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  • Business Success Story: From Startup Vision To Billion-Dollar Success, The Journey Of CRED Founder Kunal Shah | Companies News

    New Delhi: Kunal Shah, the visionary entrepreneur behind CRED, was born and raised in Mumbai, India. Coming from a middle-class family, Shah’s upbringing instilled in him values of hard work, perseverance, and innovation. His family background provided him with a strong foundation, nurturing his entrepreneurial spirit from a young age.

    Venturing Into Entrepreneurship

    Shah’s journey into entrepreneurship began early in his career. After graduating with a degree in Philosophy from Wilson College in Mumbai, he dabbled in various ventures, including starting a company called Paisaback, which offered cashback to credit card users. However, it was his stint at FreeCharge that would set the stage for his meteoric rise in the startup world.

    Founding FreeCharge

    In 2010, Shah co-founded FreeCharge, an online platform that revolutionized the way people recharged their mobile phones and paid utility bills. Under Shah’s leadership as CEO, FreeCharge quickly gained traction, attracting millions of users with its innovative approach to digital payments. The company’s success caught the attention of e-commerce giant Snapdeal, which acquired FreeCharge in 2015 for a whopping $400 million, marking one of the largest acquisitions in the Indian startup ecosystem at the time.

    The Birth Of CRED

    Following the acquisition of FreeCharge, Shah didn’t rest on his laurels. In 2018, he founded CRED, an exclusive platform that rewards users for paying their credit card bills on time. With CRED, Shah aimed to address the issue of credit card debt while providing users with a premium experience. Despite skepticism from some quarters, Shah’s foresight and understanding of consumer behavior propelled CRED to success.

    Redefining Credit And Rewards

    CRED’s unique value proposition resonated with affluent credit card users, who were drawn to the platform’s sleek interface, personalized offers, and attractive rewards. By gamifying credit card payments, Shah effectively incentivized responsible financial behavior while fostering a community of high-spending, credit-worthy individuals.

    Continued Innovation And Growth

    Under Shah’s guidance, CRED has continued to innovate, expanding its offerings to include services like CRED RentPay and CRED Pay, further cementing its position as a leader in the fintech space. Despite facing challenges along the way, Shah’s unwavering determination and strategic vision have enabled CRED to thrive, attracting millions of users and garnering the attention of investors worldwide.

    By leveraging technology to solve real-world problems and staying true to his vision, Shah has not only transformed the way people perceive credit but has also redefined the boundaries of possibility in the startup ecosystem. As CRED continues to grow and evolve, Shah’s legacy as a pioneering entrepreneur is sure to endure for years to come.

  • Yemen Appoints Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak As Country’s New Prime Minister. world news

    SANAA: In a surprise move, Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, Yemen’s foreign minister, has been appointed as the country’s new Prime Minister, according to Al Jazeera. Yemen, a nation in the Arabian Peninsula, is experiencing increased tensions as a result of a wave of Red Sea attacks on ships by Houthi rebels, which have triggered retaliatory strikes by the United States and the United Kingdom recently.

    Bin Mubarak has notably replaced Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed amid the escalation of tensions in the Red Sea. Bin Mubarak was named premier of Yemen on Monday, according to a decision issued by the country’s Presidential Leadership Council, which was reported by the official news agency of the country. The former prime minister was given the position of presidential adviser, Al Jazeera reported.

    However, there is no clarity on why the move was made. Former Yemeni ambassador to the US, Bin Mubarak, is widely viewed as a fierce opponent of the Houthi rebels, according to Al Jazeera. He first gained prominence in 2015 when, amid a power struggle with then-President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, he was abducted by the Houthis while serving as Yemen’s presidential chief of staff.

    The seizure of bin Mubarak contributed to the political unrest in Yemen, which led to hostilities between the Houthis and Hadi’s presidential guards and the resignation of the government and the president.

    In 2018, Bin Mubarak was also designated as the country’s representative to the United Nations. The Houthi rebels, who are an Iran-aligned group, started the strikes in retaliation for Israel’s Gaza conflict. The Houthis have said that they will not stop attacking until Israel ends the hostilities in Gaza.

  • Despite Trump’s absence in Nevada GOP primary, Haley finishes second behind “none of these candidates”

    The top vote-getter in Tuesday’s Republican presidential primary in Nevada wasn’t former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, the only major candidate on the ballot still in the race. Instead, Nevada voters mounted a ballot-box protest and gave the most votes to “None of these candidates,” a ballot option required by state law.

    CBS News projected the “none of these candidates” category as the winner, with Haley finishing with the second-most votes. With 61% of precincts reporting, “None of these candidates” had received about 61% of the vote, with Haley significantly behind with 32%.

    Former President Donald Trump did not appear on the ballot. Gov. Joe Lombardo, Nevada’s Republican chief executive, endorsed Trump and publicly indicated his intent to cast his ballot for “none of these candidates.” A significant number of Trump supporters appear to have followed the governor’s lead.

    Initial returns showed “none of these candidates” leading in seven counties that Trump carried in his 2016 Nevada caucus win.

    Besides Haley, the seven-person GOP primary field included former candidates Mike Pence and Tim Scott, who both dropped out of the race after the primary ballot had been locked in, as well as four relatively unknown hopefuls.

    The victory for “none of these candidates” has no official impact on the race for the GOP presidential nomination, since the primary was non-binding and had no delegates at stake. The Nevada Republican Party opted to hold a presidential caucus Thursday to award delegates and has essentially disavowed the primary.

    Republican voters who cast ballots in Tuesday’s primary are also allowed to participate in Thursday’s binding caucuses, but the state party has barred candidates who appeared on the primary ballot from also competing in the caucuses, forcing candidates to choose one event over the other. Haley chose to compete in the primary, while Trump opted to compete in the caucuses, where he faces only one candidate and is expected to win most or all of the delegates up for grabs.

    “None of these candidates” has appeared as an option in statewide races in Nevada since 1975. The ballot option can’t be elected to an office; the winner would be the candidate with the highest number of votes. For example, in the 2014 Democratic primary for governor, “None of these candidates” was the top vote-getter with 30% of the vote, but former state official Bob Goodman, who placed second with 25% of the vote, nonetheless won the nomination and advanced to the general election.

    “None of these candidates” also placed second in both the Republican and Democratic presidential primaries in 1980. Ronald Reagan scored an overwhelming win with 83% of the vote, but “None of these candidates” was a distant second with about 10% of the vote, just ahead of George H.W. Bush. In the Democratic race, incumbent President Jimmy Carter won the event with about 38% of the vote, followed by “None of these candidates” with about 34% and Ted Kennedy in third place with about 29% of the vote.

  • Nitish First Now Chandrababu Naidu, Read BJP’s Big Poll Plan To Ace North And South In 2024 |

    New Delhi: The BJP is looking confident for the Lok Sabha elections after the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The party is trying to win as many seats as possible in the Hindi-speaking regions. It is also not hesitating to woo the allies of the Congress. We have seen the examples of Maharashtra and Bihar, where the BJP has formed governments with the help of former Congress allies. There are also rumours of the Rashtriya Lok Dal, which is part of the Akhilesh-Rahul team in UP, joining hands with the BJP. However, this trend is not limited to the North only.

    Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is travelling to Delhi on Wednesday and is likely to meet Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda, sources said. Meanwhile, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has also left for Delhi. He is coming by a chartered plane from Patna airport. This is his first Delhi visit after returning to the NDA. He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. During this visit, the seat-sharing for the Lok Sabha elections may be discussed.

    BJP’s ‘Mission South’

    The BJP is also working hard to increase its vote base in the southern states, albeit at a slow pace. Just before the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, PM Narendra Modi had visited the temples in Kerala. He had addressed the BJP workers in Kochi. He had praised the BJP workers for keeping the BJP flag flying in Kerala despite the adverse circumstances. He had bowed his head before them.

     

    #BreakingNews: आज दिल्ली आएंगे चंद्रबाबू नायडू, अमित शाह, जेपी नड्डा से कर सकते हैं मुलाकात-सूत्र#ChandrababuNaidu #AmitShah #BJP #JPNadda | @JournoPranay @ravindrak2000 pic.twitter.com/sNt5QCoFpE
    — Zee News (@ZeeNews) February 7, 2024

    Now, a big political event is going to take place in Kerala on February 13. The Kerala Janapaksham (Secular) party will merge with the BJP in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah. The party’s chief PC George said that on the same day, 112 members of the party’s state committee will be given the membership of the BJP. This event will take place in the capital Thiruvananthapuram. Shah is going to visit there next week.

    The BJP is focusing on 84 out of 131 seats in South India. The tours of PM Modi and Shah are an indication of this. The BJP’s position is good in Telangana and Karnataka, where it will try to win more than 35 seats. Some experts also say that the BJP is not looking at the Lok Sabha elections but the assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. As far as Kerala is concerned, the BJP is expected to get 4-5 seats this time. Last time, the party was second on two seats.

    The fact is, the saffron party has a charismatic face in the form of PM Narendra Modi. The crowd that gathers in the rallies in North India translates into votes, but not in South India. The BJP is moving ahead in the direction of forming alliances with the regional parties of the South. Something similar has been seen in North India as well to achieve the political equations. Repeating this experiment, the BJP may get some new allies in the South.

