India News & Trends


Social Panga to Handle Social Media for Neo by Nippon Paint
Neo by Nippon Paint has appointed Social Panga as its official social media agency. The collaboration aims to strengthen Neo’s presence across digital platforms and connect more directly with its target audience. Social Panga will be responsible for creating and managing content, developing social media strategies, and enhancing engagement across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The agency brings experience in handling campaigns for brands in the lifestyle and home improvement sectors. Neo, a brand under Nippon Paint, focuses on products for the modern consumer, offering a range of solutions tailored to today’s design and functional needs. This move is part of its broader push to build a stronger identity and stay relevant in a competitive market. Speaking about the partnership, both teams expressed confidence in their shared vision and strategy. Social Panga aims to translate Neo’s brand values into digital conversations that reflect the brand’s tone and connect meaningfully with its followers.
Published 11 Jul 2025 05:02 PM


The Revanth government awarded Allu Arjun the Gaddar award months after he was arrested in the Pushpa 2 stampede case.
In relation to a case involving the death of a lady in a stampede at Hyderabad's Sandhya theater during the premiere of his film Pushpa 2, Arjun was taken into custody last December.Arjun will formally receive the first "Best Leading Actor" award at a later time for his role in the highly successful sequel Pushpa 2: The Rule, which brought in an estimated Rs 1,800 crore at the box office worldwide.Arjun's prize comes months after he was temporarily detained and arrested by Telangana police, who blamed him and others for the stampede that occurred on December 4 at the film's premiere at the Sandhya theater in this city. In the midst of controversy surrounding the death of 39-year-old M. Revathi in the stampede and the severe injuries sustained by her 9-year-old son, the arrest was announced on December 13. On the eve of the release, Arjun went to the renowned Sandhya theater to support his admirers, and Revathi's family of four attended to see the Pushpa-2 premiere event. As the opposition BRS and BJP denounced "the arrest of a national award winner," particularly the way it was executed, the police action took a political turn. In an X post at the time, Telangana BJP politician and Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay wrote, "...lifting national award-winning actor Allu Arjun straight out of his bedroom without even giving him time to change is a disgraceful act of mismanagement and disrespect."The police action took a political turn when the opposition BRS and BJP condemned "the arrest of a national award winner," especially the manner in which it was carried out. Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs and Telangana BJP politician Bandi Sanjay remarked in an X post at the time, "...lifting national award-winning actor Allu Arjun straight out of his bedroom without even giving him time to change is a disgraceful act of mismanagement and disrespect."
Published 31 May 2025 08:00 PM


In a High Court case, Adman Sandeep Goyal wants the government to control surrogate advertisements.
In order to stop surrogate advertising, Sandeep Goyal has petitioned the Punjab and Haryana High Court for a government-led oversight agency. He contends that deceptive advertising of things that are prohibited, such as alcohol and tobacco, cannot be addressed by the self-regulation that is in place at the moment. By acknowledging the issue and sending letters to the appropriate authorities, the court has signaled the start of an important legal discussion over advertising control.The nation is experiencing a health catastrophe as a result of young people developing early alcohol and tobacco addictions. According to the petition, "it is argued that the commercials, which feature well-known celebrities to promote their product, not only encourage the use of alcohol and tobacco but also validate their use through the glamorous representation of these products. "The petition highlights how ineffectual the present self-regulatory frameworks—such as the Advertising Standards Council of India's (ASCI)—are at preventing deceptive advertising. Goyal demands a stronger regulatory framework run by the government to monitor advertising material.Goyal argues that current redressal procedures are not quick to offset the immediate effects of these advertisements, which continue to reach sizable audiences before any kind of regulation is implemented. Additionally, he cites Supreme Court and high court rulings advocating for more stringent regulatory monitoring in the advertising industry.
Published 31 May 2025 07:43 PM


Neelam Kothari Soni, Masaba Gupta, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Rohan Joshi are also featured in the movie.
Neelam Kothari Soni, Masaba Gupta, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Rohan Joshi are also featured in the movie. For the impending End of Reason Sale (EORS), Myntra has released their newest ad, which features a gorgeous cast and a humorous twist.The story, which is set in a stylized living room, centers on a fictitious intervention that Johar's friends conduct, during which they first chastise him for using coupons to purchase. As each of them is ultimately influenced by the sale's offerings, the scenario swiftly becomes comical. With EORS scheduled to begin on May 31, the movie centers on Myntra's claims of the "Lowest Price Guaranteed" and cashback incentives."With each edition of EORS, our goal is not just to deliver unmatched value but to redefine how India experiences fashion," stated Kejal Parekh, Associate Director, Marketing, Myntra, while describing the intentions of the campaign. By bringing together well-known individuals in an entertaining and unusual atmosphere that reflects how our customers interact with fashion today, we wanted to achieve something genuinely novel for the 22nd edition.
Published 27 May 2025 08:55 PM


N Venu is appointed Managing Director of Hitachi India.
According to Hitachi India, N Venu will take over as the company's new Managing Director (MD) on June 2, 2025. This significant change in leadership comes when Bharat Kaushal was promoted to Executive Chairman of Hitachi India, effective April 1, 2025.According to Hitachi India, N Venu will take over as the company's new Managing Director (MD) on June 2, 2025. This significant change in leadership comes when Bharat Kaushal was promoted to Executive Chairman of Hitachi India, effective April 1, 2025.The advancement of Bharat Kaushal Hitachi India's first Indian MD was Bharat Kaushal. He has now been elevated to Hitachi India's Executive Chairman position. He works for Hitachi Ltd. as a corporate officer as well. His guidance has been crucial to Hitachi's expansion in India. N Venu's Present Positions N Venu currently occupies significant positions inside the organization. He serves as both the region head for Hitachi Energy in South Asia and the managing director and CEO of Hitachi Energy India. He will assume the additional duty of serving as MD of Hitachi India starting in June 2025.Put Growth and Innovation First In his capacity as MD, N Venu will support Hitachi's growth in India. His objective is to back Hitachi's new management strategy, "Inspire 2027," which emphasizes innovation and growth via digital technology. In order to increase value for customers, he would also try to unite the approximately 28 Hitachi group entities in India. The Vision of Hitachi for India India is a crucial business destination for Hitachi. The business is expanding in sectors like energy, digital services, railroads, financial inclusion, healthcare, and education. Venu's hiring demonstrates Hitachi's strong commitment to making India a significant component of its worldwide business, according to Bharat Kaushal.Venu's History and Accomplishments N Venu has worked for nearly 40 years. Since 2019, he has served as Hitachi Energy's leader in India, accelerating the company's expansion. In 2024–2025, he also held the position of Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Karnataka Chapter. Venu attended NIT Warangal to study electrical engineering. He also attended the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad, IIM Ahmedabad, and IMD in Switzerland to study management.
Published 31 May 2025 08:01 PM


Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Limited (KSDL) has named Tamannaah Bhatia as a brand ambassador.
Actress Tamannaah Bhatia has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Limited (KSDL), a well-known state-owned enterprise, for a two-year term. The goal of this program is to increase KSDL's market reach in India and abroad while also increasing its visibility among younger consumers.Renowned actress Tamannaah Bhatia has been named the two-year brand ambassador for Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Limited (KSDL), a century-old state-owned company. This calculated action seeks to increase KSDL's appeal and exposure among younger consumers while broadening its national and international reach. On May 22, 2025, Karnataka's Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil made the news, emphasizing Tamannaah's widespread appeal and robust online presence throughout India. As KSDL starts a strategic transition to increase brand value, penetrate new markets, and connect with a younger, wider audience, this appointment comes at a critical juncture. With more than 28 million followers on social media and widespread popularity throughout India, Tamannaah is a perfect fit to embody KSDL's fusion of tradition and modern appeal. The action demonstrates KSDL's intention to use celebrity endorsements as a component of its larger marketing and growth plan.
Published 27 May 2025 09:05 PM


