Tag: thellv.news

  • Snow and School Changes in North Carolina: Winter Weather Updates!

    Snow and School Changes in North Carolina: Winter Weather Updates!

    Winter has arrived in North Carolina, bringing snow, ice, and changes to school schedules. In Charlotte, kids saw their first snow in three years! Nearby areas faced slippery roads due to ice. Because of the winter weather, several school districts—like Iredell, Lincoln, Alexander, and Ashe counties—had to change their plans for the day.

    What Schools Are Doing This Tuesday:
    – Iredell County Schools: Closed for the day, but teachers can choose to work from home.
    – Lincoln County Schools: Delayed opening by two hours because of black ice.
    – Alexander County Schools: Also delayed by two hours.
    – Ashe County Schools: Students will learn from home, starting at 9 a.m. for elementary kids and 10 a.m. for high schoolers.

    Other districts, including Guilford, Winston-Salem/Forsyth, and Lexington City Schools, have also closed or delayed their schedules, offering remote learning options where possible.

    Expect cold weather this week! Temperatures will stay in the 40s during the day and drop to near record lows in the 20s at night. Tonight, the coldest air of the season is expected, with temperatures likely reaching the teens. Charlotte might even drop to around 20 degrees, just above the record low of 18 set in 2000.

    Weather Update for Charlotte:
    On Tuesday morning, Charlotte got a quick surprise snow, creating some winter alerts, especially in areas north and west of town. Although the snow was short-lived, it made a big impact.

    Later in the week, a cold front will bring temperatures back to the 40s on Friday and Saturday, with a slight warm-up on Sunday. There may also be some rain on Monday.

  • South Korea’s Yoon Declares Emergency Martial Law Amid Political Tensions

    South Korea’s Yoon Declares Emergency Martial Law Amid Political Tensions

    South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared an “emergency martial law.” He made this announcement on Tuesday, saying that the opposition party has too much power in the parliament and is helping North Korea, which is causing problems for the government.

    During a live broadcast, Yoon promised to “get rid of pro-North Korean groups and protect our democratic way of life.” It’s unclear how this will impact how the country is run.

    Yoon, who has been president since 2022, has seen his popularity drop recently. He has had a hard time moving his plans forward because the opposition Democratic Party controls the parliament. There has been a standstill between Yoon’s conservative People Power Party and the Democratic Party about the budget for next year.

    Yoon also faced criticism for not allowing independent inquiries into scandals involving his wife and other officials. After his announcement, the Democratic Party held a special meeting to discuss what to do next.

  • Indian Banks Thrive: Record Growth and Women Empowerment Boost

    Indian Banks Thrive: Record Growth and Women Empowerment Boost

    On Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shared great news about Indian banks. She said our banks are strong and doing well, which is really important because we can’t have banks that are struggling. This was said while she presented the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha. She praised the Reserve Bank of India and the Finance Ministry for keeping the banking system steady, noting that even countries with good systems sometimes face bank failures.

    Sitharaman mentioned how banking has changed since 2014 and said we should be proud of how banks are now managed better. Unlike before, banks are not asking the government for money because they can now raise funds on their own by selling bonds. Nowadays, we can do banking online or on our phones, which is available everywhere from Arunachal Pradesh to Rajasthan. She also highlighted how Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) help reach people who need services in remote areas.

    The minister shared that the number of bank branches has grown significantly: from 3,792 to 1,65,501 branches by September 2024. Out of these, 85,116 are public sector banks, making banking easier even in rural areas. She said the number of rural branches increased from 41,855 in 2014 to 55,372 in March 2024. Semi-urban branches grew from 33,504 to 55,214, and urban branches rose from 21,007 to 29,276 over the same period.

    Sitharaman also talked about women empowerment. She revealed that 68% of all Mudra loans went to women and that 44% of all Swanidhi loans were granted to them without needing collateral. A huge milestone is that 1 lakh out of 12 lakh rural Mudra bankers are women, helping them earn more money. Today, there are 53 crore Mudra bank accounts with a total of Rs 2.37 lakh crore deposited, increasing the average balance from Rs 1,065 to Rs 4,397.

  • RBI’s New Strategy for Better Credit Access in Local Communities

    RBI’s New Strategy for Better Credit Access in Local Communities

    RBI Deputy Governor Swaminathan J recently shared that banks should create credit plans by first listening to the needs of local communities. Speaking to lead district managers in Maharashtra, he emphasized that understanding the priorities of people in different areas helps banks better meet their funding needs.

    The Lead Bank Scheme (LBS), started in 1969, was designed to help banks and the government work together. Swaminathan stated that plans should be based on real data gathered from local surveys instead of just theories. This hands-on approach helps identify where money is needed the most and ensures that loan plans fit local needs.

