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Rupee falls 7 paise to 88.69 against US dollar in early trade
World

Rupee falls 7 paise to 88.69 against US dollar in early trade

Mumbai, Nov 13 (PTI) The rupee traded in a narrow range and depreciated by 7 paise to 88.69 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday, as strong US dollar index and a muted trend in domestic equities weighed on investors’ sentiment. Forex traders said the rupee is trading in a tight range, with renewed optimism over US-India trade talks providing a steady anchor. In contrast, a steady US dollar index dented investors’ sentiment. The US dollar index is hovering near 99.50, as the market braced for the final chapter of the US government shutdown saga. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 88.66 against the US dollar before dropping to 88.69, down 7 paise from its previous close. On Wednesday, the rupee depreciated 12 paise to close at 88.62 against the US dollar. “The USD/INR pair finds a crucial support at 88.40. A sustained break below this level could open the door toward 87.70–88.00, signalling further rupee strength. On the upside, resistance lies at 88.70–88.80,” CR Forex Advisors MD- Amit Pabari said. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.02 per cent higher at 99.51. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading 0.13 per cent lower at USD 62.63 per barrel in futures trade. On the domestic equity market front, the Sensex declined 205.08 points to 84,261.43 in early trade, while the Nifty dropped 61.15 points to 25,814.65. Foreign Institutional Investors sold equities worth Rs 1,750.03 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data. Meanwhile, the government on Wednesday approved an Export Promotion Mission (EPM) with an outlay of Rs 25,060 crore for six financial years, beginning this fiscal year, a move which will help exporters deal with high tariffs imposed by the US. The mission will be implemented through two sub-schemes — Niryat Protsahan (Rs 10,401 crore) and Niryat Disha (Rs 14,659 crore). “These measures are part of broader efforts to strengthen exports and contain the trade deficit, a factor that ultimately supports the currency by easing pressure on the rupee and maintaining external stability,” Pabari added. PTI DRR DR DR

Lakshya Sen enters quarters in Japan Masters
Sports

Lakshya Sen enters quarters in Japan Masters

Kumamoto (Japan), Nov 13 (PTI) Star Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen progressed to the quarterfinals of the men’s singles competition at the Kumamoto Masters Japan with a straight game win over Singapore’s Jia Heng Jason Teh here on Thursday. A 2021 World Championship bronze winner, Sen, seeded seventh here, prevailed over world No. 20 Teh 21-13 21-11 in another 39-minute contest. The world No.15 Sen will clash with former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore in the quarterfinals. Lakshya opened up an 8-5 lead early in the opening game. Teh managed to briefly take a slender 10-9 lead before the Indian had his nose ahead at the break. The duo fought hard till 14-13 when Lakshya zoomed ahead with seven straight points. After the change of ends, it was a more dominating show from the Indian as he jumped to 5-0 and then 11-3 at the interval to quash his rival’s hopes. Lakshya stayed steady to comfortably close out the match. Later in the day, HS Prannoy will be up against Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke. PTI ATK UNG

Online betting app case: Actor Prakash Raj questioned by SIT
Sports

Online betting app case: Actor Prakash Raj questioned by SIT

Hyderabad, Nov 12 (PTI) Actor Prakash Raj on Wednesday appeared before the Telangana government’s Special Investigation Team here in connection with a case related to alleged promotion of an online betting application, police said. Raj was questioned by the officials, a senior police official told PTI. The Telangana government had constituted the SIT under the overall supervision of the Additional Director General of Police, CID, to curb illegal betting activities and for thorough investigation of online betting app cases. Speaking to reporters after being questioned by the officials, Raj said he did an advertisement for an app in 2016 before betting had begun. He withdrew from it when betting started and did not take payment, he said. Observing that he had earlier appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the betting app issue, the actor said a member of the public had complained to the CID. “In connection with that (case), they called me. I spoke to them. It was banned in 2017. (I told them) that betting did not start in 2016 and we did it (advertisement) thinking that it was a game. We realised later. I did not continue because betting app is wrong. I gave the details (to the officials),” he said. Raj said the officials asked him if he worked for any other company involved in betting, to which he replied in negative. Asserting that the lives of many young persons were getting ruined because of betting, he urged youth to work hard without getting involved in betting apps. Under the Telangana Gaming Act of 2017, all forms of online betting are prohibited. Cases were registered against illegal betting apps and promoters in March this year following complaints that the applications lured youth and general public to make easy money and eventually leading them into complete financial and psychological distress, and even suicides. Managements of the illegal betting apps, few film actors and several social media influencers were booked for allegedly promoting online betting apps through social media platforms under various provisions of the Telangana State Gaming Act, 2017, BNS and IT Act. Raj earlier appeared before the ED here in July as part of an investigation into a money laundering case linked to illegal online betting and gambling by certain platforms. PTI VVK SJR VVK KH

