Author: News Desk

E-commerce giant Flipkart is expanding its horizons, venturing into the realm of payments to offer customers a seamless and comprehensive shopping experience. This move puts it in direct competition with rival Amazon, as both platforms aim to provide a full suite of financial services. Diversifying Beyond E-commerce Flipkart is no longer just an online marketplace; it’s evolving into a multifaceted platform. In addition to its core business, it now offers insurance, mobile recharges, and a range of payment products, mirroring the strategies of leading fintech players. Comprehensive Payment Suite Both Flipkart and Amazon are vying for dominance by providing a…

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has successfully tested personal loan transactions with Easypay and DMI Finance in January 2024, paving the way for further innovations in the financial services sector. This achievement comes amid ONDC’s continued growth, witnessing over 1 lakh daily transactions in retail and ride-hailing, a year after its entry into hyperlocal commerce. ONDC is actively building infrastructure for credit, insurance, and wealth management, with key players like Aditya Birla Capital, Tata Capital, and Bajaj Finserv in various stages of integration. A significant focus for ONDC is facilitating loan transactions for small business owners, with plans…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making significant strides in reshaping various aspects of our lives, and its latest frontier is revolutionising the creation of music. Enter a new era where AI not only fixes existing tracks but composes and sings catchy tunes, leveraging the voices of iconic singers who are no longer with us. Renowned composer A.R. Rahman has pioneered the use of AI in music creation, recently releasing a track for Rajatikanth’s film Lal Salam. Leveraging advanced algorithms, Rahman breathed life into the voices of late singers Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hamid, showcasing the transformative power of AI in artistic…

As the colossal Icon of the Seas embarked on its maiden voyage from the Port of Miami, the world witnessed the inauguration of the largest cruise ship, a floating masterpiece designed to redefine the very essence of luxury cruising. This architectural marvel, standing at nearly 1,200 feet and weighing 250,800 gross tons, promises an extraordinary journey blending opulence, innovation, and panoramic oceanic vistas. Island Magic and Architectural Marvel The ship’s graceful glide into open waters marked the commencement of a sold-out, seven-night island-hopping voyage, offering travellers an immersive tropical escape. With a distinctive parabolic bow ensuring smooth navigation, Icon of…

ClearTrust, a leading new-age ad tracking and fraud detection platform, has announced that it has raised $1.9 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Venture Capital firm Ideaspring Capital with participation from Piper Serica Angel Fund. With the fresh funding, the company plans to expand its operations into North America and further invest in research and development in AI, cybersecurity, and deep tech to develop critical filters that will help detect advertising frauds that have become one of the biggest threats to the advertising industry lately. ClearTrust claims that it has 34 clients in the US, Israel, India, and…

A transformative wave is sweeping through India’s electronics manufacturing sector as major global players are gearing up to establish expansive mega campuses in the country. This marks a significant leap forward for India, reinforcing its position as an attractive destination for electronics manufacturing. The surge in interest from international firms underscores the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, which aims to bolster domestic production and position the country as a global manufacturing hub. Emergence of Mega Campuses The landscape of electronic manufacturing in India is undergoing a paradigm shift, with a focus on the creation of…

Amidst a diplomatic dispute between New Delhi and Male, Indians have slipped from being the top tourist group to the fifth position in the Maldives, as per recent official data. The Maldives Ministry of Tourism reports a notable decline in Indian travellers, despite over 2 lakh annual visits in the past three years. The country’s popularity among Indians faces a setback following derogatory comments by Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As of January 28, Maldives received over 1.74 lakh tourists, with only 13,989 being Indians, while Russia, Italy, China, and the UK top the chart. This shift highlights…

In a bold move, International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) has issued a companywide mandate demanding its managers either return to working from the office or face potential separation from the company. According to a memo dated January 16, viewed by Bloomberg, all US managers are now required to report to an office or client location at least three days a week, regardless of their current work location status. Monitoring Presence: Badge-in Data and Accountability IBM plans to use badge-in data to assess individual presence, sharing the information with managers and human resources. The Senior Vice President, John Granger, emphasised the…

In a recent board meeting chaired by TTD chairman B Karunakara Reddy, the Trust Board of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has greenlit a budget estimate of Rs 5,142 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. This modest increase from the previous year’s budget of Rs 5,123 crore reflects the ongoing commitment to the maintenance and enhancement of the revered Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. Financial Highlights: Devotees’ offerings, known as hundi kanuka, continue to be the primary revenue source, remaining steady at Rs 1,611 crore. Interest receipts have seen a rise of Rs 100 crore, reaching Rs 1,167 crore, while prasadams receipts have increased to Rs 600 crore from…

The Maharajas Express, an epitome of opulence in the world of luxury train tours, proudly holds the title of the ‘World’s Leading Luxury Train’ for an impressive seven consecutive times at the esteemed World Travel Awards. Surpassing renowned counterparts like the Royal Scotsman in the UK, Orient Express in Europe, and the Blue Train in South Africa, this train sets a new standard in luxury travel. Journeys Through India Operating across North, Central, and Western India, the Maharajas Express offers four distinct journeys, each with a unique name. Guests can choose from four different categories of cabins and suites, with one journey lasting 3 nights and the remaining three journeys spanning…