Top Trending Technology News & Highlights


Operations at Zepto Cafe Are Halted in Several Cities
Zepto Cafe, the company's rapid meal delivery division, has temporarily ceased operations in a number of minor cities, primarily in northern India. Over 400 workers have been impacted by the 44 eateries that have suspended operations. By the conclusion of the upcoming quarter, the business now anticipates starting up again in these areas.Platform for rapid trade According to persons familiar with the situation, Zepto has suspended operations of its 10-minute food delivery vertical, Zepto Cafe, in a number of locations, including Delhi, Agra, Chandigarh, Mohali, Amritsar, and Meerut, because of supply chain problems, ETtech reported. This will affect how 44 Zepto Cafe locations operate.Platform for rapid trade Zepto has suspended Zepto Cafe, its 10-minute meal delivery service, in several North Indian towns. The company has temporarily halted the services because of supply chain problems, according to a report by Economic Times. According to the article, 44 Zepto Cafe locations in the area will be impacted by the company's decision. About 700 gig workers have been impacted by the company's decision to stop providing the service. According to the Economic Times, Zepto Cafe's services were suspended in April of this year because the company was unable to meet quality standards due to the spike in demand. Zepto Cafe received greater demand than anticipated, hence the decision was made to halt operations in these cities. Meeting the volumes without sacrificing quality proved challenging, the individual with knowledge of the situation told ET.
Published 23 May 2025 08:14 PM


Uttar Pradeshs Sarathi app was shut down for maintenance.
Every RTO in Uttar Pradesh is experiencing operational disruptions, and staff are working to quickly resolve the situation.According to regional transport office (RTO) authorities on Friday, maintenance work on Sarathi software, which is used for processing work under the Union transport ministry, has disrupted the operation of processing driving licenses throughout Uttar Pradesh, including in Noida, since Thursday. Between 300 and 350 persons visit the Noida regional transport office on a daily basis, according to officials, seeking licenses and other related work."Vahan, a program for vehicle registration, and Sarathi, a program for driving licenses, are the two primary apps. We learned from Lucknow that Sarathi will be undergoing some maintenance from Thursday at 10 a.m. until Saturday at noon, according to Siyaram Verma, the assistant regional transport officer (ARTO-administration) for Gautam Budh Nagar."Activities related to driving licenses, like obtaining a learners' permit, a primary license, renewing a license abroad, changing one's name or address, etc., have ceased," Verma stated. "I had no idea that the website was being maintained. The application was down, an official told me when I arrived to the RTO in Noida after traveling 35 kilometers," said Greater Noida resident Rajesh Yadav."The affected work is present in all Uttar Pradesh RTOs. An RTO representative stated, "Our specialists are working to fix the application as quickly as feasible.
Published 06 Jun 2024 11:30 AM


Best Midsize Car of the Year Texas Auto Writers Associations Annual Auto Roundup, 2024 Hyundai Sonata
DECATUR, Texas, May 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) annual Auto Roundup, which took place on April 23–24, 2024, has crowned the 2024 Hyundai Sonata the finest midsize car. Leading automotive journalists from Texas get together for the TAWA Auto Roundup, a major event in the industry, to assess the newest models on factors including overall appeal, performance, value, and safety.The 2024 Hyundai Sonata is honored with this accolade for its amazing value, superior performance, cutting-edge technology, and superb design. The Sonata outperformed a competitive field of competitors by impressing the TAWA judges with its cutting-edge features, fashionable appearance, and dedication to providing an outstanding driving experience.Senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor North America Olabisi Boyle commented, "We are immensely honored to receive this recognition from the Texas Auto Writers Association." "Our dedication to innovation, quality, and customer pleasure is embodied in the Hyundai Sonata 2024. This honor recognizes the diligence and commitment of our whole team."According to Cory Fourniquet, president of the Texas Auto Writers Association, "The Hyundai Sonata impressed our judges with its attention to detail throughout, like the color-matched switchgear for the windows and door locks as well as the built-in sunshades in the rear windows." "Even though it sells in a segment that is dominated by a couple of heavy hitters, Hyundai does not shy away from the mid-size sedan market like other manufacturers that are retiring their sedans. The fact that Hyundai is sustaining competitiveness in the market is very amazing. Not only that, but it beat out the freshly introduced 2025 Toyota Camry for this distinction."The dynamic new design language, improved safety features, and array of cutting-edge technologies make the Hyundai Sonata of 2024 stand out. A redesigned front fascia with a cascading grille, sleek LED headlights, and strong character lines that give the Sonata a sensation of motion even when it is stationary are all part of its aerodynamic and dramatic design. The Sonata is a versatile alternative for a broad spectrum of drivers, offering both dynamic performance and exceptional fuel economy with a selection of strong and economical engines, including a hybrid option.American Hyundai Motor Company Hyundai Motor America supports Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity objective while providing a technologically advanced array of automobiles, SUVs, and electrified vehicles to American consumers. Hyundai maintains substantial activities in the United States, with its North American headquarters located in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing assembly factory in Alabama, the newly developed Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America situated in Georgia, and multiple state-of-the-art research and development centers. According to a recent economic impact assessment, these businesses, along with those of Hyundai's 835 independent dealers, generate $20.1 billion in revenue and 190,000 employment for the American economy each year. To learn more, go to www.hyundainews.com.
Published 06 Jun 2024 11:29 AM


