Author: News Desk

Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, during his official visit to India from May 25 to 27, extended strong support to India in its ongoing fight against terrorism. Addressing the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people and injured several others, Dr. Khaleel firmly condemned the incident and expressed solidarity with the people and government of India. High-Level Talks and Vision Document ReviewDr. Khaleel led the Maldivian side at the second India-Maldives High Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting held on May 26. The meeting reviewed the progress of the India-Maldives Vision Document launched in October 2024 by…

Indian-American software engineer Vaniya Agrawal disrupted two major Microsoft events in 2024 and 2025. She protested against the company’s AI and cloud contracts with the Israeli Ministry of Defence. Her first interruption took place in April during Microsoft’s 50th anniversary celebration, where she publicly confronted company leaders, including Satya Nadella, Bill Gates, and Steve Ballmer. She accused the firm of “celebrating on the blood of Palestinians.” Dismissal After First Protest Following her first protest, Microsoft terminated Agrawal’s employment. In an email sent to employees, she stated that her last day would be April 11 and explained her reasons for speaking…

Walmart recently announced a reduction of nearly 1,500 technology jobs across its global tech teams and headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. The layoffs aim to accelerate decision-making and reduce organizational complexity, according to a memo from Walmart CTO Suresh Kumar and US CEO John Furner. Social media users have directed criticism at Kumar following the announcement. Profile of Suresh Kumar Suresh Kumar serves as Walmart’s Executive Vice President, Global Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Development Officer. With over 30 years in the technology sector, Kumar has held key roles at tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. He currently resides…

Indian astronaut-designate Shubhanshu Shukla, along with three other crew members, has entered quarantine as part of the pre-launch process for the Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4). The mission is set to launch on June 8, heading to the International Space Station (ISS). Launch Details and Quarantine Importance The Axiom-4 crew will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in the United States. They will travel to the ISS in the Dragon spacecraft. The quarantine period is crucial to ensure the astronauts are healthy and free from infections that could jeopardize the mission. Crew Send-Off and Crew…

As of 2025, the World Population Review has published a ranking of countries with the largest air forces, based on data collected through 2024. This list ranks nations by the total number of military aircraft currently in service, highlighting the global distribution of air power. Importance of Air Power Today Modern military strength relies not only on ground forces but significantly on air capabilities. Quick response, control of the skies, and advanced technology in aircraft are vital for national defense. Many countries are actively expanding and upgrading their air forces to face contemporary security challenges. Leading Countries by Air Fleet…

India is set to oppose the World Bank’s planned loan to Pakistan, expressing concerns that such financial aid could indirectly support cross-border terrorism. India fears that funds meant for development might be diverted to arms purchases or terror-related activities. A similar opposition was earlier raised by India during the IMF’s bailout support to Pakistan. Planned World Bank Loan The World Bank had agreed in January 2024 to provide Pakistan with $20 billion in loans over the next decade. The funds are aimed at addressing climate change and promoting private sector growth. However, India believes such aid could be misused and…

Zepto, led by Aadit Palicha, has temporarily halted its Zepto Café operations across more than seven cities in North India. This pause is due to supply chain issues and a shortage of available staff, according to media reports. Impact on Zepto’s Dark Stores The service disruption has affected 44 of Zepto’s dark stores located in key regions such as Delhi NCR, Agra, Meerut, Haridwar, Gorakhpur, Mohali, Amritsar, and Ghaziabad. Sources indicate that Zepto plans to resume operations by the second quarter of the year, specifically between July and September. Delhi NCR: A Key Market with Tough Competition Delhi NCR is…

India’s recent Operation Sindoor against Pakistan lasted about four days, targeting terrorist activities in specific areas. During this period, Pakistan reportedly used drones in attacks, which India successfully intercepted. Media reports claim these drones were supplied to Pakistan by Turkey. This revelation triggered strong reactions in India, with calls from citizens and traders to boycott Turkish travel and imports. If India chooses to sever ties with Turkey as many demand, it could significantly affect trade and cause price increases for several goods. Impact on Key Imports from Turkey Trade Figures and Outlook Trade between India and Turkey has remained stable…

K.M. Mammen Mappillai faced major setbacks early in life. After losing his family’s business, he had no home and had to sleep on the floor of his college in Madras (now Chennai). Despite financial hardship, he stayed focused on his education and future. Starting with BalloonsAfter graduating, Mappillai began selling toy balloons on the streets of Madras. Though modest, this venture sparked his entrepreneurial drive and provided his first small income. Foundation of MRF in 1946In 1946, he started Madras Rubber Factory (MRF) as a toy balloon manufacturing unit. This small initiative marked the beginning of what would grow into…

King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, also known as King Rama X, is widely regarded as the richest king in the world. His wealth and lifestyle far exceed typical royal standards, making even top celebrities seem modest in comparison. He ascended the throne in May 2019 after the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who ruled Thailand for 70 years. Massive Wealth and Expanding Empire The King’s net worth is estimated at around Rs. 3.7 lakh crore (about USD 43 billion). Most of this fortune was inherited, but King Vajiralongkorn has grown it further by investing in land and major…