Author: News Desk
Addressing concerns at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Sunil Mittal, Chairperson of Bharti Enterprises, emphasised that cash-strapped telecom giant Vodafone Idea urgently needs a patient investor willing to infuse approximately $9 billion. The financial challenges have persisted for the last few years, raising questions about the company’s sustainability. Funding Setback from DFC: Vodafone Idea’s attempt to secure funding from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) for the deployment of OpenRAN and 5G-related technologies faced a setback. The DFC, the US government’s development finance institution, declined support, impacting the telco’s plans for technology advancements. Negotiations with DFC Continue: Despite…
Indian Railways has announced plans to introduce 60 new Vande Bharat Express trains this year, with launches scheduled in 14 states and two central administrative regions. This initiative follows last year’s introduction of 34 Vande Bharat trains. The railway aims to deploy a total of 70 Vande Bharat trains on tracks this year, with a specific target of unveiling 60 of them by November 15. Discussions are underway regarding the routes to be covered by these services, with state governments and independent consultants collaborating with Indian Railways to finalize decisions. The decision to initiate Vande Bharat services has prompted discussions…
Suresh Gopi’s daughter, Bhagya, captured attention with her simple yet elegant attire during her wedding day. The images that surfaced outside of the ceremony showcased the unique blend of traditional Kerala culture and modern simplicity. The social media discussions mainly revolved around her choice of clothing, which included traditional outfits and a simple look that resonated well with the sensibilities of Malayalis. Designer Shobha Vishwanath, known for her designs that are beloved by Keralites, played a significant role in crafting Bhagya’s wedding attire. The simplicity in her style, combined with the grace of traditional Kerala aesthetics, garnered widespread appreciation. The…
Google has confirmed a fresh round of layoffs, impacting up to 1,000 employees across various departments. The affected areas include Google’s hardware division, central engineering teams, and Google Assistant. The announcement was made through an internal email, expressing the company’s regret and acknowledging the difficulty of the decision. Severance pay has been assured for eligible employees, along with an opportunity to reapply for select positions in other departments. However, those unable to secure a new position within the company will face departure in April. Outplacement services are being offered, and the email provides information on state unemployment benefits for affected…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated three groundbreaking infrastructure projects, collectively valued at over Rs. 4,000 crore. These initiatives mark a significant stride towards realising the Prime Minister’s vision of revitalising India’s ports, shipping, and waterways sector while bolstering the nation’s capacity and self-sufficiency. New Dry Dock (NDD) One of the highlights of this infrastructure boost is the inauguration of the New Dry Dock (NDD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). This flagship project, crafted at an investment of around Rs. 1,800 crore, stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of New India. Spanning an impressive 310 metres in length,…
India stands out among countries where Indian tourists can get more value for their money. Some countries offer an enhanced experience, safety, and affordability compared to the Indian Rupee. This article explores some of these attractive destinations, discussing their unique features and why they appeal to Indian travellers. Nepal – The Budget-Friendly Haven Nepal emerges as a budget-friendly haven for Indian travellers, where the exchange rate of 1 Indian Rupee equals approximately 1.60 Nepalese Rupees. Not only is Nepal easily accessible at a low cost, but the country also provides a range of trekking routes for adventurous souls. Popular destinations…
Elon Musk’s humanoid robot, Optimus, showcased its t-shirt folding skills at a Tesla development facility, providing a glimpse into its capabilities. However, Musk’s follow-up revelations about the robot’s limitations and the timeline for full autonomy raise questions. Optimus: A Pricy Puppet in Action In a recent video, Elon Musk’s Optimus humanoid robot impressively folded a t-shirt on a table within a development facility. Despite the initial excitement, Musk revealed that the robot’s actions were not autonomous, presenting it more as a sophisticated marionette or a modern mimicry of early automatons. The robot executed prescribed motions, indicating a controlled and somewhat…
Sharjah Airport Authority has disclosed its performance results for 2023 during the annual airport management meeting at Buhais Geology Park in Al Madam, Sharjah. The outcomes underscore the emirate’s prominent position on the global travel map and its delivery of exceptional services to passengers and businesses. According to the Authority, the number of passengers handled at the airport reached 15.3 million in 2023, representing a remarkable 17.4% growth compared to 13.1 million in 2022. The air traffic experienced a 12.5% increase, with over 98,000 flight movements in 2023 compared to approximately 87,000 in 2022. Additionally, the total cargo volume handled…
In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia is set to introduce air taxis to facilitate the transportation of pilgrims during the Islamic Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. This ambitious initiative, revealed by the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA), marks a significant technological leap in the country’s commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience. Innovative Collaboration: Volocopter and Saudi Authorities The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at the heart of this project have been developed through a collaborative effort between Saudi authorities and the renowned Volocopter company. These cutting-edge aircraft are poised to offer a cost-effective, versatile, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional…
On the occasion of National Startup Day 2024, Gujarat has once again proven its prowess in the startup ecosystem by clinching the title of the best-performing state. Piyush Goyal, the Minister of Commerce & Industry, made the announcement, highlighting Gujarat’s consistent leadership in fostering a robust environment for startups. The States’ Startup Ranking 2022, released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), showcased Gujarat at the forefront, followed by Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh. Results The results of the 4th edition of the States’ Startup Ranking 2022 were disclosed at a ceremony held in…