VERNACULARS
BIG FM applies for six more news channels, acquires Sapphire Media’s news business
BIG FM has submitted a request to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for launching six news channels. This expansion aims to create a national news network combining traditional and digital broadcasting. The new channels will focus on timely reporting and hyperlocal content tailored for digital consumption. BIG FM's initiative is part of the broader ONE BIG WORLD media ecosystem.
Is AI really stealing from artists? The uncomfortable truth about originality in art
Contemporary art is at the forefront of navigating the intricate relationship between authorship and AI technology in visual culture. Artists like Pushpamala N and Raqs Media Collective delve into themes of collective memory and fractured identities. The rise of AI-generated art brings forth significant ethical challenges regarding copyright and cultural appropriation.
Lenskart, Meesho among top picks as value retail leads India's consumption story: Siddhartha Khemka
Value-focused retail formats are growing, while premium categories experience challenges due to stock availability issues. Recent demand fluctuated with a dip noted in September and October, with expectations for improvement in mid-October. Beauty products significantly influence sales, contributing to the overall trends in the market. Rural incomes may pose risks to discretionary spending as festive season approaches. Companies with effective inventory management and store-level traction are better positioned for growth.
In 1974, Mississippi domestic worker L.V. Hull bought a 900-square-foot home with her wages; decades later, it became a restored art site and the L.V. Hull Legacy Center
L.V. Hull, a dedicated domestic worker and artist, acquired a modest home in Kosciusko, Mississippi, in 1974, infusing it with her unique art. While the house blossomed into a celebrated art destination, it fell into neglect after her death in 2008. Restoration efforts have since revitalized it, marking its place as the first historic home of a Black woman visual artist. Visitors are now welcome at the newly opened L.V.
Nick Engelbert was a Wisconsin dairy farmer when a sprained ankle led him to make one concrete sculpture; 15 years later, his yard held more than 40 statues
In Wisconsin, Nick Engelbert, a dedicated dairy farmer, turned his farm into a unique art landscape featuring over 40 concrete sculptures inspired by his life's journey, historical narratives, and fairy tales. His wife, Katherine, enhanced the site with vibrant flower gardens. Following Engelbert's passing, the property fell into disrepair until the Kohler Foundation acquired and revitalized it in 1991.
Three months too short to submit stampede probe report, will strive to meet deadline: SIT head
A special investigation team led by Justice Anindita Roy Saraswati is assigned to probe the Durga Puja stampede. The incident occurred on October 17 and led to 19 fatalities and numerous injuries. The team intends to investigate the crowd dynamics and organizational preparedness at the event. They will scrutinize various forms of evidence, including CCTV footage and police records.
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Amitabh Bachchan’s father, poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, was Cambridge University scholar, a literary icon. Superstar once said: 'His public presence is greater than mine...'
Amitabh Bachchan’s father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, was a celebrated poet who rose to fame with the publication of the poetry book Madhushala in 1935. A Cambridge University scholar, he was a professor at Allahabad University and later translated various works of Shakespeare in Hindi. The iconic 1990 film Agneepath took its name from one of his poems, and the poem played a big role in the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer as well.

How startups are making AI useful for India’s aspirant generation
Artificial intelligence is now being used in learning, competitive interview preparation, and training millions of Indians irrespective of their socioeconomic background. Entri is taking coaching, employability-specific programs, and mentorship to the fingertips of aspirant Indians. Read on!

India needs its own AI safety framework, not a copy of US pact: Industry experts
India should build its own artificial intelligence (AI) safety framework suited to its languages, scale, and application-led AI ecosystem rather than replicate a voluntary pact signed by US President Donald Trump and top technology firms last week, industry experts said.

India needs its own AI safety framework, not a copy of US pact: Industry experts
Industry experts say India should develop an AI safety framework tailored to its own languages, scale and application-driven ecosystem rather than simply copy the voluntary US pact signed by major tech firms. While there is broad support for independent audits, accountability and safeguards against deepfakes and cyberattacks, experts differ on whether India should rely mainly on self-regulation or combine voluntary standards with binding rules.

Only CJP can remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar, says TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee on Saturday told a vernacular news channel that only the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) can remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar if it posed a serious challenge. He said CJP's focused approach could help it achieve results quickly. Banerjee spoke about efforts by opposition parties to protest against the CEC. The leader also criticised political parties over defections in West Bengal.

Payoneer India Cross-Border Excellence Awards: A diverse winner list reflects India’s growing cross-border trade
Services exports in India have surged to a record $421.3 billion, surpassing estimates, in FY26, as total exports hit an unprecedented $863 billion. The trade is well on its way to meet the $2 trillion export target by 2030-31, yet the companies bringing about this impetus remain largely unknown. Payoneer India Cross-Border Excellence Awards, in association with The Economic Times, have identified, recognised, and felicitated these businesses/individuals/ideas. Read on!

