Mumbai: Benchmark equity indices hit their all-time high levels in early trade on Monday, with the Sensex breaching the 77,000 mark for the first time ever, rallying for the fourth day running. Optimism in the markets is due to various factors such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revising upwards the GDP growth projection […]

Inflation is increasing rapidly. So, investing wisely and planning for the future has become essential. The Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) has gained immense popularity among the numerous investment options available due to its systematic and disciplined approach to investing.SIP is a method of investing a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds, providing the benefits of […]

Kochi: An intelligent robot named ‘Sanbot’ will welcome visitors at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium here, the venue of RoboVerse VR, an expo on robotics and virtual reality organised by Manorama Online in association with Jain University. Sanbot will not only respond to visitors’ queries but can also entertain them with dance steps. Sanbot will be […]

Kochi: Spices industry major Synthite has joined hands with a Kasaragod-based startup to address the challenges faced by pepper farmers. Synthite group’s Herbal Isolates Pvt Ltd, which is the world’s largest producer of green pepper products, has collaborated with the startup St Jude Herbals to try an organic plant immune stimulator to address the challenges […]

Kochi: Kerala’s biggest robotic-virtual reality exhibition ‘RoboVerse VR’, organised by Manorama Online in association with Jain University, will take place at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Kochi from June 12 to 17. Visitors to the event, which will be open from 10 am to 10 pm on all days, can enjoy an experience similar to […]

Kochi is all set to host the Manoramaonline RoboVerse VR expo in association with Jain University at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium from June 12 – 17, 2024. The tech fest opens up a mesmerising world of robo-wars, thrilling games and virtual reality experiences. Before entering the scintillating RoboVerse, here’s a look at the Roboverse […]

Mumbai: For the eighth time in a row, the Reserve Bank of India decided to keep keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5 per cent. The decision of the the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) was announced by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Friday.Announcing the second bi-monthly monetary policy for the current financial year, Das said […]

In recent years, the auto industry has seen a significant shift online, with ACKO Drive leading this transition. This platform’s ease of use and transparency make it easy to navigate for both sellers and buyers. Using high-end technology, ACKO Drive guarantees smooth transactions from listing to the selling stage once any car is enlisted with […]

Are you eyeing for a safer investment avenue that offers you steady and satisfactory returns? If yes, then debt funds may be a prudent investment option for you as they have the potential to endow risk-adjusted returns and income regularity. This is because, being a variant of mutual fund investments, they primarily invest in fixed-income […]

Mumbai: Benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty rallied more than 3 per cent to close at lifetime highs on Monday following across-the-board buying as exit polls predicted a massive win for the BJP-led NDA in the general elections.The 30-share BSE Sensex soared by 2,507.47 points or 3.39 per cent to settle at a new closing […]

Mumbai: Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty surged nearly 4 per cent in early trade on Monday to hit their fresh all-time high levels after exit polls predicted a massive win for the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha polls. The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 2,777.58 points or 3.75 per cent to hit a record […]

The modern internet is infested with intrusive adverts and pop-ups, often distorting user experience and in some rare cases, corrupting your devices with malware or bloatware. While website owners, bloggers, and YouTubers include them to increase their revenue, adware and malvertising are serious security risks that are often ignored by general web users.The core objective […]

New Delhi: LIC chairman Siddhartha Mohanty has said that the insurer would enter into the health insurance segment and can explore inorganic options if such an opportunity arises. There are expectations that composite licences may be permitted by amending the Insurance Act. As per the Insurance Act, 1938, and the regulations of the Insurance Regulatory […]

A young couple based in Kerala’s Kochi is addressing a pain point many women go through, period. FemiSafe, a startup launched by Noureen Aysha and her husband Naseef Nazar in 2020, has grown into a leading female wellness and hygiene brand with a basket full of products, starting with its iconic menstrual cup. While the […]

Kochi: Fed up with your daily dose of coffee and want to try something different? A group of college students here has something ready for you – green coffee.The students of Laurus Institute for Logistics, Kalamassery have launched their brand of ‘green coffee’, a less explored brew in the caffeine category. This variety of coffee […]

Deleting your Instagram account can be confusing. There are lots of steps involved and options to choose from. Here’s a complete guide to deleting your Instagram account! Step 1: Tap on your profile icon on the bottom right corner from your homepage. You’ll reach your profile.Step 2: From your profile, tap the icon with the […]

Kochi: Infopark, Kerala’s state-owned IT park, and leading real estate developer Asset Homes have retained top ratings by the Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited (CRISIL), the country’s leading analytics agency.Asset Homes, a premier real estate developer in Kerala, has retained the CRISIL DA2+ rating for the fourth year in a row while Infopark […]

Financial security is vital for every family, yet many struggle to afford adequate coverage. As costs of living rise, could innovative solutions make life insurance more accessible? This topic explores trends in the Indian insurance market and emerging strategies to bridge the protection gap for middle-income households. With thoughtful planning and pragmatic reforms, financial security […]

New Delhi: Fintech firm One97 Communications, which owns the Paytm brand, on Wednesday said its loss in the fourth quarter of the financial year 2023-24 has widened to Rs 550 crore following the ban imposed by the RBI on transactions related to its payments bank. It had posted a loss of Rs 167.5 crore in […]

When preparing for a journey, whether for business or leisure, you must add travel insurance to your travel list. Buying travel insurance online is typically more affordable with the availability of several different brands. However, there are some fundamental travel insurance policies you must consider, and in this guide, we are here to help you […]

OpenAI co-founder and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever is leaving the startup at the center of today’s artificial intelligence boom. “OpenAI would not be what it is without him,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wrote in a message to the company, which OpenAI posted on its blog. Microsoft-backed OpenAI makes the popular ChatGPT chatbot, which sparked a race […]

