IND

Trending Now

daily news

Union Cabinet Approves Amendment in FDI policy on space sector, upto 100% in making components for satellites

“Under the amended FDI policy, 100% FDI is allowed in space sector,” a press release said.

The Union Cabinet approved the amendment in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy on space sector on Wednesday. As per a press release by the government, the satellites sub-sector has now been divided into three different activities “with defined limits for foreign investment in each such sector”.

The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Under the amended FDI policy, 100% FDI is allowed in space sector. The liberalized entry routes under the amended policy are aimed to attract potential investors to invest in Indian companies in space,” the government said in its press release.

The entry route under the amended policy are as follows:

> Upto 74% FDI under Automatic route: Satellites-Manufacturing & Operation, Satellite Data Products and Ground Segment & User Segment. Beyond 74% these activities are under government route.

> Upto 49% under Automatic route: Launch Vehicles and associated systems or subsystems, Creation of Spaceports for launching and receiving Spacecraft. Beyond 49% these activities are under government route.

> Upto 100% under Automatic route: Manufacturing of components and systems/ sub-systems for satellites, ground segment and user segment.

As per the existing FDI policy, FDI is permitted in establishment and operation of Satellites through the Government approval route only. “In line with the vision and strategy under the Indian Space Policy 2023, the Union Cabinet has eased the FDI policy on Space sector by prescribing liberalised FDI thresholds for various sub-sectors/activities,” the press release said.

It added that the Department of Space consulted with internal stakeholders like IN-SPACe, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) as well as several industrial stakeholders.

“Non-Government Entities (NGEs) have developed capabilities and expertise in the areas of satellites and launch vehicles. With increased investment, they would be able to achieve sophistication of products, global scale of operations and enhanced share of global space economy,” the government said.

The government said the proposed reforms seek to liberalise the FDI policy provisions in space sector by prescribing liberalized entry route and providing clarity for FDI in Satellites, Launch Vehicles and associated systems or subsystems, Creation of Spaceports for launching and receiving Spacecraft and manufacturing of space related components and systems.

The Indian Space Policy 2023 was notified as an overarching, composite and dynamic framework to implement the vision for unlocking India’s potential in Space sector through enhanced private participation.

The said policy aimed to augment space capabilities; develop a flourishing commercial presence in space; use space as a driver of technology development and derived benefits in allied areas; pursue international relations and create an ecosystem for effective implementation of space applications among all stakeholders, the press released added.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it’s all here, just a click away.

This Article Was Originally Published on Hindustantimes News!

Also Read : This brand will face competition from businesses owned by Gautam Adani, Ratan Tata, and Mukesh Ambani!

Google Releases Gemma: Laptop-friendly ‘open’ source AI after Meta|

Google Gemma: Google said individuals and businesses can build AI software based on its new family of “open models” called Gemma.

Google on Wednesday released new artificial intelligence (AI) models that outside developers potentially can fashion as their own, following a similar move by Meta Platforms and others.

The Alphabet subsidiary said individuals and businesses can build AI software based on its new family of “open models” called Gemma, for free. The company is making key technical data such as what are called model weights publicly available, it said.

The move may attract software engineers to build on Google’s technology and encourage usage of its newly profitable cloud division. The models are “optimized” for Google Cloud, where first-time cloud customers using them get $300 in credits, the company said.

Google stopped short of making Gemma fully “open source,” meaning the company still may have a hand in setting terms of use and ownership. Some experts have said open-source AI was ripe for abuse, while others have championed the approach for widening the set of people who can contribute to and benefit from the technology.

With the announcement, Google did not make its bigger, premier models known as Gemini open, unlike Gemma. It said the Gemma models are sized at two billion or seven billion parameters – or the number of different values that an algorithm takes into account to generate output.

Meta’s Llama 2 models range from seven to 70 billion parameters in size. Google has not disclosed the size of its largest Gemini models. For comparison, OpenAI’s GPT-3 model announced in 2020 had 175 billion parameters.

Chipmaker Nvidia on Wednesday said it has worked with Google to ensure Gemma models run smoothly on its chips. Nvidia also said it will soon make chatbot software, which it is developing to run AI models on Windows PCs, work with Gemma.

This Article Was Originally Published on Hindustantimes News!

Also Read : Farmers’ protest: Who was Shubhkaran Singh? How did he die during Khanauri protest?

Rashmika Mandanna slays in black at Milan Fashion Week 2024.

Rashmika Mandanna turned heads in an all-black look at the ongoing Milan Fashion Week. She took to Instagram to share a bunch of pictures.

Ciao, belle! Rashmika Mandanna, who was last seen in Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Animal, is now grabbing attention on the global fashion stage. She made an appearance at Milan Fashion Week 2024 on Wednesday. The actor took to Instagram Stories to share pictures of herself decked up in a sleek black outfit paired with matching black boots as she attended a fashion show in Milan. 

Rashmika Mandanna dazzles at Milan Fashion Week

At Milan Fashion Week 2024, which runs from February 20-26, Rashmika wore a black dress with a long black coat. Sharing her picture from a fashion show, she wrote on Instagram Stories, “Milan for a minute.” She wrote with another photo of herself posing at the fashion show, tagging her hair and makeup team, “When the girlies do their magic on me…” Rashmika also shared a glimpse of models walking the runway at the fashion show.

Click here for Rashmika Mandanna Biography

When Rashmika’s flight made emergency landing

Rashmika recently made news after she said she ‘escaped death’ and posted a photo on Instagram following an emergency landing of her flight from Mumbai to Hyderabad.

As per a recent report by Deccan Chronicle, the actor’s flight was forced to land due to ‘a technical glitch and extreme turbulence’. Rashmika is set to appear on the sixth season of actor Neha Dhupia’s chat show No Filter Neha, and was recently in Mumbai for the recording of the show with Neha.

Rashmika’s projects

Rashmika is flying high on the success of her action film Animal. Helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the film also starred Ranbir Kapoor, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor in the lead roles. Animal was one of the most successful films of 2023, and there’s also buzz around a sequel, titled Animal Park.

Rashmika will soon be seen in Pushpa 2, titled Pushpa: The Rule, with Allu Arjun. The film is slated to be released on August 15.

This Article Was Originally Published on Hindustantimes News!

Also Read : Google Releases Gemma: Laptop-friendly ‘open’ source AI after Meta|

This brand will face competition from businesses owned by Gautam Adani, Ratan Tata, and Mukesh Ambani!

Turkey-based diamond jewellery brand Zen Diamond has disclosed its strategic plans to enter India’s major metropolitan areas such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. The brand will initially focus on launching an online platform, targeting India’s expanding aspirational youth and middle-aged market. Moreover, Zen Diamond has set its sights on tier 2 and tier 3 cities in subsequent phases, aiming to establish physical retail outlets. This move will position Zen Diamond in competition with well-established brands such as those under Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance, the Adani Group and the Tata Group.

Zen Diamond was launched in Istanbul in 2000 by Emil Guzelis and has nearly 400 stores worldwide.

Also Read: Live Updates on the Farmers’ Protest: “We don’t have any issues in,” Union Minister Anurag Thakur declares!

Emil Guzelis, Chairman of the Zen Diamond group, has teamed up with Neil Sonawala to spearhead the brand’s India venture. Sonawala, who boasts extensive experience in jewelry distribution networks across Hong Kong, China, and Southeast Asia, as well as an advisory role with the De Beers Group and major retail chains in Southeast Asia, is expected to play a crucial role in Zen Diamond’s Indian expansion.

Neil Sonawala also underscored the importance of catering to India’s tech-savvy and globally well-travelled online buyers. He mentioned that Zen Diamond will provide affordable access to international jewelry trends while transforming the diamond jewellery shopping experience in India with outstanding customer service and in-store experiences.

Also Read: Gautam Adani (Chairman of Adani Group) Biography

This Article Was Originally Published on DNAIndia.com!

Farmers’ protest: Who was Shubhkaran Singh? How did he die during Khanauri protest?

The Haryana police said the farmers attacked security personnel with stones and sticks.

Patiala: Shubhkaran Singh, a 21-year-old farmer from Bhatinda, was killed on Wednesday in clashes between security personnel and protesting farmers at the Khanauri border. 12 police personnel were also injured in clashes.

Patiala-based Rajindra Hospital’s medical superintendent H S Rekhi said the deceased had an injury to his head. However, the exact cause of his death will be ascertained after the post-mortem examination.

According to officials, Shubhkaran Singh died of a bullet injury.

“He was brought dead, and on initial examination it appears that he was hit by a bullet. We will be able to ascertain the nature of the bullet only after a post-mortem,” Rekhi said.

