India News & Trends
Fandom not denim is UNIQLOsnext growth engine in India
Customers flocked to purchase Maggi limited-edition bowls when they were first offered on rapid commerce platforms earlier this year. At one point, social media posts, Instagram reels, and a good dose of nostalgia caused the bowls to run out of supply. While many customers noticed the collector bowls, fewer may be aware that Japanese clothing store UNIQLO also sells T-shirts and tote bags bearing the Maggi name. Is this the only twist? The products cost up to Rs 1,490, in contrast to the bowls, which were included with sales of noodles.The collection is a part of UNIQLO's UTme! platform, an extension of their worldwide UT graphic T-shirt business that emphasizes customization. The company recently opened its first UT Pop-Up at Ambience Mall in Gurgaon, showing everything from anime and Japanese art to local partnerships with artists like Neha Sharma, in an effort to highlight the category and expose more customers to the world of UT. According to Nidhi Rastogi, marketing director of UNIQLO India, "We wanted a lot more people to know about UT and also experience the pop culture aspect of it."The month-long pop-up was intended to do more than just sell T-shirts, according to Rastogi. The experience structure enables the company to highlight the several pillars of UT, such as anime, art, Japanese culture, movies, and character-based partnerships like Peanuts, even though stores are limited by shelf space.It was about establishing an immersive space where consumers could engage with and comprehend UT outside of our physical locations," she continues.
Published 04 Jun 2026 05:20 PM
Refrain from letting systems rule you Meenakshi Lekhi warns communicators about AI
Reputation management is becoming less about amplification and more about alertness, trust, and strategic judgment as deepfakes, artificial intelligence, misinformation, and real-time media continue to change the communications landscape. Former Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi, who gave the keynote talk at the IMAGEXX Summit & Awards 2026 in New Delhi, provided a pertinent analysis of the increasing complexity that modern communicators face.Speaking to a group of PR executives, corporate affairs specialists, and reputation managers, Lekhi made the case that although technology is speeding up information and impact, ethical communication, quality, and trustworthiness remain the cornerstones of reputation. She emphasized the growing role of communications professionals as crucial advisors who help organizations navigate a time when reputational risks can arise and spread at previously unheard-of speeds, as well as as guardians of brand image."The real merit is in the product itself," she stated, highlighting the need of communication experts. It can be difficult to establish a reputation when quality is lacking, but when it is present, it isn't usually emphasized. You are the ones who oversee that as experts and are aware of the framework that requires the good aspects to be emphasized.She emphasized that media outreach and publicity are just two aspects of the communications function. Lekhi asserts that PR specialists are in a unique position to offer strategic criticism that can enhance goods, services, and client interactions. "Your input might enhance quality while you are maintaining your reputation. Because you are closer to understanding stakeholder expectations and customer emotions, you can all contribute to improvising on services, she added.
Published 03 Jun 2026 09:32 PM
June 2026 JioHotstar New Releases What to Watch This Month
With a program that includes everything from thrilling revenge dramas and epic fantasy battles to international sporting events and beloved returning series, JioHotstar is turning up the heat in June. June's watchlist is jam-packed with reasons to stay in and stream, whether you're waiting for dragons to soar, love tales to reignite, kitchens to erupt into chaos, or cricket and tennis to keep you hooked to the screen. This month, you should be aware of the following:Unsuitable for Work: Currently streaming This witty and realistic drama combines office politics, complex relationships, and a healthy dose of mayhem. This will probably resonate with you if you've ever worked in a job that put your patience to the test. June 4th is the Grand Digital Premiere of Dhurandhar: The Revenge. It's time to stop waiting. With its spectacular action, epic drama, and uncompromising retribution plot, one of the biggest action spectacles of the year makes its digital debut. June 5th, Dhurandhar: The Revenge This action-packed performer is expected to bring drama, emotion, and adrenaline in equal measure following the grand debut. Remember to stream!Afghanistan vs. India One-Off Test, starting on June 6 In a one-time Test match between Afghanistan and India, red-ball cricket takes center stage. There will be a ton of cricketing drama, innumerable battles, and five days. Dridam, June 12th Dridam examines what it takes to persevere in the face of life's most difficult obstacles in this poignant tale of tenacity and resolve. ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026: starting on June 12 The top women's cricket players in the world gather in England for a tournament where every game counts and every moment has the potential to create history.
Published 02 Jun 2026 10:54 PM
Taxed to extinction The potential lack of money from the SC gaming ruling
The Supreme Court has dealt a severe blow to the nation's rapidly expanding real-money gambling industry in what is being touted as the most significant corporate tax battle in Indian history. The Supreme Court affirmed that a 28% GST on internet gaming, casinos, and fantasy sports is legitimate. Significantly, the court granted its application retroactively, resurrecting enormous tax demands valued at more than ₹2.5 lakh crore. The decision, which was made by a court that included Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, essentially puts an end to years of vigorous legal wrangling by tech companies, industry associations, and gaming firms. The court has significantly changed the financial and operational environment of digital entertainment in India by ruling that online money gaming with monetary bets qualifies as betting and gambling for tax purposes.The Supreme Court deconstructed the industry's fundamental defenses in two distinct but related rulings.The first ruling dealt with petitions by several State Governments against High Court rulings in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka that had previously overturned state-level prohibitions on online money gaming. The Supreme Court upheld the state limits by overturning those rulings.The legal nuance is explained by Sudipta Bhattacharjee, Partner at Khaitan & Co., who represented a number of well-known online gaming and casino companies in this group of cases: "In this first judgment, the validity of the anti-online gaming State laws of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka have been upheld by reading "betting" as something different from "gambling." In order to understand how basic constitutional bench rulings in RMDC and three-judge bench rulings in K.R. Lakshmanan have been handled in the context of online money gaming, it will be important to thoroughly examine this ruling.
Published 01 Jun 2026 09:16 PM
Siddaramaiah became a member of the CWC
New Delhi: Siddaramaiah, the departing chief minister of Karnataka, was named a member of the Congress Working Committee on Tuesday night by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. His appointment occurred just one day before his replacement, DK Shivakumar, took the oath of office as chief minister of Karnataka, indicating the party leadership's desire to make fun of him.Siddaramaiah's record-long tenure of more than eight years across two terms as chief minister came to an end mere days after he resigned. On the eve of DK Shivakumar, his longtime competitor and now-former deputy, taking the oath of office as the new chief minister, he was also appointed as a member of the CWC. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah engaged in a protracted internal conflict over the position, frequently making subtle jabs at one another.
Published 03 Jun 2026 09:46 PM
The Supreme Court will now have 37 judges after adding five new members
additional Delhi: The Supreme Court will now have 37 judges, one less than the revised sanctioned strength of 38, with the appointment of five additional judges on Monday.Senior Supreme Court lawyer Venkita Subramani Mohana, Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar of the Bombay High Court, Chief Justice Sheel Nagu of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, and Chief Justice Arun Palli of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court have all been promoted as top court judges, according to separate notifications released by the Union Law Ministry's Department of Justice on Monday morning. Last month, the government issued an order that amended a law to boost the supreme court's sanctioned strength from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India. Although there were already two open positions, the apex court now has six open positions after the sanctioned strength was expanded.The nominations were made in four days after the Supreme Court Collegium suggested the five candidates on May 27. PTI
Published 01 Jun 2026 09:24 PM
Senior Advocate V Mohana is among the five new judges recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium
XFollowing the recent increase in the court's sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by the Honorable Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, has proposed the appointment of the five new judges to the highest court. Senior counsel V Mohana and the four Chief Justices of the High Court have contributed to this recommendation. After Justice Indu Malhotra, V Mohana will be the second woman directly selected from the bar to the Supreme Court, making her elevation genuinely historic.The number of Supreme Court judges has increased to 38. The Honorable President recently issued an act expanding the number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38. The action was intended to address the Increasing the number of pending cases The burden of judges Quicker case resolution The collegium has suggested the five new appointments to cover the extra openings as a result of this enlargement. The Supreme Court will have 37 judges instead of just 32 if it is accepted, leaving just one vacancy.Which Judges Are Suggested? The following names have been suggested by the collegium: Sheel Nagu, Justice Senior Advocate V. Mohana, Justices Shree Chandrashekhar, Sanjeev Sachdeva, and Arun Palli
Published 29 May 2026 05:52 PM
The Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions has appointed Raghav Chadha as its chairman
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has been appointed chairman of the Committee on Petitions after the Upper House reconstituted the panel. The move gives the young parliamentarian a significant parliamentary responsibility in India’s legislative framework.The Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions will now be chaired by Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha. The Upper House reorganized the committee and gave the Raghav Chadha significant legislative authority before making its judgment.After Rajya Sabha head C. P. Radhakrishnan reconstituted the committee, Raghav Chadha was named head of the Committee on Petitions. Chadha now has a significant parliamentary function in managing citizen petitions pertaining to legislative and public policy issues. Parliamentary committees are crucial to democratic accountability and legislative scrutiny, which makes this development significant. One of the key parliamentary committees is the Committee on Petitions, which reviews citizen petitions pertaining to legislation, public complaints, policy issues, and things that need the attention of the Parliament. Among its primary duties are the Examining petitions submitted to the Rajya Sabha Analyzing citizen complaints related to government Suggestions for remedial actions Encouraging public involvement in parliamentary democracy Increasing governance's responsibility The committee serves as the official avenue through which citizens can bring up matters with Parliament directly.
Published 26 May 2026 05:56 PM
One thing unites Travis Scott and Radhika Merchant: a watch valued at Rs 28 crore.
A luxury watch has unexpectedly become a common link between rapper Travis Scott and Radhika Merchant. Both have been spotted wearing the ultra-rare Richard Mille RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire, a watch reportedly valued at around ₹25–28 crore. Only a handful of pieces are believed to exist worldwide, making it one of the most exclusive timepieces ever produced.The watch features a sapphire crystal case, a flying tourbillon movement, and an intricate skeletonized design that showcases Richard Mille's high-end engineering. Its rarity and craftsmanship have made it a favorite among celebrities, athletes, and ultra-high-net-worth collectors.Radhika Merchant drew attention when she wore the watch during IPL 2026 appearances, while Travis Scott has also been seen sporting the same model. The coincidence has generated considerable buzz on social media, where users noted that the watch costs more than many luxury cars and even some supercars. Radhika Merchant drew attention when she wore the watch during IPL 2026 appearances, while Travis Scott has also been seen sporting the same model. The coincidence has generated considerable buzz on social media, where users noted that the watch costs more than many luxury cars and even some supercars.In short, despite coming from completely different worlds—global hip-hop and Indian business royalty—Travis Scott and Radhika Merchant share a taste for one of the world's rarest and most expensive watches: the Richard Mille RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire, worth approximately ₹28 crore.
Published 04 Jun 2026 05:36 PM
Peddi movie review and live updates Ram Charan is praised and the movie is expected to launch at Rs 100 cr
Peddi Movie Review and Release LIVE Updates: Buchi Babu Sana's film Peddi marks Ram Charan's return to the big screen. The movie, which also stars Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Boman Irani, and Divyenndu, opens in theaters on Thursday, June 4. Peddi is aiming for a global opening of Rs 100 crore, but it's unclear if the Ram Charan film will be able to do it.Peddi, a sports drama starring Telugu superstar Ram Charan, has finally opened in theaters throughout the world after months of delays. The movie debuted with a splash, with special performances on the evening of June 3 and a global release on June 4. Peddi is a rural action film that portrays the lives of an athlete who struggles for his identity. It is directed by Buchi Babu Sana and stars Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Boman Irani, Jagapathi Babu, and Divyenndu. The movie made Rs 9.82 crore in the first few days of advance reservations without block bookings, according to industry tracker Sacnilk. By Wednesday afternoon, the amount had reached Rs 16.66 crore with block bookings. Worldwide, the film has garnered Rs 35 crore gross in advance purchases.
