Author: Supriya Jena

  • Vice President Urges Authentic Research to Transform India’s Future

    Vice President Urges Authentic Research to Transform India’s Future

    On Saturday, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the need for real and useful research that can truly make a difference in our country. He spoke at the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) R&D Award ceremony, highlighting that simply focusing on small parts like “nuts and bolts” isn’t enough for indigenization.

    He encouraged students in schools and colleges to be curious and innovative, stating that research should not just be basic or superficial. “We need research that can change lives,” Dhankhar said. He pointed out that India’s contribution to global patents is still very small, especially considering we are one-sixth of the world’s population. He called on everyone involved in decision-making to focus more on research and development.

    Dhankhar also mentioned that businesses need to get involved in this effort. “We must work together to make research our mission,” he urged. He challenged BEL to take the lead in the semiconductor industry and support startups in this area. “Let’s brainstorm and come up with new ideas to help India in global supply chains,” he added.

    He also praised the progress India is making in using home-grown technology but insisted that we should aim for complete independence in important fields. “Being satisfied with just a few small parts isn’t enough,” he said. Dhankhar encouraged young people to explore new opportunities instead of just waiting for government jobs. He noted that the new national education policy is helping to shift focus towards skills rather than just degrees.

  • Anand Mahindra on Social Media: Quality Work vs. Long Hours Debate

    Anand Mahindra on Social Media: Quality Work vs. Long Hours Debate

    Anand Mahindra, a well-known businessman, recently talked about how he uses social media and finds a good balance between work and personal life. He is famous for his interesting posts on X (formerly Twitter) and has about 11 million followers. When asked how much time he spends on social media, Mahindra jokingly said, “I’m not on X because I’m lonely. I love my wife, and I enjoy spending time with her.” He believes social media is a great tool for business because it lets him hear feedback from millions of people.

    During the conversation, Mahindra also shared his thoughts about work. When someone asked him how many hours he works each day, he replied, “It’s not about how many hours I work but the quality of my work that matters.”

    This discussion comes after controversial comments by SN Subrahmanyan, the head of Larsen & Toubro (L&T). He suggested that employees should work 90 hours a week and mentioned how he wishes he could make them work on Sundays. He even questioned what people do at home, asking, “How long can you stare at your wife? Come to the office and get to work!”

    In response, L&T said that their chairman’s comments reflect their commitment to building India’s future. They emphasize that achieving great results requires hard work and dedication, especially during this crucial time

  • Los Angeles Wildfires: Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response

    Los Angeles Wildfires: Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response

    In Los Angeles, huge wildfires this week have caused serious damage and led to new evacuation orders. At least 11 people have died and 10,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed since the fires began on Tuesday. Firefighters are exhausted as they work to fight six massive fires, with one called the Palisades Fire causing the most destruction.

    The Palisades Fire changed direction on Saturday, moving closer to neighborhoods like Brentwood and parts of the San Fernando Valley. Even though strong winds that fueled the fires slowed down a bit, the Palisades Fire is still a danger, with only 8% of it contained by Friday. Its flames and smoke have wiped out entire neighborhoods, turning homes into piles of ash.

    Many people were forced to evacuate, with about 153,000 under evacuation orders and another 166,800 warned to stay alert. Aid is coming from neighboring states, the federal government, and even Canada to help fight the fires from the ground and air.

    As of now, conditions are improving with winds calming down, which should help the firefighters. However, the fire risk still remains high due to dry weather and low humidity.

    Residents returning to burned areas are shocked to see their neighborhoods gone. Kelly Foster, a mother, searched through the rubble of her home, saying it’s heartbreaking to see what’s left. In Rick McGeagh’s neighborhood, only six of 60 homes survived, leaving just a statue of the Virgin Mary standing amidst the ash.

    While some communities are getting help, others worry that aid will favor wealthier areas. Many people are now without power, and smoke from the fires is making air quality worse for millions. Estimates predict the total loss and damage from the fires could reach around $135 billion to $150 billion, making it hard for many to recover.

    California’s Insurance Commissioner is urging insurance companies to pause any cancellations of policies and to give people more time to pay their bills. President Biden has declared the fires a major disaster, promising federal help for the next six months.

  • Everything You Need to Know About Trump’s Inauguration Day 2025

    Everything You Need to Know About Trump’s Inauguration Day 2025

    Donald Trump is getting ready for his second term as President of the United States! After winning the election in November and getting confirmed by Congress, everyone is excited for Inauguration Day, which will take place on January 20, 2025. This year is special because it falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, making it a national holiday.

    When is Trump’s Inauguration?
    The big day is Monday, January 20, 2025. This is important because it’s the first time since 1997 that Inauguration Day has landed on this holiday.

    What Time Will It Start?
    The ceremony will begin at 12 p.m. Eastern Time. The highlight will be Donald Trump taking the oath of office outside the U.S. Capitol.

