<p>The billionare Oswal family has released a disturbing audio of their last call made by Vasundhara Oswal while in detention in Uganda. Vasundhara, the daughter of Swiss-Indian billionaire Pankaj Oswal, has been allegedly illegally detained for nearly three weeks.</p>

<p>According to the Oswal family, Vasundhara has been held in prison by Ugandan police since October 1 without a trial. She is facing allegations of kidnapping and murder of a former employee. The individual, who she is accused of murdering, has been found living in Tanzania in state custody her family said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swiss-indian-billionaire-appeals-to-un-after-daughter-detained-in-uganda-768429">Swiss-Indian billionaire appeals to UN after daughter detained In Uganda</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Disturbing social media post</strong></h2>

<p>A social media post shared by Vasundhara’s sister, Ridi Oswal details her detention, “My sister, Vasundhara Oswal, has been unjustly imprisoned in Uganda for over two and a half weeks, in a prison meant for those convicted of heinous crimes like murder. Yet, she remains behind bars without any evidence against her, and without any valid reason to hold her.”</p>

<p>An audio recording of Vasundhara’s last phone call with her family was also shared in the post. In the audio clip, Vasundhara can be heard screaming while crying, “They’re taking my phone. They’re taking my phone.”</p>

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<p>Another voice of a woman was heard in the audio protesting, “She’s talking to her family, you cannot deny that. They cannot take your phone.”</p>

<p>“You will hear an audio of how she was stripped of her freedom and denied a single phone call, even though she was being illegally held, this audio was taken when she was 90 hours in and had an unconditional release order,” Ridi wrote about the audio.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is Vasundhara Oswal detained?</strong></h2>

<p>Vasundhara Oswal, 26, was arrested on October 1 from the family business plant Extra-Neutral Alcohol (ENA) facility. Industrialist Pankaj Oswal claims that she has been detained on the charges made by a former employee who took a $200,000 loan from the family. Vasundhara was taken into custody for kidnapping with intent to kill. However, the family said that the former employee made these charges to avoid paying back the loan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-american-billionaire-and-past-monk-investigated-for-tax-abuse-768017">Indian American billionaire and past monk, investigated for tax abuse</a></strong></p>

<p>“The man she has been accused of kidnapping and murdering, the one on whom this entire case is falsely based, was already found in Tanzania, in state custody,” her sister said as she explained that the man has even provided a notarized affidavit saying Vasundhara or her family never mistreated him. “Despite this, the Ugandan state refuses to acknowledge the truth.”</p>

<p>The family filed an urgent appeal with the United Nations on October 11, seeking intervention.</p>

<p>“I am deeply grateful to the media and the UN for their support, and I pray for a positive resolution soon. I don’t know how much longer she can endure this torment,” said Ridi.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The billionare Oswal family has released a disturbing audio of their last call made by Vasundhara Oswal while in detention in Uganda. Vasundhara, the daughter of Swiss-Indian billionaire Pankaj Oswal, has been allegedly illegally detained for nearly three weeks.

The billionare Oswal family has released a disturbing audio of their last call made by Vasundhara Oswal while in detention in Uganda. Vasundhara, the daughter of Swiss-Indian billionaire Pankaj Oswal, has been allegedly illegally detained for nearly three weeks. According to the Oswal family, Vasundhara has been held in prison by Ugandan police since October 1 without a trial. She is facing allegations of kidnapping and murder of a former employee. The individual, who she is accused of murdering, has been found living in Tanzania in state custody her family said. Also read | Swiss-Indian billionaire appeals to UN after daughter detained In Uganda Disturbing social media post A social media post shared by Vasundhara’s sister, Ridi Oswal details her detention, “My sister, Vasundhara Oswal, has been unjustly imprisoned in Uganda for over two and a half weeks, in a prison meant for those convicted of heinous crimes like murder. Yet, she remains behind bars without any evidence against her, and without any valid reason to hold her.” An audio recording of Vasundhara’s last phone call with her family was also shared in the post. In the audio clip, Vasundhara can be heard screaming while crying, “They’re taking my phone. They’re taking my phone.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vasundhara Oswal (@vasundharaoswal) × Another voice of a woman was heard in the audio protesting, “She’s talking to her family, you cannot deny that. They cannot take your phone.” “You will hear an audio of how she was stripped of her freedom and denied a single phone call, even though she was being illegally held, this audio was taken when she was 90 hours in and had an unconditional release order,” Ridi wrote about the audio. Why is Vasundhara Oswal detained? Vasundhara Oswal, 26, was arrested on October 1 from the family business plant Extra-Neutral Alcohol (ENA) facility. Industrialist Pankaj Oswal claims that she has been detained on the charges made by a former employee who took a $200,000 loan from the family. Vasundhara was taken into custody for kidnapping with intent to kill. However, the family said that the former employee made these charges to avoid paying back the loan. Also read | Indian American billionaire and past monk, investigated for tax abuse “The man she has been accused of kidnapping and murdering, the one on whom this entire case is falsely based, was already found in Tanzania, in state custody,” her sister said as she explained that the man has even provided a notarized affidavit saying Vasundhara or her family never mistreated him. “Despite this, the Ugandan state refuses to acknowledge the truth.” The family filed an urgent appeal with the United Nations on October 11, seeking intervention. “I am deeply grateful to the media and the UN for their support, and I pray for a positive resolution soon. I don’t know how much longer she can endure this torment,” said Ridi. (With inputs from agencies)

Oswal family shares disturbing audio clip of Vasundhara in detention

<p>Ratan Tata, the Tata Group doyen who died on Wednesday night (Oct 9) had a sharp sense of humour which was sometimes self-deprecating. Some of his sense of humour used to shine forth at public events, where his answers left the audience laughing out loud.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once, to a rather profound question about his statement that 'I don't believe in making right decisions, I make decisions and make them right', Tata said, "Facebook and Twitter made that statement, it was not made by me."</p>

<p>The female presenter gasped, saying "That's awkward."</p>

<p>"You come to know of it when people read them back to you," Tata said to laughter from the audience.</p>

<p>"There is no remedial action you can take with social media," he added for good measure.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: From Indica To Jaguar: Ratan Tata's Legacy Lives On</strong></p>

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<p><br />
Asked by Infosys cofounder Narayana Murthy at a business summit what his first feeling was when he sat in the chair once occupied by Tata founder JRD Tata, Ratan said he was confused as he had big shoes to fill.</p>

<p>"The confusion was not only in my mind because J [JRD Tata] never left the office. Very often when he walked into the boardroom, he would sit in the chairman's chair, and then five minutes later he would say 'Oh, I&nbsp;shouldn't have been here'. Then you play musical chairs in the boardroom."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-narayana-murthy-once-touched-the-feet-of-ratan-tata-heres-the-entire-story-766200"><strong>Also read: Why Narayana Murthy once touched the feet of Ratan Tata? Here's the entire story</strong></a><br />
<br />
In the same event, he said he inherited a board "that must have had an average age of 85."</p>

<p>"Several of them had to be helped into the boardroom because they could no longer walk freely. Some of them came and sat down and fell asleep. Others didn't hear too well," he said as the audience laughed.</p>

<p>"And when it came to making changes, they all woke up and ensured that no change took place," he said with giggles. His&nbsp;first few years as Tata Group chairman were spent on how to "graciously ease them out of the company," he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ratan-tata-once-said-he-wanted-to-be-remembered-as-his-words-have-now-gone-viral-766197"><strong>Also read: Ratan Tata once said he wanted 'to be remembered as...' His words have now gone viral</strong></a></p>

<p>But probably the most meme-worthy answer from Tata was to a girl student, who asked 'What excites you the most?'</p>

<p>"That's the most difficult question you'll ask this evening. How can I say that publicly?" he said, leaving the audience in splits and letting them make their own conclusions.</p>

<p><strong>Watch a compilation video here:</strong></p>

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<p>At a startup event when Snapdeal founder Kunal Bahl showered him with praise, saying he never thought the day would come when he'd be sitting six inches away from Tata, the maverick tycoon said,&nbsp;"Thank you for putting me at ease. I have been as nervous about sitting six inches from you as you've been."</p>

<p>Bahl then asked the audience how many people who want to be entrepreneurs would want Tata's investment. To this, Tata said,&nbsp;"Then they will need Kunal's money."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once, at a public interaction with his former girlfriend, actress and TV host Simi Garewal, Tata made a humourous attack on Bollywood for violence in films, which in his telling used a lot of ketchup in place of blood.</p>

<p>"I think there’s more ketchup spread in Hindi movies than in all the restaurants in Bombay," he said.</p>

<p>"I’m very irritating to be around when I watch television. I’m very impatient and watch four or five channels at the same time," he said in another exhibition of his often self-deprecating humour.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ratan Tata, the Tata Group doyen who died on Wednesday night (Oct 9) had a sharp sense of humour which was sometimes self-deprecating. Some of his sense of humour used to shine forth at public events, where his answers left the audience laughing out loud.

Ratan Tata, the Tata Group doyen who died on Wednesday night (Oct 9) had a sharp sense of humour which was sometimes self-deprecating. Some of his sense of humour used to shine forth at public events, where his answers left the audience laughing out loud. Once, to a rather profound question about his statement that 'I don't believe in making right decisions, I make decisions and make them right', Tata said, "Facebook and Twitter made that statement, it was not made by me." The female presenter gasped, saying "That's awkward." "You come to know of it when people read them back to you," Tata said to laughter from the audience. "There is no remedial action you can take with social media," he added for good measure. Watch: From Indica To Jaguar: Ratan Tata's Legacy Lives On × Asked by Infosys cofounder Narayana Murthy at a business summit what his first feeling was when he sat in the chair once occupied by Tata founder JRD Tata, Ratan said he was confused as he had big shoes to fill. "The confusion was not only in my mind because J [JRD Tata] never left the office. Very often when he walked into the boardroom, he would sit in the chairman's chair, and then five minutes later he would say 'Oh, I shouldn't have been here'. Then you play musical chairs in the boardroom." Also read: Why Narayana Murthy once touched the feet of Ratan Tata? Here's the entire story In the same event, he said he inherited a board "that must have had an average age of 85." "Several of them had to be helped into the boardroom because they could no longer walk freely. Some of them came and sat down and fell asleep. Others didn't hear too well," he said as the audience laughed. "And when it came to making changes, they all woke up and ensured that no change took place," he said with giggles. His first few years as Tata Group chairman were spent on how to "graciously ease them out of the company," he added. Also read: Ratan Tata once said he wanted 'to be remembered as...' His words have now gone viral But probably the most meme-worthy answer from Tata was to a girl student, who asked 'What excites you the most?' "That's the most difficult question you'll ask this evening. How can I say that publicly?" he said, leaving the audience in splits and letting them make their own conclusions. Watch a compilation video here: × At a startup event when Snapdeal founder Kunal Bahl showered him with praise, saying he never thought the day would come when he'd be sitting six inches away from Tata, the maverick tycoon said, "Thank you for putting me at ease. I have been as nervous about sitting six inches from you as you've been." Bahl then asked the audience how many people who want to be entrepreneurs would want Tata's investment. To this, Tata said, "Then they will need Kunal's money." Once, at a public interaction with his former girlfriend, actress and TV host Simi Garewal, Tata made a humourous attack on Bollywood for violence in films, which in his telling used a lot of ketchup in place of blood. "I think there’s more ketchup spread in Hindi movies than in all the restaurants in Bombay," he said. "I’m very irritating to be around when I watch television. I’m very impatient and watch four or five channels at the same time," he said in another exhibition of his often self-deprecating humour. (With inputs from agencies)

