Author: News Desk

Sanjay Malhotra has been appointed as the new Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), succeeding Shaktikanta Das, whose tenure ended on December 10. Malhotra began his three-year term on December 11, 2024. As the 26th RBI Governor, he takes on one of India’s most prestigious financial roles, overseeing monetary policy, banking regulation, and financial stability. Salary and Benefits The basic monthly salary of the RBI Governor stands at Rs. 2.5 lakh. With additional allowances such as grade and education allowances, his overall compensation increases. Despite being comparatively modest, the role comes with significant perks, including a government-provided residence…

User fee collections at toll plazas on National Highways have experienced impressive growth, showing a 103.18% increase over the past five years. According to data shared by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari, toll collections have risen significantly: Rs 27,503.86 crore in 2019-20, Rs 27,926.67 crore in 2020-21, Rs 33,928.66 crore in 2021-22, Rs 48,032.40 crore in 2022-23, and Rs 55,882.12 crore in 2023-24. Increase in Toll Plazas and Revenue During the ongoing winter session of the Rajya Sabha, Ludhiana MP Sanjeev Arora raised questions about the number of toll plazas on National Highways. In response, the…

Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, has been gradually reducing its flight operations to India over the past few months. This move is surprising given the strong demand and potential for air travel between the two countries. The aviation market between India and Saudi Arabia has long been thriving, characterized by frequent passenger traffic and economic connections. Impact on Key Indian Cities The airline’s scaling back of flights has notably impacted cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, which have traditionally had strong demand for travel to Saudi Arabia. Bengaluru, for instance, has seen a reduction from daily flights to…

India and Russia are in discussions to introduce a visa-free arrangement for Indian tourists, potentially starting in spring 2025. This follows talks in June about a bilateral agreement aimed at facilitating group tourist exchanges without the need for visas. This move builds on India’s recent inclusion in Russia’s e-visa program, launched in August 2023, which allows Indian travelers to apply for visas online, typically processed within four days. In 2023, India was among the top five countries receiving e-visas, with 9,500 issued, representing 6% of the total. While most Indian visitors to Russia travel for business, the number of Indian…

Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2 – The Rule has taken the box office by storm, surpassing RRR to become the third highest-grossing film in Indian cinema. With an impressive Rs 824.5 crore collection in just ten days, the film has firmly established Arjun’s superstar status and is now aiming for the top spot, challenging KGF: Chapter 2 and Baahubali 2. The Box Office Journey of Pushpa 2 Following its release, Pushpa 2 quickly became the biggest hit of the year, outgrossing Stree 2, which had previously earned Rs 600 crore. By its tenth day, the film had surpassed RRR’s lifetime earnings…

Dixon Technologies and Vivo India have announced a proposed joint venture, marking a significant collaboration in India’s electronics manufacturing sector. Dixon will hold a 51% stake, while Vivo India will own the remaining 49%, ensuring Dixon’s majority control. Despite the partnership, both companies will maintain their independence outside the joint venture, allowing them to focus solely on the objectives of the new entity while safeguarding their individual strategic interests. The joint venture will require the completion of agreements, customary conditions, and regulatory approvals under Indian foreign exchange laws. Mutual Benefits and Shared Vision Atul B. Lall, Vice Chairman and Managing…

Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro, passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco on December 15, 2024. His family confirmed that he succumbed to complications caused by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that reshaped Indian classical music on the global stage. A Musical Prodigy Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain was the son of Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, a revered tabla player. From the tender age of seven, Zakir began his journey with the tabla, and by 12, he had already started performing across India. Balancing academics and art, he…

Researchers at Japan’s RIKEN Centre for Emergent Matter Science have unveiled a groundbreaking biodegradable plastic that could offer a solution to the plastic pollution crisis. Unlike traditional plastics, this new material dissolves in seawater within hours and degrades in soil within days, enriching it with essential nutrients. A Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Plastics Traditional plastics have long been a significant environmental issue, taking centuries to decompose and harming marine life. This new biodegradable plastic, however, dissolves quickly in seawater, significantly reducing the long-term environmental impact. In soil, it breaks down in just 10 days and releases organic matter that boosts…

Indian Railways has introduced the Intelligent Track Monitoring System (ITMS), a cutting-edge solution designed to monitor critical track conditions at speeds ranging from 20 to 200 km/h. Equipped with laser sensors, high-speed cameras, accelerometers, and GPS, the ITMS enables real-time, contactless data collection, ensuring enhanced safety and reliability. Seamless Integration with Track Management System (TMS) ITMS works seamlessly with the Railways’ existing Track Management System (TMS), providing immediate alerts via SMS and email in case of track defects. This integration allows for quick responses to ensure safe rail operations. Indian Railways’ Investment in ITMS Vehicles Indian Railways is set to…

Shravan, hailing from Parli Vaijanath, Maharashtra, became the iconic voice of Indian Railways by sheer luck. A long-time railway enthusiast, Shravan’s journey began when he joined the Railways as a private employee. His big break came when a power failure disrupted train announcements, and he was asked to make a manual announcement. Shravan, who had been inspired by the existing announcer, Sarla Choudhary, imitated her voice with surprising accuracy, impressing everyone around him. The Power of Passion For Shravan, the fascination with train announcements began in his childhood. He recalled, “When I got the chance, I gave it my best.…