CHENNY KIM

Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani advocates for tokenising land to unlock its potential in India, transforming it into an active asset that can be traded or leveraged. This approach could boost the economy by empowering landowners and enabling access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Amit Mishra, CEO of a company in Bengaluru, faced a health scare involving a sudden, severe nosebleed and dangerously high blood pressure. After being hospitalized in the ICU, the cause remained unclear despite extensive tests. Mishra stresses prioritizing health, regular check-ups, and emergency preparedness, emphasizing that health is vital and non-negotiable.

Several free AI tools enable users to transform their photos into Studio Ghibli-style artwork. Platforms like Grok, Fotor, Getimg.ai, insMind and Hugging Face offer user-friendly interfaces for this purpose. ​

Melania Trump's US citizenship has once again sparked controversy after Congresswoman Maxine Waters has called for her 'deportation' amid President Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. Melania Trump came to the US in the mid-1990s to work as a model. But the specifics of her arrival, and the specific immigration status she had before getting a green card in 2001, were always unclear.

Sridhar Vembu criticizes the higher education system for its high costs and lack of real-world skills. He emphasizes the need to retain and nurture talent locally, particularly in rural areas, to foster economic futures close to families and roots. Responses highlight the disconnect between universities and industry needs.

A viral video criticizes Goa's taxi unions, likening them to a 'transport mafia' due to exorbitant charges and lack of private taxi apps. The tourist claims that high travel costs discourage exploration, further hurting tourism. While some netizens defended the transport system, others highlighted the challenges for families and called for affordable transport options.

Stock Market Crash Today: Indian equity markets experienced a significant drop for the second session in a row, with key indices Sensex and Nifty sharply losing ground due to pressures from IT and banking stocks. Investor sentiment was impacted by concerns over U.S. President Trump's anticipated reciprocal tariffs, leading to a broad-based sector slump, excluding Oil & Gas.

The Supreme Court has declined to hear a new petition challenging the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which maintains the status of religious places as on August 15, 1947. The petition, filed by law student Nitin Upadhyay, questions sections that bar changing the religious character of places of worship.

Two centenarians, aged 100 and 101, have revealed that their secret to a long life isn’t diet or exercise but rather happiness, reading, and strong social connections. In an interview with content creator Yair Brachiyahu, they emphasized living stress-free and embracing joy as key factors in their longevity. Their insights sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some agreeing while others questioned the absence of diet and exercise in their advice.

Anand Mahindra highlights a rainforest in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, known as the birthplace of Indian coffee, where coffee bushes were planted in 1670 by Baba Budan. Netizens appreciate the beauty but express concerns over potential exploitation from corporate interest.

A tech professional living in the US plans to move to Bengaluru for a semi-retired lifestyle, prioritizing family time. Despite a substantial rental budget, he is concerned about his white wife and mixed-race children's adjustment. While some online reactions suggest alternative stress-relief methods, he seeks advice on relocation challenges and experiences of expat families in India.

Those who do not pay their traffic e-challans within three months could see their driving licenses suspended. Drivers with three challans in a financial year could have their licenses confiscated for at least three months. The government will also link higher insurance premiums to pending challans from the previous financial year.

Sanjeev Bikhchandani, founder of Info Edge, praised Delhi's Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies after three alumni secured top honors at IIM Ahmedabad's 60th graduation ceremony. The honored graduates were Abhi Bansal, Ishaan Jain, and Aanchal Chadha. Their achievements underscore the quality of education at SSCBS, affiliated with Delhi University and renowned for business management programs.

A top student with an SAT score of 1580 and numerous achievements was rejected by all Ivy League schools. He was only accepted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Despite this, his skills and accomplishments indicate a promising future. His father's frustration highlights the challenges even the brightest students face in securing spots at prestigious institutions.

Dubai’s free zones offer the perfect blend of tax benefits, regulatory ease, and access to global markets, making it the preferred choice for Indian startups and SMEs looking to scale beyond borders.

World War III: As global tensions rise, Europe is preparing for the unthinkable: war. The Middle East is once again a flashpoint, with Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and US involvement in Yemen raising fears of regional escalation. Meanwhile, Russia's continued aggression in Ukraine has led NATO to sound the alarm, warning that a full-scale European conflict could erupt by 2030. With growing military cooperation between Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, experts fear the world may be inching towards a Third World War. Governments across Europe are urging citizens to prepare—because the next global conflict may not be far off.

Despite their significant contribution to the economy, business insurance penetration among MSMEs in India remains critically low. At the ET MSME Awards 2024, Girija Subramanian, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, The New India Assurance Co. Ltd., discusses the pressing challenges MSMEs face in adopting insurance and the steps needed to bridge this gap.

Samsung is set to launch new XR smart glasses this year, developed under the codename Project HAEAN. These lightweight glasses, expected to rival Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, will feature Galaxy AI, multiple cameras, and support for payments, gestures, and facial recognition. Powered by a Qualcomm chipset with a Sony IMX681 sensor and Google’s Gemini AI model, they aim to enhance user interactions.

Food vlogger Rocky Singh recently revealed that he has lost 34 kg over the past year, with just 9 kg left to reach his goal. Addressing speculation, he denied using Ozempic, a popular weight-loss drug, and clarified that his motivation came from his late mother’s last words, urging him to lose weight. Singh emphasized that he did not lose weight for health reasons but as a personal commitment. He also shared insights on fitness, stating that good nutrition, exercise, and an active lifestyle are key to overall well-being.