Absconder held 26 years after rash driving case in Jammu
Technology

Absconder held 26 years after rash driving case in Jammu

Jammu, Nov 12 (PTI) A man, who had been absconding for 26 years in a case of rash driving allegedly resulting in the death of a person, was arrested by the Jammu police following his deportation from the United Kingdom to India, officials said on Wednesday. The accused, identified as Naveen Kousha, a resident of Ropar in Punjab, was wanted in connection with a case registered under Sections 304-A (causing death due to rash driving), 279 (rash driving) and 337 of the Rambir Panel Code (causing injuries) at the Jhajjar Kotli police station in 1999, they said. A warrant under Section 512 CrPC had been issued against him by the court of Munsiff Jammu after he absconded in 1999, they said. During this period, he had settled abroad and obtained permanent citizenship in the UK, officials added. Following sustained efforts and coordinated action by the Jhajjar Kotli Police and with the support of multiple agencies, the accused was apprehended upon his deportation from the United Kingdom to India, they said. Police said that the arrest marks a success for the Jammu rural police in their drive against absconders and proclaimed offenders, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law. PTI AB MPL MPL

ATS searches premises in Thane and Pune over arrest of techie for 'terror' links
Technology

ATS searches premises in Thane and Pune over arrest of techie for 'terror' links

Mumbai, Nov 12 (PTI) The Maharashtra ATS has searched the premises of a teacher in Thane and another person in Pune in connection with the recent arrest of a software engineer for his alleged links with Al Qaeda and other banned outfits, officials said on Wednesday. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) clarified that the searches were not linked to Monday’s blast in Delhi that claimed 12 lives, but added that as part of the standard procedure, it was examining whether there was a possible Maharashtra link to the incident in the national capital. The teacher’s house at Mumbra in Thane district was used for one of the meetings by the arrested Pune-based software engineer, Zubair Hangargekar, the officials said. The ATS nabbed Hangargekar (37) from Pune on October 27 for his alleged links with banned outfits, such as Al Qaeda and Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, and for his suspected involvement in radicalisation activities. During the investigation, the ATS had found a Pakistani contact number saved on his old phone. While probing further, the anti-terror agency learned that Hangargekar had visited Mumbra in Thane for one of his meetings. Accordingly, the ATS officials visited the teacher’s house on Tuesday and enquired about Hangargekar and his meeting, an official said. The teacher is neither an accused nor a witness in the case, he said. “We searched the premises of two individuals – one in Kondhwa (area in Pune) and another in Mumbra – and questioned them,” another official said, adding that there was no connection between Hangargekar and the Delhi blast. A search was also conducted at one more house of the teacher at Kurla in central Mumbai, sources said, adding that he used to come to teach Urdu at a madrassa every Sunday. Talking to media persons, the teacher’s wife claimed that her family members were emotionally and mentally traumatised by the incident. Police confiscated two pen drives, one hard disk and a few chits during the searches, she claimed. Earlier this month, the ATS told a Pune court that Hangargekar allegedly used to deliver religious discourses “aggressively” in Pune’s Kondhwa. During a house search there, the ATS seized mobile phones containing deleted PDF files titled ‘Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and All Its Manifestations’, it had said. They also recovered an Urdu translation of a speech delivered by the late Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden on Eid-ul-Fitr. In addition, a magazine titled ‘Inspire’ was found, containing photographs of AK-47 training at the OSG Gun School and documents detailing the procedure to make an IED using acetone peroxide from an OSG bomb school, it told the court. The ATS had also said that during the searches, an old phone belonging to Hangargekar was recovered from one person. “During the analysis of the contact list of the phone, five international phone numbers were found saved, including one from Pakistan, two from Saudi Arabia, and one each from Kuwait and Oman,” it said. The call detail records of the phone, however, do not show any calls to these saved numbers, the ATS said. PTI DC SPK GK NP

IT firm Ensono to invest USD 250 mn to develop AI tools in nxt 5 yrs
Technology

IT firm Ensono to invest USD 250 mn to develop AI tools in nxt 5 yrs

Mumbai, Nov 12 (PTI) US-headquartered IT company Ensono on Wednesday announced that it will invest USD 250 million in developing artificial intelligence tools over the next five years. However, the company, which employs 2,000 of its 3,500-strong workforce in India, did not share the details of its investment plans for the country. *** LTTS partners with Autodesk for AI-led digital transformation * L&T Technology Services on Wednesday announced a partnership with Autodesk to drive AI-led digital transformation in the process and manufacturing industries. LTTS will integrate Autodesk’s digital engineering and cloud-based manufacturing solutions into its existing Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Vadodara, Gujarat, as per a statement. *** Union Bank of India launches mobile banking app for MSMEs * State-owned Union Bank of India on Wednesday launched a mobile banking application for micro, small and medium enterprises. Christened “Union ebiz”, the app facilitates over 20 journeys for customers and has more than 300 features for sole proprietors and individuals, a statement said. *** CAMS launches AI-powered platform for fund houses * Computer Age Management Services (CAMS), the country’s largest registrar and transfer agent, on Wednesday announced the launch of an artificial intelligence-powered platform to help fund houses with regulatory compliance. The platform is christened “Lens”, and the company is planning for four more AI integrations over the next six months, the company said in a statement. PTI AA SHW

