Author: Sarita Jena

  • Supreme Court Orders Cashless Treatment for Car Accident Victims

    Supreme Court Orders Cashless Treatment for Car Accident Victims

    In an important decision, the Supreme Court told the Indian government to create a plan for giving free medical treatment to people injured in car accidents during the “golden hour.” This is the first hour after an injury when quick treatment can save lives. The court’s decision was announced by Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, who emphasized the need for fast medical care.

    The “golden hour” is defined by the law, and it is a critical time for anyone hurt in a car accident. If they don’t get treated quickly, they may die. The court asked the government to have this plan ready by March 14, 2025. They also want to see the plan by March 21, along with a report about how it will work.

    Justice Oka highlighted that when people get hurt in accidents, they might be alone, and financial worries or long procedures shouldn’t delay their treatment. It is important that everyone gets medical help right away since every life is valuable. The law already requires insurance companies to help pay for this urgent treatment, but the government hasn’t put the plan into action since the law has been in place since April 1, 2022.

    The government had sent a draft plan with a limit of 1.5 lakh rupees (about $2,000) for treatment but was criticized for not covering all the needs of accident victims. The court told the government to fix these issues in their final plan.

    Additionally, there is a fund created under a special section of the law to help with treatment costs. The General Insurance Council (GIC) has a role in managing claims related to accidents and will develop a website to make the process easier for families. The court found out that many claims are pending because of missing documents and has directed the GIC to speed up their work and provide updates by March 14, 2025.

  • Delhi 2025 Elections: AAP Faces Congress and BJP’s Alliance

    Delhi 2025 Elections: AAP Faces Congress and BJP’s Alliance

    In the upcoming Delhi assembly election in 2025, Ashok Gehlot, the former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is the main rival to the Congress party. Gehlot’s comments created some tension with AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal responded by saying that Gehlot’s remarks show that Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are working together against AAP.

    Gehlot said, “They (AAP) are our competition. They think they are strong since they won two times in Delhi. But things are different now. Congress is running a better campaign, and this time will be different.”

    In his reply, Kejriwal pointed out that Gehlot didn’t criticize the BJP and looked like Congress was teaming up with them. He thanked Gehlot for revealing this connection.

    Gehlot then addressed Kejriwal directly, stressing that it’s impossible for Congress and BJP to be allies. He said that politics will keep going, but he also mentioned a new health scheme in Rajasthan that helps all families get healthcare.

    “Gurdeep Singh Sappal,” a Congress leader, criticized both AAP and BJP for constantly attacking each other while forgetting about Congress, which has ruled for many years.

    The Delhi elections will take place on February 5, and the results will be counted on February 8. In 2020, AAP won 62 out of 70 seats in the assembly.

  • BrainSight AI Secures $5 Million for Innovative Brain Care Solutions

    BrainSight AI Secures $5 Million for Innovative Brain Care Solutions

    BrainSight AI, a startup focused on brain health, has just raised $5 million in a funding round led by IAN Alpha Fund. Other investors include IvyCap Ventures and Silver Needle. The company plans to use this money to expand its services in major Indian cities and reach smaller cities too.

    They also want to get certification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which will help them enter the U.S. and other markets. BrainSight AI is also looking to explore opportunities in Africa and Southeast Asia, as there’s interest from distributors there. They’ll also develop an app for caregivers to help families who have loved ones with brain disorders.

    Based in Bengaluru, BrainSight AI collaborates with over 40 hospitals in India, mainly focusing on treating brain tumor patients. The company is also starting to look at neurological and psychiatric disorders.

    BrainSight AI was founded by Laina Emmanuel, an engineer, and Rimjhim Agrawal, who has a PhD in machine learning for psychiatry. They use artificial intelligence and neuroscience to improve the way brain issues are diagnosed, leading to better and quicker care for patients.

    Laina Emmanuel, the CEO, expressed her excitement about using connectomics, a field that studies the brain’s connections, to provide personalized brain care. The company’s products include Voxelbox, which helps doctors analyze brain scans, and Snowdrop, an app that helps patients stick to their treatment plans.

    Priyank Garg from IAN Alpha Fund praised BrainSight AI, stating that their technology could change how brain disorders are treated for everyone. In 2020, they also received grants from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a government body.

    As BrainSight AI continues to grow, they believe they can achieve a $100 million annual revenue goal by expanding in India and globally.

  • AI Startup Infinite Reality Hits $12.25 Billion Valuation After $3 Billion Fundraise

    AI Startup Infinite Reality Hits $12.25 Billion Valuation After $3 Billion Fundraise

    On Wednesday, Infinite Reality, a company that focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), announced they are now valued at $12.25 billion after raising $3 billion in new funding. This puts them on the list of many startups that are growing rapidly thanks to AI technology.

    Experts believe that AI companies will lead tech funding in 2025 because they expect AI to grow quickly in the next few years. Infinite Reality, which started in 2019, uses AI and innovative technologies to help brands and creators connect better with their audiences and make more money.

