From the Covid lab-leak theory's long journey from the margins of conspiracy to the mainstream to the major risk faced by emerging market financial assets in 2021, here's what Business Standard columnists and editorials had to say this week.

BS Views of the Week: From tracing Covid to the big risk for EM asset class

Airtel has cleared dues from 2012 and 2015 auctions earlier this year

Zetwerk raises $90 million in 2024, led by Khosla Ventures, Rakesh Gangwal, and Baillie Gifford, increasing its valuation to $3.1 billion

ChatGPT is now available on WhatsApp. OnePlus 13r launching in India on Jan 7. Vivo X200 series sale starts. Sennheiser Profile Wireless microphones launched. Nothing OS 3.0 roll out

Vivo X200 Pro sets a new benchmark in mobile photography while offering exceptional battery life and performance. Despite a few downsides, it remains one of the top premium smartphones

The second edition of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, scheduled to be held at three different venues in the National Capital and Great Noida, is expected to see more than three times footfalls this year compared to the inaugural version year, Engineering Exports Promotion Council (EEPC) said here on Thursday.
It is also expecting a higher participation from the exhibitors.
The council also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may inaugurate the six-day Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.
To be spread across more than 2,00,000 sq metres with concurrent shows, featuring automobile, auto component and construction equipment segments, among others, across three venues -- Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Yashobhoomi in Dwarka (West Delhi) and the India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida, the mega event is likely to see half-a-million visitors this year compared to 1.5 lakh visitors at the 2024 edition, EEPC Chairman Pankaj Chadha told reporters here.
"The Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 ...

Over 34 vehicle manufacturers will be unveiling new models and EVs alongside displaying electric, hybrid, CNG, and biofuel-powered vehicles from international and domestic companies

The Central government has released Rs 47,225 crore to the states and union territories under the Smart Cities Mission till November 15 and out of which Rs 44,626 crore has been utilised, the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday.
In a written reply to a question, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu said the work orders have been issued till November 15 in 8,066 crore amounting to Rs 1,64,669 crore, of which 7,352 projects (i.e. 91 per cent of total projects) amounting to Rs 1,47,366 crore have been completed under the mission.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (HUA) has a multi-level review structure to expedite the progress of projects under the Smart Cities Mission, said Sahu, adding mission implementation at the state level is monitored by the state level high powered steering committee chaired by the chief secretary.
At the national level, the implementation is monitored by an apex committee headed by the HUA secretary, the minister said.
The

Work orders have been issued till November 15 in 8,066 crore amounting to Rs 1,64,669 crore

The official further noted that this year's Budget consultations are particularly significant due to the political outcomes of recent state elections

Stakeholders from the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sought a reduction in GST, technology upgrade, and production-linked incentive scheme benefits for various segments in a pre-Budget meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday.
The meeting aimed to seek inputs and suggestions for the Budget for 2025-26, expected to be presented on February 1.
Members from the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Karnataka (AWAKE); Karnataka SC and ST Entrepreneurs' Association; Plant-Based Food Industry Association (PBFIA); Ambala Scientific Instruments Manufacturers' Association (ASIMA); Rajasthan Footwear Manufacturers' Association were among the participants at the meeting.
The All-India Plastics Manufacturers' Association; All India Manufacturers' Association; Gujarat Chamber of Small Industries Association; Federation of Associations of Cottage and Small Industries (based in West Bengal); Federation of Andhra Pradesh Small and Medium Association; and Laghu Udyog 

The meeting aimed to seek inputs and suggestions for the Budget for 2025-26, expected to be presented on February 1

Russia-Ukraine War

The year 2022 is coming to an end and a lot has happened that shaped the world in the year. Let's have a look at some of these significant events

Google Messages

In January, Google rolled out end-to-end encryption in group chats for messages app users enrolled in the beta programme

Blend launches Blend Studio: AI tool for ecommerce photography

New Delhi [India], March 16 (ANI/PNN): Blend, an AI-powered design and photography application for DTC brands and ecommerce sellers, recently launched Blend Studio - the Chat GPT for product photos.

Celebrity and Travel Photographer Rahul Lokare from Flamingo Productions creates waves of change in the world of photography.

Xiaomi 13 Pro

Priced at Rs 79,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB on-board storage, the Xiaomi 13 Pro offers a novel imaging experience on top of a premium package

BS Views of the Week: From tracing Covid to the big risk for EM asset class

From the Covid lab-leak theory's long journey from the margins of conspiracy to the mainstream to the major risk faced by emerging market financial assets in 2021, here's what Business Standard columnists and editorials had to say this week.

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