Published 04 Jun 2026 05:29 PM
On its 25th anniversary Aamir Khan Lagaan will be re-released in theaters the nostalgic teaser charms people over
Lagaan transformed a straightforward game into one of the most captivating tales ever portrayed on the Indian film, long before cricket dramas became popular. Ashutosh Gowariker's Aamir Khan-starring movie will now be re-released in theaters to commemorate its 25th anniversary. Fans are ecstatic after the re-release's teaser was recently released by the creators.Long before cricket dramas gained popularity, Lagaan turned a simple game into one of the most engrossing stories ever seen on Indian cinema. In honor of its 25th anniversary, Ashutosh Gowariker's film starring Aamir Khan will now be rereleased in theaters. Following the producers' recent publication of the teaser for the re-release, fans are overjoyed.Fans were nostalgic after watching the official re-release trailer. It provided a window into the dusty fields of pre-Independence India, where a group of brave locals engaged in a memorable cricket match against British officers. The comments area was inundated with enthusiastic words from fans. A comment said, "All-time best movie ever." Someone else wrote, "Real Cinema Is Back." A fan wrote, "Nostalgia hit, sir." "I couldn't see Lagaan in theaters in 2001," wrote another. greatest regret. Since then, seeing this in a crowded theater has truly been a dream of mine. It will eventually come to pass. A different fan merely said, "This is gold."vThe movie, which takes place in 1893 during the late Victorian period of British colonial control in India, centers on a group of central Indian villagers who are suffering from years of drought and high taxes. When a haughty British Indian Army commander challenges them to a game of cricket, their fortunes drastically change. Their taxes will be waived if they prevail. The villagers must learn the game and overcome overwhelming odds to win because they are not familiar with the sport. Aamir Khan played the lead in Ashutosh Gowariker's 2001 film Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India. Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, Paul Blackthorne, Suhasini Mulay, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Raghubir Yadav, A. K. Hangal, and a number of others were among the ensemble cast.
Published 03 Jun 2026 09:39 PM
Salman Khan legal team initiates a lawsuit against Kala Hiran and requests that the movie be removed
Salman Khan's legal team has filed a lawsuit against Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy's producers, claiming that the film violates the actor's personality rights. The notification calls for the immediate suspension of the movie's distribution schedule and marketing initiatives, including the removal of advertisements and posters. The notice, which is addressed to casting director Akshay Pandey, threatens more legal action if the demands are not met. The film, which was produced by Amit Jani and directed by Bharat S. Shrinate, is thought to have been inspired by the 1998 Blackbuck case, which has been connected to Khan for many years.Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, according to Khan's legal team, is problematic since it seems to be based on a case that is currently pending before the Rajasthan High Court. The notice claims that the proposed movie violates the actor's personality rights and is defamatory. It further asserts that the creation and promotion of such a project might impede the legal system and compromise Khan's right to a fair trial. Additionally, the notification claims that Salman Khan has never authorized nor permitted the use of his name, likeness, or any incident related to him in the movie. His attorneys have insisted that the filmmakers immediately cease all project-related development, production, and marketing. They have also requested an unqualified written apology from the creators.The legal notification stated that if the filmmakers did not comply with the demands within 24 hours, civil and criminal actions might be started. Producer Amit Jani responded by publicly posting the warning on social media and implying that the action was meant to put pressure on individuals associated with the movie. Jani stood his ground, criticizing what he saw as an attempt at intimidation with quotes from poetry.
Published 02 Jun 2026 10:59 PM
Axis Bank is Religares pick of the month for March, 10% upside seen at TP of ₹1,185; should you buy?
Domestic brokerage firm Religare Broking has picked Axis Bank as its stock pick of the month for March 2024 with a potential upside seen around 10 per cent. Shares of Axis Bank were on an uptrend and gained around three per cent today as Nifty 50 hit a fresh lifetime high of 22,353.30 on strong macroeconomic indicators.On Friday, March 1, shares of Axis Bank opened at ₹1,074.05 and gained 2.5 per cent to hit an intra day high of ₹1,101.60 against its 52-week high of ₹1,151.50 apiece on the BSE. Shares of Axis Bank settled 2.20 per cent higher at ₹1,099.35 apiece on the BSE. At a current market price (CMP) of ₹1,085, Religare sees a potential upside of 10 per cent on Axis Bank stock at a target price of ₹1,185 from an initiation range of ₹1,080-1,085 and a stop loss of ₹1,030. Religare Broking highlights that in its report that Axis Bank has remained one among the top performer among the private banking majors and we expect the outperformance to continue. ‘’The stock has been in a primary uptrend from last more than eight months, forming series of Higher Highs and lows with gradual rise in volumes. It has formed an elevated base around the 20 weekly EMA which also coincides with rising support trend line,'' said Religare Broking. Following the price action and uptick in volumes indicates the stock to resume its prevailing trend and inch higher to surpass its previous swing high, according to the brokerage. The stock gained marginally (around three per cent) in the previous series with reduction of eight per cent open interest (OI). 98 per cent of the open positions rolled which is same with respect to previously. ‘’OI of 82k contracts as against 89k previously. Decent cash based buying also seen in last three days of February series. With fresh cash accumulation and shorts being trapped, it may witness good short covering,'' said Religare Broking. The bank's net interest income (NII) in the third quarter at ₹12,532, crore, which rose by nine per cent - almost in line with the market estimate of ₹12,555 crore. NII is the difference between interest earned by a bank through loans and interest it pays to depositors. Meanwhile, the net interest margin (NIM) stood at 4.01 percent for the quarter ended on December 31, 2023. Net Interest Margin refers to the difference between the interest income earned and the interest disbursed by a bank in relation to its interest-generating assets such as cash.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:35 PM
Potential for any re-rating delayed for Paytm, says UBS; still sees 25% upside in the stock – heres why
Shares of One 97 Communications (Paytm) have witnessed an almost 50 percent drop just in February as investor sentiment turned negative amid the RBI and Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) saga.In a recent note, brokerage house UBS said it believes that any potential for a re-rating of Paytm based on profitability improvement has been delayed. It has retained a 'neutral' call on the stock and reduced its target price to ₹510 (from ₹650 earlier). The new target indicates an over 25 percent potential upside. "Paytm's share price has derated significantly post RBI regulatory action and the stock is trading at 1.5x EV to one-year forward consensus sales, nearly an 80 percent discount to its Indian internet peers. Our ₹510 price target implies a 2.4x EV to FY25E sales, which is still a 70 percent discount to Indian internet peers. We believe this is justified as Paytm's growth profile is now much weaker at an 8 percent expected revenue CAGR over FY24-26E, versus Indian peers at a much higher 27 percent. Additionally, Paytm's re-rating potential based on its profitability improvement is now also pushed out and the company's margin profile is much weaker than peers. Furthermore, the loss of investor confidence based on the regulatory action is unlikely to change in a hurry. We believe only sustained execution in the coming quarters can re-build investor confidence which would drive a re-rating," explained the brokerage. The RBI on January 31 directed PPBL to stop accepting deposits or top-ups in customer accounts, wallets, FASTags, and other instruments after February 29, citing large-scale non-compliance with regulations and supervisory concerns. In the latest update, the Reserve Bank of India clarified that non-Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) linked merchants (85 percent of the total) can continue to function as normal and gave a 15-day extension till 15th March for most PPBL-linked activities. RBI also informed that @paytm UPI handles can be migrated to banks after approval from NPCI. This implies key linkages between Paytm and PPBL will be transferred to other banks via Paytm and also clears the way for Paytm to function as third-party app provider (TPAP), similar to its competitors PhonePe and Google Pay, once NPCI provides approval for the same. Following RBI's latest update, the anticipated negative impacts on Paytm have been alleviated to a considerable extent. Paytm is poised to retain a significant portion of its customer and merchant base pending certain approvals from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). However, UBS anticipates a churn of 15-20 percent in merchants, customers, and devices in Q4 compared to Q3 levels, accompanied by a steep decline of around 60 percent quarter-on-quarter in loan origination. Additionally, it foresees a challenging FY25 with a projected 2 percent revenue decline, attributed to the loss in the wallet business and gradual normalisation in payments and loan origination activities. To regain lost customers, Paytm is expected to escalate its marketing expenditure, leading to heightened EBITDA losses in FY25, consequently prompting adjustments in its EPS estimates.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:35 PM
Stock market selloff: Nifty forms Bearish Engulfing; 21,850 next?
Nifty on Wednesday could not sustain early gains and saw heavy selling, as it closed below the psychological mark of 22,000 for the time since February 15. The index formed a Bearish Engulfing pattern on the daily chart, which has a negative connotation. The silver lining was the index somehow managed to settle above its 21-day EMA on a closing basis. If the index stays below 22,000 level, chances are it may revisit 19,850-800 level, analysts said.“The index dropped below the 22,000 mark, indicating a growing weakness. Nevertheless, it managed to close just above the 21EMA on the daily timeframe. Observing the daily chart, the index has been navigating within a rising channel. A decline below 21,950 could potentially trigger a correction towards 21,800 in the near term,” said Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities. For the day, the 50-pack index closed at 21,951.15, down 247.20 points or 1.11 per cent. A sustained Nifty trade above 21,950 might spur a recovery in the index towards 22,100, De added. With the Bearish Engulfing candle, Nifty has given up all the gains of the previous week, said Chandan Taparia of Motilal Oswal Securities. This analyst believes that were the index say below 22000, weakness could be seen towards 21,850, followed by 21,700 levels. Resistances are seen at 22,150 and 22,222 levels, he said.atin Gedia – Technical Research Analyst at Sharekhan said that the index has reached its 20-day moving average of 21,944. He said the broad range of 21,800-22,300 still has not been breached. "The daily as well as hourly momentum indicators have a negative crossover, which is a sell signal. But prices are still in a range and, hence, a decisive breach below 21,875 i.e. the previous swing low is required to validate the change of trend. The Index is around the crucial support zone 21,900, which is likely to act as a make-or-break level from short term perspective," Gedia said.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:34 PM
IIT Kanpur’s 1974 batch pledges Rs 10.11 crore
"The Class of 1974 of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) has committed Rs 10.11 crore to fund a range of institute initiatives. The promise is made as part of the batch's Golden Jubilee Reunion, which will take place from February 23 to February 25, 2024, and will bring together over 80 graduates and their families. ""IIT Kanpur takes great pride in its alumni, and time and time again, our alumni have come together for supporting the growth of their alma mater through various means,"" stated Prof. S Ganesh, Director of IIT Kanpur, in response to the Class of 1974's kind pledge. The Class of 1974's commitment to support greatness at the institute by aiding in its development aligns with a shared goal He continued, ""The 'Batch Legacy Fund' will be used to enhance possibilities for both faculty and students. ""We, the proud alumni of the Class of 1974, are honored to unite and contribute to our cherished alma mater, IIT Kanpur,"" he stated, thanking his classmates for this endeavor and his alma mater, batch coordinator Yogesh Khosla. Our combined support is a testament to our great pride in the organization and our common goal of seeing it succeed moving forward. I would want to sincerely thank everyone of my classmates for their kind cooperation in this project. The Class of 1974's 50th reunion was a happy event full with memories, laughter, and introspection that will live on in the archives of IIT Kanpur, an institution thinkinh said. IIT Kanpur stated that the ""Class of 1974 Batch Legacy Fund"" will undoubtedly advance learning within its community and expressed its sincere gratitude to the Class of 1974 for their outstanding contribution and steadfast dedication. The researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) will present their findings to the students during an open house. The purpose of the event is to give students a forum to interact with professionals and well-known businesspeople. March 2 and March 3 of 2024 will be dedicated to the open house. Shaastra will host IITM for Everyone. A statement on the social media account read, ""IIT Madras is open to all for the first time in 15 years."" "
Published 28 Feb 2024 05:34 PM
AAP must leave its headquarters by June 15th, per a Supreme Court order.
The Aam Aadmi Party of Arvind Kejriwal will have to leave its headquarters, which are located on a plot of land designated for the High Court. The good news is that you still have until June 15 to act. The Supreme Court gave the party a long deadline because of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing that this is an encroachment case. The party may now submit an application for alternative land to the Land and Development Office of the Center.The bench, which included Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, stated, "We would request the L&DO to process the application and communicate its decision within a period of four weeks." The bench continued, "AAP has no legal right to remain on the land." The Delhi High Court was granted land in February to expand its operations and build more courtrooms for the Rouse Avenue location. The court had noticed that the AAP was intruding on this land. When considering a case involving the nation's judicial system, the highest court took notice of the issue.The state government promised at a meeting on February 15 that the plot would be removed in two months if a substitute plot was provided, in response to a court order. However, the situation remained unchanged. According to India's Chief Justice, DY Chandrachud, nobody has the authority to impose law on others. "It is absurd for any political party to sit on it. Every intrusion will be eliminated... The land should be given to the High Court so that it can be utilized by the general public and citizens, Justice Chandrachud stated.