The Manipur High Court's Chief Justice is Justice K. Somashekar.
The President of India has chosen Justice K. Somashekar, a former member of the Karnataka High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court. This ruling reflects the Supreme Court collegium's recommendation and comes after Justice D. Krishnakumar's planned retirement.The appointment of Justice Kempaiah Somashekar, a Karnataka High Court judge, as the new Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court is a noteworthy legal move. Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar will retire on May 21, 2025, and this appointment comes after his retirement. More than thirty years of judicial experience and legal service throughout Karnataka are brought to the table by Justice Somashekar. Only a few days after a Supreme Court collegium headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai endorsed his name, Justice K. Somashekar's promotion to Chief Justice of Manipur High Court was formally announced on May 20, 2025. The appointment and recommendation cover the void left by Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar's retirement.He added, "The President of India, after consulting with the Chief Justice of India, is pleased to appoint Justice Kempaiah Somashekar, Judge of the Karnataka High Court, as Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court in exercise of the power conferred by the Constitution of India." The appointment was made a few days after a three-member collegium led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai recommended it due to incumbent Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar's May 21 retirement. In December of last year, Justice Krishnakumar was named chief justice of the High Court.
Published 22 May 2025 04:29 PM

In a bureaucratic reorganization, Sanjeev Ranjan was appointed road transport secretary.
New Delhi: According to a personnel ministry order, senior IAS official Sanjeev Ranjan has been appointed secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), as part of a top-level bureaucratic reorganization carried out by the federal government. Ranjan is currently the chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and was a Tripura-bred IAS officer in 1985. He has been designated as a MoRTH officer on special duty.According to the decision, Yudhvir Singh Malik will be superannuated by the end of this month, and Ranjan will assume the position of MoRTH secretary on April 1, 2019. Ranjan will be replaced as the new head of the NHAI by Nagendra Nath Sinha. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation's managing director is N.N. Sinha. He will also continue to be in charge of this position.Rakesh Srivastava, who is scheduled to superannuate on March 31, will be replaced as secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development by Rabindra Panwar. Until Srivastava retires, Panwar, a special secretary and financial adviser in the Ministry of Home Affairs, will serve as OSD in the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Panwar will be replaced at the Home Ministry as special secretary and financial adviser by Bhupendra Singh, chairman of the National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention.Anant Kumar Singh, who retires at the end of this month, will be replaced as secretary of the Department of Land Resources by senior bureaucrat Ruolkhumlein Buhril. Buhril is the secretary of the Home Ministry's Inter State Council Secretariat. He will assume the position of OSD at the Ministry of Rural Development's Department of Land Resources.The National Archives of India's director general will be P. Venkata Ramesh Babu, a senior IAS officer. Babu now serves as Rural Electrification Corporation Ltd.'s chairman and managing director. Rajni Sekhri Sibal, who is now an additional secretary in the Home Ministry, will serve as the secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare's Department of Fisheries. The Medical Council of India has nominated Rakesh Kumar Vats as its secretary general. He currently serves as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's supplementary secretary and financial adviser.Vats will be replaced by Dharmendra S. Gangwar as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's additional secretary and financial adviser. Gangwar holds the same position in the Ministry of Culture. Braj Raj Sharma, a Jammu and Kashmir cadre IAS official, will serve as secretary of the Home Ministry's Department of Border Management. He works in the same department as the special secretary.
Published 21 May 2025 05:32 PM


“Software Was Faulty”: Baba Ramdev’s Take on Shefali Jariwala's Death Upsets Fans
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has drawn criticism online following his remarks on the sudden death of actress Shefali Jariwala. In a recent interview, he said, "The hardware was fine, but the software was faulty," referring to her internal health. His comment, made during a discussion on lifestyle and health, was seen by many as insensitive, especially so soon after the news of her passing. Shefali Jariwala, known for her role in the music video "Kaanta Laga," reportedly died of a sudden cardiac arrest at her Mumbai home. While investigations are ongoing, it has been reported that she was undergoing anti-aging IV treatments and had recently started fasting for religious reasons. Her unexpected death has sparked conversations about wellness practices and their long-term effects. Following Ramdev’s comments, many users on social media reacted strongly. Some accused him of using the moment to promote his views on natural living, while others asked him to show more compassion. Phrases like "Stop this nonsense" and "Let her rest in peace" were commonly echoed in the responses. Ramdev later clarified that he was trying to highlight the dangers of modern health trends that focus on external appearance rather than overall well-being. He suggested that people are increasingly overloading their bodies with supplements and treatments without understanding the consequences. His point was that even people who appear healthy can have underlying issues if their lifestyle isn't balanced.
Published 04 Jul 2025 03:03 PM


Ramayana Teaser: Ranbir is Ram, Yash is Ravan
The first teaser for Ramayana, Nitesh Tiwari’s much-anticipated retelling of the classic epic, is out now. It offers a brief look at Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Yash as Ravan—each bringing very different energy to their roles. Ranbir appears composed and steady, while Yash, as the fierce Ravan, makes a powerful impression. The teaser doesn’t reveal much of the story, but its dramatic visuals and grand scale suggest something big is on the way. What’s catching viewers' attention, beyond the cast, is the look and feel of the teaser. With moody lighting, stark battle sequences, and a weighty tone, many are drawing comparisons to Game of Thrones. Even the way the credits roll seems inspired by the fantasy series. With Sai Pallavi reportedly playing Sita, and a strong supporting cast expected, Ramayana aims to blend tradition with a modern cinematic approach. The teaser has already sparked a wave of curiosity—and some debate—on how this retelling will balance faith, fiction, and visual storytelling.
Published 04 Jul 2025 01:08 PM


Box Office Early Update: Housefull 5 Nears ₹175 Crore Mark, Set to Overtake Raid 2
Akshay Kumar's Housefull 5 continues its steady performance at the box office. On its second Tuesday, the film benefited from discounted ticket prices — a strategy repeated by the makers to draw weekday audiences — resulting in a moderate increase in collections. According to early estimates, the film earned between ₹4 crore and ₹4.5 crore on day 12, marking a growth of 5–18% from Monday’s ₹3.8 crore. With these numbers, the film's total domestic collection is now expected to be in the range of ₹170.49 crore to ₹170.99 crore. At this pace, Housefull 5 is likely to surpass the lifetime earnings of Raid 2 (₹177.83 crore) within the next two days, positioning it as the second highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2025. Housefull5 Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, the film has shown consistent performance since its release, and all eyes are now on whether it can maintain momentum heading into its third week.
Published 18 Jun 2025 07:48 AM


The Revanth government awarded Allu Arjun the Gaddar award months after he was arrested in the Pushpa 2 stampede case.
In relation to a case involving the death of a lady in a stampede at Hyderabad's Sandhya theater during the premiere of his film Pushpa 2, Arjun was taken into custody last December.Arjun will formally receive the first "Best Leading Actor" award at a later time for his role in the highly successful sequel Pushpa 2: The Rule, which brought in an estimated Rs 1,800 crore at the box office worldwide.Arjun's prize comes months after he was temporarily detained and arrested by Telangana police, who blamed him and others for the stampede that occurred on December 4 at the film's premiere at the Sandhya theater in this city. In the midst of controversy surrounding the death of 39-year-old M. Revathi in the stampede and the severe injuries sustained by her 9-year-old son, the arrest was announced on December 13. On the eve of the release, Arjun went to the renowned Sandhya theater to support his admirers, and Revathi's family of four attended to see the Pushpa-2 premiere event. As the opposition BRS and BJP denounced "the arrest of a national award winner," particularly the way it was executed, the police action took a political turn. In an X post at the time, Telangana BJP politician and Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay wrote, "...lifting national award-winning actor Allu Arjun straight out of his bedroom without even giving him time to change is a disgraceful act of mismanagement and disrespect."The police action took a political turn when the opposition BRS and BJP condemned "the arrest of a national award winner," especially the manner in which it was carried out. Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs and Telangana BJP politician Bandi Sanjay remarked in an X post at the time, "...lifting national award-winning actor Allu Arjun straight out of his bedroom without even giving him time to change is a disgraceful act of mismanagement and disrespect."
Published 31 May 2025 08:00 PM


