The father of Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who was arrested for allegedly smuggling gold from Dubai, has finally spoken out about the incident. DGP Ramachandra Rao was reportedly unaware of his daughter's involvement and was devastated upon learning about her arrest through the media. He also denied any knowledge of the family issues that may have led to Ranya's arrest. Confiscated at the Kempegowda International Airport, the 14.8 kg of gold has caused a major scandal and raised questions about the use of power and privilege for illegal activities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged for the expansion of tourism in Uttarakhand beyond the peak season, emphasizing the economic benefits it would bring to the state. With its spiritual energy and sacred sites, Uttarakhand is a prime tourist destination and the PM highlighted the potential for year-round activities such as winter trips, weddings, and religious ceremonies. This move is expected to generate employment opportunities for the locals and boost the state's economy.
Oterra, a natural colors company, has opened a new facility in India to meet the growing demand for sustainable products in Asia Pacific and Middle East markets. The center, housed in the company's subsidiary Akay Natural Ingredients, offers color blending and application labs to support customers in their switch to natural colors. This move allows Oterra to supply directly to these markets, eliminating the need for raw material exports and finished blend imports. The site also has an innovation and application lab to ensure high-quality products for the food and beverage industry.
Attention derivative traders! National Stock Exchange (NSE) has announced changes in the expiration timing of futures and options (F&O) contracts. Starting April 4, monthly F&O contracts will now expire on the last Monday of the month, instead of the last Thursday of the month. This move by NSE will also affect quarterly and half-yearly contracts, along with Nifty Bank contracts. Stay informed with the latest stock market updates on Zeebiz.com.
The Indian Ministry of Transport has made it mandatory for all public transport vehicles to carry the slogan "Be kind to Animals" to promote the safety of animals on roads. The transport minister has sent a notice to all state transport authorities and animal welfare boards, citing the fundamental duty of Indian citizens to protect and improve the natural environment and the existing legislations for animal welfare. Animal rights activists have praised the initiative, while transporters have welcomed it but also raised concerns about the need for infrastructure development to prevent accidents involving animals on roads.
Kolkata Knight Riders have announced Ajinkya Rahane as their new captain for the upcoming IPL season. The three-time champions have decided to replace their previous captain Shreyas Iyer, who led the team to their third title last year. Rahane will be supported by all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, who will be the vice-captain for the team. This will be Rahane's second stint with KKR, after a brief one-year stint in 2022. The team is confident that Rahane's experience and maturity as a leader will help them successfully defend their title.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) will be taking legal action to challenge a Mumbai court's order which allowed the registration of an FIR against former SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and other officials. The court's order comes after an application was filed by a legal news reporter, alleging financial fraud, regulatory violations, and corruption in a company's stock exchange listing. SEBI remains committed to ensuring regulatory compliance and will be initiating appropriate legal steps to challenge the order.
According to the latest IMF report, the tiny European nation of Luxembourg is set to remain the world's wealthiest country in 2025 with a staggering GDP per capita of $154.91 thousand. Singapore has climbed two spots to claim the title of the world's second-richest nation, with a GDP per capita of $153.61 thousand. And Macau has secured the third spot globally with a GDP per capita of $140.25 thousand. This report highlights the growing economic dominance of these small but prosperous countries.
Rediff Money Desk, a prominent business news source based in New Delhi, reported that technology giants Samsung and Check Point have announced plans to expand their research and development (R&D) efforts in India following the country's budget for 2025, which emphasizes investments in AI and geospatial technology. Additionally, Enfabrica, an emerging tech company, has opened a new R&D hub in Hyderabad. The budget also brought good news for the crop protection industry, as they seek tax cuts to promote research and development in the sector. Meanwhile, Ultratech Cement's shares have plunged, causing a drop in valuation for the company.
With rapid growth in infrastructure and real estate demand, the cables and wires sector has been performing well. However, the recent announcement of UltraTech, the country's largest cement company, entering the space has caused concern among investors. The Aditya Birla Group's decision to expand into this sector aligns with their vision of providing comprehensive solutions in construction. But with UltraTech's extensive manufacturing expertise and strong connections, the wires and cables industry is expected to see significant growth, posing a new challenge for existing companies.