Süd-Chemie India Pvt. Ltd.

The chemical manufacturing industry is currently undergoing a significant transformation, marked by a surge in demand for sustainable products and a shift towards circular economy practices. At the forefront of driving this change is Süd-Chemie India Pvt. Ltd. (SCIL), a pioneering company led by CEO Mr Prakash Babu Surya. Founded in 1969 as Catalysts & Chemicals India (West Asia) Pvt. Ltd., the company emerged as a leader in catalysis. Subsequent mergers and acquisitions led to transformations, with the company being renamed United Catalysts India Ltd. (UCIL) in 1979 and Süd-Chemie India Pvt. Ltd. (SCIL) in 2000 with Süd-Chemie A.G. Germany acquiring CCI, USA’s shares. Acquired by Clariant International in 2011, SCIL now stands as a global giant, delivering catalyst solutions and catering to both Indian and international markets. Their strength lies in a profound understanding of chemistry and its applications, addressing the specific needs of clients in both Indian and international markets. SUD Chemie India Private Limited is a Non-govt company, incorporated on 28 Feb, 1969. It's a private unlisted company and is classified as'company limited by shares'.Company's authorized capital stands at Rs 100.0 lakhs and has 96.23% paid-up capital which is Rs 96.23 lakhs. SUD Chemie India Private Limited last annual general meet (AGM) happened on 19 Sep, 2017. The company last updated its financials on 31 Mar, 2017 as per Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).SUD Chemie India Private Limited is majorly in Manufacturing (Metals & Chemicals, and products thereof) business from last 54 years and currently, company operations are active. Current board members & directors are ARSHIA ALTAF LALLJEE, ISKANDER ALTAF LALLJEE, HAMIDA ALTAF LALLJEE, ADNAN WAJHAT AHMAD, DEEPAK RASIKLAL PARIKH, STEFAN CHRISTOF JOHANNES HEUSER, KARL HOLGER DIERSSEN and NYELA KALSIA .Company is registered in ROC-Ernakulam (Kerala) Registrar Office. SUD Chemie India Private Limited registered address is EDAYAR INDUSTRIALDEVELOPMENT AREA BINANIPURAM P O ALUVA ERNAKULAM KL 683502 IN.    

GSP Crop Science Pvt. Ltd.

Carl Zeiss India's Medical Technology Division recently participated in Phaco Festival organized by Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, a world-class facility focused primarily on quality eye care with state-of-the-art technology and highly skilled doctors. The two-day conference, renowned for highlighting cutting-edge advancement of technologies used by ophthalmologists, took place on 13th and 14th January 2024, in Bengaluru. The conference was attended by distinguished national and international faculty who shared their invaluable insights, encompassed Masterclasses, 3-D Live Surgeries, and Skill Transfer Courses among others. At the Phaco Festival, the spotlight shined on ZEISS's transformative impact on the Cataract and Corneal Refractive Workflows. ZEISS technology redefines the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, offering a comprehensive and integrated approach to surgery. By merging state-of-the-art imaging, diagnostics, and surgical technologies, ZEISS aids ophthalmic surgeons in enhancing efficiency and clinical outcomes for cataract procedures. At the Phaco Festival, the spotlight shined on ZEISS's transformative impact on the Cataract and Corneal Refractive Workflows. ZEISS technology redefines the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, offering a comprehensive and integrated approach to surgery. By merging state-of-the-art imaging, diagnostics, and surgical technologies, ZEISS aids ophthalmic surgeons in enhancing efficiency and clinical outcomes for cataract procedures.Dr. Sri Ganesh, MD, Chairman of Nethradhama Super Specialty Eye Hospital, Bangalore, expressed his confidence in ZEISS Medical Technology: "The ZEISS Cataract Workflow is integral to my practice, seamlessly integrating diagnostics and therapeutics, providing peace of mind. It minimizes stress for clinicians and surgeons, enhancing efficiency with reduced time and transcription errors. Ultimately, it ensures optimal efficiency, safety, and improved patient outcomes, allowing for the accommodation of more patients in a day."    

