Author: Rasmita Jena

  • Tesla Sales Plummet: Challenges in Europe and Beyond

    Tesla Sales Plummet: Challenges in Europe and Beyond

    Tesla’s sales in Germany dropped a shocking 76% in February, which is even worse than a 60% drop in January, according to Germany’s road traffic agency. This is a big worry for Tesla, especially since Germany is one of its most important markets. Meanwhile, sales of all electric vehicles in Germany actually went up by 30.8%.

    Troubles Across Europe

    It seems that Tesla is struggling not just in Germany, but also across Europe. Sales in France fell by 26%, and in countries like Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, the drop was between 42% and almost 50%. However, in the UK, Tesla managed to increase its sales by 20%, but its overall market share still went down because other brands are getting stronger.

    Political Drama and Its Effects

    Reports suggest that Elon Musk’s political views might be affecting Tesla’s sales. He has publicly supported far-right political groups, especially in Germany, which may have upset some potential buyers. His comments asking Germans to forget about historical guilt didn’t help either. This led to boycotts, with some people in London urging Tesla owners to switch car brands, and protests happening in places like Strasbourg and even in France, where some Tesla cars were damaged.

    Challenges Beyond Europe

    Tesla’s trouble isn’t just in Europe. In China, the biggest electric vehicle market, production fell by nearly 50% in February due to tough competition from local companies like BYD and Xiaomi. While Musk’s political actions may not be a factor in China, the competition there is getting fiercer.

    In the U.S., investors are also worried. Tesla’s stock has dropped over 40% since December, losing gains from before. Some investors want more accountability from Musk, especially asking for his pay to be connected with environmental and governance goals.

    Looking Ahead

    A part of the sales drop might be because buyers are waiting for a new Model Y, but experts believe the company’s political troubles and growing competition are big reasons behind the decline. However, Musk is still focused on Tesla’s future, especially in self-driving technology and plans for autonomous taxis.

    People are eagerly waiting for upcoming financial reports to see how Tesla will handle these challenges worldwide.

  • Peshawar Bombing: 18 Dead as City Mourns Attack on Military Base

    Peshawar Bombing: 18 Dead as City Mourns Attack on Military Base

    Peshawar, a city in northwestern Pakistan, held funeral prayers and a day of mourning on Wednesday after a terrible twin suicide bombing at a military base the night before. This attack killed 18 people, including five soldiers, and injured 42 others, many of whom are in critical condition. The group responsible is linked to the Pakistani Taliban and is called Jaish Al-Fursan.

    The attack happened when two suicide bombers exploded their cars at the base’s walls. Many local residents were breaking their fast for Ramadan or praying in a nearby mosque when the blasts happened. The explosions not only tore off roofs but also heavily damaged the mosque.

    After the explosions, other attackers entered the military area and started shooting at soldiers. The military reported that in total, five soldiers and 16 militants lost their lives. Security forces were still searching the area early Wednesday for any remaining attackers.

    At the bombing site, workers were clearing away rubble where homes used to be, and prayer mats were found on the floor of the damaged mosque. A community elder named Alam Khan said a day of mourning was taking place, and group funeral prayers were held in a sports complex. Schools and most shops were closed that day. Rescue workers finished their efforts by recovering the bodies of three worshippers who were trapped when the mosque roof fell.

    Bannu is in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan, where many armed groups operate. This isn’t the first time Bannu has been attacked; last November, a suicide car bomb killed 12 troops, and in July, another suicide bomber targeted the military facility.

    On the same day, a bomb exploded in Nal, a town in southwestern Balochistan, killing three people and injuring five. Authorities suspect the attack was done by people fighting for Balochistan’s independence.

    Additionally, in Peshawar, a drive-by shooting killed an intelligence officer named Shahid Anwar while he was heading to work. The attacker escaped on a motorcycle.

  • Engineer Rashid Seeks Release to Attend Parliament Session amid Legal Battle

    Engineer Rashid Seeks Release to Attend Parliament Session amid Legal Battle

    New Delhi: Jailed MP Engineer Rashid from Jammu and Kashmir has asked for special permission to leave jail temporarily so he can attend the next session of Parliament. His lawyer, Vikhyat Oberoi, argued in front of judge Chander Jit Singh that Rashid poses no safety threat and needs to fulfill his duties as a member of Parliament.

    Rashid’s request for temporary bail was made on February 27, and the judge will decide on March 7. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which looks into serious crimes, was asked for its opinion before the judge makes a decision.

    Rashid has already prepared questions about the work of important departments in Jammu and Kashmir to discuss in Parliament. His lawyer explained that Rashid represents a significant portion of Kashmir and should be allowed to speak for his people. He emphasized that attending Parliament is not just a right, but also a responsibility Rashid wants to fulfill.

