Author: News Desk

Dubai-based start-up Xpanceo has recently revealed groundbreaking prototypes of its smart contact lens, drawing inspiration from the futuristic technology depicted in the Iron Man film series. The company, having secured a significant $40 million in seed funding in October, aims to bring this innovative device to the market by 2027. Human Trials on the Horizon Xpanceo’s founder and managing partner, Roman Axelrod, shared insights into the timeline for the smart contact lens’s release. Human trials, a crucial step in the development process, are scheduled within the next two years. Axelrod anticipates that following these trials, the smart contact lenses will…

Google has recently unveiled its latest artificial intelligence model named Gemini, developed by its DeepMind division. Positioned to rival other AI systems such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Gemini is designed to exhibit human-like behavior and surpass the capabilities of existing models in tasks like comprehension, summarization, reasoning, coding, and planning. Gemini encompasses three distinct sizes within its suite: Gemini Ultra, the largest and most capable category; Gemini Pro, versatile across various tasks; and Gemini Nano, tailored for specific functions and mobile devices. Google plans to license Gemini to customers through Google Cloud, allowing them to integrate the model into their applications.…

Vimal, a Thiruvananthapuram native, embarked on his culinary journey with the establishment of “Statue Thattukada,” a nightly food stall located near the Secretariat, in close proximity to Statue Junction. The unique selling point of this venture is the presence of a statue honoring T. Madhav Rao, the former Diwan of Travancore, situated nearby, which contributed to its local fame. Though not widely recognized by the general public, Statue Thattukada has earned a notable reputation among those who frequently visit Thiruvananthapuram. The stall serves a diverse array of delectable items such as hot dosa, masala vada, omelette, and more, catering to late-night cravings. Five years ago, Vimal, an accomplished…

India is gearing up to establish a global semiconductor manufacturing hub. The expectation is to reach a semiconductor market worth $64 billion within two years. Taking into account the vast possibilities in the country, the Centre’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme has attracted leading global brands in designing, manufacturing, research, engineering, and other related fields to invest heavily in the forefront of the global stage. AMD, the renowned semiconductor company, recently inaugurated its largest design center in Bangalore, showcasing a significant triumph. With a focus on research, development, and engineering activities that span 3D stacking, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, the…

In the heart of COP28’s Green Zone, an extraordinary art installation is creating a buzz – a swarm of handcrafted origami bees in vibrant yellow. By Day 5 of the climate conference, over 500 individuals have pledged their commitment to environmental preservation through this interactive artwork, aptly named SWARM. Crafting Pledges for Collective Impact The atmosphere around SWARM pulsates with determination, as visitors are invited to create their miniature origami bees and inscribe personal pledges to nature. These pledges, symbolising the collective power of individual actions, are then integrated into the sculpture, demonstrating how many hands can collaboratively drive positive…

LIC, the Life Insurance Corporation of India, has secured the esteemed position of being the fourth-largest insurer globally based on reserves, reveals a report by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Despite India’s modest 1.9% share in global life insurance, LIC’s significant market presence catapults it into the top echelons. Global Leaders in Reserves The report discloses LIC’s impressive reserves, amounting to $503.7 billion, positioning it closely behind industry giants such as Germany’s Allianz SE ($750.2 billion), China Life Insurance Company ($616.9 billion), and Nippon Life Insurance Company ($536.8 billion). India’s Stand in Global Life Insurance In a notable feat, LIC is…

In a strategic move, Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting, under the leadership of Azim Premji, has successfully acquired three prominent personal wash brands – Jo, Doy, and Bacter Shield – from Mumbai-based VVF India. The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks Wipro’s 15th acquisition since 2003 and its third in the past 12 months. Neeraj Khatri, Chief Executive for India and SAARC business, stated that the transition of the acquired brands into Wipro’s portfolio is expected to take 3-4 months. Khatri envisions substantial revenue growth for these brands, collectively amounting to Rs 210 crore in FY23, with a doubling projection within…

To experience the breathtaking allure of the moon up close, visit Kanakakunnu in Trivandrum and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the moon Renowned British installation artist Luke Jerram’s impressive Museum of the Moon exhibit is on display at the Global Science Festival taking place in January. Standing as a testament to the illusionary beauty of the moon, the exhibit is strategically positioned at the southern hemisphere’s moon museum, Kanakakunnu. With a diameter of 23 feet, it showcases various aspects of the moon’s surface, offering a mesmerizing experience to the onlookers. The lunar reconnaissances captured by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance…

ZestMoney, a prominent buy now pay later (BNPL) platform, is set to cease its operations by the end of December, marking a significant development in the Indian fintech sector. The decision comes on the heels of the resignation of the company’s co-founders in May and the subsequent challenges in securing new funding. ZestMoney had also faced setbacks with the collapse of an acquisition deal with digital payment platform PhonePe. The impact of this decision extends to approximately 150 employees who will be let go as the company grapples with sustaining growth and overcoming financial hurdles. The formal announcement, made internally,…

In the midst of an unprecedented surge in India’s e-commerce sector, a troubling trend has emerged—online retail firms resorting to deceptive tactics that compromise consumer interests. These dubious maneuvers, commonly referred to as “dark patterns,” involve employing misleading design elements to coerce users into taking actions or making decisions that may not align with their best interests. Recognizing the potential harm posed by such practices, the central government has taken decisive action to ban dark patterns, aligning with the standards set by the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA). This proactive step is aimed at shielding consumers from manipulative strategies, with a…