Maharashtra's cabinet has requested an increase in the non-creamy layer income limit to Rs 15 lakh, granted constitutional status to the SC commission, and approved welfare corporations for journalists. Additional funds for the Balasaheb Thackeray Turmeric Research Centre and housing for various groups were also sanctioned. Other decisions include library culture promotion, childcare facilities, and an African safari in Nagpur.
Law enforcement officials in Delhi seized 200 kg of cocaine worth Rs 2,000 crore in a significant drug bust, marking the second largest seizure within a week. Ongoing raids continue to target suspects as part of the larger investigation into a previous Rs 5,620 crore drug haul.
In 2006, Ratan Tata collaborated with painter Lakshman Shrestha to create an artwork for a charity auction, dedicating several days to learning and painting. The artwork, valued at Rs 75 Lakh, now holds a prominent place in Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace lobby, contributing significantly to the funds raised.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the 21st century as the era of India and ASEAN, highlighting the significant growth in trade exceeding $130 billion. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and connectivity initiatives including fintech connectivity modeled after Singapore and increased direct flight connections.
In 2008, Ratan Tata shifted his Rs 1,500 crore Nano project from West Bengal to Gujarat due to protests led by Mamata Banerjee after the state government refused to return 400 acres of farmland. Narendra Modi, then Gujarat's Chief Minister, welcomed Tata, ensuring the project stayed in India. Production of Nano cars ceased in 2018.
A group of 27 Muslim inmates and a British woman on death row at New Delhi's district jail are observing the nine-day Navratri fast, participating in traditional prayers and a havan. The jail administration has supported them with essentials such as boiled potatoes, milk, fruits, and puja materials.
A new study by the Birbal Sahni institute of Palaeosciences reveals significant shale gas potential in the South Karanpura coalfield of Jharkhand. The research suggests favourable conditions for hydrocarbon preservation, contributing to future energy resource development and national energy security, underlining the crucial role of unconventional resources.
Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Group, showed remarkable leadership during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. At the age of 70, he ensured the safety and support of victims and their families, and later established a trust to provide humanitarian aid during disasters.
The National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir has garnered support from four Independents, bringing its total to 46 seats. Omar Abdullah has been chosen as the leader and is in discussions with the Congress for support. Emphasis is on passing a resolution to restore the region's statehood.
Forbes' India 100 list for 2024 highlights Mukesh Ambani as the richest with a net worth of $119.5 billion, followed by Gautam Adani and family at $116 billion. The collective wealth of India's top 100 has surpassed a trillion dollars, marking a 40% increase from $799 billion last year. The increase is attributed to strong market performance of stock market.
Ratan Tata, the renowned industrialist and philanthropist, was deeply compassionate towards animals, particularly dogs. He actively advocated for the welfare of strays, using his social media to raise awareness and find homes for them. His initiatives, like the Small Animal Hospital in Mumbai, reflected his commitment to animal care. Tata often shared personal stories about his adopted dogs and highlighted acts of kindness towards strays, especially during monsoons. His love for animals was a core part of his life, showing his deep empathy for all living beings, a legacy that continues to inspire many even after his passing.
The Karnataka government is forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a cabinet subcommittee to address the alleged Covid scam during the previous BJP government. An interim report recommends recovering Rs 500 crores, highlighting significant financial mismanagement of Covid-19 relief funds.
Paying homage to his father Mulayam Singh Yadav on his second death anniversary, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav reaffirmed commitment to the socialist principles established by the party's founder. Akhilesh and other members of the Yadav clan commemorated Mulayam's contributions in Etawah. Shivpal Singh Yadav also praised Mulayam's work for farmers, the poor, and youth.
Aam Aadmi Party has announced it will not form an alliance with Congress for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections. The party criticized Congress for its «overconfidence and arrogance» and emphasized that an alliance could have helped defeat BJP. AAP remains firm on contesting alone against Congress and BJP, focusing on their alleged corruption and arrogance.
WWF’s Living Planet Report highlights India's food consumption pattern as the most sustainable among G20 countries. It mentions that adopting India's pattern worldwide would need less than one Earth by 2050. India’s millet mission and climate-resilient millets are praised. The report stresses promoting healthy alternative protein sources to reduce land needed for food production.
The farmer protests that aided AAP in Punjab did not have the same effect for Congress in Haryana. Despite BJP offering procurement at MSP for various crops, farmers in Haryana have moved on after the repeal of farm laws, benefiting from diversified agriculture and industrial opportunities.
There has been a 73% decline globally in monitored wildlife populations over the past 50 years, according to WWF's Living Planet Report-2024. Ecological degradation, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change are major factors contributing to this decline, with India experiencing sharp decreases in vulture species and an alarming reduction in wetland areas in Chennai.
