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SSC exam preparation with complete 2024 Syllabus, Mock Tests & Exam Preparation – SSC MOCK

Wondering how to enhance your preparation for competitive examinations like SSC 2024? SSC MOCK’s got you covered! SSC MOCK presents to you numerous free mock tests and test series to help you ensure success. Subscribe to the SSC MOCK’s SSC Test Series for SSC 2024 and ace the examinations!

SSC free mock tests are essentially a preview of what the actual examination paper will look like. You can obtain a complete grasp of the type of questions that will be asked in the actual examination by taking our free mock tests for various competitive examinations. All of the SSC MOCK’s mock exams have been carefully vetted by specialists to mimic the most recent exam format. This will allow you to assess your degree of preparation for SSC 2024. It will assist you in identifying your strengths and weaknesses in relation to the syllabus, allowing you to direct your preparation in the proper direction. Not only that, but there are numerous other advantages to using free mock tests.

Subject Matter Experts at SSC MOCK produce questions based on the most recent exam pattern, after getting a complete understanding of the examinations through extensive research and analysis of previous year’s question papers. Full mock tests will help you improve your preparation and increase your confidence by allowing you to experience an exam-like scenario.

You will also have access to prior years’ question papers, which will aid you in understanding the exam pattern and question style, allowing you to tailor your study accordingly. You will also be able to take their chapter-by-chapter tests, which will allow you to analyse your performance in each and every area of the examinations and get better equipped for SSC 2024.

The Analysis and Cut-off function is the most intriguing aspect of the SSC MOCK’s mock test series. The analysis option will provide you with an in-depth analysis and detailed breakdown of your mock test attempt. This will be quite helpful in identifying trouble areas that require additional attention.

Benefits of taking SSC Mock Test at SSC MOCK

· Understanding the pattern of the examination and the types of questions that can be asked is a key factor while preparing for any examination. A comprehensive test series is the best way to gain a thorough understanding of the syllabus and the exam pattern.

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· The SSC MOCK Test series will also help you in increasing your accuracy. You will be given a thorough analysis of your mock test attempts, through which you can identify your weak areas and work on them.

· Test series is also the best way to revise what you have learned. When you revise by putting your knowledge to the test you will be able to increase your retention power.

CONTACT DETAILS:

PHONE NUMBER: +91 77176 28931

EMAIL: info@sscmock.com

OFFICE ADDRESS: 701–702, Motia Royal business Park Zirakpur, Punjab — 140603

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Unveiling Veerappan: A Gripping Docu-Series

In the unfolding narrative of 2023, two docu-series revisit the enigmatic saga of sandalwood smuggler Veerappan. A unique twist distinguishes this six-episode series - Veerappan narrates his own story, offering a perspective never explored before.

Unlike past portrayals from the police's lens, 'Koose Munisamy Veerasamy' presents Veerappan's life in his own words. Opening with journalist Nakkeeran Gopal's unconventional perspective, the series neither glorifies nor justifies Veerappan's actions but lets him recount his journey, from smuggling to being a wanted man for killing 2,000 elephants.

Interweaving Veerappan's tapes with insights from journalists, activists, and those directly impacted, the series raises a haunting question: hero or villain? His daughter, Vidya, adds a personal touch, sharing her first glimpse of her father through televised tapes, while villagers welcome her with reverence.

The narrative takes a chilling turn as Veerappan unabashedly describes the brutal murder of DFO Srinivasan. The series dives into the political landscape, exploring the formation of a Special Task Force by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to capture him, featuring enactments to provide a comprehensive view.

Director Sharath Jothi illuminates the collateral damage in the police-Veerappan conflict, exposing the plight of tortured villagers. As emotions swell, plans unfold for retaliation against unjust treatment. The series, leaving audiences on edge, announces a Season 2, promising to unravel the kidnapping of legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar and its aftermath. Stay tuned for the gripping continuation of Veerappan's complex tale.

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Turmoil in Parliament: Suspension of 49 MPs Heightens Tensions

In a dramatic turn of events during the Winter Session 2023, disruptions lead to the suspension of 49 Lok Sabha MPs, including notable figures like Farooq Abdullah, Shashi Tharoor, and Supriya Sule. The tally of suspended MPs in this session rises to 141, triggering further chaos.