New Delhi: The country’s biggest lender State Bank of India (SBI) has hiked fixed deposit rate on select short-term maturity up to 75 basis points, a move likely to be followed by other lenders.For term deposits of 46-179 days, the rate has been increased by 75 basis points to 5.50 per cent, as against the […]

At 63, Shubha Bhatnagar’s life carries the mystic, sensuous smell of saffron, even as her peers consider the age as the beginning of their sunset years.Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh-based Bhatnagar is an example of curiosity and determination surpassing age. The sexagenarian has proved that age is no bar for acquiring knowledge. Bhatnagar had been toying with […]

The National Pension System (NPS) provides a retirement scheme for those planning to save for their later years. When you retire, you will need sufficient funds to carry out regular expenses, spend on leisure, handle emergencies, and leave a legacy. The NPS scheme helps build a retirement fund that grows over time. The more you […]

Kochi: The demand for pre-owned cars is on the rise among Kerala’s youth, a key player in the sector has said.CARS24, the Gurgaon-headquartered used car dealer which runs its hubs in Kerala’s Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, revealed the trends based on its loan disbursements data. The data reveals that the average age of individuals opting for […]

Kochi: The Kerala-based automotive software company Acsia Technologies has appointed Stefan Juraschek, former BMW expert, as its strategic advisor. With a career spanning more than three decades at BMW Group, Juraschek’s expertise, particularly in electric mobility, electric powertrain, cybersecurity, and vehicle dynamics, aligns seamlessly with Acsia’s core mission, the company said in a statement. During […]

Thiruvananthapuram: Technopark-based IT firm Experion has forged a strategic partnership with Twixor, an actionable intelligence platform that empowers businesses to build hyper-personalised engagement platforms. The partnership aims to deliver unparalleled value through customer experience automation at scale, deep domain expertise, single-vendor engagement, predictable pricing, and a commitment to innovation and futureproofing, Experion said in a […]

New Delhi: ESAF Small Finance Bank on Thursday reported a 57 per cent decline in net profit at Rs 43.4 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 2024 on account of higher provisions.The Kerala-based bank had posted a net profit of Rs 101.4 crore for the year-ago period. Total income increased to Rs 1,152 crore […]

A home loan is a long-term repayment commitment. The overall interest cost usually exceeds the principal loan amount, which in turn impacts the investments of the borrowers obstructing their important financial goals.Below mentioned are a few steps that can guide home loan borrowers to maintain a healthy balance between their home loan repayment obligations and other […]

IntroductionIn the journey towards financial independence and wealth creation, understanding and utilising the tools at your disposal can make all the difference. One such tool, the Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) calculator, is a powerful ally in planning and reaching your financial goals. This guide delves into the essentials of using an SIP calculator online and […]

Worried over the growing wealth and income inequalities, economists are talking about plans to bridge the wealth gap. One of the avenues that they point to is the inheritance tax where the wealthy are made to part with some portion of the wealth they have inherited from their elders. While India does not have an […]

Kochi: Genrobotic Innovations Pvt Ltd, a Kerala-based startup known for robotics innovation, has launched an Industrial Park at Ilahia College of Engineering and Technology (ICET) in Muvattupuzha. It is the first industrial park in a private college in Kerala which has been built as part of ‘the industry on campus’ initiative of the state government.The […]

New Delhi: Aviation watchdog DGCA has deregistered all the 54 planes leased by Go First, days after a court allowed lessors to take back their aircraft from the bankrupt airline. Bogged down by financial turbulence and engine woes, budget carrier Go First stopped flying in May last year and is undergoing an insolvency resolution process. […]

Mumbai: Godrej Group, a legacy brand familiar to every Indian household, has announced its ownership realignment. With this, the 127-year-old group will split into two entities – one led by Adi Godrej and his brother Nadir and the other by their cousins Jamshyd and Smita. This realignment will be executed following the necessary regulatory approvals,the […]

Car insurance is vital for every car owner, not just due to the requirement by law but also for financial protection in case of accidents and other unforeseen damages. Selecting the right insurance provider is crucial to ensure comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. With so many options available, the decision to choose an ideal […]

Major banks in India have announced changes in charges related to savings bank accounts and credit cards from May 1, 2024. ICICI BankNew service charges will come into force for savings account transactions such as cheque book issue; clearance; IMPS; clearing and debit returns. The debit card annual fee will be Rs 200 in urban […]

Kochi: Pune-based KPIT Technologies, an automotive and mobility technology major, is expecting its biggest headcount growth from Kerala in the coming years. The company which developed the fuel technology for India’s first hydrogen fuel cell ferry, made by Cochin Shipyard, has an office at the Infopark, Kochi campus and is planning to expand. The company […]

Kochi: FlexiCloud Internet Pvt Ltd, a Kochi-based startup, has won a strategic investment from Ushodaya Enterprises Pvt Ltd, the holding company of the Ramoji Group. The initiative is part of Ushodaya’s expansion to Kerala. However, the companies have not disclosed the amount of investment. FlexiCloud provides advanced managed cloud hosting solutions that prioritise high performance, […]

Mumbai: Cracking down on repeated non-compliance of IT norms, the Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday barred Kotak Mahindra Bank from onboarding new customers through its online and mobile banking channels and issuing fresh credit cards with immediate effect after the regulator found “serious deficiencies” in the lender’s IT risk management. These actions, the RBI […]

Bengaluru: Giottus, one of India’s top crypto investment platforms, has announced its partnership with Shyft Veriscope to ensure FATF Travel Rule compliance. This strategic partnership underscores Giottus’ unwavering commitment to compliance, anti-money laundering, and combating financial terrorism (AML/CFT). The move will help ensure a more transparent, secure, and safer environment for the investor community by […]

