,000 using the OneCard, while an exchange bonus of ₹3,000 is also available on the purchase of the new smartphone. The OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact Edition comes with numerous design changes inspired by the character of Keqing and is available in the only 'Electro Violet' colour variant with the word Keqing inscribed on the bottom of the smartphone. The smartphone comes in a collectible gift box with a special Keqing themed case, a customised charging cable and adapter, and a distinctive Lighting Stiletto design on the SIM tray. OnePlus is also bringing many UI changes with the OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact Edition, including a special charging animation, live wallpaper and Always On Display elements. The phone's hardware remains the same as the usual OnePlus 12R, including a 6.78-inch AMOLED ProXDR display with support for LTPO4.0 and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset underneath. The smartphone is paired with the Adreno 740 GPU to handle any graphics-intensive tasks, and comes with a massive 5,500mAh battery that can be fast-charged via the 100W SUPERVOOC charger provided inside the box. In terms of optics, the phone houses a 50MP Sony IMX890 primary sensor with support for OIS and EIS, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2MP macro lens. There is also a 16MP front-facing camera on the smartphone to meet all the selfie and video calling needs. The camera app on the OnePlus 12R comes with a host of features including Interval Shooting, Nightscape, Hi-Res Mode, Pro Mode, Movie Mode, Ultra Steady Mode, Dual View Video, Portrait Mode, Video Portrait, Pano, Macro, Slo-mo, Time Lapse, Long Exposure, Text Scanner and more.
Gadgets
Nothing Phone 2a virtual unboxing video shows design, Glyph lights: Details
Nothing is slated to launch the Phone 2a in India on March 5. Ahead of the launch, the British consumer technology startup runs a virtual unboxing video, which reveals the smartphone’s design and Glyph interface. Available on Nothing official handle on X (formerly Twitter), the virtual unboxing video highlights the horizontal camera island and transparent back cover on the rear. The Nothing Phone 2a back panel appears to be following the design language from the company’s previous smartphones. The smartphone appears to have a transparent back glass, showcasing certain elements from the inside of the smartphone. However, the biggest change is the horizontally placed dual-camera setup, which is aligned centrally. For reference, the Phone 2a camera placement is unlike the Nothing Phone (1) and Phone (2). Both these smartphones had vertically placed camera modules towards the top-left side. The video also confirms that the Nothing Phone (2a) will have the Glyph interface with light bars around the camera module. The frame also looks like it has a matte texture rather than a shiny metal finish. The Nothing Phone (2a) is set to launch in India on March 5 in an in-person launch event at Dwarka, Delhi. The company is selling tickets for the launch event that are available on PayTM Insider for Rs 999.In a run up to the launch, Nothing has confirmed several key specification details for the Phone (2a). The company previously announced that the smartphone will be powered by a custom-built MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset accompanied by 12GB RAM. The smartphone will feature 8GB virtual RAM that Nothing calls “RAM Booster”. The MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro powering the Phone (2a) is based on TSMC's latest second-generation 4nm process technology. According to the company, the chip has 8-core configuration with clocking speeds up to 2.8 GHz. According to media reports, the Phone (2a) will feature a 50MP Samsung S5KGN9 1/1.5-inch main sensor alongside a 50MP Samsung S5KJN1 1/2.76-inch ultra-wide-angle sensor at the back. On the front, the Nothing Phone (2a) will likely get a 32MP Sony IMX615 camera sensor.
Gadgets
HONOR Magic 6 Pro with AI-powered features unveiled at MWC 24: Details here
Chinese smartphone brand HONOR has unveiled the Magic 6 Pro smartphone at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, US. The smartphone will be available in select countries and regions, including Europe, China, Malaysia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico. HONOR has not confirmed India availability yet. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the HONOR Magic 6 Pro smartphone boasts built-in AI capabilities leveraging open source LlaMA 2 AI model. Some of the AI features that will be available out-of-the-box include offline text generation and summarisation tools for long-form content. HONOR introduced MagicOS 8.0, based on Android, with the Magic 6 Pro. It is said to incorporate the company’s AI features for smartphones such as “Magic Portal”, which the company said uses AI to understand the user's usage pattern and behaviour for personalised suggestions. According to the company, the Magic Portal is capable of recognising addresses in a text message and directs users to Google Maps with a tap. HONOR said that the portal will also facilitate “image-based shopping experiences”. The company also announced that it would add more AI-powered features to the Magic 6 Pro smartphone in future such as the “AI-powered eye-tracking systems”. Currently in the experimental stage, the feature would allow users to control the smartphone and other connected smart devices hands-free – using eye-tracking from smartphone sensors.
