Month: February 2025

The Maharashtra Health Department on Monday reported that a total of 192 suspected cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) have been detected in the state so far, with 167 confirmed cases, confirmed the Maharashtra Health Department.

Further, as per officials, Seven deaths have been reported, of which one was confirmed as GBS, while six remain suspected.

According to the department, the cases are spread across different regions, including 39 from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), 91 from newly added villages in the PMC area, 29 from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), 25 from Pune Rural, and 8 from other districts.

Currently, 48 patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while 21 are on ventilators. Meanwhile, 91 patients have been discharged after treatment.

The state health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have intensified surveillance efforts in affected areas.

Earlier, on February 6, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) sealed 30 private water supply plants in the Nanded village, Dhayari, and adjoining areas on Sinhgad Road in Pune city. These areas have been identified as the epicenter of the outbreak. The action was taken against these plants in the last two days, said a PMC official on February 6.

The PMC took action against these plants after collecting water samples that were found unfit for drinking. Some plants lacked proper permission to operate, while others were contaminated with Escherichia coli bacteria. Additionally, certain plants were not using disinfectants and chlorine to control contamination.

On February 3, the Union Health Minister held a high-level meeting with Maharashtra’s key health and medical ministers and reviewed the public health measures being undertaken by the state health authorities, including testing and treatment of patients affected by GBS.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis. (ANI)

A group of investors led by CEO of Tesla and SpaceX Elon Musk made a USD 97.4 billion bid to acquire the assets of OpenAI, The New York Times reported.

In response, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman took a jibe at the offer on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “No thank you but we will buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want.”

The latest development marks Musk’s latest challenge to OpenAI, an organisation he helped establish nearly a decade ago.

The consortium includes Vy Capital and Xai, Musk’s artificial intelligence company, as well as the Hollywood power broker Ari Emanuel and other investors, according to sources who requested anonymity due to the ongoing negotiations. The Wall Street Journal had earlier reported news of the offer,

The New York Times reported citing a person familiar with OpenAI’s potential response that the company has not yet seen Musk’s bid. This unsolicited offer could disrupt OpenAI’s efforts to finalise a USD 40 billion funding deal, which would significantly increase the company’s valuation from just four months ago.

The new funding round, led by the Japanese conglomerate SoftBank, is expected to value OpenAI at USD 300 billion, according to three sources familiar with the deal who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

If completed, this deal would place OpenAI among the most valuable private companies globally, alongside Musk’s SpaceX and ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, according to The New York Times.

Notably, Musk and Altman have been at loggerheads for quite some time.

In August last year, Musk filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of putting profits before its initial nonprofit mission of advancing AI in a way that benefits all of humanity.

This month, a United States federal judge has said that parts of Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI to halt its conversion to a for-profit entity might go to trial, adding that the Tesla CEO will have to appear in court and testify, Al Jazeera reported.

It is, however, pertinent to note that Musk co-founded OpenAI with Altman in 2015 but left before the company took off and subsequently founded the competing AI startup xAI in 2023.

Notably, the two tech entreprenuers have been engaging in feuds lately.

Just in the first week of his presidency, Donald Trump open announced a joint venture, Stargate, that would invest around USD 500 billion in AI infrastructure via a partnership between OpenAI, Oracle (ORCL), and SoftBank (SFTBY).

The move drew criticism from Elon Musk who claimed, “They don’t actually have the money.”

Altman to Musk calling him “wrong” and invited Musk to visit an AI development site in Texas. Calling Trump’s announcement ‘great’ for the country, Altman also affirmed that in his “new role” Musk needs to put “America first”

“This is great for the country. i realize what is great for the country isn’t always what’s optimal for your companies, but in your new role i hope you’ll mostly put [America] first,” Altman wrote, attaching an American flag emoji. (ANI)

In a significant step towards promoting renewable energy and sustainability, a total of 20 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) campuses across India will shift towards greener energy at the end of this year.

In this regard, the CISF on Monday signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVN) for the installation of 3281 KW rooftop solar power plants across 16 CISF campuses, situated in 11 states by October 31, 2025.

