BJP and JDS will undertake a week-long padayatra from August 3, calling for a CBI probe into the site allotment scam in Mysuru and CM Siddaramaiah's resignation over alleged illegal plot acquisitions by his family. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized Siddaramaiah's handling of the related fund misappropriation case.
The company, which witnessed 90% resort occupancy on an expanded inventory base in the first quarter of this fiscal, expects it to be softer in the second quarter. "Q1 is a peak quarter. Q2 will dip, Q3 will climb again. So it's a bit seasonal, but overall for the year, we expect around 85% kind of occupancy," MD and CEO Manoj Bhat said.
Indian airports and airlines have embraced technology to streamline pre-departure processes, reducing human interaction. Passengers can now use AI bots for travel changes and self-service kiosks for boarding passes and baggage tags. Delhi airport has seen about 25% of passengers utilizing these services, significantly speeding up check-in. IndiGo’s AI bot has decreased customer service workload by 75%. The pandemic spurred this tech adoption, with travelers avoiding human contact. DigiYatra’s facial recognition speeds up airport entry... Читать дальше...
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is excluded from the India Cements and UltraTech Cement deal. UltraTech approved a 32.72% stake purchase in India Cements, complementing a previous acquisition. N Srinivasan and his family retain significant ownership in CSK, which experienced notable declines in both revenue and net profit for FY23.
Former election commissioner Ashok Lavasa and his wife Novel Lavasa launched their spiritual travelogue at an event. Diplomat Shyam Saran humorously suggested that bureaucrats can also cut red tape. The launch highlighted the diverse interests of bureaucrats, dispelling dull stereotypes.
Delhi Police arrested two individuals after three students died in a flooded coaching centre. The centre unlawfully used its basement as a library. Officials are investigating, and political leaders have expressed condolences. Delhi L-G and Mayor directed swift action to prevent future violations and ensure safety compliance at educational institutes.
Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, purchased two floors at Panchsheel Park in Delhi for ₹37 crore. The deal, registered in May 2024, adds to their existing property. Gauri Khan designed the home, enhancing its sentimental value. Real estate experts highlight increasing demand for luxury homes in South Delhi following the pandemic.
The CBSE introduced SAFAL, a new exam cycle for Classes 5 and 8 focusing on core concepts over rote learning. It aims to reduce exam pressure. SAFAL, inspired by the NEP 2020, aims to identify learning gaps through a competency-based assessment. The test cycle, expanding rapidly, scales up to assess students in all CBSE schools by 2025, without individual reports or public scores.
The Bar Council of India and the Law Society of England and Wales discussed allowing foreign law firms in India. Despite initial excitement, regulatory clarity remains elusive, delaying plans. Global firms are cautious due to tax and registration ambiguities. Key stakeholders urge clear and transparent rules to effectively integrate foreign legal practices into India’s market.
India clinched a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the rain-affected second T20I, taking a 2-0 lead in the series. Chasing a revised target of 78 in eight overs, Suryakumar Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal led the charge. Ravi Bishnoi took three key wickets to restrict Sri Lanka to 161/9 before rain interrupted the game.
L&T Realty and Valor Estate announced a Rs 20,000-crore joint project in Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai. The project includes luxury housing, commercial spaces, and a five-star hotel. Valor Estate will handle land approvals, with the project set to complete in 5-6 years. The development potential is over 7.5 million sq ft.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar met US secretary of state Anthony Blinken in Tokyo. They discussed bilateral relations and regional issues. Jaishankar also unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi. Meanwhile, defence chiefs of Japan, the US, and South Korea institutionalized their trilateral cooperation in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
RJD leader and Leader of Opposition in Bihar assembly Tejashwi Yadav criticised the budget's special package for Bihar as "old wine in a new bottle". He emphasised the need for special status to address the state's backwardness. He highlighted incomplete projects like the ultra-mega power project in Banka and the thermal power plant in Bhagalpur. RJD demands special flood assistance and questions the government's execution capacity. They also question the fulfillment of past schemes and packages announced by the PM. Читать дальше...
Vodafone Idea plans to settle its remaining ₹1,500 crore dues to Nokia by December 2025 through cash installments. Earlier, Vi issued equity shares to Nokia to clear half of its ₹3,000 crore debt. Despite payment delays, Vi is negotiating with Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung for network equipment.
A Kantar report disclosed that out-of-home snack consumption in India rose by 44% as of April-end, outpacing the global average of 14%. Indians show a rising preference for taste over nutrition. Companies focus on portion control due to growing food safety concerns.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasised that trial judges tend to avoid granting bail in significant crime cases due to suspicion. He highlighted the importance of a 'sense of robust common sense' in assessing individual cases to prevent unnecessary delays and complications for individuals facing arbitrary arrests.
The corporation has implemented water-efficient fixtures, Beton Wash facilities at construction sites, and dual plumbing systems, ensuring the useful utilisation of "dewatered water" from its construction sites, the statement said.
The Border Roads Organisation, along with CPWD and NPCC, has started the third phase of the India, China Border Roads project in eastern Ladakh to enhance road network and security forces' movement. Phase II is ongoing, with all-weather roads aiding in faster movement along the Line of Actual Control. PM Modi recently initiated the Shinku La tunnel to improve connectivity from Manali to Leh. Increased funding has been allocated for road construction and village development along the border with China.
In fiscal 2025, salary hikes in the telecom sector are projected to average 9%, down from FY23's 10.19%. Demand for mobile phones has slowed, impacting increments. Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea provided hikes up to 12%. Telecom workforce growth is expected to decelerate to around 30%, reflecting reduced capital expenditure at Jio and Airtel after 5G rollouts.
Ray Kurzweil's book 'The Singularity is Nearer' explored the convergence of genetics, nanotechnology, and robotics, predicting profound changes in our future. His Law of Accelerating Returns highlighted exponential technological growth. India's tech sector and young population are well-suited to leverage these advancements. Kurzweil envisioned gene editing to eradicate diseases and enhance human capabilities, as well as nanobots for medical and environmental benefits. By the 2040s, super-intelligent machines may emerge... Читать дальше...
Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud stated that climate change worsens inequalities, particularly affecting marginalized groups like women, children, and indigenous people. Speaking at the Berkeley Centre conference, he advocated for inclusive climate policies and cautioned about the potential misuse of AI, emphasizing the need to understand data biases for fairness.
Dean Norris and Mary Holland join 'Ghosts' Season 4. Norris plays Samantha's estranged father, Frank, while Holland portrays the Puritan ghost, Patience. The new season premieres on October 17 on CBS.
Kamala Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee, has received widespread enthusiasm and strong support from Gen Z voters. Former President Obama endorsed her. Harris' campaign has leveraged social media to mobilize young voters. Despite past setbacks, her success hinges on forming a diverse coalition. Republicans are intensifying their rhetoric, making the race increasingly competitive.
Mamata Banerjee, known for her criticism of central governments, continues the tradition of blaming the Union budget for the state's issues, echoing the Marxist approach. Her response to the recent budget labeled it as anti-poor, expressing frustration at Bengal's alleged deprivation. Despite claiming no need for assistance, she insists on fair treatment for all states, highlighting the political dynamics in economic decisions.