The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha faced adjournment until 2 pm as Opposition MPs persisted in protests, demanding a statement from PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the recent Parliament security breach. The scenes were marked by placards, slogans, and a fervent call for the Prime Minister's presence in the assembly.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi attributed the unrest to the Opposition's discontent following their defeat in recent assembly polls. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing BJP MPs, criticized the protesting members, stating that some are not inclined towards constructive work. He warned that if such antics persist, the suspended MPs might not return to Lok Sabha.

The political arena remains tense as the Parliament grapples with disruptions, prompting concerns about the functioning and decorum of the Winter Session. Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding saga.

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Rishabh Pant Anticipates IPL 2024 Auction Debut After Recovery

Indian cricket sensation Rishabh Pant is gearing up for a significant milestone in his career as he prepares to participate in the auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The southpaw missed the previous edition due to multiple injuries sustained in a car accident on the Delhi-Dehradun highway.

Expressing a mix of excitement and nervousness, Pant acknowledges that venturing into the auction arena for the first time is a thrilling yet challenging experience. He emphasizes the opportunity for personal growth and learning, expressing eagerness to be part of something new and exciting.

As the anticipation builds, Pant reflects on the isolation he endured during his recovery and looks forward to being around people again. The auction, he believes, will be a welcome change from the rehab-focused routine, providing a chance to reconnect with the cricketing community.

Recalling his initial IPL journey, Pant fondly remembers being picked by the Delhi Capitals (then Daredevils) in 2017 after an impressive performance in the U19 World Cup in Bangladesh. The young cricketer expresses gratitude for the opportunity and reminisces about his first auction experience, where he went for Rs 1.9 crore.

With 98 IPL matches under his belt, Pant boasts an impressive record of 2838 runs at an average of 34.61 and a striking 147.97. Having scored one century and 15 half-centuries, he is eager to make a mark in the upcoming auction and continue his IPL legacy. Pant's journey has been nothing short of remarkable, and fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the IPL stage.

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S. Jaishankar: A Beacon of Strategic Leadership in Global Diplomacy

In the intricate realm of international diplomacy, where nations converge for negotiation and collaboration, one name stands out with unparalleled brilliance — S. Jaishankar. As India’s Minister of External Affairs since 2019, Jaishankar continues to craft a compelling narrative that intertwines strategic leadership, intellectual prowess, and unwavering dedication to the nation. Succeeding Sushma Swaraj, he is the 30th minister to assume this pivotal role.

Jaishankar’s literary contribution, “The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World,” delves into the substantial reshaping of the global order from the 2008 global financial crisis to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

At the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Jaishankar’s address commenced with a warm “Namaste from Bharat.” Reflecting on the success of the G20 summit, he positioned India as a solution provider bridging divides and emphasized the nation’s “One Earth, One Family, One Future” vision.

Unveiling Unknown Facts about S. Jaishankar:

Jaishankar, whose rank in the UPSC led him to the Indian Foreign Service in 1977, boasts over three decades of diplomatic experience. He served as the longest-serving Indian Ambassador to China, playing a pivotal role in strengthening economic, trade, and cultural ties between India and China. Widely regarded as one of the world’s best diplomats, Jaishankar is particularly popular among the youth for his witty and diplomatic responses that consistently advocate for India’s interests in global politics. He was previously married to Ms. Shobha, whom he met while studying at JNU, until her unfortunate battle with cancer. His current wife, Kyoko, is Japanese, and the couple has two sons and a daughter. Inducted into PM Modi’s cabinet in 2019, Jaishankar is entrusted by the Prime Minister for critical diplomatic missions. Jaishankar’s linguistic prowess extends to Tamil, Russian, conversational Japanese, and some Hungarian.

In a series of popular interviews, including the Global Technology Summit 2021, The Sydney Dialogue Panel discussion on “Democracies and Global Technology Governance,” and the India Today Conclave 2021, Jaishankar has shared his insights.