Vivek Ramaswamy Quits US Presidential Race, Endorses Trump

Vivek Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old Indian-American entrepreneur and political novice who quickly created a name for himself with aggressive policy proposals and an outsized sense of confidence, has withdrawn over of the campaign for the Republican presidential nomination after finishing fourth in the Iowa caucuses, news agency Reuters reported. He then backed former President Donald J. Trump for the presidency. Ramaswamy, who was virtually unknown in political circles when he entered the campaign in February 2023, managed to pique the interest and support of Republican voters with his strong views on immigration and an America-first attitude. In terms of tone and philosophy, his campaign plan closely paralleled that of former President Donald Trump. Ramaswamy attempted to draw into Trump's conservative base, which had pushed him to victory in prior elections.He said, “Tonight, I have to face the truth. It was hard for me to accept, but we have looked at the facts. And the fact is, we did not get the result we hoped for tonight.”Ramaswamy had recently taken a harder stance against Trump, claiming that the former president’s legal troubles and strong political enemies made him a weak candidate. Trump responded by attacking Ramaswamy on social media, calling his campaign “deceitful” and “very sly,” in the first sign of hostility between them.Ramaswamy had been one of Trump’s biggest supporters during the campaign. He had praised Trump as “the greatest president of the 21st century” and stood by him despite the numerous criminal charges and obstacles to his candidacy.On Tuesday, Trump said on social media that his accuser had gained fame and money through "fabricated lies and political shenanigans" in the case.Former US President Donald Trump left Trump Tower on Wednesday morning as he heads back to Manhattan court where rape accuser E. Jean Carroll was poised to testify against him for $10 million defamation case.    

‘January 22 will be etched in our memories’: PM Modi after inaugurating Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

Speaking on the Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that it will be etched in our memories for years to come. In a post on X, Modi wrote, “What we saw in Ayodhya yesterday, 22nd January, will be etched in our memories for years to come."Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the ceremony, unveiling the Ram Lalla idol during the hour-long rituals.  During his address to the dignitaries at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the unveiling of the Ram Lalla idol signifies not only a moment of victory following a protracted struggle but also one of humility. This is not just a moment of celebration for us all but also one to reflect the coming of age of the Indian society. This occasion is as much about triumph as it is about humility. The world is replete with instances of countries that faced a lot of difficulties resolving historic wrongs and injustices. However, the way we untied the knots and resolved all outstanding issues gives us hope that our future is going to be more beautiful and fulfilling than our past," PM Modi said. The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir, constructed in the traditional Nagara style, boasts dimensions of 380 feet in length (east-west), 250 feet in width, and 161 feet in height. It is supported by a total of 392 pillars and 44 doors. The pillars and walls of the temple are adorned with intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities, Gods, and Goddesses. Within the main sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor, the idol of Shri Ramlalla, representing the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram, has been reverently placed. As the whole nation is celebrating the Pran Pratishtha ceremony held at Ram temple in Ayodhya, several politicians, leaders, and celebrities extended their wishes to the people. Referring to the consecration ceremony, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “500 years of slavery have ended today. India has shown that anything is possible in this country. I have full faith that Ram Rajya has begun now." He also showered praises for PM Modi. However, on being asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks in the Nagaon attacks, Himanta Biswa Sarma sidelined the question by referring to the Wayanad MP as ‘Ravan’.  

Tata Motors zooms to 52-week high on plans to hike vehicle prices

Shares of Tata Motors Limited traded over a percent higher at Rs 827 to hit a fresh 52-week high on January 23 after the company announced that it will raise the prices by 0.7 percent across its passenger vehicles portfolio, including electric vehicles, with effect from February 1. The automobile major said the main reason behind the hike is escalating input costs. Despite the announcement, specific revised prices for each car have not been disclosed by the company. At 9:26am, the stock was trading at Rs 825, up 0.7 percent from the previous close on the NSE. In the last year, the counter has had a stellar rally, gaining over 100 percent on the bourses. It was also the best performer on the Nifty in 2023. The hike isn't just restricted to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, but also EVs where Tata Motors is the market leader. This comes after the company launched the new Tata Punch EV, its recent addition to the electric SUV segment. Before its launch, Tata had Nexon EV, Tigor EV, and Tiago EV. The development gains significance as Tata Motors isn't the first company to hike prices in 2024. Last week, Maruti Suzuki announced a 0.45 percent price increase for its models. The company’s diverse range of vehicles, from the entry-level hatchback Alto to the sports utility vehicle Jimny and the multi-utility vehicle Invicto.   

