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Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Business
- Time of India
All roads lead to The Oval: Upbeat India aim to deliver succour punch in series finale
India and England players will push their tired bodies on the line with everything to play for in the fifth and final Test starting at The Oval on Thursday, promising a fitting end to what has been a fiercely fought and highly watchable series. The series, playing in front of packed crowds, has also been a perfect advert for Test cricket with all four games stretching to the final session on day five. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Leadership Project Management Healthcare MBA Digital Marketing CXO Artificial Intelligence Data Science Others Design Thinking Management Technology Degree MCA Data Analytics PGDM Public Policy Product Management Operations Management Data Science healthcare Finance Skills you'll gain: Critical Thinking & Decision-Making Skills Power of Emerging Technologies Innovation and Drive Organizational Change Fostering a Culture of Innovation Duration: 9 Months MIT xPRO MIT Technology Leadership and Innovation Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK EPIS Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking & Planning Competitive Advantage & Market Positioning Strategic Leadership & Decision-Making Change Management & Organizational Transformation Duration: 1 Year IIM Kozhikode IIMK Advanced Strategic Management Programme Starts on Mar 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode Senior Management Programme Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK CEO Programme India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML SLP India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Opportunities & Outlining Plans to use AI & ML Applying Data-Driven Business Innovation Best Practices Changing Culture to Integrate AI-Enabled Technologies Ethics, Privacy and Regulations in AI & ML Duration: 20 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Leadership in AI Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 22 Weeks Indian School of Business SEPO - ISB Venture Capital & Private Equity India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Indore Executive Programme in Business Management Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 18 Weeks 109820388 Strategic Marketing for Leaders: Leveraging AI for Growth Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK-Women Leadership Programme INDIA Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Financial Accounting & Analysis Financial Instruments & Markets Corporate Finance & Valuation Investment Management & Banking Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Professional Certificate in Financial Analysis and Financial Management Starts on Mar 30, 2024 Get Details Not to forget the skirmishes along the way that has spiced it up enough for all the Test loving fans. Whether it Shubman Gill's tirade against Zak Crawley deliberately wasting time at the Lord's to Ravindra Jadeja refusing to call off proceedings on the final day much to the chagrin of Ben Stokes, things couldn't have gotten hotter than what it already is in London, experiencing a heat wave for the better part. And Gautam Gambhir, the man always ready for a scrap has only intensified it with altercation with Oval curator Lee Fortis. Live Events And in this backdrop with no Jasprit Bumrah to stand as that leafy banyan tree, it is boom or bust time for Gambhir's men. Expect the series finale to go down to the wire as well with England under an inspirational leader in Ben Stokes, enjoying a 2-1 advantage over a young and free spirited India, who have surpassed all expectations under new skipper Shubman Gill. In first series as captain of a team undergoing major transition, Gill has led from the front and with 722 runs and is only 52 shy from Sunil Gavaskar's record of most runs by an Indian in a series. He needs another 11 runs to surpass Gavaskar's record of most runs (732) by an Indian captain in a Test series (1978-79 vs West Indies). The 25-year-old has come of age with four hundreds thus far including a double century and a match saving 103 in the previous Test at Old Trafford. After low returns in three innings, Gill played the most defining knock of his career in Manchester to enhance his reputation not just as a batter but also as captain. Having played a massive role in earning a famous draw from an almost hopeless situation, Gill and his team go into the finale with momentum on their side but gaps to fill. Like Gill, Stokes too have led by example and despite battling multiple niggles, the England leader would be pushing his injure prone body to the limit. With their fast bowlers also jaded, England have added Jamie Overton to the squad. With 511 runs, K L Rahul has been a model of consistency at the top of the order but more will be expected from Yashasvi