Meghalaya still to find new operator for '108' ambulance services
Guwahati: Even after two and a half years since the Meghalaya government terminated its contract with GVK EMRI to run the 108 ambulance services, a new operator is still to be engaged to run the services in the state. It has been reported that due to no fresh tender applications, the interested firms are now in the dark about the government's intentions. Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge! Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh recently stated that the department is moving cautiously to complete the bidding process, learning from past mistakes. Also Read: Assam: Two Bangladeshi nationals apprehended in Guwahati's Sonapur Since the contract with GVK EMRI ended on March 31, 2021, the National Health Mission (NHM) has been managing the ambulance services, despite lacking the necessary expertise. Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge! Previous attempts to engage a new service provider have been marred by allegations of lack of transparency and favouritism, reports claimed. Also Read: Assam: Gang posing as CBI officials loot businessman's house in Cachar In fact, a tender floated last year was flagged for mentioning radio taxis, sparking fears of discrepancies. The bidding process was also criticized for disqualifying top ambulance operators in the country.
CPI(M) in Kerala rallies behind politburo member Vijayaraghavan on his remarks against Rahul, Priyanka
The ruling CPI(M) leaders on Monday (December 23, 2024) rallied behind the party's politburo member A. Vijayaraghavan in the raging political row over his remarks on the Lok Sabha poll victories of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from Wayanad. During a recent party event in Wayanad, Mr. Vijayaraghavan reportedly claimed that Mr. Gandhi secured victory in the high-range segment twice with the support of communal forces and that extremist elements were present at Ms. Vadra's campaign rallies. UDF, LDF contesting polls supported by communal forces: Surendran Prominent Marxist party leaders on Monday said that Mr. Vijayaraghavan did not say anything wrong or against the party's policy and they would oppose minority communalism and majority communalism alike. They also reiterated the charges raised by Mr. Vijayaraghavan against the Congress and accused the grand-old party of entering into an "unholy nexus" with communal outfits for electoral gains. The CPI(M) leadership came out in support of the politburo member a day after the Congress and their United Democratic Front (UDF) ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), alleged that Mr. Vijayaraghavan was attempting to provoke majority communalism in society. When his reaction was sought by the media, CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan said what Mr. Vijayaraghavan had said was accurate and alleged that communal outfits such as the SDPI and Jamaat-e-Islami were "acting like front partners of the UDF." He charged that their "nexus" was evident during the recent Palakkad Assembly bypoll. The criticism against the Jamaat-e-Islami was not against the Muslim community and the opposition against the RSS was not against the Hindus, he said, adding that the CPI(M) would not show any compromise in opposing both the minority and majority communalism. Strongly supporting Mr. Vijayaraghavan, senior CPI(M) leader and LDF convener T.P. Ramakrishnan said the leader had criticised the stand of the Congress party, alleging it forges a nexus with communal forces during elections. "Mr. Vijayaraghavan has not taken any communal stand. His remarks were also not meant to promote communalism. He has taken a stand that can safeguard society from communal forces," he said. Senior leader and former minister P.K. Sreemathi also said Mr. Vijayaraghavan had not said anything other than the Marxist party's policy and stand. Pointing out that communal and extremist forces are gaining strength in the State, she said they cannot be allowed to flourish in Kerala. "Whoever it is... whether it is Hindu communalism or Muslim extremism, the CPI(M) will take a strong stand against it," she said. She also accused the Congress of forging ties with communal forces during elections. On Sunday, Congress leaders accused Mr. Vijayaraghavan of making comments against Mr. Gandhi and Ms. Vadra to "please" the Sangh Parivar, while the IUML alleged that he was attempting to provoke majority communalism in society. AICC general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal strongly criticised Mr. Vijayaraghavan, accusing him of using "communal" language that even the Sangh Parivar might hesitate to employ against Mr. Gandhi. Mr. Venugopal also questioned whether the CPI(M) shared the same opinion. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan echoed similar sentiments, charging the CPI(M) with pushing the same communal agenda propagated by the Sangh Parivar. Harshly criticising Mr. Vijayaraghavan, KPCC president K. Sudhakaran accused the ruling CPI(M) of "surrendering to extreme communalism and providing support to the RSS in the State." Published - December 23, 2024 03:14 pm IST Read Comments
Rohit Gajbhiye, MD and Founder of LEO1, Emphasizes Financial Education as Key to Shaping Children's Future Success