Zomato suspends delivery of non-veg items in North India, says this is due to govt order

In response to a government order, Zomato has temporarily suspended the delivery of non-vegetarian items in several states in North India. In respect of the consecration ceremony, meat shops in some states were closed today. Here is everything you need to know. In response to a government order, Zomato has temporarily suspended the delivery of non-vegetarian items in several states in North India. Users across various cities reported the absence of non-veg food options on X (previously Twitter), leading to speculations regarding the cause. It is believed that the move is in respect of the consecration ceremony for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, an event of significant cultural and religious importance. Zomato, addressing user concerns on X, clarified that the decision to disable the delivery of non-veg items was in compliance with the government's notice. "We have disabled delivery of non-veg items in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan as per govt. notice. Hope this clarification helps," stated Zomato's customer care support on the social media platform. It is not surprising because Varun Khera, the head of the National Restaurant Association of India in Uttar Pradesh, affirmed that restaurants across the state had collectively decided to serve only vegetarian food on January 22. Khera emphasized the need to honour the government's order, especially considering the magnitude of the event taking place in Ayodhya. In respect of the ceremony, meat shops in the affected states were closed today. The chief secretary of Uttar Pradesh, Durga Shankar Mishra, had issued an order instructing district magistrates to ensure the closure of liquor vends and meat shops on January 22.  

OnePlus 12 launch today: Check expected price, features, other specifications

The company has also confirmed the launch of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered OnePlus 12R. The OnePlus 12R also gets some upgrades compared to the OnePlus 11R. OnePlus is set to launch its latest flagship smartphones, the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R, today. The event, dubbed “Smooth Beyond Belief,” will kickstart at 7:30 PM in India. Users who have bought passes for the event can witness it from the venue, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, while the rest can virtually experience it via YouTube.  The hero product of OnePlus’s launch event will be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered OnePlus 12. The OnePlus 12 is expected to be a massive upgrade over its predecessor and will offer features like a 4th Gen Hasselblad camera system, a 5,500 mAh battery, and wireless charging. The device is also confirmed to include one of the brightest 2K resolution AMOLED screens with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is also confirmed that the OnePlus 12 will receive four years of major software updates. The company has also confirmed the launch of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered OnePlus 12R. The OnePlus 12R also gets some upgrades, featuring a metal frame with an overall design and build quality similar to the OnePlus 12. In addition to the smartphones, OnePlus will also unveil the OnePlus Buds 3. The Buds 3 is expected to offer better audio quality and noise cancellation capabilities when compared to the OnePlus Buds 2 Pro.  According to the information provided by tipster Abhishek Yadav, the OnePlus 12 is anticipated to debut with a base price of Rs 64,999. Meanwhile, the variant with 16GB RAM is projected to have a price tag of Rs 69,999. The OnePlus 12R is said to be available for purchase in February. Besides this, another tipster, Ishan Aggrawal, has revealed that the upcoming smartphones will come with bank deals, trade-in bonuses, and no-cost EMI options. He also mentioned that the initial 1,000 orders will be rewarded with gifts, a discount of up to 50 per cent on the protection plan, and a Rs 3,000 reduction on the OnePlus Pad.  

In the United States, Yellow.ai uses 30% of the worlds generative AI bots.

According to Yellow.ai cofounder and chief executive Raghu Ravinutala, India Inc. is adopting GenAI as a chance to boost revenues, generate business leads, and provide sales help, while markets like the US are mostly employing them for customer care in an effort to minimize expenses.In India, generative artificial intelligence is becoming more widely used for customer engagement.For example, the conversational AI startup Yellow.ai had roughly 30% of its 120 GenAI bots deployed for enterprises globally this fiscal year in India.Take Your Tech Game to the Next Level with High-Value Skill Courses: Course Website: IIM Kozhikode, IIMK Advanced Data Science for Managers Product Management at Indian School of Business (ISB) Visit..According to Yellow.ai cofounder and chief executive Raghu Ravinutala, India Inc. is adopting GenAI as a chance to boost revenues, generate business leads, and provide sales help, while markets like the US are mostly employing them for customer care in an effort to minimize expenses.Yellow.ai was established in Bengaluru in 2016 and is supported by a number of investors, including Lightspeed Venture Partners, Salesforce Ventures, Westbridge Capital, and Sapphire Ventures. According to Tracxn, it has raised over $102 million in fundraising thus far.Using the GenAI chatbot of the San Mateo, California-based startup, Bajaj Auto Finance has produced over 100 leads for its clients, while Ravinutala mentioned that a major non-banking lender received over 400 applications for auto loans. Using the GenAI assistant, a well-known two-wheeler manufacturer sold motorcycles worth approximately Rs 1 crore on the first day of sales, while a well-known financial institution obtained prospective clients or sales leads valued at approximately $100 million. According to Ravinutala, Yellow.ai plans to go public in the US by 2026 or 2027, when the market is anticipated to bounce back from the present cyclical slowdown. This year, the company hopes to earn a profit.In terms of platform ARR (annual recurring revenue), Q4 (the quarter that ended in January) is the biggest quarter we have ever had for India, and the country is also leading in terms of the adoption of GenAI on the Yellow.ai platform, according to Ravinutala.The business anticipates a more than 60% growth in the Indian market the next year, with $20–30 million in revenue from the country and a $60–70 million run rate for worldwide revenue overall. Its current global sales run rate is $30–40 million, with an annual growth rate of 60–70%. It anticipates quadruple sales in FY25.Adobe's research indicates that the majority of Indian companies are reducing their marketing and customer experience budgets; of those, 42% have already done so, and 37% want to do so in the upcoming year. In these domains, nearly 60% intend to use GenAI. Growth potential for Yellow.ai have been created by the global macroeconomic slump combined with companies' growing eagerness to use GenAI. Customers are searching for ways to save expenses, and our main selling point is that we can reduce costs and provide better customer service by replacing.According to Ravinutala, the company has also been able to proceed with a methodical approach to hiring and personnel strength thanks to automation and efficiencies from GenAI. In early 2023, the corporation made around 13% of its personnel reductions. Approximately 570 of its 680 employees are based in India. "We don't see this (employee strength) going to 1,000–2,000 over the next few years," stated Ravinutala.  