Published 04 Mar 2024 05:31 PM
Article 21: The Constitutions Soul, with Citizens Liberty Supreme
According to the Supreme Court, Article 21 is the essence of the Constitution because it protects citizens' rights to liberty, which are so valuable that a person would lose them if the high court takes too long to decide cases pertaining to it. Amol Vithal Vahile, a prime accused in the murder of a corporator in Maharashtra, was granted bail by the Bombay High Court on January 29 following prodding from the top court, according to a bench of Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta.In a recent ruling, the bench stated that it is evident that prior to this court's order being issued on January 29, 2024, the high court had dismissed the bail application on one or more grounds rather than considering it on its merits.It goes without saying that Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is its core because it upholds the fundamental right to liberty for all citizens. It stated, "Depriving the party of their precious right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India would mean not reaching a quick decision and brushing off the issue on one or the other basis pertaining to a citizen's liberty." The bench stated that it has encountered numerous cases from the Bombay High Court in which the applications for bail and anticipatory bail were not resolved promptly. The bench mentioned one instance where the application for anticipatory bail was pending for over four years. "We have also encountered many cases where the judges find an excuse to reroute the case on unrelated grounds rather than rendering a decision based on the merits of the case. As a result, we ask the chief justice of the Bombay High Court to communicate our request to all judges who have criminal jurisdiction so that the issue of bail and anticipatory bail can be decided as soon as possible," the bench stated.It requested that the Supreme Court's Registrar (Judicial) forward this directive to the High Court's Registrar (Judicial), who will present it to the Bombay High Court's chief justice. The bench stated on January 29 that, despite the fact that Vahile had been detained for more than seven years, on March 30, 2023, the high court had ordered him to appear before the trial court for regular bail.
Published 02 Mar 2024 06:02 PM
SEA urges Centre to not extend ban on export of de-oiled ricebran
The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has asked the Indian Government to not extend the ban on the export of de-oiled rice bran beyond March 31.In a letter to Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; and Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; the President of SEA, Ajay Jhunjhunwala, said the total export of de-oiled rice bran constitutes only around 6 per cent of the production. The restriction has adversely affected processors and exporters along with paddy farmers, hindering them from realising better returns on their produce, he said. The government banned the export of de-oiled rice bran in a notification dated July 28, 2023, effective until November 30, 2023. This was further extended till March 31, 2024 in a notification dated December 8, 2023. Stating that processing of ricebran has picked up with the commencement of new season in November, he said availability of de-oiled ricebran has improved. This is evident from the reduction of price from ₹18,000 a tonne on July 28 2023 (the date of issuing notification) to ₹12,500 a tonne at present. Mentioning that the industry benefits from the export of de-oiled rice bran, he said easy clearance of meal leads to sustained processing, leading to better capacity utilisation, continuous oil availability, increased employment, and significant value addition along with valuable foreign exchange. India, which has successfully developed export market for de-oiled rice bran over the last 30 years, primarily serves Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh and other Asian countries. “An abrupt change in export policy has given opportunity to our competing countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh to capture Vietnam market for de-oiled ricebran and the market will be lost in no time,” he said. Eastern States, including West Bengal, are a significant producer of de-oiled ricebran. Since the cattle feed industry remains underdeveloped in this part of the country, there is limited demand for de-oiled ricebran in eastern India, he said. “The exorbitant local freight charges to move de-oiled ricebran from eastern India to south or west India makes export the principal means of disposal for de-oiled ricebran in the region. Since export is banned, ricebran processors in Eastern India are facing the prospect of shutting down their operations, adversely impacting the rice milling industry and reducing ricebran oil production,” Jhunjhunwala said. Though export restriction on de-oiled ricebran was imposed in July 2023 to ease milk prices, there is almost no reduction in milk prices across the country since this ban, he said. This is because the cost component of de-oiled ricebran in milk price is very nominal. “We are still of the view that continuing this ban will not support reduction in milk prices but will continue to negatively impact the ricebran processors and de-oiled ricebran exporters,” he said, and requested the government not to extend the ban beyond March 31.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:45 PM
Government Employees Platform Plans Strike From May 1 Over OPS Demand
A group of Union and state government employees announced they will go on indefinite strike starting on Labour Day (May 1) this year to demand the restoration of the old pension scheme (OPS), The Hindu reported.The Joint Forum For Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS), which was described as a platform of trade unions and associations working among Union and state government employees, said it had decided to serve strike notices starting March 19. Under the OPS, which was retired in 2004, retired government employees received half their last-drawn salary every month as a pension. The government concerned would foot the entire amount. The National Pension Scheme (NPS) replaced the OPS and involves the employee contributing 10% of their basic salary and the government contributing 14% into a corpus, which can be invested into different types of funds. How much an employee would receive upon retirement depends on the market return on these investments. Shiv Gopal Mishra, who is convenor of the JFROPS and is among the leaders of a railway workers’ union, told The Hindu that the decision to go on strike was taken after talks with the Union government had broken down. “We held several protests demanding restoration of OPS. We wrote letters to prime minister and finance minister urging them to restore the OPS. We have also been raising this issue in the JCM [joint consultative machinery] meetings, but the government ignored our demands and we are now forced to go on an indefinite strike,” Mishra was quoted as saying.The Hindu also cited government employees’ unions as claiming that ahead of the call for a strike, ballots conducted in various government departments suggested that nearly 100% of employees supported a strike.They have also argued that pensioners were worse off under the NPS because it does not hike pensions on a regular basis in order to correct for inflation. Some state governments have decided to restore the OPS for their employees. But the Reserve Bank of India has said that going back to the OPS would increase governments’ liabilities and put their financial security at risk. The Union government said in parliament in December that it does not plan on restoring the OPS. It has also warned its employees from going on strike before and argued that their right to form associations did not include a guaranteed right to go on strike. When Mishra was asked by The Hindu how the model code of conduct for the general elections would affect their planned strike, he said they wanted the issue to be discussed by the people. “This is an issue that involves lives of crores of people. Let the people discuss and decide on our demands. Even if the model code of conduct comes in picture, the Cabinet will be there, the Cabinet secretary will be there and they can take a decision on our demand,” he told the newspaper. Another employees’ union leader was cited as saying that ‘all unions’ except the pro-government Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh would take part in their planned strike.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:44 PM
A Significant Return for Marc Jacobs Beauty
Luxury makeup brand Marc Jacobs Beauty has officially returned in 2026 after being discontinued in 2021, marking one of the most talked-about beauty industry comebacks of the year. The brand relaunched with an entirely new collection of makeup products, including lipsticks, blush sticks, bronzers, eyeliners, mascaras, eyeshadows, and highlighters. The comeback is being led in partnership with Coty Inc., with products launching online and through Sephora stores.Beauty enthusiasts and industry experts have responded positively to the relaunch. The new collection features playful heart, star, and daisy-inspired packaging while maintaining the bold, high-performance formulas that made the original brand popular. Several products, particularly the Heart On Lipstick, Drawn This Way Eyeliner, and Born Star Eyeshadow, have generated strong demand and early sell-outs.Industry analysts view the return as a strategic move in the premium beauty market, where consumers are increasingly seeking distinctive brands with strong creative identities. Marc Jacobs himself recently described the relaunch as a modern reinvention rather than a revival of the old line, emphasizing individuality and self-expression as the brand's core philosophy.
Published 04 Jun 2026 06:02 PM
The days of microbladed eyebrows are over but are they reversible
Our eyebrows have seen more changes than any other feature. Brows have seen it all, from the thin, pencil-style brows of the year 2000 to the fuller, laminated look of today. But one thing hasn't changed: if you get your eyebrows correct, half of your appearance is taken care of.Microbladed eyebrows were commonplace for a very long period. Because the fad promised bigger, more natural-looking brows with less daily work, celebrities, influencers, and regular people loved it. For many, it provided a long-term solution for uneven or sparse eyebrows. But beauty trends change quickly, and what was once considered contemporary and attractive is now beginning to feel antiquated. Many people are starting to reconsider their previous microblading decisions as softer, more natural brows become more popular.In essence, microblading is a cosmetic tattooing method in which pigment is manually applied to the skin's surface to simulate eyebrow hair. According to Dr. Ruby Sachdev, an aesthetician and consultant at Gleneagles Hospital in Bengaluru, it became well-liked by those who want larger eyebrows without using makeup every day.
Published 03 Jun 2026 09:52 PM
Benefits of Sattu Indias first protein beverage
These days, a growing number of individuals are including tasty and nourishing "superfoods" from all over the world in their diets. Imagine those colorful matcha lattes, creamy avocado toasts, delicious chia pudding, quinoa salads, and cool kale smoothies. They are healthy in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. Just a gentle reminder: Is it really necessary to spend a lot of money to maintain your health?No, I believe! Sattu is an ancient superfood from India that is tasty, affordable, and very potent. This adaptable component, which is made from roasted gram flour, has been loved and consumed for more than 3,000 years, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Chana sattu, once cherished by diligent farmers for a rapid energy boost, is now widely accepted as a wholesome and organic supplement to contemporary meals nationwide. Let's examine the advantages of sattu powder, how it outperforms the most well-liked protein-rich foods, and why it should be at the top of your diet list before you hurry to try another foreign health craze.A traditional Indian flour produced from roasted barley or chickpeas is called sattu powder. In India, it is a native source of protein. It is a well-liked superfood with several health advantages due to its high protein content. Sattu, sometimes referred to as the "desi protein shake," is high in minerals, fiber, and plant-based protein. It is a popular dish in India that is becoming more and more well-known abroad.
Published 08 May 2026 06:04 PM
Arjun Rampal If I have to look extremely good, then my go-to is Gabriella’
"The radiant and perfect complexion of Janhvi Kapoor has been unveiled, and the secret to her lovely skin is a homemade face mask. Kapoor bragged about the many health advantages of this concoction, which is made of honey, mashed bananas, curd, orange scrub, and almond oil. Dr. Aanchal Panth shared her thoughts on this celebrity-endorsed skincare product, as social media was ablaze with claims of its efficacy. Let's investigate if giving it a shot is worthwhile. Kapoor began by taking curd and placing it in a bowl with mashed bananas, honey, and an additional layer of malai. After thoroughly blending, she smeared it across her freshly washed face. She then squeezed an orange, rubbed the juice of the fruit over her face, and covered it with the mask. Following the removal of the mask, she applied almond oil beneath her eyes. Dr. Panth elucidated the effectiveness of the mask by pointing out that although it is moisturizing, putting orange directly on the skin is not advised. "This is a good mask that will help with moisturizing, especially if you have dry skin."" She noted that scrubbing orange juice on the face can be extremely irritating to the skin, but that as she used the malai of the curd, the thicker part of it will be even more moisturizing. It may make your skin more vulnerable to UV radiation, particularly if you have dark patches or sensitive skin. Completely avoid this, she continued. Regarding the almond oil, Dr. Panth clarified that it can be used as well as over the entire face, particularly in light of the damage caused by the orange; it serves as a beneficial moisturizer. The ingredients are broken down as follows: Dear Honey: Being a naturally occurring humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated and becomes smooth and silky. Additionally, it has antibacterial qualities that enable it to effectively combat bacteria that cause acne and reduce inflammation. Bananas: Potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin E are among the many vitamins and minerals they contain that are rich in and help to hydrate and nourish the skin. Banana enzymes gently exfoliate the skin to reveal a brighter complexion by removing dead cells Lactic acid, which is present in curd, acts as a mild exfoliator to encourage cell turnover and reveal younger-looking skin. It also helps reduce redness and irritation and has moisturizing qualities. Orange: Natural acids found in citrus fruits, such as oranges, can irritate delicate skin, particularly when applied topically. It contains substances that may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, raising the possibility of sunburn and other injury. To lessen the chance of discomfort, dilute orange juice or zest with water or combine it with other calming components before applying it directly to the skin. Almond oil: High in fatty acids and vitamin E, it nourishes and moisturizes the skin, leaving it feeling silky and smooth. It also aids in scar fading. "
Published 28 Feb 2024 05:28 PM
Ek bihari sab pe bhari Virat Kohli gives Vaibhav Sooryavanshi particular recognition
Virat Kohli's heartfelt praise for young Bihar cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become one of the most talked-about moments after the IPL 2026 season. Following Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title-winning campaign, Kohli met the 15-year-old sensation and shared words of encouragement that quickly went viral on social media.In a video released by RCB, Kohli advised Vaibhav to stay focused on hard work and self-belief rather than outside opinions. He told the youngster that his success had come through dedication and confidence and urged him to keep aiming higher. The highlight of the conversation was Kohli's special line, "Ek Bihari, sab pe bhari", praising the Bihar-born batter for his remarkable performances throughout IPL 2026. .Vaibhav emerged as one of the biggest stars of the tournament, earning widespread admiration for his fearless batting and maturity at such a young age. His performances attracted praise from former cricketers and fans alike, with many viewing him as one of Indian cricket's brightest future prospects.The interaction between Kohli and Vaibhav was widely appreciated by cricket fans, who saw it as a passing-of-the-torch moment between one of India's greatest batters and a rising teenage talent. Kohli's message of humility, hard work, and self-belief has since been shared extensively across social media platforms.