Of 16 CISF campuses, three solar power plants would be installed in Uttar Pradesh (5th RB Ghaziabad, SSG Greater Noida and Gp. headquarters in Prayagraj), followed by two in Madhya Pradesh (1st RB Barwaha and RTC Barwaha), two in Rajasthan (9th RB Deoli and RTC Deoli), two in Chhattisgarh ( 3rd RB Bhilai and RTC Bhilai), one each in Tamil Nadu (4th RB Sivagangai), Jharkhand (2nd RB Ranchi), Karnataka (10th RB Bengaluru), Bihar (EZ-I HQr Patna), Gujarat (Gp. HQr Ahmedabad), Odisha (KRTC Mundali), and Telangana ( NISA Hyderabad).

This will be in addition to existing projects of capacity 1,990 KW installed at four CISF campuses namely RTC Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu, Mahipalpur Campus in Delhi, RTC Behror in Rajasthan), and 8th RB Jaipur in Rajasthan.

“Upon completion of the new installations, the total installed solar power capacity across all CISF campuses will reach 5,271 KW. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision for energy security and a greener future,” CISF Deputy Inspector General Ajay Dahiya said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has entrusted NVVN with the execution of the project under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) Model for the installation, operation, and maintenance of rooftop on-grid solar power plants across all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

Under this model, the capital expenditure is borne by the executing firm, NVVN, while the department is required to pay only for the electricity generated, at a fixed tariff rate, for the entire agreement period of 25 years. NVVN is expected to complete the installation and commence operations of the Solar Power Plant by October 31 this year.

The major shift towards renewable energy will significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity. Solar energy, being a clean, green, and renewable power source, plays a crucial role in minimizing carbon footprints and promoting environmental conservation. The lower tariff of solar energy compared to conventional electricity rates will lead to substantial cost savings for CISF over the years. Moreover, these rooftop solar plants will ensure a reliable, uninterrupted, and sustainable power supply to CISF establishments, enhancing energy efficiency and self-sufficiency.

CISF remains dedicated to environmental conservation, cost efficiency and self-reliance in energy consumption, making this initiative a pivotal step in India’s journey toward a cleaner and more sustainable future. (ANI)

Actors Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna have been actively promoting their upcoming film ‘Chhaava’. From visiting sacred places to participating in fan events, the duo is involved in several activities to make the audience aware of their period drama.

On Monday, they paid a visit to the Golden Temple and offered prayers there with ‘Chhaava’ team. Taking to Instagram, Vicky posted several images from the Golden Temple and shared his memorable experience of offering prayers at Harmandir Sahib.

“There’s something about #SriHarmandirSahib! The peace, the divinity, the power of prayer. As we bring #Chhaava to the world, I hope it reflects even a fraction of the strength and devotion this sacred place inspires. Rabb meher bakshe. Satnam Waheguru,” he posted.

Last week, he was spotted performing Shiv Puja at the Shri Grishneshwar Temple.

The film is a period drama that portrays the legendary story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, played by Vicky Kaushal. It is set to depict the courageous Maratha ruler’s legendary reign, beginning with his coronation in 1681.

‘Chhaava’ is slated for release in theatres on February 14. It also stars Akshaye Khanna. Laxman Utekar has directed it. (ANI)

Pan-India star Mahesh Babu and his wife, Namrata Shirodkar, celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on Monday.

Mahesh Babu took to Instagram to share an adorable message for his wife along with the beautiful picture with Namrata.

“You, me and 20 beautiful years. To forever with you NSG,” he wrote in his caption.

Namrata’s sister, actress Shilpa Shirodkar, also shared a sweet post to mark the occasion. She posted a picture of the couple and called them “the most adorable” pair.

“20 years ago, my Chin found her soulmate. Chintukli, the amazing and supportive wife that you are, and Mahesh, the incredible husband that you are, you two were bound to raise such an adorable family!” Shilpa wrote.

She further wished them more years of happiness, laughter, and love. “May your bond continue to grow stronger with every passing day. Happy 20th anniversary, my dear Chin & Mahesh,” she added.

Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodkar tied the knot in 2004. They are proud parents to two children, Gautam Ghattamaneni and Sitara Ghattamaneni.

On the work front, Mahesh Babu will be next seen in SSMB 29, alongside Priyanka Chopra. The film is written by Vijayendra Prasad and directed by Rajamouli. Further details about the cast are still under wraps.

Earlier in January, Rajamouli took to his Instagram account on Friday morning to share a video, which was anything but ordinary. He humorously shared that he had “caged the lion” (referring to Mahesh Babu) and even taken the actor’s passport, implying that the actor would be tied up with the film’s shoot.