Mahindras-svelte-electric-SUV-is-hinted-at-by-XUVe8-design-patents-What-can-we-anticipate
With the launch of the XUV.e8, an electric version of their well-liked XUV700, Mahindra & Mahindra is preparing to increase the number of electric vehicles in their lineup. The corporation is currently testing prototypes of this new model, which has already been displayed in concept form. Mahindra has submitted for multiple design patents recently, covering the XUV.e8's appearance and interior.The design patents show that the XUV.e8 is very similar to the concept version that was previously presented, according to a report by HT Auto. Notable improvements include a new set of inverted L-shaped LED projector headlamps and a large LED lightbar that runs the length of the front of the car. Due to the lack of an internal combustion engine, the front bumpers have been altered and do not include the conventional grille.According to reports, the XUV.e8's side profile has aerodynamic wheel covers designed to improve air flow efficiency. The concept's flush-fitting door handles are still on the car. There aren't many modifications at the back, only a new bumper and an LED light bar, however the tail lamps should stay the same. The XUV.e8 will likewise have copper accents, just as the XUV400.Interior design elements, most notably a new two-spoke steering wheel, are also included in Mahindra's design patents. Four toggle switches are located on this hexagonal steering wheel, which has a red stripe at the top for controlling the infotainment system and instrument cluster. The lighted Mahindra emblem on the steering wheel is a novel touch that continues a trend observed in Tata cars. The revamped dashboard, which features a three-screen arrangement evocative of high-end automobile interiors, is another noteworthy interior upgrade. This comprises a passenger-side extra screen, an infotainment display, and an instrument cluster. With these improved technology features and style cues, Mahindra's electric vehicle portfolio is expected to gain something special with the XUV.e8.
Published 06 Jun 2024 11:29 AM


Technology
21st century is dedicated to the Technology and technology is dominating everywhere and every part of the world and almost all the industries are now a days is technology dependent or they need technology help to drive more scale and deliveries.


Tata Sons to invest $1 billion more in digital arm
Tata Sons is poised to invest about $1 billion in Tata Digital, over the next few years, people familiar with the matter said. This comes as the parent of the diversified Tata group puts a pause on external fundraising for the ecommerce entity, which houses the superapp, Tata Neu as it reviews its digital strategy with the appointment of a new chief executive officer this week, the people said. Tata Digital will only tap external investors after the new CEO sets down to focus on execution and scale, one of the persons said. Earlier this week, Tata Digital appointed Naveen Tahilyani, the former managing director of Tata AIA Life Insurance, as its CEO & MD. Tahilyani replaced Pratik Pal who had been holding the charge since the company’s inception in 2019.Tata Sons has invested more than $2 billion in Neu so far and has board approvals for further capital infusion over a five-year period, the people said. A spokesperson for Tata Sons did not respond to ET’s queries. Multiple people aware of the management changes said Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran wanted a senior hand with consumer background to steer the next stage of expansion for Neu. “The top brass wants Tata Digital to work on making its operational structure more efficient and agile and scale up the business,” a person said.


