BioWare: Canadian video game developer teases Mass effect 5 title
On N7 Day 2023, BioWare hints at a connection between the upcoming Mass effect game and the original trilogy, raising questions about beloved characters, lineage, and unresolved mysteries. Despite limited details, BioWare aims to honor the series with answers. Key Points
Economic TimesWhat is nocebo effect? All you want to know about placebo's evil twin
You've heard of the placebo effect: when positive thinking makes you believe your meds are working. Nocebo is the power of negative thinking. Wait, what? | Health Key Points
Hindustan TimesIndia's Oldest Solar Observatory celebrates 125 years
The Observatory has a continuous daily record of the Sun, with more than 1.2 lakh digitised solar images and thousands of other images of the Sun recorded every day since the start of the 20th century. Key Points
ThePrintAustralia’s wildfires may hold a lesson or two for a smoky US
Australia's devastating 2019-2020 wildfires changed the country's politics on climate, resulting in the 2022 election delivering the greenest parliament on record. However, natural disasters don't necessarily shift voter behavior towards climate-focused policies, but rather punish whichever party is in power. The effects of disasters can also be limited and perverse. The impact of the current wildfires in the northeastern US on public opinion is uncertain, as extreme weather only has a weak effect on people's views of climate change. Key Points
mintFilmfare Awards 2023 nominations: Alia Bhatt gets Best Actress nod
The Filmfare Award 2023 nominations were announced recently. Films like Gangubai Kathiawadi and The Kashmir Files are leading in several categories. | Bollywood Key Points
Hindustan Times
Science This Week | Intriguing water source found on the Moon, piezoelectric effect found in liquids and more
A weekly science wrap that lists the top 7 science stories from this week. The wrap includes scientific discoveries, findings, and studies from India and all over the world. Key Points
The HinduIndia hikes windfall tax on crude petroleum to Rs 7,100 per tonne
The Indian government has increased the windfall tax on crude petroleum to Rs 7,100 per tonne from Rs 4,250 per tonne with effect from August 15. This comes just weeks after the government had hiked the tax to Rs 4,250 per tonne from Rs 1,600 per tonne. Special Additional Excise Duty on diesel will also see a rise, being hiked to Rs 5.50 per litre from Re 1 per litre at present, and a duty of Rs 2 per litre will be imposed on jet fuel or ATF from August 15. Key Points
Economic TimesHC grants interim stay on RBI circulars allowing banks to declare account as fraudulent without hearing
The Bombay High Court has issued an interim stay on the effect of circulars issued by the Reserve Bank of India, which empower banks to declare an account as fraudulent without a hearing. The court has granted the stay until September 11, when it will hold hearings on petitions filed by Jet Airways' former owners Naresh Goyal and Anita Goyal, which will challenge the central bank's approach, saying that denying borrowers a chance to be heard violates the principle of natural justice. Key Points
Economic Times3 criminal laws replacing IPC, CrPc to come into effect from July 1
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha. Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshaya Act will come into effect from July 1. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesCM Nitish Kumar proposes raising quotas for SCs, STs & OBCs in Bihar
Nitish says reservations for OBCs needs to be raised from 50% to 65%. For SCs & STs, which together account for 17% quota, he says limit should be raised to 22%. Key Points
ThePrint
Hurricane tracker: What is Fujiwhara Effect? Will tropical storms Rina and Philippe really dance together?
Storms Rina and Philippe will dance together over the Atlantic Ocean. Really? Know in detail what is this and what it means. Key Points
Economic TimesRead my Lips! Offices open door to inflation in beauty products
Return to office and a possible 'lipstick effect' might be contributing to higher inflation in beauty products and services. Prices of beauty products and services grew at 6.3% on average in the April-June period compared to 6.5% in FY23, according to official data. Key Points
Economic TimesKotak Mahindra Bank announces changes in senior management, re-designates KVS Manian as Joint MD
Kotak Mahindra Bank has announced changes in its senior management. KVS Manian has been appointed as the new Joint MD starting from March 1, 2024. Manian, who was a whole-time Director and a key managerial personnel of the bank, will now take on this new role. Shanti Ekambaram, currently a whole-time Director, will also assume the position of Deputy MD from March 1, 2024. Key Points
Economic TimesA Beauty treatment promised to zap fat. For some, it brought disfigurement
Cryolipolysis, the technical term for the procedure, involves placing a device onto a targeted part of the body to freeze fat cells. Patients typically undergo multiple treatments on the same area. In successful cases, the cells die and the body absorbs them. Key Points
The Indian ExpressJammu Kashmir National Front banned by govt under UAPA
The government banned the Jammu Kashmir National Front led by Nayeem Ahmad Khan, a constituent of the hardline Hurriyat Conference, declaring it an unlawful association. It has been involved in supporting terrorist activities, anti-India propaganda, fuelling secessionism, and providing logistic support to terrorists. The ban will be in effect for five years. Key Points
Economic Times
Turkey’s parliament approves Sweden’s NATO membership, lifting key hurdle