Examining his illustrious career trajectory:

1977: Indian Foreign Service 2001–04: Ambassador to Czechia (Czech Republic) 2007–09: High Commissioner to Singapore 2009–13: Ambassador to China 2014–15: Ambassador to the US 2015–18: Foreign Secretary of India 2019-present: Minister of External Affairs of India Highlighting Achievements and Contributions:

Enhanced Bilateral Relations: Jaishankar played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s ties with major powers like the United States, Russia, and China, fostering economic cooperation, strategic partnerships, and diplomatic collaboration. COVID-19 Diplomacy: Leading India’s efforts during the pandemic, Jaishankar initiated the “Vaccine Maitri” initiative, showcasing India’s commitment to global public health. Boundary Resolution: Significant progress in resolving longstanding border disputes, particularly with China, was achieved under Jaishankar’s leadership through dialogue and negotiation. Climate Diplomacy: An advocate for climate action, Jaishankar represented India’s interests in international forums, underscoring the country’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.

As India asserts its role on the global stage, S. Jaishankar stands as a steadfast leader, navigating the intricacies of international diplomacy. His adeptness in fostering alliances, addressing challenges head-on, and navigating complex international relationships has not only fortified India’s position but has also contributed to a more stable and interconnected world, ensuring a brighter future on the global stage.

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Four dead, nearly 1k stranded in train as Tamil Nadu rain fury rages on

In the wake of extreme rainfall wreaking havoc across southern Tamil Nadu, at least four districts, including Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, are grappling with severe flooding and displacement. The relentless downpour, reaching record-breaking levels, has prompted urgent action from authorities, with over 7,500 people evacuated to relief camps. Tragically, four lives have been lost in rain-related incidents, and officials are actively seeking details on the incidents.

Unprecedented Rainfall and Evacuations: The districts of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi have witnessed their highest-ever daily rainfall, causing extensive flooding. Kayalpattinam in Thoothukudi recorded a staggering 96 cm of rainfall in 24 hours, leading to unprecedented situations. Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena termed the rainfall as “unprecedented” and announced the requisitioning of Indian armed forces for assistance.

IMD’s Red Alert and Regional Impact: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for the four districts, anticipating extremely heavy rainfall. However, the actual rainfall surpassed expectations, causing widespread damage. A total of 39 locations in these districts reported extremely heavy rain, with Palayamkottai in Tirunelveli registering its highest single-day rainfall in decades.

Causes and Response: The Regional Meteorological Centre attributed the intense rainfall to a cyclonic circulation over the Comorin area in southeast Sri Lanka. The state government has declared a four-day holiday for schools and colleges, recognizing the severity of the situation. Rescue efforts, involving over 17 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are underway, with more than 7,500 people evacuated to relief camps.

Government Actions and Challenges: Chief Minister MK Stalin, monitoring the situation, has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the flood crisis. Governor RN Ravi has convened a meeting with senior officials of central agencies and armed forces for a comprehensive review. Challenges include landslides, breaches in water bodies, disrupted power supply, and transportation.

Outlook and Future Predictions: While the rainfall has subsided in some areas, the IMD predicts continued heavy to very heavy rain in specific districts. The situation remains critical, with ongoing rescue operations and a heightened state of alertness in flood-affected regions.

As southern Tamil Nadu battles this unprecedented natural calamity, the resilience of communities and the coordinated efforts of authorities will play a crucial role in overcoming the aftermath. The nation watches with concern as the region grapples with the aftermath of this extraordinary deluge.

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India Issues Urgent Advisory Amidst Surging Covid Cases

In response to the alarming spike in Covid-19 cases across India, the Centre issued a crucial advisory on Monday, urging all states to step up their efforts in combating the pandemic. According to data from the Union Health Ministry, India reported 260 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours.

In a letter addressed to the Health Secretaries of all states and Union Territories, the government emphasized the need for constant vigilance and prompt action to curb the spread of the virus. States were directed to closely monitor and report district-wise Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) and Influenza-like Illness (ILI) cases on a regular basis.

The advisory highlighted several key measures that states should implement immediately:

Public Health Measures: States were advised to implement necessary public health measures and arrangements to minimize the risk of Covid-19 transmission.