Gadgets
Global Release of Xiaomi 14 With Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and Leica Adapted Cameras
The Xiaomi 14 was released worldwide on Sunday, February 25, one day prior to the start of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona. The flagship phone from the Chinese company has an LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate and is powered by Qualcomm's most recent Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. The Leica-branded triple rear camera unit with a Summilux lens is a feature of the Xiaomi 14. The phone is compatible with 90W HyperCharge wired charging and has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Alongside the Xiaomi 14 Pro, the Xiaomi 14 was introduced in China last year. The Xiaomi 14's single 12GB RAM + 512GB storage model is priced at €999. It is available in White, Jade Green, and Black colors. According to reports, the phone will cost less after bank offers and will retail for less than Rs. 75,000 in India. On March 7, Xiaomi 14 is expected to officially launch in the Indian market. In addition to being offered for sale on Flipkart, it will be sold on Amazon. It is anticipated that the Indian version will have comparable specs to the international version. With an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz and a 6.36-inch LTPO AMOLED (1,200x2,670 pixels) display with 460ppi pixel density, the Xiaomi 14 dual SIM (nano +e-SIM) runs on the HyperOS interface, which is based on Android 14. The screen is rated to provide up to 240Hz touch sampling rate, support for HDR10+, and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection is applied to the screen, and 3D curved glass is coated on the back. It is powered by a 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, coupled with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
Gadgets
Google is shutting down its GPay service: All you need to know
Google Pay was replaced by Google Wallet in 2022 but the service remained operational in several countries. Now, the company has decided to simplify its payment methods with its latest move.Google has announced that its Google Pay app will no longer be available starting June 4, 2024. Google Pay was replaced by Google Wallet in 2022 but the service remained operational in several countries. Now, the company has decided to simplify its payment methods with its latest move. However, the users in India and Singapore are not affected by this move as the company will continue its Google Pay service in these countries considering their unique needs. The latest announcement from the company is aimed at the U.S. version of the standalone Google Pay app. “To simplify the app experience, the U.S. version of the standalone Google Pay app will no longer be available for use starting June 4, 2024,” Google wrote in a blog post.“And for the millions of people who use the Google Pay app in India and Singapore, nothing will change as we continue to build for the unique needs in those countries,” Google adds. As a part of the process, Google will also remove peer-to-peer (P2P) payments, managing your Google Pay balance, and "find offers and deals" from the service. Users in the U.S. who were using "find offers and deals" in the GPay app can now head to new deals destination on Search, as per the company’s recommendation. Google Wallet has now replaced GPay and it has millions of users in more than 180 countries, as per the company. Google Wallet can handle credit and debit card payments and can also store transport passes, state IDs, driver's licenses, virtual car keys, and more. Google Pay service will be available through Google Wallet in the U.S. after June 4, 2024.
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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
JLR India launches Discovery Sport 2024 at Rs 67.90 lakh
JLR India today launched the Discovery Sport 2024 in the country at a starting price of Rs 67.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2024 model comes with a price cut of Rs 3.49 lakh over the 2023 model.The Discovery Sport 2024 is available in Dynamic SE with two engine options - 2.0-litre petrol (245hp and 365Nm) and 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel (201hp and 430Nm). Both engines are mated to an automatic transmission. The new Discovery Sport gets subtle exterior updates. There is a contrast roof and exterior accents, including Discovery script, grille, lower body sills and lower bumpers, all having a distinctive Gloss Black finish. There is Gloss Black front claw detailing on the bumpers and wheel arches. There are 19-inch diamond-cut alloys. The SUV also gets a new Varesine Blue exterior paint option.JLR India today launched the Discovery Sport 2024 in the country at a starting price of Rs 67.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2024 model comes with a price cut of Rs 3.49 lakh over the 2023 model. JLR India today launched the Discovery Sport 2024 in the country at a starting price of Rs 67.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2024 model comes with a price cut of Rs 3.49 lakh over the 2023 model.The new Discovery Sport gets subtle exterior updates. There is a contrast roof and exterior accents, including Discovery script, grille, lower body sills and lower bumpers, all having a distinctive Gloss Black finish. There is Gloss Black front claw detailing on the bumpers and wheel arches. There are 19-inch diamond-cut alloys. The SUV also gets a new Varesine Blue exterior paint option.You now get a digital instrument cluster and steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles as standard, while the redesigned centre console boasts a new floating 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen. The latest Pivi Pro infotainment set-up features permanently accessible sidebars, which provide shortcuts to key vehicle controls and functions, such as media, volume, climate and navigation. There is a panoramic glass roof as well.The SUV has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard and a wireless charger. A natural shadow oak trim finisher surrounds a new gear shifter. Discovery Sport Dynamic SE features DuoLeather interiors with up to two colour options.
