Author: News Desk

Edtech unicorn PhysicsWallah is reportedly in the final stages of acquiring Drishti IAS Institute, a prominent offline coaching platform for UPSC and state commission exams. If finalized, this will be the largest acquisition in the edtech sector in recent years, with PhysicsWallah set to spend between Rs 2,500 and 3,000 crore on the deal. The two companies have been in discussions since January this year, and the acquisition is expected to close soon. This move comes at a critical time as PhysicsWallah is also preparing for its Initial Public Offering (IPO), aiming to raise $500 million at a $5 billion…

Donald Trump has announced plans to impose “reciprocal” tariffs on U.S. trading partners, according to a report from The Associated Press. These tariffs will match the duty rates other countries have applied to U.S. products. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump would reveal more details on this plan by Wednesday. The tariff proposal is part of Trump’s ongoing strategy to use tariffs to protect American industries, raise government revenue, and leverage trade negotiations with other nations. Trump has justified tariffs as a way to shield American businesses from unfair foreign competition and to generate funds for the federal government. However, some economists have warned that broad tariffs might have unintended consequences, such as higher consumer prices and…

India’s leading electronics manufacturers, including Dixon Technologies, Micromax, and Optiemus Electronics, are planning major investments to take advantage of the newly announced ₹22,919 crore Electronics Component Manufacturing (ECM) scheme. Each company aims to invest around ₹1,000 crore to enhance domestic production of high-value components. A Boost for Local Manufacturing The ECM scheme, approved by the government, aims to strengthen India’s supply chain by encouraging the production of essential sub-assemblies and components like display modules, camera units, and mechanical parts. The goal is to increase local value addition to 30-35%, aligning with global leaders like South Korea and Taiwan. Major Players…

Renault Group has announced that it will acquire the remaining 51% stake in Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL), currently held by Nissan Motor Corp. This acquisition marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the Renault-Nissan Alliance in India, with Renault set to fully control the RNAIPL plant in Chennai. Despite the acquisition, Nissan will maintain its presence in India, continuing to focus on expanding its market coverage. RNAIPL will continue producing key Nissan models, including the popular Nissan Magnite, which will remain integral to Nissan’s plans in the Indian market. The company emphasized that the Chennai facility, with its high production capacity of over 400,000 units annually, will continue to serve as a cornerstone…

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the newly-appointed president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala, has hinted that the ongoing controversy surrounding the Mohanlal-starrer L2: Empuraan may have been a carefully orchestrated publicity stunt by the film’s producers. Chandrasekhar, a former Union Minister, suggested that the controversy might have been manufactured intentionally to boost the film’s visibility. A Manufactured Controversy? In a weekly podcast, Chandrasekhar pointed out that the controversy over L2: Empuraan didn’t seem like a genuine issue at first, adding that it could have been a deliberate move by the film’s producers to draw attention. He specifically noted that Kerala…

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, fresh from her 278-day stay on the International Space Station (ISS), spoke about the breathtaking views of India from space. As she orbited the Earth, she often looked down at the subcontinent, capturing stunning images and marveling at its diverse landscapes. The Magnificence of the Himalayas Williams described the Himalayas as one of the most striking sights from space. She explained how the mountain range looked like a ripple, flowing down into India. Each time the ISS passed over the region, she and her fellow astronauts took incredible pictures of the towering peaks and vast landscapes.…

Kalanithi Maran, the chairman of Sun Group, is one of India’s wealthiest business leaders, with an estimated net worth of Rs 33,400 crore, as per the 2024 Hurun India Rich List. His vast empire spans television, print media, film production, digital entertainment, and sports. From launching Sun TV in 1993 to expanding into multiple business sectors, Maran has built an entertainment powerhouse that dominates the Indian media landscape. His wealth surpasses many Bollywood celebrities, making him India’s richest filmmaker and one of the most influential business figures. Early Life and Education Born on July 24, 1964, in Chennai, Kalanithi Maran comes from a politically influential family.…

India is home to a rich linguistic diversity, with each state having its own official languages. While Hindi and regional languages dominate most states, some have adopted English as an official language to cater to diverse linguistic communities. Nagaland Nagaland, a northeastern state of India, stands out as the only state where English is the sole official language. The state assembly officially adopted English as its administrative language in 1967, and since then, all government work, education, and official communication have been conducted in English. The reason behind this choice lies in Nagaland’s cultural diversity, as the state is home to numerous tribal communities, each with its distinct language. English serves…

Pallavi Luharuka, founder of Bhavisya Plast, has developed a biodegradable plastic made from agricultural waste. The heat- and water-resistant material has applications across multiple industries, including lubricants and paints. Accidental Innovation with Big Potential The breakthrough came unexpectedly during a Jadavpur University project aimed at converting waste rice into ethanol. This same waste now serves as the raw material for her patented bioplastic. Major Partnerships and Market Expansion Bhavisya Plast has already secured deals with industry giants like Maruti Suzuki and Berger Paints. Its cost-effective solutions position it as a game-changer in the plastic and coatings market. Winning Big on Shark Tank India…

India’s railway network, one of the largest in the world, spans nearly 68,000 kilometers. Over the past decade, the Indian Railways has seen significant modernization, introducing high-speed trains such as Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi Express. But while these trains are operated by Indian Railways, their ownership is a different story. Who Owns Vande Bharat and Shatabdi Express? While Indian Railways manages and operates these premium trains, they are technically owned by the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC). Established in 1986, IRFC serves as the financial arm of Indian Railways, raising funds for infrastructure projects and train acquisitions. How Does…