Latest News
Refresh- Stepping up: India-based global capability centres get a bigger say at multinational firms
Global roles in India expanded to 6,500 in 2023, with projections indicating a big jump to 30,000 by 2030, as per data from Zinnov. Most of the mature GCCs in the country are likely to gradually have a larger say in global operations of multinational corporations.
- IT companies see shift in deal scope on GenAI, muted market
Indian IT service firms are adapting to client demands for enhanced productivity and expanded scope of work, potentially impacting profit margins. IT companies are gifting productivity gains to clients during deals’ anniversaries
- BPO clients automating ops via AI to raise productivity: Automation Anywhere CTO
About 40% of the company’s global BFSI customers of Automation Anywhere are serviced or managed out of India. Automation Anywhere’s products help in detection of fraud customer accounts.
- UK Labour government likely to go tough on Tata Steel Wales job losses
The new UK Labour government is pressuring Tata Steel to safeguard local jobs at its Port Talbot plant before approving a $635 million lifeline for a low-carbon facility. The transition to an electric arc furnace may result in job cuts and financial challenges for the company.
- Lenders bank on special plans to raise retail deposits
Indian banks are increasing deposit rates, with offerings ranging from 6.90% to 7.30% for various durations. This comes after the RBI's directive to narrow the gap between deposit and credit growth. Banks aim to attract more retail deposits by providing higher interest rates amidst expectations of a changing rate cycle.
- Upward march: IMF raises India's GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 7%
IMF upgrades India's FY25 growth forecast to 7% and maintains the country's fastest-growing economy status. The outlook also highlights risks related to inflation, currency volatility, and trade tensions, emphasizing the importance of prudent policy decisions and multilateral cooperation.
- Take KYC seriously: RBI’s clear message to fintechs
RBI directs fintech startups to adhere strictly to KYC guidelines. At one of the meetings last week, top executives of digital lending startups sought some relaxations around KYC requirements, but the RBI remained steadfast in its position.
- Fintech startup Multipl raises $1.5 million funding in round led by Blume Ventures, MIXI Global Investments
Fintech startup Multipl raises $1.5 million in funding to enhance its platform and introduce new features. It last raised $3 million in May 2022 in a round led by Blume Ventures, GrowX Ventures, IIFL, and Kotak Securities.
- MLB stars may take part in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Rob Manfred drops major hint
Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred has raised the excitement of baseball fans with the hint of a possibility of MLB's top-level stars taking part in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, this could be a sign that Team USA will be able to add some more laurels in their next Olympic journey.
- Did Iran plan to assassinate Donald Trump? Why did the Secret Service ignore this crucial information?
A key intelligence input was overlooked by the US Secret Service. Though, there is no Iranian hand in Trump’s assassination attempt, the input did indicate that the country will seek to assassinate the former president. Iran has been labelled a ‘rogue nation’ by the US and may have the motive to kill Trump. The security lapses are being investigated.
- SpaceX rocket fails: 20 Starlink satellites burn in space. What went wrong? Details here
With a Falcon 9 launch, SpaceX suffered a serious setback that cost them 20 Starlink satellites. Future launches have been put on hold while the corporation resolves the problems that led to the failure, and an investigation is currently underway.
- Your car will get charged automatically while you drive it on this road. Florida introduces wireless charging system. Details here
Florida is introducing a groundbreaking project that allows electric vehicles to charge while driving. This innovative wireless charging system aims to enhance EV infrastructure and reduce emissions.
- Why Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are desperate to sell house at discount? Do they want to settle financial issues before divorce?
Is it now confirmed that Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are heading toward a divorce and they are so desperate that they want to sell it even at a discount? Do they want to settle all financial issues before parting ways?
- Amazon Prime Day: Evolution of the ‘Black Friday of July’ across the years
Amazon Prime Day is also termed by shopping geeks as the 'Black Friday of July', due to the amazing deals and discounts offered during these two-day sales, the latest having already kicked off on July 16. Across the years, it has transformed in many ways, making it one of the most awaited sales of the entire year.
- Lee: See Kate Winslet starrer movie’s trailer, plot and release date
Kate Winslet portrays Lee Miller, an American war correspondent facing the dangers of WWII and sexism among her peers. The film, directed by Ellen Kuras, debuts in British and Irish cinemas on September 13, 2024.
