Asia News & Trends

Women leaders on vulnerability, strength, and structural changes in

Women leaders on vulnerability, strength, and structural changes in "Authentic Ascent"

An interesting panel discussion on the topic of "The Authentic Ascent: Leading with Vulnerability and Strength" took place at the 6th edition of the Women Disruptors Summit & Awards 2025. Industry pioneers gathered to talk about systemic changes that enable women in leadership positions in addition to their own personal journeys.Pritha Mitra Dasgupta, Chief Marketing Officer of Havas India, presided over the meeting, and panelists included: Kinnari Dave, Shemaroo Entertainment's Business Head for ShemarooMe Prachi Bali, Head of Saatchi Propagate and EVP Shwetal Basu, Polycab India's Senior Vice President and Head of Brand & Marketing"We are no longer applauding leaders who never flinch," said Pritha Mitra Dasgupta, who opened the conversation by saying .that the days of leaders who stood like rock without flinching were long gone. In actuality, we are admiring those who possess the capacity for tenderness, resilience, empathy, and ambition.She continued by asking Kinneri Dave how both astute strategy and flexibility are necessary to successfully navigate a legacy business through the digital maelstrom. "Could you describe a situation where you were able to bring things back on track when they were veering off course because of your transparency rather than just your strategic abilities?""When you take over a brand, a legacy brand as large as Shemaroo, the burden of the brand and the legacy is huge, and you're always on edge, making sure you're not denting it," Kinnari Dave said, citing a server crash as an example that demonstrated the leadership transfers. I can clearly recall that five years ago, I oversaw product and technology for another company before taking the helm at Shemaroo.I remember clearly the day one of our servers broke and we lost a lot of data because it's a legacy brand and we had a major tech move. At that period, leading product technology for a heritage company felt extremely risky because of the media and people' doubts about a legacy brand going digital in comparison to Netflix. We told stakeholders, "Yeah, we've had a crash, lost data, and need time to figure this out," rather than jumping into solution mode, I said. However, we'll make sure that things return to normal. I then said to the crew, "All right, so this is where we are." Let's focus on finding a solution and separating the problem from the who.That made things more relatable and encouraged cooperation. Because we came together and worked as a single, cohesive team, I believe that's where we found the solution and recovered more quickly than anticipated.  

Published 14 Apr 2025 07:37 PM

In a new covert Santa commercial, IGP adds a gangster touch to office gifts.

In a new covert Santa commercial, IGP adds a gangster touch to office gifts.

IGP debuted a brand-new Christmas advertising campaign. The office Secret Santa in the advertisement has a gangster vibe. It draws attention to likable characters at work. IGP provides a variety of practical presents. The ad highlights growing tendencies in office gifts. The goal of IGP is to simplify corporate gifting.With the debut of its second ad video under the 'Amazing Gifts, Samay Par' campaign, International Gifts Platform, or IGP, has added a humorous and inventive twist by putting a birthday celebration in the Stone Age. This most recent episode satirically reimagines the classic problem of selecting the ideal birthday present, demonstrating that gift selection was important even in prehistoric times. The campaign's main concept is that a well-considered present given at the appropriate moment can have a lasting effect.The advertisement transports us to the Stone Age, when even prehistoric people understood that a birthday celebration wouldn't be complete without the ideal cake. A young cave lad surprises his crush with a delectable cake and blooming flowers from IGP in a world where stone tools are cutting edge and fire is considered a luxury. Every cave-dweller at the gathering is won over by the cake, which becomes the talk of the tribe. The message is clear: a thoughtful, well-timed present can make a lasting impact in any era, whether you are looking for dinner or running contemporary errands!  

Published 13 Dec 2024 10:46 PM

Review of Pushpa 2 The Rule and live updates Rashmika Mandanna and Allu Arjun's movie will be accessible to those with disabilities; BO update

Review of Pushpa 2 The Rule and live updates Rashmika Mandanna and Allu Arjun's movie will be accessible to those with disabilities; BO update

Review of Pushpa 2: The Rule and live updates: Pushpa's follow-up with Director Sukumar: The Rise is about to blow the box office away. Rashmika Mandanna, Fahaadh Faasil, and Allu Arjun are the film's main actors. Allu will play laborer-turned-sandalwood smuggler Pushpa Raj in the follow-up to the Telugu blockbuster from 2021. Rashmika portrays Srivalli, his wife.Tickets for Pushpa 2's December 4 launch are available at select theaters for ₹944 (GST included). The film has surpassed previous marks set by Kalki 2898 AD, Bahubali 2, and KGF 2 to become the fastest film to sell one million tickets on the platform, according to online ticketing portal BookMyShow.Like many recent south-bound films that have shattered records in the Hindi-speaking belt, the movie is expected to gross over ₹60 crore on its first day in the north. The excitement generated by the trailer launch in Patna was just a taste of the excitement that will surround its release.  

Published 05 Dec 2024 08:22 PM

Did artificial intelligence sap Coca-Cola's Christmas cheer?

Did artificial intelligence sap Coca-Cola's Christmas cheer?

Social media users reacted negatively to Coca-Cola's recent AI-generated Christmas advertisements. Many contend that the intended Christmas spirit was overshadowed by the campaign's lack of emotional connection and appropriate execution. Although the advertising' technology was impressive, the narrative fell short of the success of Coca-Cola's seminal 1995 commercial. We sought the opinions of prominent figures in Indian advertising.Social media users made fun of Coca-Cola's AI-generated Christmas advertisements when they were published last month. Some users felt that the magic had been lost in the advertisements, which were meant to honor the brand's famous Coca-Cola Christmas commercials from 1995, "Holidays Are Coming." Experts in the field offer their opinions on whether the recent internet backlash against the cola giant's advertisements is the result of bad execution or AI failure.The CCO of DDB Mudra Group, Rahul Mathew "I believe that a campaign's ambition is what makes it successful. You won't be content until you achieve your goal of being the most talked-about campaign. On the other hand, you will be content that you are out there if your goal is simply to be there. I believe the goal of the Coca-Cola commercial was just to be an AI execution. And rather than being a tale that appeals to everyone's Christmas spirit, that has turned into the commercial's narrative."Animation, CG, AI, and live action are all methods of execution. The customer does.  

Published 04 Dec 2024 10:14 PM

A new RBI governor has been appointed by Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra.

A new RBI governor has been appointed by Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra.

Sanjay Malhotra, a former Revenue Secretary, has been named Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor. According to a statement from the administration, he will assume leadership on Wednesday and serve for three years. Mr. Malhotra is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Rajasthan cadre, having been drafted in the 1990 batch. He received a master's degree in public policy from Princeton University in the United States and a bachelor's degree in computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur.In a career spanning over 33 years, Mr Malhotra has worked in several sectors including power, finance and taxation, information technology, mines etc.  

Published 09 Dec 2024 07:42 PM

The Chief Justice withdraws from legal arguments on the employment of poll workers.

The Chief Justice withdraws from legal arguments on the employment of poll workers.

Sanjiv Khanna, the Chief Justice of India, resigned on Tuesday from hearing arguments against the legality of the statute that removed him from the committee responsible for selecting the Chief Election Commissioner and other election commissioners.The Chief Justice, who shared the bench with Justice Sanjay Kumar, informed the petitioners' attorneys that he was unable to hear their plea. "List the matter before a bench of which I am not a part of," he stated.He said that the matter will be heard after the winter break and would be reallocated to a separate bench, excluding the Chief Justice. During that time, the Chief Justice also instructed the Center and other parties to submit answers to the petition.In their representation of the petitioners, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan and attorney Prashant Bhushan stated that the previous bench, which was led by Justice Khanna, who had not yet been promoted to the position of Chief Justice, had issued interim orders in the case back in March. Notably, the Chief Justice of India was not allowed to serve on the committee that appointed the chief election commissioner (CEC) and other election commissioners as a result of the Election Commissioners' Act, which was approved in December 2023. The Prime Minister, a Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition currently make up the appointment panel.A number of individuals, notably the Association for Democratic Reforms and Congressman Jaya Thakur, contested the legality of Section 7 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, and requested a halt to its implementation. A different Supreme Court bench, consisting of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, had earlier in March declined to halt the new law's implementation of the appointment of new Election Commissioners (ECs).  

