Best Wireless Car Chargers for 2024

In today’s world, staying connected on the go is paramount. This is especially true for drivers who rely on their smartphones for navigation, music, hands-free calls, and more. But dealing with tangled wires and misplaced phones can be frustrating and even dangerous.Enter the world of wireless car chargers, offering a convenient and safe solution to keep your phone powered and accessible while driving. However, with a multitude of options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Here at Mighty Mount, we understand your need for a reliable, user-friendly, and efficient wireless car charger. That’s why we offer a diverse collection of Fast Wireless Car Charger Mounts, designed to seamlessly integrate into your car and driving style. Mighty Mount’s Fast Wireless Car Charger Mounts utilize Qi wireless charging technology, eliminating the need for cumbersome cables. This technology allows your phone to be charged simply by placing it on the designated charging pad. But speed matters, especially when you’re on the go. Our chargers boast fast wireless charging capabilities, delivering up to 15 watts of power to most compatible devices. This ensures your phone charges quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime during your journeys. This versatile and secure option features an automatic clamping mechanism that securely holds your phone in place. The adjustable arms allow you to customize the viewing angle for optimal comfort, while the integrated ventilation slots prevent your phone from overheating. It’s perfect for drivers who value ease of use and a secure hold. This space-saving and convenient option transforms your unused cup holder into a charging station. The adjustable base ensures a snug fit in most cup holders, and the grip cradle keeps your phone securely positioned while charging. It’s ideal for drivers who prefer to keep their phone within easy reach while maintaining a clear view of the road. This compact and lightweight option is perfect for drivers who appreciate a minimalist design. The automatic clamping mechanism ensures a secure hold on your phone, while the adjustable ball joint allows you to customize the viewing angle. It’s ideal for cars with limited dashboard space or for drivers who prefer a more discreet charging solution. This compact and space-saving option utilizes your unused cup holder for convenient charging. The adjustable base ensures a snug fit in most cup holders, while the mini grip cradle securely holds your phone in place. It’s perfect for drivers who want to keep their phone within easy reach while maintaining a clutter-free dashboard. This custom-designed mount integrates seamlessly into the center console of your Tesla, offering a sleek and stylish charging solution. The automatic clamping mechanism securely holds your phone, and the adjustable arm allows you to customize the viewing angle. It also features an integrated cable management system to keep your car organized. This compact and custom-designed option is perfect for Tesla Model 3 and Y owners who appreciate a minimalist aesthetic. The mini grip cradle securely holds your phone, while the adjustable ball joint allows you to customize the viewing angle. It integrates seamlessly into the center console, maintaining a clean and clutter-free look.  

15 Business Leaders to lookout in 2024

Check out these great Business Leaders and their success stories to learn more about how they’re shaping the future of businesses. Nikhil Gangil, the visionary founder of Intrinsic Value Equity Advisors, commands a prominent position in India's value investing landscape. Boasting over a decade of market experience, Nikhil's expertise is unmatched. Holding an M.Tech degree from IIT Madras, his journey includes significant roles in esteemed Oil and Gas EPC firms like L&T and Worley. This diverse background provides him with unparalleled insights into cyclical businesses, facilitating the discovery of exceptional value for investors. Nikhil's investment philosophy revolves around minimizing losses to unlock remarkable compound annual growth rates (CAGRs), showcasing his knack for identifying high-growth companies at attractive valuations. His impressive track record solidifies him as a trusted advisor for those navigating the intricacies of the stock market with confidence.Srijan Pal Singh, an electrical engineer from Lucknow and an IIMA gold medalist, has become a beacon in the educational landscape, especially known for democratizing education. As the advisor to India's 11th President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Singh has been instrumental in promoting tech-based solutions for sustainable rural development via PURA. He continues to advance Kalam's legacy through the Kalam Centre, focusing on making education accessible to all. Recognized with the Young Alumni Achievers Award 2022 by IIM-A, Singh founded Homi Lab, a pioneering and futuristic future learning laboratory, offering immersive experiences in cutting-edge fields to nurture the innovators of tomorrow. Gopesh Khandelwal, founder & CEO of GROCKET, is a seasoned entrepreneur, fractional CMO, and marketing strategist. With a remarkable start launching his first venture at age 17, he has since collaborated with over 100 companies worldwide, reshaping diverse industries with bespoke strategies. Notable achievements include igniting growth for renowned brands such as Swiggy, OLX, and Zupee. Specializing in personal branding, content marketing, and performance marketing, Gopesh's expertise underscores his adaptability and innovation. His keen focus on D2C branding further highlights his strategic prowess. As a visionary leader, he continues to drive impact and revolutionize the industry landscape.As a second-generation leader and member of the supervisory board, Sidharth Menda has a background in Real Estate Finance, positioning him to spearhead strategic initiatives, drive innovation, and steer the company towards sustainable growth across dynamic markets. His strategic focus encompasses developing asset classes, orchestrating land acquisition efforts, securing capital, and conceptualizing innovative new assets. Leveraging his comprehensive understanding of markets and industries, he cultivates onshore partnerships, adeptly navigating complexities while capitalizing on emerging opportunities.As a second-generation leader and member of the supervisory board, Mihir Menda deploys his skills to guide capital allocation and venture expansion. Building strategic partnerships and evaluating new global markets, he is concentrating on diversification, sustainability ventures, and holistic business growth. He balances opportunity and risk adroitly, to lead RMZ Corporation's growth trajectory, by capturing, in its growing portfolio, emerging trends and markets. He balances opportunity and risk adroitly, to lead RMZ Corporation's growth trajectory, by capturing, in its growing portfolio, emerging trends and markets. He does this through an incisive understanding of markets and industries to navigate complexities and seize opportunities.  

