Latest news with #Kunal
The Hindu
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Can India become a leader in EV technology and manufacturing?
In this episode of The Climate Economy from The Hindu, host Kunal Shankar explores India's push for transport electrification. On June 2, India announced a concessional 15% import duty on fully built electric passenger cars—if manufacturers invest ₹4,150 crore locally. With localization targets and capped imports, the policy aims to boost domestic EV production. But does it go far enough to scale up EV adoption and, more critically, battery manufacturing? Kunal discusses these questions with Prof. Shouvik Chakraborty of UMass Amherst's Political Economy Research Institute. Presentation: Kunal Shankar Editing: Aniket Singh Chauhan Video: Shivaraj S
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Puja Banerjee breaks silence on the money extortion controversy; says, 'Going through the toughest time of our lives…'
TV couple Puja Banerjee and Kunal Verma, who recently made headlines after opening up about the financial fraud they went through, are now facing serious allegations themselves. The couple has been accused of several grave charges by Bengali film producer Shyam Sunder Dey. His wife, Malabika, has reportedly filed an FIR against the couple for extorting money. Puja has now reacted to the accusations against her and Kunal. Puja Banerjee took to her Instagram handle and penned a long note responding to the allegations. She mentioned that she is going through the toughest time and expressed gratitude to those who have been supporting them. The post read: 'Going through the toughest time of our lives. To those who are standing by us—we will be forever grateful. And those who believe in the lies spread against us—God bless them too. I believe in God, and you know.' Bengali producer Shyam Sunder Dey and his wife, Malabika, recently made several serious accusations against Kunal and Puja. They alleged the couple was involved in money extortion, physical assault, and more. Meanwhile, Puja and Kunal had previously revealed that they were victims of financial fraud and had lost a substantial amount of money. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending Local Enterprise Accounting Software [Click Here] Accounting ERP Click Here Undo Puja earlier shared, 'We are talking about this today because during Eid, I had posted a video on my Instagram handle, after which we have been receiving a lot of calls asking what has happened. So, we want to share it with you all. These past 2–3 months have been extremely difficult for us, and we have no idea what will happen next. We have been victims of a fraudulent financial scam and lost a huge amount.' Talking about the scam, Puja elaborated, 'We have to start from zero, and we won't give up. We don't want to give up. We lost all our savings in this fraud. All we want is your support and prayers. We believe in God.' Kunal added, 'We are part of an industry where our livelihood is connected to you all. If our work isn't watched by you, then it has no value. You all are our family, and you need to know that we got cheated by someone. '
The Wire
a day ago
- Business
- The Wire
Founders Under 40 Who Are Building the Next Big Thing
New Delhi [India], June 27: A new generation of visionary founders under 40 is rewriting the rules of innovation across industries—from AI and climate tech to health, finance, and fashion. These entrepreneurs blend purpose with profitability, scaling startups that address real-world problems with cutting-edge solutions. Whether revolutionizing mobility, redefining sustainable fashion, or transforming access to healthcare, these dynamic leaders are pushing boundaries and attracting global attention. Their fearless approach, digital-first thinking, and commitment to impact make them the trailblazers to watch as they shape the future of business and society. The next big thing is already in motion. Kunal Maheshwari, Chief Growth Officer & Co-Founder of Softlink Global Kunal Maheshwari is the Chief Growth Officer and Co-founder at Softlink Global, the company behind Logi-Sys—the most technologically advanced and easy-to-use connected ERP platform for freight and logistics. Driving global expansion across the Americas, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Kunal is leading Softlink's transformation into the world's most valuable freight technology company. Trusted by over 10,000 logistics businesses in 50+ countries, Logi-Sys is reshaping how freight forwarders manage operations, finance, and compliance with unmatched simplicity and intelligence. Kunal combines product vision with customer empathy, focusing on scalable innovation, intuitive design, and deep automation, making