Bihar polls: EVMs kept under tight security ahead of counting
Politics

Bihar polls: EVMs kept under tight security ahead of counting

Patna, Nov 12 (PTI) The electronic voting machines (EVMs), in which the electoral fate of the Bihar assembly election candidates have been sealed, were kept under tight security in strong rooms, the ECI said on Wednesday. Votes will be counted on Friday in 46 centres across the 38 districts of Bihar. The EVMs and VVPATs used in the polling have been sealed inside strong rooms, which are under a two-tier security cover, the ECI said in a statement. “While the inner security of the premises has been assigned to Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF), district police have been deployed to maintain outer security. Furthermore, 24×7 CCTV surveillance and other security provisions have been put in place,” it said. A control room has also been set up within every strong room campus, where senior officials will be on duty. All district election officers and returning officers of the assembly constituencies concerned have been directed to inspect the strong rooms daily, the statement said. EVMs and VVPATs that were found defective during the mock poll, as well as other unused machines, have been stored separately, it said. The two-phase polling for the assembly elections was held on November 6 and 11. Bihar has registered an unprecedented voter turnout of 66.91 per cent in the history of state polls since 1951. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday visited places of worship of various religions to express gratitude for the “peaceful and undisputed” voting in the state, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ashok Kumar Chaudhary said in a statement, without elaboration. “The record voting figures show that women and various classes of people have participated overwhelmingly in the polls. This is indicative of the awareness of Bihar’s electorate,” Chaudhary said. PTI SUK NN

Emmy or no Emmy, Delhi Crime is an incredible show: Shefali Shah
Entertainment

Emmy or no Emmy, Delhi Crime is an incredible show: Shefali Shah

Mumbai, Nov 12 (PTI) Actor Shefali Shah says her acclaimed series “Delhi Crime” doesn’t hinge on accolades, such as the International Emmy Award it won in 2020, but rather on the strength of its narrative and the depth of its characters. The Netflix police procedural series began in 2019 with the first season which focused on the Nirbhaya gang rape case of 2012 and received universal praise for its fresh and consistently engaging narrative as well as performances of the lead cast. It was followed by the sophomore chapter in 2022 that revolved around the Kachha Baniyan gang, and now the show is coming back with its third season, inspired by the Baby Falak case, delving into themes of human trafficking and cross-border crime. “Emmy or no Emmy, it’s a show that is incredible. There are characters that are amazing, and then you just kind of top it or at least keep that truth, intensity, and passion in every particular season,” Shah told PTI in an interview. “When we started doing this show, for season one, I didn’t know where it was going to go. None of us knew what was going to happen. I too visually can’t see a show in my head. But everyone had the right intent. The script was rock solid. When we saw the show internally, we were like, ‘Whoa’, and we were so proud,” she added. In the show, Shah essays the role of DCP Vartika Chaturvedi alongside Rajesh Tailang as Inspector Bhupendra Singh and Rasika Dugal as Neeti Singh IPS. The actor said the real challenge is telling a story that connects with audiences everywhere, something she believes “Delhi Crime” has successfully achieved. “Today, it’s really not just about the Emmys. When your show drops on Netflix, it goes to 190 countries and everyone across the globe is going to watch it exactly the way we watch everything that is released in whichever language. “It’s not just competition; it’s also complimenting what kind of cinema is happening around. I feel very proud (that) our show is very good,” Shah added. Dugal said the success of shows like “Delhi Crime” and “Maharani”, starring Huma Qureshi, exemplifies how women-led nuanced storytelling is being celebrated on OTT and she hopes the trend continues. “When the streaming services came out, there was so much conversation around how there should be women centric content. One was afraid that this would be a check in a box, and an act of tokenism, that we’ll put this female character as a central character, and have qualities which would probably be masculine and doing heroic things. But it’s nice that it didn’t turn out to be like that,” the actor said. Asked about her personal equation with Shah, Dugal said it is quite similar to the bond that their characters share in the show. “The first time that I met Shefali on ‘DC1’, I was very much in awe and I still am. But now I treat her more like a friend,” Dugal said. “With season three, I felt I could, in fact, go to Shefali with whatever I was feeling, sometimes you don’t want to do that with co-actors because you don’t want to disturb what they are feeling and you’ve to be a little careful about that. It’s not like you go and dump everything on them. But I really felt like I had that space,” she added. While the stories the show tackles might be grim, the cast gets comforted by the presence of actor Rajesh Tailang during the filming of its intense and emotional scenes, Dugal said. “(He) has the best PJs. He works really hard on them. He is very careful. It’s a serious thing. He takes that art very seriously. There is a thought process on that he is going to crack joke and whether it’s going to land or not, it’s always brewing inside him. I can always see it happening. So, it’s been very lovely,” she said. Tailang added, “I’m always a little worried, I’m always thinking, and awkward, that’s why I need to do something like this (crack jokes).” “People often ask us this question about us having such a good understanding, especially between Bhupi, Vartika and Neeti, we are making it very idealistic sometimes. All the actors here are so professional, and the ethics of acting are so good that they give space to everyone,” the 52-year-old actor said. Shah said she cherishes the synergy that exists between all the cast members of “Delhi Crime” and added that in such a collaborative environment, an actor truly thrives. “The entire team is so in sync, and it has to do also with these commendable actors. It’s just so fluid, and that’s one of the strengths of ‘Delhi Crime’,” she said. As actors, Shah said they are often thinking about how they can bring authenticity and shine irrespective of whoever performs in the scene. “When I’m doing a scene, Vartika has this thing in her mind that this issue should be given to Neeti or someone else… So the same way if I get a scene, there are a lot of times when I feel that this shouldn’t be coming from Vartika. “We are all very open as actors, we work for the scene. And we love what we are doing and it’s become such a wonderful space. I can honestly say it about every actor on this set, not one is thinking only about themselves or their space, that’s why it’s so believable. It’s one of the biggest reasons that it (the show work) does.” “Delhi Crime”, helmed by Tanuj Chopra, also stars Huma Qureshi and Sayani Gupta, among others. The show’s third season will debut on Netflix on Thursday. PTI KKP RB BK BK

