Latest news with #Cyclone


Business Standard
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Former Army Officer Arun Kar Hits $145M Net Worth, Becoming One of the UK's Fastest-Growing Indian-Origin Entrepreneurs
VMPL New Delhi [India], June 6: The compelling journey of Arun Kar spans disaster survival, military service, technological leadership, and environmental innovation. An Odisha-born entrepreneur and Indian Army veteran, he has quietly built a global enterprise valued at over $100 million. At the same time, he maintained a steadfast focus on purpose-driven innovation. In May 2025, Arun Kar's personal net worth was independently assessed and certified at $145 million by a SEBI-registered Category-I Merchant Banker, based on his equity in Xpertnest, stakes in other high-growth ventures and companies, and a portfolio of income-generating real estate assets. This milestone not only recognized financial achievement but validated nearly a decade of strategic, bootstrapped growth -- and a lifetime of disciplined execution. He is a remarkable example of a vision rooted in service, discipline, and impact. Raised in modest circumstances in Odisha, one of the most defining moments of his early life came in 1999. In that year, he survived the catastrophic Super Cyclone that struck India's eastern coast. "Witnessing the destruction and the quiet strength of my community left a lasting impact," Kar reflects. That early adversity brought his commitment to building solutions that benefit both humanity and the planet. His journey began with military service after securing an all-India rank of 152 in the Combined Defence Services Examination. He was commissioned into the Indian Army's Artillery Arm and served with distinction for seven years in some of the country's most challenging terrains. "The Army taught me the value of leadership under pressure, discipline, and unwavering accountability," Kar says. Bridging the Gap: Defence to Digital After completing his military service, Kar transitioned to the corporate sphere, holding key positions at global IT firms Tech Mahindra and Virtusa. These roles provided deep exposure to digital transformation, enterprise systems, and international operations. The experience and insights shaped his entrepreneurial blueprint. In 2016, he founded Xpertnest, a global digital innovation company, along with partners Chintan Panara and Pradip Butani. Starting with a modest $900 project and operating out of their living rooms, the founders grew the company without external funding. Today, Xpertnest is headquartered in London with active operations across the UK, Europe, India, and the Middle East. The company's impact-driven portfolio includes: 1. Smart city infrastructure 2. AgriTech platforms for Indian farmers 3. IoT-based utility systems 4. Critical applications for Fortune 500 firms and law enforcement agencies Several of Xpertnest's solutions have been spotlighted in Apple's enterprise success stories. In early 2025, the company was independently valued at over $100 million by a SEBI-registered Category-I Merchant Banker and a UK-based valuation firm, with recognition from the London Stock Exchange (RNS), Reuters, and the Financial Express. Earthnest: A New Chapter in Sustainable Enterprise In parallel with his tech ventures, Kar launched Earthnest. This sustainability startup focused on eco-friendly packaging solutions. The company's flagship product, Bio Bags, is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and is already deployed across the UK, including in collaboration with Paultons Park, one of the country's leading family attractions. Kar emphasizes, "Technology must serve humanity and the environment--not just profit margins," Looking Ahead: Mentorship and Mission Despite achieving multimillionaire status, Kar has remained grounded. His valuation is spread across Xpertnest equity, sustainable ventures, and real estate. All this success has never overshadowed his more profound commitment to making a positive impact and ethical leadership. His upcoming efforts include mentorship initiatives and investments focused on building a new generation of principled entrepreneurs. "Impact is the true measure of success," Kar states, reiterating his vision for responsible innovation. From surviving a cyclone to leading global change, Arun Kar's journey underscores that perseverance, clarity of purpose, and discipline remain enduring foundations in an age of rapid disruption. Media contact person Kanhu Raj, Premium NewsWire.

Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New York mayoral candidate takes plunge, dropping $2M into catchy roller coaster ad
NEW YORK — Brad Lander rides Coney Island's famed Cyclone roller coaster while calmly taking notes on a legal pad in the second television ad of his mayoral campaign, pitching himself as a steady choice and hoping to improve his third-place standing three weeks before the election. The campaign is dropping $2 million on the 30-second ad, which will air on broadcast and cable channels and streaming services from Tuesday through the June 24 primary, Lander campaign spokesperson Dora Pekec said. It opens by taking a shot at the front-runner in the Democratic primary, Andrew Cuomo, as well as the sitting mayor. 'New York City feels like a lot lately. It's been a wild ride,' a narrator says over footage of people riding the iconic wooden coaster. 'But it won't change if we just swap Eric Adams for corrupt Andrew Cuomo.' The ad touts Lander's record as New York City comptroller, saying he's fought corruption, built affordable housing and taken on President Donald Trump and Elon Musk for clawing back $80 million in migrant funding from the city. The ad also shows Lander's goofy side, as the 'dad-joke'-loving Democrat bounces back and forth in the coaster while calmly munching on a hot dog. Lander's new ride may draw derision from rivals. His first ad showed him riding in a construction truck, leading Cuomo's team to call him 'Junkyard Brad' and compare him to children's character 'Bob the Builder.' Coney Island is a popular location for candidates this year — comptroller hopeful Justin Brannan, who represents the neighborhood in the City Council, also recorded an ad with the Cyclone. And in 2021, mayoral candidate Andrew Yang made a splash with his own Cyclone ad. With three weeks until the primary, Lander is seeking to climb in the polls and find the momentum he needs to turn around his chances. The Working Families Party gave Zohran Mamdani its number-one ranked endorsement on Friday, despite its long and close relationship with Lander. Its leaders instead encouraged supporters to pick Lander second. Mamdani, a democratic socialist lawmaker, consistently outperforms Lander in polls. Lander's new advertisement doesn't mention Mamdani, but the message emphasizing his experience and steadiness appear designed to present a contrast with the 33-year old legislator, whose limited experience has become a vulnerability on the campaign trail. The $2 million ad spend will eat up most of the $2.8 million balance Lander's campaign reported late last month. His team has already reported spending $4.7 million — more than any of his opponents in the race. As a result, he's entering the final month with significantly less to spend than Cuomo and Mamdani.


Politico
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Politico
New York mayoral candidate takes plunge, dropping $2M into catchy roller coaster ad
NEW YORK — Brad Lander rides Coney Island's famed Cyclone roller coaster while calmly taking notes on a legal pad in the second television ad of his mayoral campaign, pitching himself as a steady choice and hoping to improve his third-place standing three weeks before the election. The campaign is dropping $2 million on the 30-second ad, which will air on broadcast and cable channels and streaming services from Tuesday through the June 24 primary, Lander campaign spokesperson Dora Pekec said. It opens by taking a shot at the front-runner in the Democratic primary, Andrew Cuomo, as well as the sitting mayor. 'New York City feels like a lot lately. It's been a wild ride,' a narrator says over footage of people riding the iconic wooden coaster. 'But it won't change if we just swap Eric Adams for corrupt Andrew Cuomo.' The ad touts Lander's record as New York City comptroller, saying he's fought corruption, built affordable housing and taken on President Donald Trump and Elon Musk for clawing back $80 million in migrant funding from the city. The ad also shows Lander's goofy side, as the 'dad-joke'-loving Democrat bounces back and forth in the coaster while calmly munching on a hot dog. Lander's new ride may draw derision from rivals. His first ad showed him riding in a construction truck, leading Cuomo's team to call him 'Junkyard Brad' and compare him to children's character 'Bob the Builder.' Coney Island is a popular location for candidates this year — comptroller hopeful Justin Brannan, who represents the neighborhood in the City Council, also recorded an ad with the Cyclone. And in 2021, mayoral candidate Andrew Yang made a splash with his own Cyclone ad. With three weeks until the primary, Lander is seeking to climb in the polls and find the momentum he needs to turn around his chances. The Working Families Party gave Zohran Mamdani its number-one ranked endorsement on Friday, despite its long and close relationship with Lander. Its leaders instead encouraged supporters to pick Lander second. Mamdani, a democratic socialist lawmaker, consistently outperforms Lander in polls. Lander's new advertisement doesn't mention Mamdani, but the message emphasizing his experience and steadiness appear designed to present a contrast with the 33-year old legislator, whose limited experience has become a vulnerability on the campaign trail. The $2 million ad spend will eat up most of the $2.8 million balance Lander's campaign reported late last month. His team has already reported spending $4.7 million — more than any of his opponents in the race. As a result, he's entering the final month with significantly less to spend than Cuomo and Mamdani.