him one of the top young leaders powering the next wave of global logistics disruption. Dr. Vassundara Nattes, Founder of Aeliuscity HR Solutions Pvt Ltd Dr. Vassundara Nattes is a trailblazing first-generation tech entrepreneur with over 16 years of expertise in industry leadership, business development, and performance marketing. An engineering graduate and rank holder from Anna University, she is the Founder and Managing Director of Aeliuscity HR Solutions Pvt Ltd. Her leadership extends across global platforms as the Global Director at the Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO), Strategic Advisor and Partner at Freedygo, and Director at both the India-EU and India-Africa Trade Councils. Dr. Nattes has been recognized for her remarkable contributions with prestigious honors, including Forbes India 40 Under 40 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. A TEDx speaker and multi-faceted personality, she is also a trained classical artist, a passionate athlete, and an active social advocate committed to community development and women empowerment. Valencio Rodrigues, Founder of Ride91 Mission: Decarbonising Bharat He left behind the calm of Goa to build in the heat of Ahmedabad — not for comfort, but for change. With no funding and no safety net, Valencio Rodrigues started Ride91 on belief alone. Belief that India's streets can be electric. That drivers deserve future security. That courage can build what capital cannot. Ride91 is still small, but every ride is a step toward a cleaner, fairer Bharat. Ride91 is the future. It's the startup India needs to succeed — and it's up to all of us to make it happen. For Bharat. Himanshu Kedia, Founder of Mansa Automation Himanshu Kedia, founder of Mansa Automation, is a visionary entrepreneur reshaping the electric vehicle (EV) landscape. Alongside co-founder Sahil Kedia, he built a vast network of 150+ showrooms across India. In 2024, a factory fire destroyed years of work, but Himanshu's resilience turned the crisis into an opportunity. Within six months, he rebuilt operations and scaled monthly sales from 10 to over 1,000 scooters. His journey reflects the true spirit of entrepreneurship: driven by purpose, patience, and belief. A curious and committed engineer at heart, Himanshu is passionate about developing impactful products that serve both society and the environment. Virkaran Singh, Founder of It's Spotlight At the forefront of innovation in outdoor advertising, It's Spotlight is redefining how brands connect with urban audiences. Launched by 23-year-old entrepreneur Virkaran Singh, the AI-powered DOOH startup made a bold debut by taking over digital screens at CP.67 Mall, Punjab. With real-time analytics, audience insights, and dynamic creative adaptation, It's Spotlight turns every screen into an intelligent, interactive brand experience. From QR-based engagement to measurable impressions, the platform offers brands unmatched precision and transparency. Backed by Virkaran's creative leadership and a vision for smarter media, It's Spotlight is set to expand across high-footfall urban hubs through 2025 and beyond. Esha Shah Vora, Co-Founder & Creative Director of Maisha Lifestyle Esha Shah Vora is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Maisha Lifestyle, an Ahmedabad-based accessory brand known for its eco-friendly handbags and bohemian designs. Passionate about sustainability and innovation, Esha leads Maisha in creating handcrafted products made from cotton, jute, and minimal vegan leather, supporting local artisans and traditional weaving techniques. Her efforts to blend style with purpose have earned recognition in Elle India, YourStory, Mashable India, and PinkVilla, along with podcast features. Through Maisha, Esha inspires small businesses to harness their potential while championing ethical fashion and conscious consumerism in India's evolving retail landscape. Shreedha Singh, Founder & CEO of The Ayurveda Co After battling a chronic skin condition for nearly four years with little relief from modern medicine, Shreedha Singh found lasting healing through Ayurveda in just six months. This life-changing experience led her, along with Param, to launch Khadi Essentials in 2019 and later The Ayurveda Co. (T.A.C) to make Ayurveda a modern lifestyle choice. With a young, dynamic team of 60+ Tacstars, T.A.C is on a mission to bring Ayurveda into every Indian household. Guided by values of purity, innovation, and purpose, Shreedha champions shared growth, girl child education, and animal welfare—leading with curiosity, perfection, and heartfelt conviction. Nidhi Gautam Tripathi, Chief Executive Officer of StyloBug StyloBug is a fashion brand designed for adorable kids and the parents who lovingly chase comfort and style. From ethnic wear to casuals, party outfits, and accessories, StyloBug offers a wide range of children's clothing crafted with the finest fabrics, elegant designs, and perfect fits without the heavy price tag. The brand believes that when kids feel good in what they wear, their joy is truly magical. As CEO, Nidhi Gautam Tripathi says, 'Only a mother's touch is more comfortable than our offerings.' At StyloBug, we don't just dress kids we help parents create picture-perfect moments. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Swara Bhasker supports Kunal Kamra, takes a jibe at viral threat call over his Tamil Nadu location
