Author: News Desk
The betel leaf farmers of Tirur, a town in Kerala’s Malappuram district, are anxiously hoping for improved relations between India and Pakistan. Their livelihoods are intricately tied to the export of Tirur’s famed betel leaves, known for their distinctive flavor and size. When Imran Khan assumed the role of Pakistan’s Prime Minister, a local Kerala newspaper humorously questioned whether he would rescue Tirur’s betel leaves, a once-coveted commodity in Pakistan. The betel leaves, particularly the Tirur Lanka variety, were highly prized in Pakistan, leading to significant export opportunities. However, strained bilateral relations have put this trade at risk. In response…
MediaTek and JioThings Limited, a subsidiary of Jio Platforms Limited, have introduced groundbreaking technology aimed at revolutionising the two-wheeler market in India. Their latest offerings include a Smart Digital Cluster and Smart Module designed to enhance the electric vehicle (EV) landscape. Key Features and Capabilities The newly launched Smart Digital Cluster is powered by AvniOS, an operating system based on AOSP. This cluster boasts several advanced features: Additionally, the Smart Digital Cluster integrates seamlessly with vehicle controllers, IoT-enabled charging infrastructure, and an optimised Smart Battery Management System for EVs. The Jio Automotive App Suite enhances user experience with services such…
Vistara is set to offer a new benefit for its international travellers. Starting soon, passengers on Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A321neo aircraft will receive 20 minutes of complimentary Wi-Fi. This initiative makes Vistara the first Indian airline to provide free Wi-Fi service across all cabin classes on international flights. Enhancing the Travel Experience The complimentary Wi-Fi service underscores Vistara’s commitment to improving the in-flight experience for its passengers. This 20-minute free access will allow travellers to stay connected and conveniently purchase additional Wi-Fi time using Indian credit or debit cards. Customers will receive one-time passwords via email during…
Hailing from Haryana, a state renowned for producing exceptional athletes, Manu Bhaker’s journey in sports took a unique turn. Unlike many of her peers who excelled in boxing and wrestling, Manu explored various sports like tennis, skating, and boxing during her school years. Her true passion, however, lay in sports, which led her to master the martial art of ‘thang ta’, winning national-level medals. Discovering Shooting At the age of 14, shortly after the 2016 Rio Olympics, Manu Bhaker discovered her calling in shooting. Despite experimenting with different sports, she instantly felt at home with shooting. Within a week of…
Indian Railways’ plans are underway to introduce Vande Bharat sleeper trains, with trial runs set to commence on August 15, 2024. These new trains are poised to revolutionize long-distance travel in India, offering enhanced comfort and efficiency compared to existing options. The initial route for these trains will be the busy Delhi-Mumbai corridor, where trial runs are expected to start in mid-August. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced ambitious targets, aiming to deploy around 250 Vande Bharat sleeper trains by 2029. “The completion work of the trainset is in full swing, and the first prototype will be operational within two…
Azamara has launched an extraordinary world cruise itinerary for 2026 that promises to take travelers on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to visit all seven new wonders of the world. Departing on January 6, 2026, this 155-day voyage will feature extended stays or overnight visits at iconic destinations such as Chichen Itza in Mexico, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, the Taj Mahal in India, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Colosseum in Italy, the Great Wall of China, and Petra in Jordan. The grand adventure begins in Miami and takes guests through a myriad of destinations across 36 countries, with 55 late nights…
Rohini Nilekani has emerged as a leading figure in Indian philanthropy, ranking first in the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy Women’s List 2023 with an impressive donation of Rs 170 crore, a significant increase from approximately Rs 120 crore in 2022. A Multifaceted Career Married to Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, Rohini is also a celebrated author. Originally hailing from Mumbai, she studied French literature at Elphinstone College before embarking on her career as a journalist. Her marriage coincided with the founding of Infosys in 1981, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey for both. Carving Her Own Path While Nandan Nilekani was building Infosys into a tech giant,…
In the world of filmmaking, actors often face difficult decisions due to their busy schedules and various commitments. While factors like remuneration and timing play crucial roles, sometimes actors decline roles for reasons unknown, only to regret it later. Such was the case for one star who took only ten minutes to turn down the biggest opportunity of his life, losing Rs 1400 crore in the process. Matt Damon’s Costly Decision In 2007, renowned director James Cameron, known for blockbuster films like Titanic and The Terminator, was working on his ambitious project, Avatar. While casting for the lead role, Cameron…
Bollywood icon Dilip Kumar’s sea-view triplex apartment has been sold for an astonishing Rs 172 crore. The property, fetching an impressive Rs 1.81 lakh per square foot, marks a significant transaction in Mumbai’s real estate market. This development comes months after the redevelopment of his lavish bungalow plot into a luxury building. The triplex apartment, purchased by construction company Apco Infratech Private Ltd, spans the 9th, 10th, and 11th floors of the building. With a carpet area of 9,527 square feet, the apartment is valued at Rs 155 crore. According to property registration documents accessed by Zapkey.com, the stamp duty…
Leaving behind a well-paying job in the United States to pursue an entrepreneurial path is a daunting decision many individuals contemplate. The transition from stable employment to the uncertain world of entrepreneurship comes with its own set of challenges and risks. Despite the obstacles, some embrace these hurdles and carve out successful paths for themselves. Such is the story of Shashank Kumar, who, alongside his friend Harshil Mathur, founded Razorpay, India’s first payment gateway for small businesses and startups. In 2013, India lacked a robust payment solution for its small-scale businesses, while PayPal, a US-based giant, struggled with regulatory challenges.…