New Delhi: Byju Raveendran, the founder of the edtech company Think and Learn, which owns the Byju’s brand, will handle the firm’s day-to-day operations following the resignation of CEO Arjun Mohan, the company said on Monday.Following the move, the company has announced a major rejig of the business that will consolidate its business into three […]

Shares in hospitality chain Aster DM Healthcare on Monday zoomed over 7.50 per cent after the company’s board approved a dividend of Rs 118 per share on account of the receipt of proceeds from the sale of the GCC business and the redemption of redeemable preference shares issued to the company by Affinity Holdings Pvt […]

Kochi: Gold prices maintained their upward trajectory on Monday after reaching unprecedented levels in March. The price of 22 carat gold increased by Rs 30 to Rs 6,565 per gram and rose by Rs 240 to Rs 52,520 per sovereign (8 grams). The price of 24 carat gold rose by Rs 33 to Rs 7,162 […]

Kozhikode: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) allowed higher pensions without applying the pro-rata method of calculation till last year, though it claimed that there was no separate formula in the pension scheme to calculate higher pension apart from the pro-rata basis which is used for normal pension cases. Pension payment orders (PPOs) of higher […]

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India on Friday decided to keep the policy rate unchanged for the seventh time in a row and said that it remains vigilant towards upside risks to food inflation. The rate increase cycle was paused in April last year after six consecutive rate hikes aggregating to 250 basis points since […]

Dubai: A Malayali woman has been included in the Forbes list of billionaires for the first time. As many as 12 Malayalis, including Sara George Muthoot, have found space in Forbes World’s Billionaires List – 2024. MA Yusuf Ali of the LuLu Group is the richest Malayali, bettering his rank to 344 in the world […]

New Delhi/ Mumbai: Aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked Vistara to submit a daily report on flight cancellations and delays, and the situation is also being monitored by the civil aviation ministry, amid non-availability of pilots causing flight disruptions for the airline. A day after the carrier announced reducing operations due […]

Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance is a scheme launched in September 2018 by the Government of India to offer healthcare to millions of Indians, who cannot afford the expensive healthcare costs. The scheme offers cashless and paperless access to medical treatment and procedures to people at all levels, regardless of their financial difficulties. This initiative has […]

Amid the exodus of Malayali youth in pursuit of employment and business opportunities to other parts of the world, two young brothers from Uttar Pradesh have set up a promising ‘green’ business in the southern state. Rishabh Suri and his brother Rohan Suri founded Qudrat, a startup manufacturing disposable tableware, in Thiruvananthapuram in 2020 as […]

Kochi: For the first time in history, gold prices crossed Rs 50,000 in Kerala amid strong trends in the international markets. On Friday, the price of the yellow metal rose by Rs 10,40 and touched Rs 50,400 per 10 grams. The precious metal was jumped by Rs 130 to reach Rs 6,300 per one gram. […]

The amusement park industry is only going to thrive in the coming years as the ‘experience economy’ keeps growing all over the world, said Wonderla Holidays Ltd managing director Arun Chittilappilly. A little over 20 years since joining Wonderla, a key player in the theme park sector in India, Chittilappilly said the past two decades […]

Crypto currency exchange Giottus has listed bitsCrunch (BCUT) token on its trading platform. This will help crypto enthusiasts to access and trade BCUT tokens seamlessly.bitsCrunch is an AI-powered, decentralised NFT data platform that enables developers to build reliable NFT applications (dApps) quick and easy. In a statement, Giottus said that it already has over 200 […]

Alappuzha: Fashion and innovation intertwined beautifully as EichhoTech, a student startup associated with the SD College Alappuzha, showcased its creativity during a colleague’s wedding celebration in Alappuzha on Sunday. Lakshmi K Babu, a member of a college student start-up specializing in producing and distributing value-added products from water hyacinth couldn’t have wished for anything different […]

When US-based Malayali Ranjith Antony and his friends launched Perleybrook Labs, a startup based out of Palakkad, his hometown in Kerala, in 2013 their idea was to develop and sell a proactive video management software solutions. Antony’s years-long experience in camera technology was his biggest strength. However, things did not work out the way they […]

IntroductionIn the era of digital finance, a Demat account has become a cornerstone for investors participating in the Indian securities market. It facilitates the holding of securities electronically, thereby simplifying the process of trading, investing, and monitoring of stocks and bonds. However, while enjoying the convenience and efficiency of a Demat account, investors often encounter […]

Wayanad: Coffee prices are shooting through the sky fetching an all-time high of Rs 180 for 1 kg unprocessed dried cherry. The farmers in Wayanad (Kerala), The Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu), Coorg and Chikmagalur (Karnataka) are jubilant post the harvest. Going by the trend, market players hope that the price will cross a record high of […]

New Delhi: Following the online backlash over the introduction of the ‘Pure Veg Mode’ service, Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal on Wednesday said the food delivery platform has decided to the newly introduced green uniform. “While we are going to continue to have a fleet for vegetarians, we have decided to remove the on-ground segregation of […]

In a globalised and interconnected world, financial crimes pose a serious threat to companies, more so for those in the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector. Data shows that in 2002, companies shelled $5 billion in fines for failing to thwart these illicit activities – an astounding 50 per cent increase from a year […]

The single largest narrative that is creating waves in the crypto industry is the upcoming Bitcoin (BTC) halving touted to happen in April 2024. The crypto market is seeing waves of flutter and flurry as the prices of virtual digital assets (VDAs) are going through the roof. The price pump is primarily led by the […]

New Delhi: Shares of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) plunged over 4 per cent as its promoter Tata Sons sold around 2.3 crore shares, or 0.65 per cent of equity stake, in the IT services major through block deals.TCS shares tumbled 4.37 per cent to a low of Rs 3,971 apiece on the NSE. On the […]

