Author: News Desk

Chhattisgarh is breaking new ground in the world of eco-friendly aesthetics, turning to an unlikely source for paint, cow dung. In a distinctive initiative, public buildings and schools are getting a makeover using organic paint derived from this natural material. This unconventional approach is making waves not just for its unique origin but also for its numerous benefits. From Pasture to Paint: The Process Unveiled The production of cow dung paint involves a meticulous process. Cow dung is collected, cleaned, and processed into a fine powder. This powder undergoes a transformative journey involving bleaching and the addition of colours, resulting…

The year 2023 witnessed a significant workforce shakeup in the Indian startup ecosystem, with data from market research firm TheKredible revealing that over 100 startups in the country laid off more than 24,000 employees. Troubled giants like Byju’s, ShareChat, Swiggy, and Unacademy were among the unicorn firms leading the pack in employee layoffs, as disclosed by TheKredible to TOI. Funding Dips to a Seven-Year Low, Sparking Cost-Cutting Measures The layoffs were propelled by a combination of factors, including a scarcity of funding and mounting pressure from investors to shift towards profitability. Startups across various sectors found themselves compelled to trim…

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed on Thursday that Micron Technology, a semiconductor manufacturer establishing a plant in India, is scheduled to release its inaugural chip within the country by December 2024. Micron had disclosed its $825 million investment for a new assembly and test facility in Gujarat in June of the preceding year. Minister Vaishnaw highlighted that Micron’s announcement was made in June 2023, and the physical construction commenced in September 2023, underscoring the progress in India’s semiconductor initiatives. “It’s how many days? 90 days, it’s a record for anywhere else in the world. This has given huge confidence,”…

Samsung has officially opened pre-bookings for its highly anticipated Galaxy S24 series, comprising the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 smartphones. This launch is marked by a transformative integration of mobile AI, promising users an unprecedented experience. The Galaxy S24 series stands out by facilitating barrier-free communication, unleashing creative possibilities through the Galaxy ProVisual Engine, and revolutionizing the search experience for Galaxy users. Samsung aims to redefine how users perceive and interact with the world around them through these innovative features. The flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra steals the spotlight with its impressive specifications, boasting a sizable 6.8-inch QHD+…

Kevin Ellis, the Chair of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) UK, has advocated for junior staff to spend more time in the office to secure promotions. Ellis cites the rise of Generative AI, which is assuming routine tasks traditionally assigned to junior employees. In an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he emphasised the importance of face-to-face interactions and developmental activities, urging against the temptation of remote work. AI’s Impact on Junior Staff: Generative AI is reshaping the landscape by automating tasks that junior staff traditionally handled as part of their training. Ellis highlights the need to navigate this shift by…

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has voiced his concern over a deep fake video circulating on social media, wherein he appears to be endorsing an online gaming app. This incident adds to the growing list of Indian celebrities, including actresses Rashmika Mandanna, Alia Bhatt, Kajol, and Katrina Kaif, who have fallen victim to such manipulative videos. Tendulkar’s Disapproval: Tendulkar took to social media to denounce the deep fake video, emphasising that the video was entirely fabricated. Expressing his distress, he posted on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the widespread misuse of technology to create misleading content. The video falsely depicted Tendulkar…

Indian corporations are witnessing a notable uptick in efforts to appoint seasoned women professionals to pivotal leadership positions. From CFOs to CEOs, companies are increasingly emphasising the inclusion of women in these high-profile roles. Insights from executive search firms and board members, as reported by ET, shed light on this growing trend. Dual Drivers – ESG Standards and Board Commitment to Diversity This surge is being propelled by a dual focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and a firm commitment from company boards to enhance diversity in top-level positions. Industry leaders note that investors are now not only…

In the wake of the upcoming opening of the Ram Temple for public visits post the ‘Pran Prathishtha’ ceremony, Akasa Air has unveiled plans to operate one-stop flights from Pune to Ayodhya via Delhi. This move follows similar announcements by other airlines, including IndiGo, Air India Express, and SpiceJet, signifying a surge in air travel options to the sacred city. Akasa Air’s Entry: Akasa Air, joining the ranks, has scheduled daily morning flights starting from February 15. Departing from Pune at 8:50 am, the one-stop journey through Delhi will conclude in Ayodhya at 12:55 pm. Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief…

The leaders from 54 of the 111 unicorns in India, startups valued at over $1 billion, gathered to meet with the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal. The discussion centered around the growth trajectory of India’s startup ecosystem, the significance of domestic capital in supporting and expanding startups, and India’s standing in the global startup landscape. Among the notable attendees were Vijay Shekhar Sharma, (Founder of Paytm), Rikant Pitti, (Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip), Sandeep Aggarwal (Founder of Droom), Deepinder Goyal (Founder of Zomato), Aman Gupta (Co-Founder of BoAt), and representatives from Flipkart, Phonepe, Swiggy, OYO, and Zerodha. The four-hour meeting…

As the Indian government engages in discussions with Tesla to encourage the electric vehicle manufacturer to establish manufacturing operations in the country, any incentive mechanisms introduced by the government will extend to all participants in the electric vehicle sector. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), told Moneycontrol, “This is still at a negotiation stage. And during the course of sensitive negotiations like this, we really can’t get ahead of ourselves and start talking about what the final formula will be. As I always say about this issue, whatever…