Compliance with Operational Guidelines: States were urged to ensure effective compliance with detailed operational guidelines for the revised surveillance strategy, as provided by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Testing and Reporting: The Centre stressed the importance of adequate testing, including a higher number of RT-PCR tests. States were instructed to report and monitor district-wise ILI and SARI cases regularly, using the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal.

Genome Sequencing: States were advised to send positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG laboratories to enable timely detection of new variants, considering the recent detection of the JN.1 variant in Kerala.

Community Awareness: States were encouraged to actively promote community awareness and seek continued public support in managing Covid-19, emphasizing adherence to respiratory hygiene.

The advisory comes in the wake of India detecting its first case of the JN.1 variant in Kerala. The 79-year-old patient with mild Influenza-like symptoms has fully recovered. Kerala Health Minister Veena George reassured the public, stating that the JN.1 variant had been detected months ago in Indian passengers screened at Singapore Airport. While causing a surge in infections worldwide, health authorities remain vigilant, especially given its spread to over 20 countries since its identification in Luxembourg.

The government's advisory underscores the critical need for proactive measures and collaboration between public and private health facilities to effectively manage the evolving situation.

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Arrest Made in Parliament Security Breach: The Mahesh Kumawat Case.

In a significant development, The Mahesh Kumawat, a key figure in the Parliament security breach case, has been apprehended by the Delhi Police. This arrest comes after thorough investigations, confirming Kumawat's involvement in the conspiracy to launch an attack on the Lok Sabha.

Officials tracked down Mahesh Kumawat for questioning regarding the security breach incident, where two individuals disrupted the parliamentary session by throwing smoke bombs into the Lok Sabha. After hours of interrogation, the Delhi Police formally arrested him, as reported by India Today.

Mahesh Kumawat had arrived in Delhi on the day of the attack, adding another layer to the complex web of conspirators. The accused played a role in destroying the mobile phones of the four individuals previously arrested in connection with the Parliament security breach, according to India Today.

Lalit Jha, the mastermind behind the New Delhi attack, sought refuge in Mahesh's hideout in Rajasthan when authorities were on the lookout for him. Delhi Police officials revealed that Kumawat had been in contact with Neelam Devi, a protester outside the Lok Sabha during the smoke bomb attack.

The disruptive incident occurred on December 13, when individuals, including Neelam Devi and Amol Shinde, threw smoke cannisters into the Lok Sabha chamber, causing chaos among MPs. The motive behind the attack was to create anarchy and compel the government to meet their demands. Six individuals have been arrested thus far in connection with this alarming case.

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Aishwarya, SRK, Amitabh Dance: Unforgettable Reunion in Deewangi Deewangi.

The annual day event at the Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai became a glittering affair as Bollywood's elite, including the Bachchans and Shah Rukh Khan's family, graced the occasion. A viral video captured the magic of the evening, featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, and Karan Johar dancing joyously to the hit song "Deewangi Deewangi" from the 2008 film "Om Shanti Om." Abhishek Bachchan also made an appearance, and the Bachchans enthusiastically cheered for Aaradhya.

In another heartwarming moment, a video showcased Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan's son, AbRam, recreating his father's iconic dance step. The camaraderie between the two Bollywood families added to the charm of the evening. Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, veterans of the industry, have shared screen space in iconic films like "Mohabbatein," "Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham," and "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna," with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan featuring in "Mohabbatein."

As the festivities unfolded, the attendees included SRK, Gauri, and Suhana cheering for their youngest, AbRam, while Karan Johar lent his support to his children, Roohi and Yash. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who recently starred in Mani Ratnam's "Ponniyin Selvan," and Amitabh Bachchan, last seen in "Ganapath," continue to captivate audiences with their on-screen presence. Shah Rukh Khan, with the success of "Pathaan" and "Jawan" this year, is gearing up for the release of "Dunki" next week.

