Manu Bhaker's Khel Ratna Nomination Missing: Shooter Responds Amid Criticism
Manu Bhaker, the double Olympic medallist shooter, recently made headlines after reports revealed her name was missing from the list of athletes nominated for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Bhaker, the first Indian athlete to win two Olympic medals in a single edition of the Games, expressed surprise over the omission, but clarified that it could be due to a lapse on her part while filing the nomination. She emphasized that awards motivate her but are not her ultimate goa
Manu Bhaker's Khel Ratna Nomination Missing: Shooter Responds Amid Criticism
Manu Bhaker, the double Olympic medallist shooter, recently made headlines after reports revealed her name was missing from the list of athletes nominated for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Bhaker, the first Indian athlete to win two Olympic medals in a single edition of the Games, expressed surprise over the omission, but clarified that it could be due to a lapse on her part while filing the nomination. She emphasized that awards motivate her but are not her ultimate goa
The Real Origins of Santa Claus: From Turkey to the North Pole Debate
The question of where Santa Claus lives has sparked a variety of claims from countries across the globe. Finland, for instance, touts Korvatunturi in Lapland as Santa's home, drawing tourists to the region. Denmark points to Greenland, Sweden suggests Mora, and all these locations are close to the North Pole, contributing to the myth of a snowy Santa home. However, this image of Santa as a jolly man with reindeer and a sleigh was not always so cheerful. Historically, European fo
The Real Origins of Santa Claus: From Turkey to the North Pole Debate
The question of where Santa Claus lives has sparked a variety of claims from countries across the globe. Finland, for instance, touts Korvatunturi in Lapland as Santa's home, drawing tourists to the region. Denmark points to Greenland, Sweden suggests Mora, and all these locations are close to the North Pole, contributing to the myth of a snowy Santa home. However, this image of Santa as a jolly man with reindeer and a sleigh was not always so cheerful. Historically, European fo
Bill Clinton Hospitalized for Testing After Developing Fever
Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, was hospitalized on Monday at Georgetown University Medical Center for testing and observation after experiencing a fever. His deputy chief of staff, Angel Urena, shared the news on social media, assuring the public that Clinton remains in good spirits despite the health scare. The 78-year-old former president has a history of health issues. In 2004, Clinton underwent a quadruple bypass surgery at age 58 due to extensive heart d
Bill Clinton Hospitalized for Testing After Developing Fever
Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, was hospitalized on Monday at Georgetown University Medical Center for testing and observation after experiencing a fever. His deputy chief of staff, Angel Urena, shared the news on social media, assuring the public that Clinton remains in good spirits despite the health scare. The 78-year-old former president has a history of health issues. In 2004, Clinton underwent a quadruple bypass surgery at age 58 due to extensive heart d
China Building World's Largest Airport on a Man-Made Island
China is building the world’s largest airport on a man-made island. The Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport, located off China’s northeast coast, spans a massive 20 square kilometer island and will feature four runways and a 900,000 square meter passenger terminal. Construction for the airport began in earnest after plans were first made in 2003, with the airport set for completion in 2035. Once finished, Dalian Jinzhou Bay International will become the largest arti
China Building World's Largest Airport on a Man-Made Island
China is building the world’s largest airport on a man-made island. The Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport, located off China’s northeast coast, spans a massive 20 square kilometer island and will feature four runways and a 900,000 square meter passenger terminal. Construction for the airport began in earnest after plans were first made in 2003, with the airport set for completion in 2035. Once finished, Dalian Jinzhou Bay International will become the largest arti
Apple Developing Smart Doorbell with Face ID
Apple is reportedly developing a new smart doorbell camera with advanced features, including Face ID for unlocking doors. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the doorbell could be released by the end of next year. The device is expected to function similarly to an iPhone, where the door automatically unlocks when you look at the camera, thanks to the integration of Apple’s Secure Enclave chip. The new smart doorbell will compete with Amazon's Ring and will work seaml
Apple Developing Smart Doorbell with Face ID
Apple is reportedly developing a new smart doorbell camera with advanced features, including Face ID for unlocking doors. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the doorbell could be released by the end of next year. The device is expected to function similarly to an iPhone, where the door automatically unlocks when you look at the camera, thanks to the integration of Apple’s Secure Enclave chip. The new smart doorbell will compete with Amazon's Ring and will work seaml
