Author: News Desk

India is set to oppose the World Bank’s planned loan to Pakistan, expressing concerns that such financial aid could indirectly support cross-border terrorism. India fears that funds meant for development might be diverted to arms purchases or terror-related activities. A similar opposition was earlier raised by India during the IMF’s bailout support to Pakistan. Planned World Bank Loan The World Bank had agreed in January 2024 to provide Pakistan with $20 billion in loans over the next decade. The funds are aimed at addressing climate change and promoting private sector growth. However, India believes such aid could be misused and…

Zepto, led by Aadit Palicha, has temporarily halted its Zepto Café operations across more than seven cities in North India. This pause is due to supply chain issues and a shortage of available staff, according to media reports. Impact on Zepto’s Dark Stores The service disruption has affected 44 of Zepto’s dark stores located in key regions such as Delhi NCR, Agra, Meerut, Haridwar, Gorakhpur, Mohali, Amritsar, and Ghaziabad. Sources indicate that Zepto plans to resume operations by the second quarter of the year, specifically between July and September. Delhi NCR: A Key Market with Tough Competition Delhi NCR is…

India’s recent Operation Sindoor against Pakistan lasted about four days, targeting terrorist activities in specific areas. During this period, Pakistan reportedly used drones in attacks, which India successfully intercepted. Media reports claim these drones were supplied to Pakistan by Turkey. This revelation triggered strong reactions in India, with calls from citizens and traders to boycott Turkish travel and imports. If India chooses to sever ties with Turkey as many demand, it could significantly affect trade and cause price increases for several goods. Impact on Key Imports from Turkey Trade Figures and Outlook Trade between India and Turkey has remained stable…

K.M. Mammen Mappillai faced major setbacks early in life. After losing his family’s business, he had no home and had to sleep on the floor of his college in Madras (now Chennai). Despite financial hardship, he stayed focused on his education and future. Starting with BalloonsAfter graduating, Mappillai began selling toy balloons on the streets of Madras. Though modest, this venture sparked his entrepreneurial drive and provided his first small income. Foundation of MRF in 1946In 1946, he started Madras Rubber Factory (MRF) as a toy balloon manufacturing unit. This small initiative marked the beginning of what would grow into…

King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, also known as King Rama X, is widely regarded as the richest king in the world. His wealth and lifestyle far exceed typical royal standards, making even top celebrities seem modest in comparison. He ascended the throne in May 2019 after the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who ruled Thailand for 70 years. Massive Wealth and Expanding Empire The King’s net worth is estimated at around Rs. 3.7 lakh crore (about USD 43 billion). Most of this fortune was inherited, but King Vajiralongkorn has grown it further by investing in land and major…

Before US President Trump relaxed chip restrictions on the UAE, Eric Xing, president of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), shared his vision for the future. He wants MBZUAI to be like Stanford University, inspiring innovation and startups in the Gulf. UAE’s push for AI education The UAE is working hard to become a global AI leader. It created the world’s first AI minister in 2017 and now teaches AI topics in schools. MBZUAI trains local experts to reduce the UAE’s dependence on foreign engineers and companies. US-UAE partnership supports AI growth Trump’s recent visit included a deal…

India is actively working on Project Kusha, an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system similar to the Russian S-400. Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is leading the development of this critical defence technology. Prototype and Development Timeline The prototype for Project Kusha is expected to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months. Following the prototype phase, user trials will commence and could last between 12 to 36 months before final deployment. BEL’s Role and Expectations BEL, known for manufacturing air defence systems like Akashteer, is responsible for key subsystems…

The Karnataka government has appointed popular Bollywood and South Indian actress Tamannaah Bhatia as the new brand ambassador for the iconic Mysore Sandal Soap. The two-year deal is valued at Rs 6.20 crore. The announcement was made official by the state government on May 22, 2025. Mysore Sandal Soap’s Rich Heritage Mysore Sandal Soap, a product deeply rooted in Karnataka’s history, has been in production since 1916. It was launched during the reign of King Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, who established the government-run soap factory in Bengaluru. The brand is managed by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), a state-owned…

Lloyds Engineering has secured a Rs 20.67 crore contract from Cochin Shipyard to supply Fin Stabilizers for India’s Next Generation Missile Vessels. Cochin Shipyard, India’s largest shipbuilding company, had signed an agreement with the Indian Navy earlier this year to build six such vessels at an estimated cost of Rs 9,804 crore. Over the past 14 months, Lloyds Engineering has received defense orders exceeding Rs 130 crore. With India increasing its defense budget, the company plans to expand its presence in existing and emerging defense sectors. Shreekrishna Gupta, Whole-time Director at Lloyds Engineering, said the new contracts not only add…

At the Rising Northeast Investors Summit held in New Delhi, top Indian business groups announced major investment commitments to boost infrastructure, digital connectivity, and clean energy in the Northeastern region. The event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saw Reliance Industries, Adani Group, and Vedanta Group pledge a combined investment of over ₹2 lakh crore, signalling strong private sector interest in the region’s development. Reliance to Invest ₹75,000 Crore in Five Years Reliance Industries has committed ₹75,000 crore over the next five years for development projects in the Northeast. Chairman Mukesh Ambani announced this at the summit, highlighting Reliance Jio’s…