Apple unveils AI image tool that lets you make edits by just describing them
The researchers highlighted the model's ability to derive explicit visual-aware intentions, leading to meaningful image enhancements. Apple researchers have introduced an AI model enabling users to write desired changes to a photograph using simple language, eliminating the need for traditional photo editing software. The groundbreaking model, named MGIE (MLLM-Guided Image Editing), is the result of a collaboration between Apple and the University of California, Santa Barbara. Capable of executing various editing tasks including cropping, resizing, flipping, and applying filters solely through text prompts, MGIE represents a significant advancement in image editing technology. This innovation can handle both straightforward and intricate editing requests, such as altering specific objects within a photo or enhancing brightness levels. MGIE harnesses the power of multimodal language models, first deciphering user prompts and then generating corresponding edits. For instance, a request for a "bluer sky" translates to adjusting the brightness of the sky portion of an image. This approach ensures precise interpretation and execution of editing instructions. For example, a prompt to "make it more healthy" when editing an image of a pepperoni pizza results in the addition of vegetable toppings. Similarly, instructing the model to "add more contrast to simulate more light" enhances the brightness of a dark image, such as tigers in the Sahara.


The University of Wollongong in India is now accepting applications for its fintech and computer programs.
The prerequisites for admission are identical to those of UOW's campuses in Australia: an undergraduate degree, professional experience, and an English language proficiency test.The University of Wollongong India (UOW India) GIFT City campus is now accepting applications from students.The University of Wollongong India (UOW India) has released a press release stating that it has announced two new programs for students this year: a Graduate Certificate in Financial Technology and a Master of Financial Technology. Final approval is a must for both programs.The university had previously declared that its Graduate Certificate in Computing and Master of Computing (Data Analytics) programs would begin offering to students in July."We are thrilled to announce the opening of applications for UOW India and are eager to see our first student cohort arrive at our GIFT City campus. According to Patricia M. Davidson, president and vice chancellor of UOW, "this is a fantastic opportunity for students to get a world-class education and experience in the field of computing and financial technology. "The University of Wollongong India (UOW India) has the same entrance requirements for these programs as its Australian campuses, which include an undergraduate degree, job experience, and an English language proficiency test, according to the press release."With a well-deserved reputation for quality, UOW is listed among the top 250 universities in the world for accounting and finance courses. Professor Colin Picker, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law, stated, "Our cutting-edge FinTech courses will give students the abilities, information, and experience needed for success in finance and the growing field of Financial Technology."


Orios Venture Partners sells nearly 3% stake in Country Delight for Rs 225 crore
Orios Venture Partners has made a partial exit from direct-to-consumer (D2C) fresh food brand Country Delight for around Rs 225 crore. People familiar with the matter said the early-stage venture capital firm has sold about a 3% stake in Country Delight to Temasek-backed asset management group Seviora. Orios had invested Rs 15 crore in Country Delight from its Fund-I, of which the first cheque of Rs 3 crore was infused in 2017. The firm had subsequently invested additional sums in Country Delight through its later funds.Across all its investments in the D2C company, Orios held 21-22% stake in Country Delight prior to the partial exit.On January 5, ET reported that the Gurugram-based company raised around $20 million (around Rs 164 crore) in a funding round led by one of its existing investors, Singapore’s sovereign fund Temasek. Another existing backer, Venturi Partners, also participated, in addition to Seviora, which invested through its agriculture and food-focused investment vehicle Seviora T3F Fund. The round valued Country Delight at around $820 million. Orios launched Fund-I in 2014, with a final close of Rs 300 crore in 2015. In January, the Mumbai-based investment firm announced that it had returned the initial corpus to its limited partners, or sponsors of the fund. Among the various sectors, Fund-I allocated 27% of its corpus to ecommerce marketplaces, followed by D2C at 18%, and healthtech at 14%. Key portfolio companies that emerged from the fund include Country Delight, PharmEasy, Intelligence Node, and Zostel. Orios also counts BatterySmart, Vedantu, Ixigo, Mobikwik and CarDekho among its portfolio companies. It had also backed beleaguered car repair startup GoMechanic but had to eventually write off the investment after GoMechanic’s founders admitted to financial wrongdoing. The Rehan Yar Khan-led investment firm also saw two of its managing partners Anup Jain and Rajeev Suri depart in September 2023.


