Author: News Desk

Anoop Ambika, CEO of the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), emphasized the transformative potential of artificial intelligence while cautioning that effective implementation requires real-world testing with teachers, students, and citizens to identify challenges and opportunities. He noted that summits like these are crucial for bringing together experts from across India and the world to share insights and inform policy-making in AI governance. Anoop highlighted Kerala’s early efforts in AI for public service delivery. Through targeted initiatives under KSUM, the state has been able to focus on practical applications of AI rather than general usage. Departments across Kerala were engaged in exercises…

For generations of Indians, a cup of hot tea has always been paired with a pack of Parle-G biscuits. Dunked, shared, and often finished in one sitting, the biscuits have been more than a snack — they are part of daily routines, childhood memories, and family traditions. Now, the iconic Parle-G factory in Vile Parle East, Mumbai, is set to be redeveloped, marking the end of an era. The Maharashtra State Environment Impact Assessment Authority recently approved the transformation of the 13.54-acre site into a commercial complex, allowing demolition of 21 old structures. Biscuit production at the facility had already…

Oracle is reportedly preparing to lay off between 20,000 and 30,000 employees as part of a strategy to finance its AI data centre expansion, according to a report by CIO citing investment bank TD Cowen. The move comes amid rising concerns over financing the company’s multi-billion-dollar cloud and AI ambitions. The planned job cuts would generate an estimated $8 billion to $10 billion in free cash flow, helping Oracle address questions from both equity and debt investors about its ability to fund the data centre buildout. TD Cowen estimates that Oracle requires roughly $156 billion in capital expenditure to support…

The government on Sunday announced an increase in the duty-free allowance for passengers arriving in India, raising the limit from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. The move, aimed at simplifying travel and reflecting higher overseas travel and consumption, applies to Indian residents and tourists of Indian origin arriving by air or sea. Under the new Baggage Rules, 2026, passengers can bring goods worth up to ₹75,000 without paying customs duty, provided the items are for personal use and carried in their luggage. The rules also permit duty-free clearance of used personal effects and travel souvenirs required for daily life, including items carried on…

From 1 February, new taxation and compliance rules for tobacco products and pan masala will come into force, affecting manufacturers across the country. Under the Health and National Security Cess Act, pan masala units will continue to face a cess on their production capacity, while the total tax burden, including 40% GST, will remain at 88%. Chewing tobacco and jarda-scented tobacco, including gutkha, will attract excise duties of 82% and 91%, respectively. A key change is the introduction of an MRP-based valuation system for tobacco products such as chewing tobacco, filter khaini, jarda-scented tobacco, and gutkha. Under this system, GST…

Fresh details have surfaced in the death of Confident Group Chairman C.J. Roy, who died by suicide in Bengaluru earlier this week. A handwritten death note left behind by Roy has now been accessed exclusively, offering investigators critical insight into the events and concerns that preceded his death. Police officials say the note has become a central piece of evidence in the ongoing probe being conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The document is currently under detailed examination as authorities attempt to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to sources familiar with the contents, Roy began the note…

Toni Storm and Juice Robinson, married AEW stars, have not only captured fans’ attention inside the ring but also achieved notable financial success. According to recent reports, their combined net worth is approximately $4 million, reflecting strong careers and broad appeal in professional wrestling. Storm, known for her dynamic presence and multiple reigns as AEW Women’s World Champion, contributes a significant share of the couple’s wealth through her AEW contract, merchandise sales, pay-per-view appearances and brand partnerships. Robinson, wrestling under his ring name in AEW and with work in international promotions, has diversified income streams that include dual contracts and live event earnings. Together, their…

Major Siddharth Rathore (Retd) has carved a remarkable path from being a highly trained Para Special Forces commando in the Indian Army to becoming a security leader in the corporate world. Born in a small town in Rajasthan and influenced by his uncle Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat, Rathore chose one of the most demanding paths in the Indian Army, the Parachute Regiment Special Forces, where he became the first officer directly commissioned into the 12th Battalion. For over ten years, he operated in environments that required sharp tactical decision-making, mental resilience and composure under pressure. His training encompassed modern warfare techniques, close-quarters combat and…

The Union Budget 2026, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, received high praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized the strategic vision and broad implications of the fiscal plan for India’s growth and global standing. According to the Prime Minister, this year’s Budget strikes a careful balance between high capital expenditure and sustained economic growth, ensuring that investments in infrastructure, industry, and technology go hand in hand with initiatives to maintain macroeconomic stability. He highlighted that the Budget is designed not only to accelerate India’s current growth trajectory but also to strengthen its position on the global stage, reinforcing…

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 on Sunday, amid global uncertainties around U.S. tariffs. The Budget draws a clear distinction between items likely to become cheaper for consumers and areas that could see higher costs. On the relief side, measures aim to lower prices for sports equipment, leather goods, cancer medicines, and seafood through customs exemptions, duty-free imports, and targeted policies, supporting both domestic industries and patients. Cheaper products and support measures: What could become costlier: Trading activities and some corporate cash-distribution routes may see higher costs due to proposed changes in buyback taxation, Securities Transaction Tax (STT), and Tax Collected at Source…