Rediff Money Desk, a prominent business news source based in New Delhi, reported that technology giants Samsung and Check Point have announced plans to expand their research and development (R&D) efforts in India following the country's budget for 2025, which emphasizes investments in AI and geospatial technology. Additionally, Enfabrica, an emerging tech company, has opened a new R&D hub in Hyderabad. The budget also brought good news for the crop protection industry, as they seek tax cuts to promote research and development in the sector. Meanwhile, Ultratech Cement's shares have plunged, causing a drop in valuation for the company.
Amazon and Flipkart have launched their highly anticipated annual festival sales, offering huge discounts for their customers. The sales, which include up to 10% discounts for SBI and HDFC bank cardholders, are set to begin today for paid subscribers and tomorrow for regular customers. With deals on popular smartphones such as the Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S23, this is a sale not to be missed.
The Indian government has launched the e-Shram portal to provide welfare benefits to unorganised workers working in various sectors. Workers between the age of 16 and 59 can register on the portal and receive a unique 12-digit e-Shram card, which will allow them to access social security schemes across the country. The registration can be done through CSCs, labour facilitation centres, or State Seva Kendras, and workers will receive their card with a UAN number after successful registration. This move aims to improve the lives of workers in the unorganised sector and provide them with much-needed support.
A new report has revealed that healthcare workers in the UK are among the most dissatisfied and stressed workers in the country. According to the study, over one-third of shift workers in doctors' offices and medical clinics reported being unhappy or stressed in their jobs. This highlights the pressing issue of healthcare workers nearing their breaking point due to high levels of stress and dissatisfaction.
In light of US President Donald Trump's declaration to charge an additional 10% tariff on countries perceived to support BRICS' "anti-American policies," Malaysia's Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry has reaffirmed the country's commitment to its independent foreign and economic policy. This comes after Trump's threat that nations backing the BRICS bloc would face a tariff increase. The ministry clarified that Malaysia's engagement in any multilateral platform is guided by national interest and not ideological alignment. The US, one of Malaysia's key economic partners, has given countries until August 1 to reach a trade agreement to avoid the tariff implementation, with Trump stating that letters would be sent to countries if no deal is reached by July 9.
With the launch of no-fee crypto cards in partnership with Mastercard and support for national QR payments, Bitget Wallet is disrupting the crypto space and empowering users with seamless and cost-effective transactions. Additionally, the platform has secured a digital asset license in Georgia and joined India's I4C Sahyog Portal to support digital asset law enforcement, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. As Bitget Wallet continues to expand its offerings, including a diverse range of entertainment options like casino games and sports betting, it is revolutionizing the way people interact with cryptocurrencies.
The government-owned bottled water company Hilly Aqua in Kerala is taking steps to reduce plastic bottle usage by installing water ATMs in crowded places like tourist destinations and medical colleges. The initial rollout is expected in popular spots like Munnar and Thekkady, and the company plans to expand to more locations in the future. A QR code will be scanned and a payment made to dispense water from the machine, making it more affordable than bottled water. This initiative not only benefits the environment but also creates a new opportunity for the company.
The ongoing conflict between US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk escalated on Sunday as Trump publicly criticized Musk's new political party initiative, calling it unnecessary and confusing. Musk, who was once a close ally of Trump's, announced the formation of the America Party on Saturday, vowing to oppose lawmakers who supported the president's spending bill that could harm his Tesla business. Trump warned against the disruption and chaos that third parties can bring, suggesting this feud may be driven by changes in the spending bill that affect Musk's interests.
In a surprising move, the Indian government has reportedly blocked the official X (formerly Twitter) account of international news agency Reuters in India, citing a legal request. While the page is still accessible outside of India, there has been no official explanation as to why it has been restricted within Indian territory. This development is the latest in a series of actions taken by the Indian government to regulate online content, leading to concerns over free speech and media freedom. Reuters has yet to issue a statement, and more details are expected to emerge as the story develops.
The Rochester City School District in New York is seeking input from the public on their electronic device policy before the state's restrictions on smartphones in schools take effect. The district has released a survey and will hold a meeting to discuss the policy, which was prompted by legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul. All schools in the state must have a plan in place for implementing the policy by August 1st.
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) launched a campaign on June 16, providing "Bus Pass Direct to School" for students. Through this initiative, 5,21,354 students have been able to benefit from subsidized transportation within just 15 days. In addition, girls up to Class 12 are receiving free bus passes under the "Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Yojana." This new method of distribution has saved valuable time for students and parents who previously had to visit long queues at bus pass centres. However, Minister Pratap Sarnaik has also issued a strict directive to ensure regular operation of school buses in rural and tribal areas, emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted transportation for students' access to education.