Court relief for Byju’s in TLB lenders’ suit
Byju’s won a legal reprieve on Monday when a civil court in Bengaluru declined to grant a plea by its lenders challenging Manipal Group Chairman Ranjan Pai’s acquisition of a 40% stake in the embattled edtech firm’s subsidiary Aakash Institute, two people aware of the development said. The lenders of Byju’s $1.2 billion term loan had moved the city court last Thursday seeking an ex-parte injunction on the transaction allowing Pai to convert a loan of about $250-$300 million he had advanced to the brick-and-mortar coaching network into equity in Aakash Institute. Thursday’s legal challenge by the TLB lenders caught both Byju’s and Pai “by surprise” the sources said. The lenders were petitioning the court about Pai's conversion of debt into equity at a lower valuation of $600 million compared to the valuation of $950 million ascribed to Aakash Institute when it was acquired by Byju’s parent Think & Learn in 2021. As such, the proposed deal hurts the lenders of Think & Learn, the lenders contended. This lender group controls 80% of the term loan raised by Byju's in November 2021. According to people present at the hearing on Monday, the court did not grant the injunction to block the deal as per the lenders' plea while also adding that the jurisdiction for the case was not correct. The lenders had cited the credit agreement which they said bars Byju’s parent Think & Learn from selling any asset without prior approval from the lenders, the sources said. Byju’s made its arguments over the weekend at the city civil court, they added.


Banks await RBI nod on KYC challenges at Paytm before moving business
Digital payments player Paytm is awaiting the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) approval to start moving its settlements business from Paytm Payments Bank to other lenders. But issues around KYC (Know Your Customer) of the accounts could be a major hiccup holding up the process. Two senior bankers in the know told ET that given Paytm was involved in issues around KYC of its user base in the past, bankers are looking for directions from the RBI before taking on the business. KYC is a process that requires a potential customer to submit original identity documents to a bank before being able to access its services. The central bank allows digital KYC through video verification. “We have to be careful about who we are doing business with. In this case, we need to be sure of the KYC of the merchants as well as the customers, so the central bank will need to take a call on that,” one of the bankers said. This will take time, and the banking regulator will only take the call after detailed consideration and thorough scrutiny of its own. The actual number of proper KYC-ed users of Paytm will be scrutinised too, the bankers added. The RBI did not respond to emailed queries from ET. On January 31, the RBI asked Paytm Payments Bank to stop offering basic banking services from February 29. It has effectively asked its customers to move all their funds from the payments bank or use up their available balance.The language and the directive from the banking regulator came as a shock to the banking and fintech industry. Several industry insiders said that coming back from this situation might be a huge challenge for the bank promoted by Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma.


Jeff Bezos plans to sell 50 million Amazon shares over next year
The disclosure came through a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where Amazon revealed Bezos' trading plan.In a move that has captured market attention, Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos is set to offload a significant portion of his company shares over the next year. Reports from various media outlets indicate Bezos' intention to divest at least 50 million shares of the e-commerce giant. The disclosure came through a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where Amazon revealed Bezos' trading plan. As the executive chair of the company, Bezos' move signals a strategic adjustment in his investment portfolio. The plan outlines the potential sale of up to 50 million shares by January 25 of the following year, subject to specific conditions. While Bezos, who recently marked his 60th birthday, retains a vast holding of nearly one billion Amazon shares, this divestment plan represents a substantial reduction in his stake. Additionally, the filing reveals that seven other top executives at Amazon have formulated similar trading plans to sell shares.Bezos' shareholding in Amazon is a cornerstone of his considerable personal wealth, currently estimated at $193.3 billion. The planned divestment underscores a deliberate repositioning of assets by one of the world's wealthiest individuals. Amazon's financial performance remains robust, with impressive figures reported for the holiday quarter ending December 31, 2023. The company saw a 14% increase in net sales, reaching $170 billion compared to $149.2 billion in the same period of the previous year. Net income also surged to $10.6 billion in Q4 2023, compared to $0.3 billion in Q4 2022. Notably, the Amazon Web Services (AWS) segment reported a 13% year-over-year increase in sales, totaling $24.2 billion. CEO Andy Jassy commented on the exceptional performance, describing the holiday season as "record-breaking." Jassy expressed optimism for the company's trajectory in 2024, highlighting ongoing efforts and forthcoming opportunities.As Bezos prepares to execute his share sale plan, the market will closely monitor its impact on both Amazon's stock value and Bezos' personal financial landscape.


