How Ayodhya's Ram Temple Looks From Space. See Pics By India's Satellites

Ahead of the grand consecration ceremony at Ayodhya, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has given the country the first 'darshan' or glimpse of the magnificent Ram Temple as seen from space using our own indigenous satellites.The 2.7-acre Ram Temple site can be seen and an enlarged view of the same is also provided using the Indian Remote Sensing series of satellites. The under construction temple was captured on December 16 last year, just about a month ago. Since then, dense fog over Ayodhya has made it difficult to get a clear view.In the satellite images, Dashrath Mahal and Sarayu River are clearly seen. The newly renovated Ayodhya railway station is also visible.India currently has over 50 satellites in space, and some of them have a resolution of less than a metre. The image has been processed by the National Remote Sensing Centre in Hyderabad, a part of the Indian space agency.ISRO technologies have also been used at other stages of the temple's construction. A big challenge in the grand project was to identify the exact location to place the idol of Lord Ram. The trust entrusted with building the temple wanted the idol to be placed in a 3 feet X 6 feet space where Lord Ram is believed to have been born.Alok Sharma, International working President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, is closely involved with the Ram Temple project. He told NDTV that following the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992, 40 feet of debris covered the spot where Lord Ram is believed to have been born. This debris had to be removed and the location secured so that the new idol is exactly and precisely at that spot.This was easier said than done because construction of the temple began nearly three decades after the demolition. Then, space technology came to the rescue.To identify the exact spot, contractors for construction firm Larsen & Toubro used the most sophisticated Differential Global Positioning System (GPS)-based co-ordinates. The co-ordinates, precise to nearly 1-3 centimetres, were drawn up. They formed the basis for the placement of the statue in the temple's garba griha or sanctum sanctorum.The precision equipment used in these geographical instruments also incorporates precise location signals from India's own 'swadeshi GPS' -- the ISRO-made 'Navigation with Indian Constellation' or the NavIC satellite constellation.ISRO chairman S Somanath told NDTV that five satellites of the NAvIC constellation are working, and the system is currently set for an upgrade.    

Consecration At Incomplete Ram Temple? Key Official Responds To Huge Row

Shankaracharyas are pontiffs of four mutts in four corners of the country -- Uttarakhand in the north, Odisha in the east, Karnataka in the south and Gujarat in the west. They are considered the tallest leaders of Hindu faith.Amid last-minute preparations for the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, chairman of the temple construction committee Nripendra Misra has responded to the criticism by Hindu religious leaders Shankaracharyas and their decision to stay away from the event.While two of them have spoken out against the way the consecration ceremony is being organised and have said they won't attend it, the other two have been silent. Explaining why they won't be attending the event, leaders of the mutts in Odisha's Puri and Uttarakhand's Joshimath have flagged several points. They have said the pran pratistha should not be held before the temple construction is complete. They have also questioned why the Prime Minister will be inside the sanctum sanctorum when the Shankaracharyas have been allotted seats outside it. The event, they have alleged, is being given a political angle.Responding to the controversy in an exclusive chat with NDTV, Mr Misra said, "Shankaracharyas are dharm gurus. I am no one. They are responsible for the observants of Sanatan Dharma. Having said so, I want to give a message to the nation"."What we had announced was that Ram Lalla, the child Ram, will be in bhootal (the temple's ground floor). The bhootal will have the garba griha (sanctum sanctorum), five mandaps, (religious) iconography. That has been completed," Mr Misra explained.What remains incomplete is the first floor, he said. "The first floor is Ram Darbar. It's where Raja Ram comes, where he sits with Sita. On the first floor, you will have Ram, Sita, Laxman and Hanuman," he said.Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com. A retired IAS officer, Mr Misra served as principal secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2014 to 2019. Following his retirement and in the aftermath of the Supreme Court judgment that cleared the path for the temple's construction, Mr Misra was appointed chairman of the construction committee in 2020.Speaking to NDTV, Mr Misra also listed the itinerary for tomorrow and explained step-by-step how a devotee would proceed towards 'darshan' of Lord Ram after she enters the temple.    