RBI Can Still Cut Rates Despite Neutral Stance, Says Governor Malhotra
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra has clarified that the central bank’s current “neutral” policy stance should not be misunderstood as a signal that interest rates cannot be reduced. Speaking to reporters, Malhotra explained that neutrality gives the RBI flexibility—it can raise or lower rates depending on how inflation and the broader economy behave. “There seems to be a misconception that a neutral stance only allows us to hold or hike rates,” Malhotra said. “That’s not the case. We can cut rates if the situation demands.” His remarks come at a time when markets and analysts are closely watching for signs of a rate cut amid easing inflation and global monetary shifts. Since February 2023, the RBI has maintained interest rates, focusing on controlling inflation while monitoring economic growth. Recently, inflation has slowed, increasing expectations that a rate cut might encourage borrowing and investment without exacerbating inflation. Malhotra stressed that the RBI remains data-driven and won’t rush into decisions. “We will act based on incoming data. Our primary goal is to maintain stability while supporting sustainable growth,” he said. This balanced approach, he added, is what the neutral stance is meant to reflect. In short, while the RBI hasn’t cut rates yet, it’s keeping the door open. The message is clear: flexibility is key, and decisions will be shaped by how the economy performs in the coming months.
Published 15 Jul 2025 04:08 PM


The NIFTY50 hovers above 22,800, the SENSEX jumps 1,131 points, and the whole market shines as well.
The NIFTY50 and SENSEX both ended the day at their one-month high. For the first time since February 21, 2025, the 50-share NIFTY 50 index surpassed the 22,800 level. Additionally, the BSE SENSEX leveled off above 75,000.Tuesday, March 18, saw a 1.5% increase in the Indian stock market due to strong buying in the financial and metals sectors and outperformance by the overall market. The encouraging global cues also improved market sentiment. The NIFTY50 and SENSEX both ended the day at their one-month high. For the first time since February 21, 2025, the 50-share NIFTY 50 index surpassed the 22,800 level. Additionally, the BSE SENSEX leveled off above 75,000. The NSE's NIFTY50 index closed 325.55 points, or 1.45%, higher at the 22,834.30 level, while the S&P BSE SENSEX closed at 75,301.26, up 1,131.31 points, or 1.53%. Out of the 3,016 equities that were traded on the NSE, 2,288 scrips rose, indicating that the market attitude continued in favor of bulls. At the end of the day, the smallcap and midcap indices both saw gains of nearly 2.8%. On Tuesday, all sectoral measures ended the day higher.Investors are also anticipating updates about tariffs and the US Fed's interest rate decision.
Published 18 Mar 2025 06:09 PM


How have portfolio managers performed in terms of returns when comparing mutual funds and PMS?
Current Market News Live Updates for Today: Watch the market wrap-up for today! Follow the fluctuations of the Sensex and Nifty 50, as well as the top winners and losers. See which sectors drove the growth (or drop) and how the US and Asian markets performed. Summary: For up-to-date information on your favorite businesses, follow Mint's market blog. This blog provides you with up-to-date information about global markets and Dalal Street.Late September 2024 saw the top of the Indian equity market, with many large-, mid-, and small-cap companies reaching all-time highs. But ever since, the market has been in a gloomy mood as investor morale has been affected by headwinds including high valuations, a slowdown in profitability, uncertainties around international trade, etc. As of February 21, 2025, the BSE Sensex has down 12.2%, the BSE Midcap has fallen 18.6%, and the BSE Smallcap index has fallen 20.5% from its peak.Based on 5-month returns, NAV decreases of 4–26% have been recorded for equity mutual funds across all categories as a result of the market's severe downturn.
Published 01 Mar 2025 07:41 PM


Highlights of the Budget and Economic Survey: As the budget session starts, FM Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Indian economy report.
Highlights of the Budget and Economic Survey: On January 31, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the Economic Survey, which examines the Indian economy, governmental policies, and prospects for the future. It discusses socioeconomic problems including poverty and education as well as macroeconomic performance.Highlights of the Budget and Economic Survey: On January 31, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the Economic Survey to Parliament, which will include a thorough examination of the Indian economy with an emphasis on a few important areas. Economic Survey: What Is It? The Indian economy's performance, governmental policies, and prospects for the next fiscal year are all summarized in the Economic Survey. It is separated into two sections: Part A examines economic performance, focusing on fiscal trends and macroeconomic statistics, while Part B discusses socioeconomic concerns like poverty, education, climate change, and the prospects for GDP growth, inflation, and trade.The Economic Survey is created by whom? The Department of Economic Affairs' economic section, led by Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran, prepares the Economic Survey. The Economic Survey will be presented by whom? One day prior to the budget speech, on January 31, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the Economic Survey to the Parliament.
Published 31 Jan 2025 10:22 PM


Indian Railways Launches 'RailOne': A One-Stop App for All Train Travelers
Indian Railways has launched RailOne, a new all-in-one mobile app designed to make train travel easier, faster, and more convenient for passengers across the country. Instead of juggling multiple apps for booking tickets, tracking trains, ordering food, or filing complaints, travelers can now do it all in one place. Available for free on Android and iOS, the app has been developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and brings together key services previously spread across different platforms like IRCTC, UTS, Rail Madad, and NTES. RailOne allows users to book both reserved and unreserved tickets, buy platform tickets and monthly passes, check PNR status, track live train movement, find coach positions, and order food directly to their seat. It also offers a journey planner, digital wallet (R-Wallet) for payments, and a built-in complaint and refund system. What makes the app especially user-friendly is the option to log in with your IRCTC or UTS credentials—or simply use an OTP as a guest, which is ideal for occasional travelers or those unfamiliar with railway apps. One of the app's biggest strengths is its clean and intuitive interface. Whether you're a daily commuter or someone planning a long-distance journey, you can find everything in one place without needing tech expertise. A standout feature is the new R-Wallet, a digital wallet built into the app that lets you pay securely and even gives a small discount on certain bookings. RailOne also supports multiple Indian languages and has a clean, user-friendly design, making it accessible for a wide range of users, regardless of their familiarity with technology. Overall, RailOne feels like a much-needed upgrade in how we interact with Indian Railways. It’s convenient, comprehensive, and built with real-world travel needs in mind. Whether you're planning a long journey or just heading to work, this app is a simple way to stay connected to everything you need—without the clutter. While the app is still fresh and may face a few technical hiccups, Indian Railways is actively working to smooth out the experience. They’re also rolling out a powerful new backend system that can handle heavy booking traffic, set to be fully in place by the end of 2025. This means faster response times and fewer delays when booking tickets or checking train status. The RailOne app marks a big step forward in simplifying train travel in India, offering passengers a smoother, smarter, and more connected experience. If you travel by train often—or even just once in a while—RailOne is worth checking out. From booking tickets and tracking your train to grabbing a meal en route or filing a complaint, this app is built to save time and reduce hassle, all from your phone.
Published 02 Jul 2025 06:02 PM


