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

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Trans fats: what are they? Why are they so dangerous?

Five nations received the first-ever accreditation from the World Health Organization (WHO) for implementing policies to get rid of industrially manufactured trans fats, or iTFA. The food environment for 3.7 billion people, or 46% of the world's population, has significantly improved thanks to the implementation of best practice policies for addressing iTFA in food by 53 countries, up from 6% just five years ago. The World Health Organization said in a statement that these regulations are anticipated to save about 183 000 lives annually. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, stated that trans fat "has huge health risks but no known health benefit."The World Health Organization (WHO) said in 2018 that trans fats generated industrially would be removed from the world's food supply by 2023. The fact that so many nations have passed laws restricting or outlawing trans fat in food makes us extremely happy. However, enacting a policy is a different matter from just proposing it. I commend Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, and Lithuania for being at the forefront of the global monitoring and enforcement of trans fat legislation. We implore other nations to take note of their example.Trans fats are a kind of unsaturated fat that can be created artificially by the industrial process of hydrogenation, or they can exist naturally. Small levels of naturally occurring trans fats can be found in several animal products, including dairy and meat. But industrially generated trans fats—made when hydrogen is added to vegetable oils to increase their solidity at room temperature—are the main source of concern. Food items are now frequently used as an ingredient in processed and professionally baked goods since this technique extends their shelf life and stability.Trans fats have been linked to numerous health concerns, the most well-known of which being their detrimental effects on cardiovascular health. Trans fats have been demonstrated to concurrently decrease levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol, and increase levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol. This negative change in cholesterol levels elevates the risk of heart attacks and strokes as well as coronary heart disease.Insulin resistance, a state in which the body's cells lose their sensitivity to the effects of insulin, has been linked to trans fats. An increased risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood sugar levels can result from this insulin resistance. Trans fats' pro-inflammatory properties also play a role in the insulin resistance that is seen in people who consume large amounts of these fats. When it comes to consuming trans fats, pregnant women should exercise extra caution. Research has indicated that consuming more trans fats while pregnant may raise the risk of problems like gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. Trans fats have also been linked to decreased birth weight and negative effects on embryonic development, according to research.There may be a connection between trans fat intake and cognitive decline, according to recent studies. An elevated risk of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia has been linked to a high trans fat diet. While the precise processes underlying this relationship are still being investigated, trans fats' impacts on inflammation and oxidative stress may play a role in brain impairment.Trans fats have a role in weight growth and obesity, however not as much as other health issues. According to certain research, a diet heavy in trans fats may increase the amount of fat deposited in the abdomen, which could exacerbate central obesity, a condition that is known to raise the risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.  

Published 30 Jan 2024 10:38 PM

Easy cardio exercises by Malaika Arora to get a flat, toned abdomen

Bollywood’s original yogini, Malaika Arora, also known as the chaiyya chaiyya girl, is renowned for her extreme levels of fitness. Her passion for fitness stems from the fact that she mixes easy-to-do cardio exercises into her regimen. Malaika uses skipping, a great aerobic workout that increases heart health, burns calories, and develops coordination, in her routine. Malaika customizes her exercise regimen to suit her tastes and degree of fitness, and she displays her fitness cards for public viewing every Monday.Her most recent Instagram post demonstrates how she works out cardio first thing in the morning to burn fat and maintain her toned, slender figure. Malaika, who was wearing a yellow short exercise outfit, exuded confidence and encouraged everyone to strive for better personal growth. She captioned her inspirational video, saying, "Always killing it, this one  Starting the week off with some fun cardio and a dose of Casper's energy."Here are a few of the cardio workouts she usually incorporates before beginning her exercise program:A fantastic cardiovascular exercise that raises heart rate and improves cardiovascular system function is skipping. This generally strengthens the heart and increases stamina. Jumping rope offers a complete exercise and is an excellent way to burn calories. It helps burn calories quickly, which can help you lose weight and keep it off.Among other muscular areas, jumping jacks exercise the arms, shoulders, core, and legs. This is an intense, full-body workout that increases muscle tone and strength. Exercises like jumping jacks are simple and accessible because they don't call for any additional equipment.Mountain climbers burn calories throughout their ascents because they partake in strenuous physical activity, which aids in weight management and fat loss. The lower back, obliques, and abdominal muscles of mountain climbers are strengthened by their constant use of their core muscles. This enhances the stability and support of the spine and the core.Without any equipment, you can do Russian twists; alternatively, you can use a medicine ball or weight. They can therefore be used and are suitable for at-home training. Russian twists are an effective way to burn calories and get a flat stomach when included in a full workout program.Malaika's go-to workout is the in-and-out activity, sometimes known as jackknife sit-ups or V-ups. They are an effective abdominal exercise that strengthen the rectus abdominis and hip flexors. In-and-outs, like many abdominal exercises, aid in burning calories, which is beneficial for anyone attempting to reduce weight or improve their general physical condition.Pop squats are a great exercise to acquire a flat tummy like Malaika because they mix strength and aerobic elements, which burn calories. Pop squats work the complete body, not only the lower body but also the upper and core during the jumping and landing stages.  