Sikkim to host 13th edition of International Tourism Mart from Nov 13-16
Technology

Sikkim to host 13th edition of International Tourism Mart from Nov 13-16

New Delhi, Nov 12 (PTI) The thirteenth edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM), seeking to showcase the tourism potential of the northeast region, will be held from November 13 to 16 in Sikkim’s Gangtok, officials said on Wednesday. Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, the mart will be inaugurated by the Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in the presence of Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with tourism ministers of the northeastern states and senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and state governments, officials added. The ITM is an annual flagship event of the Centre, designed to showcase the tourism potential of the northeastern region – the ‘Ashta Lakshmi’ of India – to both domestic and international audiences, the ministry said. The event seeks to highlight the region’s rich natural beauty, cultural diversity, and adventure tourism opportunities, while promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism development. The choice of the location for the latest edition reaffirms the ministry’s commitment to positioning the northeast as a preferred destination for eco-tourism, wellness, culture, and adventure, the officials said. Hosting the event in Gangtok holds special significance, as Sikkim has earned national and international acclaim as a model of sustainable and responsible tourism. With its pristine landscapes, organic farming practices, spiritual heritage, and vibrant local culture, Sikkim represents the ideals of community-led and environmentally conscious tourism that the ministry seeks to promote across the country, the ministry said in a statement. The mart is being organised in alignment with the ministry’s Travel for Life initiative. The ITM will witness participation from across the globe, with representatives from approximately 19 countries, including Spain, Thailand, France, Russia, Germany, Vietnam and others, it said. The event will bring together 39 international tour operators, 50 domestic buyers, and 91 domestic sellers, among others, they said. The mart will feature a series of technical sessions, panel discussions, product presentations, and business-to-business meetings aimed at fostering collaboration between domestic and international tourism stakeholders. Discussions with state tourism departments’ officials will focus on cinematic tourism, homestays, youth entrepreneurship, digital innovation, sustainability, and adventure tourism, the officials said. The event will also include cultural performances along with technical visits to significant sites in and around Gangtok, such as the Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, and Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, they said. Product presentations will highlight the region’s potential across diverse segments such as wildlife and river cruise tourism, festivals and celebrations, heritage and crafts, culinary traditions, and adventure experiences. With its serene landscapes, vibrant communities, and exemplary commitment to sustainability, Sikkim provides the perfect backdrop for this landmark event, symbolising the spirit of unity in diversity and the promise of responsible tourism-driven development, it said. PTI KND MPL MPL