Legislators ratified Sweden’s accession protocol by 287 votes to 55, with 4 abstentions. It will come into effect after its publication in the Official Gazette. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesGovernment suspends DGCA official Anil Gill with immediate effect
The DGCA further stated that during the period that this order shall remain in force the headquarters of Capt. Anil Gill, Director should be New Delhi and the said Capt. Anil Gill shall not leave the headquarters without obtaining the previous permission of the undersigned. Key Points
Economic TimesDelhi official accused of raping late friend's minor daughter held
The Delhi Government has suspended its senior official Premoday Khakha with immediate effect following his arrest by the Delhi Police today for allegedly raping a minor. An order to this effect was issued by Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar. Key Points
The Tribune IndiaGovt hikes windfall tax on domestic crude, diesel export, ATF
New Delhi, Aug 14 (PTI) The government on Monday hiked special additional excise duty on crude petroleum to Rs 7,100 per tonne with effect from August 15. In the last fortnightly review, windfall tax on domestically produced crude oil was set at Rs 4,250 per tonne. Besides, the Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) or duty […] Key Points
ThePrintNetflix sign-ups jump as U.S. password sharing crackdown kicks off
Daily U.S. sign-ups for Netflix have jumped in the first few days after the streaming giant's password-sharing crackdown came into effect on May 23, data from research firm Antenna showed. Key Points
Reuters
Artificial intelligence could hurt education at its most basic level
The impact of technology on society and biological systems is profound and often overlooked. While some technologies have been beneficial, such as electricity and agricultural advancements, others, such as smartphones and social media, are causing significant social and psychological effects. The rise of the "digital complex" is fraying social connections and having negative effects on attention span and comprehension. Additionally, the use of artificial intelligence in education may lead to the outsourcing of critical thinking skills. Efforts to regulate and control new technologies are crucial to prevent unintended consequences. Key Points
mintExplainer: Why has AstraZeneca recalled Covid-19 vaccine
Company’s Covid vaccine is sold as Covishield in India and Vaxzevria in Europe. In a significant move, pharma giant AstraZeneca has recalled its Covid-19... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaStocks in news: Ashok Leyland, Mankind Pharma, Vedanta, Lupin, Paradeep Phosphates
Global rally prompted a surge in domestic equities after US central bank hinted at rate cuts. Ashok Leyland, Mankind Pharma, Vedanta, Lupin, Paradeep Phosphates, JSW Energy, Ambuja Cements, Sanghi Industries, RIL, Vedanta, Paytm, Tech Mahindra, Paradeep Phosphates, Maruti Suzuki, RVNL in focus. Key Points
Economic TimesHosting party for workers/ voters: This is what it will cost candidates during poll campaign
BJP and Congress respond to ECI's Lok Sabha schedule. Model code in effect in Madhya Pradesh. Voting from home for elderly over 85. Campaign costs and Key Points
Times Of IndiaFive-day work week, big hike: Bonanza for bankers awaits government nod
This decision will lead to an additional yearly expenditure of approximately Rs 8,284 crore for these banks, benefiting around 8 lakh bank employees. The wage hike is set to take effect from November 2022. Key Points
Economic Times
India can now levy fine on 'global turnover' of companies abusing power. Details
The move could have bearings on foreign enterprises operating in India and Indian enterprises with a global presence. The amendment comes into effect from March 6. Key Points
Business TodayValuation rule for entry-level bets on e-gaming is prospective: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the valuation rules for imposing a 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on entry-level bets on online gaming platforms are prospective in effect. The clarification came during the Lok Sabha discussion on the CGST (Second Amendment) Bill. The GST Council had previously clarified that the 28% GST applies to online gaming, specifically on entry-level bets, with the effective date for amendments set as October 1. Key Points
Economic TimesUS Consumer group seeks stronger warnings on Botox, similar treatments
Consumer advocacy group Public Citizen on Tuesday filed a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seeking to require makers of Botox and several similar injections to include stronger warnings about the risk of a potentially fatal muscle-paralyzing disease. Key Points
ReutersIndia curbs use of sugar for ethanol in 2023-24
The central government on Thursday banned diversion of sugar for ethanol manufacturing with immediate effect in ethanol supply year 2022-23. However, the supply of ethanol from existing offers received by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) from B Heavy molasses will continue, it said. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia launching new 'authorisation' system for import of laptops, tablets and personal computers
According to govt officials, the aim is to monitor shipments of such hardware without hurting market supply. The new system takes effect from 1 November. Key Points
ThePrintGovt cuts windfall tax on domestic crude, export of diesel, ATF
New Delhi, Oct 17 (PTI) The government on Tuesday cut special additional excise duty (SAED) on crude petroleum to Rs 9,050/tonne with effect from October 18. In the last fortnightly review on September 29, windfall tax on domestically produced crude oil was set at Rs 12,200/tonne. Besides, the SAED or duty on export of diesel […] Key Points
