Author: News Desk

Before US President Trump relaxed chip restrictions on the UAE, Eric Xing, president of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), shared his vision for the future. He wants MBZUAI to be like Stanford University, inspiring innovation and startups in the Gulf. UAE’s push for AI education The UAE is working hard to become a global AI leader. It created the world’s first AI minister in 2017 and now teaches AI topics in schools. MBZUAI trains local experts to reduce the UAE’s dependence on foreign engineers and companies. US-UAE partnership supports AI growth Trump’s recent visit included a deal…

India is actively working on Project Kusha, an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system similar to the Russian S-400. Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is leading the development of this critical defence technology. Prototype and Development Timeline The prototype for Project Kusha is expected to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months. Following the prototype phase, user trials will commence and could last between 12 to 36 months before final deployment. BEL’s Role and Expectations BEL, known for manufacturing air defence systems like Akashteer, is responsible for key subsystems…

The Karnataka government has appointed popular Bollywood and South Indian actress Tamannaah Bhatia as the new brand ambassador for the iconic Mysore Sandal Soap. The two-year deal is valued at Rs 6.20 crore. The announcement was made official by the state government on May 22, 2025. Mysore Sandal Soap’s Rich Heritage Mysore Sandal Soap, a product deeply rooted in Karnataka’s history, has been in production since 1916. It was launched during the reign of King Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, who established the government-run soap factory in Bengaluru. The brand is managed by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), a state-owned…

Lloyds Engineering has secured a Rs 20.67 crore contract from Cochin Shipyard to supply Fin Stabilizers for India’s Next Generation Missile Vessels. Cochin Shipyard, India’s largest shipbuilding company, had signed an agreement with the Indian Navy earlier this year to build six such vessels at an estimated cost of Rs 9,804 crore. Over the past 14 months, Lloyds Engineering has received defense orders exceeding Rs 130 crore. With India increasing its defense budget, the company plans to expand its presence in existing and emerging defense sectors. Shreekrishna Gupta, Whole-time Director at Lloyds Engineering, said the new contracts not only add…

At the Rising Northeast Investors Summit held in New Delhi, top Indian business groups announced major investment commitments to boost infrastructure, digital connectivity, and clean energy in the Northeastern region. The event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saw Reliance Industries, Adani Group, and Vedanta Group pledge a combined investment of over ₹2 lakh crore, signalling strong private sector interest in the region’s development. Reliance to Invest ₹75,000 Crore in Five Years Reliance Industries has committed ₹75,000 crore over the next five years for development projects in the Northeast. Chairman Mukesh Ambani announced this at the summit, highlighting Reliance Jio’s…

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the transfer of ₹2,68,590.07 crore as surplus to the central government for the financial year 2024-25. This was announced following the 616th meeting of the Central Board of Directors held on May 23, 2025, under the chairmanship of RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra. Highest-Ever Dividend This surplus marks the highest-ever dividend payout by the RBI. It exceeds the ₹2.1 lakh crore transferred in FY24 and is significantly higher than the ₹87,416 crore transferred in FY23. The FY25 payout represents a 27.4% increase from the previous year. Based on Revised Capital Framework The amount…

Lathika Pai, a prominent startup mentor and former Microsoft executive, has filed a civil suit in Delhi High Court seeking ₹35.3 Cr in damages from Microsoft India and Microsoft Corporation. She claims she was forced to resign in July 2024 due to workplace intimidation, retaliation, and a hostile environment—constituting what she describes as constructive dismissal. Case Transferred to Bengaluru Court The suit, initially filed in the Delhi High Court, has been transferred to the city civil court in Bengaluru. Named in the case are Microsoft India, its president Puneet Chandok, HR head Arun Kakatkar, and three legal and compliance officers…

Despite nearly 200 years of British colonial rule over India, an Indian-origin family now stands as the wealthiest in Britain. Gopichand Hinduja and his family have once again claimed the top spot on The Times Rich List 2025, surpassing even the British monarchy in personal wealth and influence. Hinduja Family Wealth Surpasses ₹33 Lakh CroreThe Hinduja family leads the list with assets worth ₹33.67 lakh crore. They have surpassed the Reuben brothers, David and Simon, by a margin of ₹8,000 crore. The family owns the global conglomerate Hinduja Group, which operates across sectors including commercial vehicles, lubricants, banking, and cable TV. Legacy…

In 2025, the technology sector is experiencing significant layoffs, with leading companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and CrowdStrike cutting thousands of jobs. This trend is driven by slowing revenue growth, ongoing economic uncertainty, and the increasing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on conventional work processes. According to Layoffs.fyi, more than 61,000 tech employees have lost their jobs this year across over 130 companies. Microsoft’s Largest Layoff Since 2023Microsoft announced the elimination of 6,000 positions on May 13, marking its biggest workforce reduction since 2023. The layoffs affect various departments and regions, including nearly 2,000 employees in Washington state. The company…

A common cotton bag widely used in Indian households has been listed as a luxury souvenir on the American retail site Nordstrom, priced at Rs 4,228 (about $48). Marketed by the Japanese brand Puebco, this “Indian Souvenir Bag” is promoted as a quirky, upcycled accessory for travelers and those who appreciate Indian culture. However, for most Indians, the bag is instantly recognizable as the familiar cloth tote once given free at sweet shops or snack counters. The bag is decorated with colorful Hindi phrases such as “Ramesh Special Namkeen,” “Anita Confectionary Works,” and “Chetak Sweets,” replicating the logos and packaging…