To accelerate development, PM Modi calls on states to cooperate with the center.
Punjab laments "step motherly treatment," T.N. demands a larger portion of Central tax income, and the PM encourages States to create world-class tourism destinations and incorporate women into the workforce at the Niti Aayog Governing Council meeting.Some States, including Tamil Nadu and Punjab, complained to the Center while others offered proposals to accelerate their growth, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for the States to unite with the Center to accelerate national development.Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong case for cooperative federalism on Saturday, emphasizing the value of coordinated action between the federal government and the states. He said that no goal is impossible when India works as "Team India." The Prime Minister, who chaired the 10th meeting of Niti Aayog's Governing Council, emphasized the importance of accelerating development efforts in order to achieve a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047. The purpose of the gathering, which had as its topic "Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047," was to synchronize national and state developmental goals. "Every Indian aspires to Viksit Bharat. Bharat will be Viksit once all the states are Viksit. Prime Minister Modi stated, "This is what its 140 crore citizens want."The chief ministers of every state, lieutenant governors of Union Territories, and a number of Union ministers make up the Governing Council, the highest authority within Niti Aayog. The Prime Minister promoted a bottom-up approach to development while serving as the council's head. "Our goal should be to make every state, city, Nagar Palika, and hamlet viksit. We won't have to wait till 2047 to achieve Viksit Bharat if we continue along these lines," he continued.He suggested that every state choose and create at least one internationally renowned tourism destination with all the amenities and infrastructure of today. "One State: One Worldwide Location." The Prime Minister pointed out that it will also result in the growth of nearby cities as tourism destinations.He called for an emphasis on creating "future-ready cities" with development driven by growth, innovation, and sustainability, acknowledging the rapid rate of urbanization in India. In addition, the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of boosting women's employment. He stated that in order for them to be politely included into the labor, rules and procedures must be created.
Published 28 May 2025 07:55 PM


Why the Madhya Pradesh Congress has targeted Shivraj Chouhan's stronghold in order to implement changes
Beginning with the district of Vidisha, the Madhya Pradesh Congress has begun what it describes as its most comprehensive organizational reorganization exercise in decades. In order to restore the party's grassroots presence following a string of election setbacks in the state, the plan creates a new level of panchayat and ward-level committees.This new organizational model has chosen Vidisha as a test project, and if it works, it will be used in all 52 Madhya Pradesh districts. This is part of the state Congress's larger proposal to declare 2025 a year of "organizational renaissance."One and a half years have passed after the Congress' disastrous performance in the 2023 state Assembly elections, in which it only managed to get 66 of 230 seats. With 163 seats, the BJP won a resounding majority and was able to hold onto power for another term. Following this, the Congress was overwhelmingly defeated in the state's 2024 Lok Sabha elections, losing 29 seats—including the Vidisha seat—at the hands of the BJP.
Published 27 May 2025 09:06 PM


Lower bond purchase amounts are accepted by RBI in the first FY26 OMO auction.
Mumbai: Despite market participants' attempts to sell assets worth twice the publicized offer on the table, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) accepted a lower-than-notified sum to buy bonds during its open market operations on Monday. This most likely means that the central bank is content with the liquidity as it stands right now.At this OMO, the RBI received bids totaling ₹19,203 crore, which was less than the ₹25,000 crore notified amount. Bids of ₹50,369 crore were received by RBI. The RBI has accepted a smaller amount in this first FY26 OMO auction. The actions taken by the RBI have improved system liquidity. The auction on Monday included government notes with maturities in 2029, 2032, 2033, 2034, and 2036. On Monday, the 10-year benchmark yield ended the day at 6.24%. "For the semi-liquid 20, the auction cut-off prices were nearly in line with market levels."It seems that the majority of HTM stock that might be sold in OMOs has either hit or is close to a limit. "Most banks are selective and don't have excess," stated Ritesh Bhusari, joint general manager of South Indian Bank.
Published 20 May 2025 05:10 PM


Is the 'Caveman Skincare Routine' a hoax in terms of hygiene?
I'm a regular TikTok scroller (the four hours of screen time a day speaks for itself), and I've seen a ton of beauty films, from popular trends to amazing hacks that would put a Victorian kid in a coma. The caveman skincare method, however, may just take the biscuit—or perhaps I should say water—as the most talked-about topic on SkinTok lately.The 'Caveman Skincare Method' is the skincare regimen that TikTok creator Tia Zakher has lately described in a number of videos on the platform. "After 8 years of picking and over-exfoliating, I'm healing my skin barrier by doing the one thing I never tried before... absolutely nothing," Tia explains in a video that has received 9.7 million views. In other words, she has stopped using water in addition to all skincare products (I'm referring about moisturizer, exfoliant, and cleanser). Tia responded to Cosmopolitan UK's inquiry on why she chose to utilize the caveman skincare method by saying, "I decided to do it because I wanted to try a different approach and I do think it's working for me."
Published 28 May 2025 07:49 PM


Doctors express an urgent warning that reels are now causing eye issues after "brain rot."
All age groups, but mainly children and young adults, are experiencing an increase in eye diseases as a result of excessive screen use, especially binge-watching reels on social media sites.Following worries about the effect of short-form films on mental health, medical professionals are now sounding the alarm about a brand-new, rapidly developing issue: "reel-induced eye damage."Across all age groups, excessive screen time—especially binge-watching reels on social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok—is contributing to an increase in eye diseases, particularly in children and young adults. Leading ophthalmologists discussed this at the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and All India Ophthalmological Society's ongoing Joint Meeting, which took place Tuesday at the Yashobhoomi-India International Convention and Expo Centre.Dr. Lalit Verma, president of the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) 2025 Congress, spoke sternly about the "silent epidemic of digital eye strain" brought on by prolonged screen time. "We are seeing a sharp increase in cases of dry eye syndrome, myopia progression, eye strain, and even early-onset squinting, especially in children who spend hours watching reels," he stated. "We recently had a student who came in complaining of blurred vision and ongoing eye irritation. Upon inspection, we discovered that his eyes were not shedding enough tears as a result of spending too much time at home viewing reels on a screen. He was given eye drops right away, and the doctor told him to observe the 20-20-20 rule, which calls for looking at anything 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.The president of the All India Ophthalmological Society and chairman of the organizing committee, Dr. Harbansh Lal, described the gravity of the situation.
Published 17 Apr 2025 08:59 PM


According to Instagram, rubbing raw ginger can help clear up acne. Are dermatologists in agreement?
Another day, another Instagram beauty tip that has gone viral. You surely have a feed full of skincare tips on how to treat acne if you have it, like I do. Social media is using natural components from your kitchen, such as flax seeds for "botox" and raw garlic. This time, raw ginger is the focus, as influencers assert that applying it topically can help eradicate acne. It seems like a simple solution to acne, doesn't it?Innumerable videos of Indian skinfluencers with radiant skin can be found online these days, stating that the key isn't pricey facials but rather applying raw ginger directly to acne outbreaks to treat them right away. But is this spicy suggestion really supported by any science?To find out if this pattern is reliable, let's take a closer look and get some professional guidance.What are the opinions of experts? First, let's get this out of the way. Anything is not necessarily beneficial to your skin just because it is natural. particularly when used undiluted and raw. Senior consultant dermatologist Dr. Gulhima Arora of Mehektagul Dermaclinic states that ginger has only been indirectly shown to be effective in treating acne in scientific studies. It shouldn't be regarded as the primary or first line of treatment. She emphasizes that acne is a complex condition and that not all of its triggers can be addressed by a single spice.Dermatologist and Kaya Limited medical advisor Dr. Saranya B concurs, saying that using raw ginger to the face is not a clinically validated method of treating acne. Despite its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, direct application may irritate skin. According to Skin Smart Solutions' founder and principal dermatologist, Dr. Bindu Sthalekar, "there is no scientific proof that applying raw ginger topically treats acne." Theoretically, it might be beneficial, but only if taken in conjunction with other drugs and with good tolerance.
Published 17 Apr 2025 08:57 PM


Doctors express an urgent warning that reels are now causing eye issues after "brain rot."
All age groups, but mainly children and young adults, are experiencing an increase in eye diseases as a result of excessive screen use, especially binge-watching reels on social media sites.Following worries about the effect of short-form films on mental health, medical professionals are now sounding the alarm about a brand-new, rapidly developing issue: "reel-induced eye damage."Across all age groups, excessive screen time—especially binge-watching reels on social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok—is contributing to an increase in eye diseases, particularly in children and young adults. Leading ophthalmologists discussed this at the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and All India Ophthalmological Society's ongoing Joint Meeting, which took place Tuesday at the Yashobhoomi-India International Convention and Expo Centre.Dr. Lalit Verma, president of the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) 2025 Congress, spoke sternly about the "silent epidemic of digital eye strain" brought on by prolonged screen time. "We are seeing a sharp increase in cases of dry eye syndrome, myopia progression, eye strain, and even early-onset squinting, especially in children who spend hours watching reels," he stated. "We recently had a student who came in complaining of blurred vision and ongoing eye irritation. Upon inspection, we discovered that his eyes were not shedding enough tears as a result of spending too much time at home viewing reels on a screen. He was given eye drops right away, and the doctor told him to observe the 20-20-20 rule, which calls for looking at anything 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.The president of the All India Ophthalmological Society and chairman of the organizing committee, Dr. Harbansh Lal, described the gravity of the situation.
Published 01 Apr 2025 09:40 PM


