Category: INDIA

Isak Andic, founder of the renowned Spanish fast fashion brand Mango, died on Saturday, December 14. Andic died after tragically falling off a cliff in Spain. Andic was trekking in Barcelona’s Montserrat caves when he slipped and plunged to his death on a 150-metre, or about 492-foot cliff in the Catalan capital.

Isak Andic Dies

He was with his relatives at the time of his death. After it was reported, a helicopter and a specialised unit were quickly dispatched to the scene.

Mango is one of the biggest names in the world of fast fashion, competing alongside the likes of H&M, and its own Spanish counterpart, Zara.

Toni Ruiz, Mango’s CEO said: “It is with deep regret that we announce the unexpected death of Isak Andic, our non-executive chairman and founder of Mango, in an accident that occurred this Saturday.”

Origins Of Mango

Mango was founded by Isak Andic along with his brother Nahman Andic.

Andic and their family were Shepdaric Jews, who immigrated from Turkey to a Spanish-speaking country.

The Fast Fashion World

Globally, the fast fashion brand is estimated to be worth around USD 136 billion. In addition, the industry is expected to only grow further. In fact, by 2027, the global fast fashion industry is expected to reach the figure of USD 185 billion.

Andic’s Mango, on its own garnered revenues worth more than USD 3 billion annually. Two of the biggest brands in the sector are the aforementioned Zara and H&M, which dominate the market.

This duopoly, however was obliterated when China’s Shein entered the market. The Chinese ultra-fast fashion company, as it is often called, currently holds a major chunk of the market.

Other markets in the game include the likes of Forever 21 and Fashion Nova.

As far as the Spanish giant, Mango’s presence in India is concerned, the company runs its stores in association with fashion e-com brand Myntra. In association with Myntra, Mango has over 110 stores in Indian cities. Myntra itself is owned by Flipkart, which in turn is owned by American retail giant, Walmart.

The TAPAS drones will be deployed at the important naval base in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The Indian Navy is planning to add 10 TAPAS-BH  drones, an advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed in India, to its fleet. These drones, designed for Medium Altitude and Long Endurance (MALE), will be used for maritime surveillance. This move marks an important step in strengthening India’s defence capabilities. A senior naval officer has confirmed the plan to acquire these drones, showing the Navy’s dedication to using homegrown technology for important missions, according to the online platform Defence.in. The TAPAS  drones will be deployed at the important naval base in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This location is very important because it helps protect major shipping routes in the Indian Ocean, which are vital for trade and security.

The Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance Beyond Horizon-201, or TAPAS BH-201 (Sanskrit: तपस्, meaning “Heat”), is an advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) being developed in India by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE). It was earlier known as Rustom-II until 2016. The design is inspired by the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator drone.

TAPAS-BH , a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drone that can fly at an altitude of up to 30,000 feet and stay in the air for 24 hours. It is equipped with EO (Electro-Optical) and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) systems, which help in capturing high-quality images and detailed ground mapping. The drone has a range of 250 kilometers and can carry different types of equipment or payloads weighing up to 350 kilograms.

The TAPAS UAV is manufactured by Bharat Electronics and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, two leading Indian defense companies. It has a length of 9.5 meters (31 feet 2 inches) and a wingspan of 20.6 meters (67 feet 7 inches), giving it a wide and sleek design for efficient flight. The drone has an empty weight of 1,800 kilograms (3,968 pounds), making it a robust platform capable of carrying significant payloads for various missions.

While the Tapas UAV is still being improved for full-scale production, the Navy has decided to take a practical approach by temporarily using two Drishti-10 drones. These will serve as a short-term solution until the Tapas UAVs are ready.

The Drishti-10 drone, developed through a partnership between Adani Defence and the Israeli company Elbit Systems, is based on the Hermes 900 Starliner model. It will act as a temporary solution and work alongside the 15 MQ-9 Sea Guardian drones that India has already ordered from the United States.

Israel’s Hermes 900 is a medium-altitude, long-endurance drone known for its advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The Drishti-10, an Indian version of the Hermes 900, is manufactured by Adani Defence and Aerospace at its Hyderabad facility, led by billionaire Gautam Adani. Designed for ISR missions, it can stay airborne for up to 36 hours, operate at altitudes above 30,000 feet, and carry a payload of up to 450 kilograms, making it ideal for long surveillance missions over distances of up to 2,000 kilometers. Over 70% of Drishti-10’s components are made in India, showcasing significant indigenous development.

With its advanced capabilities, the Drishti-10 is a valuable addition to India’s drone program and strengthens its surveillance and defense capabilities.

The Tapas MALE UAV project has faced some difficulties, especially in meeting the required altitude and endurance standards set by the Army and Navy.

To address these challenges, DRDO is making design changes, focusing on reducing the drone’s weight and drag to improve its performance. These upgrades are essential to ensure that Tapas can function effectively in different conditions, whether along mountainous borders or over vast stretches of ocean.

By choosing to develop the indigenous Tapas while also using the Drishti-10 drones as a temporary solution, the Navy is showing its dedication to both building self-reliant defense technology and staying prepared for critical missions.

The Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CEERI), Pilani, is inviting applications for scientist positions. Eligible candidates can apply via the official website. The application period began on December 8, 2024, and will close on January 7, 2025.

This recruitment aims to fill 33 vacancies, broken down as follows:

UR: 14

OBC: 08

SC: 06

ST: 02

EWS: 03

Among these, 02 positions are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PWBD) under the OH (Orthopedically Handicapped) / Multiple Disability categories. The maximum age limit for candidates is 32 years.

Key Dates

Application Start Date: December 8, 2024

Application Deadline: January 7, 2025

Fee Payment Deadline: January 7, 2025

Salary and Benefits

Selected candidates will receive a salary of Rs 1,09,089 per month, which includes House Rent Allowance (HRA). If residential accommodation is provided by CSIR-CEERI, HRA will not be applicable, based on availability and rules.

CEERI, a unit of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), is a leading research institution focused on electronics and related fields.

For more information about qualifications, experience, and terms, visit the official website.

Umaria (Madhya Pradesh): The final rites of renowned Baiga tribal artist, Johdiya Bai Baiga, were held with full state honors on December 16, in her native village of Lodha, Umaria.

The Padma Shri awardee, who passed away on December 15 at the age of 87, had been struggling with paralysis for some time.

Bai, known for her unique Baiga tribal paintings, spent her later years preserving the rich cultural heritage of her community. Her contribution to Indian art remains invaluable, and she leaves behind an enduring legacy.

She began her artistic journey at the age of 70, created stunning paintings that depicted the rich traditions and life of the Baiga tribe.

She was mentored by Ashish Swami, a prominent artist from Shahdol, and soon became recognized for her unique style that blended nature and Baiga culture.

Her work not only celebrated tribal traditions but also preserved them for future generations.

Bai’s paintings, filled with stories of the Baiga community and their customs, gained widespread recognition. She was awarded several prestigious honors, including the Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2022 and the Padma Shri in 2023 for her remarkable contributions to art and culture.

Her death is a huge loss for the art world, but her legacy will continue to inspire many. Johdiya Bai was also the first person from Shahdol division to receive the Padma Shri, cementing her place in Indian art history.

Her final rites were performed on December 16, 2024, with full state honors.

Kolkata: The West Bengal Joint Platform of Doctors (WBJPD) was planning to begin a sit-in demonstration in the heart of Kolkata from Tuesday over the CBI investigation into the RG Kar hospital rape and murder case, in which two key suspects were granted bail.

The proposed demonstration of the WBJPD, an umbrella organisation of five associations, will be held till December 26 at the Doreena Crossing, an office-bearer said.

“We also demand the immediate submission of the supplementary chargesheet by the CBI,” said doctor Punyabrata Gun, a joint convener of WBJPD.

He said WBJPD wrote to Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, seeking permission for the 10-day demonstration.

“We have sought permission from the police to set up a temporary stage without any interruption to the traffic movement. We have assured them that the demonstration will be conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner following all legal and safety guidelines,” Gun said.

They have also asked the police to ensure the safety of all participants.

The WBJPD on Saturday organised a march to the CBI office at CGO Complex in Salt Lake over the issue.

An on-duty female doctor of the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata was found dead on August 9, triggering nationwide protests.

On Friday, the Sealdah court granted bail to the ex-principal of RG Kar Medical College Sandip Ghosh and former officer-in-charge of Tala police station Abhijit Mondal in the rape-murder case.

They were granted bail after the CBI “failed” to file a charge sheet within the mandatory 90-day period.

The world of Indian music lost its rhythm when one of its renowned sons, Ustad Zakir Hussain, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024. The Tabla virtuoso was 73 at the time of his death. He died in San Francisco, US.

Zakir Hussain No More

Tributes have been pouring in for the Tabla maestro, who, along with his father, Ustad Alla Rakha Qureshi, brought the instrument and the sound of tabla to the fore from the backyard of Indian classical music.

Names from the Indian corporate realm also joined others in expressing their tribute to the musical behemoth.

Harsh Goenka Responds

Harsh Goenka, head of RPG Group took to his X account to express his condolences after following the news of the maestro’s demise.

Goenka, in his heartfelt post, said, “The world falls silent as the tabla loses its maestro.”