Farmers at the border said the police fire rubber bullets along with tear gas shells. The Haryana police said the farmers attacked security personnel with stones and sticks.

The police also said the protesters poured chilli powder on stubble and set it on fire after surrounding the security personnel posted at the Khanauri border.

AAP leader and Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh called the police action “murder of democracy”.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal claimed Singh died due to police firing. However, there is no confirmation for the cause of his death.

“The death of Maur (Bathinda) boy Shubhkaran Singh in Haryana police firing at Khanauri border has sent a pall of gloom in Punjab. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s conspiratorial double game is responsible for the loss of this young life, the only brother of two sisters. The police of another state are allowed to assault and kill Punjabis on Punjab soil, with Bhagwant Mann collaborating with Haryana against Punjab farmers. Peaceful protest being met with bullets unheard of in a democracy. The innocent blood of Shubhkaran Singh is in Bhagwant Mann’s hands,” Badal alleged in a post on X.

Senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa claimed Shubhkaran Singh died due to a rubber bullet fired by the police.

“Farmer Shubkaran Singh of village Ballo, district Bathinda, allegedly died with a rubber bullet fired by the Haryana police while he was still in Punjab’s jurisdiction protesting peacefully,” Bajwa claimed in his statement.

Earlier, the protesting farmers amassed heavy machinery like earthmovers and bulldozers. The Punjab and Haryana high court had said they were not allowed to move on the highway.

Who was Shubhkaran Singh?

Shubhkaran Singh was a resident of Balloh village in Bhatinda, about 15 kilometres from Rampura Phul city.

His friend Pala described him as a hard-working contract farmer.

He and his uncle Charanjit Singh used to cultivate 20 acres of land on contract. Shubhkaran also owned livestock. He was a school drop out.

Shubhkaran Singh was raised by his grandfather after his parents’ divorce. He is survived by two sisters.

Shubhkaran Singh owned only two acres of land.

The locals are taking care of his four buffaloes and five calves as her sister is in a state of shock.

His another village friend said Shubhkaran Singh was an activist of the Bhartiya Kisan Union Sidhupur and would attend protests and gatherings.

Shubhkaran Singh had also protested at the 2021 farmers’ agitation, which resulted in the repeal of the three central laws.

Shubhkaran Singh was among 15 farmers from his village who joined the Delhi Chalo march.

Singh’s father suffers from a mental illness. He was the family’s breadwinner.

Shubhkaran Singh arrived at Khanauri on February 13. He used to work in the kitchen. His elder sister is married. His next goal was to get his younger sister married.

This Article Was Originally Published on Hindustantimes News!

Also Read : Farmers’ protest: Centre calls for talks, Haryana police fire tear gas shells!

Live Updates on the Farmers’ Protest: “We don’t have any issues in,” Union Minister Anurag Thakur declares!

Delhi Farmers Protest News Live: The Center’s recommendation that the government purchase cotton, maize, and pulses at MSP was turned down by the movement’s leaders

After failing to reach an agreement with the government over their demands for higher crop prices, thousands of farmers on tractors set to restart their push towards New Delhi on Wednesday were met by tear gas shells. Police have kept a miles-long column of farmers atop agricultural machinery at bay since last week.

In order to expand the government programme that currently covers basics like rice and wheat, farm unions are calling for legislation that would establish a minimum price for all commodities.

Also Read: Farmers’ protest: Centre calls for talks, Haryana police fire tear gas shells!

Opposition leaders criticized the Centre for the death of a youth at the Khanauri Border crossing in Sangrur district, Punjab, during the ongoing farmers’ protests.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said that he was saddened by the death of a young farmer on the Punjab-Haryana border and asserted that stringent action would be taken against those responsible for it.

“The news of the death of 21-year-old Shubhakaran was received today during the incident at Khanuri border. It is very sad that the youth of my state is no longer in this world. I want to ask the central government why the farmer of Punjab cannot go to the capital of his own country? We express our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Shubhakaran in this hour of sorrow. We assure to help the family financially and socially in all aspects. After the post-mortem, appropriate action will be taken against the responsible officials,” he said.

Also Read: Anurag Thakur (Politician) Biography

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief, Arvind Kejriwal asked that was it for this day that we fought for independence?”The death of Punjab’s young man Shubhakaran is very sad. Was it for this day that we fought for independence, that one day the governments elected by us in our own country will martyr our own sons like the British? We are completely with Shubhakaran and will ensure strict punishment to his murderers,” Kejriwal said in a post on X.