Published 04 Jun 2026 05:53 PM
Virat Kohli changes once more incorporating elements of Abhishek and Sooryavanshi into his game
The cameras showed Kohli putting his arm over Sooryavanshi's shoulder and conversing with him for several minutes. Although the topic of the talk is unknown, rest assured that Sooryavanshi returned home much wealthier than he would have if he had only received a few honors. Less than a day has passed since Sooryavanshi was recommended for Test cricket by none other than the great Sachin Tendulkar. He had also complimented his batting style earlier.It is important to note that earlier in the 2026 IPL season, Kohli signed Sooryavanshi's cap and gave him an autograph after the left-handed hitter destroyed the RCB bowlers all over the field during the match at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.Sooryavanshi won five awards when the IPL 2026 concluded. The 15-year-old was named Super Striker, Super Sixes of the Season, Orange Cap, Emerging Player of the Season, and Most Valuable Player. Sooryavanshi broke Chris Gayle's record for the most maximums in a single IPL season with 72 sixes during the 19th T20 competition. In the competition, he also became the fastest Indian to reach 1000 runs. In addition, he became the youngest player in the tournament to hit 1000 runs, surpassing Rishabh Pant.Sooryavanshi acknowledged that he would need to improve his fitness going forward if he wanted to have a lengthy career after receiving so many honors. "I need to improve my fitness if I want to avoid getting hurt. Everyone is really encouraging. In an interview with Ravi Shastri, Sooryavanshi stated, "Everyone supports me, including the senior players and support staff. It's a good atmosphere." Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar has praised Sooryavanshi as well. According to the renowned Indian hitter, the young player possesses all the necessary skills to participate in the game's longest format.In relation to Sooryavanshi, the next tri-series in Sri Lanka will include him. The left-hander will play for India A against Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A.In relation to Sooryavanshi, the next tri-series in Sri Lanka will include him. The left-hander will play for India A against Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A.
Published 02 Jun 2026 10:57 PM
For the first time in an IPL season Indian hitters outpace foreign batters
IPL 2026 had the highest batting strike rate of any season at 156.34. For the first time in an IPL season, Indian hitters (157.10) scored more runs than foreign batters (154.71). 237.30 strike rate, 776 runs, and 72 sixes In an IPL season, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became just the second hitter to score the most runs, hit the most sixes, and have the greatest strike rate (minimum 50 balls faced). Like Sooryavanshi, Chris Gayle was named Most Valuable Player in 2011.In the previous nine seasons, none of the highest run-scorers were among the top 15 strike rates in that season. The difference between Sooryavanshi's IPL 2026 run total and the next highest total for a batsman with a strike rate of 235 or more in any IPL season (Romario Shepherd's 70 runs in 2025) is 706 runs. IPL 2026 saw 65 totals of 200 or more, the highest in a T20 competition and 13 more than the previous record of 52 in IPL 2025. Individual teams also set new records in IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) all scored nine runs of 200 or more, the most in a Twenty20 competition.In terms of bowling, PBKS and RR gave up 200-plus totals nine times, which is also the most in a Twenty20 competition. IPL 2026 saw the highest number of sixes struck in a season, 1426, up 10.2% from the previous record of 1294 sixes in 2025. Thanks to 72 sixes from Sooryavanshi, who established the individual record for most sixes in a T20 competition, RR struck 181 sixes, the most of any team in a T20 event.
Published 01 Jun 2026 09:34 PM
Ramakrishna Ghoshs injury has been replaced by Macneil Noronha.
Macneil Noronha, an all-rounder from Karnataka who recently won the MA Chidambaram Trophy at the Naman awards for being the highest run-getter in the 2024/25 Colonel CK Nayudu Trophy, will join Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for INR 30 lakh as a replacement for Ramakrishna Ghosh, who injured his right foot during their game against Mumbai Indians on May 3rd and is out for the season. He will not play this season.Macneil Noronha will take Ghosh's place at CSK for INR 30 lakh.Noronha, a Karnataka all-rounder, has won the MA Chidambaram Trophy at the Naman Awards for scoring the most runs in the Colonel CK Nayudu Trophy for 2024–2025. Noronha was called up by the Karnataka team for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after an outstanding season, and he played in three games for his state.For the remainder of the 2026 Indian Premier League season, the Chennai Super Kings have selected Karnataka all-rounder Macneil Noronha to replace injured uncapped player Ramakrishna Ghosh.He was called up to Karnataka's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad as a result of his domestic achievements, and he played in three games. Noronha made an impressive 34 off 21 deliveries in his most recent match against Tripura in December 2025. He also contributed a wicket. The move comes after Ghosh was sidelined for the rest of the season due to a right foot injury he sustained during Chennai's match against Mumbai Indians on May 3. Ghosh had just made his eagerly anticipated IPL debut in that match, contributing to Chennai's decisive eight-wicket victory. Introduced into the attack in a high-pressure match, the young player returned figures of 1 for 24 from his three overs, taking the crucial wicket of Suryakumar Yadav, who had looked dangerous after reaching 21 off just 12 balls. In that match, Ghosh made his eagerly anticipated IPL debut and contributed to Chennai's convincing eight-wicket victory. The youthful player, who was brought into the attack in a high-stress match, recorded figures of 1 for 24 from his three overs, taking the crucial wicket of Suryakumar Yadav, who had appeared dangerous after reaching 21 off only 12 balls.Chennai will be hoping that Noronha will offer valuable depth as they continue to strive for a play-off position in spite of the setback.
Published 13 May 2026 05:46 PM
Naveen Patnaiks full-circle moment: The former chief minister uses his old strategy to oppose the BJP
Former Odisha Chief Minister and current Leader of the Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, is once again relying on a strategy that defined much of his 24-year tenure—positioning himself as the defender of Odisha’s interests against decisions taken by the Centre. After losing power to the BJP in 2024, Patnaik has increasingly focused on state-centric issues such as delimitation, parliamentary representation, the Mahanadi water dispute, and law-and-order concerns to challenge the BJP government in Odisha. Political observers describe this as a “full-circle moment” because Patnaik used a similar approach in the past to build and strengthen the Biju Janata Dal. By emphasizing Odisha’s regional identity and portraying himself as the protector of the state's interests, he successfully maintained political dominance for over two decades. Now, as the BJP governs Odisha under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Patnaik appears to be reviving the same formula from the opposition benches. In recent weeks, Patnaik has criticized the BJP government over the handling of the Mahanadi river dispute, expressed concerns about proposals that could reduce Odisha’s representation in Parliament, and raised questions about governance and public safety. These interventions indicate a shift from his traditionally restrained style toward a more active opposition role aimed at reconnecting with voters and rebuilding the BJD’s political momentum.
Published 04 Jun 2026 05:44 PM
Chor Chor To Eggs, Stones The Story Of Abhishek Banerjees Attack
Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee claimed at 11 p.m. outside Kolkata's Belle Vue Clinic that police and the ruling BJP were threatening doctors to refuse to admit her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, hours after he was heckled, thrown eggs, shoes, stones, and slushy mud at Sonarpur during his first public appearance since the party's election defeat in the state.On Saturday, Abhishek Banerjee went to see the relatives of TMC employees who had reportedly perished in violence during the election. Around 1:30 pm, he arrived at the home of TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh in Beleghata, where the relatives of Biswajit Pattanayak, a victim of reported post-election violence, were summoned to meet him. A group of CID officers and a videographer arrived at Abhishek Banerjee's home around eight kilometers distant to deliver a notice regarding the purported Vidhan Sabha signature scam. The CID was notified by his protection that he was not at home. Meanwhile, he posted on Twitter, saying, "Today, I visited the family of Biswajit Pattanayak in Beleghata. "Abhishek Banerjee received an in-person notice from the CID team at 2:22 pm to appear before the investigative agency headquarters at Bhawani Bhavan on Monday at 12 pm regarding the TMC MLAs signature scandal inquiry. After that, Abhishek Banerjee traveled to the South 24 Parganas district's Sonarpur. When BJP members were spotted getting ready for protests nearby, the three-term MP from Diamond Harbour, which is in the same district, had not yet arrived at his destination. At some areas, black flags were visible, and demonstrators were shouting "go back" chants.In Sonarpur, groups of women also congregated at various locations. They joined in shouting identical slogans, however they were observed wielding eggs rather than black flags. As the convoy went through the neighborhood, these eggs were thrown at Abhishek Banerjee and his teammates.
Published 03 Jun 2026 09:47 PM
Why the BJP benefits from the Himachal vote results despite Chief Minister Sukhu appeal for local factors
The BJP's win in three of the state's four municipal corporation elections has given the opposition a lift and a chance to test its narrative against the ruling Congress government with just a year until the 2027 Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections. The BJP's assertion that public opinion is shifting against the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government has been strengthened by the results, which are the first significant urban electoral verdict for the Congress since the party regained power in the hill state in 2022. The Himachal Pradesh urban local body (ULB) election results were advantageous to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since it won direct, party-symbol-driven municipal elections. The BJP presented the victories as a popular vote on his state government, while Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu blamed these defeats on "local factors" and significant Congress support in village panchayats.
Published 02 Jun 2026 11:05 PM
Arun Lakhani a Pawars related Maharashtra BJP candidate for MLC Who is he
After the BJP nominated him from the Wardha-Chandrapur-Gadchiroli Local Authorities constituency for the June 18 state MLC elections, Nagpur-based industrialist and BJP leader Arun Lakhani became the focus of political discourse. In addition to holding a prominent position in the Maharashtra BJP and being close to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Lakhani will soon be related to NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule. Due to his son Sarang Lakhani's engagement to Sule's daughter Revati, his candidacy has drawn interest from both parties.Because Lakhani is not from any of the three districts that comprise the seat, his nomination has also generated controversy. The BJP's decision to nominate a candidate who is seen as an outsider has raised concerns because the seat has always been represented by figures with deep ties to Wardha, Chandrapur, or Gadchiroli.But Lakhani is a well-known figure in the BJP. He has a long history with the Maharashtra BJP and serves as its co-treasurer. His selection is thought to have been influenced by his social activities in Vidarbha, his work in the infrastructure industry, and his close relations to the BJP leadership, which includes both Gadkari and Fadnavis.Before going into business, Lakhani, who was born in Malkapur in the Buldhana district, studied petrochemical engineering. He is the Chairman and Managing Director of Vishvaraj Environment Ltd., a business that deals with road construction, wastewater treatment, and water delivery.Lakhani is best known for the Nagpur 24x7 water delivery project, which was one of the first significant initiatives in India to use a public-private partnership (PPP) model to offer municipal water around-the-clock.
Published 01 Jun 2026 09:26 PM
Entertainment
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Sports Trend
Ramakrishna Ghoshs injury has been replaced by Macneil Noronha.
Published 13 May 2026 05:46 PM
Twenty four hours before to the Indias Got Latent controversy, Kapil Sharma forewarned Samay Raina that something bad is going to happen.
Published 08 May 2026 06:00 PM
IPL 2026 DC vs. KKR Live Score, Playing 11 Updates Delhi and Kolkata want to make it to the playoffs at Kotla
Published 08 May 2026 05:57 PM
GT defeats tenacious Punjab thanks to a calm performance from Washington Sundar and traditional Test bowlers.
Published 08 May 2026 05:56 PM
Political Trends
- Chor Chor To Eggs, Stones The Story Of Abhishek Banerjees Attack
- Why the BJP benefits from the Himachal vote results despite Chief Minister Sukhu appeal for local factors
- Arun Lakhani a Pawars related Maharashtra BJP candidate for MLC Who is he
- A lesson from Sachin Pilot in Rajasthan behind the Congress leadershis decision in Karnataka
- A hot wave is gripping Uttar Pradesh the BJP is being criticized for power outages and smart meters
Events
NEET-UG 2026 canceled LIVE: Nashik police detain suspects in paper leak
Due to reports of a paper leak, the National Testing Agency (NTA) canceled the May 3 NEET-UG 2026 exam on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The government has requested that the CBI conduct a thorough investigation into the "irregularities." While the Rajasthan Special Operations Group looks into the claims of the exam paper leak, this decision was made."With the approval of the Government of India, the National Testing Agency has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on May 3, 2026, and to re-conduct the examination on dates that will be notified separately, based on the inputs subsequently examined by NTA in coordination with the central agencies, and the investigative findings shared by the law enforcement agencies and to ensure that there is transparency in the system," the NTA stated in a press release. It further stated that the Agency's official channels will be used to disseminate the updated exam dates and admission card issuance timetable. The Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) took action in response to claims that the NEET-UG 2026 entrance test question paper, which was administered on May 3, had been leaked.The purported anomalies concern "a guess paper" that was distributed prior to the test and allegedly included questions that were quite similar to the real paper. According to Vishal Bansal, Additional Director General of the Rajasthan Police SOG, the agency was investigating if the material's distribution was connected to organized crime. On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, a large-scale demonstration against the purported paper leak was organized by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and took place close to the Shastri Bhawan.