Published 30 Jan 2024 10:37 PM

New Zealand versus India Real-time score Musheer Khan leads India in the U19 World Cup 2024 Super Six with an outstanding hundred.

Live score for the IND U19 vs. NZ U19 World Cup 2024 cricket match: With three straight victories under their belt, reigning champions India will try to maintain their winning streak when they play New Zealand in their U-19 World Cup super six stage match on Tuesday.India will have the added benefit of playing on Tuesday at the Mangaung Oval, where they have played all three of their current matches, having advanced to the super six stage as the leaders of Group A.Conversely, New Zealand moved here from East London and will need to swiftly adjust to the environment. India defeated Bangladesh, Ireland, and the United States with relative ease. The 'Boys in Blue' performed admirably in the next two games, despite the record five-time winners' slight batsmanship versus their Asian opponents in the first game.The fact that at least one or two Indian hitters raised their hands and accepted responsibility for scoring runs is what makes them the best on the squad. Third batter in the order The Mumbai batter who has been a regular in the lineup, Mursheer Khan, is the younger brother of Sarfaraz. After the group stage, Mursheer is the third-highest run scorer in the tournament with a century and a fifty.Since he hasn't been able to build on his two starts in the past two games, Adarsh Singh will be hoping to score a lot, while fellow opener Arshin Kulkarni will be feeling quite confident following his incredible century. Uday Saharan, the captain, has had a significant innings and will try to keep it up.Naman Tiwari, a left-arm pacer, has shown exceptional skill with the ball when bowling. In the next two games, he has taken four wickets apiece after going wicketless against Bangladesh. Saumy Pandey, a left-arm spinner who aims to target the stumps with reasonably accurate deliveries, has also shown promise. He currently has eight scalps and the second-best economy (2.01) in the competition. New Zealand had two victories from three games to finish second in Group D. In the tournament, the Kiwi batting lineup has not fared well.They managed to win by a whisker against Afghanistan, where they were chasing a meek 91 runs, but they lost badly versus Pakistan, losing by ten wickets, being bowled out for 140. The onus will be on the Kiwi hitters to support the bowling unit against a strong India lineup. Every team will carry over the points and NRR they earned against other Super Six qualifying clubs, thus both sides will also be monitoring their NRR. The Groups: India: Aravelly Avanish Rao, Saumy Kumar Pandey, Murugan Abhishek, Innesh Mahajan, Dhanush Gowda, Aaradhya Shukla, Raj Limbani, Sachin Dhas, Priyanshu Moliya, Musheer Khan, Aravelly Avanish Rao, and Uday Saharan (c).  

Published 30 Jan 2024 10:36 PM

Ranji Trophy: Kerala is up against host Bihar.

In their Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match against Kerala on Sunday at Moin-ul Haq Stadium in Patna, hosts Bihar seized the initiative. By the time play ended on Day 3, Kerala was still 88 runs behind Bihar, who had amassed 62 runs for two wickets in their second innings through 17 overs.At the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, India all-rounder Shivam Dube scored a defiant century to put Mumbai back in the match against Uttar Pradesh.Dube maintained his impressive form from the previous several weeks, hitting seven sixes and nine fours en route to 117 off 130 balls.Mumbai increased their lead to 177 runs when the left-handed batsman and all-rounder Shams Mulani put on 173 runs for the seventh wicket. Mumbai had lost the first innings lead by 126 runs.Mumbai reached 303/8 in response to UP's 324 after being knocked out for 198 in the first innings, with Mohit Avasthi (34) and Sylvester Dsouza (2) at the crease.In the second innings at Patna, hosts Bihar led Kerala by 88 runs after they reached 62/2. At the Moin Ul Haq Stadium, Kerala made 227 runs when they batted first, giving the hosts an overall lead of 150 runs before Bihar was bowled out for 377. Sakibul Gani scored an additional thirty runs to help Bihar reach a respectable 150 from 225 balls, including 17 fours and two sixes.Chhattisgarh defeated Andhra by 300 runs at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Ranchi. After scoring 431 in the first innings to take a 169-run advantage, Andhra restricted Chhattisgarh to 262 and declared at 150/2 to set a target of 320 runs to win. Chhattisgarh finished the third day unscathed, reaching 20 for no loss, but they will need to be cautious against an Andhra bowling attack that features an all-around player in Prithvi Raj Yarra, who took three wickets in the first innings.  