2nd National Modern Pythian Games 2025 Conclude in Bengaluru
Sports

2nd National Modern Pythian Games 2025 Conclude in Bengaluru

NewsVoirBengaluru (Karnataka) [India], November 12: The National Cultural Pythian Games 2025 came to an end this evening at Bengaluru City University, Base Camp by Push Sports. For three days, the campus had the easy, steady rhythm of a festival. Students lingered around the stages, artists rehearsed steps in the corners, and visitors drifted between performances. More than 2,000 participants from 10 states and union territories took part, bringing with them dance forms, music traditions and their own ways of celebrating culture.The revival of the Pythian Games in India is led by Mr. Bijender Goel, Founder of International Pythian Games who has been working to place art and sport on a national and global platform. Speaking at the closing ceremony, he referred to the Bengaluru edition as a step in India’s larger cultural pathway. “The Pythian movement is about creating bridges, not boundaries,” he said. He also mentioned the Youth Pythian Games planned for 2026 in collaboration with Russia, and India’s hosting of the first International Pythian Games in 2027.One of the highlights this year was the introduction of a national-level Pittu (Seven Stones) competition, a childhood street game that many in the audience recognized instantly. The energy around the arena shifted; people cheered in a way that was spontaneous and familiar.In the boys’ category, Madhya Pradesh secured Gold, Madhya Pradesh also earned Silver, and Odisha claimed Bronze.In the girls’ category, Madhya Pradesh again took Gold, with Odisha receiving Silver and Rajasthan taking Bronze.At one point, even Mr. Bijender Goel, Mrs. Lalitha Goel, Shri B. H. Anil Kumar (Chairperson) and Mrs. Sneha Venkataramani (Organising Secretary) joined in briefly to try their hand at striking the stone pile. The moment drew laughter and applause from the sidelines — a reminder that cultural memory lives not only in stage art, but in simple games once played in school courtyards and narrow streets.The final day saw performances and recognitions across categories.In the Sub-Junior Dance Solo section, Pavika Kumar (Delhi) won Gold, marking her third straight victory at the National Pythian Games. Maya Krishna (Karnataka) received Silver, while Nikitha S and Tashya B.K (both from Karnataka) shared Bronze.In the Junior Group Dance category, Laya Dhwani Academy (Karnataka) earned Gold, Sheffield Stars (Uttarakhand) took Silver, and the Harshit Naik Group (Karnataka) won Bronze. The stage saw a mix of Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Coorgi traditional dance and folk pieces from Uttarakhand. Each performance carried the particular pace and character of the region it represented, which kept the audience attentive through the day.In the Sambo wrestling competitions, in the boys (18-20yrs) 71 kg category, B Sri Kali Saran from Tamil Nadu bagged the Gold medal while A M Omkar from Karnataka bagged the silver medal. In the boys (under 24) 58kg, R Balaji Naik from Andhra Pradesh won the gold medal and Kishore Kumar from Tamil Nadu won the silver medal. In the girls (14-16yrs) 44 kg category, P Sri Dharanisha from TN won the gold medal and S. Sana from AP won the silver medal. In the girls (8-9yrs) 34kg category, S Nithila and A Riya Sri from TN bagged the gold and silver respectively.Mr. B.H. Anil Kumar, Retired IAS officer said, “As we conclude the Second National Cultural Pythian Games, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to every participant, artist and organiser. Over these days, we have witnessed India’s cultural brilliance in its purest form. May this spirit of creativity, unity and excellence continue to inspire us long after the Games end.”Mr. Gunaranjan Shetty, President of the Karnataka Wrestling Association, attended the closing ceremony and congratulated the participants. He spoke briefly about Karnataka’s long tradition of supporting artistic and athletic talent in equal measure.The festival was coordinated by a team led by Shri B. H. Anil Kumar, Retired IAS (Chairperson), Mr. Shantanu Agrahari, IAS (President, PCI), Mrs. Sneha Venkataramani (Organising Secretary) and Mr. S. Siva Kumar (Secretary General). Their work ensured that schedules ran on time and that artists and visitors had the support they needed across the venue.As the event concludes, Bengaluru adds another chapter to its identity as a city where older cultural forms and contemporary expression continue to meet. The Pythian Games leave behind a quiet but clear message: traditions stay alive when they are shared, practiced and passed to younger hands.(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

EFC (I) Ltd Q2 profit rises 55 pc to Rs 57 cr
Business

EFC (I) Ltd Q2 profit rises 55 pc to Rs 57 cr

New Delhi, Nov 12 (PTI) Co-working firm EFC (I) Ltd has reported a 55 per cent increase in its consolidated net profit to Rs 56.71 crore in the September quarter on higher revenue. Its net profit stood at Rs 36.56 crore in the year-ago period. Total income rose to Rs 256.81 crore in the second quarter of this fiscal from Rs 171.08 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding year, according to a regulatory filing. Commenting on the results, Umesh Sahay, Chairman & Managing Director of EFC (I) Ltd, said the company is witnessing robust growth across all segments. “In leasing, we have an OpCo-PropCo model with over 3.23 million sq ft AUM (asset under management) and are launching ‘EFC Retail Spaces’, targeting its first phase by January 2026. We have also been awarded a new Passport Seva Kendra in Pune and secured vendor registration with three major MNCs in the office furniture segment,” Sahay said. Founded in 2014, Pune-based EFC (I) Ltd provides managed office spaces, interior designing, and furniture manufacturing services, catering to over 600 corporates across more than 80 centres in 10 cities. PTI MJH MJH SHW

Man hangs himself in Dharavi transit camp room
Health

Man hangs himself in Dharavi transit camp room

Mumbai, Nov 12 (PTI) A 26-year-old private sector employee allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from an iron angle in his house in the Dharavi Transit Camp area on Wednesday, police said. The deceased, identified as Vikas Kunchikurve, was married just five months ago. He returned to Mumbai this morning after visiting his native place in Kolhapur district, an official said. After greeting his family members, Kunchikurve locked himself inside his room and allegedly hanged himself using a rope, police said. Kunchikurve’s family members rushed him to Sion Hospital, where doctors declared him “brought dead”. Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR). PTI ZA NSK