RIP Ratan Tata. Tata Group doyen had a great sense of humour. Here are some of his funny quotes

<p>Around 60 women have now come forward to allege they were sexually abused by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, lawyers representing them said on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A BBC documentary last week aired claims by women that Fayed, who died last year aged 94, raped and sexually abused them during his ownership of the luxury department store.</p>

<p>The accusations make the Egyptian billionaire the latest high-profile figure to join a list of rich and powerful men, such as Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, disgraced by sexual abuse allegations.</p>

<p>"The response has simply been enormous," the lawyers said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We can confirm that we now represent 60 survivors as part of our claim, with more to come."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mohamed-al-fayed-was-a-rapist-20-women-come-out-against-father-of-lady-dianas-boyfriend-dodi-al-fayed-760351"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Mohamed Al Fayed was a rapist? 20 women come out against father of Lady Diana's boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed</strong></a></p>

<p>The legal team said that since going public following the television expose, they had been contacted by people from all over the world.</p>

<p>"Our claim is becoming increasingly global in scope... We expected that anywhere Mohamed Al-Fayed went, abuse would follow," the statement read.</p>

<p>"Sadly this has proven to be true.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are now in possession of credible evidence of abuse at other Al-Fayed properties and businesses, including Fulham Football Club."&nbsp;</p>

<p>British prosecutors have said they twice received evidence against Fayed.</p>

<h2><strong>Pattern of abuse&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In 2008, Fayed was accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reviewed evidence in 2009.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2013, he was accused of raping a woman, a claim investigated in 2015.</p>

<p>In both instances, the CPS, which decides on prosecutions in England and Wales, said there was no "realistic prospect of conviction" and did not bring charges against the Harrods chairman.</p>

<p>The lawyers said they would continue to respond to inquiries from potential victims or witnesses and called for an "independent and transparent process to evaluate and adjudicate these claims".</p>

<p>The women they represented, they said, had "lost all faith in Harrods and their processes".</p>

<p>Harrods' managing director, Michael Ward, said this week his former boss presided over a "toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct".</p>

<p>But he said he had not been "aware of his criminality and abuse" and expressed his "personal horror at the revelations".</p>

<p>Fayed's accusers say the assaults took place in his apartments in London and his properties in Paris, including the Ritz hotel.</p>

<p>Allegations include a repeated pattern of women who underwent a selection process for positions close to Fayed.</p>

<p>Once selected, they were subjected to an "invasive" gynaecological examination, the results of which were shared with Fayed.</p>

<p>The women said that when they tried to complain about their abuse, were threatened by senior security staff, demoted and subject to false allegations until they had "no choice" but to leave Harrods.</p>

<p>Fayed sold Harrods to the investment arm of Qatar's sovereign wealth fund for a reported £1.5 billion ($2.2 billion).</p>

<p>He also owned Fulham Football Club.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Around 60 women have now come forward to allege they were sexually abused by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, lawyers representing them said on Friday. A BBC documentary last week aired claims by women that Fayed, who died last year aged 94, raped and sexually abused them during his ownership of the luxury department store.

Around 60 women have now come forward to allege they were sexually abused by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, lawyers representing them said on Friday. A BBC documentary last week aired claims by women that Fayed, who died last year aged 94, raped and sexually abused them during his ownership of the luxury department store. The accusations make the Egyptian billionaire the latest high-profile figure to join a list of rich and powerful men, such as Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, disgraced by sexual abuse allegations. "The response has simply been enormous," the lawyers said in a statement. "We can confirm that we now represent 60 survivors as part of our claim, with more to come." Also read: Mohamed Al Fayed was a rapist? 20 women come out against father of Lady Diana's boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed The legal team said that since going public following the television expose, they had been contacted by people from all over the world. "Our claim is becoming increasingly global in scope... We expected that anywhere Mohamed Al-Fayed went, abuse would follow," the statement read. "Sadly this has proven to be true. "We are now in possession of credible evidence of abuse at other Al-Fayed properties and businesses, including Fulham Football Club." British prosecutors have said they twice received evidence against Fayed. Pattern of abuse In 2008, Fayed was accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reviewed evidence in 2009. In 2013, he was accused of raping a woman, a claim investigated in 2015. In both instances, the CPS, which decides on prosecutions in England and Wales, said there was no "realistic prospect of conviction" and did not bring charges against the Harrods chairman. The lawyers said they would continue to respond to inquiries from potential victims or witnesses and called for an "independent and transparent process to evaluate and adjudicate these claims". The women they represented, they said, had "lost all faith in Harrods and their processes". Harrods' managing director, Michael Ward, said this week his former boss presided over a "toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct". But he said he had not been "aware of his criminality and abuse" and expressed his "personal horror at the revelations". Fayed's accusers say the assaults took place in his apartments in London and his properties in Paris, including the Ritz hotel. Allegations include a repeated pattern of women who underwent a selection process for positions close to Fayed. Once selected, they were subjected to an "invasive" gynaecological examination, the results of which were shared with Fayed. The women said that when they tried to complain about their abuse, were threatened by senior security staff, demoted and subject to false allegations until they had "no choice" but to leave Harrods. Fayed sold Harrods to the investment arm of Qatar's sovereign wealth fund for a reported £1.5 billion ($2.2 billion). He also owned Fulham Football Club. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Around 60 'survivors' allege ex-Harrods owner Al-Fayed of sex abuse, say lawyers

<p>A 25-year-old techie blames his poor lifestyle which impacted his health such that he landed in a hospital. Kritarth Mittal, the founder of the Soshals app, cautions the social media of the "hustle culture" which can affect health negatively.</p>

<p>Mittal took to&nbsp;X platform and opened up about his health which is a result of poor sleep and diet. The Mumbai-based techie said he was hospitalised after pulling all-nighters, sleeping less than five hours a day, and following an unhealthy diet.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/bengaluru-based-tech-intern-leaves-internship-after-securing-funding-for-his-startup-755288">Bengaluru-based tech intern leaves internship after securing funding for startup</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hustle culture comes with a cost — some you incur right away and some over decades.<br />
<br />
Choice is yours, I'm just here to show you the ugly side of it so you don't get swayed easy.<br />
<br />
This is me after pulling all-nighters, sleeping for &lt;5-6 hours, and no diet plan: <a href="https://t.co/NcksKnwr7h">pic.twitter.com/NcksKnwr7h</a></p>
— Kritarth Mittal | Soshals (@kritarthmittal) <a href="https://twitter.com/kritarthmittal/status/1830525864821522634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mittal's post comes amid the time many techies, talked about burn-outs and poor lifestyles as they are not able to take care of themselves due to intense work routine and pressure.</p>

<p>The young entrepreneur described how he woke up one day with "a real bad headache and experienced recurrent vomiting." He had not experienced such serious symptoms before, he added.</p>

<p>“Hustle culture comes with a cost — some you incur right away and some over decades,” he writes in his post on X. "Choice is yours, I'm just here to show you the ugly side of it so you don't get swayed easy. This is me after pulling all-nighters, sleeping for &lt;5-6 hours, and no diet plan."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/growing-anti-india-sentiment-on-x-user-barry-stanton-suspended-after-series-of-racist-posts-against-indians-755266">Growing anti-India sentiment on X: User 'Barry Stanton' suspended after series of racist posts against Indians</a></strong></p>

<p>Mittal, who graduated from SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, said his routine had been inconsistent since his college days but now needs to take care of himself better.</p>

<p>"Now my body has started to remind me that I am not 20 anymore," he said, as he shared a photo of him lying in the hospital bed.</p>

<p>“I'll be setting up a routine and do my best to follow it. I am old now and I have to accept it. Gone are the college days when pulling all-nighters was cool,” he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 25-year-old techie blames his poor lifestyle which impacted his health such that he landed in a hospital. Kritarth Mittal, the founder of the Soshals app, cautions the social media of the "hustle culture" which can affect health negatively.

A 25-year-old techie blames his poor lifestyle which impacted his health such that he landed in a hospital. Kritarth Mittal, the founder of the Soshals app, cautions the social media of the "hustle culture" which can affect health negatively. Mittal took to X platform and opened up about his health which is a result of poor sleep and diet. The Mumbai-based techie said he was hospitalised after pulling all-nighters, sleeping less than five hours a day, and following an unhealthy diet. Also read | Bengaluru-based tech intern leaves internship after securing funding for startup Hustle culture comes with a cost — some you incur right away and some over decades. Choice is yours, I'm just here to show you the ugly side of it so you don't get swayed easy. This is me after pulling all-nighters, sleeping for <5-6 hours, and no diet plan: pic.twitter.com/NcksKnwr7h — Kritarth Mittal | Soshals (@kritarthmittal) September 2, 2024 × Mittal's post comes amid the time many techies, talked about burn-outs and poor lifestyles as they are not able to take care of themselves due to intense work routine and pressure. The young entrepreneur described how he woke up one day with "a real bad headache and experienced recurrent vomiting." He had not experienced such serious symptoms before, he added. “Hustle culture comes with a cost — some you incur right away and some over decades,” he writes in his post on X. "Choice is yours, I'm just here to show you the ugly side of it so you don't get swayed easy. This is me after pulling all-nighters, sleeping for <5-6 hours, and no diet plan." Also read | Growing anti-India sentiment on X: User 'Barry Stanton' suspended after series of racist posts against Indians Mittal, who graduated from SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, said his routine had been inconsistent since his college days but now needs to take care of himself better. "Now my body has started to remind me that I am not 20 anymore," he said, as he shared a photo of him lying in the hospital bed. “I'll be setting up a routine and do my best to follow it. I am old now and I have to accept it. Gone are the college days when pulling all-nighters was cool,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Hustle culture comes at a cost’: 25-year-old techie hospitalised after intense work routine

<p>Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, in a jaw-dropping revelation, has shared images showing what he claims is a dramatic reversal of his ageing process over six years. The 46-year-old millionaire recently posted a collage on social media featuring snapshots from 2018, 2023, and 2024.</p>

<p>In the shared photos, the millionaire could be seen highlighting his astonishing transformation over the years. "Even my Face ID is confused. I'm transitioning..." Johnson wrote.</p>

<p>Johnson attributed his progress to Project Blueprint, which comprises an extensive routine involving the intake of numerous pills daily. The strict routine also involves oversight from a team of over 30 doctors monitoring Bryan Johnson's bodily functions and adherence to a strict diet.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/come-to-india-us-ambassador-eric-garcettis-message-goes-viral-709785">'Come to India': US ambassador Eric Garcetti's message goes viral</a></p>