Published 24 Jan 2024 11:24 PM
Assam govt threatening people not to join Cong yatra, says Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday alleged that Assam's BJP-led government has been threatening people against joining the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, and refusing permissions for programmes along its route.People, however, are not afraid of the BJP, Gandhi asserted at a public gathering in Biswanath Chariali, the headquarters of Biswanath district.He also said the Congress will win by a huge margin against the BJP in the upcoming elections."We don't make long speeches as part of the yatra. We travel every day for 7-8 hours, talk to delegations, meet people and listen to their issues. And then, we fight for your issues; that is the aim of this yatra."When elections come, Congress will defeat BJP by massive margins," Gandhi asserted, urging party workers to march forward despite being threatened, and beaten up, as the fight is for the people.The yatra is in its fourth day in the state, having re-entered after a night halt in Arunachal Pradesh. It is scheduled to travel through Assam till January 25, covering a total of 833 km across 17 districts.Gandhi also alleged that flags and banners of the Congress are being damaged in the state."They (government) think they can threaten the people and suppress them. But, they are not realising this is not Rahul Gandhi's yatra. It is a yatra for the voice of the people," he said."Neither Rahul Gandhi nor people of the state are afraid of them," the former Congress chief said.He continued to target Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, terming him as the most corrupt CM in the country."Everyone knows that the CM and his entire family are the most corrupt. The Assam government is run for the benefit of one family... the Congress MP alleged.He said that injustice was being done to farmers, who don't get the price for their produce, youths who don't find jobs after finishing studies and traders who bore the brunt of demonetisation and GST.
Published 24 Jan 2024 10:03 PM
Budget 2024-25: Govt may increase capex to propel economic growth
With private investment still muted, the government is likely to maintain its momentum on increasing capital expenditure, especially for the infrastructure sector in the upcoming Budget to propel economic growth.Post Covid-19, the Budget has been laying special emphasis on capex. It has kick-started a dormant cycle for the economy. As a result India has witnessed over 7 per cent growth in the last three years, the highest among the large economies of the world. During the current financial year, the government has made a record high provision of Rs 10 lakh crore towards capex. During 2020-21, the government earmarked Rs 4.39 lakh crore which increased by 35 per cent to Rs 5.54 lakh crore in the subsequent year.Another 35 per cent hike in capex was done in 2022-23 to Rs 7.5 lakh crore which subsequently reached a high of Rs 10 lakh crore, an increase of 37.4 per cent.In the upcoming Budget too, the government is expected to earmark a large amount towards capex as such investment has a multiplier effect on the economy and it also crowds in private investment."We estimate Government of India to budget for a capex of Rs 10.2 lakh crore in FY25, implying a relatively sedate YoY expansion of about 10 per cent, compared to over 20 per cent expansion seen in each of post-COVID years. The slowdown in capex growth is likely to have some bearing on economic activity and GDP growth," Icra said in its pre-Budget expectations. The capex rose by 31 per cent to Rs 5.9 lakh crore in April-November of the current fiscal (58.5 per cent of FY2024 BE) from Rs 4.5 lakh in April-November FY23 (60.7 per cent of FY23 Prov).While the growth remained high, capital spending contracted in October 2023 (-14.9 per cent; first instance of contraction since April 2023) and then rose by a marginal 1.6 per cent in November 2023. Moreover, it has averaged at Rs 73,210 crore/month, 12.2 per cent lower than the required monthly average of Rs 83,400 crore to meet the budgeted target of Rs 10 lakh crore.India is a hugely infra deficit country and heavy lifting in this regard is being done by the government which crowds in private investment. With the growth in the economy, there has been a pick-up in private investment in recent times in some of the sectors like steel, cement and petroleum sector.According to Emkay Global Financial Services head research Seshadri Sen, capex by the government would continue and it will happen at a faster pace.The capex would help unlock the virtuous cycle. Investment leading to productivity growth, job creation, demand and exports feed into each other and enable animal spirits in the economy to thrive.