PNN New Delhi [India], December 23: "The foundation for a child's financial success is built today," says Rohit Gajbhiye, MD and Founder of LEO1. "Teaching kids the value of money, budgeting, and saving early on equips them with the skills they need to thrive in a complex financial world. The time to invest in their future is now, and the benefits will last a lifetime." Gajbhiye stresses the importance of starting financial education early, stating that the sooner we teach children how to make informed money decisions, the stronger their financial futures will be. The current financial landscape presents significant challenges for young people. From the rapid rise of digital payment systems to the ease of access to credit through buy-now-pay-later schemes, children today are entering adulthood with less financial knowledge than ever before. Research indicates that children begin forming financial habits as early as age seven, making it critical to instill sound money management practices before they encounter the complexities of the adult financial world. "We are raising a generation at risk of falling into a cycle of debt and financial instability," Gajbhiye warns. "If we do not act now to teach the next generation how to handle money responsibly, we will pay the price in the form of economic instability and personal financial crises." The consequences of delaying financial literacy are far-reaching. Poor financial habits, such as overspending, neglecting savings, and failing to make informed financial decisions, can result in crippling debt, a lack of financial security, and missed opportunities in life. "Young people today are exposed to constant spending pressure, from social media influencers showcasing consumer goods to mobile apps designed to make instant purchases effortless," says Gajbhiye. "This kind of environment makes it even more critical to start financial education early, teaching kids not just the mechanics of money, but the value of delayed gratification, budgeting, and long-term financial planning." At LEO1, Gajbhiye and his team are committed to changing the narrative by providing tools and resources to support parents and educators in teaching financial literacy. LEO1's platform equips families with the necessary resources to instill sound financial practices in their children. "We believe financial literacy is the key to unlocking a child's future success. The foundation for a stable financial future is laid in childhood, and we need to give children the tools to make wise financial decisions," says Gajbhiye. LEO1 offers innovative digital tools that make learning about money both engaging and practical. The platform provides age-appropriate lessons on budgeting, saving, investing, and setting financial goals. It also includes features that allow children to practice managing their own money, set savings goals, and learn the importance of delayed gratification. With the rise of digital payment systems, LEO1 is leveraging technology to bring financial education into the digital age. "By integrating financial education into a format that children understand and enjoy, we're ensuring that they are well-prepared to handle their financial futures with confidence," says Gajbhiye. The platform's emphasis on hands-on learning helps children better understand the consequences of their financial decisions. By managing allowances or setting financial goals, children gain practical experience in budgeting and money management. "It's not enough to just tell children about money," explains Gajbhiye. "They need to experience it firsthand, understand its value, and learn to make thoughtful, informed choices. Our platform creates an environment where children can practice managing money, make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes." Beyond basic money management, LEO1 also emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and philanthropy. By teaching children how to balance their financial goals with giving back to their communities, LEO1 helps instill values of empathy and social impact. "Financial literacy is about more than just saving and spending wisely," says Gajbhiye. "It's about understanding the broader impact of money and how it can be used to make a positive difference in the world." The urgency of financial literacy cannot be overstated. As technology continues to shape the way we interact with money, the gap in financial knowledge will only widen unless immediate action is taken. "By equipping children with the skills they need to navigate this complex landscape, we're giving them the tools to thrive in an uncertain economic future," Gajbhiye concludes. "The stakes have never been higher, and the time to act is now." LEO1 (Website): https://www.leo1.in/ LEO1 (Formerly known as Financepeer) is a pioneering Edu-fintech company, headquartered in Mumbai, established in 2018. The Financial SAAS is designed to resolve long pending cashflow issue for educational institutions through its comprehensive Financial SAAS platform. The company has partnered with over 31+ large institutions like Narayana, Jain Group, SAGE University etc. Around half a million students are benefitting from the LEO1 Financial SAAS solutions. Key modules include Rewards, Smart ID Cards, Fee Management, and Financial Literacy, collectively empowering institutions with simplified fee collection, enhanced transparency, and real-time insights. Notably, LEO1 incentivizes responsible financial behaviour by rewarding timely fee payments with LEO1 Coins. These coins can be redeemed across various brands for discounts and vouchers, aligning with the broader mission of making education more accessible by potentially rebating fees for students who consistently meet payment deadlines. This initiative contributes to the larger vision of fostering a cashless ecosystem within educational institutes, enabling timely cashflow and is also aligned with 'Digital India' initiative. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Thousands participate in Margazhi Ashtami Meenakshi temple Car fest
