Author: News Desk
As the deadline of March 15, 2024 approaches, Paytm Payments Bank customers using FASTags are advised to take necessary steps to avoid inconvenience. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a directive, instructing Paytm Payments Bank to cease new deposits and credit transactions after this date. Consequently, users will not be able to add balance or recharge their Paytm FASTags beyond this deadline. Despite these restrictions, existing Paytm FASTag users can continue to utilize their tags at enabled toll booths and parking facilities until the balance in their wallet is exhausted. However, no further funding or top-ups will be permitted after March 15, 2024. To ensure uninterrupted…
The Chief Election Commission has set the wheels in motion for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, announcing the commencement of the first phase on April 19. Scheduled across seven phases, the elections are slated to conclude on June 4. Concurrently, states including Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and several north-eastern states are gearing up for assembly elections during this period. Notably, Andhra Pradesh’s assembly polls are scheduled for May 13, while Kerala is set to cast its votes on April 26. Subsequent phases of voting are lined up for May 3, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June…
In a historic first, the United States, Republic of Korea, and India convened for a trilateral dialogue in Seoul this week, signalling a significant step towards fostering collaborative efforts in technology development and safeguarding sensitive innovations. According to statements from the US embassy, the meeting aimed to synchronise strategies in protecting critical technologies and nurturing trustworthy technology ecosystems both regionally and globally. The dialogue, hailed as a landmark event, emphasised the importance of coordinating efforts to safeguard sensitive technologies while fostering innovation and economic growth. Among the key areas of discussion were semiconductor supply chains, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, quantum computing,…
In recent weeks, Air India has undergone a workforce restructuring, resulting in the layoff of over 180 non-flying staff members, according to sources familiar with the situation. Despite the implementation of voluntary retirement schemes and reskilling opportunities, some affected individuals were unable to avail themselves of these options, the airline disclosed. In a statement issued on Friday, an Air India spokesperson addressed the situation, stating that the fitment process involved assigning roles to employees in non-flying roles based on organizational requirements and individual merit. The spokesperson emphasized that a thorough assessment process had been conducted over the past 18 months…
The Centre’s move to launch a new scheme for electric vehicles (EVs) with a significant emphasis on attracting investments from leading global manufacturers, including those under Elon Musk’s Tesla, aims to kickstart operations in India, banking on the expected decline in interest rates. With the goal of positioning India as a key manufacturing hub in the electric vehicle sector, the Centre has announced a new electric vehicle scheme amidst anticipation of interest rate cuts. The scheme, aimed at boosting the adoption of electric vehicles in the country, focuses on incentivizing both foreign investment attraction and promoting domestic electric vehicle manufacturing.…
Kites Senior Care, a pioneering startup specializing in geriatric services, has successfully secured $5.4 million in its Series A funding round. Led by Ranjan Pai, chairman of Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), through his family office, this investment marks a significant milestone for the company and underscores the growing interest in innovative solutions addressing the needs of aging populations. The infusion of capital will empower Kites Senior Care to deepen its presence in key urban centers such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Moreover, the company aims to extend its footprint to three additional cities across Southern India, highlighting its…
In the heart of Barsha Heights, the courtyard of Hamel Al Ghaith Mosque has become a hub of activity over the past three days, as more than 2,000 iftar packets are distributed daily to residents of Dubai, irrespective of their faith. A Taste of Tradition and Generosity The iftar boxes are a delightful blend of flavours and nutrients, featuring fresh salads, fruits, mandi (a traditional rice dish with meat), and nutrient-rich beans, accompanied by a delectable dessert to satisfy every palate. Dates and water are provided to break the fast, along with a refreshing serving of laban, a soothing yoghourt…
The FIFA Council, during its meeting on March 14, 2024, declared Qatar as the host nation for the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the next five consecutive years, spanning from 2025 to 2029. The Council confirmed Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup as part of FIFA’s commitment to youth football. With the recent expansion to accommodate 48 teams and the transition to an annual tournament format, Qatar’s selection underscores FIFA’s dedication to fostering youth football globally. A statement from FIFA highlighted the rationale behind the decision, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to youth football development. The decision to hold…
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has led to the introduction of a mobile application by the Ministry of Home Affairs in India. Designed to simplify the citizenship application procedure, the app is now available for download on the Google Play Store under the name “CAA 2019”. The introduction of this mobile application marks a significant step in facilitating the citizenship application process for eligible individuals in India. With its launch, applicants can now conveniently apply for Indian citizenship using their smartphones. According to official sources, the app allows users to submit their applications directly from their mobile devices, providing a seamless…
In a data release by the Election Commission, Future Gaming and Hotels, helmed by Santiago Martin, alias ‘Lottery Martin’, emerged as the top buyer of electoral bonds, purchasing bonds worth Rs 1,300 crore between 2019 and 2024. A Look at the Data Dump While the ruling BJP and the Congress party received substantial donations, with the BJP leading at over Rs 6,000 crore, the disclosed data merely reveals the amounts donated by entities or individuals without specifying the recipient party. Hailing from Myanmar, Martin transformed his fortunes by capitalising on the lottery frenzy, particularly the two-digit lottery trend. Starting his…