Published 24 Jan 2024 10:02 PM
Sensex, Nifty tick higher after a 3-day drop; IRFC, Network 18 jump up to 5%
The 30-share BSE Sensex surged 635 points or 0.89 per cent to trade at 71,822, while the NSE Nifty was up 169 points or 0.79 per cent to trade at 21,631. Indian equity benchmarks were up in Friday's early trade following a three-day losing streak, led by gains across all sectors. The 30-share BSE Sensex surged 635 points or 0.89 per cent to trade at 71,822, while the NSE Nifty was up 169 points or 0.79 per cent to trade at 21,631. Broader markets (mid- and small-cap shares) were positive as Nifty Midcap 100 rose 0.83 per cent and small-cap gained 0.95 per cent. On the global front, Asian markets opened higher, tracking an overnight rise in Wall Street equities.Back home, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold Rs 9,901.56 crore worth of shares on a net basis during the previous session, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought Rs 5,977.12 crore worth of shares, exchange data showed. All the 15 sector gauges -- compiled by the NSE -- were trading in the green. Sub-indexes Nifty Financial Services and Nifty IT were outperforming the NSE platform by rising as much as 1.01 per cent and 1.22 per cent, respectively.On the stock-specific front, Tech Mahindra was the top gainer in the Nifty pack as the stock soared 2.74 per cent to trade at Rs 1,392.3. Wipro, Coal India, HCL Tech and TCS rose up to 1.92 per cent. In contrast, IndusInd Bank was the top loser on Nifty50. The overall market breadth was strong as 2,411 shares were advancing while 400 were declining on BSE.On the 30-share BSE index, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Infosys, TCS, Axis Bank, ITC, L&T, Airtel and Titan were among the top gainers.Also, BSE 500 stocks such as IRFC, Network18, Home First Finance, IndiaMART, Poonawalla Fincorp, HUDCO and ITI moved up to 5.33 per cent higher. On the other hand, Shoppers Stop, Metro Brands, Dixon Technologies, Polycab India, ZEE, Cholamandalam Finance and Alembic Pharma slipped up to 3.78 per cent.
Published 24 Jan 2024 10:02 PM
Paytm Credit Card on UPI enables effortless daily transactions like payments on grocery stores, chai shops
With just a smartphone, users can easily make UPI payments via credit cards on the Paytm app, powered by Paytm Payments Bank. The convenience of digital transactions have become a fundamental aspect of our daily lives in today’s fast paced world. One such transformative force in the digital payment landscape is the integration of UPI payments through credit cards on the Paytm app. Making small payments of ₹10 to ₹100 bucks through credit at your nearby Kirana stores or a local chai shop or even a chat shop has evolved into the ultimate and convenient payment method for users. This groundbreaking feature offers users the convenience of utilizing credit for routine payments, eliminating the need to rely solely on savings accounts and carrying the card everywhere. With just a smartphone, users can easily make UPI payments via credit cards on the Paytm app, powered by Paytm Payments Bank. Users simply need to link their Rupay Credit Card to UPI through a straightforward process with quick and easy steps. The Credit Card on UPI feature allows users to scan merchant QR codes, allowing them to earn reward points with every transaction.With millions of merchants now accepting payments via credit cards on UPI, this can have a significant impact on the payment landscape. This integration of RuPay Credit Cards on UPI not only expands credit card usage for customers but also supports merchants in the credit ecosystem through assets like QR codes. The increasing acceptance of RuPay credit cards on UPI contributes to financial inclusion, benefiting merchants and businesses across India. Paytm Payments Bank remains at the forefront of innovation, driving the adoption of UPI payments with credit cards, and envisions a future where this technology reshapes the dynamics of the payment ecosystem in India.