Published 05 Dec 2024 08:52 PM

Election Commission ruling by the Supreme Court: When judicial activism shapes the law

Election Commission ruling by the Supreme Court: When judicial activism shapes the law

By adopting the Constituent Assembly's mantle in its March 2, 2023, ruling, the Supreme Court of India essentially rewrote some of the Constitution's clauses. The Court mandated that revised guidelines for the Election Commissioner's appointment be adhered to.According to these regulations, a committee made up of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India must advise the appointment of the Election Commissioner. The Court defended this by saying that these regulations are necessary to address the "lacuna" in the laws governing this topic. However, it is clear that the Court has acted in flagrant contempt of the doctrine of the separation of powers if we examine the Court's reasoning and the laws pertaining to the appointment of Election Commissioners in greater detail.The Constitution itself, which aimed to create three institutional organs—the legislature, executive branch, and judiciary—is the source of the theory of separation of powers. The Constitution also outlined the roles of these three branches, with the legislature enacting laws, the executive branch enforcing them, and the judiciary rendering decisions. But the same Court that once acknowledged this theory as a component of the Constitution's "basic structure" has now reversed it.  

Published 03 Dec 2024 05:34 PM

Amitesh Jha of Flipkart is appointed CEO of Swiggy Instamart.

Amitesh Jha of Flipkart is appointed CEO of Swiggy Instamart.

With effect from September 4, 2024, Swiggy has named Amitesh Jha as the new CEO of Swiggy Instamart. Jha offers more than 20 years of expertise to the position, having previously worked with Flipkart.The on-demand meal delivery service Swiggy announced in a press release today, August 29, that Amitesh Jha has been named CEO of Swiggy Instamart. On September 4, 2024, Jha will take over as CEO of the fast commerce company.As competition intensifies in the rapid commerce space, Swiggy has made a move into larger e-commerce categories by appointing Flipkart veteran Amitesh Jha as the new CEO of Instamart.Amitesh Jha, a Flipkart veteran, was named CEO of Swiggy Instamart by IPO-bound Swiggy at a time when rapid commerce competitors are preparing for a fierce competition with e-commerce behemoths. The hiring of Jha reflects the desire of rapid commerce companies to expand beyond grocery by entering e-commerce markets that have historically been robust, such electronics, fashion, and clothing. According to his LinkedIn page, Jha, who has 14 years of experience at Flipkart, was most recently the Senior Vice President of Category and Marketplace, where he oversaw high-growth companies that accounted for 70% of transactions on the Walmart-owned e-commerce platform.Swiggy Group CEO Sriharsha Majety highlighted Jha's "extensive experience in leading core categories such as smartphones, general merchandise, fashion, and large appliances, as well as managing their logistics arm" when he explained why the former Flipkart executive was chosen to lead Instamart. Protecting Swiggy Instamart's market share, which UBS thinks is currently between 20 and 25 percent, compared to Bernstein's projections of 35 to 39 percent in 2023, is one of Jha's biggest problems. In addition to market leader Blinkit's steady rise, BigBasket's complete focus on speedy commerce and Zepto's charge, which is being supported by $1 billion in new funding, are the main causes of the assault.  

Published 02 Dec 2024 11:47 PM

At Cannes, did Urvashi Rautela's wardrobe malfunction? A viral video raises questions on the internet.

At Cannes, did Urvashi Rautela's wardrobe malfunction? A viral video raises questions on the internet.

During the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Urvashi Rautela just had a "oops" moment. This is the response from the internet. At the 78th Cannes Film Festival, Urvashi Rautela is drawing attention with her daring dress choices and strong style. Urvashi attended the screening of the Brazilian film O Agente Secreto (L'Agent Secret / The Secret Agent) for the second time on Sunday. And for reasons she most likely did not anticipate, her red carpet appearance soon became the talk of the town.Urvashi Rautela is seen in a striking black gown in images and videos that are doing the rounds on the internet. However, neither the shine nor the silhouette attracted much notice on the internet. When she raised her arm to wave at the cameras, a noticeable hole appeared close to her underarm, and it was the actual "oops" moment. The wardrobe malfunction was quickly noticed by astute internet users, and social media was inundated with responses.Urvashi Rauteka's red carpet footage was posted on Instagram Stories by fashion commentator Diet Sabya, who said, "Dekho, gotta respect the hustle." I'm sorry for her, Bichari. It is essentially the kiss of death to walk the Cannes red carpet without any paparazzi. "Is that a hole there?????" was one of the comments on the video.  

Published 19 May 2025 05:33 PM

Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible: Final Reckoning Receives a 5-Minute Standing Ovation at Cannes 2025. View Nighttime Photos

Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible: Final Reckoning Receives a 5-Minute Standing Ovation at Cannes 2025. View Nighttime Photos

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hollywood actor Tom Cruise arrived at the Cannes Film Festival in style on Wednesday night, thrilling fans as he made his way to the premiere of his new movie, "Mission: Impossible -- The Final Reckoning."Christopher McQuarrie, his longtime partner and director, accompanied the 61-year-old actor on the red carpet. The star was spotted signing autographs and taking photographs with admirers. When fans saw the actor, they were also seen waving posters and other items from Cruise's previous movies, such as Mission: Impossible II and The Last Samurai. According to The Hollywood Reporter, some even made a little homage to Cruise's Top Gun co-star Val Kilmer. This time, after its Wednesday debut at the Grand Theatre Lumiere, Tom Cruise's film earned a thunderous 5-minute standing ovation.It was seen that the Hollywood celebrity thanked the festival attendees. He reflected on his thirty years as the face of Mission: Impossible and remarked, "I'm very grateful to be a part of this franchise."The actor also gave the director, who has directed four of the franchise's movies, respect. Tom Cruise referred to the filmmaker as "absolutely brilliant," saying, "Every step of the way, what you've done, how you've expanded it, how you just went beyond our expectations." "I couldn't have imagined anything like this as a child, to be here in Cannes and have these moments," he remarked. "I'm really appreciative that I've been able to amuse you with this franchise for thirty years."  

Published 15 May 2025 03:33 PM

Day 10 of Pushpa 2 (Hindi) Trends in the Box Office: The biggest second Saturday in Hindi cinema history is achieved by the Allu Arjun film.

Day 10 of Pushpa 2 (Hindi) Trends in the Box Office: The biggest second Saturday in Hindi cinema history is achieved by the Allu Arjun film.

Pushpa 2: The Rule (Hindi), starring Allu Arjun, is an unstoppable force at the box office, setting yet another record on the second Saturday. Early trends indicate that the Sukumar-directed film hopes to earn between Rs 41.00 crore and Rs 43.00 crore on the tenth day, bringing its total earnings to Rs 458 crore. With a gross of Rs 33.00 crore, the Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao-starring Stree 2 was the most grossing second Saturday in Hindi cinema history.The movement and momentum in the evening and night shows will determine if Pushpa 2 will even approach the Rs 45 crore milestone on the tenth day. If it succeeds, Pushpa 2's second Saturday will gross more than Stree 2's second Sunday (Rs 42 crore), which says a lot about the movie's dominance at the box office. Pushpa 2's second weekend could bring in close to Rs 115 crore, which would once again be the largest amount ever made.After surpassing the box office receipts of Animal, Bahubali 2, Pathaan, and Gadar 2 in just 13 days, the Allu Arjun flick is expected to surpass the Rs 500 crore mark on Sunday and rank as the third-biggest Hindi feature film ever by Tuesday. In order to become the most successful Hindi film ever and the first to ever reach the Rs 600 crore milestone, the movie will then be vying for the box office receipts of Jawan and Stree 2.  

Published 14 Dec 2024 08:54 PM

Day 6 global box office receipts for Pushpa 2 The Allu Arjun-Rashmika Mandanna film is the quickest Indian production to reach the Rs 1000 cr milestone.

Day 6 global box office receipts for Pushpa 2 The Allu Arjun-Rashmika Mandanna film is the quickest Indian production to reach the Rs 1000 cr milestone.

