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Showing posts from July, 2024

Ritu Kumar: A Trailblazer in Indian Fashion

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Early Life and Education Ritu Kumar , born on November 11th, 1944, in Amritsar, embarked on her journey in the fashion world with a vision to revolutionize Indian clothing design. Despite limited educational opportunities in her hometown, she pursued her studies at Loreto Convent in Shimla and later at Lady Irwin College in Delhi, where her passion for art history blossomed. Ritu Kumar Personal Life of Ritu Kumar In the late 1960s, Ritu Kumar met her husband, Shashi Kumar, while studying in Delhi, and they embarked on a lifelong journey together. Despite the demands of family life, Ritu continued to pursue her passion for fashion, balancing her career with motherhood. She furthered her education with a scholarship in Art History at Briarcliff College in New York, enriching her understanding of ethnic fashion and design. The Career of Ritu Kumar Ritu’s career began to flourish in the 1960s when she discovered a small colony of hand block printers in Serampore, West Bengal. Inspired by

AIADMK Minister MR Vijayabhaskar Arrested in Kerala, Brought to Karur

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Former AIADMK minister MR Vijayabhaskar was arrested by CB-CID officials in Kerala’s Thrissur on Tuesday, in connection with a Rs 100-crore land-grabbing case in Karur. Accompanied by another accused, Praveen, Vijayabhaskar was swiftly transported to Karur the same day for interrogation at the local CB-CID office. AIADMK minister MR Vijayabhaskar arrested from Kerala. The arrest follows a complaint filed by the Mela Karur sub-registrar (in-charge) on June 9, 2024, alleging fraudulent registration of 22 acres of land valued at Rs 100 crore in Vangal. Vijayabhaskar had previously sought anticipatory bail, which was denied by the district principal sessions court on June 25 after fears of inclusion in the case prompted him to file on June 12. The CB-CID took over the investigation on June 14, following a complaint by the land parcel's owner against Vijayabhaskar and associates for allegedly threatening his family and fraudulently transferring the land to four individuals. The Vangal p

Union Budget 2024: Clarity on ITC Eligibility for Sales Promotion Expenses Pivotal

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Karan Kakkar, Partner at Grant Thornton Bharat, and Pragya Sharma, Associate Director at Grant Thornton Bharat, emphasize the critical need for reforms to streamline Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims in India’s GST regime. While GST was introduced to simplify India’s tax system and ensure a seamless flow of ITC, businesses have encountered numerous challenges and inconsistencies, particularly regarding ITC eligibility on sales promotion expenses. The recent GST Council meeting unveiled substantial proposals from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman but industry stakeholders are anticipating additional measures.  The Need for Clarity and Consistency In the recent GST Council meeting, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented substantial proposals. However, industry stakeholders are still looking for additional measures to address their concerns. With the Union Budget on the horizon, businesses are hopeful for clarity on ITC uncertainties, comprehensive reforms to simplify ITC claims, red

Emraan Hashmi Opens Up About His Biggest Career Regret

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In a recent candid chat with News18, Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi revealed that he has one significant regret in his career — a film he wishes he hadn’t done. Known for his bold choices and his title as the “serial kisser” of Bollywood, Hashmi admitted that this particular film still haunts him. Emraan Hashmi made his acting debut in Footpath, bankrolled by his uncles Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt. Despite initially being impressed by the script, the final product was far from what he had envisioned. “I did a film way back. I wouldn’t want to take the name because a lot of creative people were involved in it. It was a film made with the best of intentions. It had a great script. However, it turned out to be this god-awful film! I couldn’t even see it because the trailer itself was so cringe. It definitely wasn’t what I had signed up for,” he confessed. Hashmi also spoke about feeling envious of his peers who consistently deliver hit films. “There’s always a battle in my head that a ce

Tamil Nadu CM Honours Artisans and Inaugurates New College Buildings in Three Districts

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In a heartwarming ceremony held at the secretariat, Chief Minister MK Stalin recognized the exceptional contributions of Tamil Nadu’s artisans. On Tuesday, he presented lifetime achievement awards to eight distinguished artisans and Poompuhar awards to ten others, celebrating their dedication and remarkable achievements in the field of handicrafts. TN Chief Minister MK Stalin The lifetime achievement award recipients included: N Balakrishnan from Kanchipuram S Govindaraj and K P Umapathy from Thanjavur S Rajagopal and Sulaikal Beevi from Tirunelveli N Mani from Thiruvannamalai C Muthuswami and S Thanga Jothi from Kanniyakumari The Poompuhar awards were presented to: C Ravi , C Nagalakshmi , R Loganathan , and M Murugesan from Thanjavur M Rajappa from Pudukkottai N Poovammal and S Lilly Mary from Kanniyakumari P Varadhan and M Rajarathinam from Chengalpattu R Sakthivel from Kallakuruchi In addition to celebrating these artisans, Chief Minister Stalin inaugurated new build

