Author: News Desk
A week ago, Saudi Arabian model and influencer Rumy Alqahtani made waves on Instagram when she announced her participation in the highly anticipated Miss Universe 2024 competition. This announcement marked a historic moment as she boldly claimed her place as the first Saudi Arabian to grace the Miss Universe stage. However, amidst the excitement, a statement from the Miss Universe Organization on April 1st cast a shadow of uncertainty. The organization clarified that Saudi Arabia had not undergone the rigorous selection process necessary for participation in Miss Universe 2024. So, who is Rumy Alqahtani? Born in 1995 in Riyadh, Saudi…
Jeff Bezos, the billionaire founder of Amazon.com Inc., has made headlines once again. Bezos recently acquired a six-bedroom mansion nestled within the opulent confines of South Florida’s Indian Creek island. This purchase, reportedly valued at approximately $90 million, marks Bezos’s third acquisition on the exclusive island, affirming his commitment to expanding his real estate empire. Sources familiar with the transaction revealed that Bezos intends to utilize this newly acquired property as his primary residence while he undertakes the ambitious task of demolishing his other existing houses on the island. Despite the significance of this acquisition, representatives for Bezos declined to…
Starting from April 1, 2024, Japan has revolutionized its visa issuance process for Indian tourists by introducing electronic visas (eVisas), thereby eliminating the requirement for physical visa stickers in passports. This transformative system allows applicants to electronically apply for visas through designated Japan Visa Application Centres operated by VFS Global. Tailored specifically for tourism, the Japan eVisa grants holders a single-entry short-term visa, permitting a stay of up to 90 days in Japan. The eligibility for this eVisa extends to both Indian citizens and foreign nationals residing in India, and the application process is streamlined and centralized through the Visa…
The leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, Tesla, has initiated the production of right-hand drive cars for the Indian market at its Berlin factory, according to a source familiar with Tesla’s plans. The aim is to introduce these vehicles on Indian roads later this year. Additionally, Tesla will dispatch a team to India in the third week of April to scout for suitable locations to solidify its extensive manufacturing plans aimed at producing vehicles in India for the broader developing world. The source confirmed that Tesla has begun working on both the export and manufacturing aspects of its plans following India’s…
The water crisis in Bangalore continues to escalate, prompting the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to impose additional restrictions on water usage within the city. According to a recent announcement, consumers exceeding 40 lakh litres of water per month will face a 10% reduction in their water supply starting April 10. In a meeting with major water consumers, BWSSB Chairman Ramprasath Manohar V outlined a five-point strategy aimed at promoting responsible water usage. Adherence to these guidelines would earn consumers a coveted ‘green-star rating’, as reported by the Deccan Herald. The strategy includes advocating water-saving practices, optimizing the…
Meta has announced plans to establish four to five data nodes across various locations in India. This initiative is set to revolutionise data processing speed and efficiency within the country, marking a significant departure from the current setup where data from Indian users is serviced at Meta’s data centre in Singapore. Enhancing Localised Services The upcoming data centre, situated on a sprawling 10-acre campus in Chennai’s Ambattur Industrial Estate, is a collaborative effort between Brookfield Asset Management, Reliance Industries, and Digital Realty. With a robust IT load capacity of up to 100 megawatts, this joint venture facility, known as MAA10,…
In a world marked by ambition and entrepreneurial spirit, a select group of individuals has risen to the pinnacle of wealth, amassing fortunes that rival the GDP of entire nations. These titans of industry, driven by innovation and strategic acumen, wield immense influence over the global economic landscape. Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 billionaires, their remarkable achievements, and the profound impact they have on the world. 1. Bernard Arnault & Family – LVMH (France) Bernard Arnault leads the pack as the CEO and chairman of LVMH, the world’s premier luxury goods conglomerate. With iconic brands like…
In the annals of India’s startup ecosystem, Byju’s was not just a company, it was a phenomenon. Founded in 2011 by Byju Raveendran, the edtech startup swiftly soared to unprecedented heights, becoming the country’s most valuable startup with a staggering peak valuation of $22 billion in 2022. Byju’s innovative learning app revolutionised education, offering a comprehensive platform catering to students from primary school to MBA aspirants. The Downward Spiral However, the euphoria surrounding Byju’s has dissipated rapidly in recent times, replaced by a pall of uncertainty and financial turmoil. The company’s meteoric rise was followed by an equally dramatic fall,…
Karnataka has embraced a support-and-collaboration strategy to encourage the growth of startups and eliminate hurdles hindering their progress. Priyank Kharge, the Minister of IT & BT, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj, shed light on the state government’s initiatives during an exclusive interaction with Inc42. Beyond merely providing financial assistance, Karnataka is focused on facilitating a conducive environment for startups. This includes offering plug-and-play infrastructure, facilitating access to global markets, and supporting the adoption of emerging technologies. One of the significant strides taken by the government is engaging directly with venture capitalists (VCs) to address the funding needs of startups comprehensively.…
Responses under the Right to Information Act have unveiled that the Indian Railways garnered over Rs 5,800 crore in additional revenue from senior citizens following the withdrawal of concessions in train fares four years ago. The Railway Ministry made the decision to withdraw concessions in train fares for senior citizens on March 20, 2020, coinciding with the nationwide lockdown due to Covid-19. Previously, senior citizens were entitled to a 50 per cent concession for females and a 40 per cent concession for males and transgender passengers on train fares. Since the withdrawal of concessions, senior citizens are now required to…