Author: News Desk

In a world where language often defines access, power, and self-worth, Surabhi Gautam’s journey is a reminder that grit and determination can break through the toughest barriers. Hailing from a small village in Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district, Surabhi became an IAS officer by securing the 50th rank in the 2016 UPSC Civil Services Examination , a remarkable achievement forged through sheer perseverance, despite language and social obstacles. Surabhi grew up in a traditional, rural environment. Her father worked as a lawyer in the civil court, and her mother was a schoolteacher. Though her village lacked proper infrastructure, resources, or coaching…

In a proud moment for India and Punjab’s heritage tourism, Ran Baas, The Palace in Patiala has been named one of the World’s Most Beautiful Hotels of 2025 by the UNESCO-backed Prix Versailles, an international architecture and design award series. Among 16 exceptional hotels selected across five continents, Ran Baas is India’s only entry on the prestigious list. Once a neglected royal guesthouse within the historic Qila Mubarak complex, Ran Baas is now Punjab’s first palace hotel, thanks to an ambitious restoration led by renowned conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah, supported by Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels and Priya Paul. The project is a blend of Mughal,…

Renowned composer and global music icon AR Rahman, known for maintaining strict privacy around his personal life, recently shared a rare and heartfelt glimpse into his family’s achievements. His daughter, Raheema Rahman, has graduated from the Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland, earning a Master of Science in Hospitality, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. Rahman commemorated the occasion with a proud Instagram post, featuring Raheema in her graduation attire and referring to her as his “little princess.” Raheema’s academic and professional journey reflects a unique blend of artistic sensibility and entrepreneurial ambition. Before pursuing her master’s degree, she earned a Diploma…

As India’s road infrastructure rapidly expands, questions around speed regulation and road safety have become increasingly relevant. During the ongoing Parliament session, the topic of maximum speed limits on National Highways was brought into the spotlight, revealing important updates for drivers and commuters alike. In response to a query raised by Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Bhim Singh, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari clarified the current speed norms applicable to various categories of vehicles on different types of roads in India. He confirmed that the maximum speed limit on National Highways is 100 kmph, while expressways with access control are…

Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan officially took charge as the Vice Chief of the Indian Navy on Friday. He succeeded Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, who has been appointed as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command in Mumbai. Vice Admiral Swaminathan took over the new role on Thursday, replacing Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh. Background and Early Life A native of Hiranagar, Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, Vice Admiral Vatsayan comes from a family with a strong military background, representing the second generation to serve in the armed forces. Operational Roles and Sea Commands Vice Admiral Vatsayan is a specialist…

Global fast-food chain McDonald’s is making a major strategic push into India’s technology space, announcing plans to invest $100 million (approximately ₹875 crore) in its new global office in Hyderabad over the next two years. The initiative is expected to generate around 2,000 tech jobs by 2027, as the company expands its digital and AI capabilities worldwide. Speaking at the GCC X Hyderabad Summit, Deshant Kaila, Head of Global Business Services (GBS) Operations at McDonald’s, confirmed the investment. “The investment this year and next will be around $100 million, including capital expenditure,” Kaila said, signaling a long-term commitment to the…

Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed this week that India is now the primary manufacturing base for iPhones sold in the United States. Speaking after Apple’s latest quarterly earnings release, Cook said that the majority of iPhones shipped to the US last quarter were made in India, with China now playing a secondary role focused mainly on supplying non-US markets. “In terms of the country of origin, it’s the same as I referenced last quarter,” Cook said. “There hasn’t been a change to that, which is the vast majority of the iPhones sold in the US, or the majority, I should say,…

India’s auto sector witnessed a mixed performance in July 2025, with leading carmakers reporting varied sales figures amid evolving consumer trends, inventory recalibrations, and cautious buying sentiment. Maruti Suzuki, the country’s largest automaker, recorded a modest 3% year-on-year (YoY) growth, with total vehicle sales reaching 1,80,526 units, compared to 1,75,041 units in July 2024. This includes 1,40,570 units sold in the domestic market, 8,211 units supplied to other OEMs, and 31,745 units exported. While the overall trajectory remains positive, Maruti noted persistent headwinds in the domestic passenger vehicle segment. Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) reported a 7% decline in total…

CFF Fluid Control Limited, a company known for building systems for naval ships and submarines, has secured a new order worth ₹5.86 crore (including taxes) from the Indian Navy. The order was placed by the Navy’s Material Organisation in Mumbai and is part of the ongoing P75 submarine project. Delivery is scheduled for completion by July 2026. This contract adds to CFF’s growing presence in the naval and marine defence space. The company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), a government-owned shipbuilding firm. The MoU is focused on joint development of subsea…

UPI transactions hit an all-time high in July 2025, clocking 1,947 crore payments worth nearly ₹25.1 lakh crore. That’s the highest monthly transaction count recorded so far. Compared to the same month last year, this marks a 35% increase in transaction volume and a 22% rise in value—clear signs that digital payments continue to build momentum. Zoom in on the daily numbers, and the pattern holds. Average daily transactions rose to 62.8 crore, up from 61.3 crore in June. The average daily transaction value also climbed, from ₹80,131 crore in June to ₹80,919 crore in July. These steady gains suggest that users aren’t just using UPI more often—they’re moving larger sums through it, too.Both volume…