Byju's losses for FY22 surge to Rs 8,245 crore; a cash-strapped edtech company is valuing its rights offering at $500 million.

Roughly Rs 3,800 crore, or over half of Byju's losses, have come from stressed assets like Whitehat Jr. and Osmo, two significant purchases the company made. However, the persistent concern over the $1.2 billion term loan has been noted by Byju's auditor BDO, who has stated that a "material uncertainty exists."Weeks after presenting its audited FY22 financials to investors during an annual general meeting in December, parent company of troubled edtech startup Byju, Think & Learn, finally submitted them with the registrar of companies (RoC).For FY22, the business had operating revenue of Rs 5,014 crore, but losses increased to Rs 8,245 crore. Byju's entire income, according to the company's regulatory filings, was about Rs 5,300 crore. Byju's operating revenue increased by 119% in FY22, but losses increased by 80% over the same time period.Improve Your Technological Proficiency with High-Value Skill Courses: IIM Lucknow's IIML Executive Programme in FinTech, Banking, and Applied Risk Management Product Management Professional Certificate from Indian School of BusinessRoughly Rs 3,800 crore, or over half of the losses, have come from highly leveraged assets like Whitehat Jr. and Osmo, two significant purchases the company made."We are pleased that our total revenue has increased by 2.2 times, but we also recognize that 45% of the losses are attributable to our underperforming companies, such as Osmo and Whitehat Jr. We have improved our operating financial circumstances through a number of initiatives, according to a statement from Byju's CFO, Nitin Golani. "While other businesses continue to grow, these businesses were significantly scaled down to cut losses in the following years. "However, the persistent concern over the $1.2 billion term loan has been noted by Byju's auditor BDO, who has stated that a "material uncertainty exists." It did, however, add that the company's management is currently working to get the capital needed to pay off its debts to lenders by selling off assets. "Therefore, (management) has faith in the Company's ability to survive into the future. Furthermore, the management believes it is unlikely that the TLB loan will be granted based on a legal opinion."We are pleased that our total revenue has increased by 2.2 times, but we also recognize that 45% of the losses are attributable to our underperforming companies, such as Osmo and Whitehat Jr. We have improved our operating financial circumstances through a number of initiatives, according to a statement from Byju's CFO, Nitin Golani. "While other businesses continue to grow, these businesses were significantly scaled down to cut losses in the following years."However, the persistent concern over the $1.2 billion term loan has been noted by Byju's auditor BDO, who has stated that a "material uncertainty exists." It did, however, add that the company's management is currently working to get the capital needed to pay off its debts to lenders by selling off assets. "Therefore, (management) has faith in the Company's ability to survive into the future. Furthermore, the management believes it is unlikely that the TLB loan will be granted based on a legal opinion.  

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technological boost? In the next two quarters, a number of US federal contracts are up for renewal.