Also Read: For the “Delhi Chalo” march, farmers mobilize bulldozers and pledge “peace”: Leading Updates!

This Article Was Originally Published on DNAIndia.com!

Opposition protesters in Albania hurl petrol bombs at government building

The anti-government protesters accuse Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama of nepotism and corruption.

In Short

  • Opposition protesters hurl petrol bombs at Albania’s government building.
  • Thousands gather at Tirana, no reports of injuries or arrests.
  • Opposition accuses PM Adi Rama of nepotism and corruption.

Opposition protesters pelted Albania’s government building with petrol bombs and rocks late on Tuesday, accusing state officials of involvement in organised crime and corruption after their leader was placed under house arrest.

Thousands gathered in front of the government headquarters in the capital Tirana as riot police officers were called in to cordon off the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

There were no immediate reports of injuries, serious damage or arrests.

The main opposition Democratic Party accuses Rama of nepotism and corruption, which it says are prompting many young people to emigrate for a better life in Western Europe.

Protesters chose Tuesday for the rally in remembrance of February 20, 1991, when pro-democracy demonstrators tore down the statue of Albania’s longtime communist dictator Enver Hoxha.

“Today we are here to bring down Rama’s regime, which is worse than Enver Hoxha’s regime,” said Syle Xhebexhia, who said he travelled over 100 km to attend the protest in Tirana.

Opposition leader Sali Berisha addressed the protesters via a video link from house arrest. He is being investigated for alleged corruption while Prime Minister between 2005-2013.

Berisha has denied wrongdoing, accusing Rama of a political vendetta meant to silence opponents. Rama denies this.

Prosecutors have yet to decide whether to file formal charges against Berisha or drop them.

“Edi Rama, similar to the other dictator (Hoxha), has concentrated all powers in his hands and wants an Albania without opposition,” Berisha told the protesting crowd.

erisha has been regularly addressing supporters from the balcony of his apartment in downtown Tirana.

This article was originally published on India Today.

Also read: 2 for 82: IPL’s most expensive duo Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins fail to keep NZ in check at Wellington

Ameen Sayani, 91, the legendary radio host and the golden voice of “Geetmala,” passes away

Iconic radio host Ameen Sayani has died at the age of 91, his family said on Wednesday. He passed away in the hospital due to heart failure.

In Short

  • Renowned radio host Ameen Sayani passed away at 91
  • Sayani was rushed to hospital after a heart attack
  • He gained fame through his radio program ‘Geetmala’

Iconic radio host Ameen Sayani has died at the age of 91 after suffering a heart attack, his son Rajil Sayani said on Wednesday.

Also Read: OnePlus Watch 2 is coming on Feb 26, will it succeed where the Watch 1 did not?

Rajil Sayani stated that his father was rushed to the HN Reliance Hospital in Mumbai but couldn’t be saved. The funeral will be held on Thursday, he added.

Born on December 21, 1932 in Mumbai, Ameen Sayani was a household name for generations, captivating audiences with his melodious voice and engaging style. He began his career as an English-language broadcaster, and transitioned to Hindi after India’s independence.

Sayani achieved immense popularity through his radio program ‘Geetmala’, which played a pivotal role in popularising radio listening in India.

Also Read: Pediatric cancers: Types, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment!

Geetmala, hosted by Sayani, became a national phenomenon, showcasing popular Hindi film music and captivating listeners for decades. His signature way of addressing listeners as “Behno aur Bhaiyo” (sisters and brothers) became instantly recognisable and widely imitated.

Sayani’s career spanned over six decades, producing and presenting over 54,000 radio programs and 19,000 voice-overs for advertisements and jingles.

He also dabbled in acting, appearing in various films in small roles, often portraying an announcer.

In a condolence message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sayani’s “golden voice on the airwaves had a charm and warmth”.

“Shri Ameen Sayani Ji’s golden voice on the airwaves had a charm and warmth that endeared him to people across generations. Through his work, he played an important role in revolutionising Indian broadcasting and nurtured a very special bond with his listeners,” he said in a post on X. “Saddened by his passing away. Condolences to his family, admirers and all radio lovers. May his soul rest in peace,” the Prime Minister added.

Also Read: Narendra Modi (Politician) Biography

This Article Was Originally Published on India today.in!