Events
Tamil Nadu government formation LIVE Vijays TVK receives unwavering support from the CPI and CPI(M)
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which was created by actor C. Joseph Vijay, currently has the backing of nine additional MLAs from the Congress (five), CPI (two), and CPI(M) (two), thanks to the two Left parties' unequivocal support on Friday, May 8, 2026.TVK won 108 seats (including Vijay's second seat) despite having a split mandate in the Assembly election, as no party or front was able to achieve a majority. To demonstrate a majority of 118 MLAs, the party now needs the backing of two more MLAs.TVK chairman Vijay's claim to form the state government was refused by Governor Rajendra Arlekar, who asked the party to return only after gaining the backing of 118 MLAs. Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Congress members organized a nationwide protest against Arlekar.The coalition now has 108 seats in TVK, 5 in Congress, 2 in CPI, 2 in CPI(M), and 2 in VCK. In the meantime, Vijay's attempt to form the government of Tamil Nadu has received official unreserved endorsement from the Communist Party of India (CPI).
Events
The ninth edition of Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival showcased special balloons shaped like elephant and frogs
"The ninth annual Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival featured unique balloons fashioned like ducks and twin frogs, but Elli, the UK-made balloon built like an elephant, stole the show. It leaves an indelible impression. Soaring over coconut fields in a hot air balloon, I get the breathtaking image of the buttery sun shimmering over the foggy Pollachi landscape. The pilot guides Elii, a unique balloon shaped like a grey elephant, as it ascends over the sky, Mark Stokoe. The co-pilot, Lisa Stokoe, is ecstatic about the star attraction at the just finished Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival (TNIBF). ""This elephant can fly."" Based in the UK, the duo intends to showcase Elii in international ballooning events as they travel the globe. Cartoon-shaped balloons are visually appealing, particularly at the largest event, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, when up to 500 balloons are arranged in a line. We innovate shapes for fun, but many people do it for profit. Talking about her family's two loves, travel and hot air ballooning, Lisa states, ""My son Ben has a pilot's license and has been training with Mark during his outings in Thailand and France."" Based in the UK, the duo intends to showcase Elii in international ballooning events as they travel the globe. Cartoon-shaped balloons are visually appealing, particularly. G.D. Gopalakrishnan, President of the Chamber of Commerce in Pollachi, officially opened the ninth edition of the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival. The festival at Pollachi on January 12 featured hot air balloons from the United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. In association with Global Media Box, Tamil Nadu Tourism served as the festival's host. Between January 13 and January 16, more than ten balloons representing the UK, France, Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam filled the air. Every day from 2 pm to 10 pm, there will be carnivals that provide visitors of all ages with an authe"
Events
Vishwakarma Jayanti 2024 From history, significance to puja rituals
"Today, February 21, 2024, marks the beginning of the fourth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, the fourth iteration of the Khelo India Winter Games festival is scheduled to begin. The sporting event is scheduled to occur at Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. During the event, athletes from across the nation will compete in a variety of winter sports, such as snowboarding, snow mountaineering, Nordic skiing, and alpine skiing. The Department of Youth Services & Sports, J&K Sports Council, in partnership with the Tourism Department, the Gulmarg Development Authority, and multiple other stakeholders, is organizing the Khelo India Winter Games 2024. The first phase of the 2024 Khelo India Winter Games festival was held from February 2–6 in Leh, and it mostly featured ice hockey and ice skating games. Start Date of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, 2024 On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, in Gulmarg, the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 are slated to begin. To promote awareness of issues related to the preservation of natural habitats, wildlife protection, and indigenous groups' worries about mountain development, the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 mascot is a snow leopard. Khelo India Winter Games 2024: Closing Date in Gulmarg The last day of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg is February 25, 2024. Khelo India Winter Games: Gulmarg, 2024: Total Registrants. The official website, kheloindia.gov.in, states that more than 1200 people will be participating in the Games, including more than 700 athletes, 141 support staff, 113 technical officials, 250+ volunteer and A total of 136 medals and a sports-specific volunteer are up for grabs in the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 in Gulmarg. View the schedule for every event at the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg in 2024. Nordic Skiing at the Golf Course, Gulmarg, J&K, February 21–24, 2024 Ski Mountaineering at Kangdoori, Gulmarg, J&K, February 22–24, 2024 Alpine Skiing in Kangdoori, Gulmarg, J&K, February 22–25, 2024 February 22–25, 2024: Snowboarding in Gulmarg, J&K at Kangdoori. "
Events
IPL 2024 Schedule announced Timings, venues, squads, live streaming and all you need to know about 17th season of IPL
"IPL 2024 Schedule: The season's opening game will pit Royal Challengers Bangalore against the reigning champions, Chennai Super Kings. IPL 2024 Schedule in Full: According to the official schedule announcement, the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) will begin action on March 22 in Chennai. However, because the T20 extravaganza coincides with the impending general elections, only the first 21 matches—which stretch over 15 days—were revealed on Thursday. Following the election commission's announcement of the Lok Sabha election date, the remaining schedule will be made public. In the opening game of the season, Royal Challengers Bangalore will play the reigning champion Chennai Super Kings. Seventy league games in all and the two qualifiers, the elimination round, and the championship game will be among the four playoff games. Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants are the ten IPL teams for 2024. Take a look at the schedule that follows: March 22: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Chennai Super Kings, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, 8 p.m. Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, hosts the Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals match on March 23 at 3:30 PM. On March 23, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the Kolkata Knight Riders take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (7.30 PM) Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur will host the Rajasthan Royals vs. Lucknow Super Giants on March 24 at 7:30 PM. Mar. 24: Mumbai Indians vs. Gujarat Titans, 7.30 p.m., Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad Mar. 25: Punjab Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 7:30 p.m. Mar. 26: Gujarat Titans against. Chennai Super Kings, 7.30 PM, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Mar. 27: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad will host Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Mumbai Indians (7.30 PM) March 30: 7.30 PM match between the Lucknow Super Giants and the Punjab Kings at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow March 31: Gujarat Titans at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad against Sunrisers Hyderabad (3.30 PM) 28 March: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur; Rajasthan Royals vs. Delhi Capitals, 7:30 PM Mar. 29: Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host the Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Kolkata Knight Riders (7.30 PM) match. March 31: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium vs. Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals Visakhapatnam's ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium (7.30 PM) April 1: 7.30 PM Mumbai Indians vs. Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai April2: 7.30 PM match between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Lucknow Super Giants at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru April 3: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium vs. Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals Visakhapatnam's ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium (7.30 PM) April 4: 7.30 PM game between Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad April 5: 7.30 PM, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad; Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Chennai Super Kings Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Rajasthan Royals vs. Royal Challengers, Bangalore, April 6 (7.30 PM) April 7: 3.30 PM, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India vs. Delhi Capitals April 7: Gujarat Titans vs. Lucknow Super Giants, 7.30 PM, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow"
Events
Khelo India Winter Games 2024 Starts From 21 February in Gulmarg J&K Details
"Today, February 21, 2024, marks the beginning of the fourth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, the fourth iteration of the Khelo India Winter Games festival is scheduled to begin. The sporting event is scheduled to occur at Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. During the event, athletes from across the nation will compete in a variety of winter sports, such as snowboarding, snow mountaineering, Nordic skiing, and alpine skiing. The Department of Youth Services & Sports, J&K Sports Council, in partnership with the Tourism Department, the Gulmarg Development Authority, and multiple other stakeholders, is organizing the Khelo India Winter Games 2024. The first phase of the 2024 Khelo India Winter Games festival was held from February 2–6 in Leh, and it mostly featured ice hockey and ice skating games. Start Date of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, 2024 On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, in Gulmarg, the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 are slated to begin. To promote awareness of issues related to the preservation of natural habitats, wildlife protection, and indigenous groups' worries about mountain development, the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 mascot is a snow leopard. Khelo India Winter Games 2024: Closing Date in Gulmarg The last day of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg is February 25, 2024. Khelo India Winter Games: Gulmarg, 2024: Total Registrants. The official website, kheloindia.gov.in, states that more than 1200 people will be participating in the Games, including more than 700 athletes, 141 support staff, 113 technical officials, 250+ volunteer and A total of 136 medals and a sports-specific volunteer are up for grabs in the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 in Gulmarg. View the schedule for every event at the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg in 2024. Nordic Skiing at the Golf Course, Gulmarg, J&K, February 21–24, 2024 Ski Mountaineering at Kangdoori, Gulmarg, J&K, February 22–24, 2024 Alpine Skiing in Kangdoori, Gulmarg, J&K, February 22–25, 2024 February 22–25, 2024: Snowboarding in Gulmarg, J&K at Kangdoori. "
Events
Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair Promoting Sustainable Solutions
"On February 19–20, 2024, in New Delhi, the Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair was held in association with ICAR—Central On February 19–20, 2024, in New Delhi, the Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair was held in association with ICAR—Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi. A collaborative endeavor between ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi, and numerous stakeholders is the Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair, scheduled for February 19–20, 2024, in New Delhi. The purpose of the event is to highlight the many applications of neem in environmental sustainability, healthcare, and agriculture. Highlights of the Trade Fair and Inauguration The Trade Fair was opened by Dr. Himanshu Pathak, DG of ICAR and Secretary of DARE. 22 international and Indian businesses took part, showcasing their neem-based goods. There were about 250 attendees, ten of them were from abroad. Seminar Subject ""Neem for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, and Environment"" is the main focus. The potential of neem to meet the needs of the industry for raw materials and its part in carbon farming are highlighted. Highlights of the Program Features Seven technical sessions addressing different facets of neem development and research. The industrial and sociocultural uses of neem are among the areas of discussion. Publications and Documentary ""Neem Field Gene Bank - Provisioning Opportunities for Conservation and Utilization"" Technical Bulletin, WNO Calendar, and Souvenir publications. The WNO Documentary was released with the goal of raising awareness of the importance and uses of neem."
Events
PM Modi to inaugurate projects in UP
Top Events of the Day: With PM Modi launching ₹91,000 crore projects, Uttar Pradesh will see a boom in development. Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated in Maharashtra, and Modi places the cornerstones for important projects. Sixth ED summons for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Top Events of the Day: India has a hectic February 19 taking place. While Maharashtra celebrates Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti, PM Modi will inaugurate massive infrastructure projects totaling ₹91,000 crore in Uttar Pradesh. As the Chandigarh Mayor Polls case progresses and the Supreme Court considers Sharad Pawar's plea over NCP leadership, legal experts are keeping a close eye on both developments. As a result of Mahua Moitra and Mukul Roy's summonses in different cases, and Arvind Kejriwal's sixth ED summons in connection with the Delhi liquor scandal, investigations are intensifying. Maritime security is the main focus worldwide. stage with the start of the Milan 2024 drill in Visakhapatnam and the launch of Japan's asteroid debris mission. PM Modi to showcase ₹91,000-cr tech projects at the UP Ground-Breaking Ceremony: Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially open sixty large-scale infrastructure projects in Uttar Pradesh, which will be a big step in the right direction to strengthen the state's economy. According to news agency ANI, these projects, which have a combined worth of an astounding ₹91,456.89 crore, are anticipated to provide approximately 81,424 new job opportunities. HCL Tech mandates three days of in-office work starting on February 19: According to a message released on February 16 by the Noida-based IT company, HCL Technologies, a major player in the industry, has requested that all of its workers who are involved in Digital Foundation Services (DFS) report to work at least three days a week starting on February 19. On February 19 (India), Zenith Drugs' first public offering (IPO) will launch. The subscription period for the Zenith Drugs IPO begins on February 19, 2024, and ends on February 22, 2024. The SME IPO is a fully new issue of 51.49 lakh shares and is a book built issue of ₹40.68 crores. The IPO pricing range for Zenith Pharmaceuticals is ₹75 to ₹79 per share. Bigshare Services Pvt Ltd is the registrar for the Zenith Drugs IPO, and Gretex Corporate Services Limited is the book running lead manager. Gretex Share Broking is the issue's market maker.
EventsGadgets Trend
Before its launch in India, the Realme 12 5G was teased with a dynamic button.