Data obtained by ET indicates that over the next two quarters, a number of significant US federal contracts, including those from the General Services Administration, US Cyber Command, Department of Energy, NASA, Federal Aviation Administration, and Department of Education, are up for renewal. A number of these transactions are close to $1 billion, and some are far more than that amount. According to data from Omdia Research, federal contracts will account for nearly a third of the market's large deal renewals, which are expected to be worth roughly $16 billion over the next two quarters.American IT majors like Accenture, Perspecta, CACI International, SAIC, Noblis, and Maximus currently service the majority of these multi-year cloud modernization, application development, and maintenance contracts. With the exception of Accenture, the majority of the revenue generated by the remaining companies comes from federal contracts.While it's still difficult ground for Indian enterprises to break into, experts say that US federal clients now view Indian-heritage suppliers more favorably because India is now largely acknowledged as the primary talent location for the technology industry. They said that with the US-Indian relationship growing over the past few years, there has been a noticeable shift.     Phil Fersht, CEO of HfS Research, stated that undoubtedly, things are changing. But US tech services companies like Deloitte and KPMG, which provide managed services directly to the top Indian suppliers, pose a greater threat to them.

George Soros’s Texas cash infusion shows Democrats are afraid of losing: Mayra Flores

The move by left-wing billionaire George Soros to pour major cash into turning Texas blue in 2024 shows Democrats are afraid of the GOP’s momentum in the state, Republican candidate and ex-Rep. Mayra Flores told the Washington Examiner in an interview.Soros personally has transferred at least $100,000 since August 2023 to the Democratic Party Executive Committee in Cameron County, which is part of the Lone Star State’s 34th Congressional District, where Flores is seeking to unseat Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX). The Democratic megadonor also made donations to Hidalgo and Dallas counties and has wired hundreds of thousands of dollars to the liberal Texas Majority PAC, according to financial disclosures.Soros personally has transferred at least $100,000 since August 2023 to the Democratic Party Executive Committee in Cameron County, which is part of the Lone Star State’s 34th Congressional District, where Flores is seeking to unseat Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX). The Democratic megadonor also made donations to Hidalgo and Dallas counties and has wired hundreds of thousands of dollars to the liberal Texas Majority PAC, according to financial disclosures.Meanwhile, the GOP-led House Judiciary Committee released a report Thursday putting forth that the Biden administration’s “actions in dismantling interior immigration enforcement, which enables illegal aliens to stay in the United States indefinitely.”“Over the past six months, we’ve been traveling and sharing our message of faith and the American dream with voters, who are seeing the disaster that Joe Biden created in South Texas,” Flores said. “I was in Brownsville, and we brought in over 100 women who are Spanish-speaking who voted for Biden in 2020. And I went to speak with them about my campaign. ”Toward the end of that meeting, Flores said the women all told her they would not be voting for Biden in 2024. She underscored how the attendees are living paycheck-to-paycheck and upset, searching for better economic opportunities and safer communities.In Texas, the immigrant crisis hits home for voters, who view border security as a top concern heading into 2024, according to recent polls. Soros’s helping hand in 2024 to Democrats in the Lone Star State comes after nonprofit groups affiliated with the billionaire have dished out millions of dollars in recent years to entities pushing for open borders and, in some cases, have been accused of violating federal law while doing so. In the 2022 election, Flores was trounced by more than 11,400 votes. It was a major disappointment to the Republican Party, whose consultants in Washington and across the country communicated that there would be a “red wave,” but it never materialized. That year, Gonzalez highlighted how the Flores campaign spent more than $7 million against him and still could not capture the South Texas district.    

Top things to do in the UAE this weekend

Embark on a weekend adventure in the UAE with our curated list of top things to do. Get ready to explore, indulge, and create unforgettable moments across the Emirates. Every Saturday, from 1 pm to 4 pm, the acclaimed B.I.G Brunch at Garage, W Abu Dhabi, sets the stage for a lively weekend kick-off. With 5 Culinary Hubs, 11 Beverage Taps, and an upbeat party vibe, January's edition boasts an enticing selection, featuring treats like oysters, edamame, cumin beef bao buns, and more. With prices starting at Dh320 for the Soft Package, Dh420 for the House Package, and Dh589 for the Sparkling Package, guests can relish a delightful mix of tasty food, energetic tunes, and live entertainment, making B.I.G Brunch the perfect Saturday spot. For reservations and additional details, reach out at 02 656 0000. Experience serenity and rejuvenation with a complimentary yoga session hosted by wagamama at its Motor City Dubai branch on January 20, from 10 am to 11 am. Guided by the renowned instructor Chandnee Kaurani, participants can embark on a journey of mindfulness while enjoying revitalizing beverages. As a bonus, attendees will receive a discount voucher for the crystal shop 'Heal Quartz.' This session is designed to seamlessly blend tranquility with vitality, providing a holistic wagamama experience that transcends the culinary realm. To secure a spot, participants are encouraged to fill out the form at least one day before their chosen session date. Costa Coffee proudly presents its new flagship store in Al Seef, Dubai, seamlessly blending modernity with the city's historical allure. The sandstone structure, adorned with vintage wooden accents, serves as a tribute to the UAE's rich history, creating a space that embraces the tradition of sharing coffee. Within the Al Seef store, an AI art installation unfolds the area's captivating history. Introducing exclusive limited-edition drinks like the Iced Spanish Flat White and Hazelnut Vanilla Latte, Costa Coffee invites both residents and tourists to savor a premium coffee experience in a venue that pays homage to the city's cultural heritage. Operating daily from 8 am to 12 am, the store provides seating for up to 41 guests. This weekend, treat yourself to a rejuvenating winter getaway at The SPA, Abu Dhabi, featuring the enticing 'Treat Yourself' offer. Pamper yourself with a 60-minute personalized massage, tailored to your preferences, and receive a complimentary 30-minute full-body scrub for an added touch of opulence. Alternatively, indulge in facial treatments, meticulously designed to address your unique skincare needs. As a special perk, guests enjoy an exclusive 40% discount on any Skin Regimen Facial Products to maintain their radiant glow. Available daily from 11 am to 10.30 pm, The SPA's offer assures a revitalizing experience, leaving you refreshed and renewed with a radiant winter glow. To secure your reservation, dial 02 656 0000.  