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Mumbai Indians Name Hardik Pandya as Captain, Fans Express Disappointment

In a surprising turn of events, the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise has chosen Hardik Pandya as the new captain, displacing the longstanding and successful captaincy of Rohit Sharma. This decision has stirred disappointment among fans, who took to social media to express their sentiments about the unexpected leadership change. Rohit Sharma, who took over the captaincy in 2013, led MI to an impressive five IPL titles in the last decade, solidifying his status as one of the most successful captains in the tournament alongside MS Dhoni of the Chennai Super Kings. The franchise released a statement on Friday, citing this shift in leadership as part of their strategic planning and extended gratitude to Rohit for his remarkable service to the team.

Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings share the distinction of being the most successful IPL franchises, both boasting five titles each. Rohit Sharma, fresh from leading India to the ODI World Cup final, had captained MI to victories in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Meanwhile, the responsibility now falls on Hardik Pandya's shoulders to fill the void left by Rohit's departure. This comes after Hardik's stint with Gujarat Titans in 2022, where he not only guided the team to victory in their debut season but also led them to the final last year, facing defeat against CSK at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

The official statement from Mumbai Indians emphasized that this change in leadership is a part of their future planning. It acknowledged Rohit Sharma's exceptional contributions to the franchise while signaling a new chapter under Hardik's captaincy. The decision underscores the challenges ahead for Pandya, stepping into the shoes of a captain who secured five IPL titles for MI. It remains to be seen how fans, players, and the cricketing community at large will respond to this unexpected transition as the franchise gears up for the upcoming IPL season.

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Opposition Leaders Challenge Modi Government in Lok Sabha Protest

In a break from tradition, senior Opposition leaders entered the Well of the Lok Sabha on Friday, brandishing placards and challenging the Narendra Modi government to suspend them. This bold move came a day after 14 MPs faced suspension for alleged "misconduct" while pressing for Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on the Parliament security breach. Among those leading the protest were Congress Lok Sabha leader Adhir Chowdhury, Trinamul Congress's Sudip Bandyopadhyay, DMK's T.R. Balu, and National Conference veteran Farooq Abdullah. They accused the government of a dictatorial attitude, demanding Shah's resignation and action against BJP MP Pratap Simmha.

As the Lok Sabha convened, Opposition veterans, joined by colleagues, descended into the Well with placards bearing slogans like "tanashahi nahi chalegi" (dictatorship will not be tolerated) and "grih mantri ishtifa do" (home minister, resign). Sensing the heightened tension, Speaker Om Birla refrained from presiding over the session and deputed Rajendra Agrawal, who promptly adjourned the House within a minute. The day saw both Houses adjourned without transacting any business, as the Opposition sought to counter the government's decision to suspend their MPs.

The Opposition's aggressive stance was a response to the government's suspension of MPs over the security breach, which the Speaker had sought to absolve the government from. Opposition leaders argued that the seriousness of the lapse warranted at least a statement from Home Minister Shah in both Houses. Prime Minister Modi and Shah continued to avoid Parliament, attending an event in Rajasthan instead. Shah's decision to address the security breach in a media house conclave, rather than Parliament, further fueled the Opposition's ire, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticizing the move.

Ahead of parliamentary proceedings, Opposition leaders, accompanied by suspended MPs, staged a protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue, accusing the government of attempting to stifle their voices. Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi stood at the gate of the new Parliament building to show solidarity with the suspended MPs. The decision to challenge the government by daring it to suspend more Opposition leaders, including seniors, was made during a meeting of the INDIA bloc parties in Parliament. Even the Lok Sabha leader of the BJD, usually friendly towards the government, supported the Opposition's demand for a statement from the Centre.

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CUET Mock Tests 2024: Practice as Many as You Require with CUET MOCK

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) opens doors to Central, State, Private, and Deemed Universities. Enhance your performance and achieve optimal results by taking a complimentary CUET mock test at CUET MOCK. These timed assessments sharpen your speed and provide a detailed report pinpointing areas for further practice, significantly enhancing candidate proficiency.

Enroll in CUET MOCK’s online mock test series to witness a remarkable improvement in your performance. Gauge your current knowledge with a free CUET mock test and assess your score. CUETMOCK’s mock tests aid in evaluating your grasp of the syllabus. Subscribe to CUET MOCK for enhanced knowledge and application.

Why Choose CUET MOCK’s Mock Tests for CUET 2024?