Watch: Heartwarming video of 400 students singing for teacher battling with cancer resurfaces

In the video shared by @historyinmemes on X, the melodic voices of the students harmonise beautifully, creating a moving choir that echoes through the neighbourhood.In the digital age, where viral videos often showcase the bizarre and unexpected, a heartwarming clip from Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, is taking the internet by storm.The video captures a touching moment when around 400 students and school faculty gathered outside the home of their beloved teacher, Ben Ellis, to shower him with a symphony of hymns and religious songs. Ben Ellis, a dedicated educator at Christ Presbyterian Academy, was facing a challenging battle with cancer that had confined him to his home. In a demonstration of genuine love and compassion, the students and staff organised a surprise visit to uplift their teacher’s spirits in a truly unique way.The footage, originally recorded a few years ago, resurfaced recently and quickly gained traction across various social media platforms. The power of the internet has allowed this simple yet profound act of kindness to reach a global audience, touching the hearts of viewers worldwide. In the video shared by @historyinmemes on X, the melodic voices of the students harmonise beautifully, creating a moving choir that echoes through the neighbourhood. The re-emergence of the video has prompted an outpouring of positive comments and messages from people who have been inspired by the unity and compassion displayed. One user wrote, “Thiss video restored my faith in Humanity he must be so happy.” Another added, “That meant more to him then they could possibly know. He has touched them and taught them well in life.” A third said, “Such a beautiful tribute to a beloved teacher, may his memory live on in the hearts of those he touched.”A fourth concluded by saying, “That’s heartbreaking. It’s beautiful to see the impact that a teacher can have on students, and it’s wonderful that they came together to show their love and support. His memory will surely live on through their touching tribute.”  

‘Showstopper’: Pluto’s most accurate natural colour images awes netizens as 2015 click goes viral

NASA marked a groundbreaking achievement as New Horizons became the first-ever spacecraft to closely observe Pluto and its moons. On July 14, 2015, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft completed a historic encounter with the distant Pluto, making a close pass at a mere 7,750 miles (12,472 km) above its surface.New Horizons is the first and only spacecraft to approach Pluto, exploring this relic from the solar system’s formation. It covered a greater distance and duration (over nine years) than any previous deep space probe, upon reaching Pluto.The spacecraft navigated through a precise 36-by-57 miles (58 by 92 km) window in space, akin to a commercial airliner arriving with a precision no greater than the width of a tennis ball.This mission marked a groundbreaking achievement as New Horizons became the first-ever spacecraft to closely observe Pluto and its moons, including Charon, Nix, Hydra, Styx, and Kerberos. One of the initial and visually striking revelations from New Horizons was the discovery of a prominent heart-shaped feature on Pluto’s surface. Subsequent to this, on March 29, 2022, scientists unveiled that colossal ice volcanoes contribute to some of Pluto’s most intriguing surface characteristics. The evidence suggests ongoing geological activity, possibly with active eruptions still occurring.  Reflecting on the past year, it is astonishing to consider that we once had little insight into the nature of Pluto. However, the revelations quickly highlighted Pluto’s unique and unexpected qualities. The photo shared by @thebestfigen on social media platform X has triggered a wave of awe among netizens. With over 20k views, many users flooded the post expressing their astonishment and excitement. One user wrote, “I always thought Pluto would have a more vibrant color palette than this!” Another mentioned, “I want to see the funky aliens on the dark side of the moon.” A third added, “Amazing capture.” A fourth said, “Such a showstopper!”The beauty and complexity observed in Pluto and its moons have left us captivated, and anticipation for further discoveries remains high. It is noteworthy that New Horizons’ mission to Pluto stands out as a singular opportunity in the lifetimes of many, emphasising the exceptional nature of this space exploration endeavour.  