Published 24 Jan 2024 10:01 PM
Delhi-NCR stays in fog grip: Many trains, flights delayed, no respite till Jan 21
Dense to very dense fog and cold day to severe cold day conditions are likely to continue to prevail over North for the next 2 days (Jan 21) and then decrease in intensity.Fog update: Respite will have to wait for several parts of North India reeling under chilling cold wave conditions along with dense fog that has disrupted rail and air traffic for the past few weeks. Maximum temperatures have dropped below normal by 5-8 degrees Celsius since December. There was a brief respite on January 7 and 8, owing to a passing western disturbance but cold conditions returned from January 9. Dense to very dense fog and cold day to severe cold day conditions are likely to continue to prevail over North for the next 2 days (Jan 21) and then decrease in intensity. Cold wave and dense fog conditions are likely to prevail over Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, according to the forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD)."Dense to very dense fog at a few places in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand," the weather department said."Cold day to severe cold day conditions at a few places in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Haryana. Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions at a few places in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and at isolated places in Himanchal Pradesh. Ground frost at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand," it added. The early-morning foggy weather in Delhi and adjoining areas has significantly impacted road, rail, and air traffic over the past several days. On Friday, at least 22 trains from various parts of the country were running late, and several flight operations were delayed at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport due to low visibility amid the fog.According to the weather department, minimum temperatures are in the range of 3-6 degrees Celsius over many parts of Punjab and some parts of Haryana-Chandigarh; in the range of 7-10 degrees Celsius over most parts of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, north Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.These are below normal by 1 degree to 3 degrees Celsius over many parts of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi and West Uttar Pradesh and in isolated pockets of Rajasthan.
Published 24 Jan 2024 10:00 PM
Removing layers: Sundar Pichai hints at more layoffs at Google in 2024
A day after laying off around 1,000 employees, Google chief executive officer (CEO) Sundar Pichai, on Wednesday, hinted towards more job cuts in the year ahead, The Verge reported. Terming it as part of a larger restructuring plan, Pichai, in an internal memo to Google employees, said, "We have ambitious goals and will be investing in our big priorities this year…the reality is that to create the capacity for this investment, we have to make tough choices."Referring to the "tough decisions", Pichai further said in the memo, "These role eliminations are not at the scale of last year's reductions and will not touch every team. His remark referenced Google's 2023 layoffs when the tech giant fired about 12,000 employees, the biggest layoff in the company's history in a single year.According to the report, Pichai said the layoffs this year were about "removing layers to simplify execution and drive velocity in some areas."Pichai's communication followed a day after Google handed pink slips to around 1,000 employees in the advertising sales team in the first layoff wave of 2024. The company said the eligible employees would receive severance pay. It also offered that the impacted employees may re-apply for open positions in other departments. However, it clarified that those unable to secure a position at the company would be required to exit by April. The developments followed about a week after Google had announced that it would lay off hundreds of people working on its voice-activated Google Assistant software and the company's Devices and Services team.Apart from Google, Jeff Bezos' Amazon also announced last week that it would fire several hundred employees in its streaming and studio operations.Neither company has specified the exact number of job role cuts they are planning in 2024.
Published 24 Jan 2024 09:58 PM
HDFC seeks Singapore bank licence to open its 1st branch in the country
HDFC Bank Ltd, India’s biggest private sector lender, is seeking to open its first branch in Singapore, signaling its overseas ambitions after sewing up a landmark merger with mortgage financier Housing Development Finance Corp. last year. The bank has applied to the Monetary Authority of Singapore for a banking licence and is awaiting approval, according to sources familiar with the matter. It is not clear what kind of banking licence HDFC Bank is seeking in Singapore, said one of the people, who declined to be identified as the information is confidential.The banking giant is seeking a bigger presence abroad to tap the Indian diaspora for savings and term deposits, as well as to cross-sell more products, including mortgages, the people said. At home, HDFC has been focusing on deepening its reach in the world’s most populous country through loans to retail customers. HDFC Bank did not respond to an email seeking comment. “As a matter of policy, MAS does not comment on our dealings with financial institutions,” according to a spokesperson from the Singapore regulator.Singapore, with a population of almost 6 million people, houses a large India diaspora. About 650,000 non-resident and persons of Indian origin live in the city-state, according to Indian government data.HDFC Bank is currently not licenced or regulated by the MAS, according to its website. It only provides home loans-related advisory services for the purchase of properties in India, the website states. The categories of banking licences in Singapore encompass full banks, qualifying full banks and wholesale banks, which impose varying levels of restrictions on the lenders’ activities. State Bank of India and ICICI Bank Ltd. hold qualifying full banking licences, alongside eight other banks like Bank of China Ltd. and BNP Paribas SA. Such licences are open only to foreign banks and allow them to have additional branches and/or off-premise ATMs as well as to share ATMs among themselves, according to the Association of Banks in Singapore’s website.The MAS regulates and supervises more than 150 deposit-taking institutions in Singapore, ranging from full banks to finance companies, according to its website. Besides Singapore, HDFC Bank also has presence in markets like London, Hong Kong and Bahrain. The India bank has a total customer base of 93 million at the end of the December quarter compared with 91 million in the preceding three-month period, according to an investor presentation.