Published 30 Jan 2024 10:35 PM

The 12th Parliaments first session will begin at 3 p.m. on January 30, 2024.

Tomorrow, January 30, at 3 p.m., President Mohammed Shahabuddin will give the opening speech at the 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS). Every year, the President addresses the first legislative sitting in accordance with parliamentary custom.Tomorrow, January 30, at 3 p.m., President Mohammed Shahabuddin will give the opening speech at the 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS). Every year, the President addresses the first legislative sitting in accordance with parliamentary custom. Earlier, he used the authority granted to him by Article 72 (1) of the Constitution to call the first meeting of the legislature for 2024.President's Press Secretary Md. Joynal Abedin told BSS that the cabinet has already authorized the president's address. He stated that the President's speech will prioritize the achievements and future ambitions of the Awami League government, especially its development initiatives. In addition, the spokesperson stated that a number of proposals are probably going to be introduced and approved by the House during this conference. Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury will preside over a meeting of the Parliamentary Business Advisory Committee to determine the agenda items and length of the meeting prior to the start of House business that day.Under the direction of Deputy Speaker Shamsul Hoque Tuku, the 12th parliament's first session got underway today. At approximately 3 p.m., the day's events started with a reading from the Holy Quran. In accordance with parliamentary procedure, President Mohammed Shahabuddin will give the opening speech.Earlier, he used the authority granted to him by Article 72 (1) of the Constitution to call the first meeting of the legislature for 2024. The president will give a speech to the group highlighting the achievements and goals for the future, including the government of the Awami League's development initiatives.  

Published 30 Jan 2024 10:34 PM

Five stylish ways to use an old Banarasi sari

One of the most traditional and ancient styles of Indian saris, banarasi saris continue to enjoy a devoted fan base throughout India. Although some people think that vintage Banarasi sari patterns are out of style these days, they are still popular because of their timeless elegance and shine, which allow them to be wonderfully repurposed and paired with chic accessories to look great. Let's look at five incredible ways you may transform your Banarasi sari material into something stylish and unique, from maxi dresses to lovely skirts.For office functions, a short Banarasi skirt with a banana cut at the end looks great since it maintains a Western perspective while giving off a more royal and regal vibe. These elegant short skirts can be fashioned from brocade cloth. In order to tighten the waist and add an elastic band that stops just below the knees, you may also add metallic buttons. You can now go ahead and add a contrasting top.You may also include a more Western-Indian element into your outfit by transforming a sari into a knee-length jacket. Banarasi jackets paired with kurtas and palazzos have gained popularity as these three-piece ensembles are preferred by more individuals. This can enhance your fashion statement and turn heads at any gathering. It's a novel approach to creating a whole appearance with just one layer.Numerous celebs, including Deepika Padukone and Malaika Arora, have been spotted sporting the trendy and royal-looking Banarasi kurtas. These Banarasi kurtas give off a gaga over the rich look, and they look amazing paired with a basic dupatta and a plain palazzo or sharara. If you want a more casual yet daytime style, you can also wear patiala or churidars.Cut your Banarasi sari into a long skirt or lehenga for a more traditional look. This will give your desi outfit a modern vibe. To make it look more attractive, you can also add little box pleats. Alternatively, you can wear classic kalis with a simple dupatta and a short, plain blouse. Adding fewer accessories will assist the long skirt that is the main attraction of your outfit look brighter and more put together.Making a lovely full-length bodycon dress with a straight fit is the greatest and most popular solution for repurposing your Banarasi sari. A full western outfit with a dasi touch can also be made into an A-length dress, which you can wear to a wedding or other celebratory event. These Banarasi gowns are the ideal way to make full use of your old sari.  