ThePrintIndia cuts windfall tax on domestic crude, export of diesel, ATF
The government on Tuesday cut special additional excise duty (SAED) on crude petroleum to Rs 9,050/tonne with effect from October 18.In the last fortnightly review on September 29, windfall tax on domestically produced crude oil was set at Rs 12,200/tonne. Key Points
Economic TimesGovt cuts windfall tax on domestic crude, hikes levy on export of diesel, ATF
New Delhi, Sep 1 (PTI) The government on Friday cut special additional excise duty (SAED) on crude petroleum to Rs 6,700 per tonne with effect from September 2. In the last fortnightly review on August 14, windfall tax on domestically produced crude oil was set at Rs 7,100 per tonne. Besides, SAED or duty on […] Key Points
ThePrint3 road construction & contracting focussed companies with ‘buy’ rating can rise up to 33%
The government spending on infrastructure projects, especially on roads has remained at elevated levels for the last nine years, this had a trickle down effect on many parts of the economy and specially companies which are involved in construction and contracting. ET screener powered by Refinitiv’s Stock Report Plus lists down stocks with high upside potential over the next 12 months, having an average recommendation rating of “buy” or strong buy . Key Points
Economic TimesStones pelted at AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's house in Delhi, probe on
'On one side bulldozer is being run on the houses of Muslims and on the other hand, stones are pelted at the house of an MP. I am a four-time MP, and every few days stones are thrown at my house. Its effect on the country will not be good,' said Owaisi Key Points
Firstpost
PwC resigns as auditor of Paytm Payments Services Limited
Price Waterhouse Chartered Accountants Llp (PWC) has resigned as auditor of Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL) from August 7, 2023, due to changes in auditors at the holding company level. PPSL has announced the appointment of S.R. Batliboi & Associates LLP as the new Statutory Auditors with immediate effect. Key Points
Economic TimesBharti Airtel ARPU touching 200 an encouraging sign: Naveen Kulkarni
Axis Securities' CIO Naveen Kulkarni says the Nigerian currency devaluation losses reported in Bharti Airtel's African business were not unexpected. Kulkarni explains analysts expected a significant impact on the company's transnational effect on African revenues, however, the Rs 200 ARPU number is an encouraging sign. The stock is expected to open slightly higher based on Bharti's results, Kulkarni said, and added the internal details and management commentary must be reviewed. Key Points
Economic TimesPara-gliders, hot air balloons, drones prohibited in Delhi until Aug 16
Delhi Police has banned the flying of various aerial platforms, including para-gliders and UAVs, in the city from July 22 to August 16 due to security concerns ahead of Independence Day celebrations. Violators will face punishment under Section 188 of the IPC. Key Points
mintStocks in news: Vedanta, Vadilal, SBI Cards, JSW Steel, Motherson Sumi Wiring
Rama Mohan Rao Amara, Managing Director & CEO has tendered his resignation from directorship of the company with effect from August 11. He will also cease to be the MD and CEO of the company. Key Points
Economic TimesEquity markets mostly rise after El Nino effect: Study
India witnessed the El Nino effect in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2014, and 2015. The Nifty has fallen on two out of the six occasions over a three-month period and once over a six-month period. The average three and six-month Nifty returns post-August in these six years are 5.29% and 12.1%, respectively, while the one-year forward returns have been 22.82%, show data from Samco Securities. Key Points
Economic Times
Govt working to rein in inflation, says FM
Wholesale price inflation fell to a 29-month low of 1.34% in March, aided by a sustained decline in commodity prices and a favourable base effect. Key Points
FinancialexpressDU directs colleges to keep classrooms, labs open till 8 PM for optimum use of resources
A notification to this effect has been posted on the university's website. Additionally, the colleges and departments have been instructed to submit a report on the actions taken by May 31. Key Points
FinancialexpressAudi announces price hike price for select models from May 1
Audi has already increased the price of Q8 Celebration, RS5 and S5 by up to 2.4 per cent with effect from April 1. Key Points
mintElection time; 5 construction & contracting companies with Strong Buy and Buy rating can rise up to 44
As we come closer to elections, both in states in 2023 and the general election of 2024. The government spending on infrastructure projects, which has remained at elevated levels for many years, may see a further push as many state governments rush to complete and announce more of them. This will have a trickle down effect on many parts of the economy and specially companies in contracting and construction. ET screener powered by Refinitiv’s Stock Report Plus lists down stocks with high upside potential over the next 12 months, having an average recommendation rating of “buy” or strong buy . Key Points
Economic TimesSmita Harish Kuber appointed as IDBI Bank CFO, to take charge from April 1
IDBI Bank appointed Smita Harish Kuber as the CFO with effect from April 01, 2023, in place of P. Sitaram, ED & CFO, who will retire on attaining superannuation on March 31, 2023. Key Points
Financialexpress