    He pointed out that around half of the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) still don’t get formal loans, and many small farmers are also unable to access bank funds. Businesses, especially those run by women, are another group that often miss out on financial help. Thus, by combining data analysis with real-world experience, banks can better serve these groups with more effective credit plans.

    Over the years, LBS has adapted to meet India’s changing needs, allowing banks and government agencies to improve access to banking services and provide essential funding to key areas.

  • Winter Weather Disrupts Schools in North Carolina: What to Expect

    Winter Weather Disrupts Schools in North Carolina: What to Expect

    Winter is here in North Carolina! Many schools are closed, delayed, or switching to remote learning because of the cold and snow. Charlotte saw its first snowfall in three years, while nearby areas faced slippery ice.

    Some school districts have made changes for Tuesday. Iredell County Schools are closed, allowing teachers to work from home. Lincoln County schools start two hours late because of black ice, and Alexander County has a similar delay. In Ashe County, students will learn online—elementary classes start at 9 a.m. and high school classes at 10 a.m. Other schools, like ones in Guilford, Winston-Salem/Forsyth, and Lexington City, also announced closures or delays and some are offering remote learning.

    In Charlotte, a light snowfall created a winter alert, especially in areas north and west of the city. The weather for the rest of the week is expected to be cold with plenty of sunshine. Temperatures will be in the 40s during the day but may drop to the 20s at night. Tonight, it will be very cold, with temperatures dipping into the teens. Charlotte might get close to a record low of 18 degrees.

    As the week goes on, a cold front will return temperatures to the 40s on Friday and Saturday, with a little warm-up by Sunday. Be ready for possible rain next Monday!

  • Prithvi Shaw’s IPL Snub: Time for a Comeback?

    Prithvi Shaw’s IPL Snub: Time for a Comeback?

    Prithvi Shaw: A Talented Cricketer in Trouble

    Prithvi Shaw, a young cricketer from India, has been facing tough times lately. He’s known for his great skills on the field, but he has struggled with discipline, fitness, and his performance. Recently, during the IPL 2025 mega auction, he didn’t get picked by any team, which is a big deal because this is the first time in six years that he has no IPL team.

    Many important figures in cricket, like Ricky Ponting and Pravin Amre, have criticized him for his performance and behavior. However, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has given Shaw some encouraging words. Harbhajan believes that Shaw has the potential to bounce back, but he has to take charge of his own career.

    About ten years ago, Shaw was compared to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, which put a lot of pressure on him. Harbhajan pointed out that these early comparisons can really affect players. He reminded Shaw that he needs to focus on improving his fitness, which seems to have been neglected lately.

    Despite the setbacks, Shaw has shown he can perform well—last year, he scored an incredible 379 runs in a Ranji Trophy match and made a fantastic debut in the One-Day Cup with 244 runs. However, his poor performance in this year’s IPL and indiscipline has cost him a spot in the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad.

    Harbhajan hopes that being unsold in the IPL will motivate Shaw to work hard and make smart choices. He believes that Shaw has all the talent he needs but just needs to get his mindset right to succeed.

  • Priyanka Chopra’s Journey: From Bollywood Star to Film Producer!

    Priyanka Chopra’s Journey: From Bollywood Star to Film Producer!

    Priyanka Chopra started her own movie production company called Purple Pebble Pictures in 2015, just before she became famous worldwide with her role in the TV show “Quantico.” On a podcast called Something Bigger Show, Priyanka’s mom, Madhu Chopra, shared that this company was actually a backup plan for Priyanka.

    Madhu said, “When Priyanka got the chance to work in America, I told her, ‘You’re at the top of your career in India. Are you sure you want to start over in the U.S.? Let’s have something here for you to rely on, so you won’t be worried if things don’t go as planned.’ That’s how we came up with Purple Pebble Pictures. It was more like our Plan B.”

    However, when Priyanka became successful in Hollywood, her company also grew. Madhu added, “She thinks in a different way. Our production house focuses only on regional films. Priyanka wanted to use her success to help others. She always gives chances to newcomers in every film, whether they are writers, directors, or actors. Since she had a tough journey, she wants to help others too.”

    About Purple Pebble Pictures:

    The company started with a Bhojpuri movie called “Bam Bam Bol Raha Hai Kashi” in 2016. Their next film, “Ventilator,” won three National Awards. In 2018, a first-time director, Paakhi Tyrewala, made a Nepali film called “Pahuna: The Little Visitors” with Priyanka’s help. In 2019, her Marathi film “Paani” won a National Film Award for the Best Film on Environment Conservation. Priyanka has also made films in Punjabi, Assamese, and English.

    Priyanka acted in her own produced movies like “The Sky Is Pink” and “The White Tiger.” Her most recent project was an English film titled “Born Hungry,” released earlier this year.