Axar Patel leads DC to a decisive victory over Rishabh Pant's LSG on a night that contrasts for the captains.
Returning to Lucknow for the first time since his unsatisfactory dismissal from the team, KL Rahul ended the game with a spectacular six to go undefeated in a run-chase with a 42-ball 57.On a night full of stories at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium, the Delhi Capitals won by 8 wickets in a 160-run chase, solidifying their status as this season's title contenders. KL Rahul, who is making his first appearance in Lucknow after his unsatisfactory dismissal from the team, ended the game with a spectacular six to go undefeated in a run chase with a 42-ball 57. In the twelfth over of their respective innings, LSG and DC both lost their second wicket. Axar Patel entered when a composed Abishek Porel collapsed. At this point, DC was only under a little pressure to take a few wickets, but it might have grown complicated because new batters take time to get comfortable. With two sixes over the midwicket zone, his favorite hit against spin, Axar took out Ravi Bishnoi in the very next over after Avesh Khan had dismissed him after four dot balls.In the following over, facing Avesh once more after being outscored by a few deliveries, he decided to take a chance and hit a four to try to clear the fielder at mid-off. The most impressive stroke came from Shardul Thakur, who took up a not-so-short ball with the weight still on his backfoot and sent it over long on for a six.
Published 23 Apr 2025 08:56 PM


Nitish Rana on RR not selecting him for Super Over against DC despite 51 off 28: "One person never takes the call."
Despite hitting 51 off 28 balls against the Delhi Capitals, Nitish Rana was left out of the Super Over lineup as the Rajasthan Royals entered with Hetmyer and Riyan Parag.Nitish Rana remained in the middle until the 18th over of the chase after smashing 51 off 28 balls. At the Arun Jaitely Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday, the Rajasthan Royals sent neither batsman to bat despite Yashasvi Jaiswal's 51 off 37 balls in the Super Over against the Delhi Capitals. Eyes were rolling when Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag came out to bat in the Super Over. Rana wasn't even on the list of the three batters for the Super Over, but Jaiswal was chosen to bat following a wicket fall.RR's choice proved to be a poor one as Mitchell Starc of DC cramped the Hetmyer for space with yorkers and the reverse swing, allowing him to begin the Super Over with a dot ball. The Australian bowler was hit for four after missing his mark on the next delivery, but he recovered with another low full toss in the third ball. A single was taken by Hetmyer.Starc's low full toss was hit by Riyan Parag over third man for a boundary, sometimes known as a no-ball. After it appeared that RR would easily reach 15 with three balls left, the game took yet another sharp turn. RR was bowled out for just 11 as Parag and Jaiswal were ran out in the following ball.KL Rahul and Tristian Stubbs smash two sixes in the first three balls of Sandeep Sharma's Super Over to give DC a historic victory, so the total was insufficient. Following the game, Nitish Rana stated that the decision to send Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer instead of him for the Super Over was made by the RR management. Rana said he didn't have an alternative response, adding that if Hetmyer had hit a couple of sixes in the Super Over, the questions would have been different."The call is answered by management, not a single individual. Along with two other senior players and coaches, the captain is present. You wouldn't be asking this question if Shimron Hetmyer had hit two sixes. I'll respond with the same response. I have no other response. Every choice we made was the right one. Everyone knows that Hetmyer is our finisher. During the press conference, Rana stated, "He has previously delivered."
Published 17 Apr 2025 09:05 PM


Who Won CSK vs. RR, Match 11 in Yesterday's IPL 2025 Match?
The outcome of yesterday's IPL 2024 match between CSK and RR: Watch the most recent IPL action as CSK and RR square off in the 2025 season's first game. Get all the match information and updates here, along with the results of the encounter.The highly anticipated Match 11 between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season was played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lost against Rajasthan Royals (RR) by a margin of six runs. First to bowl, RR amassed 182 runs. Despite pursuing the objective, CSK ended up at 176 for 6 in 20 overs. The Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 6 runs in the March 30 IPL 2025 match. After two losses earlier in the season, this victory was RR's first. In contrast, CSK lost this game for the second time in a row.Highlights of the IPL 2025 match between the Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings: Wanindu Hasaranga takes four wickets to help the Royals overcome the Super Kings by six runs.
Published 31 Mar 2025 08:23 PM

India's bold strategy aids in a quick T20 reconstruction
The world champions are creating an environment where players perform well without worrying about keeping their spots in the squad or taking wickets.Kolkata: Although it's early, the process and outcomes give hope that India would successfully defend the T20 World Cup at home the following year. Despite the pessimism caused by the Test and ODI transition issues, India's T20 trajectory stands out thanks to series victories against South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and now England. Even more so when one considers that Kuldeep Yadav, Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have not been parachuted in.This is most likely a greater accomplishment. However, they have approached it virtually undetected. No culture of stars. Verify. No set order for batting. Verify. Just a group of young, talented, and incredibly self-assured cricket players going about their business without worrying about career curves. By the way, all IPL linchpins.Captain Suryakumar Yadav acknowledges his lack of quality as he is left off the Champions Trophy roster. Abhishek Sharma thinks a ball is there to be struck, hence he doesn't count returns. As long as Tilak Varma is at the crease, the second Twenty20 match in Chennai demonstrated that no equation is too difficult. And the fact that India lost to 12/3 and then 79/5 at Pune on Friday, yet still managed to score 181, demonstrated that the previous game's disaster chasing in Rajkot was really a fluke. The realization that not everything can be managed lies at the core of this long-term upsurge. Earlier this week, Sitanshu Kotak, India's new batting coach, said it. "To achieve a score of 200 or 225, and if you are
Published 04 Feb 2025 04:28 PM


Bengal Migrant Workers Detained in Odisha Without Cause, Says Trinamool
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that several migrant workers from West Bengal have been illegally detained in Odisha, raising serious concerns about the treatment of laborers working outside their home state. According to the TMC, a group of workers from East Midnapore had travelled to Odisha for construction jobs. Party leaders claim the workers were detained without formal charges and have been missing for several days. “These are poor laborers who went to earn a living. We are deeply concerned for their safety,” said TMC MP Saugata Roy at a press conference in Kolkata. “We urge the West Bengal government to step in and ensure their safe return.” Relatives of the missing workers say they have not heard from their loved ones since early last week. Rina Das, the mother of one of the workers, said, “My son went there to work, not to disappear. We just want to know where he is.” The Trinamool Congress announced it will send a team to Odisha to gather information and assist the families. The party has also written to state authorities demanding an explanation. As of now, Odisha police have not issued an official statement. Sources suggest the matter is being reviewed. This incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety and legal rights of interstate migrant workers in India.
Published 10 Jul 2025 05:57 PM


PM Modi to Visit 5 Countries in 8 Days, Attend BRICS Summit in Brazil
The PM’s eight-day tour from July 2 to July 9 would cover two continents and include visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to begin his longest international trip in ten years, starting Wednesday, July 2. The eight-day journey will cover five countries—Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia—and conclude on July 9. Modi’s visit is expected to boost India’s ties with emerging economies across Africa and Latin America. The tour will begin in Ghana, where discussions will likely center around trade, development, and cultural exchange. In Trinidad and Tobago, Modi will connect with the Indian diaspora and explore bilateral cooperation. The Prime Minister will then head to Argentina to focus on areas such as agriculture, energy, and digital innovation. A key part of the trip will be his participation in the BRICS Summit in Brazil, where leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa will meet to discuss global economic challenges and cooperation among developing nations. Modi will wrap up the tour with a historic visit to Namibia—the first by an Indian Prime Minister. Talks there are expected to explore opportunities in sectors like mining, green energy, and education. This trip reflects India’s growing diplomatic outreach to the Global South, aiming to strengthen strategic, economic, and people-to-people partnerships.
Published 01 Jul 2025 08:30 AM