<p>Under the Project Blueprint, rigorous hour-long workouts, and a sleep regimen incorporating the use of blue-light-blocking glasses for two hours before bed is also involved.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Even my Face ID is confused. I'm transitioning... <a href="https://t.co/6AU5mtU5j6">pic.twitter.com/6AU5mtU5j6</a></p>
— Zero /dd (@bryan_johnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/bryan_johnson/status/1777789375193231778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>As far as the primary objective of the project is concerned it is to halt and potentially reverse the ageing process in each of Johnson's organs. The project is aimed at restoring his body to that of an 18-year-old. However, this endeavour has costs reaching millions.</p>

<h2><strong>Social media comments&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The unveiling of Johnson's rejuvenated appearance also triggered mixed reactions online.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/candidates-dont-need-to-give-threadbare-account-of-their-lives-to-voters-supreme-court-709793">Candidates don't need to give 'threadbare' account of their lives to voters: Supreme Court</a></p>

<p>While some praised his unwavering commitment to health, others took a more critical stance. The comments ranged from admiration to skepticism. One user pointed out, "Did you have plastic surgery? You look totally different."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-blames-ukraine-for-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-attack-nuclear-safety-at-risk-709775">Russia blames Ukraine for Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant attack | Nuclear safety at risk?</a></strong></p>

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<p>While the other one said, "2023 looks like you went full Elf mode." The user added, "Honestly, 2023 looks like a shit show but 2024 came out swinging!"&nbsp;In a humourous observation, a user quipped, "Definitely turning into a vampire." Acknowledging the changes, one user remarked, "It looks like you've aged at least 10 years but it's only been 6."</p>

<p>"It's unbelievable how much better you looked in 2018," another said. A user on X social media platform said, "Your hair color change is quite intriguing; your body must have received a better supply of minerals for that transformation. Very cool!"</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, in a jaw-dropping revelation, has shared images showing what he claims is a dramatic reversal of his ageing process over six years.

Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, in a jaw-dropping revelation, has shared images showing what he claims is a dramatic reversal of his ageing process over six years. The 46-year-old millionaire recently posted a collage on social media featuring snapshots from 2018, 2023, and 2024. In the shared photos, the millionaire could be seen highlighting his astonishing transformation over the years. "Even my Face ID is confused. I'm transitioning..." Johnson wrote. Johnson attributed his progress to Project Blueprint, which comprises an extensive routine involving the intake of numerous pills daily. The strict routine also involves oversight from a team of over 30 doctors monitoring Bryan Johnson's bodily functions and adherence to a strict diet. Also Read | 'Come to India': US ambassador Eric Garcetti's message goes viral Under the Project Blueprint, rigorous hour-long workouts, and a sleep regimen incorporating the use of blue-light-blocking glasses for two hours before bed is also involved. Even my Face ID is confused. I'm transitioning... pic.twitter.com/6AU5mtU5j6 — Zero /dd (@bryan_johnson) April 9, 2024 × As far as the primary objective of the project is concerned it is to halt and potentially reverse the ageing process in each of Johnson's organs. The project is aimed at restoring his body to that of an 18-year-old. However, this endeavour has costs reaching millions. Social media comments The unveiling of Johnson's rejuvenated appearance also triggered mixed reactions online. Also Read | Candidates don't need to give 'threadbare' account of their lives to voters: Supreme Court While some praised his unwavering commitment to health, others took a more critical stance. The comments ranged from admiration to skepticism. One user pointed out, "Did you have plastic surgery? You look totally different." Watch | Russia blames Ukraine for Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant attack | Nuclear safety at risk? × While the other one said, "2023 looks like you went full Elf mode." The user added, "Honestly, 2023 looks like a shit show but 2024 came out swinging!" In a humourous observation, a user quipped, "Definitely turning into a vampire." Acknowledging the changes, one user remarked, "It looks like you've aged at least 10 years but it's only been 6." "It's unbelievable how much better you looked in 2018," another said. A user on X social media platform said, "Your hair color change is quite intriguing; your body must have received a better supply of minerals for that transformation. Very cool!" (With inputs from agencies)

Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson stuns with dramatic ageing reversal pics

<p>On this International women's day let's bring you a&nbsp;story from the late 19th century.</p>

<p>Born into poverty, Madam C.J. Walker wasn't just one of the first Black millionaires, she was a self-made titan.<br />
<br />
Her secret weapon? Hair care. In just over a decade, her empire, aptly named after herself, blossomed, generating millions (equivalent to nearly $10 million today) by empowering Black women to embrace their unique beauty.<br />
<br />
But her legacy extends beyond the bottom line.<br />
<br />
As her wealth grew, so did her heart. Madam Walker became a beacon of philanthropy and a champion for Black rights, etching her name not just in business history, but in the fight for equality.<br />
<br />
<strong>Foundations of flourishing</strong><br />
<br />
Born Sarah Breedlove in 1867, life wasn't kind. Orphaned young, she married at 14, but fate dealt another blow when her husband died, leaving her with a daughter to raise.<br />
<br />
Seeking a new start, Sarah embarked to St. Louis in 1889. This bustling city sparked an interest in hair care. While juggling laundry and cooking jobs, Sarah battled hair loss and sought help from a local Black entrepreneur, Anne Turnbo Pope.<br />
<br />
Under Pope's treatments, her scalp thrived, and soon Sarah found herself selling Pope's remedies, becoming a door-to-door advocate for healthy hair.<br />
<br />
By 1905, her journey took her to Denver, where she became a sales agent for Pope, ready to spread the gospel of good hair care across the Western frontier.<br />
<br />
<strong>Triumphs and milestones</strong><br />
<br />
In 1906, Sarah embarked on a bold journey with her hair treatment. She claimed inspiration struck her in a dream, where a towering figure, described as "a big Black man," imparted wisdom about a miraculous "remedy from Africa."<br />
<br />
Yet, whispers suggest her concoctions might have been influenced by Pope-Turnbo's elixirs, possibly refined with the assistance of a pharmacist friend she met while moonlighting as a cook.<br />
<br />
Under a new name Mrs. C.J. Walker, following her marriage to Charles Joseph Walker, Sarah introduced her inaugural product, the renowned Madam C.J. Walker's Wonderful Hair Grower, blending coconut oil and sulfur into a potent conditioner, all for a mere $1.25 investment.<br />
<br />
The returns? A staggering $1,000 that year alone.<br />
<br />
Her success reached new heights as she expanded her product line, showcasing an entire regimen during an extensive sales tour across the South, tripling revenues in its wake.<br />
<br />
By 1908, she had established a school in Pittsburgh, training "hair culturists" in her methods. Indianapolis became her next destination in 1910, transforming into the epicentre of the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, complete with a bustling factory.<br />
<br />
Branch offices, salons, and training schools grew across cities, with Walker herself journeying to the Caribbean and Central America by 1913 to expand her empire.<br />
<br />
The financial reports of the Walker Manufacturing Company, preserved at the Indiana Historical Society, paint a vivid picture of prosperity:<br />
<br />
- 1917: $175,937<br />
- 1918: $275,937.88<br />
- 1919: $486,762<br />
- 1920: $595,353<br />
<br />
To review, $595,353 in 1920 translates to an amazing $16.9 million in today's currency.<br />
<br />
Sales flourished through mail orders, Walker Parlors, and a network of dedicated salespeople travelling the nation, offering a range of products from Temple Grower to Vegetable Shampoo, Glossine, and even cosmetics introduced in 1918.<br />
<br />
Walker's legacy extended far beyond her hair treatments; it symbolised empowerment and entrepreneurship for generations to come.<br />
<br />
<strong>The innovation engine</strong><br />
<br />
Madam Walker rode the wave of the burgeoning Black middle class in the early 20th century, tapping into a community with newfound optional income eager to invest in beauty and self-care.<br />
<br />
Yet, her approach outperformed mere initiative; it was steeped in foresight and modern strategies that set her apart.<br />
<br />
In 1911, Walker logically incorporated the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, injecting $10,000 of her capital and securing sole ownership of 1,000 shares at $10 each.<br />
<br />
This strategic move not only shielded her enterprise under the protective veil of the law but also granted a legal legitimacy rarely accessible to African American entrepreneurs of her time.<br />
<br />
Her company's multifaceted approach to sales and distribution set new standards. From a flourishing mail-order business to meticulously curated salons and treatment centres, Walker's empire thrived.<br />
<br />
She invested in a vital sales force comprised of independent yet closely-knit agents, providing ample training through specialised schools and affiliations with Black colleges.<br />
<br />
But Walker's brilliance didn't stop there. She meticulously crafted her image, weaving her narrative of ascent "from the washtub to the boardroom" into every advertisement and press release.<br />
<br />
Her face became synonymous with quality and success, anchoring her products in authenticity and efficacy.<br />
<br />
More than a trader of beauty, Walker positioned herself as a beacon of hope in an era where opportunities for Black women were scarce. Her opulent lifestyle, showcased through grand mansions, sleek automobiles, and plush offices, served as a testament to her achievements.<br />
<br />
Yet, she balanced this flashiness with generous contributions to African American causes and institutions, cementing her status as a trailblazer and philanthropist.<br />
<br />
In a time when Black celebrities were rare, Walker understood the power of her narrative and diligently cultivated her public persona, ensuring that her legacy would endure beyond her lifetime.<br />
<br />
<strong>Laurels of achievement</strong><br />
<br />
Madam Walker's legacy echoes through the halls of fame, with honours vested upon her long after her earthly journey:<br />
<br />
In 1992, she mounted the pedestal of the Global Business Hall of Fame, once known as the National Business Hall of Fame, housed within the esteemed Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.<br />
<br />
A year later, the echoes of her achievements resounded within the hallowed halls of the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, New York, where her name found its eternal place among the illustrious.<br />
<br />
The American Health and Beauty Aids Institute in Chicago also glorified her in their esteemed Hall of Fame, a testament to her profound impact on the industry.<br />
<br />
Her likeness stands immortalised in the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore, a testament to her enduring influence and cultural significance. In 1998, her visage graced a U.S. postage stamp, forever etching her into the annals of American history.<br />
<br />
The Direct Selling Association bestowed upon her the esteemed Distinguished Service Award, recognising her unparalleled contributions to the world of commerce.<br />
<br />
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women's Oakland/Bay area chapter annually celebrates her spirit through the Madam C.J. Walker Luncheon and Empowerment Forum, honouring her invincible legacy with an award that bears her name.<br />
<br />
In 2007, her remarkable journey became the subject of a Harvard Business School case study, ensuring that her pioneering spirit and business sense would inspire generations to come.<br />
<br />
<strong>The bridge between abundance and impact</strong><br />
<br />
As her company flourished, Madam Walker's wealth transcended mere financial bounds. She delved into investments spanning real estate, adorned herself with jewels steeped in history, and curated a collection of antiques and art, painting her life with opulence. At the twilight of her days, her estate gleamed with assets nearing $600,000, a testament to her shrewd insight, worth a staggering $17.07 million in today's currency.<br />
<br />
Yet, Madam Walker's heartbeat is not just for prosperity but for the betterment of her people. Her philanthropic zeal mirrored her ascent, resonating with the inspiring call to "help my race." In 1911, she seeded the ground for community growth with a $1,000 contribution towards pitching a Black branch of the YMCA in Indianapolis.<br />
<br />
By 1918, her generosity knew no bounds as she spearheaded the campaign to liberate Frederick Douglass's abode from the shackles of debt. Her pledge of $5,000 to the NAACP's anti-lynching crusade in 1919 reverberated across the land, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of racial injustice.<br />
<br />
Each donation stood as a monolith of benevolence, the largest single offering of its time, a hallmark of Madam Walker's unbeatable spirit. In her embrace of education, she illuminated paths at the Tuskegee Institute, sponsoring the tuition of six eager minds.<br />
<br />
Her will, a testament to her enduring legacy, endowed two-thirds of her company's net proceeds to noble causes, a perpetual wellspring of compassion. With a forward gaze, she earmarked $10,000 for an African mission school, sowing seeds of enlightenment across distant shores.<br />
<br />
Madam Walker's life was not just a story of riches amassed but of hearts uplifted, of dreams nurtured, and of destinies reshaped. Her philanthropy, a symphony of generosity, echoes through the corridors of time, a testament to the enduring power of one woman's vision.<br />
<br />
<strong>Inner landscape</strong><br />
<br />
In the records of entrepreneurial history, Madam Walker's daughter, Lelia (later known as A'Lelia), emerges as a figure of considerable influence. In the newborn days of the company, she stood shoulder to shoulder with her mother, orchestrating the complex dance of supply and mail-order operations, her graceful touch guiding the company's early strides. As one of its esteemed board members, she lent her wisdom to the helm, a testament to her vital role in shaping its trajectory.<br />
<br />
But it was Lelia's vision that set the stage for a new chapter in the company's saga. In 1913, she made the bold move to New York, beckoning her mother to establish a foothold just as Harlem burgeoned into a pulsating nexus of Black commerce and artistic expression.<br />
<br />
Following Madam Walker's passing in 1919, the veil of leadership fell upon Lelia's shoulders, as she ascended to the presidency of the company. Yet, her stewardship zigged towards the realm of cultural custom and social refinement, as she cast her aura over the swelling Harlem Renaissance. Renowned poet Langston Hughes bestowed upon her the famed title of the "Joy Goddess of Harlem," a testament to her magnetic presence amid the spirited swirl of artistic innovation.<br />
<br />
The question lingers: Was Madam Walker the foremost African American female millionaire? The answer remains hidden in the mists of history's opacity.<br />
<br />
While the Guinness Book of World Records heralds her as the inaugural self-made American woman millionaire, the corridors of time bear witness to other stars who reportedly scaled the dizzying heights of seven-figure fortunes.<br />
<br />
The tapestry of Walker's wealth is woven with threads of complexity. Despite the meticulous documentation, the true extent of her riches remains shrouded in uncertainty. Newspaper headlines of the era proclaimed her as a "millionairess," even as she opposed, grappling with the untouchable nature of wealth's quantification.<br />
<br />
When she departed this mortal loop in 1919, her assets and investments stood at a tough $600,000, with her company commanding annual revenues nearing $500,000. By conservative estimates, the breakup value of her company exceeded $1.2 million, casting her into the rarefied echelons of millionaire status.<br />
<br />
In the mosaic of her legacy, Madam Walker's journey stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship—a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.<br />
<br />
<strong>How did the Madam C.J. Walker company embrace evolution on its remarkable journey?</strong><br />
<br />
Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company endured beyond the earthly departure of its visionary founder in 1919. Through the roaring twenties, it stood as a beacon of innovation and enterprise, weathering the tempests of economic upheaval with fortitude.<br />
<br />
As the spectre of the Great Depression cast its shadow, the company's resilience wavered, yet it clung to its existence, a testament to its enduring spirit. Though the factory gates closed in 1981, the indomitable legacy of Madam Walker persevered through the shifting sands of time.<br />
<br />
In a symbolic passing of the torch, the trademark found new custodians, breathing life into the hallowed halls of tradition. For three decades, they meticulously crafted the original formulas, keeping alive the essence of Madam Walker's vision.<br />
<br />
Then, in a transformative moment of rebirth, Sundial Brands emerged as the torchbearer of Madam C.J. Walker's legacy in 2013. With reverence and innovation, they unveiled a new chapter under the banner of Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture in 2016, a testament to the enduring allure of her name.<br />
<br />
Today, the MADAM by Madam C.J. Walker product line graces the shelves of Walmart, a testament to the timeless allure and enduring legacy of one woman's indomitable spirit.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Through the ebb and flow of history, Madam Walker's vision continues to resonate, a beacon of empowerment and beauty for generations to come.</p>