Quote of the day by Seneca: 'Enjoy present pleasures in such a way as not to injure future ones.' Life lessons from inspiring quote on mindful moderation, reckless indulgence, peace, discipline, self-control, foresight and happiness
Quote of the day by Seneca, “Enjoy present pleasures in such a way as not to injure future ones,” focuses on moderation, self-control and foresight. The saying does not reject happiness or pleasure. Instead, it asks people to consider how present choices can affect future health, peace, stability and well-being. Seneca’s Stoic thought suggests that lasting happiness comes from enjoying life without creating problems for tomorrow.

AI at population scale: Rahul Chari’s charter for the next 300 million
At Global Fintech Fest 2026, PhonePe co-founder and CPTO Rahul Chari laid out an AI philosophy built on intent-led experiences, engineering scale and operational efficiency.

‘99% accuracy is not enough’: SBI chairman lays out three rules for trusted AI
Financial institutions must build trust into agentic AI systems from the outset. These systems require 100% accuracy and consistent performance at population scale. Accountability becomes crucial as AI moves from recommendation to execution of actions. Access without asymmetry ensures AI adapts to customers without bias. Agentic AI can democratise financial intelligence across India's diverse population.

Advertising set to reshape India’s micro-drama business as AVOD gains ground: Redseer
India's micro-drama sector is on track to hit Rs 23,500 to 25,500 crore by FY32 and advertising video-on-demand is set to become a primary revenue stream next to subscriptions, Redseer Strategy Consultants said. The anticipated growth in AVOD could see active daily users skyrocketing to around 140-150 million, it added.

No concrete, only boulders: Just 2 hours from Bengaluru, this 2,400 sq ft forest farmstay is built with natural stone, mud blocks, wood and clay
Located in Shoolagiri, this remarkable farmstay near Bengaluru blends natural boulders into its architecture, encouraging an eco-conscious way of living. Guests can enjoy cave-like stays crafted with mud, stone, and wood, adding to the rustic appeal. The thoughtful design enables natural cooling and runs on solar power, while rainwater harvesting helps support its operations. Take in stunning views of nature and soak up the tranquil charm of village life.

Voice, vernacular, victory!
Technology companies and startups are betting big on voice AI models. Experts say Indian firms are more likely to crack it with affordable pricing and local context.

Niti launches vernacular innovation programme in 22 languages for entrepreneurs
Under the programme, AIM will be training a vernacular task force (VTF) in each of the 22 scheduled languages with each task force consisting of vernacular language teachers, subject experts and technical writers.

Mind your language: How vernacular content will enhance technology adoption for small businesses
As technology moves to India’s hinterland, vernacular content will have a large role to play. For tech companies, it means adapting to the needs of their customers.

Job market in India: 57% prefer searching for jobs in regional languages
Data from apna.co, a networking platform in India, shows that more than 57% of its users prefer a vernacular language to search for opportunities & build their networks.

Willing to translate, publish draft EIA in 22 vernacular languages, Centre tells HC
The court's order had come on a PIL by environmental conservationist Vikrant Tongat, seeking publication of the notification in all vernacular languages and also extension of deadline for receiving public comments on it. On Friday, when the petitioner's counsel submitted that the government be asked to extend time for receiving public comments, the bench said let the government first translate the draft into other languages.

Vernacular.ai introduces Covid-19 initiatives for employees
Vernacular.ai, a voice-based AI startup, will provide monetary and healthcare support to employees—and their immediate family members—who may have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kstart invests in Vernacular.ai
The startup, which was founded by three IIT Roorkee graduates- Sourabh Gupta, Akshay Deshraj and Manoj Sarda, is presently working on multi-lingual conversational agents for financial institutions.

YourStory launches vernacular platform
YourStory was started in October 2008 by Shradha Sharma and since inception it has profiled stories of over 15,000 entrepreneurs.
To Spin a Top-class Yarn
Battle Strikers, Beigoma, Beyblade, Spin Fighters, Spinja, Lego Ninjago, members of the Beyblade community, have returned to the lexicon of the young in India with a bang.
Insurance products mulled in vernaculars
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irda) on Tuesday said it is mulling developing insurance products in vernaculars.
IRDA mulls insurance products in vernaculars
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) on Tuesday said it is mulling developing insurance products in vernaculars.
Govt to increase vernacular grip on Net
In a fresh move to Indianise the web, the government is planning to have vernacular domain names.
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