Author: News Desk

In a significant policy change, the Railway Board has announced a reduction in the advance ticket booking limit. Starting November 1, 2024, passengers will only be able to book train tickets 60 days (two months) in advance, instead of the previous 120 days (four months). This change is aimed at simplifying the booking process and better catering to passenger needs. What Stays the Same for Existing Bookings All bookings made before October 31, 2024, will continue to follow the previous 120-day limit, ensuring no disruption for passengers who booked under the old system. Special Privilege for Foreign Tourists Despite the…

Kerala has unveiled a mobile application that allows the public to report traffic violations in real time. This initiative marks the first of its kind in India, empowering citizens to actively contribute to road safety. Developed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways with support from the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the app will be inaugurated by Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar on Friday. The application aims to simplify the reporting process, encouraging individuals to act instead of feeling frustrated by violations. Users can report traffic offences by uploading photos and videos directly through the app. Along with visual evidence,…

Byju Raveendran recently clarified misconceptions surrounding his relocation to Dubai, stating that it was primarily for his father’s medical treatment, not an escape from challenges. “I did not run away,” he emphasised during his first press conference in four years, addressing the ongoing difficulties faced by Byju’s. Plans for a New Edtech Venture Raveendran announced his intention to launch a new edtech venture upon his return to India, which he plans to operate “at half the cost” of Byju’s. This initiative aims to revive his commitment to the education sector while embracing a fresh approach. He expressed optimism about the…

Ratan Tata, admired for his simplicity and humility, owns a watch that perfectly mirrors these traits. His choice of wristwatch speaks volumes about his character—unassuming, reliable, and timeless, much like his leadership. Time-Tested Resilience The watch is powered by the Swiss Ronda 515 Quartz movement, a hallmark of reliability. Its plastic case and press-on back ensure durability, while an unbalanced weight on one side acts as a clever safety feature, securing the crown and preventing any accidental displacement. Just like Tata’s approach to life, this watch emphasises resilience and practicality. Designed for Every Occasion More than just a timepiece, the…

Subhasish Chakraborty’s rise from a middle-class background in Kolkata to becoming the founder and Chairman of DTDC, a company valued at Rs 2,000 crore, is a remarkable tale of perseverance and innovation. Born and raised in Kolkata, Subhasish studied chemistry at Ramakrishna Mission Residential College. While in college, he worked with Peerless, a large insurance company, which later sent him to Bangalore in 1981 to expand their business. The Birth of DTDC In 1987, Chakraborty left the insurance sector and ventured into chemical distribution. However, the business struggled due to postal service inefficiencies. Recognizing a significant gap in postal services, he founded DTDC (Desk to Desk Courier & Cargo)…

Since India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar returned from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, celebrations have erupted in Pakistan. What sparked this newfound optimism among the people of Pakistan? Historic Direct Dialogue For the first time since 2015, India and Pakistan’s foreign ministers engaged in direct talks at the SCO summit. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar held two discussions within a span of 24 hours, igniting hopes among Pakistanis. Cricket on the Agenda? A report from the Indian Express suggests that the conversation hinted at a potential revival of…

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has directed Indian Railways to pay nearly ₹4.7 lakh in compensation to a passenger whose belongings were stolen while travelling on the Amarkantak Express in May 2017. The commission ruled that the passenger, who had taken “reasonable precautions” to protect his luggage, was let down by the Ticket Examiner (TTE), who failed to prevent unauthorised individuals from entering the reserved coach. The order was issued on Monday, dismissing the Railways’ claim that it was not responsible for the theft under Section 100 of the Railway Act. This section states that the administration is…

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, is going through another round of layoffs. This follows their previous job cuts in 2022 and 2023, where they laid off a total of 21,000 employees. While the current layoffs are smaller in scale, they still affect employees across several key teams, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Threads. One Meta employee, Jane Manchun Wong, took to Threads to share her experience of being laid off. In her post, she mentioned that she was still processing the news of her job loss and thanked her teammates for the journey they shared at…

Dreaming of testing your ideas in space? This dream is becoming a reality for two selected entities that will send their payloads into space aboard the PHI-2 satellite. Access to Space for All Initiative This initiative falls under the ‘Access to Space for All’ program, which aims to give countries and organisations the chance to test their innovations in space. Selected Entities The two chosen entities are Madari Space Limited from the UAE and the Technical University of Moldova. Their selection was made by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in collaboration with the UN Office for Outer Space…

Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) has unveiled plans to invest ₹1,300 crore for the expansion of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV). Project Anantha Named “Project Anantha,” this ambitious initiative aims to enhance the airport’s infrastructure significantly by 2027. A standout feature of the expansion will be a new terminal, designed to showcase Kerala’s cultural heritage. The architecture will draw inspiration from the state’s famous temples, featuring cascading steps and terraced levels. Expansion Details Currently, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport covers 45,000 square metres and serves around 3.2 million passengers annually. Following the expansion, the terminal area will grow to 165,000 square metres, with…