2 for 82: IPL’s most expensive duo Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins fail to keep NZ in check at Wellington

New Zealand vs Australia: Indian Premier League’s most expensive duo Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins played their first T20I match together for the first time since the mini-auction. The duo conceded 82 runs between them in 8 overs.

In Short

  • Australia conceded 215 runs against New Zealand in 1st T20I
  • Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins were expensive in their spells
  • Starc and Cummins are set to play for KKR and SRH respectively

Indian Premier League’s most expensive duo – Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins – played a T20I match together for the first time since the auction in December. The Australian pace bowling duo were up against Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand in the first T20I of the 3-match series, on Wednesday, 21 February.

Back from a short rest after two Test series against Pakistan and West Indies, the duo went up against a strong New Zealand batting line-up in Wellington that included the likes of Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips.

Both Starc and Cummins picked up one wicket each and gave away 82 runs between themselves. While Starc had an economy of 9.75, Cummins registered his at 10.75. Starc picked the wicket of aggressive Finn Allen (32) in the 6th over of the match and registered figures of 4-0-39-1. On the other hand, Pat Cummins dismissed Rachin Ravindra (68) in the 16th over at a time when the left-hander was going hammer and tongs against Australia. Cummins registered figures of 4-0-43-1.

This article was originally published on India Today.

Also read: IPL 2024: 17th Season of Indian Premier League to start from this date; check details!

5 times Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh talked about becoming parents!

A recent report claimed that Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh will become parents soon. Looking back at five times they talked about having kids.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone recently made news for presenting an award in a stunning saree at the BAFTA Awards. According to The Week, the actor is pregnant and in her second trimester. While the actor or Ranveer Singh’s teams are yet to confirm or deny this, here’s looking back at five times the actors spoke about parenthood.

I hope for a happy family’

In 2013, in a round table with Rajeev Masand, Deepika was asked what she would be doing if not for acting. She replied, “If I was not an actor, I don’t know what I would’ve been doing. But hopefully with some children around. Three little kids scuttling about. Hopefully, be working enough to take them to shoots, have a happy family. And at the same time, still doing what I’m doing.”

It’s Deepika’s call’

Deepika and Ranveer met on the sets of Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela in 2013 and got married in Italy in 2018. Soon after their marriage, Ranveer attended the India Economic Conclave where he was asked about having children. He said, “It’s not my call really. Partly yes, it’s my call but mostly it’s just her and I allow her that. I allow her to make most of the decisions because she is better at everything. I have no qualms in admitting that she is a much more mature, much more evolved person than me.”

We’re focused on our careers’

In 2019 there were rumours that Deepika was pregnant and the actor spoke to Hindustan Times about how ‘sad’ it is that society puts such pressure on people. “I think it’s sad that society kind of puts itself and people in this rut that okay you are dating for so long toh shaadi kab hogi, shaadi ke baad bacche (when will you marry, after marriage it’s kids) and then grandchildren. I’m not surprised (by the rumours), we’re not surprised by it at all,” she said, adding, “Do we intent on having children? Of course we do, we both love kids. But do we intend to have children anytime soon? Absolutely not! We’re too selfishly focused on our careers, and I don’t think having kids at this point would be fair. We’re not even thinking about kids.”

‘I’ll have kids in 2-3 years’

Two years after Deepika’s statement though it looked like the couple was ready for kids because Ranveer shared his excitement in 2021 on his TV show The Big Picture. He said, “Jaisa ki aap log jante hai meri shaadi ho gai hai aur ab 2-3 saal me bacche bhi honge. Bhaisaab, aapki bhabhi itni cute baby thi na. Mai to roz uski baby photos dekhta hoon, kehta hoon ek aisi de de mujhe bus meri life set ho jae (As you guys know I am married and may have kids in next two or three years. Bro, your sister-in-law (Deepika) was such a cute baby. I see her baby photos every day and tell her, give me one baby like this one, my life will be set).”

We look forward to it’

Deepika spoke to Vogue Singapore in January this year about how it’s easy to get carried away with the fame and money in the film industry. “In this industry, it’s easy to get carried away by fame and money. But no one treats me like a celebrity at home. I am a daughter and a sister first. I don’t want that to change. My family keeps me grounded and Ranveer and I hope to inculcate the same values in our children.” When asked if this means they’ll be parents soon, she added, “Absolutely. Ranveer and I love children. We look forward to the day we will start our own family.”

This Article Was Originally Published on Hindustantimes News!

Also Read : Farmers’ protest: Centre calls for talks, Haryana police fire tear gas shells!