China, Cote d'Ivoire pledge to advance win-win cooperation

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cote d'Ivoire Kacou Houadja Leon Adom on Thursday in Abidjan, the economic capital of the West African country, with both sides pledging to advance all-round cooperation to achieve win-win results. Radio TVChina, Cote d'Ivoire pledge to advance win-win cooperationPolitic. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cote d'Ivoire Kacou Houadja Leon Adom in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, January 18, 2014. /Chinese Foreign MinistryChinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cote d'Ivoire Kacou Houadja Leon Adom in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, January 18, 2014. /Chinese Foreign MinistryChinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cote d'Ivoire Kacou Houadja Leon Adom on Thursday in Abidjan, the economic capital of the West African country, with both sides pledging to advance all-round cooperation to achieve win-win results. Adom said that Cote d'Ivoire adheres to the one-China principle and supports China in defending its legitimate rights and interests in the South China Sea.He thanked the Chinese side for always caring for the needs of Cote d'Ivoire and providing valuable support in various fields, noting that China has helped Cote d'Ivoire successfully host the 34th Africa Cup of Nations.Cote d'Ivoire is willing to continue developing dynamic relations with China, further expand mutually beneficial cooperation, learn from China's experience, and explore a path to modernization that suits Cote d'Ivoire's national conditions, he said.Adom said that China has always been sincere and friendly to Africa, carrying out cooperation with Africa in accordance with the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.Africa looks forward to taking the next meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields, and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, he added.Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and Cote d'Ivoire are friends and partners striving for development and revitalization, and the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries has achieved fruitful results.He expressed delight over China's contribution to the success of the ongoing football tournament, stressing that China is willing to work with Cote d'Ivoire to advance pragmatic cooperation in various fields and open up new prospects for bilateral relations in a new era, under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state. Wang said that Cote d'Ivoire is the last leg of his New Year trip to Africa, during which leaders of the four African countries announced their firm support for the Chinese government's position on the Taiwan question and for China's efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, fully demonstrating the tradition of mutual support between China and Africa. China will firmly support Africa in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and national dignity, and support African countries in seeking strength through unity and exploring a development path with African characteristics that accelerates its development while maintaining independence, Wang said.Wang stressed that the FOCAC has made great achievements in promoting China-Africa cooperation, which has also effectively promoted the international community to increase input in Africa. China has confidence in Africa's development and supports Africa in striving for its rightful place in the global multipolar system and fully enjoying the dividends of economic globalization, Wang said.China will strengthen the synergy of development strategies and exchange of governance experience with Africa to accelerate the realization of modernization in China and Africa, he added. The two sides also exchanged views on cooperation in a wide range of fields, including economy and trade, investment, infrastructure, education and training, and agriculture. Both sides share a high degree of consensus on international and regional issues and will maintain close communication and coordination to jointly promote peace and security in Africa, safeguard the legitimate interests of China and Africa, and uphold international fairness and justice.  

‘If I told you I was in Maldives’: Mamaearth co-founder Ghazal Alagh’s tweet on aerial view of Mumbai-Nashik trip awes netizens

In her tweet, Mamaearth co-founder Ghazal Alagh referred to Maldives and said Indians need to explore their country more. At a time when India’s ties with the Maldives have been strained over the disparaging remarks made by the island nation’s ministers on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, social media users have been quick to highlight the beauty of domestic tourist locations.In one such tweet, Mamaearth co-founder Ghazal Alagh posted a video saying Indians need to explore their country more. “If I told you I was in the Maldives right now, you’d believe me, right? But, I’m actually in a chopper from Mumbai to Nashik. India really is no less than the foreign countries that we aspire to go to. We just need to explore it more,” Alagh wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Netizens also responded to her post. “No I’d not believe you were in Maldives when I can clearly see the red, volcanic soil of Maharashtra, home to all my known forefathers,” a user commented.“Amazing! I was a Maldives regular till just when the pandemic hit, but I have been to the Andaman Islands too! Andamans is so beautiful and a good alternative. Other places like Lakshadweep should be made tourist friendly,” another user posted. “It’s the commercialisation that is lacking. I went to Munnar in Kerala to do some hikes (which i do all around the world). India was by far the hardest to access the natural beauty. Permission and police guards everywhere.” a user posted sharing his personal experience.” With 290 and continuing retweets, 1.8k likes and 658.5K views, wondering where to capture the essence of this scenery? Look no further than India.  

