Author: News Desk
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…
In a move towards modernising education, a school in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has introduced Iris, the first humanoid robot teacher in the state, developed in collaboration with Makerlabs Edutech. This pioneering initiative by KTCT Higher Secondary School, under the Kaduvayil Thangal Charitable Trust, signifies a leap into the future of teaching and learning. The recent unveiling of Iris has sparked widespread excitement among educators and students alike. Shared through Makerlabs’ Instagram account, a video showcased Iris’s remarkable abilities as a multilingual AI teacher. Capable of tackling complex queries across diverse subjects, Iris offers personalised voice assistance and fosters interactive learning experiences.…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first underwater metro rail service on Wednesday, March 6, in Kolkata. The newly inaugurated 4.8-kilometer stretch, known as the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section, has been constructed at a cost of ₹4,965 crore. This landmark project marks a significant milestone in India’s transportation infrastructure, with the metro train expected to traverse the 520-meter stretch under the River Hooghly in just 45 seconds. The Metro Railway expressed optimism about the impact of this new corridor, stating, “Once fully commissioned, this corridor will solve the perennial traffic congestion and improve air quality by reducing carbon footprint.” The Howrah…
In the face of a mounting water scarcity crisis gripping Bengaluru, the Karnataka state government’s recent move to take control of private tankers for supplying water to the most parched areas of the city has brought about added challenges for private residential complexes reliant on these tankers for their daily water needs. Among them, Prestige Falcon City, a luxurious gated community nestled in Kanakapura Road, finds itself grappling with the repercussions, prompting residents to adopt stringent water conservation measures. The Prestige Falcon City management has taken the unprecedented step of urging its inhabitants to resort to disposable plates and wet…
The digital world was rocked as millions of users found themselves locked out of their accounts on Meta-owned platforms Facebook and Instagram. The outage, which spanned the globe, left users frustrated and bewildered as they were unable to log in or access the apps at all. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, attributed the outage to an unspecified “technical issue,” leaving many questions unanswered. According to Meta spokesperson Andy Stone, the issue was resolved on Tuesday, but the exact cause behind the outage remains undisclosed. The outage affected not only individual users but also Meta employees who were…
In the bustling streets of New Delhi, the Dynamo Electric Scooter is making waves among environmentally conscious consumers. As fuel prices soar, driving the shift towards electric alternatives, this scooter emerges as a pocket-friendly solution, specifically tailored for the economically disadvantaged segment, while delivering an impressive range of 150 kilometres on a single charge. The Dynamo Electric Scooter offers a ray of hope for individuals seeking affordable electric mobility options. Designed to prioritise economy without compromising utility and efficiency, it stands out as an ideal choice for a wide range of users, from teenagers to the elderly, with the added…
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is embarking on a significant initiative to enhance the infrastructure of national highways across the country. According to a report from Livemint, the ministry intends to convert all existing single-lane national highways into double lanes, implementing a new criterion that mandates two lanes with paved shoulders for a highway to be classified as a National Highway (NH) in the future. Paved shoulders, integral to highway safety, are defined as sections of the road adjacent to the regularly travelled portion and are maintained at the same level. Under the proposed changes, expanding these lanes…
Nita Ambani, the matriarch of the Ambani family, has been turning heads with her impeccable fashion choices during the pre-wedding celebrations of her son, Anant Ambani, and Radhika Merchant. Her recent appearance in a handloom Kanchipuram saree designed by Manish Malhotra, in collaboration with Reliance’s premium brand Swadesh, grabbed considerable attention. However, it was her stunning diamond necklace adorned with emeralds that stole the spotlight. The extravagant piece, accompanied by matching earrings, bangles, and a statement ring, has sparked widespread admiration and discussion on social media. The Price Tag Behind Nita Ambani’s Glamour While Nita Ambani’s jewellery exudes luxury and…