Muslim leaders in the Karnataka Congress resign as rage over the Dakshina Kannada killings intensifies
In further trouble for the beleaguered Karnataka Congress, a number of Muslim leaders resigned from their positions on Thursday, including KPCC general secretary M S Mohammed and minority wing president K K Shahul Hameed of Dakshina Kannada district. This was due to an increase in communal violence in Dakshina Kannada.In the most recent incidence, a friend and coworker were gravely hurt when Abdul Rahim was hacked to death in broad daylight on Tuesday in Bantwal, close to Mangalaru. The Home Ministry, led by G Parameshwara, has been accused by the Congress employees who resigned of not doing enough to stop intercommunal violence in the area.In protest of the government's alleged inability to stop the string of "communal murders" in the district and its marginalization of community leaders, a number of Muslim Congress leaders in Dakshina Kannada, ranging from booth-level to state-level, announced their resignations from their party positions on Thursday. Under the direction of M.S. Mohammed, general secretary of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, the statement was made at an emergency gathering of party workers held at Shadi Mahal in Bolara here. The leaders were compelled to announce their resignations by irate employees as they debated waiting a few more days for the government's response.Shahul Hameed, the president of the Congress's District Minority branch, informed party members that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had contacted him to caution local leaders against making any snap choices. According to Mr. Hameed, the CM urged him to wait a little while longer and informed him that the matter had also reached the party high command.
Published 31 May 2025 08:03 PM


To accelerate development, PM Modi calls on states to cooperate with the center.
Punjab laments "step motherly treatment," T.N. demands a larger portion of Central tax income, and the PM encourages States to create world-class tourism destinations and incorporate women into the workforce at the Niti Aayog Governing Council meeting.Some States, including Tamil Nadu and Punjab, complained to the Center while others offered proposals to accelerate their growth, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for the States to unite with the Center to accelerate national development.Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong case for cooperative federalism on Saturday, emphasizing the value of coordinated action between the federal government and the states. He said that no goal is impossible when India works as "Team India." The Prime Minister, who chaired the 10th meeting of Niti Aayog's Governing Council, emphasized the importance of accelerating development efforts in order to achieve a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047. The purpose of the gathering, which had as its topic "Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047," was to synchronize national and state developmental goals. "Every Indian aspires to Viksit Bharat. Bharat will be Viksit once all the states are Viksit. Prime Minister Modi stated, "This is what its 140 crore citizens want."The chief ministers of every state, lieutenant governors of Union Territories, and a number of Union ministers make up the Governing Council, the highest authority within Niti Aayog. The Prime Minister promoted a bottom-up approach to development while serving as the council's head. "Our goal should be to make every state, city, Nagar Palika, and hamlet viksit. We won't have to wait till 2047 to achieve Viksit Bharat if we continue along these lines," he continued.He suggested that every state choose and create at least one internationally renowned tourism destination with all the amenities and infrastructure of today. "One State: One Worldwide Location." The Prime Minister pointed out that it will also result in the growth of nearby cities as tourism destinations.He called for an emphasis on creating "future-ready cities" with development driven by growth, innovation, and sustainability, acknowledging the rapid rate of urbanization in India. In addition, the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of boosting women's employment. He stated that in order for them to be politely included into the labor, rules and procedures must be created.
Published 28 May 2025 07:55 PM
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Google CEO Sundar Pichai confirms Bard Advanced will be Google’s answer to Microsoft’s Copilot Pro
Microsoft recently announced Copilot Pro, an advanced version of its AI-powered tool for power users and content creators. The company said that this subscription-based tier offers 'advanced help’ in taking up various tasks. Google Bard Advanced will have similar capabilities but the search giant is yet to make it available to customers. Rumours were rife that this will be a paid version, and the company CEO has now confirmed a subscription-based model for the AI chatbot.During the company’s Q4 earnings call, Sundar Pichai said that Bard Advanced will be available to users as a subscription.“It’s [Bard] now powered by Gemini Pro, and it’s much more capable at things like understanding, summarising, reasoning, coding, and planning. It’s now in over 40 languages and over 230 countries around the world. Looking ahead, we’ll be rolling out an even more advanced version for subscribers powered by Gemini Ultra,” said Pichai, who is also the CEO of Google-parent company Alphabet. Google didn’t share any details about when it will be available or what subscription cost will be but the company previously said that it will release the powerful AI chatbot sometime this year.Bard Advanced is Google’s more powerful AI chatbot that will be powered by Gemini Ultra – the most powerful large language model (LLM) in the Gemini lineup of models. As per Google, Gemini Ultra is its largest and most capable model.It is “designed for highly complex tasks and built to quickly understand and act on different types of information — including text, images, audio, video and code. One of the first ways you’ll be able to try Gemini Ultra is through Bard Advanced, a new, cutting-edge AI experience in Bard that gives you access to our best models and capabilities,” Google said.
Published 01 Feb 2024 09:33 PM


Maruti Suzuki reports 15.5% rise in January vehicle sales
Maruti Suzuki India's total vehicle sales, including exports, increased 15.54 per cent at 1,99,364 units in January from 1,72,535 units in the same month last year, the company said in a statement on Thursday.This was the highest-ever monthly sales volume for the Gurugram-based car maker, as per the statement.The total domestic sales grew 13 per cent at 1,70,214 vehicles as against 1,51,367 units in the month a year ago, it said.MSI also sold 23,921 vehicles in the overseas markets in the previous month, as per the statement. Total passenger vehicle domestic sales in the previous month were recorded at 1,66,802 units, growing 13.20 per cent over 1,47,348 vehicles sold in January 2023, the company said.
Published 01 Feb 2024 09:27 PM


‘As an artiste, I’m afraid of what is happening in India right now
It is a worrying trend that films in India today go through many forms of censorship, said Jeo Baby, whose recent film Kaathal – The Core shows Malayalam superstar Mammootty as a homosexual man, resetting the narrative of the gay community in popular cinema. The sensitive portrayal devoid of gay tropes – for long, the community has only been a fodder for humour – won many hearts.“But I’m afraid about what is happening in India right now. We are facing religious and political censoring. It is worrying not only for filmmakers, but all artistes,” Baby told PTI in an interview. Censorship is not something new to Jeo Baby, a self-proclaimed problem-maker. In January 2021, when he was all set to release his other critically acclaimed film, The Great Indian Kitchen, starring Nimisha Sajayan – which succinctly brought out how society stifles women and their freedom – Covid-19 restrictions made theatrical release impossible. But popular OTT platforms were not ready to touch the film, as the film also tackled a socio-political issue that was playing out at that time – menstruating women’s entry into Sabarimala temple. He finally had to release the film on a Malayalam streaming platform, Neestram. Luckily for Baby, just like Kaathal, The Great Indian Kitchen too captured people’s hearts despite the heaviness of the subject. And all those trending hashtags forced the mainstream OTT platforms to review their decision. Finally, three months after its release, Amazon Prime Video got the rights for the film.Jeo Baby said artistes must stand firm for their creative freedom. Overcoming challenges is part of the deal when one takes on the institution, said Baby.Ironically, 17 years later, a full-length feature film on the same subject brought him fans from across India, standing testimony to the fact that things change with time, something that artistes can derive hope from, he added.“There is no connection between the short film and Kaathal. Decriminalisation changed the status quo of the community in 2018. Kaathal is more about that. But since 2005, I have been studying a lot about this community. I read a lot about sexuality, about homosexual people, about LGBTQ+… I know they are normal people,” said Baby.
Published 01 Feb 2024 09:23 PM


