Author: News Desk

French entrepreneur Bernard Jean Etienne Arnault made headlines on Thursday as he dethroned Amazon’s Jeff Bezos to claim the title of the world’s wealthiest individual. According to data from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Arnault’s staggering net worth of $197 billion catapulted him to the top spot, a position previously held by Bezos. Arnault’s ascent to the pinnacle of wealth can be attributed to his role as the founder and chairman of LVMH, the global leader in luxury goods. LVMH, which includes iconic brands such as Louis Vuitton, reported a revenue of approximately $83.4 billion in 2022, solidifying Arnault’s position as…

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, a deeper truth emerges in the economic sector – women are increasingly taking charge of their financial destinies. Findings from an international women’s day study reveal that women in India are now shouldering more responsibility in managing finances, especially concerning loan repayments, than their male counterparts. Women’s Greater Financial Responsibility According to surveys conducted by the World Women’s Day initiative, women in India are taking on more financial responsibilities, particularly in timely loan repayments, compared to men. This data sheds light on the evolving roles of women in economic decision-making and highlights their…

A vehicle capable of transitioning from a three-wheeler to a two-wheeler within minutes is on the horizon, thanks to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) approving a new category of vehicles known as “L2-5.” The L2-5 category combines elements from both two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles, offering a versatile solution to transportation needs. According to MoRTH’s notification dated February 29, vehicles in this category feature a unique design where a rickshaw-like structure integrates seamlessly with an e-scooter, transforming it into a front wheel. This modular design allows the vehicle to operate interchangeably as either a two-wheeler (L2) or a…

Passengers arriving at the Thrippunithura Metro Station were greeted by an unexpected sight yesterday – a robot named ‘Mohini’. Initially, many mistook the robot’s lifelike movements for those of a human dancer, only to realize later that it was indeed a sophisticated creation designed to replicate the art of dance. Clad in traditional dancer attire, Mohini captivated onlookers with her graceful movements, including precise eye and lip gestures that added an extra layer of realism to her performance. Passengers were intrigued by the robot’s ability to emulate the fluidity and expression of a human dancer, prompting many to stop and…

Digital lending platform, mPokket, announced raising INR 500 crore (including a green shoe option) in debt capital from BPEA Credit’s private credit platform. The company revealed plans to utilize the funds to address the increasing credit demand from its 24 million registered customer base and expedite product development in the career accelerator and insurance verticals, which have witnessed a surge in demand from its young customer base. Gaurav Jalan, Founder and CEO of mPokket, expressed the significance of the partnership with BPEA Credit, stating, “The partnership strengthens our mission of building the consumer credit economy in India with high-affinity financial…

The eagerly awaited ‘priority corridor’ of the Agra Metro Rail Project is set to transform tourist accessibility to Agra’s iconic landmarks, including the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate this significant development via video conference alongside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Agra. Seamless Connectivity Following its inauguration, the metro rail will commence operations on the ‘priority corridor,’ encompassing six stations along a 6 km stretch. This initiative, overseen by the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), aims to provide direct metro access to major tourist attractions, enhancing convenience for visitors exploring…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches are breaking new ground in accessibility and reach, thanks to cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Now, audiences can tune in to the Prime Minister’s addresses in eight different languages on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), marking a significant leap forward in linguistic inclusivity. This initiative follows a remarkable demonstration of AI technology during an event in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, where PM Modi delivered a speech in Hindi that was simultaneously translated into Tamil in real-time. This feat showcased the potential of AI to bridge linguistic barriers and facilitate broader communication. PM…

Google has begun reinstating approximately 250 Indian apps on its Play Store after delisting them due to a billing dispute. The move comes in response to government criticism, signalling a temporary truce in a larger battle between tech giants and Indian startups. The apps, which include matrimony, dating, and various other services, were allowed back on the Play Store under the condition that Google would continue to levy service fees ranging from 11% to 26% on in-app payments. This arrangement will persist for a period of 3 to 4 months while both parties engage in negotiations to resolve the underlying…

On the bustling streets of Mumbai, where time seems to slow down amidst the perpetual traffic snarls, there lies a promise of futuristic transportation: the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor, popularly known as the bullet train project. In the heart of Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), a 1-kilometre patch of land remains relatively tranquil amid the city’s chaos. Here, nearly 800 workers toil away daily, away from the hustle and bustle, excavating the ground that will eventually become the starting point of India’s high-speed rail journey. Despite the construction activities buzzing underneath, the surface remains undisturbed, a rarity in a…

In the digital age, the spread of misinformation has become rampant, especially during critical events like national elections. With over 50 countries gearing up for polls this year, including major democracies like the United States, India, and Indonesia, the integrity of these elections is under threat like never before. The proliferation of fake news and propaganda poses a significant challenge, particularly in India, where it’s identified as the most substantial risk, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Risk Report. The first step towards countering fake news is to know the truth. But how do we discern what’s fake…