Published 24 Jan 2024 09:58 PM
Sensex slips for 3rd day, dips 314 pts; OFSS up 27%, LTIMindtree tanks 11%
Intraday, the Nifty witnessed a pullback from the support zone of 21,820 – 21,300, which is likely to continue over the next few trading sessions. On the upside, the counter-trend pullback can extend till 21,600 – 21,650 where resistance in the form of the 20-day moving average is placed.In terms of levels, 21,550 – 21,570 is the immediate hurdle zone while 21,350 – 21,300 is the crucial support zone. Bank Nifty has reached the 161.82% Fibonacci extension level 45,768, which also coincides with the 20-week moving average making the zone of 45,800 – 45,600 a crucial support zone.Until this is not breached on the downside, we can expect the recovery to continue. On the upside, the pullback can come till 46,400 – 46,600.Views by: Jatin Gedia – Technical Research Analyst at Sharekhan by BNP Paribas. The benchmark indices exhibited recovery from the day’s low and ended in red amid weak global cues, as investors are trimming bets on rapid FED cuts due to strong US retail sales and the resulting rise in global bond yields.Furthermore, oil price advances and rate escalation risks have led to disruptions in global shipping and crude production.The broader market continued its selling pressure given the elevated valuation and profit booking with an aim for sector rotation.Indian snacks maker Haldiram's is in talks to acquire a majority stake in Prataap Snacks, which is valued at $350 million, to expand its presence in the potato chip market, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said.The talks are at an early stage and a valuation has not been discussed, though it could be at a premium to Prataap's stock price.Haldiram's is eyeing a majority stake of at least 51%, but a final number has not been decided, said the sources.
Published 24 Jan 2024 09:57 PM
Adani stocks found buyers in Indias retail investors during Hindenburg row
India’s retail investors piled into Adani Group companies as their shares cratered in the wake of the Hindenburg Research’s scathing report last January. A year later, they’re still keeping the faith. Individual holdings in nine of the group’s 10 stocks at the end of December are higher than they were before the short-seller’s attack on the conglomerate, exchange data compiled by Bloomberg show. The group’s market value has increased by more than $60 billion since late November, and is just $50 billion away from erasing the losses spurred by Hindenburg’s report. The recovery likely rewarded retail investors who used the selloff as a buying opportunity. “Many of the retail investors came in after the crash,” said Chakri Lokapriya, managing director at Mumbai-based asset manager RedStrawBerry LLP and former fund manager at BNP Paribas Asset Management. “They have exhibited a sense of maturity to hold on given that infrastructure companies take longer to realize their earnings potential.” While foreign investors, insurance companies and high-networth individuals pared their holdings in various group entities in 2023, the number of retail investors — those with at least Rs 2,00,000 ($2,411) to invest — jumped 42 per cent to 6.7 million in Adani companies, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Hindenburg’s allegations of stock manipulation and fraud, repeatedly denied by the group, had wiped off more than $150 billion from its market value at one point. Billions of dollars in investments from marquee funds including GQG Partners LLC, and more recently, an observation from India’s top court that it won’t take media reports on Adani as the “gospel truth,” has renewed investor confidence in the group stocks. To be sure, retail shareholding in the flagship Adani Enterprises Ltd. and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. fell from the levels reached at the end of March 2023, as the rally likely prompted some investors to book gains. “Retail investors who bought into these stocks definitely made money,” said Ambareesh Baliga, an independent market expert. “But when you are buying momentum stocks, you should book profits from time to time.”
Published 24 Jan 2024 09:56 PM
