Author: Rasmita Jena

  • BJP’s Push to Rename Delhi Villages: Madhavpuram and Nahargarh

    BJP’s Push to Rename Delhi Villages: Madhavpuram and Nahargarh

    BJP MLA Anil Sharma plans to rename Mohammadpur village in his RK Puram area of Delhi to ‘Madhavpuram.’ He mentioned that a proposal to change the name had been approved by the local corporation long ago but had been stuck in the Assembly during the Aam Aadmi Party’s government.

    Sharma said, “People want this village to be called Madhavpuram. Now that the BJP is in charge in Delhi, we will listen to what the people want.” He hopes to present this proposal to the Assembly soon.

    Sharma isn’t alone in this effort. BJP MLA Neelam Pehelwan also wants to change the name of her area, Najafgarh, to ‘Nahargarh.’ She explained that the change is important due to the area’s history, saying, “During the 1857 revolt, local leader Raja Nahar Singh fought for our region. It’s important for our people to honor our history.”

    Pehelwan has been trying to change the name for a while, believing that the new name represents the local struggles and significance of the area more accurately.

  • Karnataka Minister Defends CM Siddaramaiah Amid Leadership Change Rumors

    Karnataka Minister Defends CM Siddaramaiah Amid Leadership Change Rumors

    Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is like fire, said B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, a minister in his team. He made this statement to calm people who think there might be a change in leadership in the state. Khan said that both Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar, who is the state Congress President, are in their positions and there’s no talk of changing them right now.

    He added, “Can anyone touch Siddaramaiah’s chair? It’s like fire. If you touch fire, you get burnt. Siddaramaiah is powerful, and changing him is impossible.”

    There has been talk about whether there should be a new Chief Minister later this year. Shivakumar really wants to be the Chief Minister too, but Khan believes that everyone in the Congress party should listen to what the party leaders decide.

    If there needs to be a change in leadership, they will share their views, but the final decision will come from the party’s high command. Khan also mentioned that it’s natural for all communities, including Dalits and minorities, to want a chance at being the Chief Minister.

    After the May 2023 election, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar both wanted to be the Chief Minister. In the end, Shivakumar agreed to be the Deputy Chief Minister. There were rumors that Shivakumar would get a turn to be the Chief Minister in a couple of years, but the party has not officially confirmed this. Some people think Shivakumar should not handle two big jobs at once.

  • Delhi Court Orders ED to Release Documents in Kejriwal Money Laundering Case

    Delhi Court Orders ED to Release Documents in Kejriwal Money Laundering Case

    New Delhi: A Delhi court has ordered the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to give certain documents to people accused in a money laundering case related to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others involved in a suspected scam. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja issued this order on February 25 after multiple accused claimed they had not received important documents tied to the case’s chargesheet. The case also includes AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh.

    The court is currently examining the documents and has scheduled the next hearing for March 3. This money laundering case began because the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) started an inquiry after Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena asked for a probe into alleged problems with the city’s excise policy. The CBI and ED say there were irregularities during changes to this policy, which gave unfair advantages to certain license holders. The Delhi government launched the excise policy on November 17, 2021, but canceled it by the end of September 2022 after corruption allegations came to light.

  • Germany’s New Defense Strategy: A Shift in Europe’s Security Landscape

    Germany’s New Defense Strategy: A Shift in Europe’s Security Landscape

    After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, French President Francois Mitterrand reassured the US, saying that Europe was far from having its own defense. There were too many obstacles: the UK was hesitant, Ireland was neutral, and reunited Germany seemed lost on what role it should play.

    Fast forward nearly 40 years, and things are starting to change in Germany with a new leader, Friedrich Merz. He wants Europe to take defense more seriously, especially since the US, under President Donald Trump, seems less reliable to help against threats like Russia. “America First” is pushing Europe to work together on defense, much like how Mitterrand once helped set the groundwork for the euro in exchange for Germany’s reunification.