Madurai (Tamil Nadu), Dec 23 (UNI) The 'Margazhi Ashtami Car festival of the World-renowned Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple was held with traditional pomp and gaiety here on Monday. Religious fervor permeated the temple town with thousands of devotees, especially women congregated this morning, pulling the aesthetically decorated chariots with devotional fervor through the East, South, West and North Masi streets around the temple in the city. Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Piriyavidai were taken in a chariot, while Goddess Meenkshi was taken in another chariot. The chariot of Goddess Meenakshi was drawn by women devotees, which is a special feature of the Margazhi Ashtami festival. The devotees chanted 'Hara Hara Sankara, Meenakshi Sundara' while pulling the chariots. The chariot festival celebrated on the 'Thei Pirai Ashtami' (waning of Moon in Lunar cycle) day during the auspicious Tamil month of 'Margazhi' (Margashirsha in Sanskrit) with devotees celebrating the event by blowing conches and beating traditional drums. The devotees collected rice to keep it in their houses, scattered by Sivacharyas along the procession route - a traditional practice which they believed would eradicate hunger and diseases. Special pujas were offered to the deities on the occasion. A large number of police personnel were deployed around the procession route to regulate the crowd and also to ensure that the chariots reach their destination without any hindrances. UNI GSM GV 1450
"Delhi ka AQI hua 500 paar, Yamuna mein hai pollution ki bahar, thank you Kejriwal Sarkar": BJP
New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday released a 'Aarop Patra' against Aam Aadmi Party Chief Arvind Kejriwal and his government in the national capital. BJP MP Anurag Thakur, Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva, and other party leaders were present during the release. Addressing the occasion, Anurag Thakur said that these are the people who brought Anna Hazare forward, led movements against Congress's corruption, and then went on to establish new standards of corruption. "They promised to make Delhi's schools world-class, yet over 2,00,000 students are still deprived of education. They promised 24/7 clean and free water, but today, thousands of families are forced to buy water from tankers after spending money. They promised free clinics and large hospitals in Delhi, but today 70 percent of patients are compelled to seek treatment in private hospitals. The AQI level once crossed 1200 and is still above 500. They promised to make Delhi corruption-free, but eight ministers, one MP, and 15 MLAs from their party have already been to jail," he said. Lashing out at the AAP government over Yamuna pollution, Thakur said that people from Purvanchal used to perform Chhath Puja with devotion and rituals on the banks of the Yamuna but Kejriwal's government had polluted the Yamuna so much that now celebrating the festival has stopped. "Ten years have passed, has the Yamuna been cleaned? Delhi's AQI went above 500, the Yamuna is heavily polluted, thank you, Kejriwal government. In return, the people of Delhi were left without even basic access to water. The Prime Minister's Jal Jeevan Mission ensured water supply to everyone, but Kejriwal did not allow it to be implemented here," he said. "We need to save Delhi from Kejriwal's corruption and pollution. I appeal to Kejriwal to take a dip in the Yamuna because if it is not cleaned by 2025, we will hold him accountable," the BJP MP added. Further, Anurag Thakur alleged that there have been multiple scams in the Kejriwal government. "The water board scam, the classroom scam, the Mohalla Clinic scam, the Waqf Board scam, the liquor scam, DTC scandals, and so on. What kind of government is this? We will work to save Delhi. Kejriwal is a friend of the corrupt and a criminal of Delhi. We will not forgive him but will clean up the mess he has made," he said. "This is the only government where the health minister, deputy CM, and CM were all in jail. This was not a government for the people but a government for the jail," Thakur said. In the 2020 Assembly elections, AAP secured 62 out of the 70 seats, while the BJP won eight. The Delhi Assembly elections are expected to take place in early 2025.
India Calls for Immediate Action Amid Crisis in Bangladesh | International
A coalition of Indian retired judges, bureaucrats, and army officials has issued an open letter expressing alarm over the plight of minorities in Bangladesh. They urge both nations to unite for peace and demand the cessation of violence, emphasizing shared cultural ties and historical solidarity. An alarming new development has surfaced as a group of retired judges, bureaucrats, army officials, and other civil society members from India have collectively voiced their concerns about the escalating troubles in Bangladesh. In an open letter addressed to the people of Bangladesh, they express their 'increasing alarm' over the current dire circumstances, urging immediate attention to the issues at hand. The letter demands an 'immediate end' to the attacks on Bangladesh's minority communities, stating that the ongoing violence is 'intolerable and unacceptable' to the citizens of India. The letter was delivered to the Bangladesh High Commission, backed by 685 prominent signatories, including 19 retired judges, 139 former bureaucrats, 300 vice chancellors, and 192 retired armed forces officers. Prominent figures such as Lt Gen- VK Chaturvedi and Former Justice RS Rathore have endorsed the letter, underscoring a commitment to peace and friendship. Key issues highlighted include the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das and growing threats to the religious minority populations. Recurring attacks that echo historical tensions evoke fears of regional instability, emphasized by the open letter's call for free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh. The signatories emphasize that cultural and historical affiliations between Bangladesh and India date back to the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, a war significantly supported by India. They assert that the current crisis can only be resolved through democratic means, appealing for peace and reconciliation to avert further violence.
