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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All Trending News in India


Piramal Enterprises suffers ₹2,378-crore Q3 loss due to AIF provisioning
Piramal Enterprises Ltd, the financial services arm of the Piramal Group, on Monday (January 29) reported a consolidated net loss of ₹2,377.6 crore for the third quarter that ended December 31, 2023. The exceptional loss of ₹3,339.8 crore has to do with its investments in alternative investment funds (AIFs). In the corresponding quarter last year, Piramal Enterprises posted a net profit of ₹3,545.4 crore, the company said in a regulatory filing. The company's revenue from operations declined 11.9% to ₹2,475.7 crore against ₹2,811.2 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal. The total assets under management (AUM) is up 6% quarter-on-quarter and 9% year-on-year, excluding the impact of AIF provisions. Provisions of ₹3,540 crore, taken according to RBI circular on AIF investments, led to a reduction in AUM. The company remains confident of the full recovery of the AIF investments. Interest income also fell to ₹1,931 crore from ₹2,006 crore in the year-ago period. However, the total expenses of the company stood at ₹2,414 crore against ₹2,807 crore in the same period a year ago, Piramal Enterprises said. Ajay Piramal, Chairman of Piramal Enterprises Ltd, stated, "In response to the RBI circular issued in December, we made complete provisions for our investments in AIFs, subsequently removing them from our AUM. Our confidence in the full recovery of these investments remains strong, which is evident in the positive payment record thus far. We have made substantial enhancements to our net interest margins, achieved robust fee income growth, and optimized opex (operating expense) ratios to deliver a strong core operating profit. Our commitment is to further enhance profitability by optimising operating leverage in our growth business and reducing the contribution of the legacy business." On January 27, Piramal Enterprises announced its intention to sell the entire direct investment of 20% of the fully paid-up equity share capital held in Shriram Investment Holdings Pvt Ltd (formerly known as Shriram Investment Holdings Ltd) to Shriram Ownership Trust (SOT), for a consideration of ₹1,440 crore.The transaction is subject to receipt of requisite regulatory approvals by SOT and is expected to be completed before March 31, 2024, PEL had said in a separate regulatory filing. The contribution of SIHPL in the revenue of the company for the year ende
Published 30 Jan 2024 09:45 PM


Zee-Sony merger: NCLT issues notice to Sony to file reply in three weeks
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Tuesday accepted a petition by a Zee Entertainment shareholder seeking the merger of its Indian entity with Sony, which was called off last week despite regulatory approvals.The Mumbai-bench of NCLT issued a notice on a petition moved by Mad Men Film Ventures, a shareholder of Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL), directing Sony Pictures Network India, now known as Culver Max, to file a reply within three weeks.Mad Men Film Ventures on Tuesday filed the petition requesting both ZEEL and Sony to implement the merger as it was approved by the NCLT in August 2023.The tribunal did not agree to the arguments made by the counsel stating that the approval by NCLT was conditional and depended on various conditions, which may be fulfilled or waived off in writing. Last week, the Sony Group Corp called off the merger with ZEEL following a stalemate over who will lead the merged entity.NCLT has kept the next date of hearing on this matter on March 12.The deal stipulated that the merger was to be completed before December 21, 2023, including regulatory and other approvals with a grace period of one month to complete the transaction.This merger could have otherwise created a $ 10 billion media enterprise in the country. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), on Tuesday, accepted a petition filed by a shareholder of Zee Entertainment seeking the merger of Zee Entertainment's Indian entity with Sony, a move that had been called off last week despite obtaining regulatory approvals.The NCLT Mumbai bench issued a notice regarding a petition filed by Mad Men Film Ventures, a shareholder of Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) directing Sony Pictures Network India, currently known as Culver Max, to submit a reply within a three-week timeframe.On Tuesday, Mad Men Film Ventures submitted a petition urging both Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) and Sony to execute the approved merger, which was sanctioned by the NCLT in August 2023.
Published 30 Jan 2024 09:44 PM