    Although Merz’s new coalition is just getting started, he’s pushing for Germany to spend big—up to €200 billion (about $210 billion) —to strengthen its defense. He’s sounding alarms about the urgent need for action, noting that time is running out. This could lead Germany to change its old ways of being careful with money and focus more on spending for security.

    Rethinking its defense spending could lead to new partnerships, especially in areas like sharing nuclear capabilities with France. Experts say that a strong partnership between Germany’s financial resources and France’s defense goals could emerge from this new thinking.

    This shift is particularly important now as Germany and France tackle challenges like economic slowdown, rising right-wing politics, and the need for more unity in Europe. Leaders like Mario Draghi have urged Germany to take action amid growing concerns over security and trade competitiveness.

    Merz’s approach could also strengthen ties with countries like Poland, which has become a major defense spender in Europe. Together, France, Germany, and Poland could create a united front against external pressures.

    However, some people still worry about Germany returning to a more powerful role in Europe, especially after previous leaders were criticized for strict economic policies. But there is a sense of optimism that Europe is starting to move forward.

  • Son Fights for Release of Imprisoned Journalist Dong Yuyu in China

    Son Fights for Release of Imprisoned Journalist Dong Yuyu in China

    The son of Dong Yuyu, a Chinese journalist in prison, is asking for his father’s release after he was sentenced to seven years for spying. Dong Yuyu was taken by the police in February 2022 while having lunch with a Japanese diplomat in Beijing. His son, Dong Yifu, spoke at the National Press Club in Washington and said his dad plans to appeal his conviction. He argued that the meetings with the diplomat were about journalism, not spying.

    “It’s about press freedom and human rights,” said Dong Yifu. China’s Foreign Ministry has not responded to requests for comments on this case.

    Dong Yuyu used to be a top editor at Guangming Daily, a newspaper that has become less open to new ideas over the years. He wrote about democracy and political reform, but those topics are now discouraged by the government. Dong Yuyu had also studied at Harvard University and in Japan.

    His arrest shocked many in China, especially journalists and diplomats, because it’s normal for reporters to meet with diplomats when gathering news. His son mentioned that in court, it was revealed that eight meetings with Japanese diplomats were used as evidence against his father.

    In November, a Chinese court sentenced him to seven years for espionage. The former U.S. Ambassador, Nicholas Burns, stated that the conviction was unfair.

    Japan’s Assistant Foreign Secretary, Masashi Mizobuchi, said that all meetings at the Japanese Embassy in China are standard diplomatic work. The Japanese government expressed concern that the ruling would harm friendly exchanges between people in China and Japan.

    Despite being in prison, Dong Yuyu is staying healthy. His son said he does 200 push-ups and leg raises every day, but he only gets a few hours of sunlight each year and is not allowed to see his wife. Dong Yuyu can meet with his lawyer once a month, who brings him letters from his wife. His father also wrote a 45-page letter for his appeal.

    Recently, the U.S. State Department called for Dong Yuyu’s immediate release. Reporters Without Borders, an organization promoting press freedom, reported that China has more than 100 journalists in prison and often accuses them of espionage to silence them.

  • Explore Mirae Asset’s New Equal Weight ETF for Balanced Investing!

    Explore Mirae Asset’s New Equal Weight ETF for Balanced Investing!

    Starting now, Mirae Asset Mutual Fund has opened a new investment opportunity called the Mirae Asset BSE 200 Equal Weight ETF. You can subscribe to this fund until March 5, and after that, it will be available for buying and selling from March 11 onwards.

    What is this fund all about? It’s designed to copy the BSE 200 Equal Weight Index, which includes 200 top companies in India. The goal of this fund is to help investors earn returns similar to this index, keeping in mind some small chances of errors along the way.

    Why Choose an Equal Weight Strategy?

    The cool thing about this investment is that it treats each company equally. This means every company in the index has the same chance to help you earn money. This strategy is popular around the world, especially for those who prefer a simple and passive way to invest.

    You can start investing with a minimum of Rs 5,000, and after that, you can put in any amount in Re 1 increments.

