Blog

21 Jan

TikTok has sparked controversy over data privacy and international business relations

editorInternational

TikTok officially suspended its services in the United States following a federal ban citing national security concerns. The ban stems from allegations that the Chinese-owned app could be used for data collection by the Chinese government. In response, TikTok is exploring legal avenues and potential partnerships to address the concerns and resume operations in the U.S. The situation has sparked debates over data privacy and international business relations.

21 Jan

Wildfires have destroyed thousands of homes in Southern California

editorInternational

Southern California is grappling with devastating wildfires exacerbated by strong Santa Ana winds. The fires have destroyed thousands of homes and resulted in 27 fatalities. Firefighters, including inmate crews, are working tirelessly to contain the blazes. Climate change and urban expansion have contributed to the severity of the wildfires, raising concerns about future fire seasons. Residents have been forced to evacuate, and the region faces significant challenges in disaster response and recovery.

21 Jan

On January 20, 2025 a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas went into effect

editorInternational

On January 20, 2025, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect, leading to the release of hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Three Israeli women, including British-Israeli dual national Emily Damari, were freed after 471 days in captivity. Concurrently, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire has allowed for an influx of aid into Gaza, with 915 trucks delivering essential supplies. Despite the truce, tensions persist, exemplified by Israeli settlers attacking Palestinian villages in the West Bank, resulting in property damage and injuries. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely.

21 Jan

Airtel and Bajaj Finance forge partnership to boost digital financial services

Business BureauBusiness

Bharti Airtel and Bajaj Finance have entered into a groundbreaking partnership to create one of India's largest digital platforms for financial services, aimed at transforming the last-mile delivery of financial products and fostering digital inclusion across the country. Airtel, with its 375 million strong customer base, will progressively offer Bajaj Finance’s retail financial offerings through the Airtel Thanks App and its extensive network of stores. The partnership combines Airtel’s robust digital platforms and distribution capabilities with Bajaj Finance’s diverse suite of 27 products and its AI-driven strategy for efficient credit underwriting. Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and MD of Bharti Airtel,…

21 Jan

Tripura CM highlights BJP’s leadership and welfare commitment

Sonakshi SarkarTripura

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on January 20 praised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its discipline and dedication to societal welfare, emphasizing the party's commitment to reaching every individual through developmental initiatives. Speaking at an event where Gouranga Bhowmik was announced as the Sadar (Rural) District President, CM Saha highlighted the systematic approach of the BJP in organizational development. "We began at the booth level, moved to Mandal Presidents, and now, District Presidents. Among 11 candidates, Gouranga Bhowmik was elected, reflecting the party’s transparent and disciplined process," he said. Saha urged party members to prioritize discipline and adhere to…

21 Jan

‘Platform to showcase artistic talents’: Tripura CM inaugurates Purvottar Adi Bazar

editorTripura

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha recently inaugurated the Purvottar Adi Bazar at Purbasa Urban Hut Complex, Jail Road, Agartala, where he said that the Bazar will play an important role in the development of handicrafts in the North Eastern region."Purvottar Adi Bazar is a platform to showcase the culture, heritage, and artistic talents of the artisans of Tripura and the North Eastern region. It will play an important role in the development of handicrafts inthe region," Saha said. It must be noted that Purvottar Adi Bazar, a joint initiative of the Tribal Co-operative Marketing Federation of India (TRIFED) and Tripura…

21 Jan

Mizoram’s pig farming shows progress with no ASF deaths in January

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram has reported no pig deaths due to African Swine Fever (ASF) in January 2025, marking a continuation of a positive trend, according to the state’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department. However, officials remain cautious, warning that the disease could resurface with the onset of warmer weather. Since the outbreak was first reported in Lungsen village, Lunglei district, in March 2021, ASF has claimed over 62,000 pigs, leading to significant economic losses. In 2024 alone, 14,950 pigs succumbed to ASF, while 24,177 were culled as a preventive measure, resulting in losses exceeding ₹330 crore. The cumulative monetary loss due to…

21 Jan

Meghalaya’s UDP names 4 new candidates for upcoming district council polls

Sonakshi SarkarMeghalaya

The United Democratic Party (UDP) has unveiled its third list of candidates for the upcoming elections to the Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Councils, scheduled for February 21. The announcement marks a key step in the party’s preparations for these critical polls. The four candidates named in the latest list are Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah, Anthony Khongwang, Lee Trevor S. Bareh, and Mewan Pasi. The declaration was made during a press briefing held at the UDP’s party headquarters, underscoring the party’s focus on ensuring strong representation across constituencies. The elections, which play a vital role in determining…

21 Jan

Zomato Q3 results: Net profit decrease 57.2% to Rs 59 crore as against Rs 138 crore a year ago; shares fall

Business CorrespondentBusiness, News

Zomato Q3 results: Zomato on Monday reported a 57.24 per cent drop in its net profit to Rs 59 crore for the December 2024 quarter (Q3 FY25), according to a regulatory filing. Following this, its shares declined 7 per cent intra-day and closed at Rs 240.95 per share, down 3.14 per cent from the previous day.However, the food delivery platform's revenue grew 64 per cent to Rs 5,405 crore during October-December 2024 as against Rs 3,288 crore in the same period a year ago.Importantly, its quick commerce Blinkit, which had kept Zomato profitable in previous quarters, has reported an EBIT…

20 Jan

Havells India shares upsurge despite marginal drop in third quarter net profit

Business CorrespondentBusiness, News

Havells India Ltd shares jumped on January 20 despite the company reporting a marginal drop in net profit in the December quarter. The home appliance maker's profit fell to Rs 283 crore from Rs 288 crore a year ago in the quarter ended December 31. Havells' revenue from operations rose nearly 11% to Rs 4,883 crore, while total expenses rose 12.3% to Rs 4,564 crore. Havells India shares were trading 1.5% higher at Rs 1,598 per share at 1:35 pm on January 20. This performance reflected strong demand from its switchgear project business, but it suffered inventory de-stocking in wires…