Author: News Desk
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced the Nusuk Umrah service, a new digital platform that allows international pilgrims to apply for Umrah visas and book related services directly online, without intermediaries. A Digital One-Stop Platform Accessible at umrah.nusuk.sa, the platform is designed to simplify the pilgrimage process and enhance the overall pilgrim experience. It complements existing options such as accredited travel agents while offering a direct, user-friendly alternative. Customised Pilgrimage Options Through Nusuk Umrah, users can either select integrated packages or customise their journeys by booking individual services, including visas, accommodation, transportation, and guided tours. All services are provided…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will roll out its first domestically manufactured semiconductor chip by the end of 2025. Speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum on August 23, he also underlined that work on a Made-in-India 6G network is progressing at a rapid pace. A Lost Chance, Now Regained Modi reflected that India could have started semiconductor manufacturing 50–60 years ago but missed the opportunity for decades. He said the government has now reversed this situation with factories being set up across the country and production set to begin soon. Semiconductors and 6G for Self-Reliance Calling semiconductors critical…
As Kerala prepares for its grand Onam celebrations, a surprising cultural twist has taken over the internet. Kerala Tourism’s latest campaign reimagines Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa in a traditional Malayali avatar. A Timeless Icon in Kasavu Saree The AI-generated artwork shows the world’s most famous smile draped in Kerala’s signature off-white kasavu saree, her hair adorned with jasmine flowers. While her attire reflects the state’s festive spirit, the serene expression that made her a global icon remains unchanged. The Campaign and Its Tagline The initiative is part of this year’s Onam promotions, running from August 26 to September 5.…
There is a widespread belief that Indian Army personnel are fully exempt from paying toll tax on national highways. However, the reality is more nuanced. Under the Indian Tolls (Army and Air Force) Act, 1901, soldiers are exempt from toll tax only when on duty and travelling in a government vehicle. In such cases, they must present a valid Army ID card, duty orders or transit pass and a unit authorisation letter. This exemption does not apply to soldiers travelling for personal reasons or in private vehicles, even if they show their Army ID. The National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, clarify that personal vehicles are not…
Tucked in the lap of the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh has earned the affectionate nickname “Sleeping State of India.” This isn’t because it’s inactive, but because life here follows a calm, unhurried rhythm. In its villages and small towns, the day begins with the sunrise and winds down soon after sunset. By nightfall, streets fall silent, shops close early, and the soft stillness of the mountains takes over. Why People Call It the Sleeping StateThe name reflects the simple daily routine of Himachal’s residents. Most families eat dinner early, spend evenings indoors with loved ones, and head to bed before late…
Uttar Pradesh is more than India’s political and cultural nerve centre—it’s rapidly emerging as an economic powerhouse. Several entrepreneurs from cities like Kanpur, Noida, Prayagraj, and Agra have created successful businesses that dominate sectors ranging from FMCG and fintech to infrastructure and edtech. Here’s a look at the top 9 richest individuals from UP and how they made their mark. Top 9 Richest People in Uttar Pradesh 1. Muralidhar Gyanchandani – ₹14,000 crore Company: RSPL Group (Ghadi Detergent)City: KanpurThe man who brought Ghadi Detergent into every Indian household, Muralidhar built one of India’s top FMCG brands from Kanpur. 2. Bimal Gyanchandani –…
Abhay Deol may not have delivered a string of blockbusters like his cousins Sunny and Bobby Deol, but when it comes to net worth, he’s left them both behind. With an estimated fortune of ₹400 crore, Abhay is now considered the richest Deol, thanks to savvy business ventures, real estate investments, and a diversified income portfolio. Despite a career dotted with 14 flops, Abhay earned acclaim for offbeat, meaningful roles in films like Dev D, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, and Oye Lucky Lucky Oye. His box office success was limited, but his reputation as a “thinking man’s actor” set him apart in Bollywood’s…
Lamborghini has shifted gears from supercars to strollers, and it’s going full throttle into luxury parenting. In a bold collaboration with British nursery brand Silver Cross, the Italian automaker has launched the Reef AL Arancio, a stroller priced at ₹4.3 lakh and limited to just 500 units worldwide. The design blends Lamborghini’s sharp, performance-driven aesthetic with Silver Cross’s heritage craftsmanship. Think full-terrain suspension, a brake pedal inspired by supercar engineering, and wheels that wouldn’t look out of place on a racetrack. Finished in Lamborghini’s Arancio orange over a black chassis, it’s wrapped in Italian leather and high-grade suede, with meticulous…
Diageo India has broken ground on what is set to become the world’s largest hub for Indian craft spirits. The project, called The Good Craft Co. (TGCC) Flavour Market, is coming up in Ponda, Goa, on an 11-acre site that carries history as the birthplace of India’s first single malt. What the Hub Will Offer The Flavour Market is designed as more than just a distillery. Once complete, it will include: Together, these facilities aim to create a space where tradition meets innovation, while also offering travellers and enthusiasts a deep dive into India’s craft spirits culture. From Flavour Lab to…
In a major step toward transforming Kerala’s industrial and logistics landscape, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the Adani Logistics Park in Kalamassery, Kochi, on Saturday. The ₹600 crore project, part of the Invest in Kerala initiative, spans 70 acres and is being developed by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd. Strategically located near the Cochin Port and upcoming Vizhinjam Transhipment Hub, the park is positioned to enhance multimodal logistics, enabling smoother cargo movement and supporting sectors like e-commerce, FMCG/FMCD, pharma, automotive, and retail. Equipped with EV charging stations, smart logistics solutions, and digital integration, the facility reflects the Adani Group’s focus on sustainability and innovation. The project is expected to generate over 1,500 direct and indirect jobs, boost local MSMEs,…