Published 30 Jan 2024 10:31 PM

Seven developed nations with a 4-day workweek culture

Many offices have now fully opened following the COVID-19 outbreak, and businesses are requesting that their staff members return working from the office. However, many businesses are now allowing a 4-day work week culture, given the convenience of working from home and the work-life balance that many employees experienced during the pandemic. Germany has lately made headlines because it plans to experiment with a 4-day workweek for six months, beginning on February 1, 2024. The purpose of the study is to determine whether the four-day workweek culture that labor unions have proposed will indeed improve employee happiness, health, and productivity.Germany is not the only nation that has opted for a 4-day workweek culture, though. Here is a list of developed nations that have also embraced this.Belgium was the first nation in the European Union (EU) to introduce an optional 4-day work week in 2022. The catch is that, in a 4-day work week, the total number of working hours stays the same as it does in a 5-day work week. There are forty hours of work in a week.The Netherlands has the world's shortest workweeks on average, according to official statistics. There, employees put in just 29 hours a week at work. Despite the absence of official regulations, stories state that individuals in the Netherlands only work four days a week.According to an OECD report, Denmark has the second-shortest workweek, with 33 hours worked. Although there isn't an explicit 4-day work week regulation in Denmark either, most individuals there only work four days a week. Despite their rigorous work ethic, Danes prefer to complete their tasks inside the legal 37-hour work week. The majority of workers depart at around 4 p.m. to pick up their kids and start cooking the evening meal; staying later is discouraged," according to a Denmark.dk article.Australia is doing a trial run of a 4-day work week with 20 enterprises. It states that employers in Australia should anticipate their staff to put in 38 hours a week of work. With the new work arrangement, called the 100:80:100 model, workers can work 80 percent of the hours and still keep 100% of their salary as long as they maintain 100% productivity. There are several models besides 100:80:100. According to a News.com.au report, some companies offer conventional 40-hour work weeks spread over four days, or they let employees work less weeks in exchange for a wage decrease.In 2021, the government of Japan published an annual economic policy urging firms to choose for a 4-day work week in the country, in contrast to the country's rigorous work ethic. Preventing "karoshi," which means "death by overwork," is the goal. Permitting folks to spend time apart from work is another goal. Due to increased spending and family life, which will increase the number of births in the nation—which is greatly required given its aging population—this will assist strengthen the economy. According to sources, the Spanish government intends to spend 50 million euros over the course of three years to test a four-day work week. Approximately 200 Spanish companies are anticipated to take part in it.The United Kingdom went to a 4-day work week in 2022. In accordance with their regulations, participants in the trial run comprised 61 enterprises and more than 300 employees, with the expectation that workers would put in no more than 48 hours each week. With 61 organizations taking part, this was the largest experiment ever, and according to a Bloomberg report, there was a noticeable 65% decrease in sick leaves.According to a Bloomberg article, "when a 4-day work week was implemented, anxiety levels and sleeping problems receded by roughly 20%." This in turn has a favorable impact on the economy as a whole as well as the productivity of workers at work.  

Published 31 Jan 2024 02:13 PM

What the travel, real estate, fintech, electric vehicle, and other industries need from FM

Live Updates on Budget 2024 Expectations: The last Budget of the current Narendra Modi government is scheduled to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2024. This budget is anticipated to be an interim budget or a vote on account because it is being released ahead of the Lok Sabha elections year. The crucial query is: Will Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announce major tax payer and salaried individual relief measures? There are many conjectures about possible changes to the income tax slab rates for FY 2025, which could affect both the current and the proposed income tax regimes.Will there be initiatives to make the new income tax system more enticing to taxpayers? The new income tax regime, which is currently the default tax structure, saw significant adjustments implemented by FM Sitharaman in the previous year's Budget. In addition, an unprecedented capital investment was declared in order to promote economic expansion. For real-time coverage of Budget 2024 expectations across multiple industries, subscribe to Mint Online.Live Budget 2024 Expectations: The fintech industry anticipates statements regarding rules, license procedures, and tax breaks. "Digital adoption and innovation in India are contingent upon a robust Fintech ecosystem." In the next budget, we would like to see policy initiatives related to regulations, licensing process simplification, and providing tax advantages for Fintech businesses. ToneTag CEO and founder Kumar Abhishek stated, "This will create a dynamic environment where cutting-edge solutions like AI and Voice can flourish and propel India's digital transformation. "Expectations for the Budget in 2024 Live: According to Rupyy CFO, expect clearly defined action plans to advance digital payments and improve digital infrastructure. "We anticipate more detailed action plans to fortify digital infrastructure and encourage digital payments for greater financial inclusion from the interim budget. Stronger, longer-lasting, and more precisely defined incentives to promote the use of electric vehicles will also contribute to the expansion of the auto finance industry. It will be beneficial to include EV finance as a priority sector loan, which will reduce costs and boost uptake. Fintech companies are often looking for a GST subsidy in order to improve government benefits and financial services accessibility. We see development potential in the fintech market, which is predicted to reach INR 11.36 Trn by FY 2028.  