On this International women's day let's bring you a story from the late 19th century. Born into poverty, Madam C.J. Walker wasn't just one of the first Black millionaires, she was a self-made titan.

On this International women's day let's bring you a story from the late 19th century. Born into poverty, Madam C.J. Walker wasn't just one of the first Black millionaires, she was a self-made titan. Her secret weapon? Hair care. In just over a decade, her empire, aptly named after herself, blossomed, generating millions (equivalent to nearly $10 million today) by empowering Black women to embrace their unique beauty. But her legacy extends beyond the bottom line. As her wealth grew, so did her heart. Madam Walker became a beacon of philanthropy and a champion for Black rights, etching her name not just in business history, but in the fight for equality. Foundations of flourishing Born Sarah Breedlove in 1867, life wasn't kind. Orphaned young, she married at 14, but fate dealt another blow when her husband died, leaving her with a daughter to raise. Seeking a new start, Sarah embarked to St. Louis in 1889. This bustling city sparked an interest in hair care. While juggling laundry and cooking jobs, Sarah battled hair loss and sought help from a local Black entrepreneur, Anne Turnbo Pope. Under Pope's treatments, her scalp thrived, and soon Sarah found herself selling Pope's remedies, becoming a door-to-door advocate for healthy hair. By 1905, her journey took her to Denver, where she became a sales agent for Pope, ready to spread the gospel of good hair care across the Western frontier. Triumphs and milestones In 1906, Sarah embarked on a bold journey with her hair treatment. She claimed inspiration struck her in a dream, where a towering figure, described as "a big Black man," imparted wisdom about a miraculous "remedy from Africa." Yet, whispers suggest her concoctions might have been influenced by Pope-Turnbo's elixirs, possibly refined with the assistance of a pharmacist friend she met while moonlighting as a cook. Under a new name Mrs. C.J. Walker, following her marriage to Charles Joseph Walker, Sarah introduced her inaugural product, the renowned Madam C.J. Walker's Wonderful Hair Grower, blending coconut oil and sulfur into a potent conditioner, all for a mere $1.25 investment. The returns? A staggering $1,000 that year alone. Her success reached new heights as she expanded her product line, showcasing an entire regimen during an extensive sales tour across the South, tripling revenues in its wake. By 1908, she had established a school in Pittsburgh, training "hair culturists" in her methods. Indianapolis became her next destination in 1910, transforming into the epicentre of the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, complete with a bustling factory. Branch offices, salons, and training schools grew across cities, with Walker herself journeying to the Caribbean and Central America by 1913 to expand her empire. The financial reports of the Walker Manufacturing Company, preserved at the Indiana Historical Society, paint a vivid picture of prosperity: - 1917: $175,937 - 1918: $275,937.88 - 1919: $486,762 - 1920: $595,353 To review, $595,353 in 1920 translates to an amazing $16.9 million in today's currency. Sales flourished through mail orders, Walker Parlors, and a network of dedicated salespeople travelling the nation, offering a range of products from Temple Grower to Vegetable Shampoo, Glossine, and even cosmetics introduced in 1918. Walker's legacy extended far beyond her hair treatments; it symbolised empowerment and entrepreneurship for generations to come. The innovation engine Madam Walker rode the wave of the burgeoning Black middle class in the early 20th century, tapping into a community with newfound optional income eager to invest in beauty and self-care. Yet, her approach outperformed mere initiative; it was steeped in foresight and modern strategies that set her apart. In 1911, Walker logically incorporated the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, injecting $10,000 of her capital and securing sole ownership of 1,000 shares at $10 each. This strategic move not only shielded her enterprise under the protective veil of the law but also granted a legal legitimacy rarely accessible to African American entrepreneurs of her time. Her company's multifaceted approach to sales and distribution set new standards. From a flourishing mail-order business to meticulously curated salons and treatment centres, Walker's empire thrived. She invested in a vital sales force comprised of independent yet closely-knit agents, providing ample training through specialised schools and affiliations with Black colleges. But Walker's brilliance didn't stop there. She meticulously crafted her image, weaving her narrative of ascent "from the washtub to the boardroom" into every advertisement and press release. Her face became synonymous with quality and success, anchoring her products in authenticity and efficacy. More than a trader of beauty, Walker positioned herself as a beacon of hope in an era where opportunities for Black women were scarce. Her opulent lifestyle, showcased through grand mansions, sleek automobiles, and plush offices, served as a testament to her achievements. Yet, she balanced this flashiness with generous contributions to African American causes and institutions, cementing her status as a trailblazer and philanthropist. In a time when Black celebrities were rare, Walker understood the power of her narrative and diligently cultivated her public persona, ensuring that her legacy would endure beyond her lifetime. Laurels of achievement Madam Walker's legacy echoes through the halls of fame, with honours vested upon her long after her earthly journey: In 1992, she mounted the pedestal of the Global Business Hall of Fame, once known as the National Business Hall of Fame, housed within the esteemed Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. A year later, the echoes of her achievements resounded within the hallowed halls of the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, New York, where her name found its eternal place among the illustrious. The American Health and Beauty Aids Institute in Chicago also glorified her in their esteemed Hall of Fame, a testament to her profound impact on the industry. Her likeness stands immortalised in the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore, a testament to her enduring influence and cultural significance. In 1998, her visage graced a U.S. postage stamp, forever etching her into the annals of American history. The Direct Selling Association bestowed upon her the esteemed Distinguished Service Award, recognising her unparalleled contributions to the world of commerce. The National Coalition of 100 Black Women's Oakland/Bay area chapter annually celebrates her spirit through the Madam C.J. Walker Luncheon and Empowerment Forum, honouring her invincible legacy with an award that bears her name. In 2007, her remarkable journey became the subject of a Harvard Business School case study, ensuring that her pioneering spirit and business sense would inspire generations to come. The bridge between abundance and impact As her company flourished, Madam Walker's wealth transcended mere financial bounds. She delved into investments spanning real estate, adorned herself with jewels steeped in history, and curated a collection of antiques and art, painting her life with opulence. At the twilight of her days, her estate gleamed with assets nearing $600,000, a testament to her shrewd insight, worth a staggering $17.07 million in today's currency. Yet, Madam Walker's heartbeat is not just for prosperity but for the betterment of her people. Her philanthropic zeal mirrored her ascent, resonating with the inspiring call to "help my race." In 1911, she seeded the ground for community growth with a $1,000 contribution towards pitching a Black branch of the YMCA in Indianapolis. By 1918, her generosity knew no bounds as she spearheaded the campaign to liberate Frederick Douglass's abode from the shackles of debt. Her pledge of $5,000 to the NAACP's anti-lynching crusade in 1919 reverberated across the land, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of racial injustice. Each donation stood as a monolith of benevolence, the largest single offering of its time, a hallmark of Madam Walker's unbeatable spirit. In her embrace of education, she illuminated paths at the Tuskegee Institute, sponsoring the tuition of six eager minds. Her will, a testament to her enduring legacy, endowed two-thirds of her company's net proceeds to noble causes, a perpetual wellspring of compassion. With a forward gaze, she earmarked $10,000 for an African mission school, sowing seeds of enlightenment across distant shores. Madam Walker's life was not just a story of riches amassed but of hearts uplifted, of dreams nurtured, and of destinies reshaped. Her philanthropy, a symphony of generosity, echoes through the corridors of time, a testament to the enduring power of one woman's vision. Inner landscape In the records of entrepreneurial history, Madam Walker's daughter, Lelia (later known as A'Lelia), emerges as a figure of considerable influence. In the newborn days of the company, she stood shoulder to shoulder with her mother, orchestrating the complex dance of supply and mail-order operations, her graceful touch guiding the company's early strides. As one of its esteemed board members, she lent her wisdom to the helm, a testament to her vital role in shaping its trajectory. But it was Lelia's vision that set the stage for a new chapter in the company's saga. In 1913, she made the bold move to New York, beckoning her mother to establish a foothold just as Harlem burgeoned into a pulsating nexus of Black commerce and artistic expression. Following Madam Walker's passing in 1919, the veil of leadership fell upon Lelia's shoulders, as she ascended to the presidency of the company. Yet, her stewardship zigged towards the realm of cultural custom and social refinement, as she cast her aura over the swelling Harlem Renaissance. Renowned poet Langston Hughes bestowed upon her the famed title of the "Joy Goddess of Harlem," a testament to her magnetic presence amid the spirited swirl of artistic innovation. The question lingers: Was Madam Walker the foremost African American female millionaire? The answer remains hidden in the mists of history's opacity. While the Guinness Book of World Records heralds her as the inaugural self-made American woman millionaire, the corridors of time bear witness to other stars who reportedly scaled the dizzying heights of seven-figure fortunes. The tapestry of Walker's wealth is woven with threads of complexity. Despite the meticulous documentation, the true extent of her riches remains shrouded in uncertainty. Newspaper headlines of the era proclaimed her as a "millionairess," even as she opposed, grappling with the untouchable nature of wealth's quantification. When she departed this mortal loop in 1919, her assets and investments stood at a tough $600,000, with her company commanding annual revenues nearing $500,000. By conservative estimates, the breakup value of her company exceeded $1.2 million, casting her into the rarefied echelons of millionaire status. In the mosaic of her legacy, Madam Walker's journey stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship—a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. How did the Madam C.J. Walker company embrace evolution on its remarkable journey? Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company endured beyond the earthly departure of its visionary founder in 1919. Through the roaring twenties, it stood as a beacon of innovation and enterprise, weathering the tempests of economic upheaval with fortitude. As the spectre of the Great Depression cast its shadow, the company's resilience wavered, yet it clung to its existence, a testament to its enduring spirit. Though the factory gates closed in 1981, the indomitable legacy of Madam Walker persevered through the shifting sands of time. In a symbolic passing of the torch, the trademark found new custodians, breathing life into the hallowed halls of tradition. For three decades, they meticulously crafted the original formulas, keeping alive the essence of Madam Walker's vision. Then, in a transformative moment of rebirth, Sundial Brands emerged as the torchbearer of Madam C.J. Walker's legacy in 2013. With reverence and innovation, they unveiled a new chapter under the banner of Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture in 2016, a testament to the enduring allure of her name. Today, the MADAM by Madam C.J. Walker product line graces the shelves of Walmart, a testament to the timeless allure and enduring legacy of one woman's indomitable spirit. Through the ebb and flow of history, Madam Walker's vision continues to resonate, a beacon of empowerment and beauty for generations to come.

