Author: News Desk

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced plans for the introduction of a GPS-based toll collection system on national highways. Speaking at an event, Gadkari highlighted the success of pilot projects conducted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and revealed that the government will soon issue a tender to implement this new toll collection system, according to a PTI report. The move marks a departure from traditional toll plazas towards a more efficient and technologically advanced method of toll collection. The GPS-based system is designed to accurately charge motorists based on the exact distance travelled on the highways,…

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reportedly requested the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) to issue a look-out circular (LOC) against Byju Raveendran, the CEO of Byju’s, aiming to halt his departure from the country amidst ongoing investigations into alleged Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) violations. With concerns over investor interests, the ED’s move signals a revived effort to ensure accountability and transparency in the investigation process. By seeking a “revised” LOC, the agency aims to prevent Raveendran from leaving the country upon his return, underscoring the significance of investor protection in the legal proceedings. The ED’s actions come on the heels…

Vidyut Tech Services Private Limited, a Bangalore-based startup, is revolutionising the electric vehicle (EV) landscape with its innovative financing and lifecycle management solutions. Founded in 2021 by industry veterans Xitij Kothi and Gaurav Srivastava, the company aims to simplify and streamline the process of owning electric vehicles, catering to both individual consumers and businesses. At its core, Vidyut offers end-to-end solutions for purchasing, financing, and resale of electric vehicles. Their platform provides custom financing options and facilitates a secondary market for EVs, ensuring accessibility and affordability for a wide range of customers. By collaborating with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), non-banking…

To foster gender diversity in the space sector, Skyroot Aerospace has unveiled the Kalpana Fellowship, India’s inaugural program dedicated exclusively to empowering women engineers in space technology.Named in honour of the late astronaut Kalpana Chawla, renowned for her trailblazing contributions to space exploration, the Kalpana Fellowship is envisioned to cultivate the next generation of female talent in the space industry. Empowering Women in Space Technology The primary objective of the fellowship is to provide a robust platform for women to actively engage in advanced space technology projects, fostering innovation, creativity, and leadership among aspiring female space professionals. Pawan Chandana, Co-Founder…

Aakash Education, owned by BYJU’S, is projected to have achieved an operating revenue surpassing INR 2,000 Cr in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023. According to Aakash’s valuation report filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the coaching institute is expected to have reported an operating revenue of INR 2,325.1 Cr for FY23, marking a significant increase of approximately 63% from the INR 1,421.2 Cr reported in FY22. Despite this growth, the FY23 operating revenue falls short of BYJU’S initial estimates. In April 2023, BYJU’S announced that Aakash was anticipated to conclude FY23 with a revenue of INR 3,000…

The 2024 Range Rover Evoque has become the talk of the town ever since Indian actor Aishwarya Lekshmi proudly drove off in her newly purchased car. With its sleek design and cutting-edge features, the Evoque is setting new standards in luxury SUVs. Priced at 67.90 lakhs ex-showroom and 86.64 lakhs on-road in Kochi, this premium vehicle promises an unparalleled driving experience. When factoring in registration and insurance, the total cost rises to 15 lakhs, with 2.85 lakhs allocated for insurance coverage. Aishwarya Lekshmi opted for the Tribeca variant in a stunning blue color, adding a touch of elegance to her…

When OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently turned to X, soliciting prompts from users to convert text into video using the experimental tool Sora, the response was nothing short of overwhelming, with thousands flooding in with their requests. Bengaluru’s Urban Quirk Amplified Among the respondents was “Peak Bengaluru,” a prominent X account dedicated to showcasing all things related to the startup hub of India. Known for amplifying and commenting on the eccentricities of Bengaluru, the account had a distinct request for Altman: a video visualisation of the fully completed Ejipura flyover, situated in the southern part of the city. The Legend…

The Planning and Development Department (Trakhees) recently announced the issuance of the first licence for construction using 3D printing technology in Dubai.This groundbreaking move by a prominent property developer marks a significant step towards revolutionising construction practices in the region. The licence was granted to facilitate the Al Furjan Hills project, showcasing the swift integration of 3D printing into construction operations.Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, emphasised the commitment to implementing regulations governing 3D printing in construction, fostering economic growth and sustainability. Strategic Objectives and Collaborative Efforts: Aligning with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33,…

Tech giant Meta, in collaboration with a cross-industry alliance, unveiled plans on Monday to launch a dedicated fact-checking helpline on the messaging platform WhatsApp. This joint effort aims to tackle the rising threat of artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes, which have become increasingly prevalent in disseminating misinformation. The Helpline Initiative: Meta and the Misinformation Combat Alliance (MCA) are set to roll out the fact-checking helpline next month.Users will be able to flag deepfakes by engaging with a WhatsApp chatbot specifically designed for this purpose.The chatbot will provide multilingual support, catering to users in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Industry Collaboration and Commitment:…

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Madras) quietly develops a substantial Center of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to advancing indigenous maritime technology and expertise. Researchers spearheading the project contribute significantly to major maritime endeavours in India, resulting in substantial financial savings by replacing foreign expertise and technology. V. Sriram, Principal Investigator of the CoE on Maritime Experiments To Maritime Experience (ME2ME), aims to establish the CoE as a global leader in the maritime sector, generating substantial cost savings for India.The CoE focuses on offshore/coastal engineering, green shipping, future ports, and offshore renewable technologies, with plans to support startups in similar domains…