In March, Kunal Kamra stirred controversy with his remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister . Recently, actor expressed her support for Kamra on Instagram, cleverly responding to a threatening call from a supporter who targeted Kamra after learning he was in . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Joyful Moments Captured in Photos Swara posted two photos featuring herself alongside Kamra, both sporting white attire and sharing warm smiles, reflecting a joyful moment. On one of the pictures, she included the phrase, 'Tamil Nadu kaise pahuchega bhai (How will you reach Tamil Nadu)?' directly referencing Kunal's clever reply to the threatening call he received. Caption and Location Tag In the caption, the actress wrote, 'Someone once asked… 'TamilNadu kaisey pahunchega bhai?' (laughing face emoticon) Featuring one and only @kuna_kamra.' The post was geo-tagged at Tamil Nadu. The Threatening Call Explained For the unversed, in a 53-second audio clip that surfaced, Kunal was subjected to verbal abuse by a caller who threatened that Kamra would suffer the same consequences as the Mumbai studio targeted during his criticism of Eknath Shinde. When Kamra mentioned he was in Tamil Nadu, the caller questioned, 'Tamil Nadu kaise pahuchega bhai,' before instructing him to 'Talk to our sir, one minute,' and then abruptly ended the call. The Controversial Parody Song During one of his performances, Kunal presented a parody of the hit song "Bholi Si Surat" from 'Dil To Pagal Hai', which took aim at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This act sparked multiple FIRs against him and prompted Shinde's youth wing, Yuva Sena, to vandalise The Habitat, the location where the show was recorded.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Swara Bhasker is all smiles as she poses with Kunal Kamra, takes a dig at viral call on his location in Tamil Nadu
Kunal Kamra found himself in the midst of a fresh controversy over his comments against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in March. Actor Swara Bhasker has now shown her support for the stand-up comedian with a new Instagram post, where she took a fresh dig at the viral call made by a Shiv Sena supporter threatening Kunal when he said that he is in Tamil Nadu. (Also read: BookMyShow releases statement after Kunal Kamra asks ticketing platform not to 'delist' him: 'Facts been misrepresented') Swara Bhasker met stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra in Tamil Nadu. Swara shared a pair of pictures in which she was seen with Kunal. The two of them were seen in a light-hearted mood as they smiled in the pictures. Both of them also twinned in white outfits. 'Tamil Nadu kaise pahuchega bhai (How will you reach Tamil Nadu)?' was written on the picture, a direct reference to how Kunal responded to the threats received in the call. In the caption, Swara wrote, 'Someone once asked… 'TamilNadu kaisey pahunchega bhai?' (laughing face emoticon) Featuring one and only @kuna_kamra.' The post was geo-tagged at Tamil Nadu. Several users reacted to the post and the caption with laughing face emoticons. One said, 'You reached swara ji congratulations.' 'Haha what a line! And the way that guy delivered it….. damn funny.' About the call For the unversed, in a recording of the 53-second audio clip, the caller was heard abusing Kunal Kamra and saying that he would meet the same fate as the studio in Mumbai, where he targeted Mr Shinde. When the comedian said that he was currently in Tamil Nadu, the caller said: "Tamil Nadu kaise pahuchega bhai (How to reach Tamil Nadu now)?" He then said, "Talk to our sir, one minute." The call was then disconnected. Kunal sang a parody of Bholi Si Surat, a popular song from the Bollywood movie Dil To Pagal Hai at one of his shows. With this parody song, he allegedly targeted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, leading to multiple FIRs against him. Following the controversy, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena youth group, Yuva Sena, vandalised The Habitat, the venue where the show was filmed.