Flashback Friday | Madam CJ Walker: From cotton fields to hair care queen

<p>In what is said to be among the highest individual contributions by an alumnus to Indian academia, US-based tech entrepreneur Sunil Wadhwani donated Rs.110 crore or $13.75 million to his alma mater, IIT-Madras. A student of the 1984 batch, the entrepreneur donated the sum of money to establish a Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, at the campus where he had studied. The MoU for establishing the Centre was exchanged between Wadhawani, IIT-Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti and other officials from the institute.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tech entrepreneur Sunil Wadhwani (right)donates ₹110cr($13.75mn) to his Alma Mater <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IITMadras?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IITMadras</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> ,for establishing Wadhwani School of Data <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Science</a> &amp; AI<br />
<br />
Course in <a href="https://t.co/j14Zunu1Ho">https://t.co/j14Zunu1Ho</a> AI &amp; Data analytics at <a href="https://twitter.com/iitmadras?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iitmadras</a> from July 2024<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/academia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#academia</a>… <a href="https://t.co/FQz1Gt8tvM">pic.twitter.com/FQz1Gt8tvM</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1752227008309039581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Elaborating on his choice of donating towards the field of AI, he said, that Artificial Intelligence has been around for more than five decades, but it is during the last 10 years that rapid progress has taken place, owing to the increase in computing power and the immense data that is available due to social media.</p>

<p>"Today, AI is growing at a much faster pace and the power of AI is doubling every 6 months and in about ten years, it could surpass human intelligence," he opined.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to him, there are tremendous benefits and challenges posed by AI and India must be a leader in research, teaching, skills training and development of AI apps.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/have-a-look-at-pm-modis-personal-diary-featuring-mahatma-gandhis-quotes-685185">Have a look at PM Modi’s personal diary featuring Mahatma Gandhi’s quotes</a></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 15px;">"I see a strong need for a dedicated Data Science and AI school focusing on foundational and applied research in these areas. With the advancements in science and technology, India holds immense potential and can be a world leader in AI and allied sciences," he said.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p>Queried about how these funds would be used, Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean, Alumni and Corporate Relations, IIT-M, told WION that a portion of the fund would be used immediately for setting up facilities and for attracting the best talent - faculty, researchers etc. He added that the 30,000 square feet facility was being prepared for hosting the facility and that a large part of the fund would continue to support the department for a long time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-satnam-singh-sandhu-founder-chancellor-of-chandigarh-university-nominated-as-rajya-sabha-mp-685125">Who is Satnam Singh Sandhu? Founder, chancellor of Chandigarh University nominated as Rajya Sabha MP</a></p>

<p>Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT-Madras, said that the institute is working towards launching a B.Tech course in AI and Data Analytics by July 2024 and gradually expanding the intake from the initial 30 students.</p>

<p>Under its School of Data Science and AI, IIT Madras has three centres - Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and AI, Centre for Responsible AI and the upcoming Wadhwani School.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-navy-rescues-two-hijacked-vessels-in-less-than-36-hours-685151">Indian Navy rescues two hijacked vessels in less than 36 hours</a></strong></p>

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<p>Outlining the vision for the Wadhwani school, Prof. B. Ravindran, its Founding Head, said that Data Science and AI are inherrently interdisciplinary fields. The Wadhwani school will enable close collaboration between domain experts and AI researchers to develop solutions that integrate AI with existing approaches. Healthcare, Agriculture, Smart cities and transportation, Financial Analytics, Manufacturing, Defence, Education etc. are among the domains in which the facility would carry out Applied Research.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


In what is said to be among the highest individual contributions by an alumnus to Indian academia, US-based tech entrepreneur Sunil Wadhwani donated Rs.110 crore or $13.

In what is said to be among the highest individual contributions by an alumnus to Indian academia, US-based tech entrepreneur Sunil Wadhwani donated Rs.110 crore or $13.75 million to his alma mater, IIT-Madras. A student of the 1984 batch, the entrepreneur donated the sum of money to establish a Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, at the campus where he had studied. The MoU for establishing the Centre was exchanged between Wadhawani, IIT-Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti and other officials from the institute. Tech entrepreneur Sunil Wadhwani (right)donates ₹110cr($13.75mn) to his Alma Mater #IITMadras #Chennai ,for establishing Wadhwani School of Data #Science & AI Course in https://t.co/j14Zunu1Ho AI & Data analytics at @iitmadras from July 2024#india #tech #AI #academia… pic.twitter.com/FQz1Gt8tvM — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) January 30, 2024 × Elaborating on his choice of donating towards the field of AI, he said, that Artificial Intelligence has been around for more than five decades, but it is during the last 10 years that rapid progress has taken place, owing to the increase in computing power and the immense data that is available due to social media. "Today, AI is growing at a much faster pace and the power of AI is doubling every 6 months and in about ten years, it could surpass human intelligence," he opined. According to him, there are tremendous benefits and challenges posed by AI and India must be a leader in research, teaching, skills training and development of AI apps. Also Read | Have a look at PM Modi’s personal diary featuring Mahatma Gandhi’s quotes "I see a strong need for a dedicated Data Science and AI school focusing on foundational and applied research in these areas. With the advancements in science and technology, India holds immense potential and can be a world leader in AI and allied sciences," he said. Queried about how these funds would be used, Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean, Alumni and Corporate Relations, IIT-M, told WION that a portion of the fund would be used immediately for setting up facilities and for attracting the best talent - faculty, researchers etc. He added that the 30,000 square feet facility was being prepared for hosting the facility and that a large part of the fund would continue to support the department for a long time. Also Read | Who is Satnam Singh Sandhu? Founder, chancellor of Chandigarh University nominated as Rajya Sabha MP Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT-Madras, said that the institute is working towards launching a B.Tech course in AI and Data Analytics by July 2024 and gradually expanding the intake from the initial 30 students. Under its School of Data Science and AI, IIT Madras has three centres - Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and AI, Centre for Responsible AI and the upcoming Wadhwani School. Watch | Indian Navy rescues two hijacked vessels in less than 36 hours × Outlining the vision for the Wadhwani school, Prof. B. Ravindran, its Founding Head, said that Data Science and AI are inherrently interdisciplinary fields. The Wadhwani school will enable close collaboration between domain experts and AI researchers to develop solutions that integrate AI with existing approaches. Healthcare, Agriculture, Smart cities and transportation, Financial Analytics, Manufacturing, Defence, Education etc. are among the domains in which the facility would carry out Applied Research.

US-based tech entrepreneur donates $13.75 million to alma mater IIT-Madras

In WION's "Billion Dollar Idea" show, we cover the inspiring story of a maverick enabling entrepreneurs and empowering businesses. Saurabh Nanda, an accomplished Founder with a proven track record in the marketing and advertising sector, is making significant contributions to the evolution of the startup ecosystem. His impact extends beyond personal success, as he becomes a guiding figure for aspiring entrepreneurs. Join Jasper Reid as he delves into the success narrative of this seasoned businessman, who has achieved a god-like status among entrepreneurs.