Indian Rupee Hits Record Low of 85.12 Against US Dollar
The Indian rupee weakened by 10 paise to a record low of 85.12 against the US dollar on Monday, marking a significant decline in its value. The domestic currency opened at 84.85, according to Bloomberg data, and had closed at 85.02 on Friday. This continued depreciation comes amid rising global pressures, including an increase in Brent crude prices, which rose 0.41% to $73.24 per barrel. The rise in crude prices was partly driven by easing concerns about a potential US government shutdown and
Indian Rupee Hits Record Low of 85.12 Against US Dollar
The Indian rupee weakened by 10 paise to a record low of 85.12 against the US dollar on Monday, marking a significant decline in its value. The domestic currency opened at 84.85, according to Bloomberg data, and had closed at 85.02 on Friday. This continued depreciation comes amid rising global pressures, including an increase in Brent crude prices, which rose 0.41% to $73.24 per barrel. The rise in crude prices was partly driven by easing concerns about a potential US government shutdown and
Delhi High Court Denies Bail to Puja Khedkar Over Forgery Charges
The Delhi High Court has denied anticipatory bail to former IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar, who is facing serious charges of forgery, cheating, and attempting to deceive authorities in order to secure benefits for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam. Khedkar is accused of falsely claiming physical and mental disabilities, altering her name and surname, and forging an OBC certificate to qualify for the examination. The court observed that her actions were part of a larger conspir
Delhi High Court Denies Bail to Puja Khedkar Over Forgery Charges
The Delhi High Court has denied anticipatory bail to former IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar, who is facing serious charges of forgery, cheating, and attempting to deceive authorities in order to secure benefits for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam. Khedkar is accused of falsely claiming physical and mental disabilities, altering her name and surname, and forging an OBC certificate to qualify for the examination. The court observed that her actions were part of a larger conspir
Harmanpreet and Praveen Nominated for Khel Ratna, Manu Bhaker Missing
The year 2024 has been a remarkable one for Indian sports, with several athletes bringing laurels to the country, including India's T20 World Cup win and Manu Bhaker's double medal victory at the Paris Olympics. The Indian government has revealed the nominees for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sporting honor. Among the nominees are Harmanpreet Singh, captain of the Indian men's hockey team, who led the team to a bronze medal at th
Harmanpreet and Praveen Nominated for Khel Ratna, Manu Bhaker Missing
The year 2024 has been a remarkable one for Indian sports, with several athletes bringing laurels to the country, including India's T20 World Cup win and Manu Bhaker's double medal victory at the Paris Olympics. The Indian government has revealed the nominees for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sporting honor. Among the nominees are Harmanpreet Singh, captain of the Indian men's hockey team, who led the team to a bronze medal at th
Sriram Krishnan Appointed Senior White House AI Policy Advisor by Trump
On Sunday, US President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, as the Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Krishnan, who has held leadership roles at major tech companies such as Microsoft, Twitter, Yahoo!, Facebook, and Snap, will work alongside David O. Sacks, who will serve as the White House AI & Crypto Czar. Krishnan's role will involve ensuring that
Sriram Krishnan Appointed Senior White House AI Policy Advisor by Trump
On Sunday, US President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, as the Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Krishnan, who has held leadership roles at major tech companies such as Microsoft, Twitter, Yahoo!, Facebook, and Snap, will work alongside David O. Sacks, who will serve as the White House AI & Crypto Czar. Krishnan's role will involve ensuring that
World Bank Approves $800 Million Loan for Amaravati Development
The World Bank has approved a substantial USD 800 million loan for the Amaravati Integrated Urban Development Program, which will support the development of Andhra Pradesh's greenfield capital city, Amaravati. The loan, approved by the Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank, aims to establish Amaravati as a sustainable, climate-resilient urban center that will create economic opportunities and improve the lives of its residents. The project is set to focus on building the city as
World Bank Approves $800 Million Loan for Amaravati Development
The World Bank has approved a substantial USD 800 million loan for the Amaravati Integrated Urban Development Program, which will support the development of Andhra Pradesh's greenfield capital city, Amaravati. The loan, approved by the Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank, aims to establish Amaravati as a sustainable, climate-resilient urban center that will create economic opportunities and improve the lives of its residents. The project is set to focus on building the city as
