Author: News Desk
On July 31, 1995, India’s telecommunications landscape was forever changed with the first-ever mobile phone call. This historic moment saw West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu and Union Communication Minister Sukh Ram connected via a Nokia handset, marking the beginning of a new era in communication. The Call That Started It All The call, made possible by the Modi Telstra network, a joint venture between BK Modi and Australia’s Telstra, linked Kolkata and New Delhi. At that time, mobile communication was a luxury, with call rates set at Rs 8.4 per minute, and even higher at Rs 16.8 during peak…
India ranks fifth globally with a GDP of $3.89 trillion, maintaining strong economic growth despite facing adverse global conditions. According to the World Bank’s India Development Update, India’s economic growth is expected to be 8.2% for the fiscal year 2023-24. For the fiscal year 2024-25, India’s economy is predicted to grow by 7% to 7.2%. By 2030, India’s GDP is projected to reach $6 trillion, and by 2035, it is expected to become the third-largest economy in the world. Furthermore, India is anticipated to surpass Japan, currently the fourth-largest economy, by 2025. As Japan’s currency weakens, India’s growth is expected…
A US woman has gone viral for her playful imitation of an Indian chaiwala (tea-seller) in a fun-filled video. Jessica Vernekar, an American social media influencer, has gained attention for her humorous portrayal of the iconic street tea-seller in India. A Fun Playful Act at Home In the video, Jessica is seen preparing chai and samosas in her kitchen, then carrying them on a tray and serving them to her husband in a lighthearted manner. As she serves, she jokes, “Chai, samosas, bhajji. Chaiwala. Jessica chaiwala,” while her husband laughs in the background. Dolly Chaiwala Comparison Jessica’s playful performance was…
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Tejas Express, India’s first privately operated train, run by IRCTC. The train will connect Lucknow and New Delhi and begin commercial operations on Saturday. Key Features of Tejas Express Convenience and Affordability Two Stops and Fast Service Future Prospects
The UAE government has reminded private companies to meet Emiratisation targets by December 2024. From January 1, 2025, companies that don’t comply will face heavy fines. What is Emiratisation? Emiratisation is a government initiative aimed at increasing the number of Emiratis in the workforce. The policy encourages businesses to hire Emirati nationals, especially for skilled jobs. Key Requirements for Companies Private sector businesses with 50 or more employees must increase their Emirati workforce by 2% by the end of 2024. For every Emirati position left unfilled, companies will be fined Dh96,000. Additionally, companies with 20 to 49 employees in certain…
Saudi Arabia has implemented a significant decision aimed at protecting the integrity of religious and national symbols. The government has introduced a ban on using these symbols for personal and commercial purposes, as announced by Commerce Minister Dr. Majid al-Qasabi. Purpose of the Decision The primary objective behind this decision is to prevent the misuse of national and religious symbols, ensuring that their sanctity is upheld. According to Dr. al-Qasabi, there have been repeated instances of misuse, prompting the need for this action. Restrictions Imposed The ban applies to the national flag, the Islamic Declaration of Faith, and symbols such…
After nearly three decades of marriage, legendary music composer AR Rahman has separated from his wife, Saira Banu. As news of their separation spreads, discussions about Rahman’s massive fortune and earnings are taking center stage. The Oscar-winning composer, known for his global influence in music, has an estimated net worth ranging from ₹1,728 crore to ₹2,000 crore. Reports suggest that Rahman is the highest-paid male singer in India, commanding a staggering ₹3 crore per song. AR Rahman’s Sources of Income From scoring films to global concert tours, endorsements, and entrepreneurial ventures, AR Rahman’s diverse sources of income have cemented his…
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has announced the reinstatement of subsidies for electric three-wheelers under the PM E-Drive Scheme, following the exhaustion of the annual subsidy allocation for FY25. This move comes after a temporary halt in the disbursement of incentives due to the cap being reached for the fiscal year. Subsidy Allocation and Funding Increase To address this, the MHI has allocated additional funds from the overall budget of the PM E-Drive Scheme to support electric three-wheelers. The scheme, which was introduced in October 2024, aims to boost the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), enhance charging infrastructure, and…
Amid the buzz surrounding Keerthy Suresh’s rumored wedding, all eyes are on Antony Thattil. But who is the man set to tie the knot with one of South India’s most celebrated actors? A Businessman With Roots in Kochi Antony Thattil is a Dubai-based businessman with strong connections to his hometown, Kochi, Kerala. He reportedly owns a prominent chain of resorts in Kochi and also runs a couple of businesses registered in Chennai, where Keerthy hails from. Despite his success, Antony is known for maintaining a low profile, staying away from the public eye. A Private Person Unlike Keerthy, who is…
Hyderabad-based Divi’s Laboratories became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic. The surge in demand for Molnupiravir, an antiviral drug, catapulted the company’s success, making its founder and Managing Director, Dr. Murali Krishna Prasad Divi, the richest man in Hyderabad. The Early Struggles of Dr. Divi Born in a small village in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district, Dr. Divi was the youngest of 13 siblings in a financially struggling family. Despite a tough childhood and limited resources, he pursued higher education. However, his academic journey was not smooth—he failed his Class 12 exams and faced challenges during his BPharm course. In…