Groww makes stellar market debut; shares jump nearly 31 pc
Business

Groww makes stellar market debut; shares jump nearly 31 pc

New Delhi, Nov 12 (PTI) Shares of Billionbrains Garage Ventures, the parent company of stock broking firm Groww, on Wednesday made a remarkable debut, closing with a premium of nearly 31 per cent against the issue price of Rs 100. The stock began trading at Rs 114, up 14 per cent from the issue price on the BSE. Later, it jumped 30.94 per cent to close at Rs 130.94 apiece. On the NSE, the shares listed at Rs 112 apiece, a premium of 12 per cent. Finally, it ended 28.85 per cent higher at Rs 128.85 apiece on the exchange. During the session, the stock appreciated by 34.4 per cent each to Rs 134.40 and Rs 134.34 apiece, on the NSE and BSE, respectively. At the end of the trading session, the company’s market valuation stood at Rs 79,546.79 crore on the NSE. In terms of volume, 52.38 crore equity shares were traded on the NSE while 6.24 crore shares exchanged hands on the BSE, during the day. The 30-share BSE Sensex rallied 595.19 points, or 0.71 per cent, to settle at 84,466.51. The broader NSE Nifty climbed 180.85 points, or 0.70 per cent, to close at 25,875.80. On Friday, the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Billionbrains Garage Ventures received 17.60 times subscription on the final day of the share sale. Billionbrains Garage Ventures garnered a little over Rs 2,984 crore from anchor investors on November 3. The firm has fixed a price band of Rs 95-100 per share for its IPO, targeting a valuation of over Rs 61,700 crore (about USD 7 billion). The IPO has a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 1,060 crore along with an Offer for Sale (OFS) component of 55.72 crore equity shares. The company, which is backed by marquee investors such as Peak XV, Tiger Capital, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, plans to use proceeds from the IPO to invest in technology development and business expansion. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Groww filed draft papers in May with Sebi for an IPO through a confidential pre-filing route and received the markets regulator’s approval in August. Groww opted for the confidential pre-filing route, which allows it to withhold public disclosure of IPO details under the DRHP until later stages. This route is gaining traction among Indian firms aiming for flexibility in their IPO plans. Founded in 2016, Groww emerged as India’s largest stockbroker, with over 12.6 million active clients and a market share of over 26 per cent as of June 2025. PTI HG HG SHW

Floraz: Creating Wonders Across the Nation
Technology

Floraz: Creating Wonders Across the Nation

Across India, Floraz is quietly reshaping the language of design. From flowing fountains that capture light and movement to landscapes that breathe serenity and grace, Floraz is creating wonders across the nation — blending art, nature, and technology into seamless harmony. Every creation reflects a singular philosophy: beauty must not only be seen it must perform perfectly. Backed by the engineering and maintenance excellence of MBRET Services, Floraz combines the soul of artistry with the precision of science. Together, they create designs that inspire emotion while functioning with timeless reliability. Where Creativity Meets Craftsmanship Floraz is more than a design brand — it is a movement in refined aesthetics. Each project is a custom work of art, individually conceptualized to reflect its surroundings and the client’s personality. From concept to completion, Floraz’s designers and MBRET’s engineers work as one — ensuring that every fountain flows flawlessly, every garden thrives naturally, and every detail aligns perfectly. The result is a rare equilibrium between imagination and precision. Floraz doesn’t just design spaces. It orchestrates experiences. Fountains That Flow with Perfection The signature of Floraz lies in its artistic water features — fountains designed not just to move water, but to move people. Each installation is an engineered masterpiece, blending light, sound, and motion into poetry that endures. Every curve, nozzle, and reflection is tested and tuned by MBRET’s experts to ensure perfect flow, pressure, and rhythm. From tranquil home courtyards to grand resort entrances, Floraz fountains combine beauty with performance, maintained to perfection through advanced systems that keep them as captivating as the day they were built. Landscaping That Breathes Emotion Floraz landscapes are a dialogue between nature and architecture. Every composition from elegant walkways to lush garden contours is carefully curated for balance, continuity, and emotional resonance. The brand’s design philosophy values simplicity and serenity, turning open spaces into living sanctuaries. Through MBRET’s expertise in facility management and precision maintenance, these landscapes retain their freshness, color, and flow — offering a visual and sensory experience that evolves beautifully through every season. Floraz’s landscapes don’t just decorate. They revive. Exclusivity as an Art Form Floraz serves a niche circle of premium clients who value artistic discretion and authenticity. Every project is unique, confidential, and protected never replicated, never revealed without consent. This commitment to privacy ensures that each Floraz creation remains a signature experience, reserved only for its owner. For those who choose Floraz, beauty is not a display — it is a private possession. Precision, Art, and Endurance Behind every Floraz creation lies the quiet strength of MBRET’s technical foundation. With decades of experience in engineering, construction, and maintenance, MBRET ensures that Floraz’s artistic visions are supported by unmatched structural precision and reliability. Together, they build more than visual splendor — they build perfection that lasts. Floraz’s projects are maintained through continuous monitoring, seamless servicing, and high-end materials ensuring every design remains flawless in both form and function. A Legacy of Beauty, Crafted to Endure As Floraz expands its presence across India, it continues to redefine what premium design means — combining art, engineering, and emotion into environments that touch the soul. From fountains that whisper tranquillity to landscapes that tell stories, Floraz is creating wonders across the nation gracefully, quietly, and perfectly. Because true luxury isn’t loud. It’s flawless. About Floraz Floraz is the luxury design and art division of MBRET Group, specializing in exclusive fountain architecture, landscape design, and private outdoor experiences. By merging creative artistry with MBRET’s world-class engineering and maintenance expertise, Floraz delivers refined, high-performance environments crafted for discerning clients who value beauty, discretion, and excellence that lasts. http://www.mbretservices.com http://www.floraz.in (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