WhatsApp will add support for cross-platform messaging
Cross-platform messaging support will soon be added to Meta's messaging app, which already supports end-to-end encryption (E2EE). Third-party chat support will enable users of other messaging apps to text WhatsApp users. Meta has stated that this feature will only be available to users who voluntarily sign up, in order to avoid cross-service spamming. The organization has confirmed that it is working to make cross-platform messaging possible ahead of the EU's March 6 deadline for the Digital Markets Act (DMA).Users will be able to send messages with different kinds of attachments when WhatsApp's upcoming chat interoperability is activated, WhatsApp Engineering Director Dick Brouwer told Wired. Messages received from users on other platforms will be reported to them through a new "Third Party Chats" section at the top of their chat list, which will also distinguish between chats that are encrypted with WhatsApp's E2EE technology and those that are not. Other chat platforms can connect to the Meta-owned chat platform in order to send and receive messages, and encrypt messages using the open source Signal Protocol. This allows them to message users of WhatsApp. According to Brouwer, WhatsApp is documenting its client-server protocol, which will enable other chat services to establish direct connections between their clients and WhatsApp's servers in order to send messages to users on different platforms. According to the report, the third party chat feature will not support regular SMS messages. Calling and group chats across chat platforms will not be possible this year, in contrast to individual chats. Furthermore, according to Brouwer, the features of WhatsApp chats will advance more slowly than those of third-party chats. In order to avoid spam and scams, users will also need to explicitly consent to receive chats from third-party platforms.

Ranveer Singh becomes a Brand Ambassador and Stakeholder at boAt.
The well-known lifestyle brand boAt has attracted the attention of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, who has invested in the company and is now the official spokesperson for its audio products.The well-known lifestyle brand boAt has attracted the attention of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, who has invested in the company and is now the official spokesperson for its audio products. With this relationship, boAt makes a calculated strategic move by adding Singh to their esteemed roster of brand ambassadors, which already includes well-known athletes and celebrities.A Well-Moved Investment More than just a business move, Ranveer Singh's investment in boAt is a team effort to transform the audio experience for the Indian market, with a focus on the Gen Z and Millennial markets. Singh is well-known for his lively demeanor and strong affinity for music, thus it is anticipated that his involvement would infuse the brand with new life and inventiveness.Several of the biggest figures in the entertainment and sports industries, including Kiara Advani, Rashmika Mandanna, and cricket players Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Jemimah Rodrigues, are now boAt's brand ambassadors thanks to the addition of Ranveer Singh. This group of brand ambassadors embodies boAt's dedication to creating a brand that appeals to young people and those who are young at heart. The Partnership's Vision Co-founder and chief marketing officer of boAt, Aman Gupta, expressed his excitement at having Ranveer Singh on the team. Singh's contagious enthusiasm and love of music were emphasized by Gupta as important components that perfectly complement the tenets of boAt. With an emphasis on innovation, high-quality sound, and community building, boAt's objective to improve the audio experience in India is recognized as validated by this relationship.Ranveer Singh expressed his excitement in collaborating with boAt, highlighting the company's dedication to excellent sound quality and its strong affinity for the younger demographic. To Singh, contributing to the cause of "amplifying the sound of India like never before" is the main motivation behind investing in boAt."Lost in Nirvana" Initiative The "Lost in Nirvana" campaign, which was designed and carried out in conjunction with the creative firm Talented, marked the beginning of the partnership. The campaign consists of commercial films that highlight the remarkable qualities of the Nirvana line, including its 120-hour battery life, boAt distinctive sound, and active noise cancellation technology. In the ad, Ranveer Singh presents himself in a distinctive and never-before-seen avatar, inviting viewers to join him on a musical trip.BoAt's Tour and Provisions Established in 2015 by Aman Gupta and Sameer Mehta, boAt has quickly become a well-known brand in the wearable technology industry, providing a wide variety of devices such as speakers, smartwatches, and headphones. The business has raised $177 million in funding thus far, indicating strong growth and promise in the cutthroat industry.