India for finding solution to food stockholding issue first at WTO; then talk on other agri matters

India would not negotiate any other issue in the agriculture sector till a permanent solution on public stockholding for food grains is found by the WTO members, an official said on Thursday. The issue would prominently figure in the 13th ministerial conference (MC) of the WTO (World Trade Organisation), scheduled from February 26-29 in Abu Dhabi.MC is the highest decision-making body of the 164-member global trade watchdog WTO."The public stockpiling of food grain is the longest pending issue. The promise was made by the members in Bali MC, and then later endorsed by subsequent conferences. "Without that, we will not take part in any discussion on any other issue on agriculture, unless the mandated issue is settled. This is our first ask," the official said.Developed countries have raised flags over India's food security programmes, such as buying rice and wheat from farmers at a government-administered price for distribution through public ration shops. They allege that this public procurement at subsidised rates and storage distorts global agri trade.However, India has maintained they have to protect the interest of poor and vulnerable farmers, besides taking care of the food security needs of a large section of the population.The government provide 5 kilogrammes of free foodgrains per month to around 80 crore poor people, free ration to about 80 crore people under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). The Covid-19 pandemic has proved the importance of such initiatives. The Geneva-based 164-member multi-lateral body deals with global exports and import-related norms. Besides, it adjudicates trade disputes between the member countries.The official said that taking the ERP at 1986-88 basis will give a distorted picture of the support measures. "In a session on agriculture, we gave a presentation about how the India programme is beneficial and also on the ERP, many delegates were surprised to see the kind of stark comparison in the ERP...what caught their attention was that one burger price is equivalent to 1,000 kg of wheat or rice prices...because ERP is 1986-88 price," the official added.  

AAI to spend ₹5,000 crore on capex annually 

Airport Authority of India (AAI) plans to spend ₹5,000 crore annually on capital expenditure in the coming years with a strong pipeline of projects, AAI chairman Sanjeev Kumar told businessline. While new terminals are being built and airside capacity is being expanded at various airports to handle extra flights, AAI is also working on a roadmap for expansion of Agatti airport in Lakshadweep.   “As against the capex target of ₹ 4,000 Crores in FY 2023-24, AAI till December, 2023 has achieved Capex of ₹ 3,416 crores. We will be surpassing the target of ₹ 4,000 Crores and touching capex of ₹ 5,000 Crores or more,” he said. The authority is building new terminals at airports in Patna, Leh, Vijayawada, Tuticorin and has started construction of new terminal buildings in Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jammu and Rajahmundry.   “We are also adding new terminal building in Hubli, Belagavi and Kadapa Airport. Investment proposals for expanding the capacity of terminals and airside is also in pipeline for Keshod in Gujarat, Agra, Ayodhya Phase-II & Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Bagdogra in West Bengal and Darbhanga in Bihar,” he said.  Expansion of Agatti Airport is under discussion with union territory administration of Lakshadweep, ministry of home affairs and other stakeholders.  “We soon expect a roadmap for expansion of Agatti airport,” he added. AAI is also working with partners and stakeholders to finalize research areas at its R&D centre in Begumpet airport in Hyderabad.  Developed at a cost of ₹350 crore, the Civil Aviation Research Organisation (CARO) will serve as a collaborative research platform in air navigation services.    “We have also engaged with our employees and encouraging them to write “problem statements” for the situations faced by them with suggestions for improvement and increasing efficiency. These problem statements would become core of the development of solution by our stakeholders including start-ups either in their own premises or in CARO. We have almost finalized our architecture of processes to populate CARO with an objective to make it vibrant research & Development facility,” Kumar said.  