    On the other hand, the NIA’s lawyer disagreed, saying being a member of Parliament doesn’t mean someone can be let out of jail easily. They argued that any person might claim they need to do their job, but it shouldn’t lead to special treatment.

    Engineer Rashid previously won elections against former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Baramulla. He has been in Tihar Prison since October 2019 after being accused of serious crimes related to funding terrorism. The hearing for his regular bail is still awaiting a decision. The next session of Parliament will start on March 10 and end on April 4.

  • Karnataka’s Proposed 4% Muslim Contractor Quota: What You Need to Know

    Karnataka’s Proposed 4% Muslim Contractor Quota: What You Need to Know

    The Congress party in Karnataka is planning to introduce a new law in the current legislative session. This law would give Muslim contractors a special 4% share when awarding government contracts. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is facing pressure from party leaders who represent Muslims. They claim that the Congress won many votes from Muslims in the recent elections, helping them secure 136 seats in the assembly.

    Currently, contractors from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) get a 24.1% reservation for government contracts. Recently, the government also expanded this benefit to other communities in Category 1. They have also increased the contract size limit from Rs 50 lakhs to Rs 1 crore.

    According to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Act, 1999, all departments must follow these quotas when giving out contracts for projects costing up to Rs 1 crore. Departments like minor irrigation, rural development, urban development, public works, and health regularly issue these contracts.

    Muslim leaders have pointed out that there are only two ministers from their community, which they believe is not enough. They argue that since many Muslims supported the Congress in the elections, they deserve better representation and opportunities.

    The proposed law has upset the opposition party, BJP. BJP state president BY Vijayendra argues that creating a special quota for Muslims is unfair and will divide society based on religion. He stated that while the BJP supports welfare measures for all minority communities, this particular move seems like playing politics with Muslim voters.

    Vijayendra also criticized the Congress for only acknowledging Muslims as minorities and said that giving quotas based on religion is not right.

  • Arsenal Shines in Champions League with 7-1 Win Against PSV Eindhoven!

    Arsenal Shines in Champions League with 7-1 Win Against PSV Eindhoven!

    Kolkata: Arsenal finally found their groove, scoring seven goals in a huge 7-1 victory against PSV Eindhoven. This win not only gave Arsenal a strong start in the Champions League knockout stage but also set a record for the most goals scored by any team in an away knockout game.

    In the first half, Arsenal dazzled the crowd with three goals in just 13 minutes! Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, and Mikel Merino each found the back of the net. The second half was just as exciting, with Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard scoring two quick goals. Odegaard scored again and assisted Riccardo Calafiori for the final goal. This game was full of action and thrill!

    Despite missing key players like Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, Arsenal showed they could cope. Young star Nwaneri, only 17, scored and became one of the youngest players to score in a Champions League knockout match!

    This performance puts Arsenal among great teams like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, who also had massive wins in the past. PSV, who were doing well earlier in the season, struggled against Arsenal’s attacks.

    Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, praised the players, saying, “Thank you for your special performance tonight.” Arteta aims to keep improving the team’s gameplay, and they definitely delivered this time, dominating PSV in every way.

    With six of their seven goals scored from inside the box, Arsenal sent a clear message: they mean business! PSV managed to score just once using a penalty kick, but they couldn’t keep up with Arsenal’s energy and skill.

    Overall, it was an unforgettable night for Arsenal fans, and they look like strong contenders to meet a Madrid team in the next round.

  • New Ropeways for Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib: Fast and Easy Pilgrimage

    New Ropeways for Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib: Fast and Easy Pilgrimage

    The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light for two ropeway projects at the important religious sites of Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand. These new ropeways will make it easier for pilgrims to reach these places, which are visited by millions every year.

    The Kedarnath ropeway will stretch 12.9 km and connect different stops, making the journey faster and more comfortable. Instead of taking about 8 to 9 hours to travel around 16 km by foot or pony, it will now take just 36 minutes! This is great news for elderly people and those with disabilities. The ropeway can carry 1,800 passengers every hour, which means it can move 18,000 people in one day. The project will cost ₹4,081.28 crore and will be built as a partnership between the government and private companies.

    Kedarnath, located high in the mountains at 3,583 m (11,968 ft), is an important place for Hindu pilgrims. The temple here is open for about six to seven months each year and attracts around two million visitors during that time.

    The Hemkund Sahib project is another exciting development. This ropeway will be 12.4 km long and will help visitors reach the holy site for Sikhs and the stunning Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts between 150,000 to 200,000 visitors each year. The project will cost about ₹2,730.13 crore and will use a different type of gondola system to carry passengers.

    Additionally, the government has rolled out a new disease control program for livestock that focuses on important issues like foot and mouth disease and brucellosis. The total budget for this program is ₹3,880 crore over the next two years and will also include initiatives to provide better access to veterinary medicines.

    With these projects, the government aims to improve travel to these spiritual sites while also supporting local communities.