Kochi: As the world observed Sleep Day on March 15, a startup based in Kerala’s Kochi has started its journey to a less-explored and almost mysterious terrain – disturbed sleep. SOLVEMyHealth, the newly-founded startup is extending its services globally to help individuals improve their sleep, sexual health and overall well-being. For the co-founders Rajiv Ambat […]

Mumbai: The National Payments Corporation of India on Thursday granted approval to Paytm-owner One97 Communications Ltd to participate in UPI as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) under the multi-bank model. Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, and YES Bank will act as Payment System Provider (PSP) banks to Paytm. YES Bank shall also […]

Bengaluru: Walt Disney-owned Star India has started arbitration proceedings against Zee Entertainment Enterprises for alleged non-compliance with the terms of a cricket broadcasting agreement, Zee said on Friday. Under the August, 2022, agreement, Star India was to license television broadcasting rights for the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) events to Zee for four years, starting this […]

New Delhi: Petrol and diesel prices were cut by Rs 2 per litre each as state-owned oil companies ended a nearly two-year-long hiatus in rate revision, just hours before the general election schedule was announced. The revised price will be applicable from 6 am on Friday, March 15, the oil ministry said on Thursday evening. […]

New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has advised Paytm FASTag users to obtain a new one from another bank before March 15 to ensure a smooth travel experience and avoid inconvenience at toll plazas, an official statement said on Wednesday. This will help avoid penalties or double fee charges while commuting on […]

Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually laid the foundation stone for a Rs 27,000-crore semiconductor assembly and test facility in Assam’s Morigaon district on Wednesday. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was present at the event organised at the site of the facility in Jagiroad, said today is a landmark day for Assam and the […]

Alappuzha: Pushed into survival mode, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is slowly, but surely, plugging revenue loopholes. The corporation has doubled its advertisement revenue from an average of Rs 6 crore per year to Rs 12 crore by bypassing middlemen and adopting a direct approach with advertisers. It has cut ties with two […]

New Delhi: India will lift most import tariffs on industrial products from four European countries in return for investment of $100 billion over 15 years, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said, after an economic pact signed on Sunday that concluded nearly 16 years of negotiations. The deal follows trade pacts over the last […]

OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman will return to the ChatGPT-maker’s board along with three new directors, the world’s most prominent artificial intelligence company said on Friday. An investigation by law firm WilmerHale into the events surrounding the November firing of Altman also has concluded, and the company has created new governance rules and strengthened its […]

Kochi: In Kerala’s startup landscape, a young woman has created a ‘town’ of her own. Her investment is her passion to bring positive changes in society. The Social Town, a startup founded by Kochi-based Neenu Rathin, is a rarity in an ecosystem where tech companies rule the roost. The Social Town is a multi-stakeholder platform […]

New Delhi: Popular Vehicles and Services Ltd, which is engaged in automotive dealerships, is set to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on March 12.The initial share sale will conclude on March 14 and the bidding for anchor investors will open for a day on March 11, according to the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP). The […]

Mumbai: In a significant move in India’s media and entertainment sector, billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries and Walt Disney have declared their merger, forming a powerhouse valued at $8.5 billion. The collaboration is set to reshape the landscape of TV and streaming media in the nation, boasting a combined reach of over 750 million viewers […]

New Delhi: The State-owned National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has extended the compliance deadline for the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative to the end of March. The extension comes in response to the challenges encountered by Paytm FASTag users. NHAI had initially planned to enforce the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative starting from March […]

In mushrooms, they trust – Kochi native Jashid Hameed and his wife Prithvi Kini. It is this trust that sprouted from their personal experiences that led them to co-found Nuvedo, an agri-tech startup which has invested in the purported medicinal value of the humble fungi. Founded in 2021 in Bengaluru, Nuvedo is into production and […]

New Delhi: India’s economy grew by better-than-expected 8.4 per cent in the final three months of 2023 – the fastest pace in one-and-half years, fortifying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s record of providing a world-beating growth rate ahead of general elections. The growth rate in October-December was higher than 7.6 per cent in the previous three […]

New Delhi: Amid RBI’s action on its associate firm, One 97 Communications on Friday said the board has approved the discontinuation of inter-company pacts with Paytm Payments Bank to reduce dependencies. The move assumes significance as Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) is under the RBI’s lens over persistent non-compliance and continued material supervisory concerns. In […]

Kochi: Global professional services company Accenture will acquire Mindcurv, a cloud-native digital experience and data analytics company, co-founded by Kochi native Amjad Liaquat. Founded in 2011, Mindcurv is one of the leading German companies providing end-to-end digital experience services solving complex challenges in the core business of leading European clients across several industries, including manufacturing, […]

New Delhi: The State-owned National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is considering extending the compliance deadline for the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative to the end of March. This potential extension comes in response to the challenges encountered by Paytm FASTag users. NHAI had initially planned to enforce the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative starting […]

Kochi: India’s first indigenously developed and built hydrogen fuel cell ferry was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The prime minister joined the ceremony in virtual mode from Thoothukudi. The inland waterway vessel, under the Harit Nauka initiative, is a pilot project to demonstrate the technology for the maritime sector. The ferry built at the […]

Kozhikode: The payment order (PPO) received by pensioners after a long wait has caused much heartburn as they feel they have not received the expected sum due to the intervention of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation’s (EPFO) and lack of clarity on calculating pensions. As the EPFO suggested calculating higher pension on a pro-rata basis, […]

Bengaluru: Investors in Byju’s on Tuesday alleged that the edtech giant siphoned off $533 million in an obscure hedge fund in the US and sought a stay on a $200 million rights issue, calling it illegal and contrary to law.The company law court asked Byju’s to submit a written response to the investors’ plea within […]

Bengaluru: Embattled digital payments firm Paytm said on Monday that Vijay Shekhar Sharma would step down as non-executive chairman and board member of its payments bank’s unit in a major overhaul following a central bank clampdown. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had asked Paytm Payments Bank to wind down operations by March 15 due […]

Kochi: Four engineering graduates decided to launch a company and their idea was to make an electric bike. Sounds like the typical startup story with stock settings and characters? This is a bit different. To begin with, they did not make their dream bike. Instead, they decided to set up charging stations for e-vehicles as […]

New Delhi: Majority of Byju’s shareholders on Friday voted unanimously for removing founder CEO Byju Raveendran and his family from the board over alleged “mismanagement and failures” at what was once India’s hottest tech startup, but the company dug in its heels, calling the voting done in absence of founders as invalid and ineffective. Founder […]

Kochi: Leading Kerala-based real estate developer Asset Homes is venturing into the luxury senior living market in a bid to cash in on the state’s burgeoning senior citizen population. In a move to incorporate global expertise into its offerings, Asset Homes has partnered with Columbia Pacific Communities, a global senior living community operator, to design […]

Kozhikode: Concerns have been raised over the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)’s decision to implement a pro-rata (in proportion) system for higher pensions. In a recent e-mail to zonal offices, the EPFO explained, citing examples, to calculate pension on a pro-rata basis. The e-mail was sent after zonal offices raised doubts about the new system. […]

Mumbai: The RBI on Friday gave 15 days more till March 15, 2024, to Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) to stop deposits, credit transactions or top-ups in any customer accounts, wallets, and FASTags, keeping in view the interest of customers, including merchants.As per a January 31 order of the central bank, PPBL was asked to […]

Kochi: Even doctors seem to be not immune to the startup fever that has gripped Kerala. A casual discussion on a WhatsApp group by the alumni of an Ayurveda medical college has led to the launch of a startup which focusses on women’s health and infertility. Ayufy, the startup co-founded by Dr Satheesh Kumar P, […]

New Delhi: SpiceJet chief Ajay Singh along with Busy Bee Airways have put in a bid for bankrupt Go First as the budget carrier looks to strengthen its operations with more slots and international flying rights of Go First. The announcement also comes at a time when the crisis-hit SpiceJet is raising funds and rationalising […]

California lawmakers, backed by labour unions, are demanding new legislation to prevent driverless trucks from operating without human drivers, following a series of concerning incidents with self-driving taxis by GM and Alphabet’s Waymo.The urgency has spiked after a Waymo robotaxi was set ablaze during Chinese New Year celebrations and reported accidents including a cyclist collision […]

In today’s hyper-connected world, the cornerstone of any brand’s success is not just the quality of products or services it offers but the strength of the relationships it builds with customers. At the heart of these relationships lies effective communication, a critical element that can make or break brand loyalty. This is where the prowess […]

The offshoot of Atma Vidya Sangham’s (AVS) fight against inequalities and financial exploitation was the denial of jobs by authorities. To tackle this issue head-on, AVS founder Vagbhadananda Guru established the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS) in 1925. Uralungal is a village located five kilometres north of Vadakara in Kozhikode district. The ULCCS started […]

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday presented the Narendra Modi-led NDA government’s last Budget before the general elections. The Indian economy has witnessed a profound positive transformation in the last 10 years, Sitharaman said. She said people of India are looking ahead to the future with hope and options. After contracting by 5.8 […]

Kochi: The sixth edition of the India Boat & Marine Show (IBMS), the country’s premier boating, marine and water sports industry-related expo, at the Bolgatty Palace Event Centre here has offered a detailed view of the trends in different sectors of boating industry in the country. The trade show, which concludes on Saturday, features exhibits […]

Amid all the youthfulness Kerala’s vibrant startup ecosystem exudes, a company helmed by a group of seasoned professionals has found a solid ground, making strong footprints in the all-challenging deep-tech industry. Incubated under the Kerala Startup Mission, International Virtual Assistance Pvt Ltd (IVA), based in Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, recently bagged the title of “Best Research Company […]

New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said that as many as 11.8 crore farmers were provided financial assistance under the PM KISAN Yojana. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is one of the world’s largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes. Announced in February 2019 in the interim budget, the scheme was […]

New Delhi: The country is close to achieving the target of 3 crore houses under the rural housing scheme and two crore more will be constructed in the next five years, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first instalment of Rs 540 crore to one […]

New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said that the government will convert 40,000 normal railway bogies to Vande Bharat standard. Three major railway corridors, including for cement, will be constructed, the minister added while delivering the last Union Budget before the general elections of 2024. According to Sitharaman, the Indian air carriers […]

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India on Thursday decided to keep policy rate unchanged for the sixth time in a row as it maintains a tight vigil on inflation. The rate increase cycle was paused in April last year after six consecutive rate hikes aggregating to 250 basis points since May 2022. Announcing the bi-monthly […]

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said that the Indian economy has witnessed a profound positive transformation in the last 10 years. The finance minister expressed confidence that the revenue receipts will be higher than the budget estimates in the upcoming fiscal. The fiscal deficit for 2024-25 is estimated at 5.1 per cent […]

Exactly five years ago on February 1, 2019, the then Union finance minister Piyush Goyal was not presumptuous enough to say that his government would return to deliver the full budget in July that year. The post-Ayodhya euphoria seems to have emboldened his successor Nirmala Sitharaman to say so. She has not even bothered to […]

New Delhi: The country’s largest lender SBI on Saturday reported a 35 per cent fall in standalone net profit to Rs 9,164 crore for the December quarter.State Bank of India (SBI) had earned a net profit of Rs 14,205 crore in the year-ago period. The bank’s total income rose to Rs 1,18,193 crore in the […]