PM Narendra Modi gets highest approval rating as global leader, leaves Biden, Sunak behind

The research firm surveyed 22 leaders, of which PM Narendra Modi tops the list with an approval rating of 78 per cent, followed by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador with 68 per cent and Swiss President Alain Berset occupying the third position with 62 per cent Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the world's most popular leader for the second time in a row. A finding by a US-based global leader approval tracker called 'Morning Consult' shows that with the approval rating of 78 per cent of India's adult population, PM Narendra Modi is the "most apt" leader for the title. The research firm surveyed 22 leaders, of which PM Narendra Modi tops the list with an approval rating of 78 per cent, followed by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador with 68 per cent and Swiss President Alain Berset occupying the third position with 62 per cent. According to the survey, only 18 per cent of the people in India disagree with the fact that PM Narendra Modi is the world's most popular leader. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Joe Biden received an approval rating of 40 per cent each. They secured seventh and ninth positions, respectively, whereas UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak got the 13th spot with an approval rating of 30 per cent. PM Narendra Modi's rating was highest on 2nd May 2020, at 84 per cent, and was lowest on 7th May 2021, at 63 per cent, when India was dealing with the peak of the second wave of Covid-19. Approval ratings are based on a seven-day moving average of adult residents in each country, with sample sizes varying from one country to another. The data collected in the latest approval ratings by Morning Consult is between the 26th and 31st of January this year. Morning Consult conducts more than 20,000 daily interviews globally, which are conducted online. In India, the sample represents the literate population. In each country, these surveys are based on age, gender, and region; in certain countries, education breakdowns. These records are based on official government sources.  

PM Modi emerges most popular global leader with approval rating of 78%

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pegged as the world's most popular leader with an approval rating of 78 per cent as per a survey by a US-based consulting firm 'Morning Consult.'Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pegged as the world's most popular leader with an approval rating of 78 per cent as per a survey by a US-based consulting firm 'Morning Consult.' The "Global Leader Approval" survey is based on data collected from January 26-31 this year, said the Political Intelligence research firm which collated a seven-day moving average of adult residents in each country, with sample sizes varying by country.PM Modi garnered 78 per cent of approval ratings, way ahead of US President Joe Biden, who received 40 per cent ratings. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez. Obrador, came in second with 68 per cent ratings and Swiss President Alain Berset occupied the third position with 62 per cent approval rating. The year 2022 has been a phenomenal year in the history of India's foreign policy, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi whose advice "this is not an era of war" to Russian President Vladimir Putin found an echo across the world. The Russia-Ukraine war has put the world on the brink of World War III, with every country choosing sides. However, PM Modi put his faith in United Nations and chose the side of peace, asking both countries to solve the problem through "dialogue and diplomacy."In September, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, PM Modi said, "now is not the time for war" -- a statement welcomed by the US and other Western countries. India's strategy in a multipolar world appears to be avoiding great-power competition and forging its own, nonaligned path.According to the data shared on the the US-tracking firm's website, 78 per cent of people approve of PM Modi while 18 per cent disapprove of him. PM Modi's approval rating has recently increased, standing at 79 per cent in the third week of January. The list is updated regularly with US President Joe Biden currently ranking number seven. Out of the 22 countries, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, South Korean President Yoon Seok-youl and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ranked among the last three in the list.The newly elected far-right leader Giorgia Meloni of Italy, the first female Prime Minister of the country is placed in 6th place with 52 per cent ratings. The survey also featured Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in 4th place with a 58 per cent approval rating. Brazil's newly elected President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was placed at number 5 with 50 per cent ratings, the Canadian Prime Minister was at number 9th position with 40 per cent approvals and UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was in 12th position with 30 per cent approvals.  