- Was the US Secret Service unable to secure a rooftop because of its sloping curve? Director’s bizarre claim, blame game and more
In an interview, the Director of the US Secret Service Kimberly Cheatle made a bizarre claim which only raises further questions on the competency of an agency whose mandate is to guard the POTUS and his deputy and their families.
- Pan Am to return in 2025 for exclusive flight. Know its fare, schedule, itinerary and more
Pan Am will make a comeback with a luxurious private jet journey departing from New York that would provide upscale experiences and exclusive destinations. With this distinctive voyage, CEO Craig Carter hopes to both commemorate the airline's heritage and draw in new customers.
- The Deliverance: All you need to know about release date, trailer, plot, production and cast
'The Deliverance' follows Ebony Jackson, a single mother, as she battles supernatural forces threatening her family in their new home. Directed by Lee Daniels, the film stars Andra Day and features a strong ensemble cast. The film debuts in theaters on August 16 and on Netflix on August 30.
- Bob Dylan’s 2024 UK tour: Venue, date, ticket prices, presale and more
Bob Dylan will perform at ten shows in the UK as part of his "Rough and Rowdy Ways" tour in November 2024. Tickets go on sale soon, with a presale available for one venue.
- Somebody Feed Phil Season 8: Everything we know about renewal, production team and more
"Somebody Feed Phil" will return for an eighth season on Netflix. The Emmy-nominated series, featuring Phil Rosenthal exploring global cuisines, has been a hit since its debut in 2018. Netflix will release the show's theme tune on streaming platforms on October 4. No release date for Season 8 is set yet.
- When is Amazon Prime Day 2024 ending? Deals, discounts and more, all you need to know
Now is the time to wish avid online shoppers a Happy Prime Day as the amazing Amazon Prime Day 2024 has already started on July 16 and promises to be one of the biggest online shopping sale of the year across the US.
- Is Tiger Woods planning to retire? Here is what the Golf legend said
Tiger Woods has dismissed calls for this retirement. He has not won any major championship since 2019. The golf legend will be seen in action in Britain this week.
- The Surfer: Release date, behind the scenes and plot of Nicolas Cage starrer revealed
Nicolas Cage enthusiasts can celebrate as Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions have acquired the North American distribution rights for "The Surfer," a thrilling film that created a buzz at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
- Will NASA make human base in lunar caves? How long these caves on Moon are and will humans take drinking water from caves?
Scientists have discovered more than 200 caves on the Moon. Some of those caves are as big as 130 feet or 40 meters wide and tens of yards meters long. They are so deep that astronauts might have to use “jet packs or a lift” to get out. Some of the caves may hold frozen water.
- Oil tanker sinks off Oman coast; 13 Indians among 16 missing crew
The Comoros-flagged Prestige Falcon had a 16-member crew - 13 from India and three from Sri Lanka - and search and rescue operations to locate missing seafarers are underway. The incident happened Monday 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah. An official at the Maritime Security Center declined to say whether the incident caused an oil spill. It was unclear from ship tracking data whether the vessel was laden at the time.
- Lamine Yamal's father claims his son can be an even bigger star than Lionel Messi
Lamine Yamal and his connection with Lionel Messi began when he was just a baby. Pictures of a younger Messi bathing Yamal as a toddler was viral after the Spaniard's sensation semifinal goal in the Euro Cup 2024. Now, Yamal's father has claimed that his son could become an even bigger name in the world of football than Lionel Messi.
- This tunnel in Mexico needs oxygen cylinders to reach the other end; drug smuggling suspected
Authorities in Mexico who discovered a long tunnel extending into the US need oxygen cylinders to enter it. It is long and lacks ventilation and hence the investigators need to take abundant precautions while entering the tunnel.
- Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 57
Later on Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike on a car killed at least 17 Palestinians and wounded 26 others in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, the officials said. The airstrike hit near a tented area housing displaced families in Attar Street in the humanitarian-designated area of Al-Mawasi, the health ministry said. The Israeli military said the strike targeted a senior militant of the Islamic Jihad group, an ally of Hamas.
