Author: News Desk

In a significant stride towards sustainable and eco-friendly public transportation, the Karnataka government has revealed plans to introduce 1,400 electric buses. The initiative, led by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), is slated to commence operations in April next year, with the aim of improving connectivity and curbing environmental impact. The formal inauguration of this groundbreaking project took place at the Vidhana Soudha, where Chief Minister Shri. Siddaramaiah flagged off the first batch of 100 electric buses, including both non-AC and AC variants. These buses, equipped with advanced features like panic buttons, wheelchair ramps, and digital destination boards, underscore a…

In a recent interview on Raj Shamani’s “Figuring Out” podcast, former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan unveiled details about his salary during his tenure. Rajan stated that he earned INR 4 lakh per year as the RBI governor and acknowledged that he was unaware of the current governor’s salary. Speaking about the perks of the position, Rajan emphasized that the most significant benefit was the provision of a spacious residence in proximity to Dhirubhai Ambani’s house in Mumbai’s Malabar Hill. He clarified that during his term from 2013 to 2016, his annual salary was on par with…

The subscriber count for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal YouTube channel surpassed 20 million, making him the sole world leader to achieve this milestone, significantly outpacing his global counterparts. Modi’s channel boasts over 4.5 billion views, a substantial lead over other world leaders. Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro ranks second in terms of subscribers, with approximately 6.4 million, which is less than a third of Modi’s count. In terms of views, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy comes second to the Indian prime minister with 224 million, only a fraction of Modi’s viewership. In comparison, US President Joe Biden has 789,000…

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has commenced the development of an ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) City’ in Nadarganj, Lucknow, aiming to elevate the state capital into a prominent IT hub, according to a government spokesperson. Implementation by UPLC: The UP Electronics Corporation Limited (UPLC) is executing a comprehensive action plan for the AI City’s establishment. Expression of interest has been invited from real estate developers under the ‘UP Electronics Manufacturing Policy (UPEMP)’ for city design, development, and operation. Potential Site: The IT and Electronics department has identified a 40-acre land parcel in Nadarganj, approximately three kilometers from Lucknow international airport, as…

On Tuesday, SCOPE, an exclusive networking platform for startups, unveiled a $45 million venture capital fund dedicated to driving innovation in the dynamic fintech and gaming sectors. This strategic move underscores SCOPE’s commitment to nurturing innovation, collaboration, and growth within the startup community. The VC arm, operating independently under SCOPE, aims to discover, nurture, and accelerate promising startups demonstrating disruptive potential. The announcement highlighted the recognition of significant opportunities in fintech and gaming, both experiencing unprecedented growth due to technological advancements and evolving consumer behaviors. The venture capital arm aspires to lead this revolution by offering strategic capital, mentorship, and…

InCred, the fintech firm, has achieved unicorn status, securing $60 million in a Series D funding round from both new and existing investors. With a valuation of $1.04 billion post-investment, InCred is the second company to attain unicorn status in the current year. The Series D round was spearheaded by Ranjan Pai of MEMG, who contributed $9 million. Noteworthy investments also came from Ravi Pillai, Chairman at RP Group of Companies, with $5.4 million, and Ram Nayak, Global Co-Head of the Investment Bank and Head of Fixed Income & Currencies at Deutsche Bank, with $1.2 million. The funding round witnessed…

One 97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, has strategically laid off over 1,000 employees, targeting a 15% reduction in staff costs. This initiative, executed over the past months, affects various departments, including payments, lending, operations, and sales, impacting around 10% of Paytm’s workforce. The move, driven by performance-related concerns, aligns with the company’s goal to enhance profitability in the face of financial challenges observed in the new economy sector. The sector, characterized by technologically advanced businesses, has witnessed over 28,000 job cuts in the first three quarters of the year due to increased difficulty in securing funding. While a…

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the state-of-the-art Amrit Bharat train, showcasing cutting-edge push-pull technology. Vaishnaw emphasized the revolutionary impact of this technology on both train speed and passenger comfort. The Amrit Bharat train boasts enhanced acceleration, courtesy of the push-pull technology. This innovation ensures swift acceleration and deceleration, optimizing travel time on curved tracks and bridges. The incorporation of semi-permanent couplers eliminates potential shocks within the train, enhancing overall passenger experience. Additionally, each seat is equipped with charging points, catering to the modern traveler’s need for electronic device accessibility. To…

In response to the increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions and the rising concern about environmental sustainability, various alternatives to traditional packaging materials are gaining momentum in the market. One such innovative venture is Dharaksha Ecosolutions, a B2B startup founded in 2020 by Anand Bodh and Arpit Dhupar. This article explores how Dharaksha is addressing environmental challenges by converting paddy straw stubble into biodegradable packaging material, offering a sustainable solution to the packaging industry. The Genesis of Dharaksha: Driven by the alarming increase in field fire incidents, particularly stubble burning, Bodh and Dhupar identified a critical need for economically viable alternatives for farmers. Stubble burning…

As the festive season envelops India with the joyous celebrations of Christmas and the anticipation of a new year, startups find themselves at a unique juncture. This period not only marks the culmination of the current year but also offers a strategic opportunity to prepare for the challenges and opportunities that the next year holds. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how startups can make the most of the holiday season to set the stage for a successful year ahead. Reflecting on the Year Before diving into the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, take a moment for reflection. Evaluate the…