Vedanta Aluminium’s Jeevika Samriddhi Project plans to empower agri-entrepreneurs in Odisha

Vedanta Aluminium recently launched agriculture-based sustainable livelihood initiative “Jeevika Samriddhi Project” for farmers in Odisha. The company said the project is functioning in Odisha's Jharsuguda district.It said that the company's flagship project has elevated the lives of over 400 farming households in its initial phases. With the third phase underway now, the project aims at empowering an additional 500 farming households in the villages of Parmanpur, Kumudapali, and Dalki in Jharsuguda district, it added.From pond restoration and solar pumps ensuring reliable irrigation to modern micro-irrigation methods optimizing water usage, the project familiarises farmers on using advanced techniques like the “System of Rice Intensification (SRI)” and the “WADI’ model to revitalize barren lands, boosting crop yields sustainably, the company stated.  

BJP can win ‘double digit’ number in Kerala if…: Shashi Tharoor crunches number ahead of Lok Sabha polls 2024

Mocking BJP's claim that it will secure seats in double digits in Kerala in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Shashi Tharoor stated on Wednesday, that the only way they could achieve a ‘double digit’ in Kerala would be by obtaining two zeros."Otherwise, there is only one digit coming the BJP's way in Kerala, and that is zero," Tharoor told media. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his speech at the BJP meeting in the state, urged voters to vote for the saffron party so that it can win double digits in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2024. Commenting on the claim, Thiruvananthapuram MP told ANI, “"I don't think the BJP is going to win a single seat in Kerala. Their strongest performance has always been in Thiruvananthapuram... I am not expecting that they will be anything better than that this time around either. Everywhere else, we have strong candidates." The Thiruvananthapuram MP cited that BJP's reach in Kerala is limited as the saffron party is yet to understand the culture and history of the state. He adds, "I think the BJP's support base is limited in our state. Their kind of appeal is based on Hindutva, Hindi, Hindu and Hindustan- their kind of message does not fly very well here in Kerala." Noting that people of different faiths cohabit peacefully, he said, as reported by PTI, "We have had more than 2,000 years of living together. Our relationship with each other is one of welcome and acceptance," Tharoor said. Kerala welcomed Jews when they came here after the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians, which is about 500 years before Christ was born.“Today, Jews tell me this is the only Jewish Diaspora that never knew a single instance of anti-Semitic persecution in the world." On the Christian and the Muslim community in the state, he added,“Similarly, Christianity came with St Thomas, St Thomas of the apostles, it was again welcomed and spread. Then we had Islam coming, not by the sword." “You see, the problem in the north is that they think their history is the only history. We have traders from the Arab world coming to Kerala centuries before the Prophet, and they brought the message of the Prophet as news from their peninsula"  

Rajya Sabha Election 2024: Congress seeks disqualification of 6 MLAs who cross-voted, say sources

Rajya Sabha Election 2024: The Congress party has moved Himachal Pradesh Speaker seeking disqualification of six rebel MLAs who cross-voted on Tuesday, according to sources.The move comes a day after these six MLAs cross-voted and helped BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan win a Rajya Sabha seat from the hill state. Congress is in power in Himachal Pradesh and has 40 MLAs, besides the support of three independent MLAs, in the 68-member house. Despite the numbers, the Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi lost the Rajya Sabha seat. Singhvi conceded his defeat and 'thanked' the MLAs who cross-voted leading to the victory of Harsh Mahajan. Victory tilted towards Mahajan after a draw of lots was held as a tie-breaker. "I would also like to thank the nine persons (MLAs) because they have taught me a lot about human nature, its fickleness or its resoluteness. They supped with us...So, I think we are bad judges of human character, they are obviously better judges of human character," he said.The cross-voting by the MLAs has left the state government in crisis with the Opposition BJP claiming that the Congress government has lost the majority in the house. Seeking disqualification of rebel MLAs is seen as ruling party's move to save its government. Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania met Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday amid political upheavals in the state. The development comes amid a buzz over the BJP bringing a motion of no-confidence in the assembly against the Congress government in the state during the state's Budget Session which is set to begin today. The Congress has 40 MLAs while the BJP has 25 in the 68-member Himachal Pradesh state assembly. The remaining three seats are held by independents.  