    What Happens on Inauguration Day?
    While we are still waiting for the list of performers and speakers, here’s the plan for the day:

    1. Swearing-In Ceremony: The president-elect and vice president-elect will take their oaths, promising to uphold the Constitution. After this, Trump will give a speech to the nation.

    2. Signing Ceremony: Next, Trump will go to the President’s Room in the Capitol to sign important documents that kick off his new term.

    3. Inaugural Luncheon: Afterward, there will be a special lunch in Statuary Hall for Congress members, the Supreme Court, and special guests. They will share speeches and toast to the new leaders.

    4. Review of the Troops and Parade: After lunch, Trump and the vice president will review the troops and enjoy the Presidential Parade down Pennsylvania Avenue with military groups, marching bands, and floats.

    5. Inaugural Balls: The day will end with fancy parties where Trump and the First Lady will celebrate.

    How to Watch the Inauguration
    You can watch the ceremonies live on channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, CSPAN, and Fox News. If you can’t be there in person, don’t worry! These networks will cover everything.

    FAQs

    What time is Donald Trump’s inauguration?
    It starts at 12:00 p.m. ET.

    How do I get tickets?
    Tickets are free and can be requested through your congressional representatives

  • Somalia’s President Visits Ethiopia: A Step Towards Better Relations

    Somalia’s President Visits Ethiopia: A Step Towards Better Relations

    MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia’s president is set to visit Ethiopia this Saturday, marking a positive change in relations between the two countries. This comes after a year of tensions due to Ethiopia’s plan to build a naval base in a breakaway region of Somalia.

    President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is currently in Uganda for a summit about farming in Africa, and he will travel to Ethiopia from there. During his visit, he will meet with Ethiopian leaders to discuss ways to improve their relationship and work together on common goals. This visit shows that Somalia and Ethiopia want to collaborate more closely.

    In January 2023, Ethiopia sent its defense minister to Mogadishu, which was significant because it was the first official visit after their relationship took a downturn. Tensions arose when Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland (a breakaway region of Somalia) to lease a coastal area for a naval base and commercial port. In exchange, Ethiopia might recognize Somaliland’s independence. Somalia then accused Ethiopia of threatening its territory and even considered removing Ethiopian peacekeepers from its land.

    After months of growing tension and unsuccessful mediation talks, Somalia and Ethiopia agreed on December 11 to work together to resolve their differences and to start technical talks by the end of February. The Somali president’s upcoming trip to Addis Ababa is part of this agreement reached in Turkey.

  • BJP’s P C George: Faces Hate Speech Case Amid Political Tension

    BJP’s P C George: Faces Hate Speech Case Amid Political Tension

    A police case has been filed against BJP leader P C George for making comments that might cause religious conflict. George, a former member of the legislative assembly (MLA), was accused of hate speech against a minority community during a TV discussion earlier this week.

    The Erattupetta Police opened the case on Friday after receiving a complaint from Muhammad Shihab, who is connected to the Muslim Youth League. George is being charged under different sections that deal with promoting hate, insulting religious beliefs, and causing problems through unwanted communication.

    The police are starting their investigation based on Shihab’s statement. In response, the BJP has strongly criticized the case against George, saying it is an unfair attack by the ruling LDF government. Senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar stated that the Left government has not condemned Hamas and defended George’s comments, explaining he was speaking against extremism, not targeting any group.

    BJP’s Kerala chief, K Surendran, also spoke out against the government, claiming they are acting under pressure from community groups. He added that the party will take legal and political steps in response to the accusations.

  • PM Modi to Open Z-Morh Tunnel: A New Era for Kashmir Connectivity

    PM Modi to Open Z-Morh Tunnel: A New Era for Kashmir Connectivity

    In Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir, security is very tight around the Z-Morh tunnel, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to open on January 13. After the opening, he will speak at a public rally in the Gagangir area, a part of beautiful Sonamarg.

    Because of recent events, including a sad terrorist attack that took the lives of seven people near the tunnel, extra security measures have been put in place. The area is now closed to the public, and special security teams like the SPG (Special Protection Group) are guarding the venue.

    Many security forces, including local police, paramilitary forces, and the Army, are working hard to ensure a safe event. They are conducting patrols, area checks, and have deployed snipers in key places. They are also using drones to keep an eye on the area 24/7.

    As part of the preparations, the authorities have temporarily closed the Srinagar-Leh national highway from Saturday to Monday due to slippery roads caused by bad weather. While they claim this is for maintenance work, many believe it’s also for the PM’s visit.

    Special focus is on the Srinagar-Sonamarg road, with increased police presence and checkpoints established to monitor vehicles and people.