On March 6, the Realme 12 5G is expected to debut in India. It will be released in the nation concurrently with the recently unveiled Realme 12+ 5G model in a few markets. Pre-orders for both phones were made available by the company last week. Prior to the models' release in India, Realme has also disclosed a few of their most important features. The Realme 12 5G's design, camera, and color options have been verified. There are now hints that the phones will have a dynamic button.On March 6, the Realme 12 5G is expected to debut in India. It will be unveiled in the nation concurrently with the Realme 12 5G, which has been hinted at to feature a Dynamic Button that functions similarly to Apple's Action Button. According to the teaser, the button can be used to access a number of custom actions that control various features, including the flashlight, do not disturb (DND) mode, silent mode, airplane mode, shutter on the camera, and more. This has a similar purpose to Apple's Action button, which lets users personalize which actions activate the flashlight, camera, focus modes, and other features. The button, which is located on the right edge beneath the volume rocker, has not been given any information by the company.The Realme 12+ 5G variant,The Realme 12 5G will have a 108-megapixel primary sensor with a 3x in-sensor zoom, as the company had previously confirmed. It has also been hinted at in a purple hue. Large circular rear camera modules are featured in the teasers, which also feature designs similar to those of the Realme 12+ 5G, Realme 12 Pro 5G, and Realme 12 Pro+ 5G.In India, the Realme 12 5G and Realme 12+ 5G will go on sale simultaneously. It is anticipated that the phone's Plus version will resemble its international counterpart. The company has stated that the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC, a 120Hz AMOLED display with rainwater smart technology, and a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 OIS-supported primary camera will be included in the Indian version.
Gadgets
At MWC 2024, brands show the future of connected cars and aerial mobility
While Wireless and Mobile technologies took centerstage at the just concluded Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, there was also some spotlight at the connected cars and aerial mobility at arguably the world’s most important consumer tech show. The Smart Mobility Summit at MWC brought together industry leaders from both established automotive and drone companies, along with tech pioneers. The transportation and travel sectors face a dual challenge — increasing capacity and reducing emissions. Embracing digital transformation is crucial to overcoming these hurdles, paving the way for substantial growth in both connected cars and aerial mobility. And this transformation was the key topic of discussion among the industry executives who gathered at the summit. The aerial mobility market is expected to reach $68.1 billion by 2032, growing at 35.2 per cent annually. Connected car drivers in the US alone are projected to increase by 15.5 per cent by 2027, reaching 174.8 million. Mobile network technologies like 5G and network slicing enable new features like autonomous driving, piloting, and C-V2X communication. Additionally, the growing availability of technologies like 4G and LPWA lays the foundation for reliable, always-on connectivity for transportation networks. The discussions were also important because deploying connected transportation solutions varies by region and requires a deep understanding of available networks and technologies. Given that the MWC saw attendance of industry veterans from different parts of the world, they could share knowledge and discuss smart solutions relevant to them. Led by industry leaders and experts, the summit covered topics such as enhancing cars with new connected features, recent advancements and challenges in smart drones, and mid-to-long-term transformation, including the role of new network technologies, electrification, and the use of teleoperation and digital twins. The Smart Mobility Summit also presented a unique opportunity to industry veterans to connect with key players who are shaping the future of mobility.
Gadgets
Realme 12 5G, Realme 12+ 5G pre-orders begin in India. Launch date, pre-order benefits and more
Realme has confirmed that its Realme 12 5G smartphone will also make its debut in India alongside Realme 12+ 5G on March 6. The Chinese smartphone maker has also opened pre-orders for the Realme 12 series from today with a promise of availing limited time benefits of up to ₹ 3,000. The Realme 12 5G and Realme 12+ 5G can be pre-ordered by going to Amazon, Realme's official website and mainline stores. The two devices will be availabe to pre-order from 2pm onwards on February 29 and will go on till March 5. Meanwhile, the Realme 12 5G series will go on sale from 3:00 pm from March 6th onwards and will be available with limited offers till March 10th. Customers pre-ordering the Realme 12+ 5G are eligible for a ₹1,000 bank offer and ₹1,000 price offer on the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant and ₹1,000 bank offer on the 8GB RAM/256 GB storage variant. Furthermore, customers will also be entitled to 1 year of complete mobile protection on Flipkart and 1 year of screen damage protection on the Realme website. Meanwhile, customers pre-ordering the 6GB RAM/128GB storage variant of the Realme 12 5G are eligible for a coupon of ₹2,000 coupon and customers pre-ordering the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant are entitled to a ₹1,000 coupon. Apart from this, Realme is also offering the same 1 year of mobile protection and 1 year of screen damage protection as the Realme 12+ 5G. Realme had earlier also confirmed that the upcoming Realme 12+ 5G will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset and will sport a 50MP Sony LYT 600 primary sensor with support for optical image stabilization and up to 2x in sensor zoom. Realme 12+ 5G is also confirmed to come with a 120Hz AMOLED panel which will come with the latest Rainwater Smart Touch feature which will help users take advantage of their smartphone even with wet or dry hands.
Gadgets
OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact edition launched in India: Price, specs, launch offers and everything you should know
OnePlus has launched a Genshin Impact Edition of the OnePlus 12R, which brings a host of design and UI changes to the smartphone based on the popular mobile game from miHoYo. The smartphone was unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain and will be available in India and other global markets from next month. The latest OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact edition is priced at ₹49,999 for the 16GB RAM/256GB storage variant. In contrast, the standard OnePlus 12R is priced at ₹45,999 for the same RAM and storage configurations, while the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant is priced at ₹39,999. The latest OnePlus smartphone will go on sale from March 19 and will be available on Amazon, OnePlus.in and select OnePlus Experience Stores from March 19. The OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact Edition can be purchased at a discount of ₹1,000 using the OneCard, while an exchange bonus of ₹3,000 is also available on the purchase of the new smartphone. The OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact Edition comes with numerous design changes inspired by the character of Keqing and is available in the only 'Electro Violet' colour variant with the word Keqing inscribed on the bottom of the smartphone. The smartphone comes in a collectible gift box with a special Keqing themed case, a customised charging cable and adapter, and a distinctive Lighting Stiletto design on the SIM tray. OnePlus is also bringing many UI changes with the OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact Edition, including a special charging animation, live wallpaper and Always On Display elements. The phone's hardware remains the same as the usual OnePlus 12R, including a 6.78-inch AMOLED ProXDR display with support for LTPO4.0 and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset underneath. The smartphone is paired with the Adreno 740 GPU to handle any graphics-intensive tasks, and comes with a massive 5,500mAh battery that can be fast-charged via the 100W SUPERVOOC charger provided inside the box. In terms of optics, the phone houses a 50MP Sony IMX890 primary sensor with support for OIS and EIS, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2MP macro lens. There is also a 16MP front-facing camera on the smartphone to meet all the selfie and video calling needs. The camera app on the OnePlus 12R comes with a host of features including Interval Shooting, Nightscape, Hi-Res Mode, Pro Mode, Movie Mode, Ultra Steady Mode, Dual View Video, Portrait Mode, Video Portrait, Pano, Macro, Slo-mo, Time Lapse, Long Exposure, Text Scanner and more.
Gadgets
Nothing Phone 2a virtual unboxing video shows design, Glyph lights: Details
Nothing is slated to launch the Phone 2a in India on March 5. Ahead of the launch, the British consumer technology startup runs a virtual unboxing video, which reveals the smartphone’s design and Glyph interface. Available on Nothing official handle on X (formerly Twitter), the virtual unboxing video highlights the horizontal camera island and transparent back cover on the rear. The Nothing Phone 2a back panel appears to be following the design language from the company’s previous smartphones. The smartphone appears to have a transparent back glass, showcasing certain elements from the inside of the smartphone. However, the biggest change is the horizontally placed dual-camera setup, which is aligned centrally. For reference, the Phone 2a camera placement is unlike the Nothing Phone (1) and Phone (2). Both these smartphones had vertically placed camera modules towards the top-left side. The video also confirms that the Nothing Phone (2a) will have the Glyph interface with light bars around the camera module. The frame also looks like it has a matte texture rather than a shiny metal finish. The Nothing Phone (2a) is set to launch in India on March 5 in an in-person launch event at Dwarka, Delhi. The company is selling tickets for the launch event that are available on PayTM Insider for Rs 999.In a run up to the launch, Nothing has confirmed several key specification details for the Phone (2a). The company previously announced that the smartphone will be powered by a custom-built MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset accompanied by 12GB RAM. The smartphone will feature 8GB virtual RAM that Nothing calls “RAM Booster”. The MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro powering the Phone (2a) is based on TSMC's latest second-generation 4nm process technology. According to the company, the chip has 8-core configuration with clocking speeds up to 2.8 GHz. According to media reports, the Phone (2a) will feature a 50MP Samsung S5KGN9 1/1.5-inch main sensor alongside a 50MP Samsung S5KJN1 1/2.76-inch ultra-wide-angle sensor at the back. On the front, the Nothing Phone (2a) will likely get a 32MP Sony IMX615 camera sensor.
Gadgets
HONOR Magic 6 Pro with AI-powered features unveiled at MWC 24: Details here
Chinese smartphone brand HONOR has unveiled the Magic 6 Pro smartphone at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, US. The smartphone will be available in select countries and regions, including Europe, China, Malaysia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico. HONOR has not confirmed India availability yet. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the HONOR Magic 6 Pro smartphone boasts built-in AI capabilities leveraging open source LlaMA 2 AI model. Some of the AI features that will be available out-of-the-box include offline text generation and summarisation tools for long-form content. HONOR introduced MagicOS 8.0, based on Android, with the Magic 6 Pro. It is said to incorporate the company’s AI features for smartphones such as “Magic Portal”, which the company said uses AI to understand the user's usage pattern and behaviour for personalised suggestions. According to the company, the Magic Portal is capable of recognising addresses in a text message and directs users to Google Maps with a tap. HONOR said that the portal will also facilitate “image-based shopping experiences”. The company also announced that it would add more AI-powered features to the Magic 6 Pro smartphone in future such as the “AI-powered eye-tracking systems”. Currently in the experimental stage, the feature would allow users to control the smartphone and other connected smart devices hands-free – using eye-tracking from smartphone sensors.
Gadgets
Global Release of Xiaomi 14 With Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and Leica Adapted Cameras
The Xiaomi 14 was released worldwide on Sunday, February 25, one day prior to the start of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona. The flagship phone from the Chinese company has an LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate and is powered by Qualcomm's most recent Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. The Leica-branded triple rear camera unit with a Summilux lens is a feature of the Xiaomi 14. The phone is compatible with 90W HyperCharge wired charging and has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Alongside the Xiaomi 14 Pro, the Xiaomi 14 was introduced in China last year. The Xiaomi 14's single 12GB RAM + 512GB storage model is priced at €999. It is available in White, Jade Green, and Black colors. According to reports, the phone will cost less after bank offers and will retail for less than Rs. 75,000 in India. On March 7, Xiaomi 14 is expected to officially launch in the Indian market. In addition to being offered for sale on Flipkart, it will be sold on Amazon. It is anticipated that the Indian version will have comparable specs to the international version. With an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz and a 6.36-inch LTPO AMOLED (1,200x2,670 pixels) display with 460ppi pixel density, the Xiaomi 14 dual SIM (nano +e-SIM) runs on the HyperOS interface, which is based on Android 14. The screen is rated to provide up to 240Hz touch sampling rate, support for HDR10+, and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection is applied to the screen, and 3D curved glass is coated on the back. It is powered by a 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, coupled with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
Gadgets
Google is shutting down its GPay service: All you need to know
Google Pay was replaced by Google Wallet in 2022 but the service remained operational in several countries. Now, the company has decided to simplify its payment methods with its latest move.Google has announced that its Google Pay app will no longer be available starting June 4, 2024. Google Pay was replaced by Google Wallet in 2022 but the service remained operational in several countries. Now, the company has decided to simplify its payment methods with its latest move. However, the users in India and Singapore are not affected by this move as the company will continue its Google Pay service in these countries considering their unique needs. The latest announcement from the company is aimed at the U.S. version of the standalone Google Pay app. “To simplify the app experience, the U.S. version of the standalone Google Pay app will no longer be available for use starting June 4, 2024,” Google wrote in a blog post.“And for the millions of people who use the Google Pay app in India and Singapore, nothing will change as we continue to build for the unique needs in those countries,” Google adds. As a part of the process, Google will also remove peer-to-peer (P2P) payments, managing your Google Pay balance, and "find offers and deals" from the service. Users in the U.S. who were using "find offers and deals" in the GPay app can now head to new deals destination on Search, as per the company’s recommendation. Google Wallet has now replaced GPay and it has millions of users in more than 180 countries, as per the company. Google Wallet can handle credit and debit card payments and can also store transport passes, state IDs, driver's licenses, virtual car keys, and more. Google Pay service will be available through Google Wallet in the U.S. after June 4, 2024.