Slice Appoints Nayanthara As Brand Ambassador

"After the popularity of its mango flavor, Slice names actress Nayanthara as its new brand ambassador in an effort to deepen its relationship with consumers. Prominent actress Nayanthara has been named as the newest brand ambassador for Slice, the famous drink with mango flavor. Through this partnership, Slice hopes to deepen its relationship with its customers and maintain its position as the preferred beverage for mango lovers. Concerning Slice Slice's delicious mango flavor has made it famous in homes all throughout the nation. With its delightful burst of fruitiness with each sip, the drink has come to be associated with relief from the summer's heat. Slice was first released in North America by PepsiCo in 1984. New Slice Ventures LLC then revived Slice as an organic food brand. Within India, In 2008, PepsiCo brought Slice back to market as Tropicana Slice, a fruit drink with a mango flavor.Nayanthara: The Superstar Woman Nayanthara, dubbed the ""Lady Superstar"" in Indian cinema, infuses the Slice family with her charm and broad appeal. Nayanthara is the ideal option to represent Slice because of her ability to connect with audiences of all ages and her history of critically praised performances. Nayanthara's Passion - Nayanthara expressed her happiness about the partnership by saying, ""I'm excited to be a member of the Slice family and add to the history of this legendary business. The company is well-known for its iconic campaigns, and I'm excited to work on some of its next initiatives. Slice's Point of View Associate director of Slice and Tropicana at PepsiCo India, Anuj Goyal, expressed happiness to have Nayanthara join the Slice family. He thinks that Nayanthara's broad appeal will improve the brand's relationship with its core customers. A Brand-New Chapter Opens With Nayanthara joining the team, Slice intends to liven up the summertime ahead. The company will launch a new ad campaign that promises to draw viewers into the entertaining world of Slice in a novel and engrossing way. The partnership between Nayanthara and Slice promises to usher in a new era for the brand and provide happiness and refreshment to people all throughout the country."

Kerala Welcomes ‘Iris’ its first generative AI teacher

"The introduction of Iris, a humanoid instructor, by Kerala school represents a major advancement in the field of educational technology. The introduction of Iris, a humanoid instructor, by Kerala school represents a major advancement in the field of educational technology. Iris, created in partnership with Makerlabs Edutech Private Limited, is an innovative attempt to increase accessibility, interactivity, and engagement in the learning process. A Futuristic Approach to Education: KTCT Higher Secondary School, run by the Kaduvayil Thangal Charitable Trust and situated in Thiruvananthapuram, is the first school in Kerala to hire an artificial intelligence (AI) teacher. This program is an outgrowth of NITI Aayog's Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) project, which was started in 2021 with the goal of improving extracurricular activities in Indian schools. It is a generative AI system that can lead interactive lessons in the classroom. Iris is a flexible and priceless teaching aid because it can answer a broad range of queries and converse in three languages. The Strengths of Iris With its many functions, the humanoid aims to transform the way students engage with instructional materials. Among them are: Multilingual Interaction: With the ability to communicate in three languages, Iris provides students from a variety of linguistic backgrounds with a more inclusive and easily accessible learning environment. Voice Support and Interactive Education: With voice assistant features, Iris may lead students through classes, respond to questions, and have instructive conversations. Manipulation and Mobility: Because of its wheeled base, Iris is mobile and has the ability to manipulate objects it to successfully explore instructional areas. Technology Integration: Using a coprocessor and a dedicated Intel processor, Iris combines robotics and generative AI at its core. With this configuration, the humanoid can carry out a variety of educational duties. User-Friendly Interface: Iris's Android app interface makes it simple for users to engage with it, enabling a personalized learning process that can be adjusted to each student's needs. The Effect on Learning. The introduction of Iris into Kerala's educational system represents a progressive approach to instruction and learning. KTCT Higher Secondary School wants to improve learning and establish a more productive learning environment by utilizing AI. The humanoid instructor is evidence of how artificial intelligence (AI) has the power to revolutionize conventional teaching approaches and increase the impact and enjoyment of learning. The implementation of Iris highlights the expanding impact of AI in a number of industries, including education. It emphasizes how innovations in technology can be used to improve educational opportunities, making learning more dynamic and responsive to the demands of the digital age."