Day 6 box office collection for Pushpa 2: The Rule: The movie starring Rashmika Mandanna and Allu Arjun had a fantastic first weekend at the box office. Indeed, the movie saw a sharp decline in box office receipts on Monday as the week began, despite doing exceptionally well in the first four days. According to reports, Pushpa 2: The Rule made Rs 1000 crore today worldwide. The makers claim that Pushpa 2 is now the fastest Indian movie to join the exclusive membership.As of yet, Pushpa 2 has not made Rs 650 crores at the domestic box office. The Hindi box office receipts for Pushpa 2 were reported by trade analyst Taran Adarsh. The force of "PUSHPA 2" is unstoppable. Unflappable at the #BO, #Pushpa2 extends its winning streak. Its #Blockbuster reputation is cemented by the astounding weekday patterns on Monday and Tuesday. The movie should become the fastest to reach the ₹ 400 cr milestone today [Wednesday; Day 7], given its incredible hold on weekdays. Going forward, it is anticipated that #Pushpa2's outstanding performance in *Weekend 2* will be bolstered by the lack of new releases this Friday, paving the way for a grand entrance into the ₹ 500 cr Club. [First Week] Pushpa2 Sat: 74 cr, Fri: 59 cr, Thu: 72 crThe Telugu version of Pushpa 2 made Rs 11 crores on the sixth day. On Tuesday, the Tamil version brought in Rs 2.5 crores, Kannada brought in Rs 0.4 crores, while Malayalam only brought in Rs 0.5 crores. The action drama made over Rs 150 crores on its first day of release. Unexpectedly, the Telugu version of the movie showed a surge in occupancy. The Telugu version of the movie had an occupancy of 34.79 percent on Tuesday, compared to 25.87 percent on Monday. Additionally, the general occupancy of the Hindi version of Pushpa 2 increased. The occupancy increased to 38.76 percent on Tuesday from 24.83 percent on Monday.  

Published 11 Dec 2024 08:18 PM

Today's stock market: Asian stocks are divided as Wall Street emerges from its holiday-season slump

Today's stock market: Asian stocks are divided as Wall Street emerges from its holiday-season slump

HONG KONG (AP) — Following Wall Street's recovery from the holiday season blues, Asian stocks are uneven, with markets in China and Tokyo seeing declines.As Tokyo's market reopened following the lengthy customary holiday, the finance minister of Japan rang in the New Year, and employees wearing suits and kimonos applauded for good fortune in 2025.Katsunobu Kato, the finance minister, declared that the Japanese government would take action to assure economic growth driven by investment and salary rises. He also promised to "grasp signs of recovery" and make sure that "every single citizen can feel the improvement in their salaries."Much of Asia has been wary of possible changes under President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to drastically increase tariffs on imports from China and other nations, which might impede growth for a region that depends significantly on trade. After U.S. President Joe Biden turned down Nippon Steel's roughly $15 billion offer to buy Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel Corp., the company was predicted to file a lawsuit. On Monday, Nippon Steel's stock dropped 0.7% in Tokyo. On Friday, U.S. Steel's stock fell 6.5%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.5% to 19,654.82, while Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei 225 index fell 1.6% to 39,258.25. At 3,194.20, the Shanghai Composite index fell 0.5%.  

Published 06 Jan 2025 10:33 PM

FPIs Lower Paytm Stakes to Less Than 1%

FPIs Lower Paytm Stakes to Less Than 1%

OVERVIEW Tiger Pacific Master Fund owned 1.03% of the shares in the June quarter, UBS Principal Capital Asia owned 1.06%, and Societe Generale owned 1.98%. The company's total FPI ownership fell from 20.04% in the prior quarter to 16.77% in the September quarter. On the BSE, Paytm's shares closed Thursday's trading session 3.47% lower at INR 696.35.Tiger Pacific Master Fund, UBS Principal Capital Asia, and Societe Generale are among the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) who have decreased their investments in Paytm.Paytm Datalabs_in-article-iconTiger Pacific Master Fund owned 1.03% of the shares in the June quarter, UBS Principal Capital Asia owned 1.06%, and Societe Generale owned 1.98%.These stakes dropped below 1% at the end of September, therefore they were not included in the most recent data that was made public.In the quarter that ended in September, the total FPI ownership in the business fell from 20.04% to 16.77%. Paytm has been contacted by Inc42 to provide feedback on the development. The response will be used to update the story.On the BSE, Paytm's shares closed Thursday's trading session 3.47% lower at INR 696.35.In the quarter that ended in September, the holdings of foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) Societe Generale, Tiger Pacific Master Fund, and UBS Principal Capital Asia in One 97 Communications fell below 1%. Due to general market weakness, Paytm's shares fell 3% intraday to a low of Rs 700 on the BSE.  

Published 17 Oct 2024 05:24 PM

F&O-banned stocks on July 15, 2024

F&O-banned stocks on July 15, 2024

On Monday, July 15, 2024, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) imposed a trading suspension on eleven equities in the futures and options (F&O) segment.These stocks were prohibited because their market-wide position limit (MWPL) exceeded 95%. These equities can still be traded in the cash market even though they are prohibited in the F&O segment.The list of securities subject to the F&O prohibition is updated on a regular basis by NSE. The following stocks are prohibited as of July 15:Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Balrampur Chini Mills Bandhan Bank Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals GMR Infra GNFC IEX India Cements Indus Towers Piramal Enterprises RBL BankDerivative contracts for these securities were included in the embargo period, according to the NSE, because they exceeded 95% of the MWPL. Clients and members may only trade in these assets' derivative contracts during this prohibition period in order to offset their positions and decrease their holdings. Any increase in available employment will be met with the proper legal and disciplinary measures. During the ban period, no new positions are allowed in the F&O contracts of stocks.  

Published 15 Jul 2024 05:57 PM

After a 20% gain in a month, will Wipro's stock reach its one-year highs again?

After a 20% gain in a month, will Wipro's stock reach its one-year highs again?

Wipro stock price: At Rs 530.70, the stock was last seen trading 3.07 percent higher. It has increased 19.54% at this pricing in the last month. The share price was down 2.82 percent from its 52-week high of Rs 546.10, which was reached on February 2 of this year, notwithstanding the aforementioned increase.Wipro Ltd.'s shares increased 4% on Monday to reach a high of Rs. 535.50. At Rs 530.70, the stock was last seen trading 3.07 percent higher. It has increased 19.54% at this pricing in the last month. The share price was down 2.82 percent from its 52-week high of Rs 546.10, which was reached on February 2 of this year, notwithstanding the aforementioned increase. "The relative value of IT equities appears advantageous when looking at it in the long run. Long-term investors may want to look into equities like Wipro," said WealthMills Securities Director of Equity Strategy Kranthi Bathini.Having said that, Bathini continued, "the upcoming quarterly results and guidance will be extremely crucial going forward." Support for the counter's technical configuration was visible in the Rs 500–490 area. Additionally, additional upside requires a firm close above Rs 545.Wipro has gained a lot of momentum after breaking beyond the Rs 500 barrier. On an intermediate perspective, the stock is ready to attempt the recent swing high of Rs 545. It would be important to keep an eye on the counter for a breakout above the indicated zone, as this might lead to significant traction in a similar amount of time. Any short-term hiccup is probably to be cushioned on the lower end by Rs 500–490, according to Osho Krishan, Senior Research Analyst, Technical & Derivatives at Angel One.  

Published 01 Jul 2024 05:30 PM

The message of Maharashtra's unexpected and historic victory is for Viksit Bharat Sitharaman Nirmala

The message of Maharashtra's unexpected and historic victory is for Viksit Bharat Sitharaman Nirmala

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described the victory of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance as "unexpected and unprecedented," saying that the Maharashtra elections were not your typical assembly elections and that the result sent a strong message for "Viksit Bharat."Additionally, the Union Minister congratulated Devendra Fadnavis on his election as the Maharashtra BJP legislative party's leader."I congratulate all elected MLAs," Sitharaman stated at the legislative party gathering. I congratulate Devendra Fadnavis on his election as the legislative party's leader. The 14 crore votes cast in this election send a message to the entire country of India. This election was not your typical assembly election. Following the Lok Sabha elections, the country's voters clearly gave their consent in the elections of Haryana and Maharashtra. Maharashtra's unexpected and historic triumph.Sitharaman went on to say that Maharashtra's next "double-engine" administration will be more effective in all areas, including AI technology, industry, farmers, investment, and regional development. "I think that the uncertainty brought about by the previous governments, which were led by the Congress and coalition, exhausted the people of Maharashtra and the country. Under the PM's direction, the double engine government will seek to advance while meeting the PR.  

Published 05 Dec 2024 08:33 PM

The Union Budget 2024 may see the government loosen the 45-day payment restriction for MSMEs.

The Union Budget 2024 may see the government loosen the 45-day payment restriction for MSMEs.

According to insiders, the government may decide to loosen the rule requiring MSMEs to be paid for goods and services within 45 days of the purchase in order to deter big corporations from exploring alternative sources of funding This could be announced in the budget, which is expected to be delivered on July 23.Overview. The government is thinking about easing the 45-day payment deadline for MSMEs in an effort to keep big businesses from looking for alternative suppliers. It is possible that this modification to Section 43B(h) of the Income Tax Act would be disclosed in the forthcoming July 23 Budget. As per the Finance Act 2023's introduction of Section 43B(h) of the Income Tax Act, a larger company may face greater taxes if it fails to pay an MSME within the stipulated timeframe of 45 days for written agreements. This is because the firm cannot deduct the payment from its taxable income.The amendment was introduced to allow MSMEs to receive payments on time, but many of them expressed fear, according to sources. They said they were afraid that large corporations might ask their vendors to give up their MSME registration in order to do business with them, or they might shift their sourcing requirements to larger firms in an effort to protect their interests.  

