Author: News Desk

In a landmark decision on December 11, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Presidential order abolishing Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The court asserted that the state didn’t retain an element of sovereignty after acceding to India. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, leading the five-judge constitutional bench, emphasized that Article 370 was a temporary provision, endorsing the government’s move to revoke the provision that permitted the state to have its flag and a separate constitution. The bench, comprising Justices S K Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai, and Surya Kant, declared the bifurcation…

In a groundbreaking financial achievement, Zerodha founders, Nithin Kamath and Nikhil Kamath, have nearing an impressive annual income of INR 200 crores for the current fiscal year. The online brokerage firm, the pioneer of its kind in the country, disclosed a combined annual income of INR 195.4 crores. This remarkable success is not limited to the founders alone; it extends to the overall financial performance of Zerodha. The company’s board had sanctioned an annual income of INR 100 crores for the three directors in the preceding year. The substantial increase in income reflects a robust growth trajectory for Zerodha, establishing…

In the enchanting landscapes of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India, the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl’s School stands not only as an architectural marvel but as a beacon of hope for over 400 girls hailing from economically challenged backgrounds. This exceptional institution, designed by Diana Kellogg of Diana Kellogg Architects and commissioned by CITTA, a non-profit organization committed to supporting development in marginalized communities, marks a significant step toward bridging educational gaps in the mystic desert region. The school, catering to girls from kindergarten to class 10, addresses a crucial need in an area where female literacy hovers at a mere…

The inaugural Transplant Games organized by the Heart Care Foundation unfolded as a remarkable testament to inspiration and celebration. The event commenced at the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Kaloor, awakening Kochi to a day filled with enthusiasm and sportsmanship. The festivities kicked off with a 5-kilometer race, originating from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor. This invigorating race was inaugurated by none other than Kochouseph Chittilappilly, a prominent industrialist and a kidney donor. The symbolic Baton Torch was handed over to Padma Shri Bharath Mammootty, marking the conclusion of a successful cycling rally at the Regional Sports Centre,…

Aprilia has officially revealed the price for its highly anticipated mid-performance sports bike, the RS 457, at INR 4.10 lakhs (ex-Maharashtra). Enthusiasts eager to own this sports bike can secure their spot by pre-booking starting December 15, 2023, through the Aprilia India website or at Aprilia Motoplex Dealerships across India for a minimal fee of INR 10,000. Anticipated to commence deliveries in March 2024, this exciting announcement was made by Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director of Piaggio, at the India Bike Week in Goa. The RS 457 marks its Indian debut, having undergone design and development at Aprilia’s headquarters…

In 2023, funding for Indian startups has plummeted to a five-year low, recording a total of $7 billion invested in the ecosystem so far, a stark contrast to the $25 billion noted in 2022, marking a significant 73% decline. This funding downturn has resulted in a consistent decrease in venture capital investments since mid-2022, with each subsequent quarter experiencing a decline, with Q3 2023 being the most challenging in five years. During the period of July to September, Indian startups secured $1.5 billion across 166 rounds, indicating a 30% decrease from the previous quarter, according to Tracxn Geo’s quarterly report.…

Europe achieved a preliminary agreement on ground breaking European Union regulations overseeing the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The regulations encompass governments’ utilization of AI in biometric surveillance, as well as the governance of AI systems, including entities like ChatGPT. Negotiators from the European Parliament and the EU’s 27 member states navigated significant differences, particularly on contentious issues such as generative AI and police deployment of face recognition surveillance. They successfully reached a tentative political agreement known as the Artificial Intelligence Act. European Commissioner Thierry Breton celebrated the accomplishment, tweeting, “Deal! The EU becomes the very first continent to set…

In the realm of women’s health, Curate Health stands out as a pioneering force, challenging misconceptions surrounding Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and reshaping the narrative around women’s hormonal well-being. Launched in June 2022, this health-tech startup, headquartered in Kannur, has swiftly become a beacon for women seeking reliable information and personalized healthcare solutions. Founder’s Vision: At the heart of Curate Health’s mission are the dynamic sisters, Dr. Vandana Panayamparambil and Kirthan Jayakumar, who envisioned a platform that goes beyond traditional healthcare norms. The startup sets itself apart by providing a holistic approach to women’s mental and physical health, debunking the prevalent misconception that PCOS impedes pregnancy. Disrupting Misconceptions: Curate Health takes pride in actively dispelling…

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced strict regulations for microfinance institutions (MFIs) providing loans up to INR 50,000. This move comes in response to the increasing risk exposure of such small-scale loans and aims to bring more control over the sector. The first fintech company to come under the purview of these regulations is Paytm. In addition to Paytm, several other fintech companies have been contributing to the surge in small-ticket loans, leading to concerns about excessive lending. The Reserve Bank of India, in its recent announcement, emphasized the need for regulating and controlling the growth of such…

WhatsApp has recently announced an extension of its ‘View Once’ feature to include voice messages. This feature, originally introduced for photos and videos in 2021, allows users to send voice messages that disappear once they are listened to, providing an added layer of privacy and security. Perfect for Sensitive Information: According to WhatsApp, the ‘View Once’ feature for voice messages is ideal for sharing sensitive information such as credit card details or planning surprises. Similar to ‘View Once’ photos and videos, these voice messages are marked with a “one-time” icon and can only be played once. WhatsApp assures users that…