Author: News Desk

In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion, marking its largest-ever acquisition at the time. Skype revolutionized internet-based communication, becoming synonymous with free voice and video calls. It was an early pioneer of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, offering people their first chance to make global calls at no cost, which was a major departure from the high costs of traditional long-distance calls dominated by telecom companies. At its peak, Skype boasted over 300 million monthly active users and became a vital communication tool for both individuals and businesses worldwide. Decline in Popularity However, Skype’s dominance began to fade as newer competitors like Zoom, WhatsApp, and even Microsoft’s…

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh were chosen to lead the public briefing on Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Their leadership symbolised not only India’s military resolve but also honoured the memory of the victims and their families, especially the widows left behind. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s Milestones Wing Commander Vyomika Singh’s Achievements Representation and Message Their presence at the Operation Sindoor briefing was more than symbolic. It was a strong statement about India’s inclusive defence leadership, combat readiness, and recognition of women’s roles in operational and strategic fronts. Both officers represent a growing wave…

In Operation Sindoor, India deployed Rafale fighter jets equipped with Scalp cruise missiles and HAMMER precision-guided munitions to strike nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These weapons were chosen for their accuracy, deep-penetration capability, and ability to minimize civilian casualties. Strategic Choice of Rafale Arsenal The Rafale jets, which were not available during the 2019 Balakot airstrike, played a crucial role this time. Their inclusion marked a technological leap for India’s air capabilities, replacing the older Mirage 2000 jets. The Scalp missile, also known as Storm Shadow, is a long-range air-launched cruise missile developed by European company MBDA. It has a range of approximately 300 km and is designed for stealthy, precision…

India launched Operation Sindoor as a retaliatory measure following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed. The strikes were aimed at terrorist infrastructure responsible for orchestrating such attacks from across the border. Execution of the Operation Operation Sindoor was carried out in the early hours of Wednesday by India’s tri-services—Army, Navy, and Air Force—from within Indian territory. The mission targeted nine terrorist bases, with four located in Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Intelligence agencies provided accurate coordinates to ensure precision. The Ministry of Defence described the operation as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory”, explicitly avoiding any Pakistani military…

Pune-based agritech brand Two Brothers Organic Farms has gained attention online for launching a high-priced “Full Moon Cultured Ghee”, claimed to be ayurveda-inspired and made only 12 times a year on full moon days. The 500ml jar is priced at ₹2,495. What Makes This Ghee UniqueThe startup says the ghee is made using milk from free-grazing Gir cows. It is cultured into curd, then churned between 4 am and 6 am, and cooked on firewood — all on full moon nights to capture its supposed “energy and positivity”. Co-founder Satyajit Hange described it as a “sensory experience” and an ancient…

SS Rajamouli, the renowned Telugu filmmaker, is recognized as the highest-grossing and highest-paid director in Indian cinema. Known for his epic action and fantasy films, Rajamouli has made a significant impact on the film industry with iconic projects like Baahubali 1 & 2 and the Oscar-winning RRR. His earnings, according to IMDb, are reported to be around Rs 200 crore per film. Current Project: SSMB29 with Mahesh Babu Rajamouli is currently working on a highly anticipated film, SSMB29, starring South Indian superstar Mahesh Babu. This project is set to be a massive-scale adventure film, with a budget of Rs 1,000 crore, and will feature…

Pearl Kapur grew up in a modest household in Punjab, far from the world of billionaires. But even as a child, he was fascinated by algorithms. His academic journey took him to Queen Mary University of London, where he pursued a Master’s in Investment Banking. During this time, he developed an interest in blockchain and finance. He also attended the World Economic Forum in Davos several times, making early global connections. Zyber 365: A Bold Tech Venture In 2023, Pearl launched Zyber 365, a tech company focused on blockchain, cybersecurity, and decentralised systems. Even before launching a product, the company…

The Met Gala 2025, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, once again brought together global stars from film, fashion, and music for what is widely regarded as the most glamorous night in fashion. While the event is known for its extravagant themes and high-profile guest list, this year held special significance for India as several major Indian celebrities made powerful style statements rooted in cultural pride and personal storytelling. Shah Rukh Khan’s Historic Debut Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan created history by becoming the first-ever Indian male actor to attend the Met Gala. Dressed in a…

Swiggy has decided to shut down Genie, its hyperlocal delivery business, following underwhelming revenue performance. The service, which competed with players like Uber Package, Porter, and Dunzo, was an ancillary part of Swiggy’s broader business and did not generate enough revenue to justify further investment. The move comes as Swiggy shifts its focus toward its core services, particularly food delivery, and aims to scale its quick commerce segment. Quick commerce has become increasingly important in the competitive landscape, with rivals like Blinkit and Zepto intensifying their efforts. Genie, which was available in over 60 cities, has been offline for some…

JioStar, the media joint venture between Reliance’s Viacom18 and Disney India, plans to invest over ₹84,000 crore (around $10 billion) in content development between FY24 and FY26. This was revealed by Uday Shankar, the company’s vice chairman, during the WAVES 2025 summit. The company spent ₹25,000 crore in FY24, increased it to ₹30,000 crore in FY25, and projects a further rise to ₹32,000–₹33,000 crore in FY26. Strategy Rooted in Local Relevance Shankar emphasized that JioStar’s content investment is entirely designed for Indian audiences. He underscored the importance of creating locally relevant stories rather than adopting foreign formats. The goal is…