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Sub-Inspector Suman Kumari Makes History as BSF’s First Female Sniper

"Being the first female sharpshooter in the history of the Border Security Force (BSF), Sub-Inspector Suman Kumari will always be remembered. Being the first female sharpshooter in the history of the Border Security Force (BSF), Sub-Inspector Suman Kumari will always be remembered. Her recent eight-week completion of a rigorous sniper course at the Central School of Weapons and Tactics (CSWT) in Indore demonstrates not just her remarkable skills but also her spirit of innovation. Suman's achievement of the esteemed ""instructor grade"" is evidence of her skill and knowledge. An Aspiring Volunteer. Suman volunteered for the difficult course, which marked the beginning of her path to become a sniper. Her decision was motivated by her personal experiences leading a unit in Punjab and witnessing the threat posed by snipers across the border. Identifying her With perseverance and promise, her supervisors approved her enrollment in the program. For Suman, this was the start of an arduous yet rewarding journey. Taking a Tall Stand Among Your Peers Suman was the only female student in the course, which was noted for its demanding physical and mental requirements, out of 56 male students. This did not discourage her, but rather gave her more drive to succeed and establish her worth. Her diligence and commitment paid off as she finished the school with honors, gaining the opportunity to be assigned as a sniper teacher. Bhaskar Singh Rawat, the Inspector General of CSWT, praised Suman's accomplishment as a noteworthy turning point. highlighting the fact that commando training is thought to be the most difficult course, after the sniper course. Suman's accomplishments are supposed to serve as motivation for other female recruits, inspiring them to pursue and succeed in comparable military positions. A Modest Upbringing. Suman is from a modest background and is from the Mandi area in Himachal Pradesh. Her mother, a housewife, and her father, an electrician, have supported her greatly throughout her journey. Suman joined the BSF in 2021 and has since proven her mettle in unarmed combat, showcasing her diverse skill set even more. Suman Kumari's remarkable journey from a small Himachal Pradesh town to become the first female sniper in the BSF is a testament to her skill, determination, and ability to break down social obstacles. Her accomplishments show how women's roles in defense are evolving and open doors for more future female warriors to follow in her footsteps. Crucial lessons for every competitive exam Khusro Faramurz Rustamji founded the BSF; BSF was established on December 1st, 1965, and its director general is Nitin Agarwal, IPS."

Ravindra Kumar assumes charge as Director (Operations) of NTPC

"The most recent addition to NTPC Ltd.'s Director-Operations team, Ravindra Kumar, has over thirty years of extensive experience and knowledge in the power industry. The most recent addition to NTPC Ltd.'s Director-Operations team, Ravindra Kumar, has over thirty years of extensive experience and knowledge in the power industry. Kumar's career path is a good example of his dedication to quality and creativity, from his early years as a graduate engineering trainee to his most recent leadership positions. I. NTPC Ltd.'s Early Career and Foundation joining in 1989 as a trainee officer and graduate engineer various positions in operations, maintenance, and commissioning (O&M). II. Climbing the Leadership Pyramid Showcase your leadership abilities as you go from OSD to the Director-Operations position. exposure to the engineering department and corporate center, which broadens skills. Strategic interaction is prioritized in this technical support role for the Director (Technical). III. Global Partnerships and facility Management Crucial to the establishment of BIFPCL, Bangladesh's first Maitree supercritical power facility. In his role as Chief Technical Officer (CTO), he led the engineering, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of the 660 MW unit of BIFPCL. As the CEO of Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited, I expedited building and erection activities, demonstrating my expertise in project management. IV. A Comprehensive Strategy and People-Centric Leadership combination of site and corporate experience, providing a thorough understanding of the power industry a focus on a people-centric strategy that encourages cooperation and teamwork. dedication to skill development and knowledge exchange, fostering the growth of future leaders. The most recent addition to NTPC Ltd.'s Director-Operations team, Ravindra Kumar, has over thirty years of extensive experience and knowledge in the power industry. Kumar's career path demonstrates a dedication to quality and creativity, from his early years as a graduate engineering trainee to his most recent leadership positions. On Monday, NTPC appointed Ravindra Kumar as Director (Operations). He served as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Director of Operations at NTPC Limited before joining the company as Director of Operations. On February 24, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) gave its approval for his appointment to the position. As a result, he assumed leadership of the position on February 26. He will remain in the position until October 31, 2027, the date of his superannuation, or until new orders are received, whichever comes first. "