    The Z-Morh tunnel is a significant infrastructure project, costing Rs 2,400 crore. It’s 6.5 kilometers long and will provide year-round road access to Ladakh, which is crucial for travel, trade, and military needs. Built at a high altitude of 8,650 feet, it has two lanes and an escape route for emergencies.

    This tunnel will not only allow easier travel between Gagangir and Sonamarg but also help connect Ladakh with the rest of India. Together with the Zojila tunnel, it will create reliable access for civilians and the military.

    According to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), this new tunnel is an incredible advancement for the region, boosting trade and tourism opportunities. It is designed with modern technology for better connectivity and real-time updates, promising to enhance travel experiences for everyone.

  • India’s Tech Revolution: C-DAC Empowers Students for a Bright Future

    India’s Tech Revolution: C-DAC Empowers Students for a Bright Future

    In Pune, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that technology is key for India to become a developed country by 2047. He highlighted the important role of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in this mission.

    Vaishnaw launched new technology products created by C-DAC, including two development boards called ARIES ECO and ARIES NOVA, and a new computer chip named THEJAS64. The ARIES ECO board is designed for students to experiment with cool projects like smart meters and wearable devices. This helps young students learn about building technology in exciting and practical ways.

    THEJAS64 is India’s first fully made 64-bit chip, built to support safe and powerful technology.

    Vaishnaw emphasized that a lot of research is happening in India’s top universities, such as IIT Madras and IISc Bengaluru. With around 240 institutions across the country using advanced tools for designing computer chips, C-DAC plays an important role in uniting and guiding these research efforts.

    He mentioned that students who once only read about technology in books can now use real tools to create their own ideas. These young innovators are getting ready for jobs in the chip-making industry, and they even have the chance to start their own tech companies.

    To support these future engineers, C-DAC will host a competition for students using design tools, helping them connect with industry experts. They will also introduce a new certification course for students, ensuring they are well prepared for their careers.

  • Sebi Confirms No New Limits on Derivatives Trading, Focuses on Safety

    Sebi Confirms No New Limits on Derivatives Trading, Focuses on Safety

    Sebi, the regulator for stock markets in India, is not planning to put any more limits on trading in derivatives, says Ananth Narayan, a top official at Sebi. An expert group, led by former RBI director G Padmanabhan, is working on improving the trading system and making it easier and safer for people to trade.

    Earlier, in November, Sebi made some rules to reduce risky trading in the futures and options market after finding that 93% of retail investors lost money over the last three years. Narayan stated that Sebi supports derivatives as they help find fair prices and grow the market. Changes will only happen after talking to others in the market.

    There are ongoing discussions about better ways to measure risk in derivatives. Narayan emphasized that both cash and derivatives markets should have good volume and depth so they can work well together. He criticized the current method of measuring open interest, saying it gives a misleading picture and needs change.

    Sebi is also thinking about linking trading limits to how many shares are delivered and possibly changing rules from the time of COVID to manage market ups and downs. They want to ensure that stock indices do not have too much focus on a few big stocks, as this could make the market less trustworthy. Narayan mentioned that he sees concerns on social media about possible market manipulation, especially in index trading, and that Sebi is looking into these issues. Overall, the goal is to make trading easier and safer while also improving how risks are measured

  • VP Dhankhar: Everyone in Public Service Is Replaceable, Fairness is Key

    VP Dhankhar: Everyone in Public Service Is Replaceable, Fairness is Key

    On Saturday, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar spoke at animportant conference in Bengaluru. He shared his thoughts about public service jobs and the importance of fairness in recruiting people for these roles.

    He mentioned that extending someone’s job after retirement can be unfair to those in line for their positions. “No one is so important that they can’t be replaced,” he said. Dhankhar believes that all individuals have talent and no one should feel indispensable. He emphasized that appointments in public service should be based on merit, not personal connections.

    He also criticized hiring retired employees for new roles because it goes against what the founders of our country intended. “This happens in some states where workers never really retire. They get new temporary titles instead,” he explained. He stressed that everyone should have equal chances, as required by law.

    The Vice President also expressed concern about cheating during exams, stating that “paper leakage” has become a major issue. “This must stop,” he declared, and praised the government’s new law to prevent unfair practices in public exams.

    Dhankhar acknowledged that for India to succeed, we need a peaceful political environment. He noted that our politics is currently divided and that we need more communication among political groups. He urged leaders from all parties to work together and have open discussions to solve problems.

    Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also spoke at the event, highlighting that Public Service Commissions help strengthen democracy by choosing qualified individuals for government roles. He shared that Karnataka has a strong tradition in public administration, starting with the Mysore Civil Services examination in 1892.

    Siddaramaiah also said that fixing issues like paper leaks is a top priority in Karnataka. He stressed using technology, like artificial intelligence, to make recruitment clearer and free from corruption.

    Among those present at the conference were Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, UPSC Chairwoman Preeti Sudan, and Karnataka Public Service Commission Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar.