Author: News Desk

As the Easter vacation season approaches, the market becomes infused with vibrant activity, attracting consumers worldwide. From confectionery giants like Cadbury (Mondelez International), Lindt & Sprüngli, to household names like Nestlé, a plethora of companies across various sectors partake in this seasonal market frenzy. The Easter market encompasses a wide array of products, including chocolates, candies, decorations, apparel, and more, catering to the festive spirit. Customers eagerly indulge in purchasing Easter-themed chocolates, candies, and snacks to celebrate the occasion. Additionally, homes are adorned with colorful Easter bunnies, eggs, and other vibrant decorations. The demand for new costumes, hats, and accessories…

Official data reveals a concerning reality: India’s 150 primary reservoirs are operating at a mere 36% of their total capacity. This decline in water storage is particularly felt in the southern states like Karnataka, where cities like Bengaluru are grappling with severe water shortages. The causes? Rain deficiencies during the previous year’s monsoon, dwindling reservoir levels, and the loss of natural water bodies due to rapid urbanisation. According to the Central Water Commission’s weekly bulletin, the total live storage capacity of these reservoirs stands at 178.784 BCM (billion cubic metres), accounting for only 69.35% of their total capacity. Presently, the…

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday (March 25) to share a glimpse of Indian Railways’ latest masterpiece – the Chenab Bridge, hailed as the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge. With pride, Vaishnaw dubbed it “Bharat’s pride!” in his post, underscoring its significance and grandeur. Taller than the Eiffel Tower Surpassing even the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Chenab Bridge stands tall at a staggering height of 1,178 feet above the riverbed, marking a monumental achievement in India’s infrastructure development and innovation in the railway sector. Key Details Linking Communities: Connecting Bakkal and…

Lirio Marcelo is an entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for education and diversity. With a proven track record of building successful ventures and a passion for empowering individuals, Marcelo has made a significant impact across multiple industries. In 2021, Marcelo co-founded Proof of Learn, a groundbreaking Web3 education platform with a bold mission: to democratize access to high-quality blockchain education worldwide. As CEO of Proof of Learn, Marcelo is leading the charge in leveraging blockchain technology to revolutionize the way people learn and engage with emerging technologies. But Marcelo’s entrepreneurial journey began long before Proof of Learn. She is perhaps best…

Dr. Preeti Aghalayam, an IIT graduate, exemplifies the innovative spirit and determination synonymous with IIT alumni. While many IIT graduates secure prestigious roles in top global companies, some, like Dr. Aghalayam, chart their own path as entrepreneurs. Her remarkable achievement as the first woman to serve as campus director at an IIT underscores her trailblazing journey. Notably, Dr. Aghalayam’s leadership extends beyond borders, as she spearheads IIT Madras’s offshore campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania. This initiative, hosting undergraduate and postgraduate students, marks a significant milestone for IIT Madras and reflects Dr. Aghalayam’s pioneering vision. Acknowledged by the Principal Scientific Advisor’s office…

Last week, Pakistani Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s unexpected statement regarding the potential resumption of trade with India has sparked discussions across diplomatic circles. This shift in stance marks a significant departure from Pakistan’s previous insistence on linking trade to the reversal of India’s decision on Kashmir’s special status in 2019. Political Dynamics and Economic Realities Drive Policy Shift Dar’s remarks reflect a pragmatic approach by the Pakistan Muslim League-N, representing a coalition of semi-urban petty bourgeoisie and influential industrialists like former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The economic benefits of normalised trade with India have long been recognized by these constituents,…

In a significant move enhancing cross-border transactions, PhonePe, a leading digital payments platform, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Mashreq and NPCI, aimed at simplifying payment processes for Indian travelers visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Empowering Indian Travelers in the UAE PhonePe users traversing the vibrant landscapes of the UAE can now effortlessly make payments via the PhonePe app at Mashreq’s Neopay terminals. These terminals are strategically stationed across retail stores, dining outlets, as well as popular tourist and leisure attractions, offering unparalleled convenience to travelers. According to the company’s recent release, transactions will be displayed in real-time exchange…

Indian Railways has announced a change in the schedule of the country’s second Vande Bharat Express, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express. Effective March 18, the train, numbered 22440, departing from New Delhi to Katra will now depart five minutes earlier than its previous schedule. The Northern Railway issued a statement informing the public about the change, citing operational reasons for the adjustment in timing. According to the new schedule, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express will now depart from Katra at 2:55 pm instead of the previous departure time of 3:00 pm.…

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took to social media platform X to share updates on India’s ambitious Bullet Train project, signalling significant milestones achieved by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). Key Achievements and Progress Vaishnaw announced the completion of the viaduct work covering a 153 km stretch, alongside the successful implementation of a pioneering ballastless track for the Bullet Train. Additionally, the project has accomplished 295.5 km of pier work on the 508-km-long corridor connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad, slated for operational status by 2026. Political Implications and BJP’s Narrative The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to spotlight…

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has unveiled an updated version of its robotic snake, tailored for exploring the icy terrain of Enceladus, Saturn’s sixth-largest moon. Collaborating with roboticists from Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotic Institute, the team has detailed enhancements in a recent publication, aiming to create a “risk-aware autonomous robot” capable of navigating extreme icy environments. Acknowledging the unforgiving conditions of extraterrestrial bodies, the team emphasizes the necessity for high levels of autonomy, adaptability, and resilience in exploration robots, especially when human supervision may be limited or non-existent. Dubbed the Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS), the robot is equipped with…