Published 09 Jul 2024 06:19 PM

2024 Budget Why this July, in July, Nirmala Sitharaman will release the budget

2024 Budget Why this July, in July, Nirmala Sitharaman will release the budget

Nirmala Sitharaman would thus become the first finance minister to introduce seven Union Budgets in a row.The Union Budget 2024 for the fiscal year 2024–25 is anticipated to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the second part of July. By doing this, she will beat Morarji Desai, who presented six consecutive Budgets, to become the first Finance Minister to present seven successive Union Budgets. The most comprehensive report of the central government's finances, the budget estimates the government's revenue and expenditures and includes information on all sources of revenue as well as government-incurred costs.In recent years, February 1 has been the day for the presentation of the Union Budget. On February 1st of this year, Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Interim Budget for FY24, given that it was an election year. This year's Lok Sabha elections saw the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) defeat the opposition's INDIA alliance for the third time in a row. As a result, Nirmala Sitharaman will give the Union Budget in its entirety the following month.The 18th Lok Sabha's first session, which convened on June 24, is now in progress. The session, which ends on July 1, has already seen the swearing-in of new members and a joint sitting of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha on June 27 during which President Droupadi Murmu delivered a speech.  

Published 01 Jul 2024 06:26 PM

Road safety and enforcement checkpoints will be erected; the MP government eliminates transport checkposts at interstate boundaries.

Road safety and enforcement checkpoints will be erected; the MP government eliminates transport checkposts at interstate boundaries.

The government of Madhya Pradesh is going to establish new road safety and enforcement checking stations and has eliminated the transport check posts at interstate borders. There will be 45 checking points set up initially, and until these points are operational, enforcement will be temporarily handled by mobile forces. Home guards, enforcement officers, and district transport office officials will make up these mobile units. With effect from today, the Madhya Pradesh government eliminated the transport checkpoints at the state's interstate borders and announced the establishment of new road safety and enforcement checkpoints.In the first phase of the state under the new system, 45 checking points will be implemented. In the interim, before the new checkpoints are prepared, mobile units made up of house guards, district transport office employees, and enforcement personnel will be established.In a video conference meeting with officials on Sunday at CM House, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav gave orders for district-level administrative and police personnel to assist the Transport Department in implementing the new system.  

Published 12 Aug 2024 10:23 AM

Is the 'Caveman Skincare Routine' a hoax in terms of hygiene?

Is the 'Caveman Skincare Routine' a hoax in terms of hygiene?

I'm a regular TikTok scroller (the four hours of screen time a day speaks for itself), and I've seen a ton of beauty films, from popular trends to amazing hacks that would put a Victorian kid in a coma. The caveman skincare method, however, may just take the biscuit—or perhaps I should say water—as the most talked-about topic on SkinTok lately.The 'Caveman Skincare Method' is the skincare regimen that TikTok creator Tia Zakher has lately described in a number of videos on the platform. "After 8 years of picking and over-exfoliating, I'm healing my skin barrier by doing the one thing I never tried before... absolutely nothing," Tia explains in a video that has received 9.7 million views. In other words, she has stopped using water in addition to all skincare products (I'm referring about moisturizer, exfoliant, and cleanser). Tia responded to Cosmopolitan UK's inquiry on why she chose to utilize the caveman skincare method by saying, "I decided to do it because I wanted to try a different approach and I do think it's working for me."  

Published 28 May 2025 07:49 PM

According to Instagram, rubbing raw ginger can help clear up acne. Are dermatologists in agreement?

According to Instagram, rubbing raw ginger can help clear up acne. Are dermatologists in agreement?

Another day, another Instagram beauty tip that has gone viral. You surely have a feed full of skincare tips on how to treat acne if you have it, like I do. Social media is using natural components from your kitchen, such as flax seeds for "botox" and raw garlic. This time, raw ginger is the focus, as influencers assert that applying it topically can help eradicate acne. It seems like a simple solution to acne, doesn't it?Innumerable videos of Indian skinfluencers with radiant skin can be found online these days, stating that the key isn't pricey facials but rather applying raw ginger directly to acne outbreaks to treat them right away. But is this spicy suggestion really supported by any science?To find out if this pattern is reliable, let's take a closer look and get some professional guidance.What are the opinions of experts? First, let's get this out of the way. Anything is not necessarily beneficial to your skin just because it is natural. particularly when used undiluted and raw. Senior consultant dermatologist Dr. Gulhima Arora of Mehektagul Dermaclinic states that ginger has only been indirectly shown to be effective in treating acne in scientific studies. It shouldn't be regarded as the primary or first line of treatment. She emphasizes that acne is a complex condition and that not all of its triggers can be addressed by a single spice.Dermatologist and Kaya Limited medical advisor Dr. Saranya B concurs, saying that using raw ginger to the face is not a clinically validated method of treating acne. Despite its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, direct application may irritate skin. According to Skin Smart Solutions' founder and principal dermatologist, Dr. Bindu Sthalekar, "there is no scientific proof that applying raw ginger topically treats acne." Theoretically, it might be beneficial, but only if taken in conjunction with other drugs and with good tolerance.  

Published 17 Apr 2025 08:57 PM

How to get ready for a multilingual child

How to get ready for a multilingual child

You can do a lot to set the stage for your child to learn the languages you want them to know before they are born.For every new parent, expecting a child—especially their first—is a lot. Where the baby will sleep, how to arrange for feeding, changing, and bathing, and how to set up your work schedule so that you or another caregiver can spend time with the child are just a few of the many unknowns and preparations that need to be made. If you are able to speak multiple languages, you might want your child to be able to speak them as well.Although this isn't always the case, many people in the English-speaking world know very little about any other language. Nearly 60% of EU citizens between the ages of 25 and 64 are "good" or "proficient" in at least one language other than their first. Many youngsters can anticipate having several first languages as they are born into households where multiple languages are spoken on a regular basis. It's possible that your parents speak various first languages or that you were raised speaking multiple first languages. Neither parent's first language may be the one spoken by the majority of people outside the family.You can do a lot to set the stage for your child to learn the languages you want them to know before they are born. Parents might talk about the language skills they hope their child will acquire. Which language or languages should your child learn as their first language from the beginning? Generally speaking, the original language or languages are more developed than subsequent languages. If more than three or four languages are involved, you might have to prioritize due to practical constraints. Making sure the child receives adequate, consistent exposure to and contact with each language they are learning is crucial. Parents frequently desire to engage with their infant in the  

Published 03 Jan 2025 09:02 PM

Indian-American Miss India USA 2024, born in Chennai

Indian-American Miss India USA 2024, born in Chennai

Caitlin Sandra Neil, an Indian American girl from Chennai, won the title of Miss India USA 2024 at the yearly contest in New Jersey.Ms. Caitlin, 19, is a University of California, Davis second-year student. "I want to leave a positive lasting impact on my community and focus on women's empowerment and literacy," Caitlin was quoted as saying in a press statement.Ms. Caitlin was born in Chennai, India, and has spent the previous 14 years in the United States. She aspires to work as a web designer in addition to modeling and acting.In the pageant run by the India Festival Committee (IFC), Sanskriti Sharma from Illinois was named Mrs. India USA, and Arshita Kathpalia from Washington was crowned Miss Teen India USA. Caitlin Sandra Neil and Sanskriti Sharma were crowned Miss India USA 2023 by Rijul Maini and Mrs. India USA 2023 by Sneha Nambiar. In the Miss India USA contest, Manini Patel of New Jersey and Nirali Desia of Illinois were crowned first and second runners-up, respectively. In the Mrs. India USA contest, Virginia's Sapna Mishra and Connecticut's Chinmayee Ayachit were crowned first and second runner-up, respectively. According to the press release, Sonali Sharma and Dhriti Patel of Rhode Island were named the teen category's first and second runners-up, respectively. Twenty-five states sent forty-seven participants to compete in the pageant's three divisions.  

Published 21 Dec 2024 03:41 PM

BCCI vice-prez Rajeev Shukla says the IPL 2025 will start on March 23. The Champions Trophy squad announcement date has been announced.

BCCI vice-prez Rajeev Shukla says the IPL 2025 will start on March 23. The Champions Trophy squad announcement date has been announced.

Rajeev Shukla said the IPL 2025 starts on March 23 and disclosed the date for India's Champions Trophy team release.Vice-president Rajeev Shukla of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 would begin on March 23. Shukla disclosed the tournament's start date to the media on Sunday after the BCCI general meeting.Important decisions pertaining to the management of Indian cricket were taken at the BCCI meeting on January 12 in addition to the announcement of the IPL's start date. According to Shukla, Prabhtej Singh Bhatia has been elected as the BCCI treasurer, while Devajit Saikia will take Jay Shah's place as the organization's new secretary. He added that the 2025 Women's Premier League (WPL) venues will be revealed soon, and that the Champions Trophy teams meeting will be held between January 18 and 19. However, there have been differing claims regarding the IPL's start date. According to ESPNCricinfo, the competition will really commence on March 21. According to a BCCI insider cited by PTI, the competition would start on "March 20 or 21."Gautam Gambhir and Indian captain Rohit Sharma attended the review meeting on Saturday in response to India's dismal showing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where the team lost 1-3 to Australia. Another 0–3 clean-sweep loss to New Zealand at home came before the series. "The Border Gavaskar Trophy performance, what went wrong, and the necessary course adjustment were all covered in depth. However, do not anticipate a hasty decision from the new BCCI administration," a source familiar with Board events told PTI under anonymity.  

Published 13 Jan 2025 09:45 PM

The 'Made of Bold' sports development initiative is launched by RCB.

The 'Made of Bold' sports development initiative is launched by RCB.

RCB's "Made of Bold Sports Development Programme" was started with the goal of identifying and developing athletes from all over the world.To find talent and develop athletes from all over the world, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) started the "Made of Bold Sports Development Programme."On Thursday, the RCB issued a statement that read, "With a vision to unearth talent and nurture athletic champions from across regions, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are elated to announce the Made of Bold Sports Development Programme launch.""RCB's larger goal of creating a Sports Forward Nation, which aims to create a strong and sustainable sports ecosystem for India, includes the Made of Bold program as a key component. In order to promote active sports growth in the nation, this initiative seeks to find and develop athletes as well as start a conversation among important industry players," Rajesh Menon, Vice President and Head of RCB, stated in a news release. "We firmly think that when communities and sports come together, everyone benefits in the long run. This is for the socioeconomic impact on the neighborhood as well as for the talent that has been found and developed. With an emphasis on using sports as a bridge to underprivileged areas, we hope to accomplish this through RCB's Made of Bold Sports Development Programme in support of long-term development," he continued.Shreyanka Patil, the star cricket player for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), spoke on the program, saying, "I am very excited to see the 'RCB's Made of Bold Sports Development Programme' begin. Creating inclusivity and providing a platform for athletes and their communities to flourish is exactly what we Indian athletes need. This program is a good start for India, a huge country with a lot of unrealized sporting potential.  

Published 21 Dec 2024 03:44 PM

In a live interview, Jasprit Bumrah gives Sanjana Ganesan a hug the video goes viral online.

In a live interview, Jasprit Bumrah gives Sanjana Ganesan a hug the video goes viral online.

In addition, Jasprit Bumrah won Player of the Tournament with 15 wickets in eight games.After Team India won the T20 World Cup 2024, the hurts from their failure in the ODI World Cup 2023 final were salted on Saturday. In the last game, Team India defeated South Africa by a margin of seven runs, led by captain Rohit Sharma. India played brilliantly and were undefeated throughout the competition. One of the main factors in India's triumph at the major tournament was pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who drove his side to victory in numerous games with his amazing spells.Bumrah Jasprit gives Sanjana Ganesan a hug. Video Breaks the Internet During a Live InterviewIn addition, Jasprit Bumrah won Player of the Tournament with 15 wickets in eight games.Sports Desk on NDTVUpdated at 02:19 PM IST on July 01, 2024Two minutes to read In a live interview, Jasprit Bumrah gives Sanjana Ganesan a hug; the video goes viral online. Sanjana Ganesan and Jasprit Bumrah together© X (Twitter) After Team India won the T20 World Cup 2024, the hurts from their failure in the ODI World Cup 2023 final were salted on Saturday. In the last game, Team India defeated South Africa by a margin of seven runs, led by captain Rohit Sharma. India played brilliantly and were undefeated throughout the competition. One of the main factors contributing to India's victory in the majorThe fans were astonished by the top pacer's performance. Such "couple goals" moments are what Bumrah and Sanjana are renowned for providing their fans with. In eight matches, Bumrah took 15 wickets and won Player of the Tournament. He was instrumental in India's triumph over the Proteas in the summit confrontation. You can only listen to the newest music on JioSaavn.com. "Normally, I'm the one who makes an effort to control my emotions so that I can concentrate on my work, but right now, my emotions are taking control and I'm running out of words. After a game, I don't normally cry, but this one feels very meaningful. We thought we were in trouble halfway through, but to pull off a victory like this is  

Published 01 Jul 2024 05:26 PM

Shah Rukh Khan declared he would give a  flying kiss  to celebrate winning the IPL. Rana Harshit

Shah Rukh Khan declared he would give a flying kiss to celebrate winning the IPL. Rana Harshit

Rana was instrumental in the Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL victory, taking 19 wickets in 13 matches. The Delhi speedster's aim is to play for India after his breakout IPL season.The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team ran on the engine of Harshit Rana, who went on to win the championship three times. Harshit, the uncapped Indian bowler, came through for his team during the first half of the IPL when Mitchell Starc was having trouble keeping his rhythm. In 13 games, he claimed 19 wickets. After being interviewed by The Indian Express, Harshit, 22, talks about his experience in the IPL, what Shah Rukh Khan promised him, why he began playing cricket, and his future aspirations.  

Published 12 Aug 2024 10:24 AM

The PM claims that concentrating only on commerce in the South Pacific won't help New Zealand

The PM claims that concentrating only on commerce in the South Pacific won't help New Zealand "get rich."

Important Points The most recent nation to enter into an economic alliance with the United Arab Emirates is New Zealand. The prime minister of New Zealand told CNBC that in order to find economic prospects, the South Pacific island nation must go outside of its immediate area. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon sees an opportunity to increase bilateral trade between the UAE and New Zealand through the free trade agreement inked on Monday.As the South Pacific island nation forges an economic alliance with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the prime minister of New Zealand told CNBC that the nation must search for trade prospects outside of its immediate borders. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon views the free trade agreement, officially known as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), as an opportunity to increase bilateral trade between the two nations and positions the United Arab Emirates as one of the Middle East's biggest marketplaces.Luxon told CNBC Monday, "We have a long-standing relationship that dates back more than 40 years of diplomatic recognition, and the opportunity now is to deepen and broaden the economic relationship. "The signing of the CEPA and the bilateral investment treaty is crucial because, in reality, these two small, developed economies share many values and similarities, and we hope to be able to collaborate and strengthen our relationship.  

Published 15 Jan 2025 07:59 PM

As the nation commemorates the centennial of Vajpayee's birth, his legacy endures.

As the nation commemorates the centennial of Vajpayee's birth, his legacy endures.

The centennial of Atal Bihari Vajpayee honors his important political accomplishments to India. He served a full term as India's first prime minister who was not a member of the Congress. Vajpayee continues to play an admirable role in Indo-Pakistan ties, coalition politics, and effective administration. He was a great statesman and orator who had a long-lasting effect on national policy and parliamentary democracy in India.Using his trademark flourish, Atal Bihari Vajpayee made one of his most well-known predictions during the BJP's first convention at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on December 30, 1980: "Andhera chhatega, suraj niklega, kamal khilega" (darkness will end, the sun will rise, lotus will bloom). His remarks have held up well as the centennial of his birth approaches, with lotuses in full bloom and the BJP regaining control of the center for a third consecutive term.Vajpayee assisted the BJP in gaining traction when its cultural goal was viewed as anathema, if Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it the focal point of national politics.In a world full of powerful satraps, India's first non-Congress prime minister to serve a full term was a statesman politician and an unmatched orator who garnered admiration and respect from people on both sides of the political spectrum. He stood tall with his natural democratic spirit, which he had developed over decades of opposition.  

Published 24 Dec 2024 10:43 PM

The message of Maharashtra's unexpected and historic victory is for Viksit Bharat Sitharaman Nirmala

The message of Maharashtra's unexpected and historic victory is for Viksit Bharat Sitharaman Nirmala

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described the victory of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance as "unexpected and unprecedented," saying that the Maharashtra elections were not your typical assembly elections and that the result sent a strong message for "Viksit Bharat."Additionally, the Union Minister congratulated Devendra Fadnavis on his election as the Maharashtra BJP legislative party's leader."I congratulate all elected MLAs," Sitharaman stated at the legislative party gathering. I congratulate Devendra Fadnavis on his election as the legislative party's leader. The 14 crore votes cast in this election send a message to the entire country of India. This election was not your typical assembly election. Following the Lok Sabha elections, the country's voters clearly gave their consent in the elections of Haryana and Maharashtra. Maharashtra's unexpected and historic triumph.Sitharaman went on to say that Maharashtra's next "double-engine" administration will be more effective in all areas, including AI technology, industry, farmers, investment, and regional development. "I think that the uncertainty brought about by the previous governments, which were led by the Congress and coalition, exhausted the people of Maharashtra and the country. Under the PM's direction, the double engine government will seek to advance while meeting the PR.  

Published 05 Dec 2024 08:33 PM

Election 2024 Live  By 1 pm, voter turnout in Maharashtra was 32.18%, while in Jharkhand, it was 47.92%.

Election 2024 Live By 1 pm, voter turnout in Maharashtra was 32.18%, while in Jharkhand, it was 47.92%.

Election 2024 Live: On Wednesday, by-elections are being held for 15 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand in addition to the Maharashtra and Jharkhand legislative assembly elections.Election 2024 Live: On Wednesday, November 20, Maharashtra and Jharkhand will hold assembly elections. All 288 seats in the Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra are up for election in a single phase. But in Jharkhand, where voting for 43 constituencies was held on November 13 with a 64.86 percent voter turnout, polling is being held for the remaining 38 seats. has been is now being is just being is really being is still being is already being is also being has been being is always being is only being was already being will be can be itself is must be would be also is could be may be might be had been is should be being was then is then is now is mostly is really is always is again is sometimes is also is already is further is just is either is first is often gets is only is still is even has already beenBy-elections for 15 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand are also taking place on Wednesday in addition to the legislative assembly elections in these two states. Voting in Maharashtra's 288 constituencies began at 7 a.m. and will end at 6 p.m. There are 9,64,85,765 registered voters in Maharashtra, including 1,16,355 service voters. In the entire state, 1,00,186 polling places have been set up by the Election Commission of India (ECI).Since the most recent assembly elections, Maharashtra's political climate has undergone substantial changes. Former allies the BJP and Shiv Sena ran against the Congress and the NCP, led by Sharad Pawar. The Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena formed the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition after the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance broke up due to disagreements over the chief minister's responsibilities. In contrast, polling in Jharkhand started at 7 am at 14,218 polling places and will run until 5 pm, with the exception of 31 booths, which will close at 4 pm.  

Published 20 Nov 2024 04:53 PM

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US To Airdrop Supplies In Gaza: Risks, Past Examples, Other Options

US To Airdrop Supplies In Gaza: Risks, Past Examples, Other Options

The US military will start carrying out airdrops of food and supplies into Gaza in the coming days, joining other countries like France, Jordan and Egypt that have done the same.The United States will use military aircraft to drop supplies over Gaza. While it is unclear which type of aircraft will be used, the C-17 and C-130 are best suited for the job. According to the U.S. Air Force, a C-130 can hold 16 pallets while a C-17 can carry 40. Military personnel on the ground load supplies onto the pallets, which are then loaded onto planes, and locked in place. Once the aircraft is over the area where the supplies are needed, the lock holding them in place is released and they sail to the ground with the help of a parachute attached to the pallet.While the military can look at weather patterns ahead of time, the wind plays a large role in ensuring that they land where they should. Social media videos have shown some aid delivered by other countries ending up in the sea. Gaza is densely populated and officials say it will be difficult to ensure that the aid reaches the people who need it and doesn't end up in some place that is unreachable."It is extremely difficult to do an airdrop in such a crowded environment as is Gaza," John Kirby, President Joe Biden's top national security spokesperson, said. Officials also say that without a US military presence on the ground, there is no guarantee that the aid will not end up in the hands of Hamas.Each year over Christmas, it drops humanitarian aid to remote islands in the Pacific Ocean in an effort known as "Operation Christmas Drop."  

Published 09 Mar 2024 10:27 PM

US Woman Born On Leap Day Gives Birth To Baby On Leap Day

US Woman Born On Leap Day Gives Birth To Baby On Leap Day

A North Carolina doctor, Dr Kai Sun, welcomed a very special delivery on Thursday-her daughter, Chloe, who arrived on the same rare day Dr Sun herself was born: Leap Day.Dr Sun, an assistant professor and rheumatologist at Duke Health, and her husband, Michael Paik, celebrated the birth of their third child at 5:12 am on February 29th. Though Chloe was three days past her due date of February 26th, she made a grand entrance on a truly unique day. Baby Chloe weighed in at 6 pounds and 13 ounces. "My husband and I were just saying how cool it would be if she were born on the same day as my birthday. And somehow, it happened," Sun told "Good Morning America" Thursday morning from her hospital bed at Duke University Hospital, where she also works. "She was breathing fast initially when she was born, so they took her to the nursery for a little bit to see the paediatrician, but everything checked out, and she's peacefully sleeping," Dr Sun said. This Leap Day birth holds even more significance for the family as Chloe is also a rainbow baby, a term used for a child born after a miscarriage or infant loss."There were some little things along the way," the doctor added of her pregnancy. "There was some abnormal finding on the initial ultrasound that we were nervous about. And then I had COVID. And I fell on my belly in my third trimester. There are just some small things that happened that made us a little nervous, but everything turned out well in the end.""We had a miscarriage almost exactly a year ago, and so that makes her more special," Dr Sun said.  

Published 09 Mar 2024 10:26 PM

Damaged Cables In Red Sea Disrupting Global Internet Traffic: Report

Damaged Cables In Red Sea Disrupting Global Internet Traffic: Report

The damage caused to undersea cables in the Red Sea, following the Houthi strikes in the region, is disrupting global telecommunications networks and forcing internet providers to reroute as much as a quarter of traffic between Asia, Europe and the Middle East, reported CNN.Hong Kong telecoms company HGC Global Communications, release a report as the Houthis continue to launch indiscriminate attacks targeting the commercial ships in the Red Sea. According to the HGC, cables belonging to four major telecoms networks have been "cut" causing "significant" disruption to communications networks in the Middle East.The telecom company estimated that 25 per cent of traffic between Asia and Europe as well the Middle East has been impacted, the report stated on Monday, according to CNN. Further, the company said that it is rerouting traffic to minimize disruption for customers and also "extending assistance to affected businesses." However, the HGC did not mention the reason behind the cables damage or who was responsible. This comes weeks after the official Yemeni government warned of the possibility of an attack on the cables by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have already disrupted global supply chains by attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea, CNN reported. Israel news outlet Globes, in a report last week, suggested that the Houthis had been behind the damage to the cables.However, Yemeni rebel leader Abdel Malek al-Houthi denied the allegations and said, "We have no intention of targeting sea cables providing internet to countries in the region." Among the networks affected is the Europe India Gateway, spanning 15,000 kilometers (9,320 miles) between Europe, the Middle East and India. Moreover, Asia-Africa-Europe, a 25,000-kilometer cable system connecting South East Asia to Europe via Egypt, has also been damaged, as reported by CNN. The Houthis have been carrying out attacks on commercial and military shipping since November.The Houthis initially said that they would target Israel-linked ships in a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, but later expanded their targets to include vessels linked to the United Kingdom and the US, Al Jazeera reported.  

Published 09 Mar 2024 10:26 PM

Air India-Vistara Merger Gets Singapores Conditional Approval

Air India-Vistara Merger Gets Singapores Conditional Approval

Singapore's flagship carrier announced its plan to merge Vistara and Air India in November 2022, in a bid to create a dominant full-service airline in the domestic and international markets.Singapore's competition watchdog said on Tuesday it has approved the merger between Tata Group-owned Air India and sister airline Vistara, a joint venture between Tata and Singapore Airlines, subject to certain conditions. While India's antitrust body approved the deal in September last year, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) had identified certain competition concerns regarding the merger. The watchdog said the parties possessed the majority of the market share among airlines operating direct flights on four routes of concern - between Singapore and Indian cities of New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Tiruchirapalli. To address the concerns raised by the watchdog, the parties have proposed to maintain capacity on the said flights at pre-COVID levels, appoint independent auditors to monitor compliance with capacity commitments and submit annual as well as interim reports. "CCCS considers the proposed commitments sufficient to address the competition concerns arising from the transactions," the watchdog said on Tuesday.The proposed merger awaits other regulatory and foreign direct investment approvals. "Singapore Airlines continues to work with our partner Tata Sons to secure the remaining approvals from the relevant authorities to complete the merger," a spokesperson for Singapore Airlines said.Air India did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com According to the terms of the deal, autos-to-steel conglomerate Tata would hold 74.9% of the combined entity, while Singapore Airlines will own the remaining 25.1%.  

Published 09 Mar 2024 10:25 PM

"Truly Important Partners": S Jaishankar Describes India, South Korea Ties

On a two-day visit to South Korea, Mr Jaishankar said that India is interested in now expanding the partnership to new areas like critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, green hydrogen and nuclear cooperation among others.External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today said that India and South Korea have become "truly important partners" for each other and stressed that bilateral exchanges have witnessed steady growth. On a two-day visit to South Korea, Mr Jaishankar said that India is interested in now expanding the partnership to new areas like critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, green hydrogen and nuclear cooperation among others. Mr Jaishankar recalled that the ties between the two counties were elevated to a special strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to South Korea in 2015. He noted that the two counties celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2023.'Truly Important Partners': S Jaishankar Describes India, South Korea TiesS Jaishankar exchanges greetings with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul. Seoul: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today said that India and South Korea have become "truly important partners" for each other and stressed that bilateral exchanges have witnessed steady growth.On a two-day visit to South Korea, Mr Jaishankar said that India is interested in now expanding the partnership to new areas like critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, green hydrogen and nuclear cooperation among others. Mr Jaishankar recalled that the ties between the two counties were elevated to a special strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to South Korea in 2015. He noted that the two counties celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2023. In his opening remarks at the 10th India - South Korea Joint Commission Meeting in Seoul, Mr Jaishankar said, "Last year, as you noted, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic ties. During our Prime Minister's visit in 2015, our relations were elevated to a special strategic partnership. It is important that we live up to that." "We have grown from strength to strength in the years that have passed. We have become truly important partners for each other. And our bilateral exchanges - trade, investments, defence, and S&T cooperation, have all seen a steady growth," he added.Mr Jaishankar and his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, chaired the 10th India-South Korea Joint Commission Meeting in Seoul on Wednesday. The External Affairs Minister congratulated Cho Tae-yul on his appointment as South Korea's Minister of Foreign Affairs.Stressing expanding cooperation between India and South Korea to new sectors, Mr Jaishankar said, "While keeping up the momentum in the traditional areas of cooperation, we would be very much interested now in expanding it to new areas, such as critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, green hydrogen, human resource mobility, nuclear cooperation, supply chain resilience, etc, to make our ties more contemporary." He recalled the meetings between PM Modi and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Hiroshima and New Delhi in 2023. He further said, "I think their discussions have provided us the guidance to go forward."  

Published 09 Mar 2024 10:24 PM

Iran subjecting women to ‘draconian’ surveillance on hijab rule, says Amnesty

Iran subjecting women to ‘draconian’ surveillance on hijab rule, says Amnesty

Iranian authorities are subjecting women to widespread surveillance to enforce the obligatory headscarf, even inside cars, and then imposing punishments including the confiscation of vehicles, Amnesty International said on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.The Islamic republic’s leadership was shaken in 2022 by mass protests that saw women denounce the dress code but has made clear it has no plan to abandon the obligatory hijab imposed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Amnesty said in a report, based on testimony from over 40 women inside Iran published ahead of the March 8 International Women’s Day, that women were being targeted with “widespread surveillance” in public spaces and “mass police checks” targeting women drivers. “In a sinister attempt to wear down resistance to compulsory veiling... Iran’s authorities are terrorising women and girls by subjecting them to constant surveillance and policing,” said Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty’s deputy director for the West Asia and North Africa, denouncing “draconian tactics”. Access to transport, airports and banking services is regularly denied and made conditional upon women wearing a headscarf, Amnesty said. Those defying the rule face prosecution and in January 2024 a flogging sentence of 74 lashes was implemented against a young woman, Roya Heshmati, for appearing unveiled in public.  

Published 09 Mar 2024 10:23 PM

BJP, Congress, other national parties declare 2022-23 income. Who earned the most?

BJP, Congress, other national parties declare 2022-23 income. Who earned the most?

Six national parties, including the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and Congress, have declared a total income of nearly ₹3,077 crore in the 2022-23 fiscal, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said on Wednesday. According to the ADR report, the BJP has the maximum share in the declared total income of the parties.With around ₹2,361 crore, the report said that the ruling BJP’s income constitutes 76.73 per cent of the total income of the six national parties during FY 2022-23.Congress declared the second-highest income of ₹452.375 crore, forming 14.70 per cent of the total income of the six national parties. Other than the BJP and Congress, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and National People’s Party (NPP) have declared their income.The BJP, Congress and AAP collected 49.09 per cent or ₹1,510.61 crore of the national parties’ total income from donations through electoral bonds for FY 2022-23.Through electoral bonds, BJP received ₹1,294.15 crore, Congress ₹171.02 crore, and AAP ₹45.45 crore. The ADR report, citing data shared by the SBI in response to its RTI, said electoral bonds worth ₹2,797.356 crore were redeemed by parties in FY 2022-23. 54 per cent or ₹1,510.62 crore of this has been redeemed by national parties. Between 2021-22 and 2022-23, the BJP’s income increased by 23.15 per cent or ₹443.724 crore from ₹1,917.12 crore to ₹2,360.84. During the same time, AAP’s income increased by 91.23 per cent ( ₹40.631 crore) from ₹44.539 crore to ₹85.17 crore.The only party from the northeast to have the national party status, the income of the National People’s Party (NPP) increased from ₹47.20 lakh during FY 2021-22 to ₹7.562 crore during FY 2022-23, a rise of 1,502.12 per cent or ₹7.09 crore. Citing the national parties’ records submitted to the Election Commission, the ADR report said that between 2021-22 fiscal and 2022-23 fiscal, the income of the Congress, CPI(M) and BSP decreased by 16.42 per cent ( ₹88.90 crore), 12.68 per cent ( ₹20.57 crore) and 33.14 per cent ( ₹14.50 crore), respectively. BJP, the report said, declared a total income of ₹2,360.844 crore during FY 2022-23, but spent only 57.68 per cent, which comes to ₹1,361.684 crore of the total income. While Congress’ total income was ₹452.375 crore, it spent ₹467.135 crore, with its expenditure for that year exceeding its total income by 3.26 per cent.The CPI(M)’s total income was ₹141.661 crore while it spent ₹106.067 crore (74.87 per cent of its income), and AAP’s total income was ₹85.17 crore while it spent ₹102.051 crore, its expenditure for that year exceeding its total income by 19.82 per cent.  

Published 09 Mar 2024 10:22 PM

Himachal Pradesh Political Crisis: Six rebel Congress MLAs disqualified. What lies ahead for the hill state?

Himachal Pradesh Political Crisis: Six rebel Congress MLAs disqualified. What lies ahead for the hill state?

Himachal Pradesh Assembly speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on February 29 disqualified the six rebel Congress MLAs who cross-voted during the Rajya Sabha elections. With this, the six MLAs cease to be members of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly.After the disqualification, the Congress government has, for now, survived in Himachal Pradesh after a two-day scare over its future due to cross-voting by six of its MLAs in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate in the Rajya Sabha election on February 27. The strength of the house after the disqualification, pending judicial scrutiny, comes down to 62. The Congress now has 34 MLAs in the house, with 32 being the majority mark. Three independent MLAs who supported the Congress also cross-voted for the BJP in the Rajya Sabha election. The BJP had demanded a trust vote soon after the Congress lost the Rajya Sabha polls due to defections. Former Chief Minister, Jairam Thakur, and other leaders claimed that the Congress party had lost the majority in the house. However, the Congress government passed the budget on Wednesday, February 28, while 25 BJP MLAs were not present in the house after 15 of them were suspended. Also, the disqualification of six rebel MLAs has changed the dynamics. "Our experts will analyse the situation, and after looking at their judgments, we will take a decision. It is too early to say anything. Congress was totally exposed in the Rajya Sabha elections. Congress has lost its opportunity. Morally, they have no right to stay in power and the emotions of the people of Himachal Pradesh are clear from this," Rajeev Bindal, Himachal Pradesh BJP president, told news agency ANI. This disqualification order is subject to judicial scrutiny and will attain finality after judicial scrutiny, Pathania said. Also, it remains to be seen if these six MLAs approach the court against the disqualification.The six legislators had cross-voted, along with three independents, during Rajya Sabha polls. However, they have not been disqualified for cross-voting, but for violating the whip and skipping the budget session of the Himachal Pradesh assembly. Pathania said he wanted to prevent 'the aya Ram gaya Ram' politics. This phrase is used to refer to politicians switching party allegiances frequently.The Congress government's survival will also depend on whether the party can ensure that there are no more defections among the 34 MLAs.The Congress government's survival will also depend on whether the party can ensure that there are no more defections among the 34 MLAs.  

Published 09 Mar 2024 10:21 PM

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 : BRS MP BB Patil joins BJP in Delhi

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 : BRS MP BB Patil joins BJP in Delhi

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and Telangana parliamentarian BB Patil joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on March 1, ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.Patil, member of parliament from Zaheerabad, Telangana, joined the saffron party in the presence of Union IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Delhi. In a four line resignation letter to party president and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, Patil thanked Rao for allowing him to serve the people of Zaheerabad constituency and the party. Patil was elected from Zaheerabad twice in 2014 and 2019 on a BRS ticket. "On behalf of all my colleagues and workers in the BJP, I welcome BB Patil into our fold as a fellow worker, as a fellow leader, and wish him the very best," Chandrasekhar said on the occasion welcoing Patil in the party fold. The switch comes a day after senior BRS leader and Telangana parliamentarian Pothuganti Ramulu resigned from the party and joined the BJP. Ramulu, along with his son Bharat and three other BRS leaders, were inducted into the party in the BJP office in New Delhi by party in-charge of Telangana affairs Tarun Chugh and Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar. The back-to-back exits from BRS comes weeks ahead of Lok Sabha polls. The dates of elections are expected to be announced in less than two weeks. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to release the first list of candidates for the elections soon. Reports claim that the party has finalised the names of candidates for nearly 155 of the total 543 Lok Sabha seats. The first list may feature the names of some high-profile leaders. Led by K Chandrashekar Rao, popularly known as KCR, the BRS lost the Telangana assembly elections to Congress party last year.  

Published 09 Mar 2024 10:21 PM

BJP candidate list 2024: Congress says 
othing new’ as PM Modis party releases first list of 195 candidates

BJP candidate list 2024: Congress says othing new’ as PM Modis party releases first list of 195 candidates

After the Bhartiya Janata Party on Saturday released the first list of its candidates for Lok Sabha polls 2024, the Congress called the announcement an ‘assumed list' of big names. Commenting on the BJP's candidate list for Lok Sabha 2024, Congress leader Deepak Babaria said, “all the names were already assumed".“They have done nothing new. The question is how much is the public going to accept the BJP. They keep talking about 400, they are not telling from where they are getting it. There is doubt among the people that they are getting the majority through the EVM and they are doing nothing to remove that doubt," news agency ANI quoted Congress leader Deepak Babaria. The ruling party's first list for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections named Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the contestant from Varanasi. Apart from this, 34 Union ministers including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and Smriti Irani were named in the list of 195 candidates. Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla will fight again from Kota in Rajasthan, according to the list, which also included two former ministers of the BJP government. Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will contest the elections from Vidisha.After being selected as the BJP candidate for the Vidisha seat in Madhya Pradesh, former state CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan called the list to be a “balance of women and youth". He said that he is blessed to be a part of the “development Viksit Bharat under PM Modi's leadership". Lashing out at the ruling party for missing out on major names, Congress leader Pawan Khera said, “We did not understand what it meant when one after another BJP MPs were leaving their positions... But when the list came out, we saw that a lot of names were missing. The BJP leadership is not happy with the work done by them. Those MPs who did not get the ticket, who will answer about their 5 years? Did PM Modi think that they will not win even by PM Modi's name?" Questioning the BJP's claim of securing 400 seats in the upcoming General Elections, AICC Delhi Congress in-charge Deepak Babaria said that the BJP's first list of Lok Sabha candidates came up with ‘already assumed names.’ BJP leaders and workers began celebration on Saturday soon after the announcement of the first list of BJP candidates who will be contesting Lok Sabha elections this year. “I thank the party high command for believing in me. I am 100% sure of winning. Based on the work done by the double-engine government, we will win,"  said BJP leader Kripanath Mallah after getting a party ticket from Karimganj constituency. The saffron party fielded former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's daughter, Bansuri Swaraj from New Delhi for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Expressing her happiness after the release of the list, Bansuri said, "I want to thank Sangathan Mahamantri Pawan Rana, Jay Panda, my elder sister Alka Gujjar and every single BJP worker who has bestowed this opportunity on me."  

Published 09 Mar 2024 10:20 PM

Countering Lalu Prasad jibe: Why BJPs ‘Modi ka Parivaar’ trend is déjà vu moment for Congress-led INDIA coalition

Countering Lalu Prasad jibe: Why BJPs ‘Modi ka Parivaar’ trend is déjà vu moment for Congress-led INDIA coalition

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the political parties in India are putting their best foot forward, and expectedly, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is taking the lead. A day after Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav took a ‘family’ jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP recapitulated its 2019 Lok Sabha strategy to turn Lalu Prasad Yadav's attack on its head. “This Narendra Modi is attacking 'parivaarvaad' these days. First, you should tell why you do not have any children or family. For the people with more children, he (PM Modi) says that it is dynasty politics. You don't have a family...You are not even a Hindu. Every Hindu tonsures their head to mourn their mother's death. Answer why did not you get your hair and beard removed...," Lalu Prasad Yadav said on Sunday.During the high-intensity campaign before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the then Congress President Rahul Gandhi attacked the PM Modi-led NDA-I government on various issues including crony capitalism and irregularities in the Rafale aircraft deal. The BJP knew better than to respond aggressively against the slogan and smashed what they call a “masterstroke" in BJP supporters' language. All BJP politicians, especially the top leadership of the party and the Lok Sabha candidates, changed the name of their X (formerly Twitter) handles and added "main bhi chowkidar" after their name. That was the beginning of the BJP's "main bhi chowkidar" campaign and it worked wonders for the party to effectively evade the sharp attacks from the Congress. This time too, in a déjà vu moment for the Congress-led INDIA bloc, the BJP jumped to capitalise on the ‘family’ remarks by Lalu Prasad Yadav as all BJP leaders added "Modi ka Parivaar" after their name. The party said that the 140 crore people of this country are the family of PM Modi and even those “who have no one also belong to Modi and Modi belongs to them." Like 2019, this seems to be the beginning of a big campaign move to invoke emotion for PM Modi's image, which can transform into a wider mandate for the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha elections 2024.    

Published 09 Mar 2024 10:19 PM

Insult to PM Modi, Sanjay Raut on SBIs kam chori as lender seeks more time to submit electoral bonds data

Insult to PM Modi, Sanjay Raut on SBIs kam chori as lender seeks more time to submit electoral bonds data

After state-run lender State Bank of India (SBI) moved the Supreme Court over electoral bonds data sharing, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said that the bank executives should be punished for 'kam chori' (truancy), adding that it is an insult to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who works "20 hours all 365 days 9 years 10 months". On Monday, SBI moved the top court seeking an extension of the deadline till June 30 to disclose details of each electoral bond encashed by political parties. In its verdict last month, the apex court had directed the bank to furnish the details to the Election Commission of India by March 6. Raut, in his social media post on microblogging website X (formerly Twitter), wrote: "Yeh kya ho raha hai. SBI Chairman and Directors should be punished for insulting our PM Modiji. Modiji has changed India now it’s Digital India! And SBI asked Supreme Court time of 4 months to submit details of Electoral Bond." "How dare they insult our dear PM Modiji who has been working 20 hrs all 365 days 9 years 10 months! And these Kam Chor want 4 months? Send them all to Jail. Aaram Haram hai!" he added. In an application filed before the Supreme Court, the SBI contended that retrieval of information from "each silo" and the procedure of matching the information of one silo to that of the other would be a time-consuming exercise. The plea submitted that due to stringent measures undertaken to ensure that the identity of the donors was kept anonymous, "decoding" the electoral bonds and matching donors to the donations made would be a complex process.In a landmark judgement that delivered a big blow to the government, the Supreme Court on February 15 annulled the electoral bonds scheme for political funding, saying it violates the Constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression as well as the right to information. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud directed that the SBI must disclose details of each electoral bond encashed by political parties. The information should include the date of encashment and the denomination of the bonds and be submitted to the poll panel by March 6.  

Published 09 Mar 2024 10:19 PM

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