Jaiswal and number three Sai Sudharsan on what is generally a decent batting surface at The Oval. In injured Rishabh Pant's absence, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to round up the top six following unbeaten hundreds that denied England a victory in the fourth Test. The Indian management firmly believes in having a batting option till number eight and that could possibly lead to Kuldeep Yadav being once again left out of the playing eleven despite constant calls for his inclusion over the course of a long and gruelling series. Dhruv Jurel will keep the wickets and could bat at seven in Pant's absence and Shardul Thakur might retain his place at eight despite not exactly enjoying the confidence of his skipper. Going by batting coach Sitanshu Kotak's comments ahead of the fifth Test, India will retain the template that has been followed thus far. "See you have to see the balance of both batting and bowling to win the match. Because, like you're saying, you have to take 20 wickets. Similarly, it's equally important that you score 550-600 runs," said Kotak. "Overall, if you play with 6 bowlers, then some bowlers will under-bowl. So, if that 6th bowler is an all-rounder, then you know that he will contribute in batting and in bowling as well. "If he is a pure bowler, and has under-bowled then after the match, when you look back, you will think that rather an extra bowler a batter would have made a difference," Kotak all but made clear head coach Gambhir's thought process. On the bowling front, Akash Deep is expected to replace Jasprit Bumrah in the playing eleven with the latter advised to not risky his body. Mohammed Siraj will be the leader of the attack and third pacer's spot will go to either Prasidh Krishna or Arshdeep Singh, who has patiently waiting for his Test debut. Surrey amassed more than 800 runs in the last County game played here but it remains to be seen how the pitch behaves for the high stakes clash. Considering the short turnaround, England cancelled their opening training session on Tuesday with head coach Brendon McCullum only turning up in casual clothes to have a look at the pitch. Squads England : Ben Stokes (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes India : Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh, N Jagadeesan (WK). Match Starts: 3:30 pm IST. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Business
- Time of India
MovieVerse Studios, Beacon Media forge content alliance for Global South
MovieVerse Studios , the mainstream content arm of IN10 Media Network, has partnered with Beacon Media to establish a global content alliance centred on the Global South . The collaboration aims to create a borderless content ecosystem that connects Hollywood , India, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. These regions are collectively home to more than three billion people. 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It represents a significant shift in the entertainment landscape by prioritising collaboration and highlighting underrepresented stories from emerging regions. 'In today's connected world, the future of storytelling depends on meaningful collaborations that bring together creativity, technology, and reach,' said Aditya Pittie, Managing Director, IN10 Media Network. 'This partnership encourages the industry to work more closely, fostering a diverse and inclusive content ecosystem that resonates with global audiences.' Manoj Narender Madnani, Chairman of Beacon Media, said, 'We are entering an era where collaboration, not competition, is the key to success. This alliance is not just about creating content. It's about reshaping the global entertainment landscape, ensuring that diverse stories reach audiences across all formats and are made accessible worldwide. It's 1+1=11 in action, where strategic partnerships, such as this one with IN10 Media, backed by visionary entrepreneurs like Aditya Pittie and Anand Mahindra, multiply impact.' Live Events The partnership will develop feature films, premium series and micro-series designed specifically for digital-first platforms such as Instagram Reels, TikTok and YouTube Shorts. It will also explore experimental formats to connect with next-generation audiences in innovative ways. 'The Global South is home to some of the most dynamic and culturally rich stories waiting to be told,' said Vivek Krishnani, CEO of MovieVerse Studios. 'With this partnership, we are ensuring these culturally rooted narratives reach the global stage in the most impactful way possible. We are excited to develop content that resonates across geographies and platforms, whether it is through compelling cinematic storytelling or strategic digital-first initiatives.' The alliance is positioned within the growing economic and cultural links between India, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These are among the largest investors in India's entertainment and technology sectors. IN10 Media Network has been instrumental in driving India's entertainment sector forward by combining traditional storytelling with advanced digital distribution models. One of the first projects will be a Malayalam-language feature film, aimed at bringing South Indian storytelling to a global audience. The alliance is also working on a slate of films and will adapt bestselling fiction works by Dr Deepak Chopra, building on his broad international readership. A new series of digital-first micro-series is being developed to target younger audiences across social platforms through short and engaging narratives. To lead its original content slate, Beacon Media has appointed author and screenwriter Manini Priyan as Head of Content. She brings a global outlook and strong cross-market experience, aimed at delivering culturally relevant, high-quality content at scale. Beacon Media also maintains a production alliance with Fadi Ismail, the former Director of Drama at MBC Group. He is overseeing Arabic-language content for digital-first audiences.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Business
- Time of India
No layoffs at Infosys: India's second-largest IT company plans to hire more amid buzz over TCS job cuts
Tata Consultancy Services has begun laying off over 12,000 employees, its biggest workforce reduction in years. The move has caused unease across India's tech sector. The timing, amid slowing global demand and automation pressures, has prompted fears that other major firms may follow suit, as reported by TOI. Most of those affected are mid and senior-level staff. The layoff represents around 2 percent of the company's total workforce, marking a stark shift for an organisation known for stability and gradual scaling. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category CXO Data Science Operations Management Management Public Policy PGDM Digital Marketing Degree Cybersecurity Design Thinking Others Leadership Artificial Intelligence healthcare Data Analytics Technology MBA Finance MCA Data Science others Healthcare Product Management Project Management Skills you'll gain: Digital Strategy Development Expertise Emerging Technologies & Digital Trends Data-driven Decision Making Leadership in the Digital Age Duration: 40 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Digital Officer Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Operations Strategy for Business Excellence Organizational Transformation Corporate Communication & Crisis Management Capstone Project Presentation Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow Chief Operations Officer Programme Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Customer-Centricity & Brand Strategy Product Marketing, Distribution, & Analytics Digital Strategies & Innovation Skills Leadership Insights & AI Integration Expertise Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Starts on Apr 7, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Technology Strategy & Innovation Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation Leadership in Technology Management Cybersecurity & Risk Management Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Technology Officer Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details As reported by TOI, K Krithivasan , CEO and Managing Director at TCS, said, 'The continued global macro-economic and geo-political uncertainties caused a demand contraction.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo The layoffs signal a growing trend where job security in Indian IT, long considered a given, can no longer be taken for granted. Infosys takes a different path As TCS lets go of thousands, Infosys is choosing a steadier route. Chief Executive Salil Parekh made it clear that job cuts are not on the table. Live Events 'We recruited over 17,000 people (gross hiring) in the first quarter and plan to bring in about 20,000 college graduates this year,' said Parekh. This isn't just about hiring. Infosys has also trained over 275,000 employees in artificial intelligence at various levels. That investment is being positioned as the company's shield against the volatility seen elsewhere in the sector. Reskilling as core strategy Infosys is doubling down on upskilling. AI, cloud computing and enterprise platforms are now central to its workforce plan. 