Author: News Desk
India introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a major reform under the slogan “One Nation, One Tax.” However, after seven years, GST still faces challenges in simplifying the tax system. Despite the initial promise, it has yet to fully resolve issues related to taxes on various goods and services. Confusion Over GST on Popcorn and Other Goods A recent GST Council meeting shifted focus to imposing taxes on popcorn, with rates varying significantly. Ready-to-eat popcorn with masala has a 5% GST, pre-packed and labeled popcorn attracts 12%, while caramel popcorn is taxed at 18%. This inconsistency in GST…
Aditi Patel has been crowned the first-ever Forever Miss Universe India 2024. This milestone marks a significant achievement for her hometown, Mehsana, Gujarat. Her victory highlights her determination, hard work, and dreams, and serves as an inspiration to women across India. A Journey from Mehsana to National Glory Aditi Patel hails from Mehsana, a vibrant city in Gujarat known for its culture and traditions. Her rise from a small town to winning a prestigious national title is a true testament to her dedication and perseverance. Aditi’s success is a moment of pride for her hometown and for Gujarat, as it…
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait in December 2024, India and Kuwait signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation. This agreement will allow for the exchange of defense personnel, joint military exercises, and the supply of military equipment, marking a significant step toward deeper collaboration in the defense sector. Highest Honor for PM Modi A key moment of the visit was when Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, awarded PM Modi the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Order, the highest honor given to foreign heads of state. PM Modi expressed his gratitude, dedicating the honor to the people…
Rohan Mirchandani, a graduate of NYU Stern and the Wharton School, co-founded Drums Food International in 2013. Under his leadership, the company launched Epigamia, a pioneering FMCG brand that brought Greek yogurt to the forefront of Indian consumer choices. What began as Hoki Poki ice cream pivoted to Epigamia’s yogurt range, addressing the seasonal challenges of the ice cream business. Building a Legacy Epigamia became a household name in India’s top cities, offering flavored yogurts, milkshakes, and traditional desserts like kheer. With products available at over 20,000 touchpoints across 30 towns, the brand clocked Rs 168 crore in sales in…
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has introduced the 2025 model year Range Rover Sport, made in India, with a starting price of Rs 1.45 crore (ex-showroom). This completely knocked down (CKD) model comes at a Rs 5 lakh premium compared to the outgoing 2024 locally-assembled version. The 2025 Range Rover Sport is offered in a single Dynamic SE trim and is expected to be displayed at the upcoming Bharat Mobility Expo 2025. Updates to the 2025 Range Rover Sport With the price increase, JLR has added several premium upgrades to the 2025 Range Rover Sport. One notable change is the upholstery,…
Prem Watsa, born in Hyderabad to a middle-class family, is now the richest Indian in Canada. He founded Fairfax Financial Holdings in 1985, a Toronto-based financial services firm. With a net worth of $2.1 billion, Watsa stands among Canada’s top businessmen, though his wealth is modest compared to Indian magnates Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani. Academic Excellence at IIT Madras An IIT Madras alumnus, Watsa graduated in 1971 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Seeking broader horizons, he pursued an MBA at the University of Western Ontario, marking the start of his journey in finance. A Career Built on Financial…
In a recent conversation with Srimathi Shivashankar, Corporate Vice President of HCL Technologies, Nisha Krishnan, Founder and CEO of Channeliam, delved into the transformative power of AI in both project management and the media industry. AI’s Impact on Project Management Srimathi emphasized the importance of AI in project management, particularly in enhancing efficiency and predictability. AI is set to revolutionize the role of project managers by helping them manage risks, predict outcomes, and control key factors. According to Shivashankar, a project manager’s role involves careful data collection, cleaning, and monitoring, all of which will be greatly facilitated by AI in…
The spirit of Christmas is not only about celebrating with family and friends, but also about spreading joy and kindness to those in need. In India, several companies are embracing corporate social responsibility (CSR) during the festive season by supporting charities, donating, and organizing events to give back to their communities. These initiatives highlight how businesses can make a positive impact while celebrating the holiday season. Tata Group’s Charitable Donations The Tata Group, known for its commitment to social causes, has long been a leader in CSR activities. This Christmas, the conglomerate has doubled its efforts, making substantial donations to…
Vivek Oberoi, a prominent actor in the Indian film industry, made a powerful debut with Company in 2002. His stellar performance earned him accolades, including Filmfare awards for Best Debut and Best Supporting Actor. He quickly rose to fame with hits like Saathiya and Yuva, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor. A Career of Highs and Lows While Vivek started strong, his career faced turbulence due to controversies and industry politics. Despite setbacks, he delivered notable performances in movies like Omkara and Shootout at Lokhandwala, proving his resilience and dedication to his craft. Exploring Regional and Web Platforms…
Unni Mukundan, a renowned figure in Indian cinema, embarked on his journey from the unlikeliest of places—an office in Ahmedabad. Born into a middle-class family, he balanced the demands of a regular job with his passion for performing arts. Despite his office deadlines, he actively participated in local theater groups, shaping his acting skills while nurturing his dream of becoming an actor. Taking the Leap Unni’s turning point came when he decided to leave his stable office job to pursue acting full-time. Moving to Kerala was a big step, and he faced numerous challenges in the competitive Malayalam film industry.…