Ratan Tata's legacy lives on through his impactful yet humble leadership. Known for his integrity and commitment, he turned challenges into triumphs, exemplified by his role in launching the Nano car and uniting the Tata Group during tumultuous times. His grace and dedication leave a lasting mark on India's business landscape.
Following Ratan Tata's passing, Tata Trusts faces a crucial decision in selecting a new chairman. With Noel Tata emerging as the likely candidate, his appointment would uphold the tradition of having a Parsi leader and maintain a connection to the founding family.
Ratan Tata guided the Tata Group into new sectors like telecom and cars, and drove innovation with projects like the Indica and Nano. He oversaw over 60 acquisitions and took TCS public. After appointing and later replacing Cyrus Mistry, his philanthropic efforts through Tata Trusts transformed healthcare and education. Post-retirement, he invested in startups like Upstox and Ola Electric.
Ratan Tata's strategic acquisitions, starting with Tetley in 2000 for $432 million, transformed Tata Group into a global powerhouse. He orchestrated over 60 acquisitions, including Jaguar-Land Rover. While successes mounted, not all ventures thrived, such as Tata Steel's Corus purchase. The journey redefined India's corporate footprint internationally.
Ratan Tata's dedication to animal welfare is evident in the Tata Group's Bombay House, which includes a facility for stray dogs. His efforts led to the opening of the Small Animal Hospital Mumbai, providing advanced medical care for small animals. Tata's social media also frequently advocates for animal adoption and welfare.
PM Narendra Modi criticized Congress for exploiting caste issues among Hindus to cause divisions while ignoring caste distinctions within the Muslim community. He accused the opposition of fostering fear among Muslims for electoral gain and emphasized Congress's approach as a betrayal of national unity.
Six of seven independent MLAs in J&K are likely to support NC, enabling the party to form a government without Congress or CPM. NC, with 42 seats, would reach a majority with independents' backing. Omar Abdullah acknowledges PM Modi's message and anticipates NC's Supreme Court challenge against MLA nominations.
Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi addressed the unexpected Haryana poll results, promising continued advocacy for justice and voter voices. He expressed gratitude to Haryana's people and party workers, and a Congress delegation submitted complaints to the EC. Additionally, Gandhi celebrated the NC-Congress alliance's win in J&K as a constitutional victory.
Ratan Tata's leadership during India's economic liberalisation transformed Tata Group through strategic divestments, global partnerships, and key acquisitions like Jaguar-Land Rover. He improved corporate governance, solidified control, and took TCS public, raising $1.2 billion. Despite crises, including a financial scandal and terrorist attack, Tata’s legacy endures, leaving a monumental impact on Indian business.
Ratan Tata strategically used retirement policies to consolidate power and modernize Tata Group starting in 1992. He mandated directors retire at 75, forcing several senior leaders out. The policy evolved over the years, reflecting his evolving strategy and maintaining his influence.
The Indian government has approved a major project to build two nuclear-powered submarines and acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the US, costing around Rs 68,000 crore, to counter China's regional activities. The submarines and drones will enhance India's intelligence, surveillance, and defensive capabilities.
Ratan Tata, the revered emeritus chairman of Tata Group and Tata Sons, passed away at 86. He significantly influenced the Tata Group, leading key initiatives such as Tata Teleservices and Tata Consultancy Services’ IPO. Post-retirement, he remained an influential figure, overseeing Tata Trusts and supporting over 30 start-ups. Tata's legacy in business and philanthropy continues to inspire.
The Congress party submitted complaints to the Election Commission of India regarding alleged discrepancies in 20 assembly constituencies during Haryana elections. Bhupinder Hooda and Pawan Khera cited irregularities in vote counting and machine functionality as reasons for their concerns, seeking a thorough investigation. Congress leader Pawan Khera said that the Election Commission officials' reaction was «as usual a good smile and a good cup of tea but we need more».
AAP MP Raghav Chadha expressed confidence in AAP's victory over BJP in the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, stating they don't need support from the INDIA bloc. He categorized elections into two types: those where regional parties like AAP, DMK, and TMC can defeat BJP independently, and those where Congress might need alliance support.
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and his wife met Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi to discuss preparations for the upcoming state assembly polls. Tensions rise within the INDIA bloc post-Haryana election defeat, with Soren opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.
Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) partners with Thales to deploy advanced tech solutions at Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and other airports. Thales implements the 'Fly to Gate' biometric system and will soon deploy a cloud-based Airport Operation Control Centre (APOC) to improve airport management and passenger experience significantly. This initiative supports India's vision of becoming the largest aviation market by 2047.