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Soon, Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda will wed. Going over their love story again
The upcoming nuptials of Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda have prompted 'roka' rumors recently. (Image: Instagram/Ria Samrat Luthra)Although the pair hasn't revealed much about their marriage, they frequently post pictures of their family. (Image: Instagram/Ria Samrat Luthra)Bollywood couple Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda have taken their relationship to the next level by becoming officially engaged after dating for years. Although the couple has not yet released an official statement, Pulkit posted a touching photo from their engagement ceremony to his Instagram story.In an interview, actor Pulkit Samrat revealed his and fiancée Kriti Kharbanda's plans to get married and how much they enjoy "staying best friends" in their relationship.Since many Bollywood couples have recently tied the knot, actor Pulkit Samrat was also questioned about when he planned to wed his partner, actor Kriti Kharbanda. The actor sidestepped the topic by calling the two of them "best friends" and stating that marriage occasionally tends to alter that equation.For almost three years, Pulkit and Kriti have been in a relationship. Together, the two have acted in Veerey Ki Wedding, Taish, and Pagalpanti. Despite their tendency to keep their marital plans to themselves, the two have been rather transparent about their romance.Pulkit recently said, "Mera toh funda simple hai (My funda is simple), as long as you are living as best friends things are sorted," in response to a query on marriage in an interview with Bombay Times. In this manner, "Your arguments and love are all friendly" (aapke jhagde aur pyaar friends wale hote hai). This equation between the two people occasionally changes when marriage is involved. Therefore, why worry so much if you are surrounded by your closest friends?The actor went on to discuss how their relationship works well together. "As closest friends or partners, we encourage one another to advance personally and concentrate on our careers. We're both driven, ambitious people. We need that ongoing encouragement since we have made our fair share of mistakes in our careers. She is a blessing in my life because she helps me stay focused and centered. To be the finest versions of ourselves so that we may be even better for one other is what we are doing right now, he said.Currently in production is Fukrey 3, the third entry in Pulkit's popular franchise. Suswagatam Khushmadeed is another project he is working on. In the meantime, Kriti will be starring in her first Malayalam film this year, Alone, starring opposite Mohanlal.
Published 01 Feb 2024 03:25 PM
Animal Sandeep Reddy Vangas political views and craft are equally immature.
Scene after credits: Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal is about as irredeemable as they come; it is intellectually bankrupt, morally repugnant, and stylistically incompetent.The film Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, is unbearably long. It starts with the protagonist, Ranvijay, marching into his father's steel mill and being literally put on a pedestal. There, he gives a passionate speech about honor and commitment while the business, Swastik Steel, is nicely positioned against a swastika in the background. Ranvijay is furious because his father just made it through a vicious attack. He lifts his right arm in the middle of his diatribe and commands his subjects to take an oath. In just a few minutes, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's tribute to Adolf Hitler's Nuremberg rallies is over. You're a little taken aback and wonder, "Was this movie made by a child?"In contrast to Vanga's first picture, the effortlessly enraged Kabir Singh, Animal seems to have been made with offense in mind. However, as is often the case, insincerity is easily recognized. People were incensed by Kabir Singh's misogyny mostly because it seemed as though the film was determined to give its disturbed protagonist a free pass. The most provocative scenes are woven into the plot of Animal, a far more stylized and hence more challenging to watch picture, rather than the plot being provocative in and of itself. Ranvijay marches into a school carrying a loaded assault gun, tells his sweetheart to kiss his shoe, and gives a woman a lecture about menstruation. This kind of fake edginess leads to a movie where a phallic machineThe film portrays the natural neediness of its director, which is embodied in Ranvijay's never-ending need for his father's love, who isn't there. In the days after Animal's premiere—this was, after all, the period when he became a superstar—Vanga's principal grievance was that reviewers didn't find the film to be very good. Vanga never referenced Animal's hundreds of crores in earnings, even as the rest of his colleagues used the movie's box office numbers to defend its reckless politics, as if that mattered. He was staring at his Moby-Dick, and he was probably never going to get the critical appreciation that he appeared to realize in real time.And although though Vanga had just recently come to grips with this very likely truth, he was still having fits and insisted that Animal's "craft" should be valued separately from its themes. But let's talk about the filmmaking for the sake of argument. Vanga has refuted claims that he plagiarized Oldboy in Animal's pre-interval action block, but anyone who have watched Park Chan-wook's groundbreaking movie, a modern tragedy about the futility of retribution, would understand Vanga's motivation. Aside from the obvious spectacle of Choi Min-sik slicing through a swarm of foes, what really set Oldboy's iconic corridor battle sequence apart was the meticulously staged single shot that was captured on film.Since then, corridor fight scenes have become more and more prevalent; some of the best imitations can be seen in Marvel's Daredevil and Gareth Evans' The Raid. These two projects seemed to realize that the staging, not the location, was what gave Oldboy's pivotal battle scene its incredible intensity. Conversely, Vanga decides to keep the claustrophobic setting (as well as the axe) but eliminates the element that first gave the scene its unique quality. The action is hacked to pieces, with so many cuts that it would make a butcher blush, as though the director himself took an axe to the film.
Published 01 Feb 2024 03:24 PM
More than 200 planes are delayed due to fog in Delhi.
By seven in the morning, three planes were diverted to Jaipur, one to Ahmedabad, and one to Mumbai, according to an airport official. Over 200 aircraft at Delhi airport were delayed as a result of the decreased visibility.Most of the aircraft used for the flight diversions were not flown by pilots with CAT-III certification. In aviation, an advanced instrument landing system (ILS) approach that makes landings in extremely low visibility situations (due to fog, rain, or snow) is referred to as Category III, or CAT III. Even in situations when runway visibility is as low as 50 feet (15 meters) and the visual range is between 50 and 200 meters, a CAT III system enables a precise approach and landing.Nevertheless, aviation operations under low visibility are additionally hampered by the airport's limited capacity for CAT-III compliant runways. The airport's oldest runway, 9/27, is not CAT-III compatible, despite having three other runways that are.Runway 28/10's operationalization, which is presently re-carpeting, has been delayed until the middle of February while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation completes its investigation. On one end, Runway 29R-11L complies with CAT-III standards, and by the end of the next month, authorities hope to certify it for CAT-III landings from both ends. Consequently, the primary runway for CAT-III flight operations at this time is runway 29L-11R.The airport official said that more flight disruptions could occur due to the rainy circumstances on Wednesday. The biggest airline in India, IndiGo, has alerted customers to possible travel disruptions owing to unfavorable weather conditions in Delhi, Srinagar, and Chandigarh.All departures/arrivals and the flights that follow may be impacted by the anticipated low visibility in Delhi (DEL), Varanasi (VNS), Patna (PAT), Ayodhya (AYJ), Bagdogra (IXB), and Darbhanga (DBR), light rain in Dharamshala (DHM), and snow in Srinagar (SXR) and Leh (IXL). "We kindly ask that passengers monitor the status of their flights," SpiceJet posted on social media site X.
Published 01 Feb 2024 03:23 PM
The Lunar New Year holiday and Beijings aspirations of strengthening the economy are in jeopardy due to a snowstorm.
As millions of Chinese get ready to travel for Lunar New Year, one of China's two main holiday seasons is under way. However, China's meteorologists are concerned that this year's holiday travels may be hampered by unfavorable winter weather. The China Meteorological Administration issued a warning on Tuesday, stating that until February 5th, large-scale rain, snow, and freezing temperatures could affect central and eastern China.Chills in the economy A ruined Lunar New Year might prevent the already faltering Chinese economy from getting a boost. Customers appear hesitant to spend as freely as they did prior to the epidemic, as evidenced by the fact that official travel estimates for the National Day Golden Week vacation in October of last year were dropped.PressBee News.. Fortune View the article from A blizzard poses a threat to Beijing's goals of improving the economy as well as the Lunar New Year holiday. Let's get specific. One area where the weak Chinese economy is improving is domestic tourism, but inclement winter weather could dash those plans. A snowfall poses a threat to disrupt the Lunar New Year celebration and on The original topic has been published and made available on Fortune; the PressBee editing staff has confirmed this, but it may have been somewhat altered or paraphrased from it. This news or issue can be read and followed directly from its primary source.
Published 01 Feb 2024 03:22 PM
A Davis Cup squad is hosted by the Indian High Commission.
Prior to their match against the Asian neighbors at the Islamabad Sports Complex, the Indian High Commission hosted the national Davis Cup team, which is scheduled to visit Pakistan for the first time in sixty years.The national Davis Cup team received a hearty welcome from the Indian High Commission in Pakistan on Wednesday, marking a historic occasion as the team gets ready to play its Asian rivals in Islamabad following a 60-year break. Despite long-standing diplomatic difficulties between the two countries, the welcome was a show of friendliness and sportsmanship, headed by Geetika Srivastava, the first woman to lead the Indian High Commission in Pakistan. This event is especially significant because it is the first time an Indian Davis Cup team has visited Pakistan since 1964.As a sign of goodwill, Srivastava said she was honored to have the Indian team visit her and wished them luck in their forthcoming match against Pakistan at the Islamabad Sports Complex. She emphasized the historic significance of the event and the importance of the reestablished athletic relations between the two surrounding nations."To have the Indian national team here is an honor. The fact that an Indian team is visiting Pakistan after a protracted absence is a historic event. "Everyone in this room wishes the team luck in their match against Pakistan," Srivastava remarked.The players' and High Commission representatives' interactions emphasized the shared excitement and unity surrounding the occasion. Conversations about the match and the significance of the impending tie reverberated throughout the party, demonstrating the competitive spirit and common love of tennis. There are a lot of stakes in the World Group I match between India and Pakistan, which is scheduled for February 3–4. The winner will guarantee their spot in Group I, while the loser would be sent to Group II. The fact that India has a perfect record versus Pakistan in Davis Cup history heightens the excitement for the impending match.
Published 01 Feb 2024 03:20 PM
Sakshi Malik, a wrestler, claims that the chief of false titles is suspended. The ministry of sports issues a legal notice.
Malik appealed to the sports ministry about the situation, questioning how a federation member who was suspended could embezzle money from the WFI.Olympic wrestler Sakshi Malik accused the suspended chairman of the wrestling federation of India (WFI), Sanjay Singh, on Tuesday of organizing championships and giving phony certificates, a month after the Central government suspended the WFI panel.Malik appealed to the sports ministry about the situation, questioning how a federation member who was suspended could embezzle money from the WFI. She said that athletes would run into problems if they presented phony credentials."The National Wrestling Championship is being run by Sanjay Singh, an associate of Brij Bhushan, as per his wish and he is giving fake certificates to the players, which is illegal," Malik said in a post on X, the previous Twitter platform.She continued by saying that the Sports Ministry was planning to host the national wrestling championship in Jaipur and that Singh was staging a phony tournament in order to "assert his dominance.""To demonstrate his superiority in wrestling, Sanjay Singh is forging and distributing fake certificates of several national championships before of the Sports Ministry's scheduled wrestling national championship in Jaipur. How is it possible for an individual under suspension from the organization to embezzle its funds?Malik went on to say that these certificates can result in the players being punished. "Action will be taken against the poor players when they go tomorrow to ask for jobs with these certificates." However, the players are not at fault.She urged Anurag Thakur, the minister of sports, to investigate the matter. "Sanjay Singh should be held accountable right away for his fraudulent actions, as he continues to conduct fraudulent acts even after his activities have been prohibited. Malik stated, "I beg the Sports Minister, Shri Anurag Thakur ji, to look into this matter and prevent the players' futures from being spoiled."Malik included an image of the purportedly fraudulent credentials being given to athletes in the article. Sanjay Singh received a severe warning from the Sports Ministry about possible legal consequences. Singh recently made "baseless and mischievous" comments about the government's recognition of WFI, to which this is in reaction. The ministry made it clear that any competition run by the WFI would not be accepted as "sanctioned."According to PTI, Singh had previously declared that almost 700 wrestlers would compete in the Senior National Championship, which would take place in Pune from January 29 to January 31.The ministry wrote to Singh, stating, "Again, you are making completely baseless and mischievous claims regarding the recognition of the Executive Committee of the WFI that is currently under suspension and about the competitions that you are holding in Pune."
Published 01 Feb 2024 03:18 PM
Employees at startups are always on edge due to layoffs at large internet corporations.
For those employed by huge, well-capitalized startups, the start of the new year has been gloomy as companies such as Swiggy, Flipkart, and Paytm are letting go of a significant portion of their workforces.This has increased fear among job searchers and prompted human resources (HR) professionals in the startup ecosystem to realign their expectations for the upcoming year.A somewhat astonished Flipkart employee affected by job layoffs told ET last week, "We had received good incentives and hikes all through 2022 and 2023," adding that it felt like a haphazard exit.As ET had reported on January 8, the nation's leading e-commerce giant has started a process to cut its workforce of 22,000 employees by 5-7%, affecting 1,100–1,500 workers. Overview For those employed by huge, well-capitalized startups, the start of the new year has been gloomy as companies such as Swiggy, Flipkart, and Paytm are letting go of a significant portion of their workforces.SUMMARY 121 Indian firms have laid off an estimated 34,785 people since the start of the funding winter in 2022. Since the beginning of the year, up to 24 Indian edtech startups—six of the seven unicorns in the edtech space—have let go of 14,616 workers. Up to 15,247 workers have been let go by 69 startups so far this year, demonstrating how little progress has been made in addressing job losses.