Bajaj Finserv Q3 results: Net profit increases by 22% to Rs 2,158 crore
Bajaj Finserv on Tuesday reported a 22 per cent increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 2,158 crore for the December quarter.The diversified financial services group had earned a net profit of Rs 1,782 crore in the year-ago period.The company's total income increased to Rs 29,038 crore in the third quarter of the ongoing fiscal from Rs 21.755 crore in the year-ago period, Bajaj Finserv said in a regulatory filing.Interest income during the quarter increased to Rs 13,922 crore as against Rs 10,430 crore in the same period a year ago.Total expenses also moved up to Rs 23,609 crore from Rs 17,336 crore in the same quarter a year ago. During the quarter, its subsidiary Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company posted shareholders' profit at Rs 108 crore from Rs 81 crore, registering an increase of 33 per cent.Non-life arm Bajaj Allianz General Insurance profit remained flat at Rs 281 crore as compared to Rs 278 crore in the year-ago period. The profit after tax for Bajaj Housing Finance Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bajaj Finance, experienced a growth of 31 per cent. Additionally, Bajaj Finance's consolidated assets under management crossed the milestone of Rs 3 lakh crore in Q3FY24.Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company (BAGIC) reported a 19 per cent growth in gross written premium. Excluding the impact of bulky tender-driven crops and government health business, the growth remained robust at 20 per cent for the company. Meanwhile, on Monday, Bajaj Finance, a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv, announced a consolidated net profit of Rs 3,638.95 crore for the December quarter, marking a 22.4 per cent increase from the previous year. In Q3FY24, Bajaj Finance achieved its highest-ever quarterly growth in customer franchise, adding 3.85 million new customers and recording 9.86 million new loans booked.In addition, the interest income of the company during the quarter increased by 33.5 per cent on an on-year basis to Rs 13,922 crore compared to Rs 10,430 crore in the same period of the previous fiscal year. The premium and operating income from the insurance business of the company in the October-December quarter climbed to Rs 12,308.62 crore, as compared to Rs 9,102.50 crore in the same period of the previous year.
Published 30 Jan 2024 09:43 PM


ITC Q3 results: Net profit rises 10.8% to Rs 5,572 crore, beats estimates
India's ITC beat analysts' estimates for third-quarter profit on Monday as the consumer goods giant benefited from higher demand for its products ranging from cigarettes to noodles. The company's profit rose 10.8% to Rs 5,572 crore ($670.3 million) in the three months ended Dec. 31. Analysts on average had expected a profit of Rs 5,148 crore, according to data from LSEG. The company and peers have benefited as a crackdown oFY23.e smuggling of international cigarette brands reduced competition.Cigarettes account for more than 40% of ITC's topline. Revenue from operations rose 2% to Rs 17,665 crore, with the cigarettes business growing 3.6%. Bajaj Finance Ltd on Monday reported a 22.40 per cent year-on-year (YoY) rise in its consolidated third-quarter (Q3) profit for the ongoing financial year 2023-24 (FY24). The figure stood at Rs 3,638.95 crore in Q3 FY24 as against Rs 2,973 crore in the same period last fiscal. During the quarter under review, the non-bank lender's revenue from operations grew 31.28 per cent to Rs 14,161.09 crore from Rs 10,787.25 crore in Q3 FY23. Assets under management (AUM) grew by 35 per cent to Rs 3,10,968 crore as of December 31, 2023 from Rs 230,842 crore in Q3 FY23. Net interest income increased by 29 per cent in Q3 FY24 to Rs 7,655 crore from Rs 5,922 crore in Q3 FY23. In Q3 FY24, gross NPA (non-performing asset) and net NPA stood at 0.95 per cent and 0.37 per cent, respectively, as against 1.14 per cent and 0.41 per cent in the corresponding period last fiscal. The company also said it has provisioning coverage ratio of 62 per cent on stage 3 assets.Pre-provisioning operating profit increased by 27 per cent in Q3 FY24 to Rs 5,539 crore from Rs 4,351 crore in Q3 FY23
Published 30 Jan 2024 09:43 PM