    Mirae Asset will also soon launch a related fund, called Mirae Asset BSE 200 Equal Weight ETF Fund of Fund, opening for subscriptions on February 25 and closing on March 11.

    What Makes This Fund Special?

    According to Siddharth Srivastava, who manages the fund, this equal-weighted strategy includes 100 large companies and 100 mid-sized companies. This helps you spread out your risk since you have many different companies in your portfolio.

    Experts say this fund can be great for people who want a balanced investment across large and mid-sized companies. However, it’s important to know that it may not always be the best performer in every situation.

    The fund will invest 95-100% in the companies in the BSE 200 Equal Weight Index and a small portion (0-5%) in safe money market instruments. This can help keep some money liquid for quick transactions.

    Important Tips for Investors

    Before deciding to invest, think about your existing investments. If you have overlapping stocks, this new fund might not add much variety to your portfolio. It’s best for those whose investments are not heavily focused on just one type of stock.

    Overall, while the Mirae Asset BSE 200 Equal Weight ETF offers an exciting way to invest, always evaluate how it fits with your financial goals and comfort with risk.

    Disclaimer: Information provided by experts may not reflect the views of the Economic Times or any other organization.

  • HSBC Restructures Leadership for Improved Service in Asia

    HSBC Restructures Leadership for Improved Service in Asia

    HSBC Holdings Plc is making big changes to its management in Asia to improve how they serve customers. The bank is giving country leaders in smaller markets more responsibilities to make things simpler and cut down on extra layers of management.

    Starting March 1, Peter Kim will be in charge of banking in Korea, in addition to being the CEO. Tim Evans will have a similar role in Vietnam. An internal memo from the bank confirmed these changes. A spokesperson mentioned that these changes will create a simpler organization, allowing HSBC to provide better service and meet their goals more quickly.

    Other leaders like Omar Siddiq, Adam Chen, and Giorgio Gamba will also take on extra jobs in Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand. Some employees in commercial and global banking applied for new roles but didn’t succeed.

    HSBC’s CEO, Georges Elhedery, who started last year, is making these changes to lower costs and reduce confusion in the company. He has combined parts of the commercial banking division with global banking and markets. The bank is also stepping back from some investment banking activities in Europe and the Americas.

    Late last year, HSBC asked many managers to apply again for jobs in a new corporate and institutional banking division. They are changing the titles of some senior staff from “general manager” to “managing director,” which is a title used in many large financial companies.

    The bank is also planning to hire a new leader for banking in international markets to oversee countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mauritius, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. In key markets such as China, India, and Singapore, HSBC has appointed Zhenyi Tang, Ajay Sharma, and Gilbert Ng as heads of banking.

  • Trump’s $5M Gold Card Visa: Fast Track to US Residency!

    Trump’s $5M Gold Card Visa: Fast Track to US Residency!

    US President Donald Trump recently revealed a new visa called the “Gold Card” that could give investors a quicker way to become US citizens. This card will cost $5 million and will replace the old EB-5 visa, which is a program that allowed investors to get green cards by funding businesses in America.

    The EB-5 visa has been around since 1990 and required a $1 million investment plus the creation of 10 jobs in the US. In contrast, the Gold Card doesn’t require job creation, and it allows investors to skip the long waiting times associated with traditional green cards, especially for Indian nationals.

    Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the Gold Card will officially replace the EB-5 visa in two weeks. With the Gold Card, investors can get green cards (which means they can live and work in the US permanently) much faster—possibly even immediately after paying the $5 million fee.

    Here’s a quick comparison:

    – EB-5 Visa:
    – Costs: $800,000 – $1.05 million
    – Jobs: Must create 10 US jobs
    – Path to Citizenship: Takes 5-7 years
    – Wait for Indians: 7-10+ years due to high demand

    – Trump’s Gold Card:
    – Costs: $5 million
    – Jobs: No job creation needed
    – Path to Citizenship: Immediate
    – Wait for Indians: No wait, pay directly

    While the Gold Card offers a fast track to US residency, it comes with a hefty price tag that makes it only possible for the richest individuals. If you’re not in the super-rich category, there are still other options to consider for US immigration.