Kerala’s 2024-25 budget documents are littered with proof that K N Balagopal is proving to be one of the most conservative finance ministers Kerala had seen. The absolute antithesis of an adventurous Thomas Isaac. On the one hand, Balagopal was not able to mobilise the revenues he had estimated for 2023-24. Revenues, especially GST collection, […]

New Delhi: Reliance Power Ltd on Saturday reported widening of its consolidated net loss to Rs 1,136.75 crore during the quarter ended December 2023, due to increased expenses.It had posted a net loss of Rs 291.54 crore during the October-December period of preceding 2022-23 financial year, the company said in an exchange filing. The company’s […]

Thiruvananthapuram: Along with tourism and IT, the state government has identified the startup ecosystem as the flag-bearers of New Kerala, a favourite phrase of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left regime. Finance Minister K N Balagopal on Monday allocated an amount of Rs 90.52 crore for various activities of the Kerala Startup Mission, the nodal agency for […]

Kochi: Kerala is witnessing a sustained growth in Information Technology as reflected in the state’s rising software exports which totalled Rs 19,006 crore during 2022-23, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said here on Sunday. Encouraged by this, the state is now working towards ensuring a 10 per cent contribution to the country’s IT exports and the […]

New Delhi: Money laundering concerns and questionable dealings of hundreds of crores of rupees between popular wallet Paytm and its lesser-known banking arm had led the Reserve Bank of India to clamp down on tech poster boy Vijay Shekhar Sharma-run entities, sources said. The central bank has ordered Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) to halt […]

Kochi: A final-year college student, who prepares for civil services exams, finding a passion in waste management and chasing it straight away might sound strange if not absurd. That is exactly how Thajudeen Aboobaker’s family and friends felt when he revealed his idea to them. However, their concerns did not deter him from exploring his […]

New Delhi: The government will expand the electric vehicle ecosystem to support charging infra, and e-buses for public transport networks will be encouraged, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday. Sitharaman, in her pre-election Budget, which is technically a vote on account and popularly termed an interim Budget, also noted that usage of electric buses […]

Supreme self-confidence. That was the hallmark of the interim budget presentation by the Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, on Thursday in a crisp 58-minute speech in Parliament. There was no additional concession in taxes or give-aways including in the widely-expected PM-Kisan scheme. But the budget maths added to the credibility of the Government’s annual exercise. […]

The latest interim budget unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has highlighted significant initiatives for India’s agriculture sector. Among the significant announcements was an emphasis on value addition through food processing, a drive towards self-sufficiency in oil seed production, and policies aimed at enlarging farmers’ incomes. While the budget maintained the allocation for the PM […]

New Delhi: A group of Byju’s shareholders including tech investor Prosus said on Thursday that it was seeking a revamp of the embattled Indian education technology firm’s board, including a change in leadership, at an upcoming extraordinary general meeting. “We are deeply concerned about the future stability of the company under its current leadership and […]

The government plans to set up more medical colleges by utilising existing hospital infrastructure and will set up a committee to examine the matter, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said while presenting the interim Budget for 2024-2025 on Thursday. The minister also said that the government will encourage vaccination for girls in the 9-14-year age group […]

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has ordered Paytm Payments Bank Ltd, an associate of One 97 Communications Ltd, to stop accepting fresh deposits in its accounts or popular wallets from March, in a major blow to one of the country’s largest payments firms. The RBI had in 2022 asked the bank to stop adding […]

The Union government is likely to significantly enhance allocation for major schemes in the agriculture and related sectors in the interim budget for the financial year 2024-25 ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Agriculture is the primary source of income for 55 per cent of India’s population and farmers constitute a crucial section of the […]

As the nation awaits the presentation of the interim budget on February 1, 2024, all eyes are on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is expected to unveil a series of tax relief measures. The upcoming budget, crucially timed ahead of the parliamentary elections, holds significant importance for the common man, particularly salaried employees and senior […]

Your CIBIL score is a crucial factor in determining your creditworthiness when it comes to personal lending. Understanding the nuances of this three-digit number is pivotal for anyone seeking a loan. In this blog, we will learn about the CIBIL score, understand its significance, the factors influencing it, and its impact on personal lending decisions. […]

Never before in the recent past has a Finance Minister had such favourable tailwinds as Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her interim budget on Thursday. After two years of recovery post-Covid with growth rates of 9.1% and 7.2%, the current financial year (23-24) too guarantees a growth of above 7% making India the fastest growing […]

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to present her sixth budget on February 1. The interim budget 2024-25 will, however, be a vote-on-account. It will merely provide the government authority to spend certain sums of money till a new government comes to office after the April-May general elections. The first advance estimates of national […]

Kochi: A startup in Kerala is eyeing to disrupt the gig delivery ecosystem with a hyper-local and holistic approach. Live Local (Lilo), launched a couple of months ago by a group of seasoned professionals, has already started operations in Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha. Lilo has started with its food delivery platform, but its plans include much […]

Alappuzha: An innovative student startup venture, that churns out artwork, home decor, stationary, and customised gifts using the invasive water hyacinth, has caught the attention of none other than the Governor of Kerala and University Grants Commission (UGC) Secretary for their remarkable eco-friendly initiatives. “It’s an inspiration to witness how ‘EichhoTech’ not only produces eco-friendly, […]

The virtual digital assets (VDA) space is buzzing with activity and these encompass everything from regulatory changes to new and inventive investment instruments like Bitcoin Spot ETF. The changes began towards the end of 2023 as the market gained momentum and exhibited clear indications of an impending bull market. However, the VDA service providers (like […]

New Delhi: Zee Entertainment has told Walt Disney that it does not intend to move forward with a deal to pay around $1.4 billion for cricket TV rights it acquired from the U.S. company, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said.Zee told Indian stock exchanges in August 2023, that it had signed a […]