NTPC Q3 results: Profit up 7% at Rs 5,208 cr, income falls to Rs 43,574 cr
State-owned power giant NTPC on Monday reported over 7 per cent rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 5,208.87 crore for the December 2023 quarter, aided by energy sales through trading. Its net profit stood at Rs 4,854.36 crore in the year-ago period, a BSE filing said. The total income fell to Rs 43,574.65 crore in the quarter from Rs 44,989.21 crore in the same period a year ago.The company's expenses rose to Rs 38,782.22 crore from Rs 37,007.51 a year ago. "Revenue from operations for the quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2023 include Rs 2,117.12 crore and Rs 7,012.90 crore, respectively (Previous quarter and nine months Rs 1,984.92 crore and Rs 6,039.14 crore, respectively) on account of sale of energy through trading," the filing said. The Board of Directors of the company has also approved a second interim dividend of 2.25 per share (face value of Rs 10 each) for the financial year 2023-24 in their meeting held on January 29, 2024. The date of payment/dispatch of the dividend shall be February 22, 2024. The Board had declared the first interim dividend of 2.25 per share (face value of Rs 10 each) for the financial year 2023-24 in their meeting held on October 28, 2023, which was paid in November 2023.The average tariff of the company was Rs 4.57 per unit during April-December this fiscal compared to Rs 4.96 per unit a year ago.The gross electricity generation of NTPC increased to 89.467 billion units (BU) during the third quarter against 78.646 BU in the year-ago period. Coal output increased to 8.09 MMT in the quarter from 5.35 MMT a year ago. Its production also increased during April-December this fiscal to 19.92 MMT from 13.75 MMT.Plant load factor or capacity utilisation of coal-based thermal power plants improved to 75.95 per cent in the quarter from 68.85 per cent a year ago.Domestic coal supply improved to 60.23 MMT in the October-December quarter over 52.45 MMT in the same period last fiscal.Gas consumption improved to 2.26 MMSCMD from 1.13 MMSCMD. Imported coal supply stood at 2.15 MMT in the quarter against 1.57 MMT a year ago.NTPC Group's installed power generation capacity stood at 73,874 MW as of December 31, 2023.
Published 30 Jan 2024 09:42 PM


NDTV posts Q3 loss as advertising woes persist
New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV), part of the billionaire Gautam Adani-led Adani Group, reported a third-quarter loss on Tuesday, as businesses cut back on advertising spending.Companies diverted advertising spends to the cricket world cup during the quarter, hurting broadcasters that were unaffiliated with the tournament. Advertising is the biggest source of revenue for a broadcaster.NDTV's consolidated net loss stood at 95.5 million rupees ($1.2 million) in the three months to Dec. 31 against a profit of 25.9 million rupees a year earlier. Weak advertising spends have been hurting the news network, which posted its fifth straight revenue drop in the December quarter.Revenue fell 7% to 979.5 million rupees, while expenses climbed one-fourth on a nearly 35% jump in production expenses and cost of services.Another competitor Zee Entertainment, embroiled in conflicts related to its failed merger with Sony's India unit and licensing rights with Disney, will report next month.Rival TV18 Broadcast had posted a quarterly loss earlier this month.NDTV had posted a profit in the September quarter, and profit had last risen in June 2022.The Adani Group had taken control of the news network from its founders in December 2022.
Published 30 Jan 2024 09:41 PM


Sebi returns IPO papers of Gretex Share Broking
Capital markets regulator Sebi has returned the draft IPO papers of Gretex Share Broking, a move that might delay the company's initial share sale.The proposed IPO is a combination of a fresh issue of 1.67 crore equity shares and an offer-for-sale (OFS) component of 30.96 lakh shares by selling shareholders.Proceeds from the fresh issue would be used towards working capital requirements and for general corporate purposes.The company filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) in December 2023.According to an update on Sebi's website on Tuesday, the market regulator returned the company's DRHP on January 25 without giving reasons for the same. Gretex Share Broking is engaged in the business of market making and stock broking, underwriting capital markets issuances and depository participants of NSDL.Pantomath Capital Advisors is the sole book-running lead manager to the issue.Earlier this month, the markets watchdog returned the IPO papers of Stallion India Fluorochemicals.
Published 30 Jan 2024 09:41 PM