Bill Gates names four Indian icons he admires: PM Narendra Modi, industrialist Ratan Tata, biotech pioneer Raj Bhan, and mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. Gates recalls inspirational interactions with these leaders, highlighting India's exceptional talent pool and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem. The philanthropist praised their contributions to India's progress and expressed admiration for the country's vision for the future.

The tariffs will harm the US auto industry's efforts to develop electric vehicles, benefiting China's dominance in the market. The new trade restrictions may undermine the progress made under Biden’s clean energy policies.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed speculation about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's successor, stating that Modi will lead the country beyond 2029. Fadnavis and RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi both refuted claims by Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut, who suggested Modi visited the RSS headquarters to discuss retirement. Raut alleged the RSS is considering a successor from Maharashtra.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his advocacy of human rights and democracy. The nomination was announced by the Pakistan World Alliance and the Norwegian political party Partiet Sentrum. Khan, currently in jail on corruption charges, previously promoted peace in South Asia and heads the opposition party PTI.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian President Droupadi Murmu exchanged congratulatory messages on the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Xi emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence and cooperation, ready to enhance communication and coordination in international affairs, and jointly ensure peace in border areas. This follows the easing of tensions post-2020 border clash.

The White House has criticised India's high tariffs on American agricultural products, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt calling them "virtually impossible" for US exporters to overcome. As President Trump prepares to roll out reciprocal tariffs on 2 April, the move signals a sharp escalation in trade tensions. While India has offered concessions on select farm imports, it remains protective of its agricultural sector, citing food security and livelihoods. The battle over tariffs is more than just a trade dispute—it’s a fight over economic priorities.

Trump tariffs: President Donald Trump announced that upcoming tariffs on imports will apply to all nations, not just a select few. Dubbed 'Liberation Day,' these reciprocal tariffs aim to match duties imposed on U.S. exports by other countries. The plan, set to be revealed on Wednesday, expands upon existing tariffs on aluminum, steel, autos, and Chinese goods.

Rahul Gandhi's absence from the Lok Sabha for the fourth consecutive day has raised concerns among party MPs. There is speculation that his absence might be due to a disagreement with the Speaker during his last appearance, although no official explanation has been provided.

India is boosting its special forces with advanced technology and extensive training for covert warfare. By integrating high-tech equipment, enhancing stealth capabilities, and focusing on joint operations, India ensures its elite units are prepared for a wide range of high-intensity missions, including counter-terrorism and deep strategic operations.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aiming to digitize and enhance transparency in managing Waqf properties, is set to be debated in Parliament. Despite opposition criticism, it is expected to gain support from NDA allies. Key reforms include updated definitions, technology integration, and increased representation in Waqf bodies, including non-Muslims and women.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Dr Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in Nagpur, paying tribute to the founding figures of the RSS. He praised the memorials dedicated to the values of Indian culture and nationalism as a source of inspiration for many dedicated swayamsevaks. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and other dignitaries were also present.

The Waqf Amendment Bill of 2025, which aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, is set for debate and passing in Parliament today. The ruling NDA coalition, holding the majority in both houses, supports the bill, while the Opposition, including Congress and Samajwadi Party, strongly opposes it, intending to defeat the government's agenda.

India is poised to leverage AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors for significant economic growth. To achieve this, India must enhance its R&D investments, attract global academic talent, and focus on advancing deep-tech initiatives while addressing the current disparity in intellectual property commercialization.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, which sparked strong opposition. The bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to improve administration and management of Waqf properties by introducing significant changes such as updating definitions, enhancing registration processes, and increasing the role of technology.

Vodafone Idea announced that the government's stake in the company will rise to 48.99% following the acquisition of shares worth Rs 36,950 crore. This move aligns with the September 2021 Telecom Sector Reforms and involves converting outstanding spectrum auction dues into equity. The government stake will increase from 22.60%, with promoters maintaining operational control.

Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has voiced deep concerns over declining birth rates and America’s role in global stability. In an interview with Fox News' Bret Baier, he warned that falling fertility rates could lead to civilization’s collapse. Musk also stressed that America is the foundation of Western civilization and must remain strong. Despite criticism, DOGE claims to have saved taxpayers $130 billion through cost-cutting measures.

From April 1, 2025, significant financial and regulatory changes will affect taxpayers, digital payment users, and pensioners. These include new income tax slabs with raised exemptions, increased TDS thresholds, the introduction of the Unified Pension Scheme, hikes in highway tolls and medicine prices, and reduced commercial LPG rates. Tighter security for UPI and GST tweaks will also come into effect.

India's external debt rose by 10.7% to USD 717.9 billion in December 2024 from USD 648.7 billion in December 2023, with a slight 0.7% quarter-on-quarter increase. The external debt to GDP ratio was 19.1%, and US dollar-denominated debt remained the largest component, followed by the Indian Rupee, Japanese Yen, SDR, and Euro.

Ratan Tata's will allocates his ₹3,800 crore fortune largely to philanthropic causes through the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation and Trust. His half-sisters and a former Tata employee receive other financial properties worth ₹800 crore. His brother Jimmy, friend Mehli Mistry, and pets are also beneficiaries. Key assets include land in Seychelles and luxury watches.

China's National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has found a significant oilfield in the eastern South China Sea, with proven reserves surpassing 100 million tonnes. The discovery, located near Shenzhen, has shown promising daily production rates and signifies a strategic advancement in China's offshore oil and gas exploration efforts.

US President Donald Trump said that he heard India is set to reduce tariffs significantly, aligning trade practices with US allies. India has offered tariff concessions on US agricultural imports and cut customs duties on several goods. Both countries are working towards an early trade deal as the April 2 deadline for reciprocal tariffs approaches.