- Despite close shave, Donald Trump backers oppose gun reforms
In interviews with 12 Donald Trump delegates at his Republican Party nominating convention in Milwaukee, none advocated for limits or bans on assault rifles, raising the legal age to buy a gun, or even more robust background checks.
- Awards Shows 2024: When and where to watch Grammys, VMAs, Emmys and more
As we prepare for another thrilling award season spanning TV, movies, music, and theater, here’s a list of the upcoming ceremonies.
- Donald Trump bets on JD Vance to get a chance in Midwest
Vance, who quickly developed a reputation as a MAGA firebrand in his short time on Capitol Hill, earned modest applause when he entered the packed venue of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the first time Monday as Trump's running mate. Later in the night, the crowd was more excited as he greeted Trump - who entered the room with a bandage covering his right ear, injured in Saturday's assassination attempt.
- Experts suggest Aadhaar number to better manage recycling of batteries
India's eMobility R&D Roadmap, released by Adviser A.K. Sood, suggests a battery Aadhaar for digitized tracking and end-of-life management to aid recycling. The roadmap includes 34 projects and aims for net-zero emissions by 2070, 30% EV penetration, and energy independence by 2047. Prof Athmanathan noted research gaps, while ARAI’s Abhijit Mulay emphasized recyclability using a 16-digit number.
- Services business a hard sell for FMCG companies focused on products
There are several instances of FMCG companies entering service business that didn't work for them on expected lines. In 2009, Jyothy Labs launched a laundry business through a chain called Fabricspa, with an investment of Rs 40 crore. Over the years, the business grew at a slower pace compared to the rest of the business. It contributed 2% of the total revenue of Jyothy Labs in FY24.
- Paris Olympics: Swimmers from China set for twice as many doping tests as others amid doping controversy
Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Chinese swimmers face intensified scrutiny with at least eight drug tests each, double the norm, due to past doping controversies. World Aquatics aims to restore trust after clearing 23 swimmers of doping ahead of Tokyo 2021, a decision criticized by athletes and international bodies. Results will be closely watched amid global scrutiny of anti-doping protocols.
- Gold price hits record high on rate cut expectations
The price of gold soared Tuesday to a record peak, propelled by trader expectations of falling US interest rates in September as inflation cools. "There is no doubt that the recent surge in gold prices can be at least partially attributed to a declining dollar and falling bond yields, thanks to weaker-than-expected US data and an unexpected drop to 3 percent in US consumer inflation last week," said Fawad Razaqzada, analyst at City Index.
- Rupee settles marginally higher at Rs 83.58 per dollar
Stronger chances of a September rate cut by the Federal Reserve have pressured US yields to come down. The US 10- year bond yield was at 4.17%, versus 4.20% on Monday. Lower US interest rates typically lead to a softer US dollar as global investors seek higher returns in emerging market assets.
- Pharma companies against plan to bring nutraceuticals under drug regulator
Controversy arises as government considers shifting nutraceuticals to drug regulatory authority from FSSAI oversight. Industry experts express reservations and call for detailed discussions. Nutraceutical segment set to reach $18 billion in India by 2025.
- Et Graphics: Domestic air traffic rises 5.8% in June, IndiGo leads
In June 2023, airlines carried 13.2 million passengers, a 5.8% increase from June last year but down from 13.8 million in May. IndiGo remains the largest airline. SpiceJet's market share fell below 4% due to financial struggles and supply constraints. Akasa Air achieved 80% punctuality, and airlines recorded 89% average occupancy.
- Paris landmarks double up as Olympic venues
The Olympic Games in Paris begin on July 26 with an opening ceremony on the Seine. Key venues include the Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, Invalides, Pont Alexandre III, Concorde, and Roland Garros. Events featured are beach volleyball, fencing, taekwondo, archery, cycling, swimming, triathlon, 3X3 basketball, breakdancing, BMX, skateboarding, boxing, and tennis.
- Go First heads for liquidation after discussions on bids come up short
Lenders are putting final touches to a voting proposal seeking liquidation of the airline after both the bids - from a consortium of EaseMyTrip CEO Nishant Pitti and SpiceJet chairman Ajay Singh, and from Sharjah-based Sky One Aviation - were below their expectations. The voting proposal may be put up before the committee of creditors this week, the people said.