Epoch Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Epoch Times
Natural Disasters Deal $2.2 Billion Blow to Australian Economy so Far This Year
Australia's economy has already taken a $2.2 billion hit in 2025 from a spate of natural disasters, including Cyclone Alfred and widespread flooding across New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland, according to fresh estimates from Treasury. The losses reflect immediate declines in economic activity, particularly across retail and household spending, and are expected to weigh heavily on the March quarter figures due for release on June 4.


Vancouver Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Why Canadian military's Cyclone helicopters were grounded for 27 days in May
The Canadian military's Cyclone helicopters weren't flying for 27 days in May due to a lack of spare parts, and only one of them is now able to take to the skies. Canada has 26 of the ship-borne maritime helicopters, with a final one slated for delivery this year. The $5.8-billion fleet is normally used to provide air support for the Royal Canadian Navy. Their missions include surface and subsurface surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-submarine warfare. 'On May 1, the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division ordered a temporary pause to flying operations for the CH-148 Cyclone fleet, after questions emerged in late April about whether various spare parts for the aircraft were potentially in use beyond their service life. The temporary pause to flying operations was lifted as of May 27,' Kened Sadiku, who speaks for the Department of National Defence (DND), said in an email. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'Certain aircraft components have a defined service life to ensure continued safety and airworthiness. Because using parts beyond their defined service life would pose risks to the safety of personnel and equipment, the decision was made to temporarily pause flight operations until certainty is regained.' DND, the military and Sikorsky, which manufactured the helicopters, 'have been working together to identify potential parts of concern. This includes components of the Cyclone's landing gear, tail rotor driveshaft flange and auxiliary power unit, as well as engine parts,' Sadiku said. As of this past Wednesday, one Cyclone, now on deployment, returned to flying operations, he said. 'The team works to do the same for the rest of the fleet.' The Cyclone 'fleet is currently facing some challenges, such as aging datalink systems as well as sensor and other capabilities that are overdue for important upgrades,' he said. 'Specific details, however, cannot be provided for reasons of operational security.' 'The Cyclone remains capable of supporting Royal Canadian Navy operations and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.' Sadiku wouldn't confirm Sikorsky has put a hefty price tag on replacing the Cyclones' ageing datalinks — used to communicate digital information such as radar images to other aircraft, warships and shore bases. 'The datalink upgrade project is still under evaluation, as such, schedule and costs are still being negotiated.' The military has flown other helicopters off the navy's warships before. 'In the past, CH-146 Griffons have landed on Royal Canadian Navy vessels in certain operational contexts (specifically, the relief efforts to Haiti in the wake of the 2010 earthquake,' Sadiku said. 'However, none of the Royal Canadian Air Force's helicopter fleets (besides the CH-148 Cyclone) are capable of fulfilling the maritime helicopter role in support of the Royal Canadian Navy.' Paul Martin's Liberal government announced in 2004 that the Cyclones would replace Canada's ageing fleet of CH-124 Sea King helicopters. 'The Cyclones are what we call an orphan fleet,' said retired colonel Larry McWha, an aviation expert who commanded 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron at 12 Wing Shearwater, when it flew Sea Kings. That means many suppliers aren't interested in producing parts for the Cyclones, McWha said. 'It's going to cost us money to keep (the fleet) viable.' McWha lives on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore. 'I used to see Sea Kings flying by here all the time,' he said. 'I have extremely rarely ever seen a Cyclone flying by.' Canada lost a Cyclone on April 29, 2020 when one of the helicopters crashed into the Ionian Sea, claiming the lives of six Canadian Armed Forces members. Months later, senior military officials said there was a 'conflict' or 'competition' between the Cyclone and its pilot moments before the aircraft, known as Stalker 22, plunged into the water off the coast of Greece. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .