As the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee sought to foster economic growth by attracting major industrial projects. Despite his efforts, various initiatives faced obstacles, highlighting the importance of internal consensus. His tenure serves as a lesson for both political and corporate leaders on the critical need for collective agreement when pursuing substantial reforms.
Opposition members of the Lok Sabha voiced concerns about the Supreme Court's judgement on sub-classifying Scheduled Castes. They called for a review petition. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal clarified that the creamy layer reference was only an observation by one judge, urging against misleading society. The issue has sparked significant debate among MPs.
The pandemic forced companies to transition to virtual annual general meetings (AGMs), frustrating longtime investors such as Arun Goenka, who valued in-person interaction. While online AGMs are logistically simpler and provide broader access, they often stifle shareholder dissent and engagement, sparking debate over whether physical AGMs will return.
Self-driving cars tested in China and the US could disrupt millions of taxi driver jobs. While China's robotaxi firms edge closer to profitability due to fewer safety restrictions, the US lags behind. The tech has global implications, offering a significant breakthrough in emissions reduction through battery-powered autonomous vehicles.
Minister Kiren Rijiju stressed the necessity for MPs to follow parliamentary rules and respect the chair's role, amidst criticism of Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. He lauded the Monsoon session for having no disruptions, crediting the collective effort of all parties, which ensured the smooth passage of government bills, including the Union Budget.
Chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar stated that Jammu and Kashmir are ready for assembly elections. Following discussions with political parties, the Election Commission will evaluate the security situation before announcing dates. The Supreme Court has suggested elections be conducted by September 30, 2023, with updated electoral rolls to be released on August 20.
Health Minister J P Nadda stated that the government was evaluating the launch of the HPV vaccination programme as suggested by the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group. He highlighted logistical challenges, including vaccine dosage differences. While states like Sikkim and Punjab have begun the programme, overall 6.17 million women have been screened, with 67,424 treated for cervical cancer.
Lemon Tree Hotels intended to list its subsidiary, Fleur Hotels, soon to address its Rs 1850 crore debt. Fleur Hotels includes 4,000 rooms and major properties. Despite election and heat wave challenges, Q1 2025 marked the highest revenue for Lemon Tree, although occupancy slightly decreased, and renovation investments impacted EBITDA margins.
Globalstar, an Apple satcom services partner, announced its intention to enter India's satellite communications market. The Delaware-based company aims to establish a subsidiary and build an earth station gateway. Submitted to Trai, these plans focus on acquiring GMPCS authorisation and regulatory approval, joining other firms like Eutelsat OneWeb and Orbit Connect India.
The Assam Cabinet approved a new policy to attract IT and electronics manufacturing, expecting to create many jobs. This policy manages land and space at IT Parks and Electronics Manufacturing Clusters. The cabinet also focused on resolving GST notice concerns for small traders using rectifications and new Standard Operating Procedures for certain years.
An earthquake off Kyushu led Japan to issue its first megaquake warning for the Nankai trough. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida canceled a trip, and precautionary measures included slowing bullet trains and closing factories and beaches. The Nankai trough quake risk surpasses the 2011 disaster. Authorities urged preparedness without immediate evacuation.
The controversy began with Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance trying to confront Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, on the tarmac of Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in Wisconsin on Wednesday. He told a group of reporters at the airport that he figured he would come by and just get a good look at the plane because hopefully, it’s going to be his plane in a few months.
Donald Trump's campaign has been less active compared to Kamala Harris's rigorous schedule in battleground states. Trump held fewer rallies and cited his lead and the ongoing Democratic National Convention as reasons. Meanwhile, Harris's campaign termed Trump as 'low energy,' highlighting a contrast in their campaign vigor as the election approaches.
In recent weeks, Israeli forces have been returning to the ruins of areas where they said they had defeated Hamas fighters. In the latest assault, the Israeli military dropped leaflets ordering residents and displaced people sheltering in eastern Khan Younis, Gaza's main southern city, to evacuate from an area that has already seen repeated waves of fighting.
The CAG reported financial losses of Rs 2604.40 crore to Indian Railways, citing issues like non-recovery of loans, missed shunting charges, and GST non-compliance. Other flagged areas included unproductive expenditures and irregular contract awards. The CAG suggested changes to curtail these losses and advised responsibility fixing to prevent future lapses.
Aman Sehrawat from India won a bronze medal in the 57 kg freestyle wrestling at the Paris Olympics, defeating Puerto Rico's Darian Toi Cruz 13-5. Although Sehrawat lost to Japan's Rei Higuchi in the semifinals, he impressed in his first Olympic outing, defeating strong opponents in earlier rounds.
XDefiant Season 2 is scheduled for release on September 24, 2024. The update will introduce new weapons, maps, a faction called The Highwaymen, and more. Leaks suggest new weapon Master camos are also coming. Players can expect unlockable content through gameplay, similar to Season 1.
India's largest private lender HDFC Bank experienced an adjustment period that might slow credit growth, said MD Sashidhar Jagdishan. The bank aimed to reduce its credit-to-deposit ratio by focusing on higher deposit growth. Advances grew by 52.6% annually, with deposits rising 24.4%. Jagdishan emphasized the bank's strategy benefits in a changing business cycle.
The government approved a Rs 1,766 crore Clean Plant Programme aimed at improving the quality of planting material for horticultural crops. This initiative, overseen by the Union Agriculture Ministry, will address virus infections affecting crop productivity and quality. Nine institutions and 75 nurseries will implement the programme, aiming to enhance exports and farmers' income.
Marico's CEO, Saugata Gupta, acquired a luxury apartment worth Rs 36.4 crore in Mumbai's Worli area. The 24th-floor apartment spans 4,372 sq ft and includes five parking slots. This purchase aligns with Mumbai's strong property market performance in 2023, noted for high sales in the luxury segment.
In the government's latest budget, a ₹63,000 crore internship scheme was announced to expose 10 million youth to business environments. Upgrading 1,000 ITIs and enhancing skilling initiatives were also part of the plan. The government emphasized collaboration with industry, allocating ₹1.48 lakh crore to education, employment, and skilling programs to boost job growth and productivity.
Brazil's TV GloboNews showed footage of a large area on fire and smoke coming out of an apparent plane fuselage.
Many fans are wondering if Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are engaged. Recent social media activity has fueled widespread speculation about a possible engagement.
In the Tamil month of Adi, people thanked rivers like Cauvery for renewing with rainwater. This period saw offerings and prayers to the river goddess to ensure bountiful harvests. The Cauvery, starting in the biodiverse Western Ghats, is significant for its spiritual and cultural connections.
The Monster Hunter Now Teostra event starts on August 16, 2024, featuring Teostra in Elder Dragon Interceptions. Players can exploit Teostra's weaknesses, use Blast weapons, and earn rewards. The event introduces new armor skills and valuable materials, making it a must-play for Monster Hunter enthusiasts.