JEE Main 2024 Answer Key Live NTA JEE Mains response sheet and provisional key at jeemain.nta.ac.in before the deadline
Today, February 6, the National Testing Agency is expected to make the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2024 session 1 preliminary answer key available. The release date of the JEE Main 2024 answer key will probably be revealed soon at jeemain.nta.ac.in. To get the preliminary JEE Main answer key 2024, candidates need have their login information, including their date of birth and JEE Main application number, close at hand.How can I get the 2024 Provisional JEE Main Answer Key? The actions listed below should be followed by candidates in order to download the NTA JEE Mains session 1 provisional answer key. Visit jeemain.nta.ac.in, the official website. On JEE Main 2024 Answer Key, click. Enter your date of birth, application number, and any other requested information. Select "Submit" from the menu. The JEE Main question paper, answer key, and response sheet will be available to candidates.Candidates can contest the official JEE Main answer key if they believe it contains any errors or wrong answers. We'll shortly announce the date for the JEE Main 2024 answer key challenge. NTA will publish the official JEE Main answer key 2024 after assessing the challenges submitted by the candidates. Online tests for the JEE Main 2024 were administered on January 24, 27, 29, 30, 31, and February 1, 2024. Previously, on February 2, JEE Main 2024 session 2 registration opened.Live Updates on the JEE Main 2024 Answer Key: Applicants can get the JEE Main session 1 answer keys from jeemain.nta.ac.in, along with their recorded responses.Live Updates for the JEE Main 2024 Answer Key: The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2024 was administered for the first time by the National Testing Agency (NTA) between January 24 and February 1. The NTA will soon release the provisional answer keys. Interested candidates can download the JEE Main session 1 answer keys and their recorded responses from jeemain.nta.ac.in.Candidates will have a window to voice any concerns to the answers, if any, following the release of the JEE Main answer key, provided they pay a fee for each question. Subsequently, NTA will examine the candidates' feedback and compile the final answer key.Exam dates for the JEE Mains Session 1 were January 24, 27, 29, 30, 31, and February 1, 2024, at locations across the nation.A total of 11,70,036 candidates sat the paper 1 (BE/BTech) test, and 55,493 candidates showed up for the paper 2 (BArch, BPlanning) exam.


On February 11, IIT Bhubaneswar will introduce the 100-CUBE Startup initiative.
IIT-B: The park will grow from 20,000 square feet to roughly 80,000 square feet over the course of the next two years with assistance from the ministry of education, according to the director of the institute.NEW DELHI: According to institute director Shreepad Karmalkar, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar will unveil its groundbreaking 100-CUBE Startup program at its research and entrepreneurship park on February 11. This announcement was made here on Monday. By the time Odisha celebrates its centennial in 2036, the goal of this effort is to establish 100 companies, each valued at Rs 100 crore, according to Karmalkar. He underlined that in order to accomplish this, the park would offer crucial tools, guidance, startup funding, and connections to possible investors.Over the next two years, the park will grow from 20,000 square feet to roughly 80,000 square feet thanks to kind support from the ministry of education, he continued. According to him, this program is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's objectives, which center on encouraging entrepreneurship and aiding in company incubation. Karmalkar emphasized that, based on India's notable increase in the global innovation rank from 76 in 2014 to 40 in 2023, the next 25 years will be driven by startups.According to him, the 100-CUBE Startup initiative uses a mind-to-market strategy to support companies in all sectors, genders, and geographical areas in an effort to improve this ranking even more. On February 11, faculty heads of IIT research parks, businesspeople, and venture capitalists will lead concurrent technical workshops for faculty and entrepreneurs. The signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with around 20 sectors, 30 startups, and 30 venture capitalists would come next, he continued, in order to establish strategic partnerships for accomplishing the 100-CUBE goal.According to organizers, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will formally open the 1500-seat auditorium and lay the groundwork for infrastructure projects valued at Rs 450 crore. He continued, saying that all things considered, the program represents a critical turning point in IIT Bhubaneswar's efforts to develop the startup culture in the nation and position Odisha as a center of entrepreneurship.


Spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj arrives ahead of PM Modis opening of the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.
On Monday, the spiritual guide Mahant Swami Maharaj traveled to Abu Dhabi in advance of the BAPS Hindu temple's opening. On February 14, the spiritual guru traveled to the Gulf country as a state guest to oversee the historic opening of the first Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates.The spiritual head of BAPS, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, has arrived in the United Arab Emirates ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's February 14 ceremonial opening of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. The President of the United Arab Emirates, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) Al Nahyan, and the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Mubarak Al Nahyan, welcomed him.India invited the ambassadors of 42 nations to visit the temple on January 29. Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, hosted the international diplomatic corps for the exclusive tour. The Indian embassy later stated in a statement that the envoys were in awe of the temple's distinctive construction, elaborate motifs, and message of harmony, peace, and unity. The temple is anticipated to draw large audiences because of its elaborate hand-carved stone statues.2015: LAND ALLOTMENT DECISION Modi's visit will highlight the strong relations that exist between the UAE and India. Modi's seventh visit to the UAE as prime minister will take place this time. He spent a day in Dubai last December attending the COP28 Summit. As the chief guest of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in January, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India and conducted a road show in Ahmedabad.After Indira Gandhi in the 1980s, PM Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit the United Arab Emirates in 2015. Under Modi's leadership, the UAE President has made four trips to India thus far. In2015, during Prime Minister Modi's first visit, the UAE decided to set aside land in Abu Dhabi for the construction of a temple. Being the first Indian prime minister to visit this strategically important Gulf state in thirty-four years—after Indira Gandhi—the PM's visit was significant diplomatically.EVERYTHING ABOUT BAPS The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha is known by its acronym, BAPS. The late 1700s religious guru Bhagwan Swaminarayan is the inspiration behind the organization's name.According to the BAPS website, it is a socio-spiritual Hindu religion with origins in the vedas that was founded in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj (1865–1951) and pioneered by Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781–1830) in the late 18th century.


Over $1 billion was processed by Indias UPI Digital Payment Service last year.
Along with Indians residing overseas, the service is also being extended to other nations, such as Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.According to India's Finance Minister Bhagwat Karad, the unified payment interface (UPI) processed over 9,300 crores ($1.21 billion) in 2023—a substantial rise over previous years.Through a scan-and-app mechanism, UPI enables rapid payment for products and services. It also consolidates bank accounts into a single digital wallet.Karad declared that accounts held by foreigners and Indians living overseas were added to the system in February 2023. According to reports, there have been more foreign transactions made through the app than the 386 that were registered in 2022.Karad also stressed that as long as their phone numbers are connected to their non-resident external (NRE) or non-resident ordinary (NRO) accounts, Indians residing overseas are eligible to use the system. The system's installation in a number of India's international airports, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, and New Delhi, was also praised by the minister.

Third UN Conference Consultative Meeting on LLDCs
The Consultative Meeting on the Third Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) will provide a forum for informal discussions on the main objectives, potential results, and deliverables of the third UN Conference on LLDCs (LLDC3) between the Permanent Representatives of the LLDCs, transit nations, Friends of LLDCs, and a chosen group of experts. Interactive thematic sessions on the following subjects will be included in the meeting:utilizing regional integration, trade facilitation, and trade's revolutionary potential for LLDCs' sustainable development; LLDCs can become more competitive in the regional and international trading system by fostering an unrestricted transit system and deepening robust connectivity. LLDCs can also become more resilient and capable of adapting to the deteriorating effects of climate change. coordinating the use of both internal and external resources and promoting technology access to ensure that the SDGs and the New Programme of Action for LLDCs are implemented successfully.The consultative meeting is being organized by the Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Counties (LDCs), LLDCs, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) (UN-OHRLLS), which will also be creating a summary of the areas of convergence that emerge from the working sessions.The Consultative Meeting's primary goal is to facilitate a casual discussion on the main priorities, potential outcomes, and deliverables of the LLDC3 among the Permanent Representatives of the LLDCs, transit nations, Friends of LLDCs, and a few chosen experts.