NCLT reserves order on Vedanta demerger matter
Business

NCLT reserves order on Vedanta demerger matter

Mumbai, Nov 12 (PTI) The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Wednesday briefly heard the Vedanta demerger matter and reserved its order. The newly-constituted bench of NCLT heard the application filed by Vedanta seeking regulatory clearances on the proposed demerger of the company under Section 230-232 of the Companies Act. However, the counsel representing the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPnG) cited concerns over the potential financial risks post-demerger of Vedanta and alleged misrepresentation of hydrocarbon assets and insufficient disclosure of liabilities by the metal and mining conglomerate. The ministry’s counsel said that MoPnG also wants disclosures on the concealment of facts that includes showing the exploration blocks as Vedanta’s assets and details of the loan taken on the basis of those assets, among others. In response, Vedanta’s counsel said that the company has already complied with all the required norms. He also informed the tribunal that Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has cleared its revised demerger plan after earlier warnings on disclosure and compliance issues. Meanwhile, a Vedanta spokesperson said, “The company remains committed to the proposed demerger, which aims to create independent, sector-specific entities across aluminium, oil and gas, power, and iron and steel.” Vedanta had filed a scheme of arrangement before NCLT Mumbai bench covering four group companies – Vedanta Aluminium Metal, Talwandi Sabo Power, Malco Energy, and Vedanta Iron and Steel – along with their shareholders and creditors. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had objected to Vedanta’s proposed demerger. Capital markets regulator SEBI had earlier sought details on the proposed base metals carve-out. That particular carve-out is no longer part of the current plan, after Vedanta revised its original blueprint. Initially, the company had outlined a plan to split into six independent entities: Vedanta Aluminium, Vedanta Oil & Gas, Vedanta Power, Vedanta Steel and Ferrous Materials, Vedanta Base Metals, and Vedanta Ltd. The revised scheme, however, retains the base metals business within the parent company. The demerger was proposed to streamline operations, improve management focus, and unlock shareholder value. In March 2025, the deadline for completing the demerger was extended to September 30, 2025, due to pending approvals from the NCLT and other government bodies. PTI SM HVA

Haryana CM felicitates World Cup winner Shafali Verma
Sports

Haryana CM felicitates World Cup winner Shafali Verma

Chandigarh, Nov 12 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday felicitated India’s Women’s World Cup-winning team member Shafali Verma at his official residence here. Saini honoured her with a shawl and a cheque of Rs 1.50 crore and a ‘Grade A’ sports gradation certificate. According to an official statement, Shafali was appointed as the brand ambassador by the Haryana State Women’s Commission. “Today, met Shafali Verma, the beloved daughter of Haryana and a member of the team that made India world champions with their historic performance in the Women’s Cricket World Cup, at Sant Kabir Kutir (Haryana CM’s official residence here), and extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for this remarkable achievement,” said Saini later in a post on X. “On behalf of the Haryana government, in honour of this outstanding performance, she has been awarded Rs 1.50 crore in cash and a ‘Grade A’ gradation certificate. This recognition will inspire Haryana’s sporting talents to reach even greater heights,” the CM said. Saini said with her hard work and dedication, Shafali has not only brought glory to Haryana but to the entire nation. “This achievement serves as an inspiration for all the daughters of the state; I wish you continued success in making the country’s name shine with your stellar performances,” he said. The state government is implementing numerous programmes to encourage athletes. Nearly 2,000 sports nurseries have been opened in the state, where children at grassroots level are being provided platform to progress. Shafali thanked the Haryana government and said, “We are very happy to have won the World Cup. The spirit of sports is ingrained in Haryana, and everyone in the state encourages sports.” Picked as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal, the 21-year-old Shafali was named ‘player of the final’ for her 87 runs with the bat and 2/36 with the ball in the team’s 52-run win against South Africa. Shafali was called into the India squad on the eve of the semifinal against Australia and while she could not fire in the last-four clash, the Haryana girl shone in the title clash. PTI SUN AM AM AM

Working on plan to promote exports of tribal community products: Goyal
World

Working on plan to promote exports of tribal community products: Goyal

New Delhi, Nov 12 (PTI) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said the ministry is working on a plan to push exports of goods made by tribals, either through e-commerce medium or by showcasing them in international warehouses. He assured that the ministry will work to boost the export of goods manufactured by tribal communities in the country. “Work is underway to create a plan to push exports of your products – whether through e-commerce or by creating an international warehouse, so that your products can be displayed there – your products can be available there, and people can come and buy them,” he said. He was addressing tribal entrepreneurs at the Tribal Business Conclave here. The minister also said that the government has significantly enhanced allocations of funds for the tribal affairs ministry. Goyal also suggested that the entrepreneurs identify goods which can be categorised as Geographical Indications (GI). Goods under the GI tag get legal protection for 10 years. The Tribal Business Conclave, which concluded on Wednesday here at Yashobhoomi, was aimed at strengthening tribal entrepreneurship and driving inclusive growth. Jointly organised by DPIIT, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and the Ministry of Culture, this conclave invited over 250 tribal entrepreneurs for a day-long dialogue on accelerating enterprise-led growth in tribal regions. This event exemplified a whole-of-government approach, drawing strength from the active participation of ministries, namely MSME, skill development and entrepreneurship, textiles, agriculture, and rural development. It witnessed participation from key dignitaries, including ministries, corporate leaders, SIDBI, and investor networks, alongside tribal entrepreneurs and cooperative leaders from states such as Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and the North-East region. Speaking at the event, Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said the government is committed to working for the development of these entrepreneurs. PTI RR SHW