Published 30 Jan 2024 10:28 PM

The Maldives is no longer the preferred island retreat for Indians.

In January 2024, there was a notable shift in the Maldives archipelago's tourism landscape. This change was indicated by a sharp drop in the number of Indian tourists, who had historically made up the largest traveler group in the nation.The current situation stems from a recent diplomatic dispute that was sparked by disparaging remarks made about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Maldivian ministers. The conflict started when Prime Minister Modi shared captivating photos from his early January visit to Lakshadweep, a Union Territory of India, showing off its natural beauty.Following the ministers of the Maldives' comments on social media, a social media storm developed, leading Indians to boycott Maldives travel in general and the Maldives in particular. The diplomatic impasse that resulted from the online debate was evident in the decline of Indian visitors to the Maldives. If information is to be believed, only 13,989 Indian tourists—or 8% of all visitors—visited the archipelago in January. With regard to countries sending tourists to the Maldives this month, India came in fifth. In January 2024, Russia accounted for 18,561 of the Maldives' foreign visitor count, making it the country's largest contributor. Closely trailing behind, Italy, China, and the UK took second, third, and fourth place, respectively.The Maldives has traditionally benefited greatly from tourism from India. For example, India held the second position in December 2023 with 161,751 tourists. Travel trends have obviously been impacted by the diplomatic spat, though, as there were fewer Indian visitors in January.Lakshadweep in India gained attention for its enthralling natural beauty and unrealized potential. Lakshadweep, blessed with immaculate beaches, colorful coral reefs, and a thriving marine ecosystem, provides a tranquil haven from the bustle of city life. Travelers are becoming more curious and interested in Lakshadweep as a result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent distribution of stunning photos highlighting the archipelago's splendor.  

Published 30 Jan 2024 10:26 PM

Ten Hag claims that Rashfords absence is a "internal matter."

Marcus Rashford's absence from Manchester United's FA Cup fourth-round match against Newport County was attributed to a "internal matter," according to manager Erik ten Hag. The Premier League team had stated that the attacker "was not well enough" to be included in the squad.A statement from United stated that the 26-year-old England international had "stayed at Carrington to train as he recovers" prior to their 4-2 victory.Marcus Rashford's absence from Manchester United's FA Cup fourth-round match against Newport County, the Premier League club stated, was due to a "personal matter." Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, explained this to the media.When the Premier League team stated that Marcus Rashford "was not well enough" to be in the squad, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag referred to the forward's absence from the team's FA Cup fourth-round match against Newport County as a "internal matter. "A statement from United stated that the 26-year-old England international had "stayed at Carrington to train as he recovers" prior to their 4-2 victory. Ten Hag stated on Sunday, "He reported ill and the rest is an internal matter." "The issue is internal. A... Visit Deccan Herald.com/Sports/football/Rashfords-Absence-An-Internal-Matter-Says-Ten-Hag-2868925 for more information.  

