Author: News Desk
Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara, a 96-year-old puppeteer from Karnataka, has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri for her exceptional contribution to the traditional art of leather show puppetry, known as ‘Togalu Gombeyaata’. The honor was conferred upon her during a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, where President Droupadi Murmu presented India’s fourth-highest civilian award to the veteran artist. Who is Bhimavva Shillekyathara? For nearly 80 years, Bhimavva has captivated audiences with her skill in shadow puppetry, a form of traditional storytelling using leather puppets. Her performances blend mythology, music, and intricate puppet movements, preserving and promoting India’s rich folk heritage. Despite…
Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has delivered multibagger returns of 560% in two years, far outperforming the BSE Sensex, which rose by 31.4% in the same period. On Tuesday, CSL shares surged 11.16% to Rs 1,670, up from the previous close of Rs 1,502.35. The stock’s 52-week range lies between Rs 1,169 and Rs 2,977.10. Trading volume rose more than ninefold. Company OverviewCSL is a major shipbuilding and ship repair company involved in constructing, refitting, and upgrading all types of vessels. Its market capitalisation is above Rs 43,000 crore. As of June 30, 2024, its order book stood at around Rs…
The government has clarified that there is no plan to impose GST on UPI transactions above ₹2,000. Reports claiming this are false and baseless. GST Only on Payment-Related Charges GST is only applied to charges like the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for certain digital payments. Since January 2020, UPI Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions have had no MDR, meaning no GST is charged on them. Government Continues to Support UPI To boost UPI usage, an Incentive Scheme has been active since FY 2021-22. It supports low-value UPI (P2M) transactions and helps small merchants by lowering transaction costs. Incentive Scheme Payouts The scheme’s…
The RS 457 features a sleek, aerodynamic design inspired by Italian motorcycles. It includes triple LED headlights, a full-faired body, and sharp lines that make it stand out. The bike is available in Prismatic Dark, Opalescent Light, and Racing Stripes colors. Weighing 175 kg, it balances agility and road presence. Most parts are locally sourced from Piaggio’s Baramati plant, supporting eco-friendly production. Powerful 457cc EngineThe RS 457 is equipped with a 457cc parallel-twin engine producing 47 bhp and 43.5 Nm torque. It comes with a 6-speed gearbox and a slip-and-assist clutch. The bike can go from 0–60 km/h in under…
Urban Company is a tech-enabled, app-based platform offering a wide range of at-home services in beauty, wellness, and home maintenance. Founded by Abhiraj Singh Bhal, Varun Khaitan, and Raghav Chandra, the company connects consumers with verified service professionals for needs like plumbing, electrical repairs, cleaning, pest control, skincare, grooming, and more. As of December 2024, Urban Company operated in 59 cities, including 48 in India and others in countries such as the UAE, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. IPO Plan and Fundraising Details Urban Company has filed a Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI to launch its Initial Public Offering…
Campa Cola, India’s iconic fizzy drink, is making its way into the Omani market after establishing a foothold in the UAE. This move also marks a significant milestone for Reliance Consumer Products, which acquired the Campa Cola brand in 2022. Nostalgia for Indian Expats For Indian expatriates in the Gulf, especially those of a certain age, Campa Cola remains a nostalgic favorite. Alongside ‘Thums Up,’ it was one of the drinks that gained popularity before Pepsi and Coca-Cola re-entered India in the 1990s. A New Following Among Young Consumers Since the Reliance acquisition, Campa Cola has managed to attract a…
The Union Cabinet is expected to approve a Rs 25,000-crore Maritime Development Fund (MDF) aimed at boosting India’s shipping industry. The Ministry of Shipping has submitted the final proposal for Cabinet approval Background and Budget Announcement Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced the creation of the MDF during the Union Budget on February 1, 2025. Following the budget announcement, the Ministry of Shipping held discussions with industry stakeholders to finalize the proposal. The Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) has approved the proposal, which has now been forwarded for Cabinet approval. Funding Details and Contributions The MDF will provide financial assistance to…
Elon Musk, CEO of Neuralink, Tesla, and SpaceX, has claimed that robots will outperform even the best human surgeons within five years. The statement was made in response to a social media post highlighting recent advancements in robotic surgery. Cites Neuralink’s Brain Surgery Robot Musk referred to Neuralink’s surgical robot, which inserts brain-computer interface electrodes with extreme precision. He stated that humans couldn’t match the speed and accuracy required for this task, making robotic intervention essential. Backed by Real-World Results The post that Musk responded to featured Medtronic’s Hugo robotic system. It was tested in 137 real-world surgeries involving organs…
Bankrupt Pakistan is expected to face a serious shortage of medicines after India suspended all forms of trade with the country. Around 30–40% of Pakistan’s raw materials for medicines, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and advanced therapeutic products, come from India. Pakistani health officials are worried that this trade halt will deeply affect their pharmaceutical sector. Emergency Measures Underway According to a Geo News report, the Pakistan Drug Regulatory Authority has not yet issued any official notice about the impact. However, emergency steps have been taken to avoid a medicine shortage. A senior official said they are exploring alternative ways…
Mangoes, often referred to as the “king of fruits,” are more than just a seasonal treat—they are a global business. At the heart of the world’s largest mango operation is Mukesh Ambani, known for leading India’s largest industrial empire. However, his influence extends into agriculture, where Reliance Industries has quietly built the world’s largest mango export operation through a 600-acre mango orchard in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The Origin of the Mango Orchard The journey of this remarkable orchard, named Dhirubhai Ambani Lakhibagh Amrai, began in 1997, during a time when Reliance was grappling with stringent environmental regulations related to its Jamnagar…