What is Kanye West’s latest accessory worth $850,000?

The accessory is reminiscent of the iconic 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me and 1979's Moonraker. Kanye West has once again made headlines with his latest extravagant accessory. This time, it’s not his clothing, footwear or music that has captured everyone’s attention, but rather his jaw-dropping grill worth a staggering $850,000!When news first broke about Kanye’s dental transformation, rumours suggested that he had undergone a complete dental overhaul, replacing his teeth with titanium dentures. However, it has now been clarified that the rapper has actually opted for a luxurious grill, reminiscent of the iconic 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me and 1979’s Moonraker. For those unfamiliar with grills, they are decorative covers made from precious metals such as gold or platinum that are worn over the teeth. They have become a popular accessory among celebrities and musicians, with Kanye West being no exception.He underwent a fixed prosthodontics operation in which his teeth were fitted with grills composed of titanium, palladium, platinum, and other precious metals that he and his specialist developed. As news of Kanye’s grill spreads, social media platforms are buzzing with discussions about the extravagant accessory, with many expressing awe and admiration for Kanye’s bold fashion choice.One netizen wrote, “You know you have too much money when you do stuff like this.” Another wrote, “850k?? For dat??? Nah.” A third added, “Look like silver bubble gum wrapper to me.” A fourth said, “Biggest waste of money I’ve ever seen.”  A few more comments were even more hilarious. “Thought it was tin foil at first … I was waiting to see the grill unwrapped in the tin foil,” mentioned one user. While another said, “I didn’t know the gum wrapper grills we did as kids were worth that much.”  

Exceptional service shines through as flyer praises Vistara for handling delay

In the midst of the recent surge in social media chatter about airport and flight services, a passenger took to X to share his experience with  Vistara’s UK 963 flight, highlighting the airline’s exemplary handling of a significant delay. The passenger, who goes by @Akshay001, narrated a detailed account of his ordeal in a thread of posts, beginning with the revelation that his Vistara flight was delayed by a staggering six hours, with over three hours spent inside the plane waiting on the runway.“First, 100/100 on honest communication, what’s in their hands and what’s not, apologizing profusely, smile on their face.”He also commended Vistara for ensuring that air conditioning and ventilation systems ran throughout the ordeal. Despite the inconvenience, the airline did not compromise on the quality of service during the extended wait.With 5.1k views, the appreciation did not stop there, many users flocked to the platform to express their own fair share of love and support. One of them wrote, “My favourite is @airvistara.. hope they would keep up the great work..” The next lines read, “Food service ran for 45 mins to an hour, then some external safety drill, then something else.” This approach, described as the “simple Indian show-honest-effort-hack”, aimed to reassure passengers that efforts were being made to resolve the situation.A second added, “That’s why it’s worth to fly with them. Weather condition none of us responsible, but this service & there communication that what you need in such situation … good luck #airvistra”. The passenger concluded the tweet thread with a shoutout to specific Vistara staff members, namely Shreshtha, Nikitha and Jyoti, who were on the flight that day. Describing them as “true rockstars”, the passenger acknowledged the challenges faced by airline staff.X user Akshay Chaturvedi was all praises for Vistara even after his flight got delayed by six hours. Yes, you read that right. Chaturvedi shared how the airlines handled the 'mini crisis' and attended to all the passengers with a smile on their faces.Chaturvedi, in his tweet, wrote, "First, 100/100 on honest communication, what’s in their hands and what’s not, apologising profusely, smile on their face. Second, ACs/ventilation on throughout, not even for a second trying to cut corners from their standard brand experience is." (Also Read: Surbhi Chandna slams Vistara for ‘mentally torturing’ her, says the staff is ‘incompetent’)He also added that the passengers were served food every 45 minutes to an hour, and they were also taught about the external safety drill.Akshay Chaturvedi took to X to share about his experience with Vistara airlines after his flight was delayed by six hours.        