• CUET MOCK’s experts meticulously curate the best CUET mock test series, extensively researched for effectiveness. • Questions in CUET mock tests are aligned with the CUET 2024 examination, ensuring relevance. • Leverage the expertise of CUET MOCK’s professionals, who analyze previous year trends to enrich aspirant preparation. • CUET mock tests empower candidates to evaluate their readiness for the main examination. • Diverse question sets in CUET mock tests instill confidence for the actual exam. • Successful completion of CUET mock tests equates to high marks in the main examination. • Graphical performance analysis in CUET mock tests enables candidates to easily track their progress. • Identify weak areas through CUET mock tests and fortify preparation for CUET 2024.

Benefits of CUET MOCK’s CUET Mock Tests 2024:

Accessible CUET sample problems online provide a realistic preview of the final test. • Gain an in-depth understanding of the CUET 2024 test structure and marking scheme. • Practice on CUET MOCK’s website accelerates question-solving speed. • Identify areas needing improvement and focus on refining them. • Anticipate the types of questions likely to appear in the Common University Entrance Test.

CONTACT DETAILS:

PHONE NUMBER: +91 77176 28931

EMAIL: info@cuetmock.com

OFFICE ADDRESS: 701–702, Motia Royal business Park Zirakpur, Punjab — 140603

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Zomato introduces open food trends data analysis platform to aid restaurant partners 

It has been introduced with "an aim to support both current and budding restaurant partners in taking a data-driven approach towards decision making", the company said.

NEW DELHI: Online food delivery firm Zomato Ltd on Friday introduced an open data analysis platform for food trends aimed to help its restaurant partners in taking a data-driven approach on prices, dishes and location.

Zomato Food Trends is an open platform accessible to the general public free of charge and it will “provide insights by analysing data from millions of transactions across hundreds of cities in India”, the company said in a statement.

“Restaurant partners can use these insights to customise their strategies and undertake data-driven decisions to accelerate and amplify their success,” it added.

It has been introduced with “an aim to support both current and budding restaurant partners in taking a data-driven approach towards decision making”, the company said.

The food trends platform allows its restaurant partners to view demand and supply gaps that have been zoomed in to a locality level, price distribution and demand trends for different dishes or cuisines, and demand-supply comparison for multiple dishes or cuisines.

“Restaurants can use these insights to make decisions on prices, dishes, locations, etc,” it added.

In a blog post, the company said, “Our aim is to democratise aggregated data insights “ levelling the playing field, particularly for smaller restaurants, to ensure they can make informed and evidence-based decisions.

“The restaurant industry in India has changed remarkably in recent years to meet the dynamic needs of the market and evolving consumer preferences, the company said adding, the country’s food entrepreneur possesses a strong ability to spot trends, identify market need gaps, and innovate to fill those gaps.

Zomato Food Trends is a way to support both current and budding restaurant partners in their endeavours,” it added.

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Jobs scam at Tata Consultancy Services: 6 employees, 6 staffing firms banned, probe on

For the first time, the company mentioned on record the banning of six employees with regard to the alleged jobs-for-bribe scam at the company.

BENGALURU: The country’s largest IT services company Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Thursday at its annual general meeting informed shareholders that it has banned six employees and six business associate firms and an investigation is going on with three more employees.

For the first time, the company mentioned on record the banning of six employees with regard to the alleged jobs-for-bribe scam at the company. Earlier, in a BSE filing, it had said no key managerial person of the company has been found to be involved.

TCS Chairman N Chandrasekaran said the company received two whistleblower complaints (one related to India, and another one related to US) towards February-end and March-end and both the complaints were investigated. “The complaints were about certain favouritism being done and favours being received in recruitment of BAs (business associates),” he said.

He explained that the company has two departments — one is the HR and talent acquisition, which hires people, and the second one is the Resource Allocation Group (RAG), which is about deployment of the available resources into projects. “Whenever there is a talent shortage or a particular skill that is not available at that point in time in the location where we need them, the company has a set of, we call them business associate firms, the firms to get contract employees,” he added.

“At any point in time in the overall deployment of resources, about 2–3% are such BA associates or contractors. And this complaint was related to certain individuals in the company working with certain BA firms to be recruiting in their favour,” he informed.