IIT Guwahati and E&ICT Academy Launch Data Analytics and Generative AI Programme

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Introduction IIT Guwahati, in collaboration with E&ICT Academy and Simplilearn, has launched new professional certificate programs in Data Analytics and Generative AI. These online courses aim to equip candidates with essential skills to meet the growing demand for data analytics and AI professionals. The total admission fee for the course is Rs 1,19,900 including taxes. Program Overview The courses are designed to accommodate candidates from diverse educational backgrounds. Interested students can apply for the programs on Simplilearn's official website by July 21. The admission fee for the Generative AI for Data Analytics program is Rs 1,19,900, which includes taxes and all applicable charges. Course Features Participants will benefit from live online classes conducted by industry experts and masterclasses by IIT Guwahati faculty and IBM experts. The program includes: Over 25 hands-on projects Campus immersion at IIT Guwahati Hackathons "Ask Me Anything" sessions ho

GTRI Raises Concerns Over Precious Metal Imports Under India-UAE Trade Pact

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Introduction The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has voiced serious concerns about the surge in precious metal imports from the UAE under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This influx is impacting the domestic jewelry industry and potentially causing significant revenue losses. Seeking an urgent review of the agreement, it said the India-UAE comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) allows unlimited imports of gold, silver, platinum, and diamonds from the UAE into India with zero tariffs in the coming years.  Key Issues and Calls for Action GTRI has called for an urgent investigation into the effects of CEPA, which allows unlimited imports of gold, silver, platinum, and diamonds from the UAE with zero tariffs in the coming years. This policy is expected to shift import business from banks to private traders and replace top suppliers with Dubai-based firms. Revenue and Industry Impact The think tank's report highlights that the zero

Gareth Southgate Steps Down as England Manager After EURO 2024 Final Defeat

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Introduction Gareth Southgate has announced his resignation as England manager following their loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. This marks the end of an illustrious tenure that saw him lead the national team through 102 matches over eight years. Southgate has stepped down after England's EURO 2024 final defeat last Sunday. Resignation Announcement In a heartfelt statement shared by England Football, Gareth Southgate expressed his decision to step down after England's 2-1 defeat against Spain at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Reflecting on his tenure, Southgate emphasized his pride in representing and managing England. Legacy and Achievements Southgate initially took over as caretaker manager in late 2016 and went on to oversee England's journey to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and consecutive runner-up finishes in the European Championships of 2021 and 2024. His leadership has been credited with revitalizing the team and fostering a new era of English footb

Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya Return to Mumbai After Robbery in Europe

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Introduction Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya’s European vacation turned distressing when their car was broken into in Florence, Italy. Despite the unfortunate incident, the couple safely returned to Mumbai, expressing relief and gratitude. Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya return to Mumbai after getting robbed in Europe The Incident in Florence While enjoying their vacation in Europe, Divyanka and Vivek’s car was burglarized in Florence. Thieves made off with their passport, cash, and belongings worth Rs 10 lakhs, leaving the couple stranded. Despite this, they received assistance from the Indian embassy and managed to return home safely. Return to Mumbai The couple arrived back in Mumbai on Tuesday morning, where they were spotted at the airport. They posed for the paparazzi and shared their relief about returning home. Divyanka commented, “Ghar aake hamesha sukoon he milta hai (It is always good to be back home). I am looking forward to reaching home soon and breathe a sigh of re

Paytm Faces SEBI's Scrutiny Over Related Party Transactions with PPBL in FY22

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Introduction In a recent development, One 97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, has received an administrative warning from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The issue revolves around related party transactions conducted with Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL) during the fiscal year 2022, which lacked the necessary approvals from the audit committee and shareholders. One 97 Communications, which is Paytm's parent firm, has got an 'administrative warning letter' from SEBI over related party transactions it had entered into with Paytm Payments Banks (PPBL) in FY22. SEBI’s Examination and Findings According to a letter from SEBI dated July 15, an examination was conducted regarding the disclosure of financial and other information by One 97 Communications and its associate, PPBL. The examination revealed non-compliances related to related party transactions (RPTs) between the company, its subsidiaries, and PPBL. The SEBI letter highlighted that the company h