The story so far: The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) was incorporated in September 2000 as a company to take over the business of providing telephone connectivity from the central government’s Department of Telecom Services. Its operations were meant to service the entire country except New Delhi and Mumbai where MTNL — or Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd — would operate. Last week, the Union Cabinet approved a ₹1.64 lakh crore revival package for BSNL with a cash component of ₹43,964 crore. What is the plan for recapitalisation? The non-cash component of ₹1.2 lakh crore, spread over four years, will include administrative allotment of 4G spectrum worth ₹44,993 crore. Capex support of ₹22,471 crore over the next four years to “boost development and deployment of Atmanirbhar 4G stack”, viability gap funding of ₹13,789 crore for commercially unviable rural wireline operations done during 2014-15 to 2019-20, debt structuring by raising of bonds with sovereign guarantee worth ₹40,399 … [Read more...] about Explained | The government package to revive BSNL fortunes
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‘A blend of science, art and creativity’: Into the delightfully sweet world of artisanal ice creams
Ice creams are loved by all. They are a great way to start and finish a day, and also serve as the perfect solution to everything in between. So, it is not surprising it is a part of almost all major celebrations — after all, a scoop of this cold and sweet delicacy is enough to uplift everyone’s spirits. Regular ice creams, however, are often mass-produced with artificial flavours, colours and essence. Additionally, they have excessive sugar and vegetable fats making them extremely unhealthy and harmful for consumption. To counter these, a new trend of artisanal ice cream has started in the country. What took off a few years ago, is now slowly picking up pace, and today there is an array of artisanal ice cream brands to choose from. They are becoming people’s preferred choice of ice creams. “Ever since I’ve tried artisanal ice cream, it has become my favourite. I prefer it over regular ice creams because it is so rich and delicious in taste,” said Avantika Singh, a … [Read more...] about ‘A blend of science, art and creativity’: Into the delightfully sweet world of artisanal ice creams
Hi-tech and stunning buildings in 10 future cities!
Image: Seoul Commune 2026. W ith cities getting cluttered with concrete jungles, there is a need for innovative building designs. 1. Seoul Commune 2026 ... Hi-tech and stunning buildings in 10 future cities! Image: Ultima Tower. 2. Ultima Tower, San Francisco D esigned by Eugene Tsui, this futuristic city aims to address the burgeoning population. ... Hi-tech and stunning buildings in 10 future cities! Image: Sky City 1000. Sky City 1000, Tokyo E mphasizing on green space, Takenaka Corporation proposed this project for over 1 lakh people. Hi-tech and stunning buildings in 10 future cities! Image: Crystal Island. Crystal Island, Moscow T he Crystal Island designed by Foster + Partners can accommodate 30 000 people in 900 apartments. Hi-tech and stunning buildings in 10 future cities! Image: Bionic Tower. Bionic Tower, Hong Kong … [Read more...] about Hi-tech and stunning buildings in 10 future cities!
Shah Rukh Khan’s biggest hits and flops
Image: A Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge movie poster I n a career spanning over two decades and 70 films, Shah Rukh Khan has witnessed incredible highs and paltry lows. With an enviable fan base and unquestioned star power, Khan is easily one of the greatest superstars of his times today. And if ever there was a test to underscore the same, it will come into play with the release of his mega-movie, Ra.One , a SFX-packed superhero extravaganza produced by the actor, releasing this Diwali. Whether this multi-crore project will be an epic accomplishment or a damp squib at the box office only time will tell. So while you book your tickets, here's a peek at SRK's biggest hits (we're talking blockbusters here!) and flops (catastrophes, if you please?), ever. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge DDLJ belongs to the latter category. To think SRK tasted success playing a ruthless serial killer and obsessive lover in films like Baazigar and Darr only to go on and portray … [Read more...] about Shah Rukh Khan’s biggest hits and flops
Hema: I don’t expect to compete with Ra.One
Image: Hema Malini Photographs: Gettyimages/Kristian Dowling Sonil Dedhia in Mumbai L ife is pretty hectic for Bollywood's original dreamgirl. Looking pretty in a golden sari, Hema Malini is juggling between attending guests and giving interviews for her upcoming film Tell Me O Kkhuda at her Mumbai residence. Ra.One ." She smiles in agreement. Why has there been a delay in releasing your film Tell Me O Kkhuda ( TMOK )? I was planning to release the film on September 30, but there were many films that released on that day. We have all put in a lot of effort in the film and I thought it was only fair to get a good result for the film. ' Tell Me O Khuda is a family film' Image: Hema Malini and Esha Deol Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar B ut aren't you convinced about your film? ( Thinks ) Yes, but you also require adequate number of cinema halls. It is necessary to get an adequate number of prints so that maximum … [Read more...] about Hema: I don’t expect to compete with Ra.One
Draupadi Murmu Gets Z+ Security Cover After Being Announced As NDA’s Presidential Candidate
New Delhi: After announcing former Jharkhand Governor Draupadi Murmu as the Presidential candidate for NDA, the centre has provided her round-the-clock Z+ category security cover by the armed Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) starting today. The armed squad took over the security of Murmu, 64, early Wednesday morning, according to a PTI report. Congratulatory messages from leaders flooded for Murmu after the announcement by Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). “I am surprised as well as delighted. As a tribal woman from remote Mayurbhanj district, I had not thought about becoming the candidate for the top post,” Murmu told reporters at her Rairangpur residence. She said the NDA government has now proven the BJP’s slogan of “Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Biswas,” by selecting a tribal woman for the top post. ALSO READ | Who Is Draupadi Murmu? India's First Tribal Woman Governor, Now In Raisina Race She is the first woman and a tribal leader … [Read more...] about Draupadi Murmu Gets Z+ Security Cover After Being Announced As NDA’s Presidential Candidate