Author: News Desk

The image of former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fleeing Kabul in a helicopter, loaded with money after the Taliban’s takeover, is still vivid in many minds. Similarly, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s wealth and potential escape plans have drawn attention as his regime faces significant challenges. After Islamic rebel fighters advanced toward Damascus, Assad’s whereabouts remain unclear, with some speculating that he has fled to Tehran for safety. The Assad Family’s Longstanding Rule in Syria The Assad family has ruled Syria for over half a century. However, with the Syrian regime seemingly on the brink of collapse, their financial empire has…

In a conversation with Channeliam’s Nisha Krishnan, Pradeep Palazhi, Founder and CEO of ThinkBio.Ai, discusses the company’s vision for the future of AI in healthcare and his recent acquisition of Feathers Software, a Kerala-based software company. Mr. Palazhi outlines the company’s growth strategy, its focus on digital biology, and how AI is transforming biotech and healthcare. ThinkBio.Ai’s Vision ThinkBio.Ai stands out for its unique combination of AI, computational biology, bioinformatics, and cheminformatics. The company’s goal is to provide AI-powered solutions that span from research and development (R&D) to clinical applications. “We have scientific teams that cover every aspect of the…

Indian families are increasingly choosing the UAE, particularly Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, for destination weddings. The UAE’s booming tourism industry is driving this trend, bringing substantial business to travel and hospitality sectors. Popular Wedding Destinations in the UAE Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the top picks for Indian weddings due to their luxurious appeal, ease of travel, and accessibility. In contrast, Ras Al Khaimah is becoming a popular choice for couples seeking a more affordable option while still enjoying a high-end destination experience. Event management firms in both the UAE and India are capitalizing on this demand…

D. Gukesh’s chess journey began at seven, sparked by his school coach, Bhaskar V, at Velammal School in Chennai. Born on May 29, 2006, to academic parents, Dr. Rajinikanth, a surgeon, and Padma, a microbiologist, Gukesh showed remarkable talent early. By age 12, he became India’s youngest Grandmaster, marking the start of an extraordinary career. His extraordinary victory not only earned him the prestigious title but also a substantial financial reward. The 2024 World Chess Championship had a total prize money pool of $2.5 million, with $200,000 awarded for every game won. Gukesh won three games (Games 3, 11, and…

India’s startup ecosystem saw significant growth in 2024, with six startups reaching unicorn status, marking a sharp increase from 2023, when only two startups achieved this milestone. A Look Back at 2023 Zepto became the first unicorn of 2023 in August, raising $200 million at a $1.4 billion valuation. This round was led by StepStone Group, with additional support from Goodwater Capital and other investors. Later, in November 2023, InCred Finance joined the unicorn ranks after a Rs 500 crore Series D funding round. The Unicorns of 2024 In 2024, six startups reached the $1 billion valuation mark. These include…

VK Mathews, Founder and Executive Chairman of IBS Group, shared insights during a conversation with Channeliam.com’s Nisha Krishnan. He highlighted the strategic importance of their newly inaugurated second campus at InfoPark, Kochi. Mathews emphasized that Kochi has been a significant hub for IBS since 2005, and this expansion aligns with their global growth strategy. The company currently employs over 5,000 professionals across 60 locations in 40+ countries, showcasing a diverse workforce with employees from 45 nationalities. Technological Trends in Hospitality and AviationDiscussing advancements in the hospitality and aviation sectors, Mathews identified three key areas driving innovation: Post-COVID Tech AccelerationMathews noted…

Eco Wave Power, an Israeli company, has introduced groundbreaking technology to generate renewable energy from ocean waves. Utilizing existing coastal infrastructure such as piers, jetties, and breakwaters, the system operates onshore or nearshore. Large floaters interact with wave motion, activating pistons and motors that power electric generators. Israel’s First Grid-Connected Wave Energy Project The company recently inaugurated its demonstration project at Jaffa Port in collaboration with EDF Renewables Israel. This facility, with an installed capacity of 100 kilowatts, can power 100 homes. The project is a testament to the resilience of the technology, as it avoids damage during storms by…

The Bengaluru-Chennai expressway, a major infrastructure project, has opened its 71-kilometre stretch in Karnataka, while work continues on the Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu sections. Despite ongoing construction, the road is already being used by people in Bengaluru for long joyrides. A New Route for Scenic Drives Many are taking advantage of the newly opened road for long drives, turning back at the end of the stretch. According to reports, the expressway, which is expected to be fully operational by August next year, will drastically reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai, cutting it from seven hours to just three.…

Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup, marking a major milestone for the country as the second Middle Eastern nation to host the event after Qatar in 2022. FIFA made the announcement during a virtual extraordinary Congress, with President Gianni Infantino confirming the decision. The 2030 edition, meanwhile, will take place across multiple continents, with Spain, Portugal, and Morocco as the primary hosts. Additionally, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will each hold one celebratory match to mark the tournament’s centenary A Historic 2030 Tournament The 2030 World Cup will span six nations…

Elon Musk, 53, has achieved a remarkable net worth of $439.2 billion, making him the first individual to cross the $400 billion threshold. This milestone follows a $50 billion boost from an insider share sale of his privately held SpaceX, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Wealth Rebound Since 2022 Musk’s fortune has seen a dramatic recovery since late 2022, when his net worth dropped by over $200 billion. The rebound was further accelerated after the U.S. elections, benefiting from policy expectations favoring Tesla and SpaceX. SpaceX Valuation Soars SpaceX, now the most valuable private startup globally, reached a valuation…