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday cancelled the bail granted to former DHFL promoters Kapil Wadhawan and his brother Dheeraj in the multi-crore rupees bank loan scam case. A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and S C Sharma said the high court and the trial court committed error in granting bail to them. […]

New Delhi: Japan’s Sony Group said on Monday it has sent a termination notice to Zee Entertainment to call off a $10 billion merger of their Indian operations, following an impasse over who will lead the combined entity. The deal, announced more than two years ago, was perceived as crucial for the survival of the […]

Kochi: When they started it all, Kerala was nowhere near the startup buzz it boasts of now. AI was a hot topic only among the IT elites. Ten years down the lane, the south Indian state is emerging as a startup hotspot and AI is an entry in the Oxford dictionary. And, Riafy Technologies – […]

Kochi: The Kerala government is working towards a single-window system to expedite the use of five per cent of the state’s plantation sector for other purposes, Minister for Law, Industries and Coir P Rajeeve said here on Saturday. Authorities are making the move to overcome practical hazards in getting official approval for non-plantation projects in […]

Google CEO Sundar Pichai told employees to expect more job cuts at the Alphabet-owned company this year, The Verge reported on Wednesday, citing an internal memo. Pichai said in the memo that the layoffs this year were focused on removing layers to simplify execution and drive velocity in some areas, according to the report. The […]

New Delhi: Kerala has been recognised as the best performer in the fourth edition of the States’ Startup Ranking (2022) of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry along with Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal revealed the entire list of rankings on the occasion of National Startup Day […]

Mumbai: Cryptocurrencies can pose significant risks to emerging markets, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) chief said on Thursday, cautioning that the central bank’s stand on the issue remains unchanged despite wider acceptance in other countries. “Our position, my position and the RBI’s position on this (cryptocurrencies) remains unchanged irrespective of who does what,” Shaktikanta […]

New Delhi: India experienced a sharp increase in yearly retail inflation in December, marking the highest rate in four months, propelled primarily by escalating food prices. This uptick has led to predictions that the central bank may maintain its current interest rates rather than implement reductions. According to data released by the Indian government on […]

Kochi: In its earnest quest to project itself as a business-friendly space, Kerala often boasts of its growth prospects in tourism and startups. It is, though, an irony that there are only a few startups in Kerala which have dared to drive into the state’s tempting tourist terrain. Voye Homes, which helps travellers book safe […]

Malappuram: In a boost to the dwindling entrepreneurial spirit in Kerala, the Perinthalmanna constituency of Malappuram district is all set to have the first manufacturing business hub in the state. The project, titled Scale Up Village, has been designed to support young and women entrepreneurs in the region. It is expected to connect innovators with […]

Kochi: Acsia Technologies, a global automotive software brand headquartered in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram, has announced its partnership with the Scalable Open Architecture for Embedded Edge (SOAFEE) Special Interest Group (SIG). This collaboration will enable Acsia to develop, test, and deploy software with agility, speed, and flexibility. It also ensures reliable solutions that could meet the industry […]

Bengaluru: The approval of Bitcoin Spot Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF) in the US marks a significant milestone in the integration of crypto assets into mainstream financial markets, Vikram Subburaj, founder and CEO of Giottus, a leading crypto exchange in India, said. The US securities regulator on Wednesday approved the first US-listed exchange traded funds (ETFs) to […]

New Delhi: The net direct tax collection so far this fiscal rose 19.41 per cent to Rs 14.70 lakh crore, reaching about 81 per cent of the full-year target, the income tax department said on Thursday. The government has budgeted to collect Rs 18.23 lakh crore from direct taxes (personal income tax and corporate tax), […]

New Delhi: E-commerce major Flipkart is reportedly planning to reduce its workforce by 5-7 per cent in early 2024 that may affect nearly 1,500 employees. The Walmart-owned company currently has around 22,000 employees.According to sources, Flipkart has initiated the exercise via performance reviews and the job cuts are likely to be implemented by March-April. The […]

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank on Monday raised the minimum capital requirement for small finance banks to Rs 200 crore and permitted Payments Bank to upgrade as SFBs. Incidentally, the net worth of all SFBs currently in operation is in excess of Rs 200 crore. Issuing the revised guidelines, the Reserve Bank said that for Primary […]

New Delhi: Bajaj Auto on Monday announced a share buyback worth Rs 4,000 crore. The company’s board has approved the proposal for buy back of up to 4,000,000 shares of face value of Rs 10 each at a price of Rs 10,000 per share for a total consideration not exceeding Rs 4,000 crore, the Pune-based company […]

Kochi: As the world appears set to embrace an imminent EV revolution, four youths from Kerala have jumped on the bandwagon, rolling out their own version of the humble three-wheeler.  Sugrah Mobility Pvt Ltd, an Aluva-based startup which is into sustainable mobility solutions, has been making solar-powered pedal-assisted tricycles which are of use to diverse […]

New Delhi: Continuing the upward trend, GST collections rose 10 per cent to about Rs 1.64 lakh crore in December compared to Rs 1.49 lakh crore in the same month a year ago. During the April-December 2023 period, gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection witnessed a robust 12 per cent growth, reaching Rs 14.97 […]

Bitcoin had a spectacular 2023 – over the 12 months, its market cap went up from Rs 26,00,000 crore ($319 billion) to Rs 69,00,000 crore ($830 billion) For context, the latest quarterly Indian GDP is almost equal at Rs 71,00,000 crore and market cap of 30 Sensex stocks on BSE is twice that at Rs […]

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank came out with comprehensive guidelines on unclaimed deposits under which banks will be required to undertake special drives periodically to find out the whereabouts of customers with such accounts on Monday. The revised instructions, to come into effect from April 1, are expected to complement the ongoing efforts and initiatives taken […]