Mahesh Babu recently voiced ‘Mufasa’ in the Telugu version of the Disney film Mufasa: The Lion King.

Apart from Mahesh Babu, the Telugu version of Mufasa: The Lion King features comedian Brahmanandam, who voices the character of Pumbaa, and actor Ali, who lends his voice to the mischievous Timon.

In the Hindi version of Mufasa: The Lion King, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan voices Mufasa, while his sons Aryan Khan and AbRam Khan take on the roles of Simba and young Mufasa. (ANI)

Petroleum minister Hardeep Puri on Monday said that India is open to importing crude oil from all possible sources to meets its demand.

Addressing a press conference a day ahead of the India Energy Week 2025, the Union minister recalled how India diversified its crude imports from 27 countries to 40 countries.

Argentina is the new addition, he told reporters.

“From 27 suppliers, we have now 40 suppliers. We added another Argentina the other day. So we’ve got imports from 40 countries,” he said.

The imports from those suppliers though vary based on price advantage or in some instance because of proximity advantage.

US, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iraq are among the big suppliers of crude to India.

“It’s a very dynamic situation, but we are open to imports from all sources,” he added.

India depends on imports for over 80 per cent of its crude oil requirement. Various steps have been taken by the government to increase the production of domestic crude oil and bring down imports.

The government is promoting usage of natural gas as fuel/feedstock across the country towards increasing the share of natural gas in economy and moving towards gas based economy, promotion of renewable and alternate fuels like ethanol, second generation ethanol, compressed bio gas and biodiesel.

India’s refined crude demand will peak later than in other major economies, placing the country in the spotlight driving this demand, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights.

The global commodities information services provider, recently in a note, said while alternative fuels are gradually shifting energy consumption patterns away from fossil fuels, the fossil fuel usage will remain significant in the foreseeable future.

At S&P Global Commodity Insights, they forecast that India’s refined product demand will reach 5.7 million barrels per day (b/d) by 2026. (ANI)

Gold prices in India surged to an all-time high on Monday, with 10 grams of 24K gold reaching Rs87,210, while 1 gram was priced at Rs8,721.

The steady rise in gold prices reflects increasing investor interest in the yellow metal amid global market fluctuations.

Gold has witnessed a consistent upward trend since the beginning of February. On February 1, the price of 22K gold was Rs7,760 per gram, while 24K gold stood at Rs8,464 per gram.

By February 10, these rates had risen to Rs7,995 and Rs8,721, respectively, marking a +3.03 per cent increase in 22K gold and a +3.04 per cent rise in 24K gold over 10 days.

The lowest price this month was recorded on February 3, with 22K gold at Rs7,720 per gram and 24K gold at Rs8,420 per gram.

Several factors have contributed to gold’s recent rally. Global economic uncertainty, fuelled by trade tensions and inflationary concerns, has prompted investors to seek safe-haven assets. Additionally, central bank buying trends, particularly from China and India, have supported demand.

A weakening Indian rupee has further driven up domestic gold prices, making imports more expensive. Furthermore, gold remains a preferred hedge against inflation and stock market volatility, attracting both institutional and retail investors.

With demand remaining strong and geopolitical risks persisting, analysts predict that gold prices could maintain their upward momentum in the coming months. Investors are advised to closely monitor central bank movements, inflationary trends, and global economic conditions for further market cues.

According to the World Gold Council, while retail and investor demand for gold continues to grow, global central banks reported a net selling of 3 tonnes (t) in December, according to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other sources.

During the month, Kazakhstan emerged as the largest seller, offloading 11t of gold, while China led the buying spree with 10t of purchases. Other notable buyers included the Czech National Bank and the Bank of Ghana, which added 1t each to their reserves.

For the year 2024, Poland has emerged as the largest net buyer, adding 90t of gold to its reserves, followed by Turkey (75t) and India (73t).

However, both gross purchases and sales in 2024 have been lower compared to the same period in 2023, suggesting a cautious yet sustained interest in gold among central banks. (ANI)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday clarified in the Lok Sabha that India’s rising gold reserves, including those held by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is not intended to replace any international currency.

She responded to Congress MP Manish Tiwari’s concerns about whether the global shift towards gold signaled a move away from the US dollar as a dominant settlement mechanism.

