Author: News Desk
Kerala has earmarked a substantial budget of over INR 12,400 crore for the development of a green transport corridor, complemented by an allocation of INR 90 crore for the initial phase of the green hydrogen valley project. The comprehensive funding aims to cover all aspects of the hydrogen value chain, encompassing production, distribution, and transportation, with a focus on establishing three hydrogen valley platforms. The “Green Corridor” project, connecting the Ernakulam Town and Ernakulam Junction railway stations with a 2.5km stretch, had its detailed project report (DPR) submitted by Kochi Corporation in 2020. The state envisions the creation of two…
Launched in 2015, the Mudra Yojana Scheme is a government initiative supporting small and micro-enterprises. Highlighting its commitment to gender equality, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasises that women are accorded top priority under the PM Mudra Yojana scheme. This initiative is a game-changer, particularly for women entrepreneurs, providing them with crucial financial aid to kickstart or expand their businesses. Inclusive Financing for Women: Under this scheme, there’s a unique offering called the Mudra Yojana Loan Scheme or Mahila Udhyami Yojana. It’s tailor-made for women, offering loans up to Rs 10 lakhs without the need for collateral. The interest rates are low, and repayment terms are flexible,…
Indian refiners have rekindled ties with Venezuela, resuming oil purchases through intermediaries. Sources reveal that Reliance, a major player in the Indian refining sector, is set to engage with executives from Venezuela’s state-owned firm PDVSA in discussions regarding direct sales. This move comes on the heels of the temporary easing of U.S. sanctions on Venezuela, allowing for a renewed trade relationship between the two nations. Temporary Lift of U.S. Sanctions Sparks Renewed Interest The temporary lifting of U.S. sanctions in October prompted a surge in spot sales of crude and fuel from Venezuela, primarily directed towards China. India, once the…
Wipro Consumer Care-Ventures, the startup investment arm of Wipro’s consumer division, has unveiled its second fund with a substantial corpus of Rs 250 crore. This fund will be dedicated to supporting and investing in emerging consumer startups across India and Southeast Asia. Continued Focus on E-Commerce Driven Startups: The fund, according to Sumit Keshan, Managing Partner of Wipro Consumer Care-Ventures, will primarily target e-commerce driven companies from the Pre-Series A stage onward. The investment approach involves taking a minority stake, capped at 25%, while continuing the strategy of actively assisting and nurturing startups as needed. Strategic Sector Focus: Keshan emphasised…
Bitcoin surged to $40,000, marking its highest value since May 2022, as the leading digital asset extended its rebound in 2023. The increase is attributed to expectations of interest-rate reductions and growing demand from exchange-traded funds, according to a Bloomberg report. In the early hours of Monday, the cryptocurrency gained approximately 1%, reaching $40,005 in Singapore. This brought its 2023 surge to 142%. Bitcoin had last touched the $40,000 mark before the collapse of the TerraUSD stablecoin, which contributed to a broader downturn in digital assets. Investors are increasingly confident that the Federal Reserve has concluded its rate hikes as…
India’s workforce has been at the centre of a heated debate recently, sparked by Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy’s controversial suggestion that the country’s youth should work 70 hours a week to compete with rapidly advancing economies. However, Kris Gopalakrishnan, another co-founder of Infosys, has a nuanced perspective on this matter. Speaking at the Infosys Prize event in Bengaluru on November 15th, Gopalakrishnan shared his thoughts on the 70-hour workweek and its implications for India’s progress. Individual Choice and Responsibilities: Gopalakrishnan emphasised the importance of individual choice in deciding the number of hours one dedicates to work. In his view,…
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up for a transformative leap into the era of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) with the imminent introduction of all-electric air taxis. These futuristic aerial vehicles are set to revolutionise the way people traverse the Emirates, promising to cut travel durations in half. From launch dates to the economic and environmental implications, here’s a comprehensive guide to the upcoming Air Taxi revolution. Ready for Takeoff: Launching Air Taxis in the UAE Come the first quarter of 2026, the UAE skies will witness the inaugural flight of all-electric air taxis, marking the realisation of the…
In a revolutionary stride towards inclusivity, Atypical Advantage stands as India’s largest platform dedicated to creating economic opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes, this platform serves as a catalyst for change by connecting individuals with disabilities to a wide array of opportunities, ranging from artistic endeavours to fulfilling career paths. Connecting Talent with Opportunity: Atypical Advantage acts as a powerful bridge, addressing the disconnect between talent and opportunity within the disability community. Whether it’s a singer seeking a stage, a visual artist eager to showcase their creations, or job seekers looking for meaningful employment,…
Taylor Swift is poised to rake in a staggering $100 million from Spotify in 2023, fueled by her record-breaking streams on the platform. The streaming giant’s year-end Wrapped count estimates Swift’s streams at a whopping 26.1 billion, translating to recorded music royalties of nearly $97 million, as reported by Billboard. This year, Taylor Swift outshoned her peers by claiming the coveted title of Spotify’s top-streamed artist of 2023. Her total streams are projected to reach 27.2 billion by December’s end. When factoring in publishing revenue, her recorded music royalties from Spotify alone are anticipated to hit $101 million, bringing the…
Bollywood diva Katrina Kaif graced the Red Sea Film Festival 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, adding a touch of Indian elegance to the star-studded event. Alongside notable personalities like Ranveer Singh, Freida Pinto, and Will Smith, Katrina’s dazzling appearance in a black saree stole the spotlight. Let’s delve into the details of her stunning traditional ensemble. The Red Carpet Glam: Katrina Kaif took to Instagram to share glimpses of her Red Sea Film Festival red carpet look, showcasing the magic of her ethnic attire. The actress radiated grace in a black Sabyasachi chiffon saree, replete with intricate sequin embellishments and…