Billion Dollar Idea | Episode 10 | Combonation

<p>R Thyagarajan, a financial maverick from India, has created a legacy unlike any other, having built a business empire while also giving away some $750 million to charitable causes.</p>

<p>His Shriram Group, a multibillion-dollar conglomerate in India, has prospered by providing credit to low-income individuals, a sector that many financial institutions worldwide struggled to navigate.</p>

<p>In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg News, Thyagarajan shared his journey and vision.</p>

<h2><strong>Revolutionising lending</strong></h2>

<p>Thyagarajan's vision led him to create the Shriram Group, which extends credit to India's underserved population, allowing them access to trucks, tractors, and other essential vehicles.</p>

<p>This approach defied the conventional wisdom that lending to people without established credit histories or regular incomes is inherently risky.</p>

<p>He has built a conglomerate spanning various industries, employing over 108,000 people and achieving remarkable success, with its flagship firm's shares surging over 35 per cent&nbsp;this year alone.</p>

<p>He maintains that there's nothing uncommon about his business strategy or his choice to donate a portion of his ownership in Shriram to&nbsp;charity, which is currently assessed at over $750 million.</p>

<p>Describing himself as "a bit of a leftist," Thyagarajan's approach to business is driven by his desire to alleviate the struggles of those facing challenges.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Adani mulls selling stake in wilmar joint venture: Reports</strong></p>

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<p>He believes in offering affordable alternatives to the punitive rates faced by the unbanked, proving that lending to the poor can be both safe and profitable. This approach has inspired other companies to rethink their lending practices and reduce borrowing costs, creating a positive impact on the industry.</p>

<p>Thyagarajan's path has been unconventional in an industry rife with ethical quandaries and volatility. From his origins in a privileged farming family to his analytical mindset cultivated through mathematical studies, he entered the world of finance with a unique perspective.</p>

<p>His decades-long journey led to the creation of Shriram Chits, which evolved into a group of over 30 companies and changed the landscape of lending in India.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-rupee-trade-gets-a-vostro-boost-623715">India's rupee trade gets a 'Vostro' boost</a></p>

<h2><strong>A humble pursuit of simplicity</strong></h2>

<p>Amidst his financial achievements, Thyagarajan remains grounded in simple pursuits.</p>

<p>He drives a modest car and refrains from owning a distracting mobile phone. His leisure time is dedicated to classical music and reading business magazines, reflecting his philosophy of leading a life of purpose and meaning.</p>

<p>R Thyagarajan's journey is a testament to his unique approach to finance, social responsibility, and the unwavering pursuit of a meaningful life.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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R Thyagarajan, a financial maverick from India, has created a legacy unlike any other, having built a business empire while also giving away some $750 million to charitable causes.

R Thyagarajan, a financial maverick from India, has created a legacy unlike any other, having built a business empire while also giving away some $750 million to charitable causes. His Shriram Group, a multibillion-dollar conglomerate in India, has prospered by providing credit to low-income individuals, a sector that many financial institutions worldwide struggled to navigate. In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg News, Thyagarajan shared his journey and vision. Revolutionising lending Thyagarajan's vision led him to create the Shriram Group, which extends credit to India's underserved population, allowing them access to trucks, tractors, and other essential vehicles. This approach defied the conventional wisdom that lending to people without established credit histories or regular incomes is inherently risky. He has built a conglomerate spanning various industries, employing over 108,000 people and achieving remarkable success, with its flagship firm's shares surging over 35 per cent this year alone. He maintains that there's nothing uncommon about his business strategy or his choice to donate a portion of his ownership in Shriram to charity, which is currently assessed at over $750 million. Describing himself as "a bit of a leftist," Thyagarajan's approach to business is driven by his desire to alleviate the struggles of those facing challenges. Also watch | Adani mulls selling stake in wilmar joint venture: Reports He believes in offering affordable alternatives to the punitive rates faced by the unbanked, proving that lending to the poor can be both safe and profitable. This approach has inspired other companies to rethink their lending practices and reduce borrowing costs, creating a positive impact on the industry. Thyagarajan's path has been unconventional in an industry rife with ethical quandaries and volatility. From his origins in a privileged farming family to his analytical mindset cultivated through mathematical studies, he entered the world of finance with a unique perspective. His decades-long journey led to the creation of Shriram Chits, which evolved into a group of over 30 companies and changed the landscape of lending in India. Also read | India's rupee trade gets a 'Vostro' boost A humble pursuit of simplicity Amidst his financial achievements, Thyagarajan remains grounded in simple pursuits. He drives a modest car and refrains from owning a distracting mobile phone. His leisure time is dedicated to classical music and reading business magazines, reflecting his philosophy of leading a life of purpose and meaning. R Thyagarajan's journey is a testament to his unique approach to finance, social responsibility, and the unwavering pursuit of a meaningful life. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

This Indian tycoon gave away $750mn, lives phone-free. Here's why

In pics | Breaking the glass ceiling: America’s richest self-made women

Once known as the king of crypto, American entrepreneur, investor and now - an "alleged" fraudster. Sam Bankman-Fried. You all would know about the rise and collapse of FTX. But how deep does this fraud run? And how deep is the damage, really? We untangle this for you in this episode.

FTX collapse: How deep does the damage run? | Untangled

<p>Every morning, after dropping her children along with a few other kids from her village to school in Dhannipatti in the north Indian city of Mirzapur, Pragya Devi heads to the main market area to start the 'morning route' of her e-rickshaw business. She usually charges 15 rupees for one drop-off per person if the distance is within three kilometres.</p>

<p>If business is good in the first half of the day, she instantly buys vegetables for the family. Her passion for automobiles is what describes her the best. While this passion for women in her community is rare, it is revolutionary to see a married woman clad in a traditional Indian sari and a vermilion mark on her head riding an e-rickshaw, transporting men, women and children around the male-dominated locales of Mirzapur.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-hekani-jakhalu-nagalands-first-ever-woman-mla-creates-history-in-northeast-elections-2023-567603">Who is Hekani Jakhalu? Nagaland's first-ever woman MLA creates history in Northeast Elections 2023</a></p>

<p>From women being astonished when they first see her to women feeling proud of her - Pragya Devi has observed her community come to terms with this 'shock' in their environment. During one round of her e-rickshaw, a young girl, who is currently a nurse, wondered, “If she can do it, we can do it”. Pragya Devi carries the message of women's empowerment with her wherever she goes, creating a positive domino effect.</p>

<p>Thousands of women like Pragya Devi are today waiting for someone to help them bridge the gap between dreams and reality, even if the help is just a small amount like Rs 40,000 ($489). This is the magic wand that Rang De's founder Smita Ram and with her husband Ram NK are carrying, to empower women from these rural belts of India to rise and shine.</p>

<p><strong>Rang De – an attempt at last mile financial inclusion "women"</strong></p>

<p>For the burgeoning women entrepreneurs in rural areas and courageously taking a step ahead to work for themselves and their families, Rang De has emerged as a blessing, a helping hand from one woman to another.</p>

<p>Established in 2008, Rang De is the first social peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform in India, which is providing low-cost and affordable credit to unbanked communities.</p>

<p>The platform provides individuals with the opportunity to turn themselves into social investors&nbsp;by lending small amounts of money to those who have never borrowed from any bank or are financially excluded. This is done at a small interest rate and Rang De further encourages these social investors to reinvest the repayments received, thus creating an infinite loop of impact.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: UN chief warns gender equality still 300 years away</strong></p>

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<p>Speaking about the mission of Rang De Smita Ram told WION, "What we aim to address through Rang De is to enable underbanked communities to get access to affordable credit, and also bridge the empathy gap between urban and rural India."</p>

<p>With 80 per cent of investees being rural women, this novel idea is helping the women of developing India break the clutches of poverty and prosper. Taking pride in lending support to such women, Smita Ram said, "We are already seeing women making great strides when it comes to building enterprises and becoming self-reliant. You invest in a woman and you will see an entire community develop".</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Every morning, after dropping her children along with a few other kids from her village to school in Dhannipatti in the north Indian city of Mirzapur, Pragya Devi heads to the main market area to start the 'morning route' of her e-rickshaw business.

Every morning, after dropping her children along with a few other kids from her village to school in Dhannipatti in the north Indian city of Mirzapur, Pragya Devi heads to the main market area to start the 'morning route' of her e-rickshaw business. She usually charges 15 rupees for one drop-off per person if the distance is within three kilometres. If business is good in the first half of the day, she instantly buys vegetables for the family. Her passion for automobiles is what describes her the best. While this passion for women in her community is rare, it is revolutionary to see a married woman clad in a traditional Indian sari and a vermilion mark on her head riding an e-rickshaw, transporting men, women and children around the male-dominated locales of Mirzapur. ALSO READ | Who is Hekani Jakhalu? Nagaland's first-ever woman MLA creates history in Northeast Elections 2023 From women being astonished when they first see her to women feeling proud of her - Pragya Devi has observed her community come to terms with this 'shock' in their environment. During one round of her e-rickshaw, a young girl, who is currently a nurse, wondered, “If she can do it, we can do it”. Pragya Devi carries the message of women's empowerment with her wherever she goes, creating a positive domino effect. Thousands of women like Pragya Devi are today waiting for someone to help them bridge the gap between dreams and reality, even if the help is just a small amount like Rs 40,000 ($489). This is the magic wand that Rang De's founder Smita Ram and with her husband Ram NK are carrying, to empower women from these rural belts of India to rise and shine. Rang De – an attempt at last mile financial inclusion "women" For the burgeoning women entrepreneurs in rural areas and courageously taking a step ahead to work for themselves and their families, Rang De has emerged as a blessing, a helping hand from one woman to another. Established in 2008, Rang De is the first social peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform in India, which is providing low-cost and affordable credit to unbanked communities. The platform provides individuals with the opportunity to turn themselves into social investors by lending small amounts of money to those who have never borrowed from any bank or are financially excluded. This is done at a small interest rate and Rang De further encourages these social investors to reinvest the repayments received, thus creating an infinite loop of impact. WATCH | Gravitas: UN chief warns gender equality still 300 years away Speaking about the mission of Rang De Smita Ram told WION, "What we aim to address through Rang De is to enable underbanked communities to get access to affordable credit, and also bridge the empathy gap between urban and rural India." With 80 per cent of investees being rural women, this novel idea is helping the women of developing India break the clutches of poverty and prosper. Taking pride in lending support to such women, Smita Ram said, "We are already seeing women making great strides when it comes to building enterprises and becoming self-reliant. You invest in a woman and you will see an entire community develop". You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

From dreams to reality - How Rang De's micro-credit drive is transforming women to entrepreneurs

Elizabeth Holmes made billions from a device that promised to run hundreds of tests from just a single drop of blood. The technology didn't work. But Holmes still managed to dupe several high profile investors. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: This Entrepreneur made billions from an invention that didn't exist

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="15">In terms of the number of new unicorns, India had a fantastic year.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="17">Only the United States and China were ahead of it, and it surpassed the United Kingdom.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="18">There were 54 unicorns from India, up from 33 the year before.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="19">With a valuation of $21 billion, India's most successful unicorn is edtech behemoth Byju's.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="20">It is ranked 15th in the world.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="21">The Hurun Research Institute's Global Unicorn Index 2021 is a ranking of the world's start-ups that were created in the 2000s, have a market capitalization of at least a billion dollars, and are not publicly traded.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="22">The deadline for submissions was November 30.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="23">According to Rupert Hoogewerf, Chairman and Chief Researcher of the Hurun Report, countries with the most unicorns have a more dynamic economy.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="24">At least one unicorn can now be found in 42 economies, up from just 25 just two years ago.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="25">However, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Poland are among 160 countries where no unicorns have been discovered.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="26">Mexico, the Netherlands, the Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Norway, Senegal, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam are among the thirteen countries that have produced unicorns for the first time.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
ByteDance is the most valuable company in the world, valued at $350 billion, followed by Ant Group at $150 billion, SpaceX at $100 billion, finch Stripe at $95 billion, Klarna at $46 billion, Canva at $40 billion, InstaCart at $39 billion, Databricks at $38 billion, Cainiao at $34 billion, and Revolut at $33 billion.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="27"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In terms of the number of new unicorns, India had a fantastic year. Only the United States and China were ahead of it, and it surpassed the United Kingdom. There were 54 unicorns from India, up from 33 the year before.