    Chandrababu Naidu’s Delhi Visit

    Naidu, who was once a key ally of the BJP, had parted ways with the NDA in 2018 over the issue of special status for Andhra Pradesh. He had joined hands with the Congress and other opposition parties to form a grand alliance against the BJP. However, his party, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), suffered a humiliating defeat in the 2019 assembly and Lok Sabha elections, losing power to the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) led by Jagan Mohan Reddy.

    Since then, Naidu has been facing a series of challenges, both political and legal. His party has been accused of corruption and mismanagement by the YSRCP government, which has also launched investigations against several TDP leaders. Naidu himself is facing a CBI probe in a disproportionate assets case. His party has also witnessed defections and desertions, as many of his former loyalists have switched sides to the ruling party.

    In this scenario, Naidu is looking for a political revival and a possible reconciliation with the BJP. He may seek the BJP’s support to counter the YSRCP’s onslaught and to protect his party’s interests. He may also offer to support the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections in exchange for some concessions from the Centre. There is a strong possibility of him joining the NDA again, if the BJP agrees to his terms and conditions.

    Former AIADMK leaders join the BJP in the presence of Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai, in Delhi.

     

    #WATCH | Former AIADMK leaders join the BJP in the presence of Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai, in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/luFuXalMdn


    — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2024

    BJP’s Tamil Nadu Strategy

    On Tuesday, the BJP welcomed several former AIADMK leaders into its fold, in the presence of Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai, in Delhi. Among them were former ministers KP Munusamy, C Ve Shanmugam, CV Sankar, and Nainar Nagendran, former MPs K Malaisamy and Manoj Pandian, and former MLA Vetrivel. They were given BJP membership cards and saffron scarves by the BJP leaders.

    The BJP hopes that these leaders will help the party to expand its base and influence in Tamil Nadu, where it has been struggling to make a mark. 

  • Death message in Whatsapp group: Fed up with teacher’s torture in CG, 12 year old girl commits suicide, know the whole story from humiliation to suicide…

    Ram Kumar Yadav, Surguja. A 12-year-old student studying in class 6th in a private school of the city has committed suicide due to the harassment by her teacher. After this incident, demands for action against the school management and the teacher have started rising in the city. However, the police have taken the suicide note of the student in their possession and have started investigation. The family members of the deceased have demanded strict action against the school management.

    Let us tell you that Archisha Sinha, resident of Darripara, was very good in studies and has also been the topper of the class. It is alleged that the girl, studying in class 6th in Carmel School of the city, was being harassed by a teacher for the last few days. The allegation is also that the teacher had insulted the student in front of other children over some issue, due to which the student was very sad.

    Last night, while giving this information in the WhatsApp group of her school classmates, the girl wrote about committing suicide and around 11 pm, the student committed suicide by hanging herself from the fan. After the incident, a lot of anger is being seen among the family members.

    Click here to read news of Chhattisgarh. Click here to read news in English.

  • Apple Releases iOS 17.4 Beta 2 Update For Developers; iPhone Users May Get These Features Soon |

    New Delhi: The tech giant Apple has released the beta 2 update for its upcoming iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, watchOS 10.4, macOS 14.4, and tvOS 17.4 to developers for testing purposes. Furthermore, the Cupertino-based company has also seeded the first-ever visionOS 1.1 beta update to developers for the first time.

    Meanwhile, the widespread release of the stable update is expected in March for all users. The purpose of the iOS 17.4 upgrade is aimed at helping Apple’s compliance with the Digital Markets Act across 27 European Union nations.

    Features of iOS 17.4 beta 2 Update

    -Apple is set to introduce Notarization for iOS apps. It will aim to prevent malware, fraud, scams, and harmful content. The new feature is a Baseline review for all apps.

    -This feature allows developers will also be able to ask Apple for additional hardware and software features.

    -With this feature, developers in the EU will have access to NFC services for their banking and wallet app. It will help in facilitating contactless payments without relying on Wallet or Apple Pay. (Also Read: Meta To Label AI-Generated Images Across Social Media Platforms; Details Here)

    -This feature allows developers to select a default browser when opening Safari, giving users more control over their browsing experience.

    -With iOS 17.4, users can use alternative app stores on iPhones, providing choices beyond the traditional App Store. App developers can now offer in-app purchases through alternative payment methods. (Also Read: Xiaomi 14 Series Global Launch Date Confirmed; Check Expected Price, Specs, Camera And More)

    Along with these features, iOS 17.4 adds new emoji characters, transcripts for podcasts in the Podcasts app, Stopwatch Live Activities, support for using SharePlay with the HomePod and more. It is noted that the beta updates are intended for testing purposes and may come with bugs and glitches that could impact iPhone performance.