Kochi: Nikhil Dharman belongs to that small group of brave youths of Kerala who dared to launch their business ventures at a time when startup was not a buzzword in the state. Nikhil, along with Anoop Balakrishnan and Arun Ravi, started his AI venture Agrima Infotech, which was acquired by BigBasket in 2022. As he launches […]

Kochi: Poets often say they want to make the world a better place. A Thrissur-based startup company is making the same claim, though its ways are different from that of a wordsmith.  This philosophy that drives Zaara Biotech, the biotech startup which is into research in energy and food crises using micro-algae, received due recognition […]

New Delhi: India retained the tag of the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with its GDP expanding by a faster-than-expected rate of 7.6 per cent in the July-September quarter on booster shots from government spending and manufacturing. Gross domestic product, or GDP, growth of 7.6 per cent beat most estimates, including 6.5 per cent projected by […]

Every New Year brings changes in rules and it will help if you know them in advance. Here are a few of the new regulations which come into effect from January 1, 2024. No penal interest on loansBanks and financial institutions will not charge penal interest when debtors default on repayment of loans sanctioned from […]

Kochi: In 2014, a Keralite youth working with an IT firm in Sweden read a news story. He got curious about it. He did some investigation and eventually found a treasure hidden underground all over the world. Sounds like a fairy tale? It indeed is one among the several such stories that make the Kerala […]

New Delhi: Shares of Muthoot Microfin Ltd, the microfinance subsidiary of Muthoot Pappachan group, made its market debut on Tuesday. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Muthoot Microfin received 11.52 times the subscription on the closing day of bidding on Wednesday. The Rs 960 crore IPO had a fresh issue of up to Rs 760 […]

Kochi: Gold prices skyrocketed to a new record in Kerala on Monday. The price of one sovereign of gold crossed Rs 47,000. While the price of one gram increased by Rs 40, the price of one sovereign rose by Rs 320 during the day. The trade is currently progressing at the rate of Rs 5,885 […]

Kochi: Leading IT service provider adesso has opened a new office and delivery centre at Infopark, Kochi. The new centre is the German company’s second location in India. The adesso group is concentrating on increasing its worldwide delivery and transformation skills, making itself a more attractive global partner for digitalisation. In the next three years, […]

Kochi: Four nascent companies incubating under Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) have made it to the NASSCOM’s Emerge-50 Awards (2023). The list of honours has been instituted by the National Association of Software and Service Companies, a non-governmental trade organisation whose members include organizations engaged in software development and services, besides IT-enabled or BPO services. The […]

Kochi: A startup launched by an entrepreneur based in Kerala has introduced a tokenized finance (decentralized finance) platform which will boost the availability of cheaper finance from abroad for seafood exporters. The platform, Kochi-based Renai.IO (Metabasu Technologies Ltd.), is the first such enterprise in the country. The digital platform connects investors abroad with Indian marine […]

Thiruvananthapuram: State transport commissioner, S Sreejith, said that 32% of cars are presently uninsured, endangering many lives. Sreejith said the Motor Vehicle Department was making all-out efforts to achieve complete insurance coverage for all vehicles. Sreejith made this statement during a recent Women’s Motorcycle Rally as part of the IRDAI mandated insurance awareness drive launched […]

Kochi: An agreement was endorsed between Infopark and the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) here to build flexi IT workspaces at the Kochi Metro station. The proposal facilitates an elaboration of co-working spaces, which met a surge in demand after the COVID-19 pandemic.  The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between KMRL MD, Loknath Behera, […]

What sets Ola Electric apart is not just the superior product but also a strategic business model that allows them to offer their scooters at a more affordable price point. Instead of relying solely on the initial sale of the scooter, Ola plans to generate continuous revenue through subscriptions for its software. This software, boasting […]

Reflecting the quiet confidence arising from a near-Goldilocks situation, the RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das stated in his monetary policy announcement on Friday (Dec 8) that the Indian economy “presents a picture of resilience and momentum”. In a world beset by economic volatility, India has managed to stay the course of high growth and succeeded in […]

Ensuring the well-being of both yourself and your family is a fundamental concern. Personal medical insurance holds a crucial role in protecting your health and financial stability. This article will explore the importance of medical insurance plans, distinguish between health and medical insurance, and guide you in selecting the most suitable medical insurance for your […]

Kochi: Six little boys grew up playing chess and when they became big enough to start their own business venture, their passion, experience and expertise about the game was their biggest investment. Eight Times Eight, the beautifully named Kochi-based startup, is fast becoming a sought after destination for chess training in Kerala and other parts […]

Credit cards stand out as an exceptionally convenient means of payment for various purchases. They offer an abundance of advantages, including rewards, cashbacks, and robust fraud protection features. Yet, a particularly crucial credit card benefits is its ability to enhance your credit score, leading to improved financial outcomes. Building and improving your credit score is […]

Taking on debt to finance major purchases or expenses is an increasingly common practice. However, before committing to a loan, it is wise to first understand and establish your credit health. An important tool that empowers borrowers is the Bajaj Finserv Credit Pass. Understanding the Credit PassPowered by CIBIL, this Bajaj Finserv offering is a […]

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India on Tuesday increased the limit for automatic payments through UPI to Rs 1 lakh per transaction from the existing Rs 15,000 for certain categories, including subscription to mutual funds. As of now, relaxation in Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) is permitted while processing e-mandates/standing instructions on cards, prepaid payment […]

Thiruvananthapuram: Houses measuring up to 645 square feet (60 square metres) has been exempted from house tax. The state Cabinet has approved the tax exemption for such small houses in grama panchayats and corporation areas. The Local Self-Government department had issued an order, providing tax exemption to such houses from April 1. However, it faced […]