The Finance Minister said, “Gold is also kept in the Reserve Bank and gold is also being bought by the Reserve Bank. But beyond that, as regards an international currency or potential currency, there is not much for me to comment at this stage”.

Congress MP Tiwari stated that since the US abandoned the gold standard in 1971, gold had lost its significance as a major financial asset. However, in recent years, central banks worldwide have increased their gold holdings. From constituting only 6 per cent of global reserves in 2006, gold now makes up about 11 per cent in 2024. Countries like China, India, Poland, and Turkey have been among the most aggressive buyers, and domestic gold prices in India have surged as well.

He asked “this shift away from the dollar to gold, does it indicate a renewed search for an alternative international settlement mechanism being cost the dollar?”

Responding to this, Sitharaman acknowledged that gold demand in India remains strong and has even grown. She attributed this to the traditional preference of Indian households, small businesses, and women for gold as a secure and liquid investment.

“I think it is very typical of India, particularly for households of small businesses and, it is normally said, women, but general households also, and women also, to invest in gold because they think it’s far more secure and far more liquid” she said.

Regarding the RBI’s gold purchases, she confirmed that the central bank is accumulating gold to maintain a balanced reserve portfolio. While the US dollar has been a dominant component of India’s foreign exchange reserves, the RBI also holds reserves in other currencies and gold.

She stressed that the move is part of a strategy to diversify reserves rather than an indication of India shifting away from the dollar or pushing for an alternative international settlement mechanism.

The statement comes at a time when global discussions around de-dollarization have gained momentum, with some countries exploring alternatives for trade and reserves.

However, Sitharaman made it clear that India’s increased gold accumulation does not signal any such shift. (ANI)

A formal complaint has been filed against YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, social media influencer Apoorva Makhija, comedian Samay Raina, and the organizers of the show ‘India’s Got Latent’ following a series of alleged controversial and offensive remarks made on the show.

The complaint, registered with both the Mumbai Commissioner and the Maharashtra Women’s Commission, alleges that abusive language was used on the show. The complainant has demanded strict legal action against the accused.

The controversy erupted after remarks made by Allahbadia during a YouTube episode of ‘India’s Got Latent’ were deemed offensive and derogatory.

The comments, which were made in a joking context, sparked widespread outrage. The complaint filed accuses the organizers and participants of deliberately making obscene remarks about women’s private parts with the intent to gain popularity and financial gain through the online broadcast.

The broadcast, which aired globally on YouTube, featured the accused laughing and making inappropriate jokes about women, which the complainant describes as a serious offence.

The letter further emphasizes that such remarks were made with the intention of profiting from controversy, with no regard for the harm caused to women’s dignity or the negative influence on young audiences, particularly minors, who might have been exposed to these comments.

In response to the incident, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “I have come to know about it. I have not seen it yet. Things have been said and presented in a wrong way. Everyone has freedom of speech, but our freedom ends when we encroach upon the freedom of others. In our society, we have made some rules, if someone violates them, it is absolutely wrong, and action should be taken against them.”

Former National Commission for Women (NCW) Chief and Rajya Sabha MP, Rekha Sharma, also expressed her shock over the remarks. “The video is very shocking and I think whether it is a female or a male, this kind of joke is never accepted by society. Making jokes about a mother or a female’s body doesn’t look good and somewhere it shows how today’s youth has stooped down to such a level morally. I think such jokes affect others who are engaged in similar creative things. I have just forwarded that video to the NCW Chairperson to take action.”

Shiv Sena, through its spokesperson Raju Wagamare, also condemned the remarks made on the show.

The spokesperson issued a stern warning to the producers, “In the state of Maharashtra, under the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj, such language will not be tolerated. They should stop all this immediately; otherwise, we will take action in our own style.”

In the complaint, the concerned party emphasizes the severity of the incident and its damaging effects on women’s honour.

“Through this complaint letter, I wish to draw your attention to a highly sensitive incident. The actions of these individuals have caused harm to women’s dignity and honour. They have deliberately made obscene comments about women’s private parts with the intent of gaining popularity and making money.”

The letter goes on to call for immediate legal action against the organizers of India’s Got Latent and for the broadcast to be halted.

The complainant stresses that criminal cases should be filed under the Indian Penal Code against the organizers of the show and that a First Information Report (FIR) should be registered against all those involved in the incident. (ANI)