Share Market Budget 2024 Expectations Live: Top Stocks to watch
On February 1, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present an ‘interim’ budget as the government faces a general election this year, in April-May. There are the top stocks to watch before the interim budget to watch for. The benchmark equity indices ended Monday’s trading session in the positive territory. The NSE Nifty 50 gained 385 points or 1.80% to settle at 21,737.60, while the BSE Sensex soared 1240.90 points or 1.79% to 71,941.57. The broader indices ended in positive territory, with gain led by Largecap and Smallcap stocks. Bank Nifty index ended higher by 576.20 points or 1.28% to settle at 45,442.35. Energy and PSU Banks stocks outperformed among the other sectoral indices while Media and FMCG stocks shed. Over the last 5 days, BPCL shares have seen a notable increase of 3.53%, and in the last month, the growth has been substantial, reaching almost 9.31%. Assessing the medium and long-term performance, the stock has delivered exceptional returns, recording a surge of 30.49% in the last 6 months and an impressive 47.08% over the past year. Year-to-date, the stock has jumped by a noteworthy 9.01%. As the Indian e-commerce market continues to thrive, a robust last-mile infrastructure becomes paramount for seamless and efficient deliveries. Investments in improved road networks, strategically located delivery hubs, and advanced technology solutions for optimal route planning are essential. Particularly crucial in a market with a substantial volume of Cash-on-delivery (COD) orders, enhancing last-mile capabilities not only benefits e-commerce sellers but also offers logistics companies a cost-effective solution, steering away from expensive air deliveries. Additionally, anticipating reduced tax burdens, especially on fuel and operations, would further support the financial sustainability of courier companies, fostering a conducive environment for cost-effective operations. In tandem, advocating for e-commerce-friendly policies can propel the growth of the sector, indirectly benefiting courier companies. Streamlining licensing procedures, minimizing regulatory hurdles, and implementing measures that facilitate the smooth functioning of e-commerce operations will contribute to a thriving logistics ecosystem. Furthermore, recognizing the pivotal role played by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the logistics sector, incentivizing their growth through financial support, simplified regulations, and improved access to credit can significantly boost the overall efficiency of e-commerce logistics in India. Finally, changes in taxation policies, especially related to customs duties and tariffs, can substantially impact import costs, providing e-commerce sellers with opportunities to minimize overall expenses and scale up their businesses rapidly,” said Raju Sinha, Chief Business Officer at Fship Logistics.
Published 30 Jan 2024 09:40 PM


AU SFB stock falls nearly 12 per cent on weak Q3 results
Shares of AU Small Finance Bank (SFB) tanked nearly 12% in intra-day trading on Monday, closing 11.5% down at Rs 626.80 apiece on the BSE after analysts downgraded the bank’s stock and target price due to weak Q3 results. While analysts at YES Securities downgraded the stock to “neutral” from “add” and cut price target to Rs 780 apiece from Rs 840 earlier, Emkay Global Financial Services has cut the target price from Rs 650 apiece to Rs 625 and maintained its “reduce” rating. Nuvama Institutional Equities and Kotak Institutional, meanwhile, have retained their “reduce” and “sell” rating, respectively. AU SFB’s fresh slippages were elevated in Q3 at Rs 403 crore, higher than Rs 349 crore in Q2 and Rs 231 crore a year ago. This resulted in its gross and net non-performing asset (GNPA, NNPA) ratio rising to 1.98% and 0.68% as on December 31 from 1.91% and 0.60% in Q2, respectively. Analysts at Emkay Global said the stress in the SFB’s credit card business is on the rise. Separately, the bank has counter-intuitively cut down its specific provision coverage ratio (PCR) to 66% amid rising stress, which it believes will need to be shored up and, thereby lead to higher loan loss provisioning going ahead. AU SFB’s overall advances stood at Rs 67,624 crore as of December 31, of which the wheels segment accounted for Rs 20,375 crore and credit card exposure was at Rs 2,740 crore. The proposed merger of Fincare SFB with AU SFB, the brokerage said, will be return on asset (RoA) positive but managing human and tech integration and Fincare’s micro finance portfolio will be an “arduous” task.
Published 30 Jan 2024 09:39 PM


IBM is asking managers to work from office 3 days a week or get fired
IBM has issued a directive requiring all its managers in the United States to work from the office or client locations for a minimum of three days a week. Here are the details.IBM has issued a directive requiring all its managers in the United States to work from the office or client locations for a minimum of three days a week. The internal memo, which was just released by the company, has garnered attention for outlining a new policy that could potentially lead to job termination for non-compliance.The memo, obtained by Bloomberg, revealed that IBM wants to use badge-in data to track and assess the physical presence of its managers. Employees falling under this directive must reportedly reside within 50 miles of an IBM office or client location. Furthermore, the memo specifies that affected individuals must complete their relocation arrangements by August. Those unable to adhere to the new mandate or secure a remote position have been asked to "separate from IBM." A spokesperson for IBM verified the memo's contents and asserted the company's commitment to improve the work environment that balances flexibility with face-to-face interactions. The spokesperson clarified that executives and people managers in the United States are now required to be physically present in the office for at least three days each week.This policy marks a notable departure from IBM's previous approach to remote work. In May, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna stated that employees wouldn't be compelled to return to the office. However, the recent memo indicates a change in strategy, reflecting a belief that regular in-person presence is crucial for certain roles within the company. Notably, Krishna had acknowledged earlier that while remote work might allow for short-term productivity, it could impact employees' career progression. He suggested that those working remotely might find it more challenging to secure promotions as their contributions may be less visible in comparison to their office-bound counterparts.This move by IBM is not surprising because several tech companies have made similar decisions, which disappointed many employees. Some chose to leave their jobs, whereas a few people forcefully joined the company to comply with the policy.
Published 30 Jan 2024 09:39 PM