US-India Defence Ties Strengthen Amid Transition to Trump Administration
The defence relationship between the United States and India is rapidly growing, with key developments marking an exciting period of collaboration between the two nations. Ely Ratner, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, emphasized that the US-India defence ties are progressing in significant ways, particularly in defence industrial cooperation and operational collaboration across the military services. This partnership continues to expand even as the India-China
US-India Defence Ties Strengthen Amid Transition to Trump Administration
The defence relationship between the United States and India is rapidly growing, with key developments marking an exciting period of collaboration between the two nations. Ely Ratner, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, emphasized that the US-India defence ties are progressing in significant ways, particularly in defence industrial cooperation and operational collaboration across the military services. This partnership continues to expand even as the India-China
Amazon Workers Strike Over Pay and Conditions Ahead of Christmas
Strike Overview: Thousands of Amazon warehouse workers across four U.S. states have gone on strike, demanding better pay, improved benefits, and safer working conditions. The strike, organized by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, affects seven Amazon facilities in Skokie, Illinois; New York City; Atlanta; San Francisco; and Southern California. The union claims to represent nearly 10,000 Amazo
Amazon Workers Strike Over Pay and Conditions Ahead of Christmas
Strike Overview: Thousands of Amazon warehouse workers across four U.S. states have gone on strike, demanding better pay, improved benefits, and safer working conditions. The strike, organized by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, affects seven Amazon facilities in Skokie, Illinois; New York City; Atlanta; San Francisco; and Southern California. The union claims to represent nearly 10,000 Amazo
Rajan Blames UPA Corruption for Bank NPAs, Praises Modi Cleanup
Raghuram Rajan, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has linked corruption under the UPA government as the primary cause of non-performing assets (NPAs) in Indian banks. In a recent interview, Rajan explained that following the global financial crisis, several projects began facing severe delays due to corruption scandals, land acquisition issues, and other regulatory obstacles. These factors, he argued, significantly contributed to the rise of NPAs. Rajan praised the
Rajan Blames UPA Corruption for Bank NPAs, Praises Modi Cleanup
Raghuram Rajan, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has linked corruption under the UPA government as the primary cause of non-performing assets (NPAs) in Indian banks. In a recent interview, Rajan explained that following the global financial crisis, several projects began facing severe delays due to corruption scandals, land acquisition issues, and other regulatory obstacles. These factors, he argued, significantly contributed to the rise of NPAs. Rajan praised the
US Government Faces Shutdown Ahead of Christmas Holiday
The US government is facing a potential shutdown as the Friday night deadline for passing a spending bill approaches. The shutdown, driven by political deadlock, could furlough around 875,000 federal workers while 1.4 million essential workers would continue without pay during the holiday season. Although essential services like air traffic control and law enforcement would remain operational, employees will not be paid immediately, though they typically receive retroactive compensation once
US Government Faces Shutdown Ahead of Christmas Holiday
The US government is facing a potential shutdown as the Friday night deadline for passing a spending bill approaches. The shutdown, driven by political deadlock, could furlough around 875,000 federal workers while 1.4 million essential workers would continue without pay during the holiday season. Although essential services like air traffic control and law enforcement would remain operational, employees will not be paid immediately, though they typically receive retroactive compensation once
Pakistan's Failed Attempt to Coerce China Over Gwadar Port
Pakistan, a country grappling with terrorism, political instability, and economic challenges, has once again found itself in a precarious diplomatic situation with its long-time ally, China. The latest controversy centers around Pakistan's attempt to negotiate over the use of Gwadar port in Balochistan, which is part of the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). During a high-level meeting, Pakistan reportedly demanded that China provide a second-strike nuclear capability in e
Pakistan's Failed Attempt to Coerce China Over Gwadar Port
Pakistan, a country grappling with terrorism, political instability, and economic challenges, has once again found itself in a precarious diplomatic situation with its long-time ally, China. The latest controversy centers around Pakistan's attempt to negotiate over the use of Gwadar port in Balochistan, which is part of the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). During a high-level meeting, Pakistan reportedly demanded that China provide a second-strike nuclear capability in e
Impact of New GST Slab Proposal on Sin Products and India's Economy
India introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 to simplify the tax structure and reduce the tax burden. Recent data shows that the gross GST collection for October 2024 rose by 9% to ₹1.87 lakh crore, a record second-highest figure. However, a recent proposal by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST Rates Rationalisation suggests a new 35% GST slab on products like aerated drinks and tobacco, which has raised concerns. The proposal aims to target 'sin' products such as thos
Impact of New GST Slab Proposal on Sin Products and India's Economy
India introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 to simplify the tax structure and reduce the tax burden. Recent data shows that the gross GST collection for October 2024 rose by 9% to ₹1.87 lakh crore, a record second-highest figure. However, a recent proposal by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST Rates Rationalisation suggests a new 35% GST slab on products like aerated drinks and tobacco, which has raised concerns. The proposal aims to target 'sin' products such as thos
Court Rules Man Doesn't Have to Return ₹3.2 Crore Gift from Ex-Girlfriend
A Chinese court has ruled that Li, a man involved in a complicated breakup, is not required to return a 300,000 Yuan (₹3.2 crore) gift given to him by his ex-girlfriend, Xu. The unusual legal case, which has gained significant attention, centers on the couple's tumultuous relationship. Li and Xu had been in a stable relationship since 2018 until 2020, when Li discovered that Xu had an affair with his nephew. The revelation led to a breakup, but Xu later transferred a large sum of money
Court Rules Man Doesn't Have to Return ₹3.2 Crore Gift from Ex-Girlfriend
A Chinese court has ruled that Li, a man involved in a complicated breakup, is not required to return a 300,000 Yuan (₹3.2 crore) gift given to him by his ex-girlfriend, Xu. The unusual legal case, which has gained significant attention, centers on the couple's tumultuous relationship. Li and Xu had been in a stable relationship since 2018 until 2020, when Li discovered that Xu had an affair with his nephew. The revelation led to a breakup, but Xu later transferred a large sum of money
New Study Abroad Destinations Gain Popularity Among Indian Students
Indian students are increasingly looking beyond traditional study destinations like the US and UK to explore new opportunities in countries such as Malta, Singapore, Dubai, Italy, and various European nations. These countries have simplified their visa regulations, and their competitive living and tuition fees, along with diverse academic programmes, are attracting a growing number of students. The ease of access and affordable education options are key factors driving this trend. Many expert
New Study Abroad Destinations Gain Popularity Among Indian Students
Indian students are increasingly looking beyond traditional study destinations like the US and UK to explore new opportunities in countries such as Malta, Singapore, Dubai, Italy, and various European nations. These countries have simplified their visa regulations, and their competitive living and tuition fees, along with diverse academic programmes, are attracting a growing number of students. The ease of access and affordable education options are key factors driving this trend. Many expert
Government Blocks 18 OTT Platforms for Obscene Content
On Wednesday, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, informed the Lok Sabha that the government had blocked 18 OTT platforms this year for publishing obscene, vulgar, and in some cases, pornographic content. This action is in line with the IT Rules of 2021, which impose specific due diligence obligations on intermediaries to ensure they take reasonable steps to prevent the spread of such content. The IT Rules also set out a Code of Ethics for publishers
Government Blocks 18 OTT Platforms for Obscene Content
On Wednesday, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, informed the Lok Sabha that the government had blocked 18 OTT platforms this year for publishing obscene, vulgar, and in some cases, pornographic content. This action is in line with the IT Rules of 2021, which impose specific due diligence obligations on intermediaries to ensure they take reasonable steps to prevent the spread of such content. The IT Rules also set out a Code of Ethics for publishers
Infosys Opens New Development Centre in Kolkata
Infosys Ltd. has launched its new state-of-the-art development centre in Kolkata, West Bengal, marking a significant milestone in the company's expansion and commitment to innovation in the region. The 320,000 sq. ft. facility, built with an investment of over Rs 426 crore, will host over 4,000 employees who will work on cutting-edge technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital transformation. This centre will cater to a variety of industries, including
Infosys Opens New Development Centre in Kolkata
Infosys Ltd. has launched its new state-of-the-art development centre in Kolkata, West Bengal, marking a significant milestone in the company's expansion and commitment to innovation in the region. The 320,000 sq. ft. facility, built with an investment of over Rs 426 crore, will host over 4,000 employees who will work on cutting-edge technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital transformation. This centre will cater to a variety of industries, including