PayU Payments Appoints Ex-HDFC MD Renu Sud Karnad As Chairperson Of Board

"PayU Payments, which is owned by Prosus, has added five new members to its board of directors. Among them are Laurent Le Moal, the former global chief executive officer of PayU company, and Renu Sud Karnad, the former managing director (MD) of Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd (HDFC) With the addition of Chief Financial Officer Arvind Agarwal and CEO Anirban Mukherjee, the PayU Payments board now has seven members. Two independent directors, Gopika Pant, a managing partner at Indian Law Partners, and Jairaj Purandare, the founder and chairman of JMP Advisors Pvt Ltd, join Karnad, who has been chosen as the board's chairwoman. The non-executive directors are Jan Bune, a former partner at Deloitte Netherlands, and Laurent Le Moal, a former worldwide CEO of PayU group. ""We're happy to have assembled an exceptional board that will provide us with advice and direction as we develop a full suite of digital financial services to benefit India, promote digitisation, and promote financial inclusion. As India strives to become a $1-trillion internet economy by 2030, PayU is positioned to profit from the unmatched online payments opportunity as the country's economy undergoes rapid transition, according to Mukherjee. The news that Renu Sud Karnad has consented to join our board greatly pleases me. Renu's distinguished career has given her a solid foundation in financial services. She will contribute the knowledge and expertise needed to significantly impact PayU's future, he continued. In addition, Karnad is the head of the board of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited and president of the International Union of Housing Finance (IUHF). Moneycontrol has already covered the changes in PayU Finance's leadership at the NBFC credit division. Chief risk officer (CRO) Deepak Mendiratta has been promoted to CEO by the company, and Manish Kulkarni, a former CEO of DBS Bank, has assumed the role of CFO for the subsidiary. PayU Payments, a company that offers payment gateway services to internet companies, states that it serves more than 5 lakh clients, including SMBs, e-commerce companies, and large corporations. With a focus on expanding its operations in India and considering a possible IPO, PayU India recorded $400 million in sales in FY23, a 31% increase over the previous fiscal year."

Govt Very Much With Startups, Fintechs: FM Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday assured the startup community of the central government's unwavering support amidst regulatory scrutiny faced by some of the country's leading startups in recent times.Addressing concerns raised by startups, particularly in the Fintech sector, during a media event in Bengaluru, Sitharaman stressed the importance of regular support and clarifications from regulators to facilitate innovation without being bogged down by governance and compliance issues. Sitharaman revealed that she had a meeting with combined representatives of many startups a “couple of days ago” to understand the concerns after they wrote a letter to the FM. She acknowledged the anxieties expressed by startups during a recent interaction and said, “I’ve had an interaction with startups, particularly the Fintech ones, to understand with what anxiety they wrote that letter to me. It was a fantastic conversation.” She said that there was a need for startups to have dedicated support teams for compliance matters, ensuring that innovation efforts remain unhindered. “I was very glad they voiced the concerns and they may indirectly come out of what is happening. But the regulators were all there with me and they have really understood and they've connected with them,” Sitharaman remarked. “Let me be upfront and say the concerns were not emanating from Paytm’s issues. It was more on regular support that they may need from the regulators, clarifications, which are periodically required, because their core business is not governance and compliance related issues,” she added.It is believed that this meeting had happened in the wake of the RBI’s action against Paytm Payments Bank, which has heightened attention on regulatory compliance within the fintech startups in India. The meeting saw representatives from various prominent entities in both the private and public sectors in attendance. Among those representing the private sector were individuals from notable companies such as Policybazaar, MakeMyTrip, Razorpay, PhonePe, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, CRED and venture capital firm PeakXV. Additionally, key figures from the public sector, including SBI Chairman Dinesh Khara and officials from NPCI, Canara Bank and Bank of Baroda, were reportedly also present. During the Bengaluru event, the Finance Minister said she had proposed practical solutions to address startup concerns, suggesting monthly virtual conferences with regulators like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Sitharaman said, “I did tell the RBI that once in a month on a dedicated day, they should do a virtual conference with startups, particularly Fintechs, so that they can answer questions and after that put that as a FAQ, so that others who did not attend, can (still) benefit from it.” Sitharaman reassured startups that the government stands firmly behind them and said, “The government is very much with these startups. We want you to be assured that you will be given all assistance." She ended by stressing on the need to simplify compliances and provide necessary assistance to ensure a conducive environment for startups to thrive. Earlier on Wednesday, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced an elaborate framework for a 'regulatory sandbox,' aimed at creating a secure environment for emerging fintech startups to experiment with their product ideas before launching them in the market. In a statement issued by RBI, the central bank said that a sandbox setup will enable regulatory authorities to collaborate with startups and formulate regulations that foster innovation, thereby facilitating the provision of cost-effective financial products. The oversight of this sandbox initiative will be under the purview of the fintech division within the RBI.   

