Author: News Desk

Renuka Jagtiani, the CEO and chairwoman of Landmark Group, has solidified her status as a formidable leader in the business world with a net worth of $4.8 billion. At 70, Jagtiani now leads the Dubai-based conglomerate, which her late husband, Micky Jagtiani, founded in 1973. After Micky Jagtiani’s passing in May 2023, Renuka seamlessly took over the reins of the multinational consumer giant, which boasts a workforce of over 50,000 employees. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Arts from the University of Mumbai, Jagtiani’s business acumen has garnered her numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Asian Business Woman of the Year…

The Indian government has recently decided to remove the angel tax, a move that could help keep more Indian startups from relocating to Dubai. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced this change on July 23, aiming to boost the growth of startups in India. Understanding Angel Tax Angel tax was introduced in the 2012 Union Budget. It was a tax on the money that unlisted companies raised by selling shares at a price higher than their market value. The goal was not to raise money but to limit funding and prevent money laundering, according to Sanjay Malhotra, Revenue Secretary in the…

AR Rahman stands unparalleled as the richest male singer, boasting a net worth of Rs 1,728 crore, according to DNA India and other publicly available data. The 57-year-old musical maestro, renowned for his exceptional compositions, commands a staggering fee of Rs 3 crore per song, making him the highest-paid singer in the country, as reported by CNBC TV18. Primarily known for his work as a music composer, AR Rahman has also lent his iconic voice to numerous unforgettable tracks. His vocal contributions include classics such as “Urvashi Urvashi” (Kadhalan), “Humma Humma” (Bombay), “Dil Se Re” (Dil Se..), “Ishq Bina” (Taal), “Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera”…

Wayanad is grappling with one of the state’s most catastrophic landslides. The communities in Mundakayam and Chooralmala have been left with little to no resources, and the survivors face immense challenges. It is our collective responsibility to support these individuals in rebuilding their lives. The Kerala Startup Mission and a group of entrepreneurs are stepping in to fulfill this duty. Kerala Startup Mission’s Relief Efforts Under the leadership of the Kerala Startup Mission, Kochi, the Startup Square community has initiated a relief effort for Wayanad. Entrepreneurs and Startup Mission staff gathered essential supplies for the affected areas. These supplies, including…

Innovative solutions to foster a healthier environment are gaining momentum in an era where workplace productivity and employee well-being are becoming increasingly interconnected. Two recent initiatives, one by a Japanese firm and the other by a brewing company, highlight creative approaches to improving health and productivity. Paid Leave for Non-Smokers Piala Inc., a Japanese company, recently sparked debate by offering six extra days of paid leave to non-smokers. This policy emerged after non-smoking employees highlighted the time disparity created by smoke breaks. Located on the 29th floor, each smoking break was consuming approximately 15 minutes, leading to significant work time lost.…

Preeti Sudan, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1983 batch from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has recently been appointed as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This significant move follows the resignation of Manoj Soni, who stepped down due to personal reasons. Sudan’s appointment comes at a time of ongoing controversy, including issues involving probationary IAS officer Pooja Khedekar. Early Life and Education Born on April 30, 1960, Preeti Sudan’s early years laid a solid foundation for her distinguished career in public service. She pursued higher education with a focus on Economics and Social…

The Indian Army has constructed a Bailey bridge to aid rescue operations in Wayanad, Kerala, following devastating landslides. The Madras Engineer Group, deployed from Bengaluru, built the 195-foot-long bridge to replace the only existing bridge connecting Chural Hill and Mundakai, which was swept away by the landslides. The Bailey bridge, originally developed by British civil servant Donald Bailey during World War II, is a portable, prefabricated truss bridge known for its durability and ease of assembly. Initially designed to help Britain’s tanks traverse rugged terrains in North Africa, the Bailey bridge has continued to serve military and civilian purposes worldwide.…

The Jais Flight zip line, located in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest zip line, stretching nearly three kilometres. This remarkable attraction is situated on Jebel Jais Mountain, the UAE’s highest peak, which rises to over 1,930 metres. A Hub for Adventure Tourism Positioned 1,680 metres above sea level, the Jais Flight zip line is enhancing Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as a premier adventure tourism destination. Visitors can start their thrilling experience at the Jais Adventure Park welcome centre, where they can purchase tickets and prepare for their zip line…

Facing the disappointment of a visa rejection after booking flights, hotels, and paying fees can be frustrating. In 2022, over 100,000 Indians experienced Schengen visa rejections, leading to a substantial loss of Rs 87 crore due to non-refundable expenses, as reported by Teleport. Essential Documents for a Schengen Visa Application When applying for a Schengen visa, you must provide: Navigating the Schengen visa application process can be challenging. To improve your chances of approval, here are common pitfalls to avoid: 1. Incomplete Application Forms Submitting an incomplete application form is a major reason for visa rejection. Ensure that every section…

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has mandated that airline companies and travel agencies issue air tickets and boarding passes with QR codes. This new directive aims to curb unauthorised access to airport terminals by individuals posing as passengers. The advisory was issued in response to increasing instances of people entering terminals with fake or cancelled tickets. Currently, security personnel verify both tickets and identification cards before granting access to the terminal. Despite these checks, some individuals have managed to breach security using fraudulent or expired tickets. The introduction of QR code scanning at terminal gates is expected to enhance detection…