'We've been deeply focused on AI transformation, whether it's building AI agents or developing smaller language models internally,' said Parekh. The firm's strategy rests not only on keeping pace with technological change, but on anticipating it. Strategic consolidation of client partnerships is also opening up new internal roles. This echoes what Infosys achieved during its earlier digital transformation years — creating room for talent by pivoting into fresh demand areas. Growth guidance and market confidence Infosys recently updated its guidance for FY26, raising the lower end from 0 percent to 1 percent. The new range is 1 to 3 percent in constant currency, which may look modest, but it reflects the current state of the global market. Parekh added, 'If you look globally — especially in Europe and the US — macroeconomic shifts are either stabilising or still playing out. My view is that as these trends mature and the environment becomes more stable, we will return to stronger expansion.' Technology remains at the centre of this rebound, with demand continuing in areas like data and process transformation. Infosys sees this phase as a structural reset, not a collapse. Changing models, same intent With automation gaining ground, industry watchers have questioned whether traditional models like the bench system or pyramid hiring still apply. Parekh responded, 'There are clear changes in the business model, but they also open new opportunities. AI allows for deeper automation and insights but also demands higher-level skills and more effort.' Infosys maintains that its utilisation model is intact. The approach remains centred on aligning talent with project needs. The graduate intake programme continues to feed into this model, ensuring continuity in delivery. AI's promise still needs people While automation and AI tools are accelerating productivity, Parekh emphasised that human involvement is not going away. 'We're seeing 5 to 15 percent productivity gains in software development through AI and automation, and even more in customer service and knowledge tasks. But human involvement remains central, especially in complex, integrated systems,' he said. The Infosys Finacle banking platform, for example, shows a 20 percent productivity lift by pairing automation with human oversight. Infosys compensation: No surprises yet On the subject of salary revisions, Infosys has kept things predictable. Increases were completed for Q4 and Q1 of the last fiscal year. 'The process remains comprehensive and applies across levels. We will continue with this approach,' said Parekh. Though the company is evaluating the next cycle, no changes are expected. During the COVID-19 years, the standard pattern had shifted, but normal scheduling has since resumed. Hiring target unchanged, despite modest headcount bump Infosys added just 210 net new employees in the latest quarter. That's a sharp contrast to its previous pace, but the hiring plan for 20,000 graduates this year is still in place. 'Our utilisation is healthy, and our cautious approach reflects macro conditions. As the outlook becomes more stable, hiring will adjust accordingly,' Parekh said. It's a balancing act: meeting client needs while avoiding overcapacity. For now, the company believes it has struck the right equilibrium. Engagement with GCCs and custom client models Infosys continues to deepen its work with Global Capability Centres (GCCs), supporting clients through AI integration and tech transformation. 'We bring deep institutional knowledge and work closely with clients to scale GCC operations, implement AI, and roll out next-gen technologies,' Parekh explained. Each vertical is now managed with closer collaboration. The firm also offers bespoke solutions for clients that need tailored models — from SaaS launches to public cloud adoption. Revenue mix and selective transformation work One red flag was a sharp drop in third-party revenue in Q1. Currently, licensing revenue makes up 7 to 8 percent of the company's earnings, which may raise concerns about the strength of its core service offerings. But Infosys says it's making deliberate choices. 'We expect third-party revenue to stay subdued this year, as we pursue such work only at the client's specific request,' said Parekh. Full-scope projects, involving software, hardware, and services, are only accepted when absolutely necessary. Where possible, Infosys takes a support-only role. Industry context: A decade of growth meets market reality TCS, Infosys, Wipro , and HCL Technologies together employ over 1.37 million people. Over the last decade, these firms expanded aggressively, especially after the pandemic sparked a digital surge. TCS alone added nearly 293,000 employees over ten years, growing from around 319,000 in FY2015 to over 613,000 by June 2025. Infosys followed with an 84 percent increase, reaching 323,578 staff. Wipro grew its base by 64 percent, and HCL Tech more than doubled its workforce to over 227,000 by FY2024. But after peaking in FY2023, all four have seen a shift in hiring momentum. Now, the priority is realignment — more automation, sharper efficiency, and fewer bets on headcount-heavy growth. The TCS layoffs may mark the end of an era of unchecked expansion in Indian IT. But Infosys is signalling that thoughtful reskilling, investment in freshers, and steady tech transformation can offer a different way forward. For professionals watching closely, one thing is clear. The job market is evolving, but adaptation — not panic — will decide who stays relevant.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Business
- Time of India
Bitcoin slips below $118,300 as market awaits Fed decision; Ethereum outperforms with ETF boost
The cryptocurrency market traded mostly lower on Wednesday, with Bitcoin slipping below the $118,300 mark as investors remained cautious ahead of the US Federal Reserve's policy decision and a key regulatory report from the White House. As of 12:19 pm IST, Bitcoin was down 0.55% at $118,268, while Ethereum rose 0.25% to $3,827, according to CoinMarketCap. The global crypto market capitalisation declined 0.75% to $3.88 trillion. 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'Apart from the FOMC meeting outcome, the market now focuses on the 'Crypto Report' by the White House, recommending a regulatory framework for digital assets.' Crypto Tracker TOP COIN SETS DeFi Tracker 2.93% Buy Crypto Blue Chip - 5 0.84% Buy Web3 Tracker 0.08% Buy NFT & Metaverse Tracker -4.98% Buy AI Tracker -6.62% Buy TOP COINS (₹) Bitcoin 10,337,486 ( 0.11% ) Buy XRP 274 ( -0.73% ) Buy Ethereum 334,013 ( -0.81% ) Buy Solana 15,847 ( -1.67% ) Buy BNB 70,267 ( -2.47% ) Buy According to Patel, dovish commentary from the US Federal Reserve, coupled with supportive policy signals, could help Bitcoin break the key $120,000 resistance level. A hawkish tone, however, might trigger further consolidation near $115,000. Did you Know? The world of cryptocurrencies is very dynamic. Prices can go up or down in a matter of seconds. Thus, having reliable answers to such questions is crucial for investors. View Details » Live Events Vikram Subburaj, CEO of Giottus, added that Bitcoin's narrow price action is reflective of investor caution. 'The market awaits the US FOMC rate decision and the White House's long-awaited crypto policy update later today. While the Fed is expected to hold rates steady, any dovish tilt hinting at September cuts could propel risk assets higher,' he said. Subburaj noted that the policy update may introduce a formal Bitcoin Reserve Framework and support delta-neutral ETF strategies. 'If either lands favourably, BTC could reclaim $122,000 and unlock the path to price discovery,' he added. Healthy consolidation or caution? Avinash Shekhar, Co-founder and CEO of Pi42, said the recent stability in Bitcoin prices signals resilience rather than weakness. 'Bitcoin's resilience around the $119,000 level—after a sharp dip driven by a massive 80,000 BTC sell-off—signals a period of healthy consolidation. Broader market structure remains intact as investors await clarity from the Fed.' Shekhar also pointed out notable pullbacks in select altcoins like SUI, PEPE, and ENA, indicating ongoing profit-taking after recent gains. 'With Bitcoin dominance still holding above 59%, this phase could offer selective entry opportunities across both large and mid-cap altcoins,' he said. Ethereum shows relative strength Ethereum appeared to be gaining momentum, supported by institutional inflows and bullish technical signals. 'Bitcoin continues to consolidate between $114K and $120K, forming a classic bull flag pattern on the 4-hour chart—a historically bullish signal if confirmed by a breakout,' said Riya Sehgal, Research Analyst at Delta Exchange. 'Meanwhile, Ethereum is showing stronger bullish momentum. Whale accumulation, shrinking exchange reserves, and nearly $5 billion in ETF inflows over just 17 days point to mounting institutional demand,' Sehgal noted. A breakout above $4,100 could spark the next leg higher for ETH, she said. Sehgal added that while Bitcoin's options expiry suggests a neutral to slightly bearish stance—with a Put/Call Ratio of 0.46 and tight call/put interest between $117K–$119K—Ethereum's divergence may signal a shift in short-term market leadership. ( Disclaimer : Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Inside Andhra's monsoon diamond rush: Farmers, fortune-seekers and Rs 5 crore finds
Hundreds stream in on bikes, cling to autorickshaws, or trudge barefoot across the dusty plains of Vajrakarur in Anantapur and the parched farmlands of Jonnagiri, Tuggali and Maddikera in Kurnool. There are no banners or bands here, only whispers carried by the monsoon winds: the diamonds are here. In a special report for The Times of India, Umamaheswara Rao writes that as the first rains of June and July wash away the topsoil, these mandals transform into makeshift treasure fields. The morning after a downpour, hopefuls armed with sieves, sticks, and even kitchen ladles fan out across the land. On a good day, one or two people might unearth stones worth Rs 1–2 lakh, sometimes even up to Rs 50 lakh. Word of each find spreads fast, drawing larger crowds. Unofficial estimates suggest that Maddikera and Tuggali alone yield diamonds worth nearly Rs 5 crore each monsoon season. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Product Management Data Science Public Policy Finance MBA Degree Data Analytics CXO Healthcare Technology Project Management healthcare Management MCA Data Science Design Thinking Leadership Digital Marketing others Others Skills you'll gain: Product Strategy & Competitive Advantage Tactics Product Development Processes & Market Orientations Product Analytics & Data-Driven Decision Making Agile Development, Design Thinking, & Product Leadership Product Strategy & Competitive Advantage Tactics Product Development Processes & Market Orientations Product Analytics & Data-Driven Decision Making Agile Development, Design Thinking, & Product Leadership Product Strategy & Competitive Advantage Tactics Product Development Processes & Market Orientations Product Analytics & Data-Driven Decision Making Agile Development, Design Thinking, & Product Leadership Duration: 40 Weeks IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate in Product Management Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Product Strategy & Roadmapping User-Centric Product Design Agile Product Development Market Analysis & Product Launch Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate in Product Management Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Product Strategy & Competitive Advantage Tactics Product Development Processes & Market Orientations Product Analytics & Data-Driven Decision Making Agile Development, Design Thinking, & Product Leadership Product Strategy & Competitive Advantage Tactics Product Development Processes & Market Orientations Product Analytics & Data-Driven Decision Making Agile Development, Design Thinking, & Product Leadership Duration: 40 Weeks IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate in Product Management Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Product Strategy & Competitive Advantage Tactics Product Development Processes & Market Orientations Product Analytics & Data-Driven Decision Making Agile Development, Design Thinking, & Product Leadership Duration: 40 Weeks IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate in Product Management Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details What began as chance finds by farmers has evolved into a full-blown annual spectacle. Entire families camp under trees or village temples, turning these rural belts into seasonal mining hubs. Traders hover nearby, snapping up stones in discreet cash deals before ferrying them to Mumbai and Surat. Fortunes in the fields In May 2019, a Jonnagiri labourer unearthed a Rs 14 lakh diamond while tilling his field. That same season, a Peravali farmer sold a Rs 2 lakh stone to a local merchant. Over just three days, neighbouring villages netted diamonds worth Rs 10 lakh. In the Sirivella and Mahanandi zones, locals estimated finds worth Rs 4 crore. By 2021, the stakes grew higher. Two labourers in Jonnagiri sold stones for Rs 70 lakh and Rs 50 lakh. In July, a driver named Kasim struck a Rs 1.2 crore diamond, while three prospectors camping nearby recovered stones worth Rs 2.4 crore in just two days. Live Events The frenzy continued into 2024. In May, four finds in Tuggali and Maddikera fetched Rs 70 lakh collectively. A month later, a Jonnagiri farmer traded a Rs 15 lakh stone for Rs 12 lakh in cash and five tolas of gold. This June, a woman tilling her paddy plot in Tuggali stumbled upon a gem she sold for Rs 10 lakh. When TOI visited Jonnagiri and Vajrakarur, the influx was evident. Prospectors now come from Telangana and Karnataka, drawn by the promise of life-changing luck. Among them were N Veeresh from Jadcherla, who arrived with his wife and daughter, and 75-year-old Nolli Ramanamma, camping at a temple in Jonnagiri. 'I come every monsoon, hoping this is the year,' said Shaik Akram, a carpenter from Uravakonda. Not all locals welcome the rush. 'Crowds trample over newly sown crops. It's a headache,' said Khayyum Khan, a farmer in Vajrakarur. The science beneath the soil The Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field (WKF) spans Anantapur, containing over 45 kimberlite pipes—volcanic conduits that carry diamonds from the mantle. A University of Madras study noted that during the Vijayanagara era (1000–1500 AD), diamonds over 25 carats were reserved for the kings. Modern surveys by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) confirm high-potential alluvial belts in Jonnagiri, Tuggali, Maddikera, and Vajrakarur. Monsoon runoff erodes soil and reveals colluvial deposits, relics of ancient river systems like the Penna and Tungabhadra. Golconda's lasting lure The frenzy traces back to Golconda's famed mines, whose legacy includes the Kohinoor. Stretching 300 km along the Krishna-Tungabhadra basin, these fields once fed a glittering trade that enthralled the world. Today, that history fuels a dream that keeps thousands returning each year. As the rains recede, the crowds vanish, leaving behind trampled earth and unfulfilled hopes. But for many, next monsoon will bring another chance—the promise that somewhere beneath the red soil of Andhra lies a stone that could change their lives. With inputs from ToI