‘Jungle tax’: Watch these elephants in South Africa pull off a juicy heist

Move over Ocean’s Eleven, because there is a new gang in town and they have trunks – literally. In a plot twist that could give Hollywood a run for its money, a group of elephants has left the internet amused as they made the best of a zesty opportunity.The caper unfolded on a remote road in South Africa where a truck carrying a load of succulent oranges suffered a breakdown. Before long a herd of elephants descended and managed to help themselves to a citrusy feast.As the jumbos calmly relished the oranges, the drivers were seen trying to fix the broken-down truck.The video on Instagram quickly went viral with memes and comments. Soon, netizens marvelled at the elephants’ audacity and even joked about the animals summoning Uber Eats. “That truck didn’t break down. The elephants sabotaged it. It was all part of the plan,” said one playful comment.“It’s not robbing. It’s jungle tax that they’re collecting,” a user said, while another observed, “There are multiple stories on the Internet of elephants extorting ransom on delivery routes”.“You say rob, I say they were lightening the load so the truck wouldn’t breakdown again,” said a user. Clearly the crowd was in favour of the wild animals.Just another day in the world of wildlife crime, where the culprits have trunks and the loot is juicy and vitamin-packed.    

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Man finds piece of metal in shawarma, gets no help from food delivery app

A resident of Bengaluru received an unpleasant surprise when he used a food delivery app to purchase a chicken shawarma. While he was eating he felt something metallic in his mouth, and later shared the startling find on Reddit. “This is what happened to me today, just a few minutes back. So I ordered a Shawarma from Absolute Shawarma (Near JMJ Hospital), Nagawara, Bangalore. I had ordered it through Swiggy, and once I started eating, I noticed something crisp, to my surprise, it was a metal piece from the flame grill used for the preparation of shawarma. I was so shocked to see the Swiggy support agent taking the matter so lightly. Is there any way for me to fight against this injustice legally or report it to concerned authorities who will definitely action on this?” wrote Reddit user.As people expressed concerns about food safety and related similar experiences, the episode soon gathered attention on the internet. While many seem to face the same issue with the app, users shared their own experiences.An individual wrote, “Yeah. The pizza cost almost ₹800 and I had eaten half of it anyway before I found the nail. Didn’t want to waste time since consumer complaints also take time to solve.”Second added, “I had found a finger nail in my pizza once and Swiggy refunded the entire amount for the pizza. I would suggest you try raising this issue through another complaint option on the app if the present guy isn’t helping you. Try to call them and speak to someone, if possible. That’s more effective than the chat. Otherwise, next best option is to file a consumer complaint against both Swiggy and the restaurant.”  “Amazing! I was a Maldives regular till just when the pandemic hit, but I have been to the Andaman Islands too! Andamans is so beautiful and a good alternative. Other places like Lakshadweep should be made tourist friendly,” another user posted.Netizens also responded to her post. “No I’d not believe you were in Maldives when I can clearly see the red, volcanic soil of Maharashtra, home to all my known forefathers,” a user commented.“It’s the commercialisation that is lacking. I went to Munnar in Kerala to do some hikes (which i do all around the world). India was by far the hardest to access the natural beauty. Permission and police guards everywhere.” a user posted sharing his personal experience.”With 290 and continuing retweets, 1.8k likes and 658.5K views, wondering where to capture the essence of this scenery? Look no further than India.         

Won’t join Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra without seat-sharing formula: Trinamool