  • Rising Attacks on Hindus: Radical Groups Compete for Power in Bangladesh

    Rising Attacks on Hindus: Radical Groups Compete for Power in Bangladesh

    In Bangladesh, there has been an increase in attacks on Hindus. These attacks are mainly caused by different Muslim radical groups fighting to gain power and money. An intelligence report explains that these groups are competing with each other, which is creating tensions and conflicts.

    One of the biggest Islamist parties in Bangladesh is Jamaat-e-Islami, which has a lot of influence and money. Harkat-ul-Jihad (HUJI-B) is another radical group that has been linked to terrorist activities and gets money from outside sources, including al-Qaeda.

    Even though Hizb-ut-Tahrir was banned in 2009, it still operates secretly and takes part in radical actions. Ansar-al-Islam, which is part of al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, has also been involved in terrorist acts. A smaller group called Neo-JMB broke away from Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh and has been involved in violence too.

    All these groups are vying for money, followers, and support. They especially want to recruit young, educated, and jobless people. The report mentions that under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule, funding for these groups decreased, but now they are trying to rebuild their power. They are seeking funds from places like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

    Some of these groups want to carry out big, shocking attacks to gain respect and power. Because of this competition among radical groups, attacks on Hindus are increasing in Bangladesh. The struggles between these groups can also create splits within the Islamist movement, making it harder for them to reach their goals.

  • 2025 Recruitment: 4,138 Women Joining India’s Security Forces

    2025 Recruitment: 4,138 Women Joining India’s Security Forces

    In 2025, the Border Security Force (BSF), which protects the borders between India and Pakistan as well as India and Bangladesh, is set to have around 2,500 women officers. According to information shared by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in Parliament, the recruitment of women in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Assam Rifles is being boosted, with a total of 4,138 women being hired this year.

    The BSF will hire the most women with 2,419 positions, followed by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which will add 818 women. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), responsible for securing the India-China border, will recruit 456 women. Additionally, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will get 242 new female officers, while the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) will hire 103. The Assam Rifles (AR), which protects the northeastern borders, will welcome 100 women.

    The MHA noted, “We are constantly working to increase the number of women in CAPFs. The number of women in these forces has jumped from 15,499 in 2014 to 42,190 in 2024.”

    Currently, women make up about 4% of the total workforce in CAPFs and AR. The CISF has the highest percentage of women at over 7%, while the CRPF has only 3.38%. The recruitment of women in CAPFs and AR is growing slowly, with 835 women hired so far. This includes 276 women in the CRPF, 209 in the CISF, 152 in the BSF, 128 in the SSB, 62 in the ITBP, and 8 in Assam Rifles.

    Right now, the Assam Rifles has 42 job openings for women. The BSF will soon recruit 1,849 women, while the CISF has 2,344 job openings available. The CRPF is looking to add 216 more women, and the ITBP has 960 open spots for women recruits, with the SSB needing to fill 58 positions.

  • Elon Musk’s xAI: Rapid Rise to a $50 Billion AI Powerhouse

    Elon Musk’s xAI: Rapid Rise to a $50 Billion AI Powerhouse

    Elon Musk’s company xAI is making waves in the world of artificial intelligence (AI). It reached a huge value of $50 billion just a year and four months after it started in July 2023. This is much faster than other companies like Anthropic, which is worth $19 billion, and Perplexity, worth $2.8 billion.

    Big Achievements in a Short Time

    – Valuation Milestone: In only 16 months, xAI became worth $50 billion. In comparison, OpenAI took over nine years to reach the same level.

    – Funding Success: xAI raised $5 billion in its most recent round of funding. Big investors included Valor Equity Partners, Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and the Qatar Investment Authority.

    – Building Powerful Computers: xAI bought 100,000 Nvidia chips to make its supercomputer, called Memphis. This computer can help develop AI technology quickly and supports Tesla’s Full Self-Driving features.

    Building a Supercomputer Faster Than Ever

    xAI created the Memphis supercomputer in just 19 days on an old factory site. This is incredible because similar projects usually take much longer—around three years to plan and over a year to build. The Memphis facility can hold 100,000 Nvidia GPUs, making it the fastest supercomputer in a single group.

    Innovations Making xAI Stand Out

    – AI Chatbot Grok: xAI made Grok, an AI chatbot inspired by “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” Grok competes with other popular chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.

    – Smart Language Model: Grok runs on xAI’s special Grok-2 language model, which understands natural language very well.

    – Training with Real Data: The social media platform X, created by Elon Musk, helps train Grok. It uses real-time user interactions to improve how Grok responds.

    xAI’s fast growth shows how smart its strategies are for getting money, building powerful technology, and creating cool products. The company aims to keep expanding its AI skills with more technology investments and improvements.