Amazons video advertisement push aims to turn TVs into shopping carts
Amazon.com Inc., joining streaming peers like Netflix, Disney and Peacock, will start running ads on its US Prime Video service on Monday. Beside generating new revenue for its $50 billion-plus advertising business, the e-commerce giant is betting it can persuade viewers to shop from their televisions. For decades, TV commercials have inspired and influenced future buying decisions rather than impulse purchases, and that hasn’t changed in the streaming era. Flo from Progressive still dukes it out with Geico’s gecko to peddle car insurance. She’s just increasingly seen on YouTube or Hulu rather than NBC. Amazon has the potential to upend the status quo because it’s the world’s largest online retailer, with detailed shopping profiles on Prime Video viewers. The company has an unrivaled delivery network that can ship millions products to much of the US population in a day or less. That combination could make the living room TV screen more than a place to spotlight brands. It could compel people to make purchases via smartphones, remote controls or voice-activated devices. “Prime Video might be Amazon’s best hope to make shoppable TV actually happen,” said Sky Canaves, an analyst at Insider Intelligence in New York. “Shoppable video ads will be part of its strategy to get brands that are already selling products on Amazon to advertise on Prime Video.” Selling billions of dollars in advertising will be the easy part. Brands for years have been shifting their marketing budgets from traditional TV to streaming services, and Amazon is offering low rates to reach a US audience second only to Netflix Inc. But training viewers to use their televisions as shopping carts and compelling advertisers to rethink an 80-year-old format will take time and effort—and could well fail as it has so many times before. Prime subscribers will see commercials in movies and TV shows unless they choose to pay an extra $3 a month for an ad-free service. In an effort to avoid alienating viewers, Amazon plans to air fewer ads than linear television and other streaming providers. (The company prohibits election and alcohol commercials.) In part because the video service is included in a Prime subscription that offers speedy shipping, music and other perks, most viewers are expected to accept the ads without much protest. Bank of America analysts estimate that 70% of Prime subscribers will opt to watch commercials rather than pay the extra fee to avoid them.
Published 30 Jan 2024 09:37 PM


Apple opens iPhone ecosystem in EU: What it means for consumers, developers
Apple has announced that it will bring changes to iOS, Safari browser, and the App Store in the European Union (EU) to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). With the new changes, iPhone users in the EU will get access to third-party App marketplaces, ability to change default browser, and set preferred payment method other than Apple’s for in-app purchases. Apple said the new changes will be limited to the 27 EU member countries and will roll out with the iOS 17.4 update in March. Here is a roundup of the changes coming to Apple iPhone platformplatform. With the iOS 17.4 update, users in the EU will get the option to install apps from a third-party app stores that Apple is calling “alternative app marketplaces”. Users will be able to download alternative app stores from the respective developer’s website. Apple said, the alternate app marketplaces can install and support software on iOS devices, access data across a catalogue of apps, manage user’s purchases and subscriptions, and more. However, developers managing these app marketplaces would need to meet Apple’s “Notarization” requirements, like other iOS apps. Apple said notarization is its review system for apps that ensure that the iOS apps are free of known malware, viruses, or other security threats. It includes a combination of automated checks and human review. Notarized apps will undergo checks during installation to check for user’s authorisation. If the app fails to comply with the Notarization regulations, the app will be prevented from launching and new installations will be halted.With the update, users will be able to manage the list of allowed app stores and installed apps from settings. Removing a third party app store will prevent app installations and updates from the developer’s website. Users can also set a third-party app store as their default app installation source.
Published 30 Jan 2024 09:36 PM