On December 19, the party communicated to the Congress that it will be able to concede only two seats, an offer that the Congress finds unpalatable. The Congress had fought the 2019 Lok Sabha poll with an electoral understanding with the Left Front and won two seats, cornering 5.67% of total vote share. The Trinamool Congress argues that barring the two seats the Congress won, the party has less than four per cent vote share in the remaining seats. The Left Front has already refused to ally with the Trinamool. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had written to heads of all INDIA bloc parties inviting them for the yatra. Speaking to The Hindu, a senior Trinamool leader said, “We cannot participate in a Congress event without an electoral understanding in place.” Mr. Yadav, who flagged off "Samvidhan Bachao, Desh Bachao Samajwadi PDA Yatra" from the party office in Lucknow, said that the yatra will spread the ideologies of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia and Mulayam Singh Yadav down to the villages. PDA stands for Pichada, Dalit, and Alpsankhyak-Muslims (backward, Dalits and minorities, especially Muslims)."We have taken a pledge to fulfil dreams of old socialists and the yatra will cover many districts of the State. It will attempt to unite backwards, Dalits, minorities and also upper castes," he said, adding that SP was the only party which was fighting to save constitutional values and the constitution.Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Ajay Rai told PTI that Rahul Gandhi's yatra is expected to come to Uttar Pradesh on February 14. It will spend 11 days in the State and pass through Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency Varanasi, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi's constituency Rae Bareli, and Rahul's former constituency Amethi, currently represented by Union Minister Smriti Irani, among others.  

Disability court asks DGCA to ensure airline websites are accessible to the blind

disabilities has ordered the aviation regulator to ensure that the websites of airlines and travel portals are accessible to people who are visually impaired, failing which they should be barred from selling air tickets. If the travel agents fail to do so, then the DGCA shall not allow them to sell air tickets on any websites throughout the country. The DGCA should also levy fines for non-compliance by the airlines or the travel agents,” the Court of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has said, according to the record of proceedings uploaded on Tuesday. The January 5 order to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also directed the regulator to submit a report on action taken within 30 days.In a significant move towards promoting accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwD) in the aviation sector, the court of the Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) has issued a series of directives to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).The court's intervention came in response to a complaint highlighting critical accessibility issues faced by PwD in the aviation sector. One of the primary concerns raised was the non-compliance of airline and travel agent websites with accessibility guidelines mandated by the DGCA's 2014 instructions. This lack of conformity poses a significant challenge for individuals with total blindness, who are unable to independently book tickets, severely limiting their travel autonomy.Another issue brought to light by the complaint was the lack of awareness among call center and training staff regarding the assistance code required for passengers with disabilities. This oversight, coupled with limited options available in online reservation forms, creates additional barriers for PwD seeking necessary assistance.The complainant also highlighted the limitations faced by passengers with disabilities in web check-in processes. Citing concerns related to emergency seat allocation, airlines currently do not allow PwD to check-in online. This restriction further complicates the travel experience for individuals with disabilities.In response to these concerns, CCPD Rajesh Aggarwal emphasized that these issues fall within the framework of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and various judicial decisions. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, the CCPD directed the DGCA to take decisive action to address these challenges.    

Here’s A Detailed Look At 2024 Kia Sonet Facelift Mid-spec HTX Variant In 8 Images

Kia has just refreshed its popular subcompact SUV, the Sonet, with an updated design, refreshed interior, and new features. And if you are eyeing the 2024 Sonet with automatic transmission, the HTX variant serves as an entry-level option for it. Take a look at what the HTX variant has to offer. From the front, the HTX variant resembles the  HTK+ variant (that sits right below it), featuring an updated grille with chrome surrounds. However, with the HTX variant you get LED headlights (halogen headlights in HTK+ variant) with LED DRLs and LED fog lamps. The lower section showcases a silver skid plate, providing a contrasting look. It is equipped with 16-inch steel wheels that are designed to mimic the look of an alloy rim. Moving onto the rear, the HTX variant is equipped with connected LED taillights, and the bumper gets a similar design treatment to the front with a silver skid plate. Stepping inside, the first thing you will notice is the dual-tone black and tan brown leatherette upholstery for the seats. The cabin features all-black dashboard with silver inserts on the AC vents and door handles that add a dash of contrast. Adding to the premium feel are the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob.It's worth noting that opting for the turbo petrol with clutchless manual transmission or diesel with manual transmission gives you a lighter beige tone to the upholstery. Additionally, the rear seats offer a 60:40 split for added flexibility, and rear passengers benefit from adjustable headrests, and a rear centre armrest with cup holders.With the HTX variant, you get front ventilated seats (limited to the 1-litre turbo with 7-speed DCT and 1.5-litre diesel with 6-speed AT and iMT variants). Apart from this, it comes equipped with a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a 4.2-inch semi digital driver’s display, sunroof, Type-C charging ports, electrically foldable ORVMs, drive modes, paddle shifters in automatic transmission variants, and a 6-speaker sound system. Safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill-start assist, rear disc brakes, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, rear parking camera, front and rear parking sensors as well as seat belt reminders for all passengers.    