In terms of the number of new unicorns, India had a fantastic year. Only the United States and China were ahead of it, and it surpassed the United Kingdom. There were 54 unicorns from India, up from 33 the year before. With a valuation of $21 billion, India's most successful unicorn is edtech behemoth Byju's. It is ranked 15th in the world. The Hurun Research Institute's Global Unicorn Index 2021 is a ranking of the world's start-ups that were created in the 2000s, have a market capitalization of at least a billion dollars, and are not publicly traded. The deadline for submissions was November 30. According to Rupert Hoogewerf, Chairman and Chief Researcher of the Hurun Report, countries with the most unicorns have a more dynamic economy. At least one unicorn can now be found in 42 economies, up from just 25 just two years ago. However, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Poland are among 160 countries where no unicorns have been discovered. Mexico, the Netherlands, the Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Norway, Senegal, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam are among the thirteen countries that have produced unicorns for the first time. ByteDance is the most valuable company in the world, valued at $350 billion, followed by Ant Group at $150 billion, SpaceX at $100 billion, finch Stripe at $95 billion, Klarna at $46 billion, Canva at $40 billion, InstaCart at $39 billion, Databricks at $38 billion, Cainiao at $34 billion, and Revolut at $33 billion. (With inputs from agencies)

India beats UK, creates third-highest number of unicorns in 2021

Kylie Jenner pregnant after the reality TV star and entrepreneur posted an emotional video that starts with a pregnancy test that reads "pregnant." The video shows rapper Travis Scott and their daughter Stormi visiting the doctor's office where you can see an image of the ultrasound.

Kylie Jenner expecting second child

<p>Ants scurry around in transparent boxes stacked outside a Singaporean store that is tapping into an unlikely but growing local trend of keeping the six-legged creatures as pets.</p>

<p>John Ye says he became fascinated with the "altruistic, compassionate" creepy-crawlies after receiving some as a gift from his brother-in-law.</p>

<p>The 41-year-old eventually ditched a job in electronics distribution to open "Just Ants" in January and cater to fellow enthusiasts.</p>

<p>"I wish to have a place where people can gather and share insights, and share their ant-keeping journey," Ye told AFP.</p>

<p>The shop sells ant farms along with specialist equipment, including mini handheld vacuums for catching the insects, tiny feeding dishes and mealworms used as feed.</p>

<p>It was forced to close for a period due to a coronavirus lockdown earlier this year but has reopened since restrictions were eased, and business is picking up.</p>

<p>It stocks 30 to 40 species, sourced from ant-keeper friends or collected by Ye and his team around Singapore.</p>

<p>Catching the creatures is no easy task. It is usually only possible during so-called "nuptial flights" -- when new queens and winged male ants take to the air in the hope of finding a mate.</p>

<p><strong>- Pets or pests? -</strong></p>

<p>The queen ants are then placed in test tubes or small tanks, where they give birth to a colony of worker ants if they have mated.</p>

<p>Ye's personal collection includes tens of thousands of marauder ants, a species of the creature commonly found across Asia, housed in a large box.</p>

<p>The number of ant aficionados in Singapore is small but growing, according to Ye -- a Facebook group where keepers exchange advice and information has nearly 4,000 members.</p>

<p>But Ye knows he has his work cut out to convince people in Singapore, where ant-keeping is rare, that the creatures are pets and not pests.</p>

<p>Most Singaporeans believe "you should actually not keep ants because ants... are poisonous, they are dirty, disgusting, they carry diseases", he conceded.</p>

<p>"We always fear something that we don't understand."</p>

<p>Beginner ant-keeper Wei Sern Lim visited the shop to buy a box of food and a new home for his colony.</p>

<p>"It's nicer to see the products and a lot more convenient just to have a physical shop," the 30-year-old told AFP.</p>

<p>Others simply turned up to see whether such a shop really existed.</p>

<p>"I'm very tickled, they are actually selling ants as pets -- it's totally unheard of," said visitor Michelle Serio.</p>


Ants scurry around in transparent boxes stacked outside a Singaporean store that is tapping into an unlikely but growing local trend of keeping the six-legged creatures as pets.

Ants scurry around in transparent boxes stacked outside a Singaporean store that is tapping into an unlikely but growing local trend of keeping the six-legged creatures as pets. John Ye says he became fascinated with the "altruistic, compassionate" creepy-crawlies after receiving some as a gift from his brother-in-law. The 41-year-old eventually ditched a job in electronics distribution to open "Just Ants" in January and cater to fellow enthusiasts. "I wish to have a place where people can gather and share insights, and share their ant-keeping journey," Ye told AFP. The shop sells ant farms along with specialist equipment, including mini handheld vacuums for catching the insects, tiny feeding dishes and mealworms used as feed. It was forced to close for a period due to a coronavirus lockdown earlier this year but has reopened since restrictions were eased, and business is picking up. It stocks 30 to 40 species, sourced from ant-keeper friends or collected by Ye and his team around Singapore. Catching the creatures is no easy task. It is usually only possible during so-called "nuptial flights" -- when new queens and winged male ants take to the air in the hope of finding a mate. - Pets or pests? - The queen ants are then placed in test tubes or small tanks, where they give birth to a colony of worker ants if they have mated. Ye's personal collection includes tens of thousands of marauder ants, a species of the creature commonly found across Asia, housed in a large box. The number of ant aficionados in Singapore is small but growing, according to Ye -- a Facebook group where keepers exchange advice and information has nearly 4,000 members. But Ye knows he has his work cut out to convince people in Singapore, where ant-keeping is rare, that the creatures are pets and not pests. Most Singaporeans believe "you should actually not keep ants because ants... are poisonous, they are dirty, disgusting, they carry diseases", he conceded. "We always fear something that we don't understand." Beginner ant-keeper Wei Sern Lim visited the shop to buy a box of food and a new home for his colony. "It's nicer to see the products and a lot more convenient just to have a physical shop," the 30-year-old told AFP. Others simply turned up to see whether such a shop really existed. "I'm very tickled, they are actually selling ants as pets -- it's totally unheard of," said visitor Michelle Serio.

Singaporean 'ant-repreneur' sells tiny six-legged pets

Most people just want to get rid of them, but ants have become the primary business for an entrepreneur who is selling them as pets in Singapore. The city state's first shop specializing in pet ants, "Just Ants" opened in late February just as lockdown measures to curb the spread of coronavirus set in, bringing business to a halt.

Pest or pet? Ant farms fascinate Singaporeans

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has unveiled a pig that has had a coin-sized computer implant in its brain for two months, calling it an early step toward the goal of curing human diseases with the technology.

Elon Musk shows pig, blend of human & artificial intelligence

Indian American entrepreneur Anil Shrivats donated a kidney to his brother in 2014. Since then, he has become what he had never done - a champion of organ donation.

Anil Srivatsa Driving Around the World To Raise Awareness About Organ Donation

Oluwatoyin Onigbanjo is shopping for vegetables at a market in Nigeria's commercial capital, Lagos. Oluwatoyin runs Augustsecrets, a company she started on 2016 that develops meals for children, using locally sourced ingredients. The trained nutritionist says she is intentional about the choice of vegetables and fruits she buys; the colors are crucial in making eye-catching meals that are also healthy and tasty for children.

Playful food: Nigerian entrepreneur gets kids to the table with fun recipes

Saudi households typically serve large oval-shaped platters piled high with rice, a daily staple, but a lot goes to waste as many just peck on the sides and rarely even reach the middle. Entrepreneur Mashal al Kharashi is fighting back with a rice plate that makes the portion of food appear bigger. With a mound in the centre, the plate minimises the middle area, prompting people to serve less and save more.

Saudi entrepreneur comes up with novel idea to reduce food waste

<p>For the past couple of days now, the media has been making a big hype of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES). On the front page of every newspaper, and on every news channel, Ivanka Trump is the main story. However, like everything else that involves politics and politicians, it is all show and no substance. Modi and Ivanka smiled for photographs, there was a <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/business/startups/when-pm-narendra-modi-ivanka-trump-global-entrepreneurship-summit-launched-mitra-the-made-in-india-humanoid-robot-4960043/" rel="nofollow">robot that can greet people</a> and make small talk, and a whole lot of speeches were given.</p>

<p>But let us look at the stated goals of the summit, and what it does to achieve those goals.</p>

<p><strong>Empowering Female Entrepreneurs</strong></p>

<p>The first aim is to encourage women to start their own business. Currently, <a href="https://thewire.in/34430/women-run-14-of-indian-businesses-most-self-financed/" rel="nofollow">only about 14 per cent of the businesses in India is run by women</a>, of which 83 per cent&nbsp;is just one woman businesses, with no other staff.</p>

<p>What did the summit do to enable female entrepreneurship? It consisted of numerous master classes, where industry veterans told their own stories of how they started out, the mistakes they made along the way, and useful things they learnt. While it is nice to know tips and tricks, one cannot really use them unless they have both the skills and the capital to start their own business.</p>

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<p>Where do they get those skills and capital? Majority of the entrepreneurs initially work for someone else, learning essential skills on the job, which they later apply in their own ventures. Earnings from a job also help them accumulate some of the capital necessary for starting out on their own. This is where the crux of our problem lies.</p>

<p>India has so few female entrepreneurs simply because it has a very low proportion of women in the labour market. The female labour force participation rate is <a href="https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS?locations=BD-IN-CN" rel="nofollow">only 27</a>&nbsp;per cent. If women cannot get the experience and skills that come only from having a job, they will not be able to start their own businesses.</p>

<p>The question, then, is why do women not get jobs? Sure, there is some stigma to women working outside their homes, but that can&rsquo;t explain the entire shortfall in female labour force participation. If stigma were the explanation, developing countries similar to India, such as Bangladesh and China, for instance, would also see this problem. But in Bangladesh, 43 per cent of the women find work, as do 63 per cent in China.</p>