Johns Hopkins University weaponized DEI against ‘white, heterosexual, Christian males’

There has been ample evidence of this over the years, of course, from discrimination in employment opportunities to college admissions to the inflammatory rhetoric used by many on the Left. The latest example of anti-white prejudice and bigotry comes from Johns Hopkins University, and it involves the malignant toxicity known as diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI.Early last week, the X, formerly Twitter, account “End Wokeness” posted the January 2024 newsletter from Johns Hopkins University’s Monthly Diversity Digest. The message was from Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Sherita H. Golden, who discussed the (fictional and made-up left-wing ideological) concept of privilege. In her despicable list, Golden targeted “whites, Christians, males, and heterosexuals,” among other people, as those who benefit from “privilege” even if they were unaware of it. The message read like a public decree identifying enemies of the state rather than a monthly communication letter at a university. “Privilege is a set of unearned benefits given to people who are in a specific social group,” the newsletter read. “Privilege operates on personal, interpersonal, cultural and institutional levels, and it provides advantages and favors to members of dominant groups at the expense of members of other groups.”Golden then claimed that essentially anything people in these groups earned was not legitimately attained. They just benefited because they were “white, heterosexual, Christian, or cisgender.” It was the kind of discrimination, bigotry, and prejudice that has become all too common with left-wing academic aristocrats and DEI acolytes. They embrace and encourage racial bigotry so long as it is the kind that aligns with their ideological beliefs. “Privilege is characteristically invisible to people who have it. People in dominant groups often believe they have earned the privileges they enjoy or that everyone could have access to these privileges if only they worked to earn them,” the newsletter claimed. “In fact, privileges are unearned and are granted to people in the dominant groups whether they want those privileges or not, and regardless of their stated intent. ”I spent considerable time trying to contact Johns Hopkins University and seek their comment regarding Golden’s racial bigotry and prejudice. Among other questions, I asked the school’s media relations department if the 20 million white people in the country who are living below the poverty line should feel fortunate for the privilege of their economic adversity. Additionally, I asked the college if the white student applicants who were denied admission to Johns Hopkins University should feel fortunate for being rejected by the school because the teenage students were not the school’s admission officers’ choice of preferred skin color. Unsurprisingly, no one answered.Johns Hopkins issued a retraction last week. The university claimed Golden’s newsletters did not portray the school’s values. However, if the letter didn’t represent the school’s values or those of the people working there, it would have never been sent out. It is not sorry about the newsletter — Johns Hopkins regrets the newsletter was exposed to the public.    

Davos elites go green and make green

Global elites of all sorts are traveling to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting this week. The theme this year is “Rebuilding Trust.” Perhaps a good place to start is distinguishing capitalism from environmentalism. They could also stop trying to make business serve the environment rather than people.Consider the irony of Sultan Al Jaber, a major oil baron and the CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, presiding over the global climate conference, COP28, in 2023. Yet the subversive strategy of enlisting a “capitalist” in the climate agenda paid dividends. The United Nations agreement reached at COP28 explicitly mentions phasing out fossil fuels.While the chief executive of a major oil company supporting the phaseout of oil is ridiculous on its face, it is only the most recent example of many high-profile “capitalists” advancing environmental agendas. In a video earlier this year, for example, Apple CEO Tim Cook and his team appeased an angry mother nature by planting forests, reducing water usage, using higher amounts of renewable energy, and creating “net zero” products.Cook’s fiduciary duties to the board and shareholders of his publicly traded company still require him to continue serving consumers. But if those duties are weakened or abolished, it will not take long for one of the world’s most valuable and profitable companies to go the way of the world’s largest universities and foundations, and now Abu Dhabi National Oil Company — pursuing policies antithetical to their original purpose. After all, there are a lot of folks who stand to gain from the green agenda — those who collect paychecks or fees by providing guidance, oversight, verification, and other environmental, social, and corporate governance-related services when companies pursue environmental goals.The CEOs of Persefoni & Position Green eagerly work toward the day when Apple and every other Fortune 500 company purchase their services to track, report, and reduce their carbon footprint. The leaders of Ceres, Principles for Responsible Investing, the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board, McKinsey & Company, and dozens of other environmental consulting firms are eager to have Cook and other CEOs come knocking on their doors for advice — with checks in hand. The owners of green firms — those that plant trees, recycle water, create solar panels, wind farms, and batteries, bury biomass, or sequester carbon out of limestone — cheer the widespread adoption of their products. This includes Sultan Jaber, who runs the United Arab Emirates’s renewable energy company Masdar. They are good capitalists — I mean environmentalists — after all. Their industries will experience billions of dollars of growth as government officials around the world push aggressive ESG criteria such as removing the legal shackles of fiduciary obligation, requiring companies to report their climate impact and commit to net zero goals, exempting green bonds and social bonds from ordinary taxation, and requiring investors to hold some fraction of their investment assets in ESG-related funds.But ordinary citizens are rightly suspicious of claims by the Davos elite that all they need is a little more legal firepower to transition the world to a prosperous, green, low-carbon, net zero economic future. Europe has already implemented some variations of these ideas, from the European Green Deal in 2020 to the European Climate Law in 2021 to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Requirement to the German Due Diligence in Supply Chains Act that went into effect in 2023. These rules range from what kinds of vehicles Europeans can drive to mandating that all investors report sustainability analysis on their investments broken down by vague ESG criteria.In Europe, companies also have legal stakeholder responsibilities that give management broad leeway to orient policy and direct resources to any groups they choose. They have created an ESG nexus involving tens of thousands of people and hundreds of billions of dollars that, remarkably, does not add a single thing to the ordinary citizen’s standard of living. In fact, most of what they do makes it more expensive and difficult for companies to create and provide goods and services.    

