Author: Rasmita Jena

  • Nadal on His Rivals: Why Federer Was Different from Djokovic

    Nadal on His Rivals: Why Federer Was Different from Djokovic

    Rafael Nadal opened up about his exciting tennis career and rivalries in a recent podcast. Last year, he announced his retirement after winning 22 major titles, including a record 14 French Open trophies. With Nadal stepping away from the game, only Novak Djokovic remains from the famous “Big Three” of men’s tennis.

    On Andy Roddick’s YouTube podcast, Nadal talked about his big rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. He believes his matches against Federer were more interesting for fans. Nadal explained, “My rivalry with Roger was more exciting because it had clear strategies.” He liked battling against Federer’s strong forehand while trying to break down his backhand.

    Nadal said, “When Roger was hitting well, he would beat me. When I played well, I won.” He mentioned that he had more success against Federer on clay courts, while it was tougher on hard courts.

    When it comes to playing Djokovic, Nadal felt differently. He said their games are not the same, and there’s no clear plan when he plays against Djokovic. “Against Novak, I have to play my best for a long time,” he explained. Nadal praised Djokovic’s incredible ball control, calling him “the best” at handling the ball. He had to change his tactics against Djokovic, like using more slices and playing to the middle of the court instead of giving Djokovic too many angles.

  • Shiv Sena Leader Shot Dead in Moga: Protests Erupt for Justice

    Shiv Sena Leader Shot Dead in Moga: Protests Erupt for Justice

    In Moga, a Shiv Sena leader named Mangat Rai, also known as Manga, was shot and killed on Thursday night. He was the president of the local Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The attack happened when Manga stepped out of his house to buy groceries around 10 PM. Three strangers approached him and shot at him. Their first shot missed and hit a 12-year-old boy who was walking by. Manga quickly got on his motorcycle to escape, but the attackers chased him and shot him again. He was taken to the hospital but sadly, the doctors declared him dead.

    The young boy who got hurt was taken to Moga Civil Hospital and then moved to a better hospital for treatment. Manga’s wife reported the attack, leading police to book six suspects and others who are still unknown. Investigations are ongoing. Although police think this may be due to a personal feud, Manga’s family insists he never had any enemies. His family and some local groups protested at Pratap Chowk, demanding justice and the arrest of those responsible. They shouted slogans against the government, blaming it for the poor safety situation in Punjab.

    Manga’s daughter shared that her father left home around 8 PM to buy milk and she learned of his death around 11 PM. They want justice and are determined to seek it. In a separate but related incident, three men on motorcycles entered a salon that night and shot at the owner, Devender Kumar, injuring him in the leg. He was also treated at the hospital, where an investigation is taking place.

  • Tamil Nadu Budget: A Strong Commitment to Education Despite Funding Cuts

    Tamil Nadu Budget: A Strong Commitment to Education Despite Funding Cuts

    On Friday, Tamil Nadu’s Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu shared the budget for the DMK government. There has been some disagreement about a new education plan called the National Education Policy (NEP), which includes a third language in schools. But the state government decided to use its own money to support government schools.

    Thangam Thennarasu announced that the state will pay for things like teacher salaries to ensure that students in government schools get the education they need, even if the central government doesn’t provide money.

    He emphasized that Tamil Nadu strongly supports teaching in two languages. Despite the challenges, such as not receiving ₹2,152 crores from the central government because of disagreements over the NEP, the state will continue to take care of its students.

    The Finance Minister said that by sticking to the bilingual policy, Tamil Nadu is not only saving its Tamil culture but also helping its young people become good at English. This helps them succeed in today’s world.

    The Minister also mentioned ongoing initiatives like the ‘Ennum Ezhuthum Thittam,’ which focuses on basic reading and writing skills, special education for children with disabilities, transport help for students in remote areas, teacher salaries, guidance for higher education, festivals for talents, trips for learning, and improving school facilities like internet access.

  • iPhone 16e Sales Surge, But Challenges Loom in China Market

    iPhone 16e Sales Surge, But Challenges Loom in China Market

    Apple has launched its new iPhone 16e, and it’s selling faster than the old iPhone SE from 2022. However, it might not help Apple much in China, where sales are expected to drop by about 2% this year. A research company called IDC found that the iPhone 16e sold 60% better in its first three days compared to the older model. But there’s tough competition from Android phones that are getting help from the Chinese government, which is giving out a lot of money to support Android brands like Xiaomi and Vivo.

    The new iPhone 16e costs $599, while the older SE was only $429. This higher price makes it harder for Apple to compete with cheaper Android phones. The iPhone 16e has only one camera at the back, not much storage, and fewer smart features, which makes it less appealing in China.

    The Chinese government has set aside about $41 billion to help boost the economy, which includes support for smartphone sales. Apple is also trying to bring more smart features to its devices in China later this year. Some analysts believe that Apple could sell more in other countries, like India, where they expect the 16e to account for about 20% of iPhone sales in the second half of the year.

    Apple’s sales in China dropped by around 11% during the holiday season, mainly due to weak iPhone sales. Overall, the company thinks its revenue will only grow a little in this period.

  • Indian AC Industry Poised for Growth Amid Supply Challenges

    Indian AC Industry Poised for Growth Amid Supply Challenges

    The Indian air conditioning (AC) market is off to a great start this summer, building on last season’s strong performance. After a tough time with shortages of important parts like compressors and copper in early this year, companies have found ways to solve these issues. They secured backup suppliers and are slowly but surely getting back on track.

    The hot temperatures and more people having extra money to spend are making more folks want to buy ACs. It’s predicted that demand will grow by about 19% each year, which means there will be a bigger need for compressors and copper parts as well. Although there were some hiccups in production this January, many businesses managed their inventory well thanks to alternative sources, like Highly and GMCC. Some big names like LG and Daikin, which make their own compressors, are in a better spot.

    To keep going, the industry is importing parts from places like Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand, and they are hopeful about getting supplies from China soon. They also asked the government to extend some certifications until local manufacturers can meet the demand.

    India is set to become a major player in electronics manufacturing soon, thanks to increasing local demand and better export opportunities. The electronic manufacturing services (EMS) industry is growing, with many big companies planning to expand under a government program called PLI for white goods. Since the PLI scheme started, the local value of products has increased from 25% to 45%, and it’s expected to reach 60-70% by FY27 as even more parts are made locally. We anticipate a growth rate of 14% for the RAC industry from FY24 to FY27, mostly thanks to more people buying ACs and rising incomes.

    Company Highlights:
    – Voltas: Target price is Rs 1640 (current price Rs 1400) with an upside of 17%. In 3QFY25, Voltas had an 18% revenue increase to Rs 31.1 billion. Although one segment saw lower profit margins, the company is positive about the hot summer and expects strong growth ahead.

    – Amber Enterprises: Target price is Rs 7800 (current price Rs 6340) with an upside of 23%. It saw a 65% revenue increase this quarter, driven mainly by its AC and electronics divisions. While the railway segment is facing delays, the company is ready to take advantage of increasing AC demand.

    (Note: The author is the head of research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of thellv.news)

  • U.S. and Israel’s Controversial Plan to Resettle Palestinians in East Africa

    U.S. and Israel’s Controversial Plan to Resettle Palestinians in East Africa

    The U.S. and Israel are talking to leaders in three East African countries: Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. They want to find places to move Palestinians from Gaza because of a plan suggested by former President Donald Trump. This plan has faced a lot of criticism and many people think it is wrong. Most people from Gaza don’t want to leave their homes.

    Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland are poor and sometimes dangerous places. Officials in Sudan have said no to the idea, while officials in Somalia and Somaliland say they haven’t been contacted about it.

    Trump’s plan suggests moving over 2 million people from Gaza to different countries and turning the area into a real estate project. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports this idea, but Palestinians see it as a forced relocation. Many Arab countries oppose the plan and are suggesting other ways to rebuild Gaza without moving people away.

    Some officials from the U.S. and Israel confirmed they reached out to these countries last month, seeking ways to make this plan happen. They can offer money, weapons, and support to entice these countries.

    Here is a closer look at the three places being considered:

    – Sudan: Sudan agreed to be friendly with Israel in 2020 but has been in civil war since. Sudan’s leaders said they will not accept Palestinian refugees.

    – Somaliland: This area broke away from Somalia over 30 years ago and wants international recognition as a separate place. Officials here say they have not been contacted about taking in Palestinians.

    – Somalia: This country often supports the Palestinian cause and has me0mbers in opposition to the plan. It seems unlikely that Somalia would agree to host Palestinian refugees.

    In summary, the idea of moving Palestinians out of Gaza has been met with strong resistance from several regions, and it’s uncertain if these talks will go anywhere.

  • Stocks Plunge: Trade Worries Spark Market Correction

    Stocks Plunge: Trade Worries Spark Market Correction

    Global stock prices fell sharply on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 index officially entering a correction. This means it’s more than 10% lower than its highest point. Investors are worried that trade issues might cause prices to rise and slow down growth after recent threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to impose heavy tariffs on European drinks if they don’t remove extra fees on American whiskey. Additionally, Trump recently raised tariffs on all imports of steel and aluminum.

    While price data from the U.S. showed producers’ prices stayed the same and consumer prices went up more slowly than expected in February, these numbers didn’t calm investors. Many believe the trade disputes will lead to future problems. Tim Ghriskey from Ingalls & Snyder in New York noted that without the trade war worries, the market would likely be doing well.

    On Wall Street, the S&P 500 dropped 77.78 points, or 1.39%, ending at 5,521.52. The Dow Jones also fell, down 537.36 points, or 1.30%, hitting 40,813.57, about 9.4% lower than its recent high. The Nasdaq Composite fell even more, down 345.44 points, or 1.96%, sitting at 17,303.01, which is more than 14% lower than its recent peak.

    Market corrections like this happen regularly; since 1929, the S&P 500 has had corrections 56 times. Out of these, only 22 led to bear markets, which is when a market drops by 20% or more.

    Globally, stock markets also faced declines, with MSCI’s index dropping 1.12% to 821.52. In Europe, the STOXX 600 index dipped 0.15% after a previous rise. The S&P 500 is now more than 6% down this year, while European stocks are faring better, gaining 6.5% as governments support defense spending and a possible peace deal in Ukraine.

    U.S. Treasury bonds saw increased demand, causing their yields to drop. The yield on a 10-year Treasury note fell to 4.27%. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar showed mixed results against other currencies—falling against the yen but gaining against the euro and Canadian dollar.

    Oil prices dropped despite a previous rise due to lower gasoline stocks. U.S. crude prices fell by 1.67% to $66.55 a barrel, while Brent crude dropped 1.51% to $69.88.

    Gold prices climbed, reaching close to $3,000 an ounce, driven by fears over tariffs and expectations for the U.S. Federal Reserve to lower interest rates. Spot gold rose to $2,982.84, and U.S. gold futures increased to $2,983.50.

  • Columbia University Expels Students for Hamilton Hall Protest Actions

    Columbia University Expels Students for Hamilton Hall Protest Actions

    On Thursday, Columbia University took action against some students involved in a protest last spring. These students had occupied Hamilton Hall as part of a pro-Palestinian protest. The university decided to expel some students, while others got suspensions or had their diplomas revoked. Columbia did not share the exact number of students affected but said the actions were based on how serious the students’ behaviors were.

    In an official statement, Columbia University said, “The Judicial Board made decisions based on how severe the actions were during the protests and earlier behavior.” They also mentioned that these decisions came after investigations and hearings.

    Columbia University has been under a lot of pressure about how they handle protests. Recently, the Trump administration took away over $400 million in federal funding because of worries about antisemitism on campus.

    The protests started as part of a broader movement against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. While most protests were peaceful, things changed on April 30, 2024, when a group of students locked themselves inside Hamilton Hall using furniture to block the doors. The police entered the campus on May 1 and arrested many protesters tied to both the tent camp and the building occupation.

    Even though the District Attorney dropped charges for some of the arrested students, Columbia still moved forward with their disciplinary actions. The NYPD confirmed in a letter that some people involved in the building occupation were not students at Columbia. They stated, “Those who occupied Hamilton Hall damaged university property and were trespassing.”

    A university official said that holding students accountable for breaking rules is a crucial step in focusing back on the main goals of teaching and research.

  • Delhi Metro Adjusts Schedule for Holi: Key Changes You Need to Know!

    Delhi Metro Adjusts Schedule for Holi: Key Changes You Need to Know!

    The Delhi Metro will change its schedule for Holi! Trains will start running from 2:30 PM today on all lines, as announced by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). Normally, the Metro runs from 5 AM to 11:30 PM on weekdays, while the Airport Express train operates from 4:40 AM to 11:40 PM.

    This year, even the Airport Express will begin at 2:30 PM for Holi. You can find the full schedule on the DMRC website. The DMRC encourages everyone to plan their trips keeping these new times in mind. If you have any questions, you can reach out to DMRC or follow their social media for quick updates.

    The DMRC also requests that passengers avoid carrying colors, water guns, or balloons, as these might upset other travelers.

    In addition to Metro travel, the Delhi Traffic Police have shared advice about road congestion due to Holi celebrations and ongoing construction projects like the Airport Drain extension. Police teams will be out in full force to help keep everything safe, especially as there will be about 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel on duty. They will check for drunk driving and monitor traffic to ensure everyone can enjoy the festival safely.

  • UAE Aluminium Exports to U.S. Surge Ahead of New Tariffs

    UAE Aluminium Exports to U.S. Surge Ahead of New Tariffs

    DUBAI, UAE – In early March, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sent a lot of aluminium to the U.S. before new tariffs started on March 15. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the UAE shipped over 68,000 metric tons of aluminium in just the first 11 days of the month. This is a huge increase compared to only about 16,000 metric tons sent in all of March last year.

    These exports are the highest they’ve been in nearly two years! The move comes after President Donald Trump put a 25% tariff on all foreign steel and aluminium imports to boost U.S. production. Last year, Canada was the top supplier, providing 70% of the aluminium used in the U.S., while the UAE was second, supplying 8%.

    After Canada announced its own 25% tariffs on U.S. imports, including aluminium, American buyers might seek out other suppliers due to the rising tensions. Yulia Buchneva, a director at Fitch Ratings, mentioned that UAE producers have lower costs compared to Canadian ones, making it still profitable to send aluminium to the U.S. even with tariffs.

    Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), one of the largest aluminium producers, expects there will be ups and downs in aluminium prices throughout 2025 because of global trade issues. Demand for aluminium from U.S. users is likely to rise as they seek alternatives. Right now, aluminium prices are around $2,675 per metric ton, after peaking in February.

    This news comes from an automated news agency feed.