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<p>What is it that Bangladesh and China have, but India does not? The answer is large, labour intensive manufacturing sectors, which all countries at a similar level of development have. India famously skipped the manufacturing part, and jumped from agriculture, directly to the service sector.</p>

<p>The service sector creates relatively few high skill jobs. It cannot create the crores of jobs required for India&rsquo;s men and women. I have on <a href="https://fee.org/articles/what-marx-could-teach-obama-and-trump-about-trade/" rel="nofollow">numerous</a> <a href="https://fee.org/articles/governments-destroy-jobs-not-automation/" rel="nofollow">occasions</a> <a href="https://fee.org/articles/the-ease-of-doing-business-index-is-fraught-with-flaws/" rel="nofollow">described</a> how India&rsquo;s complex labour laws prevent a large industrial base from developing. Having too many labour laws makes it unprofitable to hire workers. As a result, what little manufacturing takes place in this country <a href="http://www.drnarendrajadhav.info/drjadhav-data_files/Published%20papers/Size%20and%20Capital%20Intensity%20in%20Indian%20Industries.pdf" rel="nofollow">relies heavily on machinery</a>, and not labour.</p>

<p>With regards to women specifically, there are numerous regulations that hurt their chances at employment. <a href="http://www.lawyersclubindia.com/articles/Protection-of-women-under-the-labour-laws-6511.asp" rel="nofollow">There are several</a> labour laws that were passed with the noble intention of helping women. The law mandates paid maternity leave, having a cr&egrave;che facility if the firm employs more than 30 women, places restrictions on the hours women can work and the maximum workload they can take on, among other things.</p>

<p>All of this means that it is cheaper for employers to hire a man than a woman, for the same job, and save on the additional costs of maternity leave, babysitting and so on. The law effectively forces employers to discriminate against women, and hire men wherever possible.</p>

<p>If the government were really serious about encouraging female entrepreneurship, they would first get rid of all the unnecessary regulations that create hurdles to finding jobs. Until then, only women from rich families who could afford a good education for them will benefit from such events.</p>

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<p><strong>Key Sectors</strong></p>

<p>The government wanted to promote a few key sectors in this summit. While I&rsquo;m no fan of this central planning mindset, where the government decides which sectors are important, that&rsquo;s a story for another time. For now, let us look at just two of these sectors and whether or not the summit will really help them.</p>

<p>The first is health and life sciences. Given the government&rsquo;s tendency to impose price controls on medicines and medical equipment, there is little incentive for entrepreneurs to enter the market. When government recently capped the price of stents, manufacturers <a href="http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/abbott-to-withdraw-two-of-its-latest-generation-coronary-stents-from-india-2263509.html" rel="nofollow">pulled out their latest models</a> from the market or <a href="http://www.livemint.com/Companies/iAGkqzuwIU0ecePeRd0epJ/Citing-price-controls-Abbott-says-wont-launch-newest-coron.html" rel="nofollow">refused to launch them at all</a>. This ended up hurting patients, who now have fewer choices. Unless government stops meddling in the healthcare market, summits like this are meaningless.</p>

<p>Media and entertainment are cited as another important sector. Of course, the first problem is the rampant censorship done by the government. Another problem is again, price controls. In some states, like Tamil Nadu, <a href="http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/JZeGqCCmBIkcJf8x72XAYI/Tamil-Nadu-film-theatres-in-distress-over-GST-corporation-t.html" rel="nofollow">movie ticket prices are capped by the government</a>. When it comes to television, entertainment channels are not allowed to charge more than Rs 12 per month as subscription fees. If the government prevents producers from making a return on their investment, <a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/why-are-indian-news-channels-so-disappointing/story-cDuiuycQiJDwIV1ZTxmeVK_amp.html" rel="nofollow">they have no reason to produce good movies and television</a>.</p>

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<h5>The government would be wise to deliver on its promises and get rid of unnecessary and burdensome regulations.</h5>
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<p>The government does not need to do more to promote female entrepreneurship or better healthcare or media and entertainment. On the contrary, as we have seen so far, government intervenes too much in the market, preventing these sectors from flourishing and women from succeeding. Instead of wasting time with these summits, the government would be wise to deliver on its promises and get rid of unnecessary and burdensome regulations.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).</em></p>


Excessive and unnecessary regulations imposed by the government have been discouraging female entrepreneurs

For the past couple of days now, the media has been making a big hype of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES). On the front page of every newspaper, and on every news channel, Ivanka Trump is the main story. However, like everything else that involves politics and politicians, it is all show and no substance. Modi and Ivanka smiled for photographs, there was a robot that can greet people and make small talk, and a whole lot of speeches were given. But let us look at the stated goals of the summit, and what it does to achieve those goals. Empowering Female Entrepreneurs The first aim is to encourage women to start their own business. Currently, only about 14 per cent of the businesses in India is run by women, of which 83 per cent is just one woman businesses, with no other staff. What did the summit do to enable female entrepreneurship? It consisted of numerous master classes, where industry veterans told their own stories of how they started out, the mistakes they made along the way, and useful things they learnt. While it is nice to know tips and tricks, one cannot really use them unless they have both the skills and the capital to start their own business. India has so few female entrepreneurs simply because it has a very low proportion of women in the labour market. × Where do they get those skills and capital? Majority of the entrepreneurs initially work for someone else, learning essential skills on the job, which they later apply in their own ventures. Earnings from a job also help them accumulate some of the capital necessary for starting out on their own. This is where the crux of our problem lies. India has so few female entrepreneurs simply because it has a very low proportion of women in the labour market. The female labour force participation rate is only 27 per cent. If women cannot get the experience and skills that come only from having a job, they will not be able to start their own businesses. The question, then, is why do women not get jobs? Sure, there is some stigma to women working outside their homes, but that can’t explain the entire shortfall in female labour force participation. If stigma were the explanation, developing countries similar to India, such as Bangladesh and China, for instance, would also see this problem. But in Bangladesh, 43 per cent of the women find work, as do 63 per cent in China. India skipped the manufacturing part, and jumped from agriculture, directly to the service sector. × What is it that Bangladesh and China have, but India does not? The answer is large, labour intensive manufacturing sectors, which all countries at a similar level of development have. India famously skipped the manufacturing part, and jumped from agriculture, directly to the service sector. The service sector creates relatively few high skill jobs. It cannot create the crores of jobs required for India’s men and women. I have on numerous occasions described how India’s complex labour laws prevent a large industrial base from developing. Having too many labour laws makes it unprofitable to hire workers. As a result, what little manufacturing takes place in this country relies heavily on machinery, and not labour. With regards to women specifically, there are numerous regulations that hurt their chances at employment. There are several labour laws that were passed with the noble intention of helping women. The law mandates paid maternity leave, having a crèche facility if the firm employs more than 30 women, places restrictions on the hours women can work and the maximum workload they can take on, among other things. All of this means that it is cheaper for employers to hire a man than a woman, for the same job, and save on the additional costs of maternity leave, babysitting and so on. The law effectively forces employers to discriminate against women, and hire men wherever possible. If the government were really serious about encouraging female entrepreneurship, they would first get rid of all the unnecessary regulations that create hurdles to finding jobs. Until then, only women from rich families who could afford a good education for them will benefit from such events. Given the government’s tendency to impose price controls on medicines and medical equipment, there is little incentive for entrepreneurs to enter the market. × Key Sectors The government wanted to promote a few key sectors in this summit. While I’m no fan of this central planning mindset, where the government decides which sectors are important, that’s a story for another time. For now, let us look at just two of these sectors and whether or not the summit will really help them. The first is health and life sciences. Given the government’s tendency to impose price controls on medicines and medical equipment, there is little incentive for entrepreneurs to enter the market. When government recently capped the price of stents, manufacturers pulled out their latest models from the market or refused to launch them at all. This ended up hurting patients, who now have fewer choices. Unless government stops meddling in the healthcare market, summits like this are meaningless. Media and entertainment are cited as another important sector. Of course, the first problem is the rampant censorship done by the government. Another problem is again, price controls. In some states, like Tamil Nadu, movie ticket prices are capped by the government. When it comes to television, entertainment channels are not allowed to charge more than Rs 12 per month as subscription fees. If the government prevents producers from making a return on their investment, they have no reason to produce good movies and television. The government would be wise to deliver on its promises and get rid of unnecessary and burdensome regulations. × The government does not need to do more to promote female entrepreneurship or better healthcare or media and entertainment. On the contrary, as we have seen so far, government intervenes too much in the market, preventing these sectors from flourishing and women from succeeding. Instead of wasting time with these summits, the government would be wise to deliver on its promises and get rid of unnecessary and burdensome regulations. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Will GES change the status of women entrepreneurs?

<p>Hamish Finlayson, 13, is the youngest entrepreneur who will be showcasing his gaming and awareness apps at the high-profile Global Entrepreneurship Summit here.</p>

<p>The Australia-based entrepreneur, who is studying in 7th grade, has so far developed five apps including the one to save turtles, and is currently working on the sixth one for increasing awareness about traffic rules.</p>

<p>&quot;I am super excited to be in India,&quot; Finlayson said, adding that though his first love is technology and developing apps, he also focuses on his studies.</p>

<p>&quot;Only after finishing my school homework, I work on my apps. I work only in my spare time,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Graeme Finlayson, father of Hamish, said that it all started when he was just eight years old and in the 3rd grade.</p>

<p>After contesting in a competition on apps, Hamish got interested and the journey started from there, his father said. The apps developed by him are available on Apple as well as Google Play stores.</p>

<p>&quot;The sixth app he is developing is about teaching people about road safety,&quot; Graeme said.</p>

<p>With customers in 54 countries, Hamish wants to scale his technology to solve big problems being faced by the people across the world, the father added.</p>

<p>He further said that at GES 2017, Hamish wants to showcase the light of sea turtles and raise awareness about the impact of autism on society.</p>


The Australia-based entrepreneur, who is studying in 7th grade, has so far developed five apps including the one to save turtles, and is currently working on the sixth one for increasing awareness about traffic rules

Hamish Finlayson, 13, is the youngest entrepreneur who will be showcasing his gaming and awareness apps at the high-profile Global Entrepreneurship Summit here. The Australia-based entrepreneur, who is studying in 7th grade, has so far developed five apps including the one to save turtles, and is currently working on the sixth one for increasing awareness about traffic rules. "I am super excited to be in India," Finlayson said, adding that though his first love is technology and developing apps, he also focuses on his studies. "Only after finishing my school homework, I work on my apps. I work only in my spare time," he added. Graeme Finlayson, father of Hamish, said that it all started when he was just eight years old and in the 3rd grade. After contesting in a competition on apps, Hamish got interested and the journey started from there, his father said. The apps developed by him are available on Apple as well as Google Play stores. "The sixth app he is developing is about teaching people about road safety," Graeme said. With customers in 54 countries, Hamish wants to scale his technology to solve big problems being faced by the people across the world, the father added. He further said that at GES 2017, Hamish wants to showcase the light of sea turtles and raise awareness about the impact of autism on society.

Meet Hamish Finlayson, youngest entrepreneur at GES 2017

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