Published 30 Jan 2024 10:25 PM

Football Roundup Klopp bids adieu, chaos and platitudes for the Nix

Football is a cliché factory. They emphasize stories, divert attention from mistakes, and—possibly most importantly—provide an opportunity to minimize expectations. "I keep saying this and I know it sounds a cliché, but we take it game by game."Giancarlo Italiano, the head coach of Wellington Phoenix, said as much after his team defeated the Newcastle Jets 2-1 at the A-League summit this past weekend.Because a fixtured competition is by its very nature unpredictable, it's difficult to say exactly how you wouldn't approach each game differently, but whatever 'Chiefy' is doing, he should keep it up. Clichés originate from reality, and to borrow another expression, Wellington is currently winning like champions. Not always at their very best, but obtaining the desired outcome the difficult way. Many predicted that the Nix's promising early lead would fade in true Phoenix fashion after they were destroyed in the rematch in December, yet game by game, their title challenge continues. Though it is more likely that this will be Oskar Zawada's last gasp, his reappearance was welcome. With his contract expiring at the end of the current campaign, the 27-year-old is enticing Europe, the plague of A-League longevity. A fitting farewell present would be to fire Phoenix to glory first.In reference to cliches, what about the proverb that states that you wait a long time for a bus and three arrive at once? Alex Rufer, the captain of Nix, is having a great season. He has scored three goals in as many games. This comes from a player who, in January of last year, had to wait 107 games and 3269 days to score his first goal for the team.There was nothing mundane or conventional about the Wellington Phoenix women's team's 2-0 victory over Canberra United, from the overused to the wild.In the second half, goalie Rylee Foster sent Sofia Christopherson out for a vicious attack, causing chaos in Porirua.However, the irony will be apparent to everyone who has witnessed the event. Fear not—the chaos at Jerry Collins Stadium carried on when substitute goalie Brianna Edwards stopped the ensuing penalty with the first touch of the match.  

Published 30 Jan 2024 10:24 PM

Boosting Innovation Getting Ready for Startup Chances Before Budget 2024

The Indian startup industry is looking forward to initiatives that would address funding and layoff issues while also promoting innovation ahead of Budget 2024. In spite of earlier programs such as the Fund of Funds for Startups, the ecosystem experienced shocks such as job losses and depreciation. There are several calls for tax laws, rewards for ESG compliance, and assistance with digital trade and environmentally friendly transportation. It is anticipated that the budget would lay the groundwork for a supportive startup climate that will encourage entrepreneurship and creativity in order to increase the number of unicorns that arise in India.Important lessons learned While the budget of the previous year included a number of measures for startups, there were obstacles in the Indian startup funding scene. Startup funding fell to a level not seen in seven years. The startup ecosystem has been damaged by the disruption in funding and layoffs, which has created a difficult environment for growth and innovation. Key initiatives to foster innovation and open the door for more unicorns in the Indian startup scene are anticipated in the next budget.Numerous firms' growth trajectory has been disrupted by the decrease in funding and the layoffs. Therefore, we will have to wait to see what decisions the Finance Ministry makes this year regarding the Startup Sector. This is due to the fact that the startup environment has been greatly impacted by the consequences of past budgeting decisions. They frequently create the conditions for more unicorns to appear in India.Prior Budget The Indian government included a number of initiatives in the Union Budget last year with the goal of assisting the startup industry. This includes the creation of the ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds for businesses (FFS), tax incentives for businesses, and the development of digital payments and economies. These budgetary measures have led to a notable expansion of India's startup environment. India is currently home to more unicorns than any other country in the globe, with the nation's startup ecosystem ranking third in the world overall. But there were significant obstacles facing the Indian startup scene. The startup industry saw an all-time high in layoffs, which added to the ecosystem's uncertainty. Moreover, it was evident that startups were losing value.Extension of the Indian Startup Landscape It is anticipated that the government will set aside additional money to promote entrepreneurship and aid in the expansion of startups. This can be accomplished by offering more funding, lowering tax laws, and easing regulations to draw in newer technology and foster innovation. Proposals have been made for tax policies such Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and carry-forward losses on investments. This entails offering incentives specific to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies and matching capital gains tax on unlisted startup shares with listed shares. In addition, the government has to prioritize bolstering digital commerce programs, offering incentives to retailers in remote locations, and providing funding to improve last-mile connectivity for Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) e-commerce. Additionally, with updated regulations promoting international trade, India may becomeIt is expected that the interim budget for 2024 will prioritize green mobility for electric vehicles (EVs) by addressing insurance requirements, safety standards, and licensing specific to EVs. The promotion of green mobility and possible revisions to programs like Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) for EVs and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) are two ways to promote this.$1 billion in startup capital was raised in 2023 alone, demonstrating the ecosystem's resiliency in the face of difficulties. Moreover, the need to create an atmosphere that supports the expansion and longevity of startups is the foundation for the anticipation of tax reforms and regulatory clarity. As a result, the impending budget is well-positioned to lay the groundwork for an atmosphere that is more favorable for startups, encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship. In order to foster a thriving startup industry in India and create the conditions for the future development of other unicorns, this proactive strategy is imperative.  

Published 30 Jan 2024 10:22 PM

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