Chandrasekaran also said that the investigation in India is done by a senior officer in the company and in the US market, they had an external firm to do that. He said they found six employees did not follow the ethical conduct. “While we cannot quantify what favours they got, they certainly behaved in a way that they were favouring certain firms,” he said.

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Generative AI is a win-win for business and clients: LTIMindtree's Nachiket Deshpande

Canvas.ai is among the first-of-its-kind generative AI platform that solves key concerns that enterprises are facing in their journey to adopting the technology, says director Nachiket Deshpande.

BENGALURU: Generative AI, or generative artificial intelligence, is a form of machine learning that can produce text, video, images, and other types of content on demand. The technology is new, still evolving and immensely popular. The niche space is already getting crowded with ChatGPT, GPT-4, AlphaCode, Bard, GitHub Copilot, etc.

Last week, LTIMindtree launched its own generative aI platform, Canvas.ai. In an interaction with The New Indian Express, Nachiket Deshpande, whole-time director and chief operating officer, explains how generative AI can help organisations become autonomous enterprises.

Excerpts:

What is Canvas.ai and how will this help your clients?

Canvas.ai is among the first-of-its-kind generative aI platform that solves three key concerns that enterprises are facing in their journey to adopting the technology — data privacy and security, mindful AI adoption, and institutionalisation of the technology. Canvas.ai keeps the data being trained for model and consumption within the private container of the enterprise, preventing it from being leaked or manipulated. It ensures data security.

The platform is built on the principles of mindful AI ensuring that the co-pilots are use-case- and domain-specific. The responsible AI layer restricts random prompts and prevents the contamination and misuse of the model, always keeping it in pristine conditions. In effect, the restriction brings down the total cost of operations, which otherwise has an additive effect on every query raised. The third part is the consumption layer. enterprises can plug Canvas.ai into any process such as ServiceNow for an employee-facing web use case, Salesforce for customer journey or SaP for supply chain-related journeys with ease.

Are you planning to upskill your employees on AI? How many are being trained on Canvas. ai?

We are already driving many elements of AI and helping our customers to accelerate their digital transformation journeys with our differentiated offerings. Specific to Canvas.ai, we have built a 250-member strong Generative AI Centre of excellence.

We are currently in the process of training 2,500 data scientists, cloud experts, and domain and technology consultants on Generative AI. In addition, we have rolled out a plan to upskill every employee in the company on the technology, through our learning and development arm called Shoshin learning pathways.

What is the future of AI, especially generative AI, from the IT services industry’s perspective?

As mentioned earlier, there are three key concerns that organisations are trying to address. Canvas.ai is endowed with a consumption layer that leverages a well-architected framework and sound governance measures to effectively manage proprietary and industry- and domain-specific data, making the output contextual and relevant. It factors the ethical use of the data while remaining mindful of privacy and security.

The platform caters to the business requirements of creators who build the generative aI solutions, admins who manage, and users who consume governed generative AI solutions. We have established Generative aI Studios across eight lTIMindtree locations globally. These studios provide a sandbox environment that allows clients to co-create, co-innovate and co-pilot use cases, before rolling them out enterprise-wide.

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BigBasket loss widens to Rs 1,535 crore in 2022-23

Tofler said the loss of BigBasket increased by 89 per cent, implying the company had posted a loss of around Rs 812 crore in 2021-22.

NEW DELHI: Online grocery delivery firm Innovative Retail Concepts, which operates as BigBasket, has posted widening of loss to Rs 1,535 crore for 2022–23, according to details shared by Tofler.

Tofler said the loss of BigBasket increased by 89 per cent, implying the company had posted a loss of around Rs 812 crore in 2021–22.

The company’s revenue increased by 5 per cent to Rs 7,462 crore.

“The company further reported a net loss of INR 1,535 cr during the same fiscal. This is 89 per cent increase from the last financial year. The company’s total expenses for the fiscal were reported as Rs 8,998 crore,” the report said.

BigBasket declined to comment on the report.