Published 01 Feb 2024 03:15 PM
Bhavish Aggarwal, the CEO of Ola, created Krutrim, the first $1 billion AI firm in India.
Bhavish Aggarwal, a serial entrepreneur, launched the AI business Krutrim, which has achieved unicorn status after raising $50 million from investors including Matrix Partners India.With OpenAI's ChatGPT launch more than a year ago, a plethora of Indian entrepreneurs and academic institutions are racing to develop large language models in Indian languages, or so-called Indic LLMs. In instead of depending solely on technology from the US or China, nations are attempting to develop their own rival AI systems. Europe's investors are flooding Mistral AI, France, which was formed a year ago and is currently valued at $2 billion. The Falcon concept, supported by a government research organization in Abu Dhabi, is highly promoted by the United Arab Emirates.India, a country of 1.4 billion people, is concentrating on developing more affordable, smaller AI systems. Last month, the generative AI startup Sarvam released OpenHathi, its first open-source Hindi LLM. Sarvam developed its system using readily available open-source models. Days after raising $41 million in funding from investors including billionaire Vinod Khosla and Lightspeed Venture Partners, the news was made.Ola, an Indian ride-hailing business, was founded by Aggarwal, who stated in a statement that "India has to build its own AI." "We are fully committed to constructing the first AI computing stack in the nation."
Published 01 Feb 2024 02:58 PM
In November, venture capital funding for Indian businesses hits a six-year low.
In January 2024 and 2023, there were just three late-stage deals, the same as in January 2023. However, the amount of capital fell by 41% to $31 million. It was $52 million in January 2023.Anand Lunia, founding partner of IndiaQuotient, stated in a previous interview with Moneycontrol that there is a discernible decline in series A, B, and subsequent agreements, which has led to a greater concentration at the seed level.The total amount invested in Indian startups is now negative due to the sharp decline in late-stage capital. According to Venture Intelligence statistics, new-age IT businesses reported only $366 million in 53 agreements in January, a decrease of almost 64% from $1,027 million in 48 deals in December. Additionally, the month saw a sharp drop in comparison to the same period last year, down 54% from $792 million in 70 agreements.November marked a six-year low for venture capital (VC) funding to Indian businesses, and the protracted funding winter shows little signs of abating.According to data released by Venture Intelligence on December 1, Indian entrepreneurs closed just $223 million in 35 agreements in November, a decrease of almost 66 percent from $655 million in 52 deals the month before. The only occasion when Indian entrepreneurs saw a decline in investment occurred in January 2017, when there were 43 deals totaling $207 million.Because of the holiday season and the approaching end of the year, November and December often receive less financing. VCs are focusing largely on finishing pending investments rather than taking on new ones. The numbers are declining because of this and investor concern, according to Mitesh Shah, founder of venture capital firm IPV, who spoke with Moneycontrol.Shah clarified that although investors are willing to assess companies, they are now more discerning and are not solely focused on profits. He stated, "People are now considering all of their options before committing to anything." Additionally, the month saw a sharp drop in comparison to November 2022 of $1.02 billion in 62 trades, a 78.2 percent year-over-year fall.Startups changing course The effect is noticeable in the total amount of funds for 2023. The amount of capital received by Indian companies up to November was $7.05 billion, a 71% decrease from $24.36 billion in 2022.
Published 01 Feb 2024 02:57 PM
After a viral video of a student being beaten went viral, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan responded. When I apologized to him, he began to cry.
In a now-viral video, singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is shown beating a man in a room over a "bottle." He explained the incident by saying the man was his apprentice.Speaking candidly, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan discussed a recently circulated video in which he was seen striking Naveed Hasnain with a shoe. Speaking with Adeel Asif on his podcast, the Pakistani artist expressed his regret to Naveed, referring to him as his "protege" or "shagird." He had already addressed the issue after receiving backlash on social media for supposedly physically torturing his protégé.Rahat apologized to Adeel for the incident and said, "I did apologize to him." Saying, "Ustaad ji (Sir), why are you doing this?" he broke down in tears. "Jaise role hota hai, baap ka," remarked the 49-year-old. Shagird ki jarurat hai baap hone ki baap. I am his instructor; humne woh role hi adaa kia hai. I've taken on the part of his dad).He continued by saying that he has been covering the costs of his employee's wedding and medical care for their family. Rahat was shown repeatedly kicking and slapping the worker with his shoe over a "bottle" in the widely shared video. He later clarified that it was "pir sahab ka dum ka paani (holy water)" in response to the many taunts he received.On trolls, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan The Pakistani singer responded to the trolling by saying, "He is my protege, and I accepted that I scolded and trashed him." I apologized afterwards. It was good up until this point, but now people are making fun of it. In actuality, though, he was carrying my holy water. People do not realize how serious the issue is. Since it concerns my spiritual guide, it is a very serious problem for me.Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, identifying the man as his pupil, was shown on the video striking and slapping him. "Where is my bottle?" he continued asking him. Rahat then referred to the event as a "internal matter" involving a boss and his worker. "What you have witnessed in these movies pertains to a dispute that exists inside between a shagird (protege) and a ustaad (master). We give our proteges a lot of praise when they perform well, and we penalize them when they make mistakes. In a different video that included Hasnain and his father, he clarified, "I had apologized to him at the same time."
Published 01 Feb 2024 03:54 PM
Overview for 2024 It is expected that the advertising market in India will reach a value of US$15.84 billion.
The Indian advertising industry has had a remarkable resurgence, outpacing forecasts and positioning itself as one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. It emerged as the fastest-growing market in the top 10 in 2023, taking eighth place in the worldwide ad expenditure rankings. Although the digital advertising business was initially predicted to develop at a moderate rate of 8–10% in the fiscal year 2022–2023, it exceeded predictions. Digital ad spending is expected to more than quadruple, reaching US$ 21 billion by 2027–2028, driven by economic tailwinds in 2023–2024.The growth of internet and smartphone users has caused a digital change in India's advertising industry. This has spurred a booming digital ad market that is expected to grow at a 12.3% annual rate to reach US$ 7.9 billion by 2027, according to IBEF. The internet and digital platforms are dominant, yet TV and traditional marketing still have a place. With 30% of advertising spending (about Rs. 8,757 crore or US$ 1.05 billion), social media takes the lead, followed by online video at 28% (almost Rs. 8,319 crore or US$ 1 billion). Display banners make up 16% (Rs. 4,816 crore or US$ 579.2 million) and paid search accounts for 23% (Rs. 6,895 crore or US$ 892.23 million).What's in store for 2024? For long-term business growth, the dynamic Indian digital marketing environment necessitates ongoing awareness of changing trends. According to projections, by 2024, advertising income in India is expected to reach Rs. 394 billion (US$ 5.42 billion). COO of Red Matter Technologies Vaasu Gavarasana, mentor and coach for marketing at T-Hub and IIT Madras, says: "Look for big changes in marketing strategies, especially a rise in TV advertising that is predicted to reach Rs. 394 billion (US$ 4.89 billion) in 2024. Surpassing its international rivals, Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising is expected to expand at an astounding 9.9% CAGR. As with television, the digital sector is expected to make about 38% of India's total advertising revenue. Anticipate a significant increase in spending on social media marketing, driven byFurthermore, in view of the impending interim budget declaration on February 1st, 2024, Red Matter Technologies CEO and co-founder Srikant Rajasekharuni emphasizes that "the proposed tax reduction for digital platform advertising from 18% to a lower rate lies in a potential game-changer." At the moment, there is an 18% tax on digital advertisements, which is far more than the 5% tax on ads in print media. Taking into account the rapidly expanding digital market in India, the Indian budget must review and reduce taxes on digital media in order to promote advertising and further revenue growth.A number of issues will influence the state of digital marketing and advertising in 2024. With 40% of the market, television is expected to dominate the Indian media landscape. Print media, at 13%, and the rapidly growing OTT and gaming sectors, at 8%, will follow closely behind. With a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 24%, the advertising-based video on demand (AVoD) market is expected to grow significantly and reach a substantial US$ 2.6 billion by 2025. This environment is favorable for digital advertisements on these platforms.According to IBEF, 600–650 million Indians are expected to actively connect with short-form videos in the future, devoting 55–60 minutes of their day to this content. India is projected to overtake the US, Japan, and China as the world's four largest TV advertising markets by 2027. Furthermore, by that same year, mobile internet advertising is expected to account for 73% of all online advertising revenue in India, further reshaping the constantly shifting landscape of digital advertising. These advancements herald a new era of interactive marketing and innovation and mark a turning point for digital advertising, affecting companies at all levels. The future seems like a dynamic environment where companies looking to succeed will need to strategically adapt to new trends.
Published 01 Feb 2024 02:54 PM
Google parent Alphabets share price drops 6 percentas ad revenue declines and capex increases.
Wall Street was let down by Alphabet on Tuesday when the company revealed that this year it would be spending more on things like servers that fuel artificial intelligence, despite the fact that holiday-season advertising sales fell short of forecasts.After hours trading saw a 6% decline in Alphabet shares. Alphabet's dominant businesses, Google and YouTube, have been up against competition for advertising budgets from other online platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Amazon.com, all against the backdrop of conflicting U.S. economic indications.The company's fourth-quarter ad revenue increased to $65.5 billion from $59.0 billion the previous year, with retail sales being a bright light. Based on LSEG statistics, that fell short of analysts' average projection of $66.1 billion.According to Thomas Monteiro, an analyst at Investing.com, "Alphabet's disappointing ad revenue numbers suggest that corporations worldwide are still uncertain about the pace of interest rate cuts from global central banks."Google, the creator of the technology that laid the groundwork for the current AI boom, is engaged in conflict with two major competitors in the market: OpenAI, the company that created ChatGPT, and Microsoft, which supports it.Microsoft's Azure grew faster in the same period that Google Cloud's revenue exceeded Wall Street forecasts and growth resumed with a boost from AI.Such AI demands significant investments in data centers, servers, and research. Alphabet's capital expenditures surged by 45% to $11 billion, the biggest level in years. During a conference call with analysts, Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat stated that this year's capital expenditures will be significantly higher than those of 2023.Technology companies have been reducing staff and shutting down non-priority initiatives in order to save expenses. According to Porat, Alphabet anticipates spending $700 million on severance-related costs in the first quarter.Google is giving its ChatGPT competitor Bard access to a potent model suite dubbed Gemini. A agreement to invest up to $2 billion in the well-known AI firm Anthropic was also made, as it attempts to lure clients away from more established cloud rivals Microsoft and Amazon. Additionally, it is giving advertisers control over Gemini to maintain their financial support for Google's search division.However, because ad purchasers may be deterred by geopolitical and economic uncertainties, AI's boost to advertising may still be some way off. Alphabet's AI initiatives are being investigated by the US, and Google is preparing to file an appeal of a significant antitrust lawsuit that it lost. Alphabet reported $20.7 billion in profit for the fourth quarter."BETTER THAN AN AGENT" During the analyst call, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the advancements made with AI in various areas of the company, such as posing new queries that Google can skillfully handle. Since OpenAI's November 2022 announcement of ChatGPT, which demonstrated to the public how so-called generative AI can create fresh text and graphics with a single command, a frenzy has engulfed the technology industry. The possibility of AI "agents" managing human demands with more autonomy has also increased with advancements.When asked about Google Assistant, the company's digital assistant, Pichai stated that artificial intelligence (AI) "allows us to act more like an agent over time" and "go beyond answers and follow through for users even more." Investor interest in Google Cloud has increased as Alphabet concentrates on artificial intelligence. The segment turned a quarterly profit for the first time last year, but as clients reduced their cloud expenditure, sales growth slowed. While Google has promoted competing technologies, Microsoft has been a formidable foe, integrating AI into its cloud and productivity suite, which has long been adopted by corporations.Pichai informed investors that cloud expansion was being encouraged by generative AI. With $9.2 billion in sales for the most recent quarter, Google Cloud exceeded analyst projections of $8.9 billion. While it was less than the 32% growth in the same quarter last year, cloud revenue growth had resumed its upward trajectory from the previous quarter, reaching 25.7%. Azure, Microsoft's cloud platform, saw a 30% increase in sales, the company announced on Tuesday.LSEG data shows that Alphabet's total revenue for the quarter ended December 31 was $86.3 billion, versus projections of $85.3 billion.
Published 01 Feb 2024 03:58 PM