Apple Vision Pro cost is about Rs 2.8 lakh, Tim Cook explains why it is priced so high
Apple's latest innovation, the Apple Vision Pro, hits stores today with a hefty price tag of $3,500 (around Rs 2.8 lakh). The sticker shock may leave some wondering why such a steep cost, but Apple CEO Tim Cook took the opportunity to shed light on the matter during a recent earnings call.He emphasized that the high price is a reflection of the incredible technological advancements packed into the mixed-reality headset. The Vision Pro, built on a foundation of 5,000 patents, stands as a testament to Apple's commitment to cutting-edge technology.During the earnings call, Cook addressed concerns about the steep pricing, stating, "If you look at it from a price point of view, there's an incredible amount of technology packed into the product." He went on to highlight the inclusion of two Apple Silicon chips and the availability of 600 new apps and games tailored for the device. The Apple Vision Pro introduces spacial computing, allowing wearers to integrate digital content into their physical surroundings. This technology is a result of years of innovation, from silicon advancements to displays, and significant strides in AI and machine learning.Cook elaborated on the role of AI, stating, "It's, of course, built on many innovations that Apple has spent multiple years on, from silicon to displays and significant AI machine learning — all the hand tracking, the room mapping, all this stuff is driven by AI. Despite the seemingly high price, many Apple fans didn't hesitate to grab their piece of the future when preorders opened on January 19 as there were reports that that the company has already sold around 2 lakh headsets. However, some analysts predict that the demand may taper off due to the niche nature of the headset.Interestingly, major corporations like Walmart and Nike are already exploring potential applications for the Vision Pro among their customers and employees, according to Apple's CFO Luca Maestri. This indicates that the headset's capabilities extend beyond entertainment. The headset is yet to be launched in India.


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


interior design advice Here are five original ideas to update the aesthetics of your house with mirrors.
Discover the decorative power of mirrors! See how these reflective marvels may provide a sophisticated and stylish touch to your environment.Mirrors are a very adaptable design element that can instantly brighten and enliven any home. The key to using mirrors in your home décor is to use them with passion, accuracy, and interest to captivate you and transport you to a mysterious place. When mirrors are used in Victorian-style home design, the result is an extravagant experience where every piece of décor exudes grandeur. With beautiful chandeliers, wood carvings, and stairs in addition to conventional mirrors, it is definitely a sight and delight to see. When strategically placed, mirrors may produce breathtaking optical illusions, enlarge spaces, and even produce endless pictures. They have the power to change how we see space, giving it a bigger, brighter appearance.Advice for Using Mirrors to Enhance the Interiors of Your Home The chief interior architect of De Panache, Atreyee Choudhury, gave HT Lifestyle some original ideas and creative advice on how to use mirrors to improve the interior design of your house. 1. Makeover any dim areas inside your house Mirrors may help bounce light throughout a room, making it appear more welcome and timeless while also brightening up any gloomy corners. 2. Above your foyer console, hang a historic mirror with elaborate carvings. Mirrors are a good substitute for pricey paintings. Your home's halls may look better with an ornate mirror made out of metal or solid wood. In your living area, a large antique mirror will make a statement. 3. For the backsplash in the bar area, use tinted mirrors with beveled edges. For the bar area, use beveled mirror work as a backsplash. It will brighten the room and draw attention to the bar in your living or dining area. 4. Choose a mirror with a bronze or grey hue for the wardrobe shutters. Even though the walk-in closet is a little place, when you get ready for a new day, magic happens there. An entire wardrobe shutter is the height of elegance. The most important wardrobe element is a full-length mirror since it serves a practical purpose and gives the impression of enhanced opulence. It is also possible to incorporate mirrors into the furniture design. Use the furniture with the mirrors broken as a focal point in your dining console or foyer. Adding elegant coffee tables with mirrors tinted black to your living area can make a statement.


Employees at startups are always on edge due to layoffs at large internet corporations.
For those employed by huge, well-capitalized startups, the start of the new year has been gloomy as companies such as Swiggy, Flipkart, and Paytm are letting go of a significant portion of their workforces.This has increased fear among job searchers and prompted human resources (HR) professionals in the startup ecosystem to realign their expectations for the upcoming year.A somewhat astonished Flipkart employee affected by job layoffs told ET last week, "We had received good incentives and hikes all through 2022 and 2023," adding that it felt like a haphazard exit.As ET had reported on January 8, the nation's leading e-commerce giant has started a process to cut its workforce of 22,000 employees by 5-7%, affecting 1,100–1,500 workers. Overview For those employed by huge, well-capitalized startups, the start of the new year has been gloomy as companies such as Swiggy, Flipkart, and Paytm are letting go of a significant portion of their workforces.SUMMARY 121 Indian firms have laid off an estimated 34,785 people since the start of the funding winter in 2022. Since the beginning of the year, up to 24 Indian edtech startups—six of the seven unicorns in the edtech space—have let go of 14,616 workers. Up to 15,247 workers have been let go by 69 startups so far this year, demonstrating how little progress has been made in addressing job losses.