Infra focus, fiscal prudence are positives for street
The interim Budget on Thursday maintained the government’s focus on infrastructure development while surprising the street with its fiscal deficit target. In an election year, the government resisted the temptation to announce populist measures. For Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), capital expenditure (capex) was hiked 17 per cent to Rs 11.1 trillion. In FY24, capex was hiked by 33 per cent. The fourth straight hike is expected to take the capex to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio to 3.4 per cent in FY25 compared to 3.2 per cent in FY24. ICICI Direct Research said capex growth is on a high base of the last four years and has tripled in that period, resulting in a multiplier impact on economic growth and the moderation in the interim Budget was on expected lines. The key takeaway was the aggressive fiscal deficit target of 5.1 per cent for FY25 compared to the market expectation of 5.5 per cent. The government said it is on course to hit the sub-4.5 per cent number for the metric by FY26. Its expectations are based on higher tax collections, dividends from the Reserve Bank of India and public sector companies, and control on expenditure. With the fiscal deficit in check, the government’s market borrowing in FY25 is expected to be Rs 14.1 trillion compared to Rs 15.4 trillion in FY24. HSBC said small savings have played an important role in funding the fiscal deficit. The savings funded 27 per cent of the fiscal deficit in FY24 compared to 23 per cent in FY23. However, India Ratings and Research said the system-wide capex growth hinges on continued recovery of state spending (up 42 per cent year-on-year in the first eight months of FY24) and hope of acceleration in tentative recovery in private sector capex. The states account for two-thirds of overall capex. In a flat market on Thursday, the Nifty PSU Bank Index was the biggest gainer among sectoral indices by jumping 3.1 per cent. Among other sectors, sentiment was also positive in the logistics space as the three largest listed companies by market capitalisation registered gains between 1-5 per cent. The interim Budget announced a new housing scheme for the middle class as the ongoing Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Grameen) aims to build crores of new homes. The proposals for housing and infrastructure development are expected to boost the real estate and building materials sectors. However, the Nifty Realty and the building materials companies ended in the red. The interim Budget did not have major measures in the consumer space. Consumption is weak, especially in rural India, as indicated by corporate earnings for the last few quarters. The Budget doesn’t provide any near-term solution for quick revival for consumption, said Motilal Oswal Financial Services.
Published 01 Feb 2024 09:19 PM


Budget offers lower borrowing plan, 10-year bonds suffer 8-month steepest fall of 8bps
India's 10-year bond yield fell 8 basis points, making its steepest fall in the last eight months, after the government surprised with a lower-than-expected borrowing programme in its Union Budget for FY25. The 10-year bond yield ended at 7.07 percent, down 8 basis points, its maximum fall since May 3, 2023, from its previous close of 7.14 percent. The government announced Rs 14.13 trillion in the fiscal year starting April 1. A Moneycontrol poll estimated around Rs 15-16 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2024-25, with net borrowing estimated at Rs 11.50-11.75 lakh crore. The net borrowings, adjusted for maturities, are planned at Rs 11.75 trillion for the next fiscal year, according to Finance Minster Nirmala Sitharaman. Analysts said the borrowing programme is lower than expected as India prepares for big foreign inflows on global index inclusions. In FY24, the Centre declared the gross market borrowing at Rs 15.43 lakh crore, marking an 8.6 percent increase from the borrowing in 2022-23. "While the net borrowings for FY25 are in line with our expectations, lower-than-expected gross borrowings possibly could be attributed to the government utilising its surplus from the GST compensation fund (a public fund) to pay off their debt for FY25 to RBI or market participants, leading to a difference of Rs 1.24 trillion between actual total redemption and the (lower) market loan redemption taken in the budget.
Published 01 Feb 2024 09:15 PM


Apple extends agreement with Qualcomm for 5G modem chips until 2027: Report
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon in an interview with CNBC has confirmed that Apple has agreed to extend its patent licence agreement related to 5G modem through March 2027. Last year, Apple extended the agreement for using Qualcomm’s 5G modems until 2026 which has now been extended further until 2027. Amon in his interview with CNBC said that after last year’s deal, Apple had an option to extend the deal further, which they have until March 2027. “We are very happy with the relationship with Apple right now, and we will continue to be supplying modems to them,” said Amon. Apple has been working on developing in-house modems since 2019 when the Cupertino-based company acquired the majority of Intel's smartphone modem business. However, there have been news reports alleging that Apple's attempt to produce in-house 5G modem chips has been hampered by major problems related to unrealistic goals, an inadequate understanding of the challenges involved, and unusable prototypes. Last month, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple has shifted its attention to focus on the 6G cellular modem, while continuing to work on its first 5G modem chip. According to the analyst, Apple is racing to get its modem finished so it does not need to extend a contract with Qualcomm. He stated that the two companies have feuded over the years, and Apple really does not want to rely on Qualcomm for this vital iPhone component.Apple is yet to comment on the deal with Qualcomm, but with the new contract extension in place, it is highly likely that Apple’s attempt of producing in-house modem chips have been hindered further.
Published 01 Feb 2024 09:14 PM


FM Nirmala Sithraman keeps tax slabs unchanged
As expected and in relief for the citizens, the central government neither tweaked nor put any additional tax burden on citizens, in the interim Budget for 2024-25 tabled by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. "Keeping with the convention, I do not propose to make any changes relating to taxation and propose to retain the same tax rates for direct taxes and indirect taxes including import duties," Sitharaman said in her Budget speech on Thursday. However, certain tax benefits to start-ups and investments made by sovereign wealth or pension funds as well as tax exemption on certain income of some IFSC units are expiring in March 2024. To provide continuity in taxation, she proposed to extend the date by another year.Moreover, in line with the government's vision to improve ease of living and ease of doing business, she announced to improve tax-payer services. "There are a large number of petty, non-verified, non-reconciled or disputed direct tax demands, many of them dating as far back as the year 1962, which continue to remain on the books, causing anxiety to honest tax-payers and hindering refunds of subsequent years," she said.She proposed to withdraw such outstanding direct tax demands up to Rs 25,000 for the period up to financial year 2009-10 and up to Rs 10,000 for financial years 2010-11 to 2014-15. "This is expected to benefit about a crore tax-payers," she added.Presenting the Union Budget 2023, Sitharaman on Thursday pegged the fiscal deficit target for 2024-25 at 5.1% of gross domestic product (GDP). In 2023-24, the government pegged the fiscal deficit target for 2023-24 at 5.9% of gross domestic product (GDP). Today, Sitharaman said that the fiscal deficit of 2023-24 was downwardly revised to 5.8%. The difference between total revenue and total expenditure of the government is termed as fiscal deficit. It is an indication of the total borrowings that may be needed by the government.The government intends to bring the fiscal deficit below 4.5% of GDP by the financial year 2025-26.The government intends to bring the fiscal deficit below 4.5% of GDP by the financial year 2025-26. A capital expenditure,or capex, is used to set up long-term physical or fixed assets.
Published 01 Feb 2024 09:12 PM