    “We help our customers turn their regular 2D websites into exciting, interactive spaces and use AI to help them sell better,” said John Acunto, cofounder and CEO of Infinite Reality.

    The fundraising came from a private investor interested in technology and real estate. Big names like entertainment giant Live Nation, T-Mobile Ventures, RSE Ventures, and Lux Capital have also invested in Infinite Reality. They’re backed by celebrities like DJ Steve Aoki, the band Imagine Dragons, and NBA player Rudy Gobert.

    The excitement for AI companies has grown a lot since Sam Altman’s OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022. AI firms played a big role in bringing up US venture capital funding, with a nearly 30% increase in total funds raised in 2024, according to data from Pitchbook.

    Another AI startup, Anthropic, is working on raising about $2 billion, which would make it valued at $60 billion. Last month, Databricks also reached a $62 billion valuation after a huge $10 billion funding round, one of the largest in history.

  • Congress Unveils Free Rs 25 Lakh Health Insurance Plan for Delhi Families!

    Congress Unveils Free Rs 25 Lakh Health Insurance Plan for Delhi Families!

    On Wednesday, the Congress party promised free health insurance up to Rs 25 lakh through a new program called Jeevan Raksha Yojana if they win the elections in Delhi. Ashok Gehlot, a senior Congress leader and former chief minister of Rajasthan, said that this plan would help many families by covering big medical expenses, hospital stays, and treatments for serious illnesses. He believes that Congress has a good chance of forming the government in Delhi, which is important for the country’s future.

    Gehlot shared that this health scheme shows Congress’s dedication to taking care of the healthcare needs of Delhi residents. Their campaign slogan, “Hogi Har Zarurat Puri, Congress Hai Zaroori,” means that Congress wants to ensure essential services for everyone. He added that Congress has kept the country united and believes in supporting people of all backgrounds.

    Gehlot mentioned that this health program was very successful in Rajasthan and will work well in Delhi too. The Jeevan Raksha Yojana will cover all government and private hospitals, so every person in Delhi can get free healthcare.

    Delhi Congress chief, Devender Yadav, said that after seeing the success of this scheme in Rajasthan, Delhi also needs this support for proper treatment. He criticized the current Delhi government’s health system, claiming it has worsened over the past 11 years and that poor people rely on Mohalla clinics that lack basic medical care. Yadav assured the people that Congress cares about their health and will take responsibility for it once in power.

    Qazi Nizamuddin, in charge of Congress in Delhi, expressed that people trust Congress and believe they will keep their promises. He emphasized that every scheme Congress proposes will be fulfilled.

    Recently, Congress also announced another plan called ‘Pyaari Didi Yojana,’ which promises financial help of Rs 2,500 per month to women if they win the elections. The voting for the 70-member Delhi assembly will be on February 5, with results announced on February 8.

  • PM Modi Unveils Green Hydrogen Plans and Job Opportunities in Andhra Pradesh

    PM Modi Unveils Green Hydrogen Plans and Job Opportunities in Andhra Pradesh

    On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh will be one of the few places in the world to build large green hydrogen production facilities. Speaking at a public rally, Modi highlighted that this green hydrogen hub will create numerous job opportunities and help grow a manufacturing base in the state.

    He mentioned laying the foundation stone for a Bulk Drug Park in Nakkapalli, which is one of only three such parks being built in India. Modi described urbanization as a great opportunity and said Andhra Pradesh aims to set a new standard for modern urban living. He also laid the foundation stone for the Krishnapatnam Industrial Area, which is a Rs 1,518 crore project that will take place on 2,500 acres of land and is expected to create jobs for 50,000 people.

    Additionally, he laid the foundation for a green hydrogen hub in Pudimadaka and a railway zone, with a combined investment of over Rs 2 lakh crore. The green hydrogen hub will be developed in partnership with NTPC Green Energy Ltd and the New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP).

    Modi emphasized that Andhra Pradesh has great potential and, when fully developed, can significantly contribute to the country’s growth. The state’s government has set a goal of reaching a $2.5 trillion economy by 2047, under the ‘Swarna Andhra-2047’ initiative. He praised Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for his dedication to developing the state and expressed that together they will achieve these ambitious goals.

  • Trump’s Renewed Interest in Greenland: What Does It Mean?

    Trump’s Renewed Interest in Greenland: What Does It Mean?

    U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed a desire to make Greenland part of the United States. He believes this would greatly benefit the local people. Trump mentioned in a recent post that he believes this deal “must happen.” His son, Donald Trump Jr., even visited Greenland recently.

    Trump first suggested buying Greenland in 2019, but Denmark, which owns the island, declined the offer.

    Why Does Trump Want Greenland?