One more person arrested in Odisha's SI recruitment scam
Technology

One more person arrested in Odisha's SI recruitment scam

Bhubaneswar, Nov 12 (PTI) Another person was arrested in connection with the sub-inspector recruitment scam in Odisha on Wednesday, police said. The Crime Branch of the state police arrested Sagar Kumar Gouda (22), a close aide of the key accused, Sankar Prusty. He had played a pivotal role in supervising the operations of the ‘Balasore module’, they said. With the arrest of Gouda, a total of 126 people, including 114 aspirants, have been held in connection with the case. The aspirants have already been released on bail after spending a month in jail. Police claimed Gouda coordinated logistical arrangements and ensured execution of the plan on the ground. It has also been established that he visited Digha on September 29, where hotel accommodations had been booked by one Aravinda Das for a group of aspirants, they said. On the recommendation of the state government, the Centre has accorded permission for a CBI probe into the multi-crore recruitment scam. The irregularities were detected after 114 aspirants and three suspected brokers were nabbed on the night of September 29 at the state’s border with Andhra Pradesh when they were going to a “special coaching” centre in Vijayanagaram from Bhubaneswar. The arrested aspirants had paid Rs 10 lakh each to the racket, and were supposed to pay another Rs 25 lakh after securing the job, police said. Later, some more brokers and the mastermind of the scam, Prusty, were arrested. Another 110 candidates were supposed to undergo similar ‘coaching’ in West Bengal’s Digha, located on the Odisha border, on September 30, but due to police action in Berhampur, it was cancelled, officials said. Prusty, who owned Panchsoft Technologies — a company that got a part of the contract to conduct the recruitment test, has claimed that the scam involved irregularities worth Rs 1,000 crore, and he “surrendered” to unmask those involved in the conspiracy. PTI BBM BBM SOM

Kylie Jenner reacts to breakup rumours with Timothee Chalamet
Entertainment

Kylie Jenner reacts to breakup rumours with Timothee Chalamet

Washington DC [US], November 12 (ANI): Media personality Kylie Jenner is shutting down the rumours that she and Timothee Chalamet have parted ways, according to Page Six. She “liked” an Instagram video posted by Chalamet just hours after reports of their alleged split surfaced.“MARTY SUUUUUUUUUPREME,” the ‘Dune’ actor captioned the post featuring a trailer for his upcoming film, “Marty Supreme,” according to Page Six. Jenner cleared all the rumours by giving Chalamet’s post a thumbs up, showing fans that they are on good terms, according to Page Six.They also sparked split speculation after Chalamet was nowhere to be seen at the star-studded 70th birthday party for Kylie’s mom, Kris Jenner, this weekend, as per Page Six. However, multiple sources told People that Jenner and Timothee are still together and doing “great.”One source told the website that Chalamet couldn’t attend the birthday party because he was on location out of the country while filming “Dune: Part Three.”Another insider confirmed that Chalamet talked about his girlfriend “all the time” while filming “Marty Supreme.”“She even flew out to visit him on set in New York City. They also met up in London while he was shooting ‘Dune,'” the second source said, noting, “They’re really in love,” as per Page Six. (ANI)

Temba Bavuma is out best player: South Africa head coach Conrad
Sports

Temba Bavuma is out best player: South Africa head coach Conrad

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], November 12 (ANI): South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad classified captain Temba Bavuma as the “best player” in the Proteas setup ahead of the two home Tests in India, scheduled to commence on Friday at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. Bavuma missed South Africa’s trip to Pakistan for two Tests last month due to a strained calf, which ended the series level at 1-1. Bavuma has been instrumental in South Africa’s success, scoring 911 runs in 10 Tests at an average of 56.93 since 2023. Conrad believes the return of their premier batter will bolster their squad and increase their chances of creating history in India. “Yeah, Temba for us, he’s our best player. It’s as simple as that, which makes winning a Test match in Pakistan so much better for us that we were able to do it without our best player. So a lot of feel-good, a lot of confidence. And if you take the last, what, two years maybe, he’s been one of the best players in the world,” Conrad said while speaking to reporters on Wednesday. Bavuma returned to the on-field action during South Africa A team’s second unofficial Test against India A earlier this month. In the first innings, Bavuma floundered on his first ball against Akash Deep and returned with a golden duck.In the second innings, during South Africa A’s pursuit of a daunting 417-run target on the final day, Bavuma played a vital role with a 101-ball 59 to steer the visitors to a 5-wicket triumph. With Bavuma finding his purple patch, Conrad highlighted the importance for the 35-year-old to spend some time on the crease before the series. “So his record speaks for itself, the calmness he brings to the batting unit, his leadership, his quiet demeanour. Yeah, we get a lot of feel-good from that, and he certainly brings a lot of confidence. And we’re thrilled that he got through the A game as well as he did,” Conrad said. “I remember speaking to him after the first or second day when he got a first ball. We were hoping that he’d got some time out in the middle in the second innings, which he did. So yeah, all systems go from that front,” Conrad added. India’s Test squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash DeepSouth Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne. (ANI)