The defense budget for 2024–2025 is estimated to be ₹ 6.21 lakh crore in the interim budget.
The government on Thursday unveiled an ambitious plan for "deep-tech" technologies in the military sphere and modestly raised the defense budget from ₹ 5.94 lakh crore to ₹ 6.21 lakh crore for 2024–2025. A sum of ₹ 1.72 lakh crore was allocated to the military for capital expenditures, which primarily comprise the acquisition of new weaponry, aircraft, warships, and other military hardware, in the interim Union budget that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented in Parliament. The budgetary allotment for capital expenditure in 2023–2024 was ₹ 1.62 lakh crore.The finance minister also announced that a new scheme will be launched for strengthening deep-tech technologies for defence purposes and to expedite 'atmanirbharta' or self-reliance in the area.The Ministry of Defence (Civil) will receive ₹ 15,322 crore, the defense services will receive ₹ 2,82,772 crore, and defense pensions will receive ₹ 1,41,205 crore. The total revenue expenditure has been estimated at ₹ 4,39,300 crore. Amounts ₹ 40,777 crore and ₹ 62,343 crore, respectively, have been set aside for aircraft and aero engines and "other equipment" in the capital outlay for defence services. ₹ 23,800 crore has been allocated for the naval fleet, while ₹ 6,830 crore is for projects involving naval dockyards. The Indian Air Force incurred the largest capital outlay of ₹ 57,137.09 crore in the budget for 2023–24. This amount comprised ₹ 15,721 crore for the purchase of aircraft and aero engines and ₹ 36,223.13 crore for other equipment. For 2024–2025, the Army's revenue expenditure is estimated to be ₹ 1,92,680 crore, while the Navy and Indian Air Force will receive ₹ 32,778 crore and ₹ 46,223 crore, respectively.The overall defense budget allocation, according to Dr. Laxman Kumar Behera, Associate Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University's Special Centre for National Security Studies, is modest overall and reflects the government's priorities for the military. "The allocations did not show any lack of commitment to the armed forces," he stated to PTI.Additionally, Dr. Behera characterized the ₹ 10,000 crore increase in capital expenditure outlay as a "healthy sign".
Published 01 Feb 2024 06:29 PM


India’s Crypto Industry Misses Mention in FM’s Budget 2024 Speech, No Change in Taxes
"Social media platforms have been inundated with posts from the Indian crypto and Web3 industries pleading with the government to ""ReduceCryptoTax"" for days now. In the interim budget speech she gave to the parliament on Thursday, February 1, India Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not even bring up the cryptocurrency industry, despite the outcry. Members of the industry feel a little ignored and let down by this. The business community does not, however, give up hope that the elected government's finalized budget may undergo some modifications following the conclusion of India's general elections later this year. During her hour-long speech, Sitharaman stated that no tax changes are being implemented at this time. ""We believe crypto and virtual digital assets can be a force multiplier in achieving 'Viksit Bharat' by empowering individuals at the grassroots level,"" WazirX vice president Rajagopal Menon said in response to the development. Given that India is at a turning point in the cryptocurrency revolution, provisions for long-term financing of domestic crypto projects will benefit both digital public infrastructure and the PM's goal for ""Anusandhan"" (research). We anticipate that these developments will be taken into consideration by the government in addition to our current requests for a reduction of TDS rates to 0.01 percent and an offset of trader losses." The hashtag #ReduceCryptoTax has been trending on X in India since last week, and thousands of posts have called for an update to the country's crypto tax laws. India implemented a 30 percent tax on all cryptocurrency profits in July 2022, in addition to imposing a one percent tax deduction on each cryptocurrency transaction. Industry insiders claim that this tax structure has caused a decline in cryptocurrency-related activity in India, which has resulted in the migration of Web3 talent and businesses to countries with more hospitable tax regimes. Numerous cryptocurrency companies in India have even declared layoffs, citing a decline in users and inquiries about the industry.The three demands from the cryptocurrency community were anticipated to be addressed in this budget: carrying forward losses, similar to stock gains, and flexible tax slabs with a TDS reduction from one percent to 0.01 percent on each transaction.However, these recommendations from the cryptocurrency industry have not been taken into consideration for this interim budget. The finance minister did make an announcement about a plan to provide a 50-year interest-free loan of Rs. 1 lakh crore to assist India's youth, which is seen favorably by the crypto community.
Published 01 Feb 2024 06:23 PM


Xiaomi Rises to the Top as Smartphone Shipments to India Increase 25% YoY in Q4 2023: Counterpoint
According to a recent report by market research firm Counterpoint, smartphone shipments in India increased by a noteworthy 25 percent year-over-year (YoY) for the October–December period (Q4) in 2023. For the first time since Q3 2022, Xiaomi took the top spot during the quarter with 18% of the market share. The accomplishment was made possible by the company's entry into the low-cost 5G market with the Redmi 13C. Vivo held onto the second position, with Samsung falling to third after dominating the market for four straight quarters. Realme and Oppo, two Chinese smartphone manufacturers, took fourth and fifth place, respectively.One of the main drivers of the growth in the quarter, according to Counterpoint's report, was the 61 percent contribution from 5G smartphones. Notably, 24% of all smartphone shipments were made up of 5G phones priced between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 15, 000. There was also a 51% increase in the premium smartphone market. Due to the release of the iPhone 15 series, Apple dominated the market with a 17 percent share. When comparing brands among the top five positions, Xiaomi emerged as the market leader with an 18% market share. For the second quarter in a row, Vivo maintained its impressive second place ranking and gained 17 percent of the smartphone market. Samsung only managed to secure 16.8% of the market share in third place, despite having a strong Q3 performance in which it led the industry. At number four with an 11 percent market share, Realme was present. With a 69 percent YoY growth, the company was the fastest-growing brand, according to the report. Oppo maintained its fifth-place position with a 10 percent share of the market. A different Counterpoint report noted that even with a strong quarter, the overall picture for smartphone shipments in India in 2023 stayed unchanged at 152 million units. The market research firm attributed the lack of growth to issues arising from macroeconomic turbulence, which led to low demand and an inventory build-up in the first half of 2023. The report also stated, "Better-than-expected holiday sales and 5G upgrades helped the market start recovering in the second half of the year." After capturing 18% of the market as a result of its impressive performance in the first three quarters, Samsung emerged as the market leader in 2023. Since 2017, this is the first time the South Korean tech giant has taken the lead in a calendar year. Notably, the business debuted the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 in 2023 along with the Samsung Galaxy S23 series. Vivo, with a 17 percent share, continued to perform steadily and held the second position. The next three positions were occupied by Chinese smartphone brands Xiaomi, Realme, and Oppo, with respective market shares of 16.5%, 12%, and 10.5%. Although Apple did not place among the top five in shipments, it led the category when revenue crossed the ten million mark for the first time in a calendar year.
Published 01 Feb 2024 06:18 PM


University Body Announces Initiatives To Help Socioeconomically Underprivileged Groups
Guidelines for 'Equitable Opportunity to the Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) in HEls' have been released by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The guidelines were created with consideration for the important suggestions made by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 regarding inclusive, equitable, and accessible higher education for the Sustainable Development Goals. All universities and higher education institutions have been requested by the commission to implement these guidelines in order to support students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.An official UGC announcement stated, "The NEP 2020 has specific provisions that are necessary to help India for addressing various challenges to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by all United Nations Member 2015, particularly the challenges related to achieving SDG-4 (quality education), SDG-5 (gender equality), SDG-I (no poverty), and SDG-8 (decent work and economic growth)." According to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, these rules are intended to guarantee that students from socioeconomically disadvantaged groups have fair access to high-quality education in higher education institutions as well as a safe and secure environment.
Published 01 Feb 2024 06:09 PM


The last budget before the polls had the slogan "Developed India By 2047" and no tax changes.
Delhi, New: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated on Thursday morning during the reading of a statement of the nation's finances in a special session of Parliament that there will be no changes to the income tax slabs, which have been lowered and rationalized, in the 2024 interim Budget. "I propose to retain the same tax rates for direct and indirect taxes, including import duties," said Ms. Sitharaman. Nonetheless, she suggested that unpaid direct tax demands of up to ₹ 25,000 until FY09/10 and up to ₹ 10,000 for FY10/11 to FY14/15 be withdrawn, claiming that this would help approximately one crore taxpayers. Ms. Sitharaman commented, "... there are a lot of small-scale, unverified, unreconciled, or contested direct tax demands, many of which date back to 1962, which are still on the books, worrying honest taxpayers... I would like to remove these unfulfilled direct tax demands."Regarding the overall tax situation, the Finance Minister reported that over the previous ten years, direct collections had more than tripled and that the number of individuals filing returns had increased by 2.4 times. Given that this is an interim budget, intended primarily to fund government operations until a new administration is elected and assumes power later this year, the suspension of tax slab revisions was not surprising.
Published 01 Feb 2024 05:57 PM