  • Sports Success Story: From Local Pitch To Global Stardom, The Phenomenal Journey Of Smriti Mandhana | cricket news

    New Delhi: Born in 1996 in Mumbai, Smriti Mandhana’s journey to cricketing stardom began not in grand stadiums, but in the humble surroundings of her backyard. Cricket was a constant presence in her life, thanks to her father, a former district-level player, and brother, who played in Maharashtra’s Under-16 tournaments. Watching them fueled Smriti’s own passion, leading her to pick up the bat at the tender age of nine.

    Early Recognition And Family Support:

    Her talent blossomed quickly. At nine, she made it to the Maharashtra Under-15 team, and by eleven, she was already playing for the Under-19s. Her family played a crucial role in this early phase. Her father, recognizing her potential, converted their mud practice pitch into a concrete one, allowing her to train even during monsoons. Her mother, despite limited means, ensured Smriti had proper equipment and coaching. This unwavering support from her family laid the foundation for her future success.

    Breaking Records And Rising Through The Ranks:

    Smriti’s talent wasn’t limited to local matches. In 2013, she etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian woman to score a double century (224* runs) in an Under-19 one-day game. This remarkable feat was just the beginning. She continued to impress with consistent performances, earning her a call-up to the Indian national team in 2013 at the age of 16.

    International Breakthrough And Establishing Dominance:

    Her international debut was a success, and soon, Smriti was making waves across all formats. Her elegant left-handed batting mesmerized audiences, and her ability to score quickly while remaining composed under pressure set her apart. She became the fastest Indian woman to reach 1,000 runs in ODIs, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication.

    Challenges And Overcoming Obstacles:

    Despite her achievements, Smriti’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. Cricket, especially for women, still faces societal stigmas and lack of resources. However, Smriti remained undeterred. She focused on her game, constantly striving to improve and silence her critics. Her dedication and resilience paid off, earning her numerous accolades, including the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award in 2018.

    Beyond Cricket: An Inspiration For Young Girls:

    Today, Smriti Mandhana is not just a successful cricketer; she is an inspiration for millions of young girls, especially in India. She has broken down barriers and shown that girls can excel in sports traditionally dominated by men. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and unwavering support in achieving one’s dreams.

    Smriti’s journey is still ongoing, and there are many more milestones to come. But one thing is certain: her impact on the world of cricket and beyond will continue to inspire generations to come.

  • Exclusive: Oppenheimer Actor James D’Arcy On His Sci Fi Thriller Constellation | Movies News

    Jo Ericsson (Noomi Rapace), an astronaut returns to Earth after a disastrous mission in space, only to find key areas of her life missing. Is she having an otherworldly experience? Apple TV’s latest conspiracy-based sci-fi thriller “Constellation” is a visually stunning experience. As Jo embarks to expose the truth and unravel the unexplained secrets of outer space, she finds herself unraveling the dark recesses of human psychology as well as the indescribable happenings in cosmic space.

    Helmed by Peter Harness (Wallander) who created and wrote the show, Emmy award-winning director Michelle MacLaren (The Morning Show, Shining Girls) takes on chief directing duties. James D’Arcy last seen in Oppenheimer takes on the part of Jo’s husband Magnus Ericsson and William Catlett who plays Paul Lancaster, spoke to ZEE India exclusively on the show and Oppenheimer’s Oscar run.

    James D’Arcy, for someone with such an interesting and diverse body of work, what was it about the show and playing husband to Jo who is having an otherworldly experience?

    James D’Arcy: Well, there are two parts to that. Firstly, I just thought the show itself was so unique, that it was impossible not to lean into being a part of that experience and seeing how it would work out. But secondarily, being part of a domestic drama which is set in a kind of genre-bending, thriller conspiracy world, seemed like an amazing way to push human beings to their limits, and then examine the nature of family. So you know, it’s just an exciting opportunity to look at how a family behaves when they’re under extreme pressure, which is what Peter Harness has managed to do, put everyone in that position right at the top of the show.

    William Catlett for someone who wears so many hats actor writer and director do these personalities converge.. what was it about Constellation which drew you to it?

    William Catlett: Well, I think each medium the artist is trying to because they want to paint. So a director’s canvas is different than an actor’s canvas, although they share the same medium. So it’s just finding like, what colors that you can paint or what story you’re trying to tell. It depends on, what you’re trying to paint and that’s kind of like how I decided to choose different things that I want to do because there are some stories an actor can tell, some a writer and some a director. It’s like, what am I feeling at the moment? What am I feeling right now? You know, what is real what is true? And that’s what I kind of lean into.