Miss America 2024, Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha & Israel-Hamas War

16 January 2024 News Headlines in English for School Assembly: You can check the list of detailed news headlines for the morning assembly from all major sectors like politics, entertainment, politics, sports, world affairs, technology and more here.The format of the assembly isn’t set and can differ from school to school. However, the key activities remain the same. The principal says a few words, and students read the news headlines. Talent shows, debates, speeches and role plays are often included in the school assembly.The format of the assembly isn’t set and can differ from school to school. However, the key activities remain the same. The principal says a few words, and students read the news headlines. Talent shows, debates, speeches and role plays are often included in the school assembly.Prayers, yoga and physical exercise can also be a part of the morning school assembly. However, today we bring you the top news headlines, which increase awareness among the students about global and domestic affairs.You can check out the news headlines for 16 January to be read during the morning school assembly below.9-year-old Indian-American schoolgirl Preesha Chakraborty was named in the “world’s brightest” students list by the Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth, based on the results of above-grade-level tests of over 16,000 students across 90 countries.  

FULFILMENT OF LONG CHERISHED DEMAND: AGARTALA – ANAND VIHAR TEJAS RAJDHANI EXPRESS NOW STOPS AT MALDA TOWN

The much-awaited stoppage of the 20501 Agartala – Anand Vihar Tejas Rajdhani Express at Malda Town station marks a significant stride in the development of railways in West Bengal, addressing the long-standing demand of the inhabitants of Malda.The 20501/20502 Agartala – Anand Vihar (T) Tejas Rajdhani weekly Express now to run via route through Malda Town – Bhagalpur – Jamalpur with commercial stoppages at Malda Town, Bhagalpur & Jamalpur  for the train leaving Agartala w.e.f. 15.1.2024 and leaving Anand Vihar (T) w.e.f. 17.1.2024.On the first day of the run of Agartala – Anand Vihar Tejas Rajdhani Express via Malda Town, the train was flagged off from Malda Town station this afternoon by Shri Khagen Murmu, Member of Parliament, Smt. Srirupa Mitra Chowdhury, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Shri Gopal Chandra Saha, MLA.The Rajdhani Express, now traversing a new route via Malda Town-Bhagalpur, promises not only enhanced connectivity but also commercial stoppages at crucial stations such as Malda Town, Bhagalpur, Jamalpur, and Patna in both directions. The train has commenced its journey on January 15, 2024, from Agartala at 15:10 hrs. and will reach Malda Town station today 16.01.2024 at 15:00 hrs. The train will run weekly, reaching Anand Vihar at 10:50 hrs on Wednesdays. The return journey of 20502 Anand Vihar – Agartala Tejas Rajdhani Express will depart from Anand Vihar Terminal at 19:50 hrs on Wednesdays, reaching Agartala at 15:40 hrs on Fridays. This train will stop at Ambassa, Dharmanagar, New Karimganj, Badarpur, Hojai, Guwahati, Rangia, Barpeta Road, New Jalpaiguri, Malda Town, Bhagalpur, Jamalpur, Patna, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Jn & Kanpur Central stations enroute in both the directions.