Vintage Coffee is expanding its reach within India as the country’s coffee market grows. Founded by coffee expert Tati Balakrishna, the brand has already found success in exports and is now focusing on catering to the younger generation’s coffee habits. The company plans to boost its revenue to ₹300 crore this year through e-commerce sales and more cafes. It also aims to increase its production capacity in 2025.
The government is unlikely to regulate AI and is instead focusing on a voluntary compliance code. It points to existing laws, like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, to handle issues such as data privacy, misrepresentation, deep fakes, and copyright. The government may create new laws in the future if needed, including setting up AI Safety Institutes and working with stakeholders.
A new petition filed in the Supreme Court asks for a review of bribery and fraud charges against Gautam Adani and his associates, as accused by US authorities. The petition also questions the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (Sebi) handling of these allegations. The Adani Group, which is facing bribery charges related to solar contracts, has denied all accusations, leading to increased scrutiny and calls for an investigation into Sebi’s actions.
Air India Express has expanded its winter schedule, increasing flights from Guwahati, Agartala, and Imphal. The airline now offers more weekly flights, direct connections to various domestic destinations, and improved connectivity from the Northeast to other parts of India.
A political controversy broke out in Bengal when Governor CV Ananda Bose revealed a statue of himself at Raj Bhavan to mark his two-year term. The event, which also featured a painting exhibition and planting of saplings, drew widespread criticism. Many questioned the appropriateness of unveiling a statue while still in office. Political parties, including TMC and Congress, condemned the move, calling it self-serving.
Residents in Delhi are struggling with serious health issues as the city’s air quality remains ‘very poor,’ with AQI levels over 360. Many are reporting breathing problems, fever, and trouble going about their daily routines. The situation has gotten worse since Diwali, and people are urging authorities to act quickly to reduce pollution. While efforts are underway, challenges still remain.
A violent clash broke out in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, over a mosque survey ordered by the court, which claimed that the Shahi Jama Masjid was originally a temple. Protesters opposed the survey, throwing stones at the survey team, prompting the police to fire tear gas. This incident is part of ongoing tensions around the mosque’s history, with extra police deployed to keep the peace.
On Sunday, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) hit 366, which is considered “very poor.” Other cities like Patna, Chandigarh, and Kolkata reported “poor” air quality. Aizawl had the cleanest air with an AQI of 50, which falls under the “good” category. Major cities across India showed different pollution levels, with some places experiencing “moderate” and “satisfactory” air quality.
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) continued selling Indian equities for the eighth week in a row, offloading ₹26,533 crore in November. Although this is lower than October’s record outflow of ₹94,017 crore, the total FPI net selling for 2024 now stands at ₹19,940 crore. Experts believe that FPI selling might slow down soon due to weaker earnings and lower valuations of large-cap stocks in India.
Anupam Mittal responded humorously to Deepinder Goyal’s controversial job listing for a Chief of Staff at Zomato. Mittal posted his own job ad, offering a paid role from day one, unlike Goyal’s unpaid position that required a ₹20 lakh donation. Mittal’s listing also included quirky requirements, like a negotiable salary, a “thick-skin test,” and a fun job title, “ChiefOfWhat?”.