Author: News Desk

SpaceVIP, a luxury space travel company, is redefining the boundaries of high-end experiences with its latest venture: a $495,000 dining journey to the edge of space. This groundbreaking adventure merges gastronomy, art, and the breathtaking view of Earth from above, attracting affluent travellers from the UAE and around the world. In a collaboration, SpaceVIP has teamed up with Danish chef Rasmus Munk of the acclaimed restaurant Alchemist. Together, they are offering a six-hour culinary journey aboard Space Perspective’s Spaceship Neptune. Despite the substantial price tag, interest has been overwhelming. “We were surprised by the level of interest,” said Roman Chiporukha, founder of SpaceVIP.…

The Central Government is preparing to overhaul the traditional toll collection system with a modern, satellite-based approach. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that the new toll system will utilise the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and aims to align the road network of National Highways with the standards of the United States. Direct Deduction Based on Distance Travelled Under the new system, toll charges will be automatically deducted from drivers’ bank accounts based on the distance travelled. Gadkari emphasised that this method will not only be more efficient but also cost-effective. “We are replacing the…

The Lubrizol Corporation, a global manufacturer of specialty chemicals, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to acquire a 120-acre plot in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, marking a significant expansion in India. The company plans to construct a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility on the site, with the initial phase representing an investment of approximately $200 million. This investment is the largest ever made by Lubrizol in India. Once completed, the new plant will be Lubrizol’s second-largest manufacturing facility globally and the largest in India. The construction will be executed in phases over the coming years, with provisions for future expansion to meet growing…

Zhong Shanshan, China’s richest man and chairman of Nongfu Spring Co., is facing a significant decline in his wealth, risking his top position in the global billionaire rankings. Zhong, whose fortune has dropped by $13 billion (₹108,000 crore) this year, now holds a net worth of $54.8 billion. This places him just ahead of Colin Huang, founder of PDD Holdings Inc., whose wealth stands at $47.3 billion. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index reports that Zhong’s wealth has been severely impacted by several factors, including intense competition and public relations issues surrounding his bottled water company. Nongfu Spring, listed in Hong Kong,…

Surya Varshan, a 22-year-old entrepreneur from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, has taken the direct-to-consumer (D2C) market by storm with his brand ‘Naked Nature.’ From humble beginnings in his 12th grade, Surya’s journey began with the creation of Hibiscus Bath Salt, a product he crafted in his kitchen using just Rs 200 saved from his pocket money. Today, Naked Nature boasts a valuation exceeding Rs 10 crore. Surya’s entrepreneurial spirit ignited during his high school years. With a modest investment and leveraging the abundant salt resources from his hometown, Thoothukudi, he developed his first product. Despite facing rejection due to his young…

Stepping on a business venture requires maturity, courage, and a willingness to take risks. With sincerity, hard work, and passion, some individuals turn challenges into remarkable success stories. One such individual is M. P. Ahammed, founder of Malabar Gold and Diamonds, one of the world’s largest retail jewellery groups. Ahammed’s entrepreneurial journey began at a very young age. His passion for creating something unique and impactful set the foundation for his future endeavors. At just 20 years old, he ventured into the spice industry in 1978, setting up a business in Kozhikode, Kerala, to sell black pepper, coriander, and coconut.…

Mini customers are faced with an important decision when considering the new Cooper: opting for a next-gen example of the brand’s classic hatchback sourced from the UK or the more expensive, hi-tech option made in China. The latter isn’t a discount pick; instead, it stands out due to its electric capabilities, developed under a joint venture with Great Wall Motors. Meanwhile, the petrol-powered versions come from Mini’s traditional Oxford plant in England. Mini’s designers have ensured that both versions look and feel like a modern Mini. Although tough to distinguish from a distance, both models share the same headlights, tail-lights,…

Landslides triggered by torrential rains have resulted in a devastating disaster in Kerala’s Wayanad district, killing over 140 people and injuring dozens more. The catastrophic event struck the hilly areas near Meppadi on Tuesday morning (July 30), causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Multiple Landslides and Loss of Lives The landslides were reported in the Mundakkai and Chooralmala villages under the Meppadi Panchayat. As rescue operations commenced, multiple bodies were recovered from the Chaliyar River in Malappuram’s Nilambur region, with many others feared to have been washed away. The Indian Express reported that the disaster’s impact has been profound,…

Air Chateau, a private aviation operator based in Dubai, has secured an order for 10 electric flying cars from Crisalion Mobility, a European mobility solutions provider. This deal marks Crisalion’s first commercial venture in the Middle East. The electric flying cars, known as Integrity air taxis, are set to revolutionise urban and intercity transport in the UAE starting in 2030. Features of the Integrity Air Taxi The Integrity air taxi, currently in development, is designed to carry up to five passengers and a pilot. It boasts a top speed of 180 kilometres per hour and a range of 130 kilometres…

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identifier assigned to every taxpayer in India. However, an individual is allowed to have only one PAN throughout their lifetime. If circumstances necessitate the surrender or cancellation of a PAN card, the process can be completed either online or offline. Reasons for PAN Card Surrender or Cancellation 1. Permanent relocation outside of India. 2. Issuance of two PAN cards by mistake. 3. Errors on the current PAN card. 4. Death of the PAN cardholder. 5. Dissolution of a company, LLP, or partnership firm. Consequences of Holding Multiple PAN Cards According to Section 139A of the…