Furthermore, talking about his achievements on the global scale and lauding his role for putting Indian music on the world map Goenka added, “Ustad Zakir Hussain, a rhythmic genius who brought the soul of India to global stages, has left us.”

“I was privileged to know him because of his connection with HMV and hear him perform at our home. His beats will echo eternally.”, Goenka said. Goenka’ post carried small clipping of the late maestro in action.

Anand Mahindra Shares His Thoughts

Mahindra Group’s Anand Mahindra also took to X, to express his tribute towards the late maestro.

In his post, Anand Mahindra said, “The rhythm of India paused today. n tribute. #ZakirHussain”.

Anand Mahindra also shared a small clipping of tabla player in his tribute post. However, it is to be noted that, the artist in the video is not Zakir Hussain, instead it is Pakistani artist Ustaad Abdul Sattar.

Tributes and positive comments have been pouring in from all sides, as India, and the world at large bids adieu to one of its most gifted musician magcians of all time.

The accused were produced before a magistrate and have been remanded to judicial custody. Further investigations are ongoing.

Bengaluru: In a massive development in the techie Atul Subhash suicide case, the Marathahalli police have arrested three accused— Nikita Singhania, Nisha Singhania, and Anurag Singhania. According to the reports, the arrests were carried out in Gurugram, Haryana, and Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Nikita Singhania was arrested in Gurugram, while Nisha and Anurag Singhania were arrested in Allahabad. All three were taken into custody following investigations linking them to the suicide case.

The accused were produced before a magistrate and have been remanded to judicial custody.

Filmmaker Atlee, who is gearing up for the release of his next, titled Baby John, starring Varun Dhawan in the lead, appeared on The Great Indian Kapil Show on Saturday. During a segment, netizens felt that host Kapil Sharma tried to insult the director for his looks, however, Atlee’s gave a befitting reply to him, and with that, he also won over the internet.

A video clip from the episode has now gone viral on the internet in which Kapil can be heard asking Atlee, “Has it ever happened that you went to meet a star and they didn’t recognise you? Have they asked where is Atlee?”

While Atlee looked a bit taken aback by the question at first, he went on to reply, “Sir, in a way I understood your question. I’ll try to answer. I am very thankful to AR Murugadoss sir because he produced my first film. He asked for the script, but he didn’t see how I am looking and whether I am capable of it or not, but he loved my narration.”

“World should see that. We should not judge by appearance, we should judge by the heart,” Atlee added, and the audience was seen breaking into a thunderous applause over his response.

Netizens slammed Kapil for the question and for trying to put down the filmmaker. “Kapil’s ‘humour’ is taking personal potshots at anyone in the audience or not very high profile guests. Not funny (sic),” an X user wrote, while another stated, “Maybe be his intention was not that but then he should have framed the question in much much better way. But all in all he is a champion of body shaming so not surprising at all (sic).”

Meanwhile, Atlee is set to deliver his second venture in Bollywood, after stepping a firm foot in the Hindi film industry with Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan in 2023. The film shattered all records at the box office and became one of the highest grossing films of Indian cinema with over Rs 1000 crore collection.

Baby John, which is scheduled to release on December 25, is an adaptation of Atlee’s own Tamil film, Theri, that starred Thalapathy Vijay. While Varun plays the lead in Baby John, it also features Wamiqa Gabbi, Keethy Suresh and Jackie Shroff in key roles.

Mumbai: The forecast for today indicates that the sky will be clear. Kindly organize your day based on the temperature and forecasted weather conditions. Savor the sunlight and remember your sunscreen and shades while you embrace the warm weather.

Mumbai is anticipated to have predominantly clear skies on December 16, with temperatures expected to be between 17 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius, as stated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather is perfect for outdoor activities, with no rain expected. The sun is expected to rise at 7:04 AM and set at 6:04 PM, providing almost 11 hours of daylight.

Mumbai Weather Predictions For Upcoming Days

Going forward, Mumbai is expected to experience a period of sunny weather with minor temperature fluctuations:

On December 17, temperatures in Mumbai are forecasted to vary from 19 degrees Celsius to 33 degrees Celsius.

On December 18, temperatures in the city will range from 21 degrees Celsius to 34 degrees Celsius.

On December 19, the weather report anticipates a milder day, with temperatures varying between 24 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius.

On December 20, temperatures are expected to range from 22 degrees Celsius to 33 degrees Celsius.

Ultimately, on December 21, temperatures in Mumbai will vary from 20 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius.

Mumbai AQI Today

Today’s AQI in Mumbai is 180, categorizing it as poor. Kids and individuals suffering from respiratory illnesses like asthma should remain indoors, while others should also reduce their time spent outdoors. Understanding the AQI allows individuals to make knowledgeable choices about their general health when organizing their daily activities.