Chip startup Mindgrove Technologies secures $8 million in funding - ET Telecom
Fabless semiconductor design startup Mindgrove Technologies on Monday said it has raised $8 million in a Series A funding round that it will use to expand its workforce and enhance its in-house engineering capabilities. The round was co-led by Rocketship.vc and Speciale Invest, with participation from Mela Ventures and existing investors like Peak XV Partners, Nishchay Goel and Whiteboard Capital along with new participation from Anshul Goel. "The recent investment and the DLI scheme reaffirms confidence in our thesis and capabilities," Shashwath TR, chief executive of Mindgrove Technologies said in a statement. "The demand in India for high-performance SoCs with essential features for security and edge-compute is growing. We have been actively working towards meeting this need and have made progress in bringing designed-in-India chips to the market." The company said that the investment will also accelerate production and sales of its first chip. In May this year, the company launched "Secure IoT" -- India's first commercial-grade high-performance microcontroller SoC (System-on-Chip) taped out at 28nm. Designed for electronic devices that are transforming into "smart" connected devices like watches, meters, locks and access control units, as well as for powering devices like printers and PoS machines. The chip is on schedule to reach the market by mid-2025. In addition, Mindgrove received approval under the government of India's semiconductor design linked incentive (DLI) scheme amounting to Rs 15 crore for developing a new chip, "Vision SoC," meant for high-performance edge computing and vision processing applications -- CCTV cameras, dashcams, video recorders, ADAS, smart TVs, and more. The company said it is expanding its team across all departments as well - business, engineering, product and applications. "We are proud to further strengthen our partnership with Mindgrove Technologies in their mission to revolutionise the global semiconductor industry with cutting-edge, indigenously designed solutions," Vishesh Rajaram, Managing Partner at Speciale Invest said. "The latest round of funding will enable them to accelerate product development and market entry, further driving India's leadership in the global semiconductor landscape." The startup is incubated by IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation and IIT Madras Incubation Cell. In early 2023, Mindgrove Technologies secured $2.325 million in seed funding from Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India & SEA), Speciale Invest, and Whiteboard Capital.
59 pc people seek GenAI smartphones by 2025 end globally: Report - ET Telecom
New Delhi: As smartphones remain integral to people's daily lives, 59 per cent of the respondents plan to purchase a Gen AI-enabled smartphone within the next year, with the trend being strongest in the US, followed by Germany and France, a global survey showed on Monday. GenAI was familiar to 32 per cent of the respondents in a survey conducted by Counterpoint Research across seven countries, namely USA, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Poland, and Japan. As per the results, GenAI awareness was highest in North America (72 per cent) and lowest in Japan (7 per cent). "GenAI has quickly gained traction due to its accessibility and versatility across personal, professional, and educational applications. Everyday tasks, such as writing assistance, document editing, and research have been made simpler, proving it is an invaluable tool for users," said Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint. Writing assistance has emerged as the top use case, thanks to its widespread availability, ease of use, and verifiable outputs. Other popular applications like image generation and voice assistants are also seeing significant adoption, Pathak noted. While 32 per cent of the respondents are aware of Generative AI, primarily through chatbots and search engines, among the aware users, 73 per cent have used Gen AI on their smartphones, highlighting the device's key role in boosting awareness and monetization opportunities. About 69 per cent of users value GenAI for its time-saving capabilities and 59 per cent are open to switching to a GenAI smartphone by September 2025, with the US leading the trend, the survey showed. Over two-thirds of the respondents are ready to pay extra for GenAI-enabled smartphones. Mohit Agarwal, a research director at Counterpoint, said many consumers still remain unaware of the benefits of on-device GenAI. "With only 19 per cent of users in the survey willing to pay a premium for a GenAI-enabled phone, smartphone manufacturers may need to adopt low-cost entry models and explore alternative revenue streams, such as monetising applications or offering LLM services to developers," he mentioned.
