Author: Sarita Jena

  • Aid Freeze in Al-Hol Camp: Struggles of Women and Children

    Aid Freeze in Al-Hol Camp: Struggles of Women and Children

    Struggles in Al-Hol Camp
    Ahmad Abdullah Hammoud is one of the lucky few with extra food for his family. They live in the Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, where around 37,000 people, mostly women and children, are staying. Many of them are said to have ties to the Islamic State (IS) group.

    Things got worse when a U.S. organization that provided food and other help suddenly stopped its work in the camp. This happened when Donald Trump became president, and many aid programs worldwide had to shut down. Blumont, the group that helped Al-Hol, briefly halted its services. Camp director Jihan Hanan said Blumont used to give out 5,000 bags of bread daily, costing about $4,000, which the local authorities could not afford.

    Residents like Dirar al-Ali explain how hard it has become to find food, sometimes waiting until the afternoon just for bread. Hanan called the aid freeze “a disgraceful decision” and mentioned that some camp residents feel they should be allowed to leave if no food is available.

    Although Blumont got a short break to start helping again, it’s unclear what will happen next. Mazloum Abdi, a leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces, said he has spoken to U.S. officials about this problem. He hopes they might find a way to help northeastern Syria again.

    The camp is also worried about the possibility of IS attacking since the Syrian government has weakened recently. Camp security has been increased, but the situation remains tense.

    The camp is overcrowded, with major issues like piles of trash and no paved roads. Many kids have nothing to do, and some even shouted at journalists visiting their home, saying negative things about them.

    In the camp’s Annex section, a woman named Asmaa Ahmad from China waits with her four kids. She fears going back to her country because of possible punishment and hopes that IS members will one day rescue her family.

    Hanan believes the camp is not a safe place for kids, and she urges countries to bring their citizens home to stop children from learning extremist ideas. U.S. leaders have been pushing for the repatriation of citizens stuck in camps like Al-Hol to avoid raising future IS supporters.

    Some Syrians living in the camp wish to return to their homes now that the government situation has changed. Those in charge of the camp have said that any Syrian who wants to leave can do so. However, Hanan warns that if U.S. aid stops again, it could create a disaster for everyone living there.

    This article shows the struggles and uncertainties faced by many families living in Al-Hol camp as they seek safety and basic needs.

  • NY Woman’s Shocking Sink-Toilet Design Stuns Social Media

    NY Woman’s Shocking Sink-Toilet Design Stuns Social Media

    A woman from New York named Emily Bonani recently shared a surprising video of her unique bathroom sink-toilet combo, and many people online are shocked. She lives in a small apartment, paying $2,000 a month (about ₹1,73,382), and her bathroom has a strange design aimed at saving space.

    In her viral TikTok video, she shows how the sink is placed right above the toilet’s flush tank. The unusual part? You can only use the sink when the toilet is flushed! Emily jokes in her video that this might be the smallest bathroom in New York City and challenges viewers to find a smaller one. “What if I want to flush the toilet but not turn on the sink? That’s not an option!” she says.

    Her video has been seen nearly 13 million times on TikTok and has received almost 43,000 likes on Instagram. Many users reacted with surprise. Some said it looked unsanitary, comparing it to a “prison toilet.” One comment read, “This looks like something from a horror movie,” while another said, “What if you don’t want to wash your hands right after flushing? Gross!”

    While some people were disgusted by the setup, others understood the challenges of living in a cramped and expensive New York apartment. One user humorously wondered how it would be cleaned, while another noted how people try to make small spaces work.

  • Jal Jeevan Mission Extended to 2028: More Tap Water for Rural Homes!

    Jal Jeevan Mission Extended to 2028: More Tap Water for Rural Homes!

    The Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to give clean tap water to all rural households, has been extended until 2028 with more money available, as announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday. In her eighth budget presentation, she mentioned that the mission has already provided 15 crore households (that’s about 80% of India’s rural population) with access to safe tap water.

    To achieve the goal of giving clean water to everyone, she announced the extension of the mission, saying, “We want to ensure everyone has tap water by 2028.” The focus will also be on improving the quality of the water systems and making sure they are maintained properly with the help of local communities.

    Sitharaman added that separate agreements will be made with states and union territories to ensure that water services are effective and meet the needs of the people. The original goal was to finish this by 2024, but now the mission will continue until 2028.

  • Kejriwal Urges BJP Supporters to Vote AAP for Huge Savings!

    Kejriwal Urges BJP Supporters to Vote AAP for Huge Savings!

    On Saturday, Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), said that even people who support the BJP are saving up to ₹25,000 every month because of the AAP government’s help in Delhi. In a video message, he talked about a conversation he had with a BJP supporter and questioned the benefits in BJP-led states. He asked, “If the BJP wins, where will you go? How many BJP states have good government schools? How many have free and reliable electricity?” Kejriwal encouraged voters to think about their own needs and choose AAP.

    He pointed out that families in Delhi are saving around ₹25,000 a month from free electricity, water, good education, and healthcare services. He warned that these savings could be lost if the BJP comes to power. Kejriwal recently started a campaign called ‘Bachat Patra’ (Savings Book) to show how much money people save thanks to AAP’s schemes.

    He said, “People should keep track of how much they save with our free services.” Kejriwal also mentioned new promises, like a Sanjeevani Yojana for free healthcare for elderly people and free bus rides for students, which would add another ₹10,000 to people’s savings. “That would make it a total of ₹35,000 a month if AAP gets elected again,” he said, urging voters to press the “Jhaadu” (broom) button, which is AAP’s symbol.

    The Delhi Assembly elections are set for February 5, and results will be available on February 8. AAP is hoping to win again after winning 62 out of 70 seats in the 2020 elections.

  • Samsung or Apple: Which Tablet Is Best for You? Find Out Now!

    Samsung or Apple: Which Tablet Is Best for You? Find Out Now!

    Deciding between a Samsung tablet and an Apple iPad can be tough because both have unique features. Do you want a tablet for work or entertainment? Is battery life or display quality more important to you? Let’s break it down to help you find the right one for you.

    Overview of Samsung Tablets and Apple iPads

    Samsung offers a variety of tablets, like the Galaxy Tab S and Tab A series. These tablets are flexible and give you different choices. If you like personalizing your device, Samsung is a good pick. It uses Android, which allows you to customize your tablet and enjoy vibrant screens, especially if you have other Samsung devices.

    Apple’s iPads, including the iPad Pro and iPad Air, are known for having top performance with their A-series chips. They work smoothly and are easy to use. Apple provides a great collection of apps, which makes iPads an excellent choice for creators and anyone who wants a reliable experience.

    Key Differences Between Samsung Tablets and Apple iPads

    1. Performance: Apple iPads have powerful chips that make them great for multitasking and games. Samsung tablets are good too but might not be as strong as the iPads.

    2. Operating System: iPads use iPadOS which is simple and efficient, especially if you own other Apple products. Samsung tablets run on Android and offer great customization, but they might not get updates as often.

    3. Display: Both brands have amazing displays. Apple’s screens are sharp and great for creativity, while Samsung’s Super AMOLED screens are perfect for watching movies.

    4. Accessories: Apple has useful accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil that enhance the iPad experience. Samsung tablets include the S Pen for drawing or note-taking.

    5. Battery Life: Apple iPads usually last longer on a single charge, but Samsung tablets have decent battery life too. Both brands support fast charging.

    6. Price: Samsung tablets often cost less than iPads, so if you’re on a budget, they might be a better choice.

    7. Camera: iPads usually have better cameras, especially for photography and video calls, while Samsung makes good cameras for everyday use.

    8. Gaming: Apple iPads are better for gaming because of their powerful chips, but Samsung tablets still handle casual games well.

    9. Security: iPads are known for being secure and protecting your data, while Samsung tablets are also secure but offer more room for customization.

    10. Support: Apple provides great customer service with easy repairs and support. Samsung is reliable too, but Apple’s service is often quicker.

    Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?

    Are you looking for customization and flexibility? Choose Samsung tablets. If you want smooth and polished performance, go for an iPad. Your choice should match how you plan to use your tablet.

  • Salman Khan Makes Podcast Debut on Nephew’s ‘Dumb Biryani’

    Salman Khan Makes Podcast Debut on Nephew’s ‘Dumb Biryani’

    Actor Salman Khan is all set to be a guest on his nephew Arhaan Khan’s YouTube channel called Dumb Biryani. He shared a fun edited video on Instagram, which includes old clips of himself and sneak peeks from their upcoming podcast episode.

    In the video, we see a young Salman at an event, followed by clips from his movies. There’s a sweet moment where he is seen teasing and hugging Arhaan from when he was younger. A journalist’s voice is heard saying, “What you do on the screen is everybody’s business.” Salman replies, “Exactly. It’s about selling an image. Just like everyone else, I’m a normal person too.”

    He also talks about family and friends with Arhaan and his buddies, emphasizing the importance of being there for loved ones. He shares how he talks harshly to himself for motivation, saying sometimes people need a bit of tough love. He jokes that when you’re tired, you should push yourself one last time.

    The video wraps up with Salman encouraging everyone, saying, “When your body says no, your mind should say yes. And when both say no, just say, ‘Come on, let’s give it one last shot!’” He captioned the video, “I spoke to the boys a year ago; I’m not sure if they remember all the advice. My first podcast episode is coming soon. @dumbbbiryani.”

    About Arhaan: Arhaan is the son of Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora. They separated in 2016, and their divorce was finalized in 2017. Arbaaz is now married to Sshura Khan, while Malaika broke up with actor Arjun Kapoor after dating for several years.

    About Salman’s Movies: Salman will star in his upcoming film Sikandar alongside Rashmika Mandanna, which is set to release on Eid 2025. His last film was Tiger 3 (2023), an action thriller that starred Katrina Kaif and Emraan Hashmi.

  • Amazon to Cut Thousands of Jobs to Reduce Bureaucracy by 2025

    Amazon to Cut Thousands of Jobs to Reduce Bureaucracy by 2025

    Amazon is making some big changes to how it runs its company. They announced in September 2024 that they will cut thousands of middle management jobs by March 2025. The goal is to make things work better and to reduce too much red tape.

    CEO Stands Against Bureaucracy

    Andy Jassy, the CEO, hates bureaucracy. He told everyone at a meeting in November 2024 that he wants Amazon to stay a simple and efficient place. “I’m here because it’s not a political mess,” he said.

    Changes to Management

    As part of the changes, Amazon Web Services (AWS) will now require that each manager has at least eight direct reports instead of six. This will affect how managers work across different teams.

    Money Saved and Job Losses

    Experts from Morgan Stanley say around 13,834 managerial jobs could be lost. Since these jobs usually pay between $200,000 and $350,000 a year, Amazon could save between $2.1 billion and $3.6 billion each year.

    Listening to Employees

    To hear what workers think, Amazon set up a “Bureaucracy Mailbox” in September 2024. Employees can send in their ideas to cut down on inefficient processes. Already, the company has received over 500 suggestions and has made changes based on more than 150 of them.

    Recent Layoffs and Changes

    This restructuring follows earlier layoffs in 2024, where 200 people were let go from various departments. The AWS division, which has around 115,000 of Amazon’s total 1.55 million employees, will see big changes too.

    This restructuring supports Amazon’s goal of staying competitive while optimizing its workforce. The changes are expected to wrap up by the end of March 2025.

  • Expert Insights: Upcoming Budget’s Potential Impact on Markets

    Expert Insights: Upcoming Budget’s Potential Impact on Markets

    Today, we’re talking about what to expect from the markets. Sandeep Tandon, the Chief Investment Officer at Quant Mutual Fund, thinks that the Prime Minister, Mr. Modi, seems really determined to boost spending in the economy. This kind of energy might lead to good news for markets, and even a small positive change could make a difference.

    As we approach the budget announcements, the expectations are low, which means we could see some surprises. Sandeep believes that if the government reduces taxes and encourages spending, it can help businesses and ordinary people. He also thinks that this budget could support the consumption theme and areas like renewable energy and infrastructure.

    There’s been some nervousness in the markets lately, especially for smaller companies. But Sandeep suggests that this might be a good time to invest in certain stocks because many have already reached their low points. He believes that 2025 could be a year where stock opportunities will shine.

    When the markets open on Monday, the budget’s impact will be the main focus. If the government makes strong decisions, it could lead to long-lasting benefits for the economy. However, if the responses are disappointing, we might see a quick return to usual market discussions about global issues.

    Looking at foreign investments, Sandeep feels India is less vulnerable compared to the US market, given that the US is facing some risks. He thinks we might see a shift back to India if the US market faces a big decline. There’s also a sign that foreign selling in India is slowing down, which could be a positive sign moving forward.

  • Ankur Warikoo’s 2024 Income and Investment Strategies Revealed!

    Ankur Warikoo’s 2024 Income and Investment Strategies Revealed!

    Ankur Warikoo, a popular entrepreneur and content creator, recently talked about how he makes money and invests wisely. He shared his thoughts on X, explaining that too many people work just to earn a paycheck and end up feeling burned out. They should actually work hard to earn more money, he says. On the flip side, many people are overly involved in tracking their investments, which can be stressful.

    Warikoo believes we should be active in finding ways to earn more money and take a relaxed approach to investing. Instead of constantly checking stocks or chasing high-risk ventures, he suggests putting money into simple, long-term options like SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans).

    For 2024, Warikoo’s businesses made a total of ₹16.84 crore (about $2 million) from various sources:

    – Speaking engagements: ₹2.38 crore ($280,000)
    – Book royalties: ₹1.65 crore ($200,000)
    – Brand partnerships: ₹2.76 crore ($325,000)
    – His education platform WebVeda: ₹9.56 crore ($1.1 million)

    He was amazed by his earnings, saying, “It’s crazy that I can earn this much for something I love.” However, he reminded everyone that this is before expenses like salaries and marketing. His profit is around 20-25% of the total revenue.

    Warikoo also shared his investment portfolio, which is worth around ₹20 crore (about $2.35 million) and grew by 48% from the last year. He has:

    – Mutual Funds: ₹70 lakh
    – Portfolio Management Services: ₹8.13 crore
    – Startup Debt: ₹1.62 crore
    – Startup Equity: ₹3.49 crore
    – Stocks in India: ₹95 lakh
    – Stocks in the USA: ₹93 lakh
    – Real Estate: ₹3.75 crore

    Despite the aggressive growth, he spends less than five minutes each month managing his investments and prefers to leave it to experts.

    He encouraged followers to be more active in their income generation and less worried about investments. “Don’t just settle for a salary. Keep hustling for more!” he said.

    Warikoo’s company, co-owned with his wife, is divided into three parts:

    1. Brand Warikoo: Focuses on creating content on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
    2. WebVeda: Offers educational material.
    3. Investing: Puts profits back into different ventures.

    Warikoo has a huge online presence with over 14.8 million followers across social media, including 6.58 million on YouTube and 3.71 million on Instagram.

  • Introducing the Ferrato ‘DEFY 22’: Your New Everyday Electric Scooter!

    Introducing the Ferrato ‘DEFY 22’: Your New Everyday Electric Scooter!

    OPG Mobility, which used to be called Okaya EV, introduced their exciting new electric scooter, the Ferrato ‘DEFY 22’, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. You can start pre-booking this cool scooter from January 17, 2025.

    The DEFY 22 can go up to 70 km/h and travel up to 80 km on a single charge, which was confirmed by ICAT. It features a high-quality LFP battery that is protected from dust and water (IP67) and comes with a weatherproof charger (IP65). The scooter has a stylish 7-inch touch screen that shows your speed and even plays music! It rides on sturdy 12-inch alloy wheels.

    With a strong motor that has 1200W power and can peak at 2500W, the DEFY 22 has a 72V 30Ah (2.2 kWh) battery, which makes it both powerful and practical. The design also helps improve your riding position with two footboard levels.

    Customers can choose from seven eye-catching color combinations: Champagne Cream, Black Fire, Coastal Ivory, Unity White, Resilience Black, Dove Grey, and Matte Green.

    Anshul Gupta, the Managing Director of OPG Mobility, said, “We are excited to launch a scooter that is not only stylish but also perfect for daily rides in India. Our goal is to create innovative and safe products. The DEFY 22 combines great style, power, and performance, and we believe it will change the electric scooter market in India.”

    The Ferrato DEFY 22 comes at a price of INR 99,999 (Ex-showroom). Don’t miss this chance to ride in style!