    Other Immigration Options for Indians:
    – EB-5 Visa: If still available, can cost $800,000 and takes 3-5 years.
    – O-1 Visa: For highly skilled professionals in fields like tech and art.
    – L-1 Visa: For business owners and company executives.
    – H-1B to EB-2/EB-3: The traditional route, but can take a very long time.

    In short, the Gold Card visa could change the game for wealthy investors looking to live in the US, but it’s not for everyone.

  • President Murmu Champions New Healthcare Technologies at PMCH Centennial

    President Murmu Champions New Healthcare Technologies at PMCH Centennial

    President Droupadi Murmu spoke at the 100th anniversary of Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) and encouraged everyone involved to use new technologies, like artificial intelligence and robots. These tools can help doctors work better and can make treating patients easier and more accurate. She said that doctors from PMCH should connect with other experts worldwide for research and practice, which would benefit both doctors and patients.

    President Murmu acknowledged the Bihar government’s efforts to improve medical facilities but said more needs to be done. She emphasized the importance of providing better healthcare options in Bihar so that people don’t have to travel far for quality treatment. She noted that other cities in India have developed specialist medical centers, and Bihar should do the same to improve healthcare and help the state’s economy.

    Doctors play an important role in society, and President Murmu encouraged them to promote blood and organ donation. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar shared that when he began leading the state in 2005, there were only six medical colleges, but now there are twelve, with more on the way. He mentioned that PMCH is being expanded to have more beds, making it one of the largest hospitals in the world.

    Union Health Minister JP Nadda, who was born at PMCH, praised Bihar’s healthcare improvements under the current government. He mentioned the establishment of AIIMS hospitals in Patna and Darbhanga. Bihar’s Health Minister Mangal Pandey shared the history of PMCH, which started as a medical school in 1874 and became a full-fledged hospital in 1925. The PMCH is now being renovated with significant investment to enhance its facilities.

    The President visited Bihar for two days and was welcomed by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at the airport. After the event, she was set to travel to Madhya Pradesh.

  • Love, Loss, and Legacy: What Will We Be Remembered For?

    Love, Loss, and Legacy: What Will We Be Remembered For?

    It’s just a few months into the New Year, and I’ve already attended two weddings and two funerals. Watching these events close together made me think about love and death. They are more connected than we might realize.

    One of the funerals was for my uncle. Listening to people share their memories of him was touching. They spoke about how kind he was, how curious he was about the world, and how he treated everyone, from politicians to everyday folks, with respect. This got me pondering: what will people say about you when you’re gone? What would they remember about you at your memorial service? This brings up an important question: who are you, and how do you show yourself to the world?

    From what I’ve seen lately at funerals, it seems like people remember your character more than your job. Unless you’ve invented something groundbreaking, how you treated others really matters. At memorials, people often talk about being kind, warm, funny, and honest. These are the qualities that make us human.

    As we get older, many people embrace their quirks. They’ve stopped pretending to be someone they’re not. In a way, meeting older folks can be refreshing because they show you the beauty of being real and authentic.

    But can you be genuine in your forties or fifties without waiting until you’re older? It’s tough because life is full of roles—we are siblings, parents, and friends all at once. Each role has its own expectations. Sometimes you have to hold back what you really feel just to keep the peace.

    Recently, I had a thought: maybe I should tell my mother how much she means to me. When I suggested this to my husband, he said, “That’s not my style. I show love in small ways.”

    This brings up a larger question: do our loved ones know how we feel? We often tell our kids how much we love them, but what about our parents? My mother, who is now 86, doesn’t say “I love you,” but her love shines through her actions. For example, when I mention writing about sarees, she asks others for tips, showing that she cares about what I do.

    As we just celebrated Valentine’s Day and are approaching Holi, which both honor love, it’s a good moment to think about expressing love for those we might overlook: our parents.