BJP can win ‘double digit’ number in Kerala if…: Shashi Tharoor crunches number ahead of Lok Sabha polls 2024

Mocking BJP's claim that it will secure seats in double digits in Kerala in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Shashi Tharoor stated on Wednesday, that the only way they could achieve a ‘double digit’ in Kerala would be by obtaining two zeros."Otherwise, there is only one digit coming the BJP's way in Kerala, and that is zero," Tharoor told media. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his speech at the BJP meeting in the state, urged voters to vote for the saffron party so that it can win double digits in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls 2024. Commenting on the claim, Thiruvananthapuram MP told ANI, “"I don't think the BJP is going to win a single seat in Kerala. Their strongest performance has always been in Thiruvananthapuram... I am not expecting that they will be anything better than that this time around either. Everywhere else, we have strong candidates." The Thiruvananthapuram MP cited that BJP's reach in Kerala is limited as the saffron party is yet to understand the culture and history of the state. He adds, "I think the BJP's support base is limited in our state. Their kind of appeal is based on Hindutva, Hindi, Hindu and Hindustan- their kind of message does not fly very well here in Kerala." Noting that people of different faiths cohabit peacefully, he said, as reported by PTI, "We have had more than 2,000 years of living together. Our relationship with each other is one of welcome and acceptance," Tharoor said. Kerala welcomed Jews when they came here after the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians, which is about 500 years before Christ was born.“Today, Jews tell me this is the only Jewish Diaspora that never knew a single instance of anti-Semitic persecution in the world." On the Christian and the Muslim community in the state, he added, “Similarly, Christianity came with St Thomas, St Thomas of the apostles, it was again welcomed and spread. Then we had Islam coming, not by the sword." “You see, the problem in the north is that they think their history is the only history. We have traders from the Arab world coming to Kerala centuries before the Prophet, and they brought the message of the Prophet as news from their peninsula"  

Rajya Sabha Election 2024: Congress seeks disqualification of 6 MLAs who cross-voted, say sources

Rajya Sabha Election 2024: The Congress party has moved Himachal Pradesh Speaker seeking disqualification of six rebel MLAs who cross-voted on Tuesday, according to sources.The move comes a day after these six MLAs cross-voted and helped BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan win a Rajya Sabha seat from the hill state. Congress is in power in Himachal Pradesh and has 40 MLAs, besides the support of three independent MLAs, in the 68-member house. Despite the numbers, the Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi lost the Rajya Sabha seat. Singhvi conceded his defeat and 'thanked' the MLAs who cross-voted leading to the victory of Harsh Mahajan. Victory tilted towards Mahajan after a draw of lots was held as a tie-breaker. "I would also like to thank the nine persons (MLAs) because they have taught me a lot about human nature, its fickleness or its resoluteness. They supped with us...So, I think we are bad judges of human character, they are obviously better judges of human character," he said.The cross-voting by the MLAs has left the state government in crisis with the Opposition BJP claiming that the Congress government has lost the majority in the house. Seeking disqualification of rebel MLAs is seen as ruling party's move to save its government. Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania met Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday amid political upheavals in the state. The development comes amid a buzz over the BJP bringing a motion of no-confidence in the assembly against the Congress government in the state during the state's Budget Session which is set to begin today. The Congress has 40 MLAs while the BJP has 25 in the 68-member Himachal Pradesh state assembly. The remaining three seats are held by independents.  