    Greenland is important for the U.S. military because it is strategically located. The U.S. has a military base in Greenland, and they want to strengthen their presence there to keep an eye on Russia. The island is rich in minerals and natural resources, including materials needed for batteries and electric vehicles. Even though these resources are valuable, Greenland has restrictions on oil and natural gas because of environmental concerns.

    Who Owns Greenland?

    Greenland has been a part of Denmark for over 600 years but now runs much of its own affairs. It has a type of government that lets it choose independence if the people decide so. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, has said the island is not for sale and that it is up to its people to choose their future.

    What if Greenland Becomes Independent?

    If Greenland becomes independent, it could partner with the U.S. in a special agreement, like some Pacific islands have. Most Greenlanders want independence, but they worry about their economy since they rely on Denmark.

    What Do Greenlanders Want?

    Many Greenlanders support independence but have mixed feelings about when and how it should happen. While they want to work more with the U.S., some, like Greenlandic politician Aaja Chemnitz, oppose the idea of becoming a U.S. territory. She believes they should not be controlled by anyone else.

    What Is Denmark’s Response?

    Denmark has been wary of Trump’s interest. The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, previously called Trump’s offer to buy Greenland “absurd.” She insists that Greenlanders deserve to define their own future.

  • Piers Morgan Exits News Corp to Boost YouTube Channel

    Piers Morgan Exits News Corp to Boost YouTube Channel

    Piers Morgan, a well-known TV presenter, has left News Corp, the company owned by Rupert Murdoch. He decided to focus more on his YouTube channel called “Piers Morgan Uncensored,” which has 3.63 million subscribers and over 1,500 videos. On this channel, he shares strong opinions and interviews with interesting people.

    Even though Piers has left, Rupert Murdoch will still have a share in the YouTube channel until 2029.

    In other news, News Corp just decided to sell its Australian TV business called Foxtel to a British sports company named DAZN for A$3.4 billion (which is about $2.1 billion in U.S. money). With this deal, News Corp will get a spot on DAZN’s board and own 6% of the company. DAZN will also get the rights to show Australian Football League and National Rugby League games. This move shows how News Corp is trying to focus on different parts of its business as streaming has changed the media world.

    Analysts believe that Foxtel did not perform as well as other News Corp businesses, but they think the price for Foxtel is surprisingly good.

  • ICICI Bank Signs Major Office Lease in Navi Mumbai: A Growing Trend

    ICICI Bank Signs Major Office Lease in Navi Mumbai: A Growing Trend

    ICICI Bank has just signed a lease for a large office space in Navi Mumbai, taking up four floors in a commercial building. This space covers more than 1.3 lakh square feet and ICICI Bank will use it for over nine years.

    The bank made four separate agreements with a company named Arihant Superstructures, which will let them use about 32,284 square feet on each floor. They will pay Rs 58 for every square foot monthly, making the total yearly rent about Rs 9 crore. Plus, every three years, the rent will increase by 14%. They also have a lock-in period of 18 months, which means they can’t leave the lease early.

    ICICI Bank has already paid a security deposit that is equal to six months’ rent as the lease started on December 15. An interesting part of the lease is that ICICI Bank will enjoy 8 months without paying rent: 4 months during the first year and 4 months in the last year.

    This news comes just after HDFC Bank also leased space in another Navi Mumbai building, which is 8 stories tall and covers 4 lakh square feet, for a long-term lease of 10 years.

    Navi Mumbai has become a hot spot for businesses because it has great planning, affordable office spaces, and good connections to Mumbai and nearby areas. Many IT and banking companies are growing in places like Vashi, Turbhe, and Airoli.

    The demand for office space in the banking and finance sectors is increasing quickly. In 2024, the amount of office leases is expected to be even higher than in 2023 because of better technology, more digital business, a skilled workforce, and changing market needs.

  • ITBP Boosts Border Security with New Outposts and Local Agreements

    ITBP Boosts Border Security with New Outposts and Local Agreements

    The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is making efforts to strengthen security along the India-China border by moving 33 border outposts (BOPs) closer to the edge of the country. The Director General of ITBP, Rahul Rasgotra, announced this during a special parade for the force.

    He mentioned that there is a plan to establish 56 border outposts in total, with 33 already moved closer to the border. This change will make it easier for ITBP to patrol the area, as they won’t have to travel long distances anymore. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also approved the formation of seven new battalions, which means around 9,000 more officers will be dedicated to border security.

    Currently, the ITBP, which has about 96,222 personnel, manages a 3,488 km stretch of the India-China border. The patrol units often had to travel a long way, sometimes 15 to 40 km away from their BOPs, which took a lot of time. By placing the BOPs closer, they can patrol more effectively.

    In the past year, ITBP conducted 6,561 patrols along the border. At the parade, Rasgotra also announced that ITBP plans to support local economies by signing agreements with the governments of Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh. These agreements will allow ITBP to buy local products from border villages, helping both the locals and the ITBP to get better supplies. They hope to establish similar agreements in Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim soon.