    James, you have been part of several decorated projects and your recent Oppenheimer is all set for Oscar Glory, what was the experience in it and as an actor what’s the one thing that draws you to a project, story, director or your part?

    James D’Arcy: I think it’s never one thing, so it’s not always just the story because sometimes the director is somebody that you want to work with. Sometimes, it’s the character a mix of all three. I don’t know it’s, it’s hard to put your finger on what exactly it is that attracts you, to any given project. However, I will say that if somebody inserts the words Christopher Nolan, we don’t need to probably have to think too hard, right?

    In terms of this project, it was a mix of everything. Michelle McLaren is an absolute genius the greatest television director working today. Peter Harness has written this extraordinary script which almost defies description, and then this character to me was a really interesting dynamic that they’d set up between him and his wife. So it was everything here.

    William, was there something in particular that drew you to Constellation?

    William Catlett: I have always wanted to do a sci-fi always wanted to work, you know, outside of the country and working in Germany was incredible. And you know, when you’re working with Oscar-nominated directors and working with Michelle and Peter just from the words and the way they jumped off the page, it was something I can seek myself into. So I mean, it was a no-brainer. For me. This is something that I always wanted to do, and I knew that I could carry the emotions, the emotional thing that they wanted me to do in a TV show.

    Constellation premieres on 21st February On Apple TV+.

  • Jana Small Finance Bank IPO Opens Today: Key Things To Know | Markets News

    New Delhi: The Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Jana Small Finance Bank is all set to open today. The bank will use the money from the fresh issue to augment its core capital to meet future capital requirements and to improve its capital adequacy ratio. Jana Small Finance Bank Limited, has allotted 40,32,588  Equity Shares to 17 anchor investors and raised Rs 166.95 crore ahead of the IPO on Tuesday..

    “The Bank plans to raise funds through initial public offering comprising fresh issue of Equity Shares aggregating to ₹ 4,620.00 million (₹ 462 crore) ( the “Fresh Issue”)* after adjusting for the Pre-IPO placement and Offer of Sale aggregating up to 2,608,629  Equity Shares by the selling shareholders (the “Offer for Sale”) (together, the “Offer”). The Offer includes a reservation of up to ₹ 135.00 million for subscription by eligible employees (“Employee Reservation Portion”),” the company had said.

    Here are key things you want to know about Jana Small Finance Bank IPO 

    Jana Small Finance Bank’s issue consists of a primary share sale of Rs 462 crore at the upper end of the price band and the remaining Rs 108 crore as offer for sale.

    The company has fixed Price Band at Rs 393 to Rs 414 per equity share of face value of Rs 10 each

    Bid/ Offer will open on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 and close on Friday, February 9, 2024

    The Anchor Investor Bidding Date was February 6, 2024 during which the company raised Rs 166.95 crore

    Out of the total allocation of 40,32,588 Equity Shares to the Anchor Investors, 2,41,560 Equity Shares (i.e. 6 % of the total allocation to Anchor Investors) were allocated to 1 domestic mutual funds through a total of 2 schemes.

    Bids can be made for a minimum of 36 Equity Shares and in multiples of 36 Equity Shares thereafter

    Axis Capital Limited, ICICI Securities Limited and SBI Capital Markets Limited are the Book Running Lead Managers to the issue.

     

     

  • Nephew outweighs uncle: Big blow to Sharad Pawar before Lok Sabha elections, Election Commission tells Ajit group as real NCP…

    Before the Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission has given a big blow to Sharad Pawar. The Election Commission, while giving its verdict in favor of Ajit faction, said, Ajit Pawar faction has the right to use the name and election symbol of NCP. That means Ajit group has been declared the real NCP. The Commission has asked Sharad Pawar to give three names for the formation of a new party.

    Let us tell you that, after more than 10 hearings that lasted for more than 6 months, the Election Commission, while resolving the dispute in NCP, has declared Ajit Pawar’s faction as the real NCP. In its decision, the Commission followed the prescribed tests of maintainability of the petition, which included the test of the aims and objectives of the party, the test of the party constitution and the test of both organizational and legislative majority.

    According to the Election Commission, Sharad Pawar faction could not prove majority on time, due to which things did not go in their favor. Keeping in mind the deadline for elections for 6 Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra, Sharad Pawar faction has been given special concession to follow Rule 39AA of the Conduct of Elections Rules 1961. He has been asked to give three names for the formation of a new party by the evening of 7th February.

    Click here to read news of Chhattisgarh. Click here to read news in English.