Mid-spec Tata Punch EV vs Top-end Tata Tiago EV: Cross-shopping Simplified

Tata Motors recently launched the Punch EV, introducing a new electric micro-SUV in our market. It sports a refreshed look and is based on a completely new electric car-only platform. The Punch EV joins Tata's lineup of electric vehicles, including the Tiago EV. If you are considering both the Punch EV and Tiago EV, we have simplified your decision-making process with a detailed comparison. Check it out. The mid-spec Punch EV Standard Range marginally undercuts the top-spec Tiago EV Long Range. It's important to note that, we are considering the Tiago EV configured with a 7.2 kW AC fast charger, which comes at a premium of Rs 50,000. Both the vehicles come standard with 3.3 kW AC charger. Considering the segment, the Punch EV is undoubtedly a larger vehicle than the Tiago EV, offering more space and a larger boot. It also has a longer wheelbase and that should result in more room inside the cabin.  Things change in the features department, with no significant difference between the two cars. In fact, the Tiago EV offers additional features such as rain-sensing wipers, a larger 8-speaker sound system, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. On the other hand, the Punch EV rides on larger 15-inch wheels and comes equipped with 6 airbags. As seen in the table above, there is barely any difference between the two cars in terms of powertrain specifications. However, the Punch EV's electric motor produces slightly more power. In terms of claimed range, both deliver a similar range. Do note that you get a second powertrain choice with both cars: Medium Range in the Tiago EV and Long Range in the Punch EV.  Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether to choose a larger micro-SUV or a hatchback with a smaller form factor, as both cars more or less offer a similar features set and power figures. Keeping the size factor aside, choosing the Punch EV means opting for a more modern product with an updated design. If you can configure it to higher-spec variants, you also get additional niceties like ventilated seats, and a larger infotainment and digital driver’s display. You also get the novelty factor of an SUVThe Tiago EV, on the other hand, is based on its petrol-powered counterpart, maintains the same design and feel, which might feel dated when compared to the Punch EV. Nevertheless, it does offer some additional conventional features if aesthetics are overlooked. That said, the new Punch EV is definitely the more modern product here and is our pick.

India overtakes Hong Kong as worlds fourth-largest stock market

India's stock market capitalization crossed $4 trillion for the first time on December 5, with about half of that coming in the past four years. India’s stock market has pipped Hong Kong for the first time. The combined value of shares listed on Indian exchanges hit $4.33 trillion as of Monday’s close, against $4.29 trillion for Hong Kong, according to data compiled by Bloomberg, making India the fourth-biggest equity market globally.   Its stock market capitalization crossed $4 trillion for the first time on December 5, with about half of that coming in the past four years.  India has all the right ingredients in place to set the growth momentum further,” Ashish Gupta, chief investment officer at Axis Mutual Fund in Mumbai, told Bloomberg. Hong Kong's slump is also due to an eroding China appeal. Some of China’s most influential and innovative firms are listed in Hong Kong. Beijing’s stringent anti-Covid-19 curbs, regulatory crackdowns on corporations, a property-sector crisis and geopolitical tensions with the West have hit Chinese stocks hard. The total market value of Chinese and Hong Kong stocks have tumbled by more than $6 trillion since their peaks in 2021.   New listings have dried up in Hong Kong, with the Asian financial hub losing its status as one of the world’s busiest venues for initial public offerings. Overseas funds poured more than $21 billion into Indian shares in 2023, helping the country’s benchmark S&P BSE Sensex Index cap an eighth consecutive year of gains.“There is a clear consensus that India is the best long-term investment opportunity,” Goldman Sachs Group Inc. strategists including Guillaume Jaisson and Peter Oppenheimer wrote in a note Jan. 16 with results of a survey from the firm’s Global Strategy Conference.    

Tech layoffs: Tencents Riot Games to lay off 11% employees

Riot Games, based in Los Angeles, is known for popular games like 'League of Legends'. The company stated that teams not directly involved in game development will be most affected by the layoffs.Riot Games, a subsidiary of Tencent Holdings, announced on Monday that it plans to lay off 530 employees, which is about 11% of its global staff. The news was shared in a blog post that included a letter from CEO Dylan Jadeja to the employees.Riot Games, based in Los Angeles, is known for popular games like "League of Legends". The company stated that teams not directly involved in game development will be most affected by the layoffs.  The digital gaming industry is facing challenges as audiences are hesitating to buy expensive titles or are sticking to fewer games due to high inflation. This trend was also seen last year when Electronic Arts Inc cut 6% of its staff and reduced office space. In his letter, Jadeja explained, "We're a company without a sharp enough focus, and we have too many things underway. Some of the significant investments we've made aren't paying off the way we expected them to. Our costs have grown to the point where they're unsustainable."The layoffs will allow Riot to concentrate on its live games portfolio, which includes "League of Legends", "Valorant", "Teamfight Tactics", and "Wild Rift". This was mentioned in a separate blog post by Jadeja and co-founder Marc Merrill.Riot will halt new game development under "Riot Forge" and will reduce some staff and features in "Legends of Runeterra".Tencent, which bought a majority stake in Riot Games in 2011, also has a stake in U.S. video game developer Epic Games.

Tata Motors zooms to 52-week high on plans to hike vehicle prices

Shares of Tata Motors Limited traded over a percent higher at Rs 827 to hit a fresh 52-week high on January 23 after the company announced that it will raise the prices by 0.7 percent across its passenger vehicles portfolio, including electric vehicles, with effect from February 1. The automobile major said the main reason behind the hike is escalating input costs. Despite the announcement, specific revised prices for each car have not been disclosed by the company. At 9:26am, the stock was trading at Rs 825, up 0.7 percent from the previous close on the NSE. In the last year, the counter has had a stellar rally, gaining over 100 percent on the bourses. It was also the best performer on the Nifty in 2023. The hike isn't just restricted to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, but also EVs where Tata Motors is the market leader. This comes after the company launched the new Tata Punch EV, its recent addition to the electric SUV segment. Before its launch, Tata had Nexon EV, Tigor EV, and Tiago EV. The development gains significance as Tata Motors isn't the first company to hike prices in 2024. Last week, Maruti Suzuki announced a 0.45 percent price increase for its models. The company’s diverse range of vehicles, from the entry-level hatchback Alto to the sports utility vehicle Jimny and the multi-utility vehicle Invicto.   

Cipla shares rally 7% to hit 52-week high on strong Q3 earnings

Shares of Cipla rallied 7 percent to hit a 52-week high of Rs 1,409 in the opening trade on January 23, a day after the company reported a strong performance in Q3 on all key parameters of profit, revenue and profitability. The company's net profit for the quarter grew 32.7 percent on-year to Rs 1,049 crore despite an exceptional loss of Rs 194.8 crore. The bottomline growth was also aided by a 14.2 percent on-year increase in revenue to Rs 6,544 crore in the October-December period. Growth was largely broad-based across markets as the company clocked in its highest ever North American sales at  $230 million, up 18 percent on year. The India business grew nearly 12 percent to Rs 2,859  crore, whereas sales from the South Africa recorded a near 10 percent rise to Rs 603 crore. Growth in the India business was driven by a strong performance across branded prescription, trade generics and consumer health, while that in North America was supported by continuing momentum in key assets and robust demand in base business along with some year-end buying.The South Africa business also benefitted from the increase in revenue in local currency terms. This performance was supported by positive traction in prescription, OTC (over-the-counter) and tender.