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Adani-Total Gas Ltd to invest Rs 20,000 crore in 8-10 years to expand city gas 

Adani Total Gas is looking to expand its network of CNG stations as well as a pipeline network that takes the gas to household kitchens to tap into the country's growing appetite for cleaner fuel.

NEW DELHI: Adani Total Gas Ltd, the joint venture of billionaire Gautam Adani’s group and French energy giant TotalEnergies, will invest Rs 18,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore in the next 8 to 10 years to expand infrastructure for retailing CNG to automobiles and piping gas to households and industries, its CFO said.

The company retails CNG to automobiles and pipes gas to household kitchens for cooking purposes in 52 licences that cover 124 districts of the country.

It has 460 CNG stations in the country and about 7 lakh consumers of its piped cooking gas.

It is looking to expand its network of CNG stations as well as a pipeline network that takes the gas to household kitchens and industries, to tap into the country’s growing appetite for cleaner fuel.

In the company’s latest annual report, Adani Total Gas Ltd (ATGL) chief financial officer Parag Parikh said the company invested over Rs 1,150 crore in 2022–23 (April 2022 to March 2023) for creating additional infrastructure.

“From a long-term perspective, we continue to be optimistic of gas prospects. There is a larger priority to moderate pollution as gas remains a preferred clean energy source with high user safety, customer trust and delivery convenience,” Parikh said.

The firm is looking at investing more in creating infrastructure and expanding its network.

“For our city gas distribution (CGD) business, we intend to invest around Rs 18,000–20,000 crore in the next to 8–10 years to build infrastructure that widens our customer base and sustains revenue growth,” he said.

AGTL CEO Suresh P Manglani said the firm’s strategy is to fast-track steel pipeline laying and build CNG stations faster across the licenses where it operates for early monetization.

“I am happy to share that your company is going to build over 1,800 CNG stations in the next 7–10 years and committed to connecting every home across all our geographical areas (GAs) desiring to have cleaner and greener piped natural gas in their kitchen,” he said.

Besides scaling core business of gas distribution, the firm has embarked on diversifying its bouquet of choice — CNG, compressed biogas (CBG) and EV charging.

“The time is coming when we will have widened our portfolio of service to a range of clean fuels that address different applications for different consumers, reinforcing our positioning as a one-stop comprehensive service provider,” he said.

India is targeting to increase the share of natural gas, which is less polluting than liquid fuels, in the economy to 15 per cent of its energy mix by 2030 from the current 6 per cent.

And city gas is an area the government is prioritising for this.

He said the government’s move to cap the cost of natural gas will bring stability in prices and prioritise availability to the city gas distribution network.

“This price stability and supply predictability will empower companies like yours to enhance services around this stable pricing and accelerate the country’s fuel preference in line with the stated policy.”

On new opportunities, Manglani said ATGL has formed two separate units for e-mobility and biomass.

“Foraying into the rapidly growing segment of e-mobility, ATGL has formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Adani TotalEnergies E-mobility Limited (ATEL). Presently, ATEEL is engaged in setting up EV charging infrastructure for two, three and four-wheelers (including bus) at various locations across the country”.

EV charging is a natural fit in ATGL’s existing business of CNG retail outlets and is a step towards offering alternative fuel choices to consumers, he said.

ATGL already has 104 charging points at 26 locations across the country.

This it intends to scale it up to over 3,000 EV charging points across the country.

He said the floor and ceiling set by the government for the majority of the gas produced within the country will “ensure a stability in domestic gas prices and get India beyond the gas volatility of FY 2022–23.”

Adani TotalEnergies Biomass Limited (ATBL) is ATGL’s wholly owned subsidiary to tap into India’s huge potential of biomass derived energy.

ATEBL is currently building one of India’s largest Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants at Barsana near Mathura in UP with eventual 600 tonnes per day feedstock processing capacity.

In addition to utilizing agricultural and livestock waste as feedstock, the company is also actively seeking opportunities in the municipal solid waste (MSW) segment to expand its CBG production footprint.

CBG is suitable for transportation and utilization in the CGD network.

“ATGL is at the right place, right time and in the right business to capitalise on economies and generate healthy financials across the foreseeable future,” the CFO said.