Author: News Desk

Karnataka’s coastal city, Mangaluru, is set to launch a Water Metro, inspired by Kerala’s Kochi model. The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) is preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for the Mangaluru Water Metro Project (MWMP), designed to connect isolated areas using an integrated water transport network. The project will utilise National Waterways along the Nethravathi and Gurupura rivers, spanning from Bajal to Maravoor. Phased Implementation for Smooth Connectivity The project will roll out in phases, with the initial section covering around 30 km along the Nethravathi-Gurupura River backwaters. This first phase will connect Bajal to Maravoor Bridge, incorporating 17 Metro…

India’s rail network took a significant step forward with the first trial run of the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail (formerly the Vande Metro) in Mumbai on November 4, 2024. Designed to improve intercity connectivity, this semi-fast train promises to redefine commuter travel in the country. Faster Travel for Short Distances The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail ran at a speed of 130 km/h during its trial, with plans to operate on intercity routes of up to 250 km. The project aims to replace slower intercity trains, offering a faster and more efficient alternative. Routes such as Mumbai-Surat are being considered for…

UST, a digital transformation solutions provider, has opened its second delivery centre in Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing expansion in India. Located at Helios Business Park in Kadubeesanahalli, the new facility spans over 17,000 square feet and includes more than 300 workstations, along with a Design Experience Center and modern amenities. A Growing Presence in India Founded in 1999 and headquartered in California, UST has established a strong presence in India, with over 20,000 employees across the country. The company is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, reflecting on its continued growth and commitment to innovation in…

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is accepting applications for the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG). This grant offers funding of up to ₹60 lakh over three years, aiming to improve research and innovation in India. The application deadline is November 19, 2024. Financial Support and Management The PM ECRG provides substantial financial backing, covering overhead costs to help researchers effectively manage their resources. This grant supports early-career researchers by offering tools to explore innovative ideas in various fields. A New Approach to Research Funding Launched under the ANRF Act of 2023, the foundation is chaired by the Prime Minister and promotes a research-driven culture in the country. The PM ECRG replaces the former…

In the early 1960s, a young Ratan Tata began an important chapter of his life in the United States. According to the recently published biography Ratan Tata: A Life, he entered a romantic relationship with Carolyn Emmons, a 19-year-old college student and daughter of the famous architect Frederick Earl Emmons. The two met through Carolyn’s father, who collaborated with Archibald Quincy Jones to create the well-known architectural firm Jones and Emmons. Having just completed a Bachelor of Science in architecture at Cornell University, Tata sought job opportunities with Jones and Emmons, which led him to Los Angeles and to Carolyn.…

Aquaria Technologies, a startup based in San Francisco and founded in 2022, is tackling water shortages by creating a technology that turns air into clean drinking water. Their goal is to help areas hit hard by climate change and drought. How It Works Aquaria uses atmospheric water generators (AWGs) to pull moisture from the air and turn it into drinkable water. These machines are more advanced than old humidifiers because they use filters and UV light to ensure the water is clean. Their AWGs were recently recognized as finalists for the Future Resilience Prize in the 2024 Urban Future Prize…

Noel Tata has recently joined the board of Tata Sons, representing Tata Trusts, which he now chairs following Ratan Tata’s passing. The decision came through an online vote during a Tata Sons virtual meeting held just before Diwali, according to inside sources. With this role, Noel Tata becomes the first Tata family member since 2011 to serve simultaneously on the boards of both Tata Sons and Tata Trusts. Tata Trusts holds a 66% stake in Tata Sons, marking it as the primary shareholder. Key Players on the Tata Sons Board Noel Tata’s inclusion brings the total number of Tata Trusts representatives on the Tata Sons board to three, alongside notable figures such as Venu Srinivasan, chairman emeritus of TVS, and Vijay Singh, a former defence ministry official. The board…

More than 200 languages are spoken in New York City, highlighting its status as America’s melting pot, according to the Department of City Planning. However, during the upcoming US presidential elections, only four languages will appear on the ballot papers alongside English, with Bengali being the sole representative of Indian languages. Bengali Language Support in Elections As the US prepares to elect its 47th President, Micheal J. Ryan, Executive Director of the NYC Board of Elections, stated, “We are required to service four other languages besides English: Chinese, Spanish, Korean, and Bengali as the Asian language.” This inclusion is crucial for ensuring that Bengali-speaking voters…

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple has been served a notice over unpaid taxes totaling ₹1.57 crore for the period from July 2017 to March 2024. The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (Kozhikode Regional Unit), under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, issued this notice in August, requesting an explanation as to why the unpaid amount, including interest and penalties, should not be collected. Breakdown of Tax Dues The pending tax amount consists of: The authorities identified that the temple had not paid GST on several services, including rental income, cloakroom services, dhotis, deity images, publications, photographs, and fees for…

A new father found himself in a familiar situation, awake in the early hours as his wife breastfed their newborn. To pass the time and stay awake, he began reading on his phone. But the phone’s flashlight was too bright, disturbing his wife and baby. That’s when a simple idea struck him: why not create a reading light app that would be gentler on the eyes? An Idea Born in the Dark One morning, inspired by the need for a softer light, he decided to turn his idea into reality. Using ChatGPT, he worked on creating an app that would…