Author: News Desk
Ravi Pillai, a name synonymous with success and luxury, is the founder of the RP Group, a global conglomerate with diverse business interests. From humble beginnings in Kerala, he built an empire spanning multiple industries and countries. Pillai’s penchant for opulence is evident in his collection of world-class vehicles and his remarkable acquisition of a ₹100 crore Airbus H145 helicopter, making him the first Indian to own this aviation marvel. Here’s a closer look at Ravi Pillai’s exceptional taste in helicopters and cars, which reflects his larger-than-life journey. Airbus H145: The ₹100 Crore Wonder Ravi Pillai’s Airbus H145 is a…
Amid the grandeur of Indian blockbusters in 2024, a humble Malayalam romantic drama, Premalu, stole the spotlight. With a modest budget of just ₹3 crore and no big stars, the film defied all expectations, earning a staggering ₹136 crore at the box office. Its incredible 45x return on investment made it the most profitable Indian film of the year, leaving even the biggest hits like Pushpa 2, Kalki 2898 AD, and Stree 2 in its wake. A Small Film’s Big Win Directed by Girish AD, Premalu tells a simple yet heartfelt story that resonated deeply with audiences. Initially, the film…
In recent years, Bollywood actresses have ventured beyond their on-screen roles, taking on the challenge of creating and managing their own beauty brands. However, the shift from glamour to entrepreneurship in India’s booming $21 billion beauty market has proven to be more challenging than anticipated. Kay Beauty: The Exception to the Rule Among the seven actress-founded beauty brands, only Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty, in collaboration with Nykaa, has managed to secure profitability. Launched in 2019, Kay Beauty has seen consistent success, with revenues increasing by 45.83% to reach Rs 88.23 crore (approximately $10.6 million) in fiscal year 2024. The brand…
In the world of business aviation, the most expensive jets are a blend of cutting-edge technology, luxury, and impressive performance. Here’s a look at some of the priciest jets across various categories, ranging from very light to bizliners, highlighting their standout features. Very Light Jets Cessna Citation M2 Gen 2 – $6.15 million The Citation M2 is a sleek, fast jet with a range of 1,550 nautical miles, ideal for short trips. It’s powered by two William FJ44 engines, capable of reaching speeds of up to 465 mph. The jet’s cabin comfortably accommodates five passengers, with a fully enclosed lavatory…
The MG Windsor EV is quickly becoming one of the most popular electric vehicles (EVs) in India. It has topped sales charts for three months in a row, beating rival car brands and making a strong mark in the growing EV market. Strong Sales Performance JSW MG Motor India announced that the Windsor EV has led the electric passenger vehicle segment for three consecutive months. In December, it sold 3,785 units, following solid sales of 3,116 units in October and 3,144 units in November. With over 10,000 units sold since its launch, the Windsor EV is showing impressive growth, especially…
Blinkit’s recent launch of a 10-minute ambulance service in Gurugram has received both praise and humorous reactions on social media. The service, which started on January 2, is already making waves, with many highlighting its potential to reduce emergency response times. The Service The 10-minute ambulance service is available in select areas of Gurugram as a pilot project. Blinkit users can now call for an ambulance directly through the Blinkit app. The ambulances are fully equipped with life-saving equipment such as oxygen cylinders, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), stretchers, and essential emergency medicines. Each vehicle is manned by a trained driver,…
A recent claim made rounds on social media, alleging that the Income Tax Department would use DigiYatra data to crack down on tax evaders. Upon investigation by Channeliam Fact Check, it was found that the claim is false. The Claim On December 30, an X (formerly Twitter) post spread a report from The New Indian Express with the headline: “Tax department to tap Digi Yatra data to go after evaders.” The post suggested that this move would lead to the misuse of personal data from DigiYatra, urging concerns over data privacy. Investigation and Findings by Channeliam Fact Check Channeliam Fact…
Avi Kapur, an entrepreneur focused on combating AI-driven cyber threats, is already making waves in Silicon Valley with his startup, Extrian Security. His journey took an unconventional turn when he decided to leave the University of California, Berkeley, after just a year studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences. This decision was driven by his determination to devote himself entirely to his startup venture. A Passion for AI from a Young Age Kapur’s journey into artificial intelligence began long before his time at Berkeley. Growing up in Dubai, he was deeply interested in AI from an early age. He worked on…
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has made significant strides in constructing 56,700 kilometers of National Highways (NHs) over the last decade. However, in 2025, the focus is shifting toward improving the quality of these highways’ construction and maintenance to provide a safer, more efficient experience for users. This marks a critical step toward overcoming current challenges and enhancing India’s highway infrastructure. Expanding the National Highway Network Since 2013-14, India’s National Highway network has seen a substantial expansion, increasing from 91,000 km to 146,000 km. This growth is a testament to MoRTH’s commitment to improving national connectivity. Despite…
Doordarshan’s (DD) viewership dropped to 656.4 million in 2024, marking a decline from the 724 million viewers in 2022. Despite continuous efforts to enhance its programming and increase engagement, the public broadcaster is struggling to maintain its reach. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has acknowledged these challenges and is working on strategies, including program expansion and the implementation of a new revenue-sharing model, to boost the viewership of DD channels. Vacant Posts and Staffing Issues One of the critical concerns highlighted in the recent parliamentary standing committee report is the increasing number of vacant posts at Doordarshan. The number…