  • How FDA Approval Impacts Pharma Stocks Beyond Nifty Numbers

    How FDA Approval Impacts Pharma Stocks Beyond Nifty Numbers

    Let’s take a closer look. Imagine the Nifty is at 26,000 points or maybe at 22,000 points. Does it change how well a pharmaceutical company is doing after it just got approval from the US FDA for one of its factories? After four years of hard work, the answer is no, it doesn’t.

    However, the Nifty’s points do matter when it comes to the stock price of that company. Even so, what truly counts for the stock price in the long run is how well the company is making money. Some people may say that other factors, like tariffs, can have an impact too, but at the end of the day, money is what matters most.

  • Meghan Markle Accused of Racism Over Awkward Moment with Mindy Kaling

    Meghan Markle Accused of Racism Over Awkward Moment with Mindy Kaling

    Meghan Markle, now known as the Duchess of Sussex, is under fire for what some people think was a racist reaction toward Mindy Kaling, a popular actor and comedian of Indian descent. This incident came from a scene in Meghan’s Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan.”

    During the second episode, Meghan invited Mindy to her home in Montecito. Mindy complimented Meghan, saying, “By the way, I wanna ask about your look.” However, she mispronounced the word “look” as “lewk.” Meghan seemed confused and didn’t understand at first. She asked, “My who?” and needed Mindy to repeat herself. When Mindy clarified, saying “Your look, Meghan,” the Duchess jokingly repeated, “My lewk?” which many viewers thought was disrespectful.

    This lighthearted moment quickly sparked outrage on social media, with some accusing Meghan of pretending not to understand Mindy because of her accent. Mindy Kaling was born in India but grew up speaking English. Despite this, some people felt that Meghan’s response was rude and insensitive, especially since it seemed like she was making fun of Mindy’s pronunciation.

    Many users on social media expressed their disappointment and called Meghan’s actions “racial bullying” and “mean girl behavior.” They felt Meghan should have laughed it off instead of correcting Mindy on a small mistake.

    One user declared, “It’s incredibly rude to correct someone, especially on worldwide TV.” Another person shared their shock, saying, “I can’t believe they actually aired that. It felt very passive-aggressive.”

    This incident has generated a lot of conversations online about accents, respect, and kindness.

  • Delhi CM Gupta Vows to Fulfill Election Promises Amid AAP’s Pressure

    Delhi CM Gupta Vows to Fulfill Election Promises Amid AAP’s Pressure

    Delhi’s Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, responded strongly to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday. She said that the AAP cannot control what her government does, and she promised that the BJP will keep the promises made during the election. The AAP has been pushing the BJP to start its plan of giving Rs 2,500 every month to women. They have been talking about this in the assembly meetings and organizing protests.

    In a press conference, Gupta said, “No one needs to remind us how much time we have left. We’ll work on our plan, and they can’t tell us what to do.” She mentioned that her government is talking to women’s groups to prepare the upcoming Delhi budget, focusing on important issues like health, safety, and helping women in their careers. Gupta assured that all women’s expectations will be included in the government’s plans.

    Over the next three days, Gupta plans to visit slum areas to talk with women and learn about their needs. She also wants to hear from young people. Gupta is committed to creating a budget that meets the hopes of Delhi’s people. The AAP is putting pressure on the BJP by putting up posters across the city, reminding everyone that there are only three days left to keep the promise of giving Rs 2,500 to women by March 8, which is International Women’s Day. The AAP is asking the new BJP government for a clear timeline about when this money will be given to women.

  • Daredevil: Born Again – Charlie Cox and Original Cast Return!

    Daredevil: Born Again – Charlie Cox and Original Cast Return!

    Daredevil: Born Again” is the exciting new series that brings Daredevil to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While the character has made guest appearances in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “She-Hulk,” this new Disney+ show is the first time Daredevil has his own series in the MCU.

    One of the coolest parts of the show is that the original cast from the Netflix series “Daredevil” is back! Fans are thrilled to see Charlie Cox return as Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk, also known as The Kingpin. Elden Henson and Deborah Ann Woll are also back as Foggy Nelson and Karen Page, two characters loved by fans.

    Elden Henson shared how special it is to be playing Foggy again after so many years. He explained that when Netflix canceled the original show in 2019, they didn’t get to say goodbye to these characters. “I love the character so much, and it’s great to come back,” he said.

    Charlie Cox also expressed his joy at having his co-stars back. He said, “It feels special. It wouldn’t feel right without these characters.” He joked about the script that said, “the years have been kind to them,” saying it made him laugh because life has been tough for these characters.

    “Daredevil: Born Again” is not only part of the MCU, but it also continues the story from the original Netflix show that aired for three seasons from 2015 to 2018. The series will start streaming on JioHotstar in India, with new episodes coming every week starting March 5.