SustVest Raises $1.7 Million in Pre-Series A Round - Techiexpert.com
Sustainable Investment Platform SustVest Raised $1.7 Million in Pre-Series A Round in mix of equity and debt Led by Inflection Point Ventures and Antler along with participation from WEH ventures, Venture Catalysts, Soonicorn Ventures, FAAD Network, and others. The funds will drive key business growth initiatives, including acquiring solar projects, scaling marketing with the regulated platform launch, strengthening operations, and covering legal expenses. SustVest specializes in sustainable investments in renewable energy. The platform has achieved over ₹43 Cr in Assets Under Management (AUM) with 9.3 MW of solar installations, distributing over ₹5.7 Cr in energy income and saving over 94 lakh kgs of carbon emissions. Co-founders Hardik Bhatia (CEO) and Devansh Shah (CTO) bring deep industry expertise. Hardik, a B.E. in Computer Science from BITS Pilani, had a family background in the solar business and extensive fintech experience. Devansh, also a BITS Pilani graduate in Finance and Computer Science, is a tech innovator. Mr. Ankur Mittal, Co-Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, says: "Many smaller investors find it difficult to invest in renewable energy due to high entry barriers. SustVest solves this by offering fractional ownership in renewable energy projects for investing. By doing so, SustVest is making sustainable investments more accessible to a broader audience and democratizing the renewable energy projects. In turn, helping investors earn passive income and promote the growth of clean energy initiatives." SustVest offers investors fixed-income opportunities with environmental impact while enabling C&I consumers to access zero-cost solar projects at up to 50% lower tariffs. Their portfolio includes renowned clients such as Lodha Group, Hitachi, Mahle Group, Subros Ltd, CISF, NSG, CRPF, and others. SustVest serves investors across the globe with seamless KYC processes via its regulated platform. Its projects span key locations, including Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and more. Hardik Bhatia, Co-Founder and CEO, Sustvest, says," The investment opportunities once reserved for the ultra-wealthy are now accessible to all through SustVest, democratizing renewable energy investments. We're building a gateway for EPCs to access finance for the OPEX model, bridging critical gaps in the ecosystem. IPV has been exceptional in understanding our vision and supporting us on this journey with their expertise, enabling us to scale our impact and bring clean energy closer to everyone." India's rooftop solar market presents a $405.63 billion opportunity, with 7.6 million MSMEs fit for solar integration. The alternative investment market in India is expected to reach $11.8 billion, driven by 99 million individuals earning over ₹15 lakh annually.
KRAFTON India unveils Esports Roadmap for H1 2025
Kolkata, Dec 23 (UNI) KRAFTON India on Monday unveiled its much-anticipated Esports roadmap for the first half of 2025, promising an exciting year for Esports enthusiasts, and players across the country. Building on the success of the past two years, KRAFTON aims to make 2025 bigger and better with high-stakes tournaments, community initiatives, and increased opportunities for emerging talent. The year kicks off with the BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA SERIES (BGIS) 2025, opening registrations on January 3rd, 2025. The tournament features a prize pool of INR 2 Crores and will give aspiring players a chance to make their mark in the Esports ecosystem. This season, KRAFTON India will host the prestigious BGIS LAN Finals in the City of Joy - Kolkata - in April, furthering its efforts to bring Esports experiences to audiences across the country. Following BGIS, KRAFTON will launch the BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA PRO SERIES (BMPS) 2025. This invite-only tournament will feature the country's top professional teams, also competing for a prize pool of INR 2 Crores. In addition to flagship tournaments, KRAFTON also announced Rising Star, a dedicated program aimed at nurturing upcoming Esports players and content creators. The program will offer focused mentorship to enhance live streaming, build social media content strategies, and strengthen personal branding for aspiring Esports talent. Further details about the program will be unveiled soon. KRAFTON will continue its popular Esports College Campus Tour in 2025, expanding to more colleges nationwide. With a total prize pool of over INR 2 crore, each host college receives over INR 2 lakh. The tour has already engaged students at premier institutions like IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, and K.J. Somaiya College of Engineering. Karan Pathak, Associate Director of Esports at KRAFTON India, said, "We are thrilled to unveil the 2025 roadmap for KRAFTON India Esports as we continue our mission to foster the growth of Esports in India. Alongside our flagship events, we are strengthening community engagement through initiatives like the Esports College Campus Tour, which will expand to even more colleges across the country. Our Rising Star program represents a pivotal step in spotlighting upcoming Esports talent in the country and providing them the necessary tools to make a mark in the industry. By empowering and nurturing the next generation of players and creators, we are laying the foundation for a dynamic and sustainable ecosystem that will drive the industry forward for years to come." UNI SJC KK
Indigo passenger turns chaiwala at 36,000 feet, distributes tea to co-flyers: 'Ye kya chal rha hai...'
The video, which has since gone viral, garnered more than 400k views within just 24 hours of being shared. Social media users flooded the comments section with mixed reactions, ranging from humour to sharp criticism of the incident. One user joked, "Soon there will be mung phali wala chaat masala," comparing the scene to traditional vendors on Indian trains. Another, however, expressed disappointment, stating, "This is why foreigners are speaking bad about India... please behave." The criticisms didn't end there, as a third comment highlighted concerns over security and professionalism onboard, sarcastically questioning, "Cabin crew, security wale konsa nasha karke baithe h (What are the cabin crew and security staff even doing)?" This incident is the latest in a string of controversies involving airlines that have raised concerns about passenger safety, professionalism, and the standard of service. Recent months have seen instances ranging from unruly passenger behaviour to lapses in security protocols, prompting public and regulatory scrutiny. In a previous incident involving the same airline, Trisha Shetty, founder of SheSays, accused IndiGo of being uncooperative. She claimed that the airline staff were unwilling to help her mother, who was allegedly "robbed" during a flight. In response to the post, the airline asked Shetty to share her contact details so they could "assist her at the earliest." "Dear IndiGo my mom got robbed on your flight 6E 17. Flight crew kept her handbag in the overhead. When she fell asleep, a passenger took her bag. Luckily she woke up when he was replacing her bag. Your crew refused to help her file a complaint. They made excuses for thief," Shetty wrote. In another incident, actor Shamita Shetty made allegations against IndiGo Airlines, claiming that they offloaded her luggage due to weight limitations. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Shamita posted a video from the airport stating that she was travelling from Jaipur to Chandigarh for an event. In the video, Shamita said, "I am stuck at the Chandigarh airport. I have travelled from Jaipur to Chandigarh on an Indigo airline and my bags were just offloaded without informing me. I have come here for an event. My hairdresser's bag and my bag were just offloaded because of some weight issues. Am I not supposed to be informed before something like this is done?"
Uttarakhand Forward | Ravinath Raman on Uttarakhand's AYUSH revolution
Shocking! Lawyer rams Mercedes car into Kachori shop in Delhi, Six injured In a shocking incident, six people were injured after a lawyer rammed his speeding Mercedes car into a Kachori shop in the national capital. The incident took place at Fateh Kachori in Civil Lines area. The police have taken the lawyer into custody and seized his car. The lawyer has been identified as Parag Maini who is a resident of Noida's Sector 79. The police have registered a case against the lawyer under Section 279 (rash driving) and 337 (causing hurt by endangering life).
Manage happiness the Harvard way; here's the course content and how to enrol in this unique programme
Being happy, among all things unequivocally, is the principal foundation of life. In whatever course of action we follow in life in the pursuit of success, prosperity, peace, and other welfare contexts, the raison d'etre behind the action itself is nothing but the will to happiness. For no amount of success or well-being in any field would yield any meaning if the end result does not lead to a state of happiness. Fortunately, Harvard University offers a course in managing happiness for the benefit of individuals looking for directions and strategies to adorn their lives with the prospect of happiness across varying situations. In this class by Harvard University, the basic agenda is to build a happier life. It introduces learners to the modern science of human well-being and ways to practice it. Also read: Delhi school teachers to be trained in dealing with bomb threats, police to organise seminar with education dept The course is led by Harvard professor, author, social scientist, and former classical musician Arthur Brooks, and offers cutting-edge survey tools, research, and trends in social science, positive psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy to help learners unlock the strategies to create a more purposeful life, full of long-lasting enjoyment and satisfaction, as informed in the official website. The course is delivered via edX to connect learners across the world. Also read: IIT-JEE preparation: Proven strategies for success in one of India's toughest exam For more information, interested applicants may visit the official website through this direct link.
Which State Consumes The Most Meat? 99.8% Of Its Population Are Non-Vegetarians - News18
A recent survey has revealed that more than 85 percent of people in India like to eat non-vegetarian food. This begs the question, which state in India has the most number of people who are non-vegetarians? While India boasts the highest vegetarian population globally, the number of people who enjoy non-vegetarian food is also significant. A recent survey highlighted that over 85 percent of people in India consume non-vegetarian food. According to a study, Nagaland has the highest meat consumption in India, with a staggering 99.8 percent of its population identifying as non-vegetarian. Following closely behind is West Bengal, securing the second position on the list. In this state, 99.3 percent of the population consumes non-vegetarian food. Kerala takes the third spot, with a significant 99.1 percent of its residents opting for non-vegetarian cuisine. Andhra Pradesh claims the fourth position on the list of highest non-vegetarian consumers, with 98.25 percent of its population indulging in meat. Tamil Nadu secures the sixth position, with 97.65 percent of its residents enjoying non-vegetarian food, particularly chicken biryani, which is a local favourite. Odisha follows closely in seventh place, with approximately 97.35 percent of its population expressing a preference for non-vegetarian food.
'15% increase over 13 yrs justified?' Infosys' ex-CFO calls out 'biggest' salary disparity in IT sector
Mohandas Pai, the former CFO of Infosys, has criticized the widening pay gap in India's business sector, pointing out that senior executives receive large hikes while younger incomes have hardly changed in more than ten years. "Look at an IT CEO's salary five years ago, and look at it now -- it has gone up 50-60%. Board compensation has increased by 20%, 30%, even 40%. But for the bottom 20%, wages have only risen by 20-25%," said Pai, who now serves as Chairman of Aarin Capital. Using his knowledge from Infosys, Pai noted that, in 2024, freshmen who made Rs 3.25 lakh a year in 2011 will only make Rs 3.50-3.75 lakh, a 15% rise over the previous 13 years. "What was the CEO paid in 2011?" he said, adding, "How is it justified? How much does the CEO get paid now? It must be equitable." Pai has already expressed worries regarding fresher exploitation. He had previously claimed that the IT sector has been "exploiting freshers for the last ten years" by paying them stagnating wages. According to a Quest research quoted by Pai, the gap is much more pronounced for contract workers, whose pay has climbed by only 1% to 2% over the previous five years. "There is a great degree of exploitation of the bottom 50%, and India Inc has to really pay them better," he said. Pai stressed that even while technology has decreased the need for labour in some places, businesses are still making a lot of money. He urged companies to prioritise equity, especially in the distribution and services industries, saying, "The percentage of wages to value-added has come down because of automation, and they are not paying more."
ED's tactical shift: A response to mounting criticism?
In the last five years, the Enforcement Directorate's conviction rate has not crossed 5 per cent. Of 911 cases filed, just 257 (28 per cent) reached the trial stage Weeks after the Modi government admitted in Parliament that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has a conviction rate of less than 5 per cent, the agency has reportedly decided to overhaul its approach to filing cases. According to a report by the Indian Express, the ED will no longer rely on "criminal conspiracy" as the sole predicated offence for cases but will instead focus on registering them under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The move, initiated by ED director Rahul Navin and recently communicated to agency officers, marks a significant shift in the ED's operational strategy amid mounting criticism of its performance and perceived political bias. During the winter session of Parliament, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala brought the ED's performance under sharp scrutiny. Citing government data, he lambasted the agency for its low conviction rate and accused the BJP-led government of misusing it as a tool for political vendetta. 'The parliamentary answer to my question reveals three stark facts: In the last five years, the ED's conviction rate has not crossed 5 per cent. Of the 911 cases filed, just 257 (28 per cent) reached the trial stage, while 654 (71.7 per cent) remained pending for over five years. This exposes the blatant misuse of the ED and PMLA for political vendetta,' Surjewala said in a post on X.
Nissan, Honda Begin Merger Talks To Create Third Biggest Automaker; All You Need To Know - News18
Nissal-Honda Merger Talks: The merger could result in a behemoth worth more than $50 billion based on the market capitalisation of all three automakers. Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have announced plans to join forces, forming world's third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. "We anticipate that if this integration comes to fruition, we will be able to deliver even greater value to a wider customer base," Nissan's CEO Makoto Uchida said in a statement. Automakers in Japan have lagged behind their big rivals in electric vehicles and are trying to cut costs and make up for lost time. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month, with unconfirmed reports saying that the talks on closer collaboration partly were driven by aspirations of Taiwan iPhone maker Foxconn to tie up with Nissan, which has an alliance with Renault SA of France and Mitsubishi. A merger could result in a behemoth worth more than $50 billion based on the market capitalisation of all three automakers. Together, Honda and the Nissan alliance with Renault SA of France and smaller automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corp would gain scale to compete with Toyota Motor Corp and with Germany's Volkswagen AG. Toyota has technology partnerships with Japan's Mazda Motor Corp. and Subaru Corp. Even after a merger Toyota, which rolled out 11.5 million vehicles in 2023, would remain the leading Japanese automaker. If they join, the three smaller companies would make about 8 million vehicles. In 2023, Honda made 4 million and Nissan produced 3.4 million. Mitsubishi Motors made just over 1 million. Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi announced in August that they would share components for electric vehicles like batteries and jointly research software for autonomous driving to adapt better to dramatic changes centred around electrification, following a preliminary agreement between Nissan and Honda set in March. Honda, Japan's second-largest automaker, is widely viewed as the only likely Japanese partner able to effect a rescue of Nissan, which has struggled following a scandal that began with the arrest of its former chairman Carlos Ghosn in late 2018 on charges of fraud and misuse of company assets, allegations that he denies. He eventually was released on bail and fled to Lebanon. Speaking Monday to reporters in Tokyo via a video link, Ghosn derided the planned merger as a "desperate move". From Nissan, Honda could get truck-based body-on-frame large SUVs such as the Armada and Infiniti QX80 that Honda doesn't have, with large towing capacities and good off-road performance, Sam Fiorani, vice president of AutoForecast Solutions, told The Associated Press. Nissan also has years of experience building batteries and electric vehicles, and gas-electric hybird powertrains that could help Honda in developing its own EVs and next generation of hybrids, he said. But the company said in November that it was slashing 9,000 jobs, or about 6% of its global work force, and reducing its global production capacity by 20% after reporting a quarterly loss of 9.3 billion yen ($61 million). It recently reshuffled its management and Makoto Uchida, its chief executive, took a 50% pay cut to take responsibility for the financial woes, saying Nissan needed to become more efficient and respond better to market tastes, rising costs and other global changes. Fitch Ratings recently downgraded Nissan's credit outlook to "negative", citing worsening profitability, partly due to price cuts in the North American market. But it noted that it has a strong financial structure and solid cash reserves that amounted to 1.44 trillion yen ($9.4 billion). Nissan's share price also has fallen to the point where it is considered something of a bargain. On Monday, its Tokyo-traded shares gained 1.6%. They jumped more than 20% after news of the possible merger broke last week. Honda's shares surged 3.8%. Honda's net profit slipped nearly 20% in the first half of the April-March fiscal year from a year earlier, as sales suffered in China. The merger reflects an industry-wide trend toward consolidation. At a routine briefing Monday, Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said he would not comment on details of the automakers' plans, but said Japanese companies need to stay competitive in the fast changing market. "As the business environment surrounding the automobile industry largely changes, with competitiveness in storage batteries and software is increasingly important, we expect measures needed to survive international competition will be taken," Hayashi said.