Maryam Nawaz Becomes First Woman Chief Minister of Punjab

"Maryam Nawaz of the PML-N is elected as Pakistan's first female chief minister despite protests and postponements. With 220 votes, she defeated challenger Rana Aftab Ahmed Khan in an overwhelming win. Maryam Nawaz, a prominent figure in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party and the daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan, has made political history by becoming the first female chief minister of Punjab province. Election Win Despite Opposition Absence parliamentarians' Walkout: Despite the parliamentarians from Imran Khan's party-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) abstaining from voting, Maryam Nawaz emerged victorious in the chief ministerial elections. Defeat of Opponent: In the election, she defeated Rana Aftab of the SIC, which was sponsored by the PTI. This was a major political victory in the politically vital Punjab province. Oath Ceremony: Opening the Door for Female Leadership Historic Oath: Maryam Nawaz, a 50-year-old senior vice president of the Pakistan Medical Association, formally took the oath of office as Punjab's chief minister, ushering in a historic chapter in the country's political history. Daughter of three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, senior PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz was chosen to run Punjab province on February 26, making history as the first female chief minister of a province in Pakistan. She called the position a ""honour"" for all women in the nation. In the middle of a walkout by parliamentarians from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), which is sponsored by former prime minister Imran Khan's party, Maryam, a 50-year-old senior vice president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, emerged victorious in the chief ministerial elections. On Monday, Maryam Nawaz, 50, the daughter of former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif, took office as the country's first female chief minister of West Punjab. After winning the race for chief minister and taking the oath of office on Monday, Maryam, the senior vice-president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), declared in her first speech in the Punjab Provincial Assembly that it is the ""victory of every woman, every mother, and every sister."" As she spoke, a picture of her late mother Kulsoom appeared by her side. ""This triumph is not solely mine today. It is the triumph of every mother and woman.and hopefully I won't be the last. Even after I'm gone, women should continue to win, she continued. "

Geeta Batra’s Historic Appointment to the World Bank’s GEF

"Renowned Indian economist Geeta Batra has been named Director of the World Bank's Global Environment Facility (GEF) Independent Evaluation Office (IEO). Batra's selection is a noteworthy achievement because it makes her the first woman from a developing nation to hold this esteemed position. History and Profession Geeta Batra, who is 57 years old, brings a plethora of knowledge and experience to her new role. She was the GEF's IEO's Chief Evaluator and Deputy Director for Evaluation before being appointed to this position. Her work has been marked by a strong dedication to environmental development and sustainability, with an emphasis on using assessment as a tool to increase the effectiveness of environmental efforts. The Procedure for Appointments At the 66th GEF Council Meeting, held in Washington on February 9, there was a unanimous recommendation that Batra be appointed to the directorship. The announcement, which was made last week, was well welcomed and demonstrated the support that the world community has for her vision and leadership skills. Importance of the Scheduling Batra's appointment is a source of pride for developing countries as well as a personal accomplishment. It highlights the growing acknowledgement of women's leadership roles in international organizations and heralds a progressive change toward more inclusive and diverse representation. The Part to Play In her capacity as the GEF's Director of the IEO, Batra will be essential in determining the course of international environmental initiatives and policy. She will be in charge of making sure the GEF's initiatives and programs are evaluated to the highest possible standards of sustainability and efficacy. Under her leadership, the IEO is anticipated to further its goal of supporting sustainability and environmental health by thorough assessment and tactical direction. "

Government Appoints A S Rajeev, former MD and CEO of Bank of Maharashtra, as Vigilance Commissioner

"A S Rajeev, a former CEO and managing director of Bank of Maharashtra, has been named by the government to the position of Vigilance Commissioner at the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). Details of the Appointment A S Rajeev left his role as CEO and Managing Director of Bank of Maharashtra on his own volition. Rajeev's plea to retire has been approved by the Department of Financial Services. A notification (no. 13/8/2016-BO.I) dated February 22, 2024, was used to make the appointment. The Central Vigilance Commissioner and two other Vigilance Commissioners make up the Commission's three members, as stated in the Central Vigilance Commission Act. Maharashtra's ank Declaration A S Rajeev's appointment to the position of Vigilance Commissioner at the Central Vigilance Commission was confirmed by a regulatory document filed by the Bank of Maharashtra. A S Rajeev was the CEO and Managing Director of Bank of Maharashtra, a public sector bank, before this assignment. Rajeev voluntarily decided to step down as the CEO and Managing Director of Bank of Maharashtra last week. A letter from the Department of Financial Services (DFS) states that his request has been approved by the appropriate authorities. "