Turkey's Foreign Minister meets Syrian rebel leader in Damascus amid tensions
On December 22, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, in Damascus. Al-Golani played a key role in efforts to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. During the meeting, Fidan and al-Golani embraced and posed for photos. Turkish President Erdogan stated that Turkey would support Syria in forming a new government and writing a new constitution. For years, Turkey backed rebels against Assad and now wants to help rebuild Syria, especially as millions of Syrian refugees live in Turkey. Fidan's visit came amid ongoing fighting between Turkey-backed fighters and the Kurdish YPG militia in northern Syria. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are struggling to maintain their power after Assad's fall.
'Bengaluru is what it is because of north Indians,' claims woman in viral video, sparks debate
In yet another Bengaluru vs. other cities debate, a recent video featuring a Delhi woman has gone viral. In the clip, she claims that "Bengaluru is Bengaluru because of North Indians," adding that many locals find it hard to accept this view. The video, shared widely across social media platforms, captures the woman's response to a question about the cultural shocks she experienced after moving from North India to Bengaluru. She alleges that people in the city often view North Indians differently and sometimes address them as "these Hindi people." Despite her remarks on cultural biases, the woman expressed her love for Bengaluru, stating, "I love this city, and I will definitely come back." Her comments have drawn polarised reactions online, with many debating the role of North Indians in shaping Bengaluru's cosmopolitan identity. The video has garnered over 600k views and hundreds of comments and reshares on X (formerly Twitter). (Also Read: 'I turned steering wheels to avoid...': Truck driver breaks silence after Bengaluru crash kills six) X users had mixed reactions to the video. While one user defended the statement, saying, "I don't see anything wrong in her statement! Kannadigas travel to other places as well and don't face this kind of hate in the north. Even if they struggle with Hindi, most people adjust with them," others pointed out that attitude plays a key role in how people are perceived. Some highlighted Bengaluru's diverse workforce, with one user noting, "Most startup founders and employees in Bengaluru are from other parts of India. Why create an unwanted divide over language? This wasn't even a discussion before the Karnataka elections." However, one user expressed agreement up until the final point, stating, "I was agreeing with her throughout until that last sentence. We can't credit only North Indians for what Bengaluru is, but at the same time, we can't deny the hatred by locals towards non-Kannadigas." Another comment summed it up succinctly, saying "Everyone has contributed to the city's growth. Why the hate against North Indians?"
Haryana : Three shot dead in Panchkula
Chandigarh, Dec 23 (UNI) Three persons, including a woman, were shot dead by unknown assailants in Panchkula of Haryana early Monday morning, police said. Police said the shooting incident took place at a hotel in Pinjore. A birthday party was going on when the incident occurred. The incident occurred around 2:00 am when unidentified assailants opened fire on the gathering, leaving two men and a woman dead. The deceased have been identified as Vicky and Vineet, both residents of Delhi, and a woman from Hisar. Police suspected it could be a targeted killing involving gang rivalry as one of the victims had ties to criminal activities. Initial investigations suggested that Vicky had ties to criminal activities. Police have launched an investigation and are examining CCTV footage from the hotel. UNI GS KK
Maha: Two youths killed as tanker hits motorcycle in Jalgaon
Jalgaon (Maharashtra), Dec 23 (UNI) Two youths were killed when the motorcycle they were riding was hit by a speeding tanker near Amalner checkpoint on the Highway in this district on Sunday night. According to police sources, the deceased were identified as Raju Bhoi (46), resident of Erandol and Deepak More (34), resident of Shirsoli, Jalgaon. Raju Bhoi died on the spot while Deepak More, who was seriously injured, succumbed at the Rural hospital in Erandol. A case has been registered against the tanker driver at Erandol police station. The tanker was impounded at Parola police station. After the accident, angry citizens held the National Highways Development Authority responsible and staged a road blockade for some time demanding that a case be filed against the project director. Due to this, traffic on the highway was disrupted for some time. UNI RDS CS1450