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moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/ashwini-vaishnaw-highlights-4-great-challenges-faced-by-society-due-to-rapid-shift-in-media-12868836.html

Ashwini Vaishnaw highlights 4 great challenges created by Big Tech

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday highlighted the four key challenges created by Big Tech due to the rapid shift in media from traditional to digital. During his address on the National Press Day, the Union minister expressed concerns over fake news, unfair compensation for traditional media, algorithmic bias and the impact of AI on intellectual property rights in the evolving media landscape.Four challenges we face today;1. Fake news & disinformation2. Fair compensation by platforms3. Algorithmic bias4. Impact of AI on Intellectual Propertypic.twitter.com/TWoYZEUQD2Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw)November 16, 2024 Here are the four challenges outlined by Vaishnaw in his speech: 1) Challenge of fake news and disinformation The minister said that the rapid spread of fake news is turning into a "big threat" for the media and democracy since it undermines trust. He said that digital platforms often fail to verify content, leading even informed citizens to fall victim to false information. Vaishnaw also raised concerns about the relevance of the 1990s "safe harbour" construct, which was designed when digital access was limited but now seems outdated in a world where nearly everyone has access to digital platforms. He spoke about the need for platforms to take greater responsibility, especially in diverse societies like India, where cultural, linguistic, and regional sensitivities demand careful consideration. "Shouldn’t there be different metrics for the platforms? Shouldn't there be more responsibility on the platforms? This question needs to be debated in our social context," he said. 2) Fair compensation for conventional media The minister said that the shift from traditional to digital media is financially impacting conventional outlets, as their significant investments in journalists, training, editorial processes, and accountability are overshadowed by the unequal bargaining power of digital platforms. "The efforts made by conventional media in creating content need to be suitably compensated," he said. He mentioned the global debate on the asymmetric relationship between content creators and platforms. 3) Algorithmic bias on platforms Vaishnaw also touched upon the vexed topic of algorithmic bias in digial media, saying that platforms design algorithms that show context which incites strong reactions from the users - regardless of its factual accuracy. " ... these algorithms are designed to maximise engagement. Because the engagement defines the revenue so maximising the revenue becomes the objective of the platform," he said. The minister said misinformation and such algorithmic bias in India can have serious social consequences and there have been multiple instances of that already. Calling the approach "irresponsible and dangerous", the minister called upon the platforms to determine solutions that account for the impact their systems have on the society. 4) AI impact on IP rights He said that the rise of Artificial Intelligence is disrupting the creative world as content from musicians, filmmakers, writers and other creators is being utilised by AI models without clear safeguards for intellectual property rights. "What happens to the IP rights of the creators? Are they being compensated or acknowledged for their work?" asked Vaishnaw. He pointed out that AI models generate music and content using vast databases of existing works. "Under such changes in the technology, what is the safeguard for the original content creators? This is not just an economic issue; it is an ethical issue also," he said. 'We must create consensus' The Union minister said that the challenges are a result of the changing landscape of India and the whole society has to work together to address them. Vaishnaw said there is a need to have an open debate around this and create a consensus. "We have to create more discussions around it and we need to rise above politics because these challenges are affecting the very fabric of our society," he said, warning that the challenges will become more prominent in the coming days.

2024-11-17 11:38

2024-11-17

11:38

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/ballarpur-election-2024-all-about-the-constituency-party-wise-candidates-results-and-more-12868760.html

Ballarpur Election 2024: All about the constituency, party-wise candidates, results and more

Mungantiwar is in the fray from home turf Ballarpur constituency against Santosh Singh Rawat of Congress.

The Ballarpur Assembly constituency is one of the key seats which will be watched out closely in the Assembly polls. It is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra and was established as a separate constituency post the 2008 delimitation. It is part of the larger Chandrapur Lok Sabha constituency. The current representative for the Ballarpur seat is Mungantiwar Sudhir Sachchidanand from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Even as he lost the recent Lok Sabha polls from Chandrapur to a Congress nominee, the BJP has reposed its faith in Mungantiwar by renominating him to contest the Ballarpur Assembly seat. Mungantiwar is in the fray from home turf Ballarpur constituency against Santosh Singh Rawat of Congress. A look back at past results: BJP candidate Mungantiwar Sudhir Sachchidanand had won the 2019 Assembly polls by a margin of over 33,000 votes defeating Dr Vishwas Anandrao Zade of the Indian National Congress. Mungantiwar was polled 86,002 votes with a vote share of 42.9 per cent. Mungantiwar had also won secured the seat in 2014 with a bigger margin. He secured 1,03,718 votes against Congress’ Mulchandani Ghanshyam Khushimal who got 60,118 votes. BSP candidate Singh Rajesh Durgasingh stood at the third spot with a total of 10,344 votes. In the year 2009 too, Mungantiwar won from the Ballarpur Assembly constituency. However, in the Lok Sabha polls held earlier this year, Congress’s Dhanorkar Pratibha Suresh defeated Mungantiwar to win the Chandrapur Lok Sabha seat. The Congress candidate secured a total of 7,18,410 votes while Mungantiwar bagged 4,58,004 votes. According to data from the Election Commission, the Ballarpur constituency had a total of 2,00,789 registered voters during the 2019 Assembly elections. Among them, 1,04,109 were male, 95,648 were female, and one voter identified as third gender. Polling and counting date: The Ballarpur constituency will vote on November 20 along with all the other 287 constituencies of the state. The counting of votes will take place three days later on November 23.

2024-11-17 11:31

2024-11-17

11:31

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/pm-modis-nigeria-visit-may-bolster-defence-ties-with-west-african-nation-report-12868833.html

PM Modi's Nigeria visit may bolster defence ties with West African nation: Report

Several African countries have already expressed keen interest in procuring Indian military platforms, equipment and hardware..Related stories.

Prime MinisterNarendra Modi’s visit to Nigeriatoday is expected to strengthen defence ties between India and the West African nation, which is seeking partnership in areas like small arms, ammunition, and armoured vehicles, Economic Times reported. Nigeria’s top military leadership has been trained in India for decades and the two nations have forged closer defence ties in recent years, the report added. Moneycontrol couldn't independently verify the report. In March this year the India-Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave was held. The conclave, held on the sidelines of the second Africa-India Joint Exercise ‘AFINDEX’ in Pune, was attended by army chief General Manoj Pande and the chiefs and representatives of 31 African nations. Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s commitment to providing support to African countries in defence related matters at the conclave. India is currently emerging as a key defence supplier to Africa, with sales to Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tanzania and Mozambique. State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has offered its indigenous Prachand Attack light combat helicopters to Nigeria, the report further added. Also Read |India expands strategic presence; to have defence attaches in more countries in Africa, Asia Several African countries have already expressed keen interest in procuring Indian military platforms, equipment and hardware. In the last few years, India has been positioning itself as a leading voice, flagging concerns, challenges and aspirations of the Global South or the developing nations, especially the African continent. India's ties with the African continent have witnessed a major uptick amid China's persistent efforts to expand its influence in the African countries. The induction of the 55-nation African Union as a permanent member of the G20 was seen as major milestones of India's presidency of the grouping of the world's 20 big economies in 2023. PM is on a five-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana. From Nigeria, he will travel to Brazil. In his departure statement, Modi said, "I am also eagerly looking forward to meeting the Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi." Modi also said it would be an opportunity to "build upon our strategic partnership that is based on a shared belief in democracy and pluralism." In Brazil, he will attend the 19th G20 Summit as a Troika member.

2024-11-17 11:26

2024-11-17

11:26

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/arvi-election-2024-all-about-the-constituency-party-wise-candidates-past-winners-and-more-12868808.html

Arvi Election 2024: All about the constituency, party-wise candidates, past winners and more

BJP.Related stories.

The Arvi constituency assembly is one of the 288 Assembly constituencies in the western state of Maharashtra, which is headed for polls on November 20. Arvi is located in Wardha district. Arvi Assembly Constituency demographics Arvi constituency which has 1119411 registered voters, including 566263 male voters, 553133 female voters, and 15 third gender voters, as per reports. Arvi Assembly Constituency Candidates It is going to be a two-way battle in Arvi as NCP (SP) fielded Mayura Kale, wife of Wardha NCP (SP) MP Amar Kale. She will be pitted against BJP's Sumit Wankhede, former PA of Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Arvi Assembly Election Results In the 2019 Assembly elections in Maharashtra, BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) reached a majority to form the government. BJP's  Dadarao Keche won with 49.3 percent vote share. He defeated Amar Sharadrao Kale who got 42.3 percent vote share. Around 1400 votes were NOTA. Soon after, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena quit the NDA and joined hands with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) to form - the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which went on to form the government. Uddhav then became the chief minister of Maharashtra. Then, in June 2022, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde split from the party alongwith majority MLAs and joined hands with BJP leading to a collapse of the MVA government. Shinde then became the CM from the Mahayuti alliance. In 2024, NCP leader Ajit Pawar split from the party and MVA alliance and joined Mahayuti. Pawar then became the deputy CM of the state. Arvi Assembly Constituency past winners 1962: Narayanrao Rajeramji Kale (Independent)1967: J. G. Kadam (Indian National Congress)1972: Dhairyashilrao Vinayakrao Wagh (Independent)1978: Shivchand Gowardhandas Chudiwala (Indian National Congress)1980: Shivchand Gowardhandas Chudiwala (Indian National Congress)1985: Sharadrao Kale (Indian Congress)1990: Sharadrao Kale (Indian National Congress)1995: Sharadrao Kale (Indian National Congress)1999: Sharadrao Kale (Indian National Congress)2004: Amar Sharadrao Kale ((Indian National Congress)2009: Dadarao Keche (Bharatiya Janata Party)2014: Amar Sharadrao Kale (Indian National Congress)2019: Dadarao Keche (Bharatiya Janata Party) Arvi Assembly Constituency Election Date 2024 Polls in Maharashtra will be held in a single phase for all 288 seats. Arvi assembly constituency will vote on November 20. Counting of votes will be held on November 23.

2024-11-17 11:10

2024-11-17

11:10

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/fpis-selling-spree-continues-withdraw-rs-22420-cr-from-equities-in-nov-12868832.html

FPIs selling-spree continues; withdraw Rs 22,420 cr from equities in Nov

FPIs selling-spree continues; withdraw Rs 22,420 cr from equities in Nov.Related stories.

Foreign investors have pulled out Rs 22,420 crore from the Indian equity market so far this month, owing to high domestic stock valuations, increasing allocations to China, and the rising US dollar as well as Treasury yields. With this sell-off, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have recorded a total outflow of Rs 15,827 crore in 2024 so far. As liquidity tightens, FPI inflows are expected to remain subdued in the short term. A positive shift in FPI activity is unlikely before early January, keeping overall market sentiment weak, Akhil Puri, Partner, Financial Advisory, Forvis Mazars in India, said. According to the data, FPIs recorded a net outflow of Rs 22,420 crore so far this month. This came following a net withdrawal of Rs 94,017 crore in October, which was the worst monthly outflow. Before this, FPIs withdrew Rs 61,973 crore from equities in March 2020. In September 2024, foreign investors made a nine-month high investment of Rs 57,724 crore. The relentless FPI selling since October has been triggered by the cumulative impact of three factors: one, the high valuations in India; two, concerns regarding the earnings downgrade; and three, the Trump trade, V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services, said. "While there is a larger belief that part of selling in November and large part of the year-round selling has been due to the 'Buy China, Sell India trade for FPIs', our sense is that it's been a 'Buy US, Sell India + other EMs' trade due to the Presidential election event in the US," Piyush Metha, smallcase Manager and CIO at Caprize Investments, said. This is evident from the US market returns versus Indian markets since September — Indian markets fell 10 per cent while US markets moved up 10-12 per cent during the same period. Even Chinese markets have corrected 10 per cent from their recent top made in end-September. Himanshu Srivastava, Associate Director, Manager Research, Morningstar Investment Research India, said foreign investors are shifting their focus from Indian to Chinese stock markets due to China's new stimulus package and lower valuations. Additionally, India's high market valuation, weak corporate results, and rising inflation, which might delay rate cuts, are raising concerns about economic slowdown. Also, geopolitical tensions are adding to the uncertainty, prompting foreign investors to withdraw money from here, he said. Further, the rising US dollar and Treasury yields are attracting investors to the US, expecting stronger economic prospects there, he added. On the other hand, FPIs invested Rs 42 crore in the debt general limit and Rs 362 crore in the debt voluntary retention route (VRR) during the period under review. So far this year, FPIs invested Rs 1.06 lakh crore in the debt market.

2024-11-17 10:37

2024-11-17

10:37

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/personal-finance/why-wills-and-power-of-attorney-are-essential-for-senior-citizens-12868294.html

Why wills and power of attorney are essential for senior citizens

Representative image.Related stories.

As senior citizens age, planning for the future becomes essential, and two critical documents for safeguarding their wishes are wills and powers of attorney. Both play a key role in ensuring that financial, healthcare, and personal choices are respected, providing peace of mind for seniors and their families. Here’s why wills and power of attorney are so important for senior citizens. 1. Wills: Ensuring assets are distributed as desired A will is a legal document that outlines how a person’s assets and possessions should be distributed after they pass away. For senior citizens, having a will in place ensures that their financial wishes are carried out, reducing the chances of family disputes and delays in asset distribution. Provides clarity: A will details who will inherit assets like property, investments, and personal items. This prevents misunderstandings and potential legal battles among family members. Appoints an executor: Seniors can designate a trusted person to carry out their wishes, handling tasks like paying debts, filing taxes, and distributing assets. Reduces legal complications: Without a will, assets are divided according to the state's succession laws, which may not align with the deceased’s preferences. A will helps streamline the probate process. 2. Power of attorney: Safeguarding decisions in case of incapacity A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document allowing one person (the "principal") to designate another (the "agent" or "attorney-in-fact") to make decisions on their behalf. For senior citizens, a POA is crucial for maintaining control over financial, legal, and healthcare decisions, particularly if they become physically or mentally incapacitated. Financial power of attorney: Allows an agent to manage bank accounts, investments, pay bills, and handle property matters if the principal is unable to do so. Healthcare power of attorney: Enables the agent to make healthcare decisions, including treatment preferences, on behalf of the principal. Durable power of attorney: Remains in effect even if the senior becomes incapacitated, ensuring continuity of decision-making without court intervention. Prevents elder abuse:By appointing a trusted individual, seniors reduce the risk of financial and healthcare decisions being taken by untrusted parties. 3. Benefits of having both a will and a power of attorney Maintains control: These documents empower seniors to dictate how their assets are handled and what type of medical care they receive. Protects family from difficult decisions: Clear instructions provide guidance, reducing stress and uncertainty for family members. Ensures financial stability: Designating an agent helps manage finances effectively, protecting against poor financial decisions if cognitive decline occurs. Minimizes legal battles: A well-drafted will and POA reduce the likelihood of family conflicts, contested wills, and court interventions. 4. Key considerations for seniors Choosing the right agents and executors: It’s important to select trustworthy individuals who understand the senior’s wishes and values. Updating documents regularly: Wills and POAs should be reviewed periodically to reflect any changes in family dynamics, finances, or health. Consulting a legal professional: A lawyer can ensure that the will and POA meet legal requirements and provide comprehensive protection. For senior citizens, having a will and power of attorney in place is essential for securing their wishes and providing peace of mind.

2024-11-17 10:19

2024-11-17

10:19

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/beats-solo-4-review-where-style-meets-substance-article-12868739.html

Beats Solo 4 review: Where style meets substance

Beats Solo 4.Related stories.

In Apple’s hallowed ecosystem of meticulously sleek gadgets, Beats headphones are like the rebellious cousin. Someone who cares more about those flashy Jordans and funky hoodies. Yet, Beats products have become a staple in Apple’s portfolio and carved a space of their own— balancing Apple’s understated minimalism with flash and flair. Take the case of Beats Solo 4 — they’re the headphones that yell, “Look at me!” while Apple’s own audio lineup wear a more subtle look. The Solo 4 lean hard into Beats’ signature DNA: bold branding, vibrant colours, and a pop-culture pedigree. It’s not all about the swag though as they do offer quite a lot — long-lasting battery life, workout-ready stability, and pleasing audio output. Still, they’re no AirPods Max and to be fair they aren't operating in that price bracket either. Where Apple’s own headphones double down on luxury and high-fidelity performance, the Solo 4 cater to the everyday listener who values a good bassline over pristine audiophile-grade sound. I used the Beats Solo 4 for a while to see how they fare: Beats Solo 4 review: Design The Beats Solo 4 maintain the brand’s signature aesthetic, closely resembling the design of their predecessor, the Solo 3. The headphones feature a clean, minimalist look with the iconic Beats logo prominently displayed on the sides, ensuring they’re instantly recognisable. The Slate Blue finish I tested is vibrant yet understated, while other colour options include Matte Black and Cloud Pink. However, the limited selection of three colours is a step down from the five options offered with the Solo 3, though it’s likely more shades will be introduced later. In fact, Apple now offers more colour options with the AirPods Max than the Beats counterpart. The overall design of the Beats Solo 4 leans heavily on plastic, which doesn’t exude the same high-end feel as competitors like Sony or Bose. Having said that, the headband can be adjusted smoothly. The minimalist design includes four well-integrated buttons. The main “b” button controls playback and track skipping. Volume controls at times require excessive force, but once you get used to them, it’s not much of a hassle. The power button, inconspicuously designed, is challenging to locate and operate without visual aid, and mis-timing can unintentionally enter pairing mode. Though I must say that the Solo 4 are quite snug to wear, I couldn’t wear them for long hours. The headphones stay firmly in place even during intense physical activity. However, on-ear designs don’t suit my ears, and these headphones were no exception. The discomfort was further exacerbated by insufficient padding on the headband, limiting my use to under an hour at a time. In fact, during a 45-minute outdoor walk, I had to take them off a few times to let my ears ‘breathe’. While the earcups fold for portability, the hinge mechanisms feel a bit loose, and the folded position lacks the reassuring stability found in more premium models. But that’s hardly a complaint many users will have. The ear pads are plush — and just for me — the extended use led to discomfort, particularly since I wear glasses all the time. The Beats Solo 4 deliver on style and stability for active users, their comfort and build quality could use refinement to justify their price. The Beats Solo 4 also come with a lightweight, soft fabric carrying case, which adds to their portability. While the material helps reduce the overall weight, it does raise concerns about durability, particularly when the headphones are packed tightly in a suitcase or stashed at the bottom of a backpack. The case’s design also has some practical limitations. The opening is relatively narrow, making it tricky to remove the headphones without inadvertently adjusting the headband sliders. Additionally, storing the included 3.5mm analog and USB-C cables is a challenge. The designated pouches within the case are quite small, and fitting the cables back into them can feel unnecessarily fiddly, detracting from the overall ease of use. Beats Solo 4 review: Sound quality, battery The Beats Solo 4 headphones deliver a feature set typical of modern wireless headphones, with several standout options. For starters, they connect in a jiffy across Android, iPhone, and Windows devices. There’s wired USB-C connection support lossless audio playback for enhanced sound quality. This feature allows listeners to experience greater detail across the frequency range, although only when connected to high-quality audio sources. Additionally, simultaneous charging is possible when connected to devices that provide power. However, Bluetooth audio quality is limited to AAC and SBC codecs, which are both compressed formats, meaning there’s no support for aptX or LDAC. A 3.5mm analog input and included cable allow users to enjoy wired playback without draining battery power—ideal for travel or higher-quality listening. The Beats app is useful and has a responsive interface that manages privacy settings, battery optimisation, and precise battery percentage monitoring, a rarity among headphones. The Solo 4 also supports fast pairing, auto-switching between compatible devices, and “Find My” tracking on both iOS and Android. Unfortunately, device auto-switching works only within the same ecosystem, such as iOS or Android, and doesn’t support standard multi-point pairing for seamless switching across platforms. If you are already part of the Apple ecosystem, you get exclusive features like hands-free Siri, Audio Sharing, and Personalised Spatial Audio for immersive Dolby Atmos sound. The Beats Solo 4 headphones deliver a sound experience that leans toward their signature: rich bass, clear mids, and an emphasis on energy. While they excel in certain genres and tracks, there are nuances that music enthusiasts might notice depending on the song. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica feels powerful and energetic on the Solo 4. The thunderous bass guitar intro has a satisfying rumble, and the rhythm section is punchy. Though I must say that the headphones don’t fully capture the grit of James Hetfield’s vocals or the nuanced interplay between the guitars in the quieter moments. The sound is vibrant, but it lacks the depth audiophiles might crave. But perhaps that’s not the audience Beats is actually targeting. When listening to “Kesariya” by Arijit Singh, the Solo 4 handles the melody beautifully. Arijit’s voice shines with warmth and clarity, and the layered orchestration comes across well. Yet, the bass tends to overshadow the finer strings and percussive details. “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd is where the Solo 4’s limitations are evident. The iconic acoustic guitar intro feels full-bodied, but the emotional depth of David Gilmour’s vocals and the delicate background effects lose some sparkle. On “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel, the Solo 4 fares better. The vocal harmonies resonate cleanly, with a touch of brightness that complements the track’s haunting tone. The lack of crispness in the highest frequencies is noticeable, but it’s still an enjoyable experience. The Beats Solo 4 thrive on modern, bass-driven tracks but struggle to deliver the full range of detail and finesse in more complex or subtle compositions. They’re a solid choice for casual listeners but might not satisfy audiophile-level expectations. The microphone provides clear voice transmission but also picks up significant background noise, which may be distracting during calls. When it comes to battery life, these headphones really shine as you can get up to  50 hours of playback on a full charge. Testing showed consistent performance, with around 5% battery drained per 2.5 hours of playback, meeting or slightly exceeding Beats’ claims depending on usage. The battery life is certainly the Solo 4's standout feature. Beats Solo 4 review: Verdict The Beats Solo 4 headphones are a strong contender in the mid-range  headphone market, offering a stylish design, pleasing sound performance, and practical features. Priced at Rs 22,900, the headphones offer a lot of practical features like seamless pairing within ecosystems, lossless audio via USB-C, and excellent battery life. The Beats Solo 4 headphones are a stylish and feature-rich option for the general consumer but may leave audiophile users wanting more.

2024-11-17 09:56

2024-11-17

09:56

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/elections/assembly-election/jharkhand/jharkhands-highest-award-to-be-named-bhagwan-birsa-munda-bhagwan-sido-kanho-cm-article-12868810.html

Jharkhand's highest award to be named 'Bhagwan Birsa Munda-Bhagwan Sido Kanho': CM

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday announced that the state's highest award will be named 'Bhagwan Birsa Munda-Bhagwan Sido Kanho'. He said the decision in this regard will be taken in the first cabinet meeting of the JMM-led government if it is voted to power. "The name of Jharkhand's highest award will be 'Bhagwan Birsa Munda-Bhagwan Sido Kanho Award'. This will be the first decision of the first cabinet of 'Abua government' (own government). May the brave martyrs of Jharkhand remain immortal. Jai Jharkhand," the CM posted on X.

2024-11-17 09:43

2024-11-17

09:43

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/delhis-air-quality-plummets-as-over-14-areas-record-severe-aqi-levels-above-400-12868799.html

Delhi's air quality plummets as over 14 areas record severe AQI levels above 400

Delhi smog caused by air pollution.

Delhi's air pollution has worsened significantly, with over 14 areas recording Air Quality Index (AQI) levels above 400, classifying them in the 'severe' zone as of Sunday morning, according to CPCB data. Areas such as Pusa (426), Punjabi Bagh (448), and Jahangirpuri (467) witnessed alarming AQI readings. Only Lodhi Road, Burari crossing, and Sri Aurobindo Marg maintained 'very poor' air quality levels, with AQI readings around 350. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the National Capital Region categorizes air quality into four stages: 'poor' (AQI 201-300), 'very poor' (AQI 301-400), 'severe' (AQI 401-450), and 'severe plus' (AQI >450). Stage III restrictions, implemented on November 15, aim to curb the worsening pollution. Measures include a ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles, alongside intensified action against violators. ANI shared a video capturing a dense layer of smog engulfing Nehru Place and surrounding areas, highlighting the severe pollution levels in the national capital as reflected by the AQI.#WATCH| Delhi: A thick layer of smog envelops Nehru Place and surrounding areas as the AQI continues to remain in the 'Severe' category in the National Capital.pic.twitter.com/hwfQdek0sPANI (@ANI)November 17, 2024 The Delhi Traffic Police issued around 550 challans for vehicle violations, imposing fines exceeding Rs 1 crore on the first day of Stage III restrictions. Teams from the traffic police and transport department are working to enforce compliance, while citizens brace for continued poor air quality.

2024-11-17 09:28

2024-11-17

09:28

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/pm-modi-receives-warm-welcome-in-nigeria-marathi-community-in-west-african-nation-thanks-pm-12868802.html

PM Modi receives warm welcome in Nigeria; Marathi community in West African nation thanks PM

PM Modi in Nigeria.Related stories.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 17 arrived in Nigeria on the first leg of his three-nation visit. He was invited by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Abuja, Nigeria. Warmly welcomed by Minister for Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who presented the prime minister with the 'Key to the City' of Abuja. The key symbolises the trust and honour bestowed on the prime minister by the people of Nigeria," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a post on X. This visit is the first by an Indian prime minister to Nigeria in 17 years. PM Modi responded to a post on X by Tinubu in which the Nigerian president said he looked forward to welcoming the Indian prime minister. "Our bilateral discussions will seek to expand the strategic partnership between both countries and enhance cooperation in critical sectors. Welcome to Nigeria, Prime Minister Modi," Tinubu further said in his post. "Thank you, President Tinubu. Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations," PM said in the post. He said in one post, "Heartwarming to see the Indian community in Nigeria extending such a warm and vibrant welcome!" In another post, he said, "In Nigeria, the Marathi community expressed joy at Marathi being conferred the status of a classical language. It is truly commendable how they remain connected to their culture and roots." Marathi was among several languages granted classical status by the Union Cabinet last month.#WATCH| A unique welcome in Abuja, Nigeria - PM presented with the Key to the City of Abuja. The key symbolises the trust and honour bestowed on PM by the people of Nigeria. PM was thanked by the Marathi community in Nigeria for according classical language status to Marathi.pic.twitter.com/k4Kr7zDKz7ANI (@ANI)November 17, 2024 PM is on a five-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana. From Nigeria, he will travel to Brazil. In his departure statement, Modi said, "I am also eagerly looking forward to meeting the Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi." Modi also said it would be an opportunity to "build upon our strategic partnership that is based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism". In Brazil, he will attend the 19th G20 Summit as a Troika member. (With inputs from PTI)

2024-11-17 09:25

2024-11-17

09:25

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/india-successfully-test-fires-long-range-hypersonic-missile-12868806.html

India successfully test-fires long range hypersonic missile

India successfully test-fires long range hypersonic missile.

India has successfully test-fired a long range hypersonic missile from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday. The missile was test-fired on Saturday, according to officials. Singh described the test-firing of the missile as a historic moment as it put India in the group of select nations having capabilities to develop such critical technologies. "India has achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting flight trial of long range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off-the-coast of Odisha," the defence minister said on 'X'. "This is a historic moment and this significant achievement has put our country in the group of select nations having capabilities of such critical and advanced military technologies," he said. Singh congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the armed forces and the industry for what he described as a "stupendous" achievement.

2024-11-17 09:16

2024-11-17

09:16

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/bessent-lutnick-in-final-push-for-trump-treasury-secretary-pick-12868804.html

Bessent, Lutnick in final push for Trump Treasury Secretary pick

US President-elect Donald Trump.Related stories.

Billionaire Elon Musk voiced support for Howard Lutnick in the race to be President-elect Donald Trump’s next Treasury secretary as warring camps make final pushes for the coveted cabinet post. The infighting has delayed decisions on Trump’s economic picks even as he rushes to fill many other posts in his incoming administration. Musk said on his social media platform X that he saw the Cantor Fitzgerald LP CEO as a disruptor compared to Key Square Group LP founder Scott Bessent, another contender for the position who met with Trump on Friday. Allies of both Bessent and Lutnick have been lobbing in calls to Trump, which is creating tension and increasing the chance that another candidate rises up, people familiar with the decision making said. Trump himself has appeared frustrated with the infighting and staff are looking for alternatives, with Robert Lighthizer, Senator William Hagerty and Apollo Global Management Inc. Chief Executive Officer Marc Rowan among the names in the mix. Lutnick was a key support to Trump’s fundraising in the final months of the campaign and he has helped lead the team’s transition to the presidency. Because of that, some key advisers are looking at what else Lutnick might take — if not Treasury — such as a plum ambassadorship, according to people familiar with the decision. In the end, it’s up to Trump, who isn’t sharing his opinion very publicly, some of the people said. Musk said he sees Bessent as “a business-as-usual choice” while Lutnick “will actually enact change,” and encouraged others to weigh in publicly on the decision. Lutnick is currently working as a co-chair of Trump’s transition effort. Bessent was still at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s club, on Saturday. Musk’s post was in response to veteran investor Kyle Bass, who wrote that Bessent was “eminently more qualified than Howard Lutnick to run the US Treasury” and understood “markets, economics, people, and geopolitics better than anyone I’ve ever interacted with.” Lutnick’s past campaign donations could complicate matters as he vies for the cabinet post. He gave $2,700, then the maximum, to Hillary Clinton’s campaign on June 30, 2015, Federal Election Commission records show. He also donated in the 2016 election cycle to Kamala Harris’ Senate campaign, along with other politicians in both parties. A representative for Lutnick declined to comment as did Bessent. Musk has been a regular presence by Trump’s side since Election Day, sitting in on transition meetings and calls and meetings with foreign leaders and earning his own appointment to a panel examining government efficiency. But the limits of his political influence were seen this week, when Senate Republicans elected John Thune from South Dakota over Florida’s Rick Scott - whom Musk had publicly endorsed - as their next leader. Lobbying efforts for the Treasury job, which will sit at the center of Trump’s ambitious agenda to overhaul tariff and tax policy, have intensified in recent days, with jostling for the position spilling into the headlines. Larry Kudlow, Trump’s former National Economic Council director, informed the president-elect’s team that he did not want a role in the new administration. Here’s the latests from the transition: Trump Backs WhatleyThe president-elect used a gathering Friday night at his Mar-a-Lago club to publicly endorse Republican National Committee co-chair Michael Whatley for another term, CNN reported. Trump invited Whatley up to the stage during a donor meeting of the Conservative Political Action Conference at his estate and offered him the job, which Whatley accepted. The North Carolina attorney has led the committee alongside Lara Trump, the president-elect’s daughter-in-law, since March, when chairwoman Ronna McDaniel was removed from the post at Trump’s urging. Trump’s nomination of Senator Marco Rubio as US secretary of state has fanned calls for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to appoint Lara Trump to serve for the next two years. Read more: Senate Slot Sets Up Potential Revival of Trump-DeSantis Rift On the Democratic side, US Ambassador to Japan and former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel is weighing a bid to run for chair of the Democratic National Committee, Axios reported. Staff SecretaryTrump announced Saturday he would name William Owen Scharf, one of his attorneys, as staff secretary, a critical behind-the-scenes role at the White House that determines the flow of documents into and out of the Oval Office. “Will is a highly skilled attorney who will be a crucial part of my White House team,” Trump said in a statement. “He has played a key role in defeating the Election Interference and Lawfare waged against me, including by winning the Historic Immunity Decision in the Supreme Court.” Trump’s first staff secretary, Rob Porter, was among a tight cadre of senior aides during his first term and dated Hope Hicks, the White House communications director. But the pair became tabloid figures — and Porter resigned — after domestic abuse allegations leveled by two former wives surfaced. Energy JobTrump also announced on Saturday that he would pick Chris Wright, who runs a Colorado-based oil and natural gas fracking services company, to lead the Energy Department.

2024-11-17 09:15

2024-11-17

09:15

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/katol-election-2024-all-about-the-constituency-party-wise-candidates-past-winners-and-more-12868794.html

Katol Election 2024: All about the constituency, party-wise candidates, past winners and more

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) has fielded former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh's son Salil Deshmukh from Katol assembly constituency in Nagpur..Related stories.

Maharashtra's Katol constituency is headed for a fierce battle in the upcoming assembly election as it is on the cusp of a transformation election. The constituency is marking a break from over 25 years under NCP veteran Anil Deshmukh (74) . After serving the constituency five times, Deshmukh has stepped away to make way for his son Salil who is a Zilla Parishad member. Katol is part of the Ramtek Lok Sabha constituency, along with five other assembly segments: Saoner, Hingna, Umred, Kamthi, and Ramtek. With Anil Deshmukh’s departure from active politics, for the first time in over two decades, Katol is up for grabs without the presence of a dominant politician. Deshmukh won the election in 1995 as an Independent and then in 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2019 on the ticket of undivided NCP. Initially, the former state Home Minister was expected to contest from Katol. However, he requested the party ticket be allotted to his son Salil, who has been actively assisting his father in his political work for several years. Katol Assembly constituency candidates Sahil Deshmukh from NCP(SP) is up against his father’s namesake Anil Shankarrao Deshmukh who has been fielded by the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP.  The others are BJP’s Charansing Babulalji Thakur, Independent candidate Yajnavalkya Shrikant Jichkar, PWPI’s Rahul Virendra Deshmukh, RSPS member Sandeep Moreshwar Lokhande and RPI(K) candidate Sunil Vishwanath Narnaware. According to the Election Commission data, there were 1,88,800 voters in the Katol constituency during the 2019 Assembly Elections. Out of this 10,0017 were male and 88,782 were female voters. As per the data, 1,493 postal votes were cast in the constituency. Katol Assembly election results in 2019, 2014 In 2019, Anil Deshmukh won the seat with 96,842 votes. His closest competitor was Charansingh Thakur from the BJP, who got 79,785 votes. Dinesh Tule from the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) garnered 5,807 votes. During the 2014 Assembly elections, the seat was won by Ashish Ranjit Deshmukh of the BJP, who secured 70,344 votes. Anil Deshmukh of the NCP was the runner-up with 64,787 votes. Katol 2024 election date The Katol constituency in Maharashtra will go to the polls on November 20. The result will be declared on November 23 along with the other 287 constituencies in Maharashtra.

2024-11-17 08:58

2024-11-17

08:58

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/entertainment/ayushmann-khurrana-opens-about-struggling-with-fame-after-vicky-donor-success-pehli-film-hit-hone-ke-baad-dimaag-kharab-ho-gaya-tha-article-12868796.html

Ayushmann Khurrana opens about struggling with fame after Vicky Donor success: "Pehli film hit hone ke baad dimaag kharab ho gaya tha'

Related stories.

Ayushmann Khurrana, who made his debut with 'Vicky Donor', recently opened up about how he dealt with the fame he gained at a young age and how it affected him. In an interview with Honestly Saying Podcast on their YouTube channel, Ayushmann mentioned, "I started very young. I was about 17-18 when I was in Pop Stars, and about 20-21 when I joined Roadies. Pehli film hit hone ke baad dimaag kharab ho gaya tha (I lost my mind after my first film became a hit). "Everybody wants a piece of you. Coming from that middle class background, when you become a public figure, you just think you need to give your 100% to your profession. Your personal life takes a backseat. But, striking a balance is very important for family and relationships. I understood this very early on." He said. He went on to add, "I think you have to tread this middle path of being content and ambitious at the same time. It is a difficult line to be in… Imbalance, failures, criticisms… once you face that, one realises the balance. It is not easy to detach." Sharing his thoughts on long-term relationships, Ayushmann said, "The most important decision of your life is choosing your partner. The right partner can take you to heights, while the wrong one can destroy everything for you. Your life revolves around this. I have had a long journey from growing up in a patriarchal environment to now becoming a feminist. This could be possible because of my partner." He added, "Now, if women are attracted to me, it is because of my wife. I have become a certain person because of her. We don’t believe in materialism. We were in theatre together. She used to write plays for us and I use to act in it. At the end, it all comes to friendship. If the two of you love spending time together, it means you are sorted." Also Read:Diljit Dosanjh reacts cryptically to Telangana govt’s ban on songs promoting drugs and violence Earlier, in an interview with Mashable Mehfil, the actor mentioned, "It is very difficult to deal with fame when you are 16, 17, and in your teens. I remember I broke up with my then-girlfriend because I was getting attention from other girls. I went through that phase when you’re just getting a taste of fame and popularity." Ayushmann Khurrana is married to Tahira Kashyap. The couple, who have been together since their school days, tied the knot in 2008. They have two children: a 10-year-old son named Virajveer and an 8-year-old daughter named Varushka. On the work front, Ayushmann Khurrana was last seen in 'Dream Girl 2'. He is set to join the horror-comedy universe of Maddock Films with 'Thama', which will also feature Rashmika Mandanna, Paresh Rawal, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The film is scheduled for release in 2025.

2024-11-17 08:34

2024-11-17

08:34

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/trump-names-fossil-fuel-executive-chris-wright-as-energy-secretary-12868793.html

Trump names fossil fuel executive Chris Wright as energy secretary

US President-elect Trump.Related stories.

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Chris Wright, a campaign donor and fossil fuel executive, to serve as energy secretary in his upcoming, second administration. CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Wright is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking, a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change, and could give fossil fuels a boost, including quick action to end a year-long pause on natural gas export approvals by the Biden administration. Frequently criticizing what he calls a “top-down” approach to climate by liberal and left-wing groups, Wright has argued that the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” He has never served in government, but has written that more fossil fuel production is needed around the globe to lift people out of poverty. Consideration of Wright to head the administration's energy department won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. Hamm helped organize an event at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in April where Trump reportedly asked industry leaders and lobbyists to donate $1 billion to Trump’s campaign, with the expectation that Trump would curtail environmental regulations if reelected. Mike Sommers, president of the American Petroleum Institute, the oil and gas industry's top lobbying group, said Wright’s experience in the energy sector “gives him an important perspective that will inform his leadership" of the Energy Department. “We look forward to working with him once confirmed to bolster American geopolitical strength by lifting DOE’s pause on LNG export permits and ensuring the open access of American energy for our allies around the world," Sommers said. Jackie Wong, senior vice president for climate and energy at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group, called Wright “a champion of dirty fossil fuels" and said his nomination to lead the Energy Department was “a disastrous mistake.” “The Energy Department should be doing all it can to develop and expand the energy sources of the 21st century, not trying to promote the dirty fuels of the last century," Wong said. “Given the devastating impacts of climate-fueled disasters, DOE’s core mission of researching and promoting cleaner energy solutions is more important now than ever." The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. The agency is in charge of maintaining the country’s nuclear weapons, oversees 17 national research laboratories and approves natural gas exports, as well as ensuring environmental cleanup of the nation’s nuclear weapons complex. It also promotes scientific and technological research. Republican Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, who is expected to become chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said Trump promised bold choices for his Cabinet, and Wright’s nomination delivers. “He’s s an energy innovator who laid the foundation for America’s fracking boom. After four years of America last energy policy, our country is desperate for a secretary who understands how important American energy is to our economy and our national security,″ Barrasso said. If confirmed, Wright will join North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump's choice to be interior secretary, as a key player on energy policy in a second Trump term. Wright will be a member of a new National Energy Council that Burgum will chair. The new panel will seek to establish U.S. “energy dominance” around the world, Trump said. Thomas Pyle, president of the American Energy Alliance, a conservative group that supports fossil fuels, said Wright would be “an excellent choice” for energy secretary. Pyle led Trump’s Energy Department’s transition team in 2016. Liberty is a major energy industry service provider, with a focus on technology. Wright, who grew up in Colorado, earned undergraduate degree at MIT and did graduate work in electrical engineering at the University of California-Berkeley and MIT. In 1992, he founded Pinnacle Technologies, which helped launch commercial shale gas production through hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. He later served as chairman of Stroud Energy, an early shale gas producer, before founding Liberty Resources in 2010. The announcement of Wright's selection came hours after a key Trump ally, billionaire Elon Musk, called for more direct public input into the decision-making process for another top post that the president-elect is still mulling, the head of his new administration's Treasury Department. “Would be interesting to hear more people weigh in on this for @realDonaldTrump to consider feedback,” Musk, who Trump has already tapped to co-lead a commission tasked with increasing government spending efficiency, posted Saturday on the X social media platform he owns. Musk used the rest of his post to become the first participant in the public poll he was proposing, endorsing Howard Lutnick, the CEO of financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald and co-chair of Trump’s transition team, over hedge fund manager Scott Bessent. Musk said in his post that “Bessent is a business-as-usual choice, whereas @howardlutnick will actually enact change.” “Business-as-usual is driving America bankrupt, so we need change,” he said. Both Lutnick and Bessent have been mentioned as possible picks to lead the Treasury Department. Bessent is considered the more conventional, business-friendly choice. He is skeptical about cryptocurrency, while Lutnick has suggested it could be used for people to pay their taxes. Trump’s pick to lead his Health and Human Services Department, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., also endorsed Lutnick, posting on his own X account, “Bitcoin is the currency of freedom, a hedge against inflation for middle class Americans.”

2024-11-17 07:58

2024-11-17

07:58

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/two-flash-bombs-fired-into-garden-of-netanyahus-home-in-north-israel-12868791.html

Two flash bombs fired into garden of Netanyahu's home in north Israel

Two flash bombs fired into garden of Netanyahu's home in north Israel.

CAIRO Two flash bombs were fired towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's home in the northern Israeli town of Caesarea on Saturday and fell into the garden, police said. Neither Netanyahu nor his family were present and there was no damage reported, it added in a statement. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the incident crossed "all red lines" in a post on X early on Sunday. "It is not possible for the Prime Minister of Israel, who is threatened by Iran and its proxies who are trying to assassinate him, to be subject to the same threats from home," Katz said. He also called on security and judicial agencies to take the necessary steps. Israel's President Isaac Herzog condemned the incident in a post on X and said an investigation was underway. "The incitement against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu crosses all boundaries. Throwing a flash bomb into his house tonight is crossing another red line," Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also said on X. In October, a drone was launched towards the premier's home in Caesarea, without causing any harm. To the north, Israeli forces have been trading fire with Lebanon's armed Hezbollah group since October 2023. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Saturday's incident.

2024-11-17 07:39

2024-11-17

07:39

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/commodities/us-policy-uncertainty-could-trigger-wild-swings-in-commodity-markets-in-coming-months-12868768.html

US policy uncertainty could trigger wild swings in commodity markets in coming months

Commodity Markets.Related stories.

By Kaynat Chainwala, AVP Commodity Research at Kotak Securities After the euphoria-fueled rally following Trump’s victory, markets took a breather last week ended November 15 as traders assessed the President-elect's cabinet picks and recent comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The US dollar surged to a one-year high of 107.06 as expectations for rate cuts from the Federal Reserve softened, amid speculation of potential tax cuts and trade tariffs under the Trump administration. Powell recently indicated there is no immediate need to cut rates and suggested that the pace of future cuts may not be as aggressive, citing ongoing economic strength, a solid labour market, and persistent inflation. As a result, expectations for a 25-basis point rate cut at the Fed's December meeting have become more volatile, with the probability now near 60 percent, down from above 80 percent earlier in the week. Powell’s comments dampened the overly optimistic outlook for rapid rate cuts, leading to a pullback in US equities from the record highs reached after Trump’s decisive victory. COMEX gold extended its declines for a third consecutive week, as markets adjusted their easing expectations, now pricing in less than one percentage point of rate cuts by the end of next year. Gold briefly recovered, breaching $2,600 per troy ounce, as inflation numbers were supportive of a potential Fed cut next month. However, a stronger dollar and elevated Treasury yields led to a sharp pullback in gold prices, which fell to a two-month low of $2,541.50 per troy ounce, before closing with a weekly decline of more than 4 percent. Similarly, silver closed the week 3 percent lower, weighed down by ongoing weakness in base metals. MCX Gold (December) on the daily chart has formed a ‘Spinning Top’ candlestick pattern near its 100 period ‘Simple Moving Average’ indicating the influence of bulls at this juncture. Also, Stochastic (6) has provided a fresh positive crossover affirming positive momentum. Price can test its resistance placed at Rs 75,600 per 10 gram above which major resistance is placed at Rs 76,300, whereas major support for the counter is placed at Rs 73,000. LME base metals continued their decline, pressured by mixed Chinese data and concerns over the potential for higher US trade tariffs under the Trump administration, with several key cabinet appointments known for their tough stance on Beijing. Aluminium was the only exception, closing 1 percent higher after China announced it would cancel export tax rebates for aluminium and copper products, effective December 1. Given that China is the largest producer of aluminium, concerns about restricted exports from the country sparked a dramatic 9 percent rally in the metal. WTI crude oil dropped nearly 5 percent, as the easing of US storm threats, reports that Hezbollah might consider a US-Israeli ceasefire proposal, and oversupply concerns raised by OPEC, the IEA, and the EIA put significant bearish pressure on prices. This erased a brief mid-week recovery, driven by speculation that US sanctions on Iran could be reinstated, potentially limiting global oil supply. Oil prices could continue to trend lower amid growing optimism that Hezbollah will agree to the ceasefire proposal and provide an official response by Monday. Looking ahead, after a busy period of data and events, traders will turn their attention to a lighter week, with flash PMI figures from major global economies and speeches from several central bank officials in focus. However, concerns about trade wars if Trump pursues protectionist policies, along with Fed officials’ caution regarding aggressive rate cuts amid inflation risks, may continue to weigh on market sentiment. Overall, policy uncertainty, both monetary and economic, could trigger wild swings in commodity markets in the coming months.

2024-11-17 07:25

2024-11-17

07:25

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/elections/assembly-election/maharashtra/maharashtra-polls-three-chandrakants-and-four-rohinis-vying-for-jalgaons-muktainagar-seat-article-12868787.html

Maharashtra polls: Three Chandrakants and four Rohinis vying for Jalgaon's Muktainagar seat

Maharashtra Polls.Related stories.

The Muktainagar Assembly constituency is one of the 288 constituencies in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.  It is located in Jalgaon district and is one of the eleven assembly constituencies in the district. Muktainagar is part of the Raver Lok Sabha constituency, which also includes five other assembly segments: Chopda, Raver, Bhusawal, Jamner, and Malkapur. According to the Election Commission officials, the constituency has the highest number of candidates with the same name or similar monikers. Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has fielded sitting MLA Chandrakant Nimba Patil from this seat. Meanwhile, NCP (Sharad Pawar) has given the ticket to Rohini Khadse from this seat. Chandrakant Nimba Patil is the current Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Muktainagar constituency. In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, independent candidate Chandrakant Nimba Patil won the seat with 91,092 votes, defeating BJPs Rohini Eknath Khadse who received 89,135 votes. VBAs Rahul Ashok Patil secured 9,751 votes. Muktainagar has a mixed population, comprising various communities engaged in agriculture and small businesses. This constituency has seen strong representation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Eknathrao Khadse previously serving as a significant figure in local politics. The Muktainagar constituency is located in the Jalgaon district, which has 3616403 registered voters, including 1864248 male voters, 1752012 female voters, and 143 third gender voters. In the 2014 Maharashtra assembly elections, BJPs Eknath Khadse won the seat with 85,657 votes. SHS candidate Chandrakant Nimbaji Patil received 75,949 votes, NCPs Arun Pandurang Patil got 6,499 votes, and Congresss Yogendra Singh Bhagwan Patil received 4,495 votes. In the 2019 Assembly elections in Maharashtra, the Muktainagar constituency had 291281 registered voters but only saw 194414 votes cast—a turnout of 66.7 %.  Chandrakant Nimba Patil defeated Shiv Sena candidate Chandrakant Patil, who got 75,949 votes (41.38%). NCP candidate Arun Patil stood third with 6,499 votes (3.54%). The total number of valid votes polled was 1,83,527.

2024-11-17 07:07

2024-11-17

07:07

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/selling-pressure-may-intensify-if-nifty-slips-below-23480-sell-on-rise-strategy-to-dominate-market-sentiment-12868772.html

Selling pressure may intensify if Nifty slips below 23,480, sell-on-rise strategy to dominate market sentiment

Nifty Under Pressure.Related stories.

By Dhupesh Dhameja, Derivatives Analyst at Samco Securities The Nifty index exhibited sustained bearish momentum last week (ended November 14), shedding 2.55 percent, breaching its critical support at 23,800, and closed below its prior week's low at 23,533. This breakdown signals a weakening price structure. On the weekly chart, the index has failed to close above its preceding week's high for seven consecutive weeks, remaining below the 20-week EMA (Exponential Moving Average). Attempts to rebound have been thwarted by persistent selling at higher levels, reflecting mounting bearish pressure. On the daily chart, Nifty is hovering near its critical level of the 200 DEMA at 23,540, which has historically served as a pivotal reversal point. Additionally, the index is approaching a crucial demand zone between 23,300 and 23,200, which has consistently acted as a reliable base. Strong Put writing at these levels suggests traders expect stability here. However, Nifty continues to trade below its 10- and 20-day EMAs, while the RSI (Relative Strength Index) struggles to stay above 50 since early October, reinforcing limited buying interest and confirming resistance at higher levels. Open Interest Trends Nifty ended previous week with futures open interest (OI) rising to 14.37 million shares from 13.02 million on November 8. This increase of 1.35 million shares, paired with the index’s 2.55 percent drop, highlights a pronounced build-up of short positions. FPI Long-Short Ratio Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) maintained a steady long-short ratio, with long positions at 23.83 percent by week’s end, slightly down from 24.06 percent at the beginning of the week. However, this figure remains higher than the 22.27 percent seen at the start of the November series. While FPI longs have remained stable, and the heavy increase in shorts underscores cautious sentiment. Key Weekly Series Levels The weekly options data reveals significant Call open interest at the 24,000 strike, with 1,79,200 contracts, while the 23,000 strike saw notable Put open interest at 1,39,469 contracts. Active trading between the 23,600–23,900 Call range and the 23,100–23,500 Put range pinpoints immediate resistance near 24,000 and key support around 23,000. The surge in Call writing between 23,600 and 24,000 underscores bearish sentiment, while declining Put open interest signals reduced confidence in upside momentum. FPIs being net sellers in cash since early October has further hindered the index’s upward trajectory. Outlook for the Upcoming Week The Nifty index is at a critical juncture, with its 200 DEMA and demand zone of 23,300–23,200 serving as pivotal support levels, bolstered by significant Put positions indicating buyer confidence. However, strong resistance looms at 23,800–24,000, as per the option chain and the 20-week EMA. Any attempts to rebound may face selling pressure, attracting fresh shorts. The uptick in open interest during the index’s decline confirms a build-up of bearish bets by the market participants. Any further downside opens for the index only if it slips below 23,480. A breach of this level could trigger intensified selling toward the next support at 23,250. Conversely, a sustained move above 24,000 would indicate trend reversal, potentially fuelling short-covering and driving the index to the next resistance at 24,500. Until the index firmly reclaims the 24,000 level, a "sell-on-rise" strategy is expected to dominate market sentiment.

2024-11-17 07:00

2024-11-17

07:00

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/as-trump-whiplash-looms-apec-closes-in-peru-with-chinas-president-xi-front-and-centre-12868788.html

As Trump whiplash looms, APEC closes in Peru with China's President Xi front and centre

As Trump whiplash looms, APEC closes in Peru with China's President Xi front and centre.Related stories.

After two days of meetings in Lima that rarely ventured beyond platitudes in discussing the strategies of the region's major economies, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum wrapped up Saturday with a spirit of detente that many fear the annual summit may not see again for four years. The 21 leaders from economies bordering the Pacific, including US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, descended on Peru this week at a time when America's incoming president, Donald Trump, has vowed to withdraw the US from its leadership of a global free trade agenda. Few could help noting that Biden's late entrance to the traditional APEC family photo on Saturday lent itself to political metaphor, as the rest of the leaders prepared to pose onstage before looking around to find Biden missing. They tittered for five awkward minutes before a seemingly dazed Biden emerged and took his place in the far back corner, standing between Thailand's 38-year-old Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Vietnam President Luong Cuong. Descending the stage, Biden briefly reached for Shinawatra's hand to steady himself. Chinese President Xi scored the best spot in the house, front and centre beside the host, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte. He draped himself in the banner of globalisation this week, inaugurating a massive USD 1.3 billion megaport in Peru that promises to become South America's biggest shipping hub and using his speeches to reject protectionism. In Xi's summit address, delivered by one of his ministers, the Chinese leader urged APEC members to "tear down the walls impeding the flow of trade", and criticised tariffs — which Trump threatens to levy on Chinese imports — as "going back in history". For the annual photo-op, leaders all wore bark-hued wool scarves from Peru — in the APEC tradition of posing in some garb representative of the host country. While conference organisers typically position leaders in alphabetical order for the family photo, arrangements have varied over the years. Reporters shouted questions as Biden left the stage on Friday, asking how he felt about this being his last APEC summit — and one of his last major global events as president. Biden had hoped that APEC — along with the Group of 20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, where he heads on Sunday — would have capped his decade-long political career with a flurry of productive diplomacy and swaggering proclamations of America's force on the world stage. But with his party's stinging defeat in the U.S. election and the future of the US-China rivalry uncertain, there was little he could accomplish in Lima. He sought to cement alliances that could be upended by a Trump administration. He expressed concern to the leaders of South Korea and Japan about what he called "dangerous and destabilising cooperation" between North Korea and Russia. Later on Saturday, Biden and Xi sat down at a long table later Saturday for their third and final meeting of Biden's tenure. Xi told Biden that his nation was "ready to work with a new administration to maintain communication". Biden also struck a conciliatory tone, saying that such in-person talks helped "ensure that competition between our two countries will not veer into conflict".

2024-11-17 06:46

2024-11-17

06:46

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/netflix-says-60-million-households-worldwide-tuned-in-for-paul-tyson-match-12868779.html

Netflix says 60 million households worldwide tuned in for Paul-Tyson match

Netflix says 60 million households worldwide tuned in for Paul-Tyson match.

Netflix said on Saturday that 60 million households worldwide had tuned in for the highly anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, and the event peaked at 65 million streams, according to a statement. The bout between the 27-year-old social media influencer-turned-prize fighter Paul and the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion Tyson, which Paul won, was streamed live on Netflix. Nearly 50 million households tuned in for the co-main event between Ireland's lightweight champion Katie Taylor and Puerto Rico's featherweight champion Amanda Serrano, according to Netflix. "The bout is likely to be the most watched professional women's sporting event in US history," Netflix said in its statement. There were some hiccups during the live-stream of the match, with over 90,000 users reporting problems on Netflix at its peak, according to outage tracking website Downdetector. However, the streaming platform was back up on Saturday after the outage that lasted roughly 6 hours in the United States.

2024-11-17 06:39

2024-11-17

06:39

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/daily-voice-great-time-to-create-robust-consumption-oriented-portfolio-for-long-term-says-this-fund-manager-12868769.html

Daily Voice: Great time to create robust consumption-oriented portfolio for long term, says this fund manager

Sorbh Gupta is the Senior Fund Manager – Equities at Bajaj Finserv AMC.Related stories.

According to Sorbh Gupta of Bajaj Finserv AMC, this is a great time to create a robust consumption-oriented portfolio for long term. He believes rural consumption will lead the consumption demand revival from hereon. "State governments have increased social spending and are giving out reasonable cash dole outs, further a good monsoon & record kharif harvest is ensuring good farm economics. All this should push higher consumption demand and earnings upgrade for consumer focussed businesses," said the Senior Fund Manager – Equities at Bajaj Finserv AMC. According to the Chartered Accountant, consumer staples, consumer durables, pharma & select large private banks appear attractive in the risk reward framework. "Power sector is also benefitting from global tailwinds on power demand," said Gupta who has around 17 years of experience in the Indian equity markets across fund management, equity research & asset allocation. Most experts say there is earnings risk in the December quarter, following weak numbers in the September quarter, but there is still hope for a recovery in the second half of FY25. Do you agree? What is your overall outlook on earnings? Q2 numbers have been mixed. Yes, there have been some earnings cut but the quarter also had a lagged effect of general elections, over extended monsoons & lack of government spending. The festive demand commentary has been positive specially on the consumer discretionary side. Q3FY25 infact should see revival in earnings growth as rural economy picks up & government spending increases. Which sectors look attractive after the recent significant correction? Consumer staples, Consumer durables, Pharma & select large private banks appear attractive in the risk reward framework. Power sector is also benefitting from global tailwinds on power demand. Overall we believe risk reward stack in favour of largecaps versus midcaps & smallcaps. Do you think the banking and financial services sector will lead the next leg of the market uptrend? BFSI, is seeing divergent trends. After a long time, good asset quality is not a given. Markets will differentiate between good underwriters & not so good underwriters. We are positive on larger private banks & private insurance players, we also like some of the capital market plays but will wait for valuation comfort to arise before increasing allocation in that space. Do you see a 50-50 chance of a Fed rate cut in the December policy meeting, following 75 bps cuts in the last two meetings? There is a reasonable chance of a fed cut coming through in December, however with the change in political regime in the US & possible inflationary policies coming through (higher fiscal deficits & higher import tariffs) a further rate cut will be very data dependent. Do you expect a strong revival in consumption in the second half of FY25? We do believe rural consumption to lead the consumption demand revival from hereon. State governments have increased social spending and are giving out reasonable cash dole outs, further a good monsoon & record kharif harvest is ensuring good farm economics. All this should push higher consumption demand and earnings upgrade for consumer focussed businesses. Will the RBI start a rate cut cycle in the December policy meeting, or will it signal the start of one in the coming year? Food inflation has surprised on the upside, further there has been some pressure on INR due to US dollar strengthening. This will put RBI in a spot. We believe rate cut, if it were to happen, might happen in February but will be a shallow rate cut cycle for India. What is your strategy for launching consumption fund? Is it the time to bet on these stocks? Private consumption is more than 60 percent of India’s GDP. This offers a huge opportunity for investors to create wealth as consumption grows in the country. Within overall consumption basket, there are four mega trends emerging:1) Consume More (higher frequency of consumption of certain goods & services)2) Consumer Premium (premiumisation)3) Consume Better (Focus on wellness)4) Spend on Convenience The above-mentioned mega trends are multi-year opportunities offering high growth & profitable prospects to businesses & investors. Over the last few years markets have focussed on PSUs, Defence & other orderbook driven businesses & ignored the high - quality consumption business, the consumption driven businesses are available at valuations which are discount to their history & also broader market, especially when we look from a context of return ratios, cash generation capability & growth opportunities. This is a great time to create a robust consumption-oriented portfolio for long term.

2024-11-17 06:28

2024-11-17

06:28

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/china-ready-to-work-with-a-new-us-administration-xi-tells-biden-in-their-final-meeting-12868776.html

China ready to work with a new US administration: Xi tells Biden in their final meeting

China ready to work with a new US administration: Xi tells Biden in their final meeting.Related stories.

China's leader Xi Jinping met for the last time with US President Joe Biden on Saturday but was already looking ahead to President-elect Donald Trump and his "America first" policies, saying Beijing "is ready to work with a new US administration". In their talks on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru's capital, Biden was expected to urge Xi to dissuade North Korea from further deepening its support for Russia's war on Ukraine. Without mentioning Trump's name, Xi appeared to signal his concern that the incoming president's protectionist rhetoric on the campaign trail could send the US-China relationship into another valley. "China is ready to work with a new US administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation and manage differences so as to strive for a steady transition of the China-US relationship for the benefit of the two peoples," Xi said through an interpreter. Xi cautioned that a stable China-US relationship was critical not only to the two nations, but also the "future and destiny of humanity". "Make the wise choice," he said. "Keep exploring the right way for two major countries to get along well with each other." Xi, who is firmly entrenched atop China's political hierarchy, spoke forcefully in his brief remarks before reporters. Biden, who is winding down more than 50 years of public service, talked in broader brushstrokes about where the relationship between the two countries has gone. He reflected not just on the past four years but the decades the two have known each other. "We haven't always agreed but our conversations have always been candid and always been frank. We've never kidded one another," Biden said. "These conversations prevent miscalculations, and they ensure the competition between our two countries will not veer into conflict." China "hosted" the meeting after Xi and Biden met last year on the APEC sidelines in northern California, a gathering hosted by the US. They had much to discuss, including China's indirect support for Russia, human rights issues, technology and Taiwan, the self-ruled democracy that Beijing claims as its own. There's much uncertainty about what lies ahead in the US-China relationship under Trump, who campaigned promising to levy 60 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports. Already, many American companies, including Nike and eyewear retailer Warby Parker, have been diversifying their sourcing away from China. Shoe brand Steve Madden says it plans to cut imports from China by as much as 45 per cent next year. In a congratulatory message to Trump after his victory over Vice-President Kamala Harris, Xi called for the US and China to manage their differences and get along in a new era. In front of the cameras on Saturday, Xi spoke to Biden — but it was unmistakable that his message was directed at Trump. "In a major flourishing sci-tech revolution, neither decoupling nor supply chain disruption is a solution," Xi said. "Only mutual, beneficial cooperation can lead to common development. Small yard, high fence is not what a major country should pursue." After he was greeted by Xi, Biden ignored shouted questions from reporters on his concerns about the incoming Trump administration as well as North Korea. Biden administration officials would advise the Trump team that managing the intense competition with Beijing will likely be the most significant foreign policy challenge they will face, White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan said. Biden has viewed his relationship with Xi as among the most consequential on the international stage and put much effort into cultivating it. The two first got to know each other on travels across the US and China when both were vice-presidents, interactions that both have said left a lasting impression. "For over a decade, you and I have spent many hours together, both here and in China and in between," Biden said. "We've spent a long time dealing with these issues." But the last four years have presented a steady stream of difficult moments. The FBI this week offered new details of a federal investigation into Chinese government efforts to hack into US telecommunications networks. The initial findings have revealed a "broad and significant" cyberespionage campaign aimed at stealing information from Americans who work in government and politics. US intelligence officials also have assessed China has surged sales to Russia of machine tools, microelectronics and other technology that Moscow is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry for use in its war against Ukraine. And tensions flared last year after Biden ordered the shooting down of a Chinese spy balloon that traversed the US. Biden is looking for Xi to step up Chinese engagement to prevent an already dangerous moment with North Korea from further escalating. Biden, South Korean President Yoon Seok Yul and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday condemned North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's decision to send thousands of troops to help Moscow repel Ukrainian forces who have seized territory in Russia's Kursk border region. Biden called it "dangerous and destabilising cooperation".

2024-11-17 06:18

2024-11-17

06:18

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/boeing-issues-layoff-notices-to-400-plus-workers-as-it-begins-drastic-cuts-12868775.html

Boeing issues layoff notices to 400-plus workers as it begins drastic cuts

Boeing issues layoff notices to 400-plus workers as it begins drastic cuts.Related stories.

Boeing has delivered layoff notices to more than 400 members of its professional aerospace labor union, part of thousands of cuts planned as the company struggles to recover from financial and regulatory trouble as well as an eight-week strike by its machinists' union. The pink slips went out last week to members of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, or SPEEA, The Seattle Times reported. The workers will remain on the payroll through mid-January. Boeing announced in October that it planned to cut 10% of its workforce, about 17,000 jobs, in the coming months. CEO Kelly Ortberg told employees the company must “reset its workforce levels to align with our financial reality.” The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, or SPEEA, union said the cuts had affected 438 members. The union’s local chapter has 17,000 Boeing employees who are largely based in Washington, with some in Oregon, California and Utah. Of those 438 workers, 218 are members of SPEEA’s professional unit, which includes engineers and scientists. The rest are members of the technical unit, which includes analysts, planners, technicians and skilled tradespeople. Eligible employees will receive career transition services and subsidized health care benefits for up to three months. Workers will also receive severance, typically about one week of pay for every year of service. Boeing’s unionized Machinists began returning to work earlier this month following the strike. The strike strained Boeing’s finances. But Ortberg said on an October call with analysts that it did not cause the layoffs, which he described as a result of overstaffing. Boeing, based in Arlington, Virginia, has been in financial and regulatory trouble since a panel blew off the fuselage of an Alaska Airlines plane in January. Production rates slowed to a crawl, and the Federal Aviation Administration capped production of the 737 MAX at 38 planes per month, a threshold Boeing has yet to reach.

2024-11-17 06:16

2024-11-17

06:16

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/chartist-talks-sudeep-shah-of-sbi-securities-explains-why-he-is-bullish-on-these-2-stocks-for-next-week-12868767.html

Chartist Talks: Sudeep Shah of SBI Securities explains why he is bullish on these 2 stocks for next week

Sudeep Shah is the Head of Technical and Derivative Research at SBI Securities.Related stories.

Sudeep Shah of SBI Securities is bullish on Indian Hotels Company and Zomato which are both above all key moving averages. "Indian Hotels is trading near all-time high levels, and momentum-based indicators are suggesting strong bullish momentum in the stock," he reasoned. According to him,Zomatohas formed a strong base near its 100-day EMA level and witnessed a smart rebound. Further, it has surged above its 20 and 50-day EMA level. These averages have started edging higher, which is a bullish sign, he said. The BSE Sensex is currently trading near its 200-day EMA level. "The momentum indicators and oscillators also suggest strong bearish momentum in the index. Hence, any sustainable move below the 200-day EMA zone of 77,400-77,300 will lead to sharp correction in the index," said Shah, the Head of Technical and Derivative Research at SBI Securities, who has over 17 years of experience. Is there any possibility of a breakdown inEicher Motors, which has been into consolidation since June? No, we don’t see any possibility of a breakdown in Eicher Motors as the major trend of the stock is bullish. Also, it is strongly outperforming Nifty and Nifty Auto. Most noteworthy, the technical indicators are portraying a bullish picture. Going ahead, any sustainable move above the level of Rs 5,020 will lead to downward sloping trendline breakout in the stock. In that case, it is likely to witness a sharp upside rally upto the level of Rs 5,200 in the short term. Do you see the relentless selling pressure continuing inHindustan Unileveras it is already down more than 600 rupees from record high levels? Yes, the stock is in a strong downtrend, trading below both short-term and long-term moving averages on the daily chart. It's currently 8 percent below its 200-day EMA (Exponential Moving Average), signaling increased bearish momentum. The daily RSI (Relative Strength Index) is in the deeply bearish zone, according to RSI range shift rules. Notably, the weekly RSI has dropped below 40 for the first time since April 2024. Therefore, the stock is likely to continue its downward move and could test the Rs 2,200 level in the short term. On the upside, the Rs 2,450-2,460 zone will act as a key resistance for the stock. Will the Bank Nifty manage to hold 50-week EMA in the November series? Last week, the banking benchmark index Bank Nifty has given a 5-week consolidation breakdown. In addition, it has formed a sizeable bearish candle on a breakdown week, which adds more bearishness. This breakdown indicates a deepening bearish trend, suggesting further downside pressure in the near term. Among the constituents of the index, all constituent stocks are trading below their 20-day EMA, over 90 percent are below their 50-day EMA, and more than 75 percent are below their 100-day EMA, highlighting widespread weakness across the sector. The index is currently hovering around its crucial 200-day EMA support level, making the next 2-3 trading sessions pivotal for determining its near-term direction. Talking about crucial levels, the zone of 49,500-49,400 will act as immediate support for the index as prior swing low is placed in that region. Any sustainable move below the level of 49,400 will lead to further correction in the index. In that case, the index is likely to test the level of 48,800, followed by 48,300 in the short term. On the upside, the zone of 50,700-50,800 will act as an immediate hurdle for the index. Your top 2 bets for next week? Indian Hotels Company| CMP: Rs 741 The stock has strongly been outperforming the frontline indices since the last couple of trading sessions. The Mansfield’s Relative Strength is quoting above zero line since last 77 trading sessions, which suggest sustained outperformance. As the stock is trading near all-time high levels, all the moving averages and momentum-based indicators are suggesting strong bullish momentum in the stock. Hence, we recommend accumulating the stock in the zone of Rs 745-735 with a stop-loss of Rs 715 level. On the upside, it is likely to test the level of Rs 780, followed by Rs 800 in the short term. Zomato| CMP: Rs 270 The stock has formed a strong base near its 100-day EMA level and witnessed a smart rebound. The reversal from the support zone is confirmed by robust volume. Further, it has surged above its 20 and 50-day EMA level. These averages are started edging higher, which is a bullish sign. Further, the daily RSI is about to cross 60 mark. Hence, we recommend accumulating the stock in the zone of Rs 270-268 with a stop-loss of Rs 260 level. On the upside, it is likely to test the level of Rs 282, followed by Rs 290 in the short term. Will the downtrend continue inNTPCthat hit 200-day EMA this week? Yes, from the all-time high level, the stock has tumbled by over 17 percent in just 32 trading sessions. This fall has brought NTPC close to its 200-day EMA, a level that has held since July 2022. The momentum indicators and oscillators also suggest bearish momentum in the stock. Going ahead, any sustainable move below the level of Rs 370 will lead to further selling pressure in the stock. In that case, it is likely to test the level of Rs 356 in the short term. Are you cautious on the market? Is the BSE Sensex looking oversold now? The Sensex is currently trading near its 200-day EMA level. The momentum indicators and oscillators also suggest strong bearish momentum in the index. Hence, any sustainable move below the 200-day EMA zone of 77,400-77,300 will lead to sharp correction in the index. In that case, it is likely to test the level of 76,300, which is 61.8 percent Fibonacci retracement level of its prior upward rally started from the election result day’s low of 70,234 to all-time high level of 85,978. On the upside, the zone of 78,500-78,600 will act as an immediate hurdle.

2024-11-17 06:16

2024-11-17

06:16

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/biden-xi-agree-that-humans-not-ai-should-control-nuclear-arms-white-house-12868774.html

Biden, Xi agree that humans, not AI, should control nuclear arms: White House

Biden, Xi agree that humans, not AI, should control nuclear arms: White House.Related stories.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on Saturday that human beings and not artificial intelligence should make decisions over the use of nuclear weapons, according to the White House. "The two leaders affirmed the need to maintain human control over the decision to use nuclear weapons," the White House said in a statement. "The two leaders also stressed the need to consider carefully the potential risks and develop AI technology in the military field in a prudent and responsible manner." The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It was not clear whether the statement would lead to further talks or action on the issue. But it nonetheless marks a first-of-its-kind step between the two countries in the discussion of two issues on which progress has been elusive: nuclear arms and artificial intelligence. Washington has been pushing Beijing for months to break a longstanding resistance to nuclear arms talks. The two countries briefly resumed official-level talks over nuclear arms in November but those negotiations have since stalled, with a top U.S. official publicly expressing frustration regarding China's responsiveness. Formal nuclear arms control negotiations have not been expected any time soon, despite U.S. concerns about China's rapid nuclear weapons build-up, even though semi-official exchanges have resumed. On artificial intelligence, China and the United States launched their first formal bilateral talks on the issue in May in Geneva, but those talks are not believed to have touched on nuclear weapons decision-making. The U.S. defense department estimated last year that Beijing has 500 operational nuclear warheads and will probably field more than 1,000 by 2030. That compares to 1,770 and 1,710 operational warheads deployed by the United States and Russia, respectively. The Pentagon said that by 2030, much of Beijing's weapons would probably be held at higher levels of readiness. Since 2020, China has also modernized its nuclear program, starting production of its next-generation ballistic missile submarine, testing hypersonic glide vehicle warheads and holding regular nuclear-armed sea patrols. Weapons on land, in the air and at sea give China the "nuclear triad" – a hallmark of a major nuclear power. China has not formally detailed its arsenal but officially maintains a policy of no first use and maintaining a modern nuclear deterrence that is minimal. Officials this year urged other powers to adopt the same stance. In recent semi-official exchanges with U.S. scholars and retired officials, Chinese academics said its policies remained unchanged and described Western assessments as "exaggerations." The Biden administration updated classified nuclear guidance this year, and a White House spokesperson previously said the update was "not a response to any single entity, country, nor threat," despite oft-expressed concern about the nuclear arsenals of China, North Korea and Russia.

2024-11-17 06:05

2024-11-17

06:05

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/xi-seizes-role-as-global-defender-of-free-trade-against-trump-12868766.html

Xi seizes role as global defender of free trade against Trump

Chinese President Xi Jinping.Related stories.

As Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs on the entire world, Xi Jinping is once again wasting no time in positioning himself as the premier defender of the international trading system. China’s leader warned on Friday that the global economy was fracturing as protectionism spreads, leading to “severe challenges.” The world, he declared, had “entered a new period of turbulence and change.” “Dividing an interdependent world is going back in history,” Xi said in a speech at the APEC CEO Summit in Peru read on stage by one of his ministers. He repeated that theme in a speech on Saturday to leaders of APEC’s 21 member economies, including US President Joe Biden. “We should tear down the walls impeding the flow of trade, investment, technology and services, uphold stable and smooth industrial and supply chains, and promote economic circulation in the region and the world,” Xi said. For Xi, it’s a role he played when Trump first rose to power in 2017. Back then, China’s head of state urged global business elites at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to reject trade wars and protectionism, saying it would cause “injury and loss to both sides.” In the eight years since, Trump imposed punitive tariffs on China that were largely kept in place by the Biden administration, which also stepped up efforts to deny Beijing advanced technology. As he prepares to take office again in January, Trump is now threatening to impose 60% tariffs on China — and, just as crucially, 10% to 20% on the rest of the world. That universal tariff threat is giving Xi a fresh opening to improve ties with a range of governments bracing for tough negotiations with Trump. On Friday, Xi met one-on-one with the leaders of Thailand, Singapore, Chile, South Korea, Japan and New Zealand — all important US allies and security partners in the Asia-Pacific. “We’re very invested in making sure we have a rules-based system, not a power-based system,” New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said at the APEC CEO Summit. “There has been a shift from rules to power, and that’s something we advocate very strongly for: That irrespective of your size, we want countries to be able to navigate their way in the world through the international rules-based order.” The fact that it’s unclear whether he’s referring to China or the US, long known as the leader of the free world and champion of globalization, shows just how much global geopolitics has shifted in the past two weeks. The Biden administration has frequently blasted China for failing to follow a rules-based order, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken often leading the charge. In a speech wrapping up the APEC CEO Summit on Friday, however, Blinken didn’t talk about the rules-based order at all in reeling off a range of accomplishments over the past four years — emblematic of an administration with one foot out the door. While Xi was busy with meetings — and plans to meet with Biden one final time on Saturday — the US president kept a light schedule. In addition to a trilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, he also met Peruvian leader Dina Boluarte, who inaugurated a $1.3 billion port with Xi the night before that could transform South American trade with Asia. A senior administration official, who asked not to be identified, said the port came up in the conversation between the leaders, with Biden cautioning that it’s important for countries to maintain high standards with partners including China. Still, Boluarte was all smiles while hosting Xi in an elaborate ceremony at the Government Palace in Lima featuring a video link to Chancay port some 60 kilometers (37 miles) to the north. Xi said the facility will establish a direct line from Chancay to Shanghai, reduce shipping times and lower logistics costs. Other speakers affiliated with China featured heavily at the APEC CEO Summit on Friday. ‘Detrimental for Everyone’ Shou Chew, the chief executive officer of TikTok — whose parent company ByteDance Ltd. is based in Beijing — called the app an “industry leader when it comes to online safety and data security.” Although the US passed a law this year that would ban the app if its Chinese owner doesn’t sell to an American buyer, Trump has spoken favorably about the company. What he’ll eventually do is unclear. A former Chinese Commerce Ministry official, Ren Hongbin, called on participants to “stand up to protectionism and unilateralism.” “There is the rhetoric of the decoupling and derisking,” said Ren, now chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. “The artificial severance of the global supply chain is detrimental for everyone.” Some of the most frank comments about dealing with Trump came from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who spoke about how his government “rolled up our sleeves and did the hard work” to ensure a trade deal between Canada, Mexico and the US was updated to benefit everyone. He said political leaders needed to do a better job ensuring that trade benefits average citizens. “It wasn’t easy,” Trudeau said of the first round of trade discussions with Trump. “And nothing is going to be easy this time.”

2024-11-16 23:21

2024-11-16

23:21

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/farmer-organisations-skm-kmm-to-start-fast-unto-death-from-november-26-12868764.html

Farmer organisations SKM, KMM to start fast unto death from November 26

The SKM and the KMM are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march by farmers to press the government to accept their demands..

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha on Saturday announced that they will intensify their agitation in support of various demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP, by observing fast unto death from November 26. Addressing the media here, SKM (non-political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal accused the Centre of not taking any steps to accept their demands. Dallewal said he will begin the fast unto death from November 26 at the Khanauri border point. "From November 26, we will start fast unto death." The farmer leader said the Centre has not held talks with the protesting farmers regarding their demands since February 18. The SKM and the KMM are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march by farmers to press the government to accept their demands. The protesting farmers have been staying put at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, when their march was stopped by the security forces. They are also demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and "justice" for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21.

2024-11-16 23:05

2024-11-16

23:05

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/mcdonalds-is-investing-100-million-to-bring-customers-back-after-e-coli-outbreak-12868761.html

McDonald's is investing $100 million to bring customers back after E. coli outbreak

The investments include $65 million that will go directly to the hardest-hit franchises.

McDonald's is investing $100 million to bring customers back to stores after an outbreak of E. coli food poisoning tied to onions on the fast-food giant's Quarter Pounder hamburgers. The investments include $65 million that will go directly to the hardest-hit franchises, the company said. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that slivered onions on the Quarter Pounders were the likely source of the E. coli. Taylor Farms in California recalled onions potentially linked to the outbreak. Colorado reported at least 30 cases; Montana reported 19; Nebraska, 13; and New Mexico, 10. The illnesses were reported between Sept. 12 and Oct. 21. At least 104 people got sick and 34 were hospitalized, according to federal health officials. The Food and Drug Administration has said that “there does not appear to be a continued food safety concern related to this outbreak at McDonald’s restaurants.” But the outbreak hurt the company's sales. Quarter Pounders were removed from menus in several states in the early days of the outbreak. McDonald’s identified an alternate supplier for the 900 restaurants that temporarily stopped serving the burgers with onions. Over the past week, McDonald's resumed selling Quarter Pounders with slivered onions nationwide.

2024-11-16 22:53

2024-11-16

22:53

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/china-8-dead-17-injured-as-student-goes-on-stabbing-spree-in-wuxi-12868751.html

China: 8 dead, 17 injured as student goes on stabbing spree in Wuxi

The attack follows another recent tragedy in China, where thirty-five people died and 43 were injured in Zhuhai (Representative/AP File).

A 21-year-old student went on a stabbing spree in the eastern Chinese city of Wuxi on Saturday evening, resulting in eight deaths and leaving 17 others injured, Reuters reported citing police officials. The attack follows another recent tragedy in China, where thirty-five people died and 43 were injured in Zhuhai, a southern Chinese city, after a vehicle plowed into a crowd gathered outside a sports center. (More details to be added…)

2024-11-16 22:19

2024-11-16

22:19

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/unesco-it-ministry-host-multi-stakeholder-consultation-on-safety-ethics-in-ai-12868749.html

UNESCO, IT Ministry host multi-stakeholder consultation on safety, ethics in AI

India aims to craft a policy that envisions 'AI for All'.Related stories.

UNESCO in collaboration with the IT Ministry held a stakeholder consultation on safety and ethics in Artificial Intelligence, an official release said on November 16 adding that India aims to craft a policy that envisions 'AI for All'. The event marks the launch of a series of five consultations under the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM), an initiative by UNESCO and Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity) aimed at crafting an India-specific AI policy report. The report's objective is to identify strengths and growth opportunities within India's AI ecosystem, while providing actionable insights for the responsible and ethical adoption of AI across various sectors, the release said. "India aims to craft an AI policy that envisions 'AI for All' aligning with global ethical standards to promote the responsible and ethical adoption of AI across various sectors," the release said. The UNESCO South Asia Regional Office, in collaboration with MeitY and Ikigai Law as the implementing partner, organised a stakeholder consultation on Safety and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the release said. The consultation brought together diverse stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and civil society to explore strategies for aligning India's AI ecosystem with ethical principles in UNESCO's global recommendation on the ethics of AI, emphasising transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness. The AI RAM serves as a diagnostic tool that identifies opportunities for member states to engage, particularly in AI regulatory and institutional capacity-building efforts. "As India continues its rapid AI growth, this ethical alignment of AI governance will foster a holistic AI ecosystem for safety and trust, aiding a vision of AI for all," the release added.

2024-11-16 22:18

2024-11-16

22:18

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/intermediary-platforms-must-compensate-conventional-media-for-using-its-content-ib-minister-12868752.html

Intermediary platforms must compensate conventional media for using its content: I&B Minister

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.Related stories.

The efforts of the conventional media in content creation should be suitably compensated by the intermediary platforms using them, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Saturday as he acknowledged media's contributions to India's freedom struggle and in preserving democracy during the "dark days" of Emergency. Virtually addressing an event to mark National Press Day, Vaishnaw said, "Let us begin by remembering the contributions of the press to our struggle for freedom from oppressive forces twice in the last century." The first was the long-drawn battle to achieve freedom from British rule. And the second was the fight to preserve democracy during the dark years of Emergency imposed by the Congress government, the minister said. "We must not forget these struggles because history has a tendency to repeat itself and those who forget history are bound to face the same challenges again. That is why the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to observe June 25 as 'Constitution Murder Day'," the minister said. Highlighting the four challenges facing the media and society today, Vaishnaw said traditional media is losing out financially because news is "rapidly shifting" from the conventional modes to the digital space. "While the investment that goes behind creating a team of journalists, training them, having editorial processes and methods to check the veracity of news, and taking responsibility for the content is huge both in terms of time and money, they are becoming irrelevant since these platforms are having a very unequal edge in terms of bargaining power vis-a-vis conventional media," Vaishnaw said. "This needs to be addressed. The efforts made by the conventional media in creating content must be suitably compensated," he added. Stating that the "rapid spread" of fake news and disinformation is also a challenge facing the media and society today, Vaishnaw said, "It is a big threat not only to the media because it undermines its trust, but also to democracy. Since the platforms do not verify what all is posted, false and misleading information can be found in abundance on practically all platforms. Even those considered as aware citizens fall into the trap of such misinformation. "So, the question is who will take the responsibility for the content published on these platforms," the minister asked, as he pitched for revisiting the "safe harbour" provision which protects intermediaries and internet service providers from liability for third-party content they host or transmit online. Globally, there is a debate over the relevance of a "construct" that is a safe harbour, Vaishnaw said. "This is a construct which came in the 1990s when the internet was developing. It was the time when availability of digital medium was limited to a select few, mostly in universities and research institutes," he said. Stating that the situation has changed today with the easy availability of digital medium, Vaishnaw said, "It is so common, so prevalent. Practically every person you see in the cities and a large population in the rural areas now have mobile phones in their hands with access to the world digitally. So, is the construct of safe harbour that was developed in the '90s still relevant today?" The minister also said it is well known today that many riots, including some in the developed world, acts of terrorism, and interference in the democratic processes occurred because the platforms shied away from their responsibility for the content. "Given our diverse society, we have to be extra careful. Our country has many sensitivities which do not exist in the countries where these platforms originated. Be it language, religion, regional differences or cultural diversity, we have to be extra careful when we are working in a country as diverse as India. "Therefore, if the circumstances are different, shouldn’t there be different metrics for the platforms? Shouldn't the platforms share more responsibility? These questions need to be debated in our social context," Vaishnaw said. The minister also highlighted the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on intellectual property rights as another challenge facing the media and society today. "The content produced by the creators, musicians, filmmakers, writers, and authors are all being digested by the AI models. So, what happens to the creators' intellectual property rights? What are the consequences for those original creators? Are they being compensated for their work? Are they being acknowledged for their work? "Under such changes in technology, what is the safeguard for original content creators? This is not just an economic issue, but also an ethical issue," Vaishnaw said. Vaishnaw also flagged concerns over "algorithmic bias” by platforms and In a country as diverse as India it can have serious social consequences “which we have seen in multiple instances”. These algorithms, designed to maximise the engagements to maximise revenue generation tend to prioritise content that incites strong reactions regardless of their factual accuracy, he said. "This approach in my opinion is irresponsible and dangerous for our society. The platforms must come out with solutions that account for the impact their systems have on our society," he added.

2024-11-16 22:14

2024-11-16

22:14

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/bengaluru-man-beats-son-to-death-over-mobile-addiction-lack-of-interest-in-studies-doesnt-matter-if-you-live-or-die-12868747.html

Bengaluru man beats son to death over mobile addiction, lack of interest in studies: ‘Doesn’t matter if you live or die…’

The incident took place in Bengaluru's Kumaraswamy Layout area.

A man reportedly killed his 14-year-old son in Bengaluru after an argument over the boy’s mobile phone addiction and lack of focus on studies. Ravi Kumar, the father, allegedly attacked his son Tejas, a Class 9 student, with a cricket bat and slammed his head against a wall, causing severe internal injuries that proved fatal. The incident took place in Bengaluru's Kumaraswamy Layout area, according to police. Police investigation has revealed that the father, who works as a carpenter, was extremely angry at his son over the boy's lack of interest in academics, according to a report by NDTV. On the day of the crime, the boy had reportedly asked his father to get his phone repaired, which led to an altercation, following which the man beat his son to death.  The father allegedly struck his son with a cricket bat and repeatedly hit his head against the wall until the boy lost consciousness. Not just that, the father allegedly said, “It doesn’t matter to me if you live or die.” Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Lokesh B Jagalasar told PTI that there was a lot of dissatisfaction and clashes between the child and his parents over excessive use of mobile phone. Also, the parents were unhappy about him not attending school regularly and for associating with a 'bad group of friends.' The immediate cause for the assault, however, was about the mobile phone. "The assault has caused the death of the child and it was not a simple assault. Multiple injuries were found on the back of the child and head. The father who assaulted the child has been arrested and he is in police custody," he said adding a probe was on. The injured boy remained on the ground in severe pain for about six hours, with his condition steadily deteriorating. Investigation has revealed that medical attention was sought only after he stopped breathing, as per the NDTV report. When finally brought to the hospital, doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

2024-11-16 22:01

2024-11-16

22:01

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/real-estate/delhi-ncr-6th-most-expensive-office-market-in-asia-pacific-with-monthly-rent-of-rs-340sq-ft-knight-frank-12868748.html

Delhi-NCR 6th most expensive office market in Asia Pacific with monthly rent of Rs 340/sq ft: Knight Frank

Hong Kong SAR continues to be APAC's most expensive office market during the third quarter of this calendar year..Related stories.

Delhi-NCR is the sixth most expensive office location in the Asia Pacific region, with an average monthly rental of Rs 340 per sq ft, while Mumbai ranked eighth in the list, according to Knight Frank India. Real estate consultant Knight Frank, in its latest edition of the Asia-Pacific Prime Office Rental Index for Q3 (July-September) 2024, said Delhi-NCR is the 6th most expensive office space rental market across the APAC region. Hong Kong SAR continues to be APAC's most expensive office market during the third quarter of this calendar year. Prime rents in the NCR remained stable in Q3 2024, while Mumbai and Bengaluru saw year-on-year (YoY) increases of 5 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively, driven by strong demand from corporates and limited new supply. The prime office market of Delhi-NCR continued to see rental values maintain levels seen in the past four quarters. The prime office rent of the region was recorded at Rs 340 per sq ft per month, making it the 6th most expensive office market in the APAC zone. The prime office rent of Mumbai was recorded at Rs 317 per sq a month and stood at the 8th most expensive commercial market in the APAC region. Bengaluru ranked 18th on the list and is one of the least expensive prime office markets. The prime office rent of the city was recorded at Rs 138 per sq ft per month. Knight Frank India Chairman and Managing Director Shishir Baijal said, "The resilience of the Indian economy continues to attract strong global corporate interest as reflected in the sustained demand across India's major office markets". He said the quarterly transaction volumes have reached record highs and are likely to exceed annual benchmarks in 2024 while rental rates remain stable. "This positive outlook, supported by consistent physical occupancy, steady rent levels since 2022, and rising demand in 2024, underscores our confidence in the sustained strength of the Indian office market in the near to medium term," Baijal said.

2024-11-16 21:43

2024-11-16

21:43

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/musks-political-ascendancy-stirs-hopes-of-redemption-for-x-banks-12868735.html

Musk's political ascendancy stirs hopes of redemption for X banks

Banks typically sell such loans to investors soon after the deal is done, but in the case of X, which Musk bought for $44 billion in 2022, they have been stuck holding the debt.Related stories.

Elon Musk's political ascendancy has some Wall Street banks hoping they may soon be able to offload $13 billion of debt that backed the billionaire's purchase of the social media platform X, three banking sources said. Some of the lenders in the consortium, which included Morgan Stanley and Bank of America, think Musk's emergence as a close aide to Republican President-elect Donald Trump could boost the prospects of X, previously known as Twitter, the sources said. If that were to happen, it would allow them to sell the debt without having to take a massive loss on the deal, the sources said. Musk, X, Morgan Stanley and Bank of America did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Banks typically sell such loans to investors soon after the deal is done, but in the case of X, which Musk bought for $44 billion in 2022, they have been stuck holding the debt. Musk's sweeping changes to the platform, including laying off many people who worked to moderate content, and one of his posts on X, scared away advertisers and hit revenues. That reduced the value of the debt, as the risk of default increased. In recent months, one of the sources said, some banks expected X had seen increased traffic as users flocked to the platform around big events like the U.S. elections. Trump, whose account on the platform was restored by Musk after the previous management banned him in January 2021, has been regularly posting on it. The banking sources said they wanted to see whether that and a robust U.S. economy would translate to increased revenues for the platform. Analysts have said Musk's ties with Trump -- who put him in charge of a new government department on efficiency -- could benefit the entrepreneur's various business ventures, which range from Tesla electric vehicles to SpaceX rockets. Tesla's market value surpassed $1 trillion for the first time in two years in the days after the election results. The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. DEBT VALUE It is unclear to what extent Musk's close connection in the new administration could help revive X's business. One of the sources said it could also further divide its user base. Newer platforms like Bluesky and Meta's Threads have been benefiting from a user exodus from X since the election. U.S. web traffic on X reached its highest point this year on election day with 42.3 million visits, which climbed another 10% to 46.5 million visits the day after the election, according to data from web analytics company Similarweb. But by the weekend, X's web traffic tapered off to more normal levels, Similarweb said. The data firm said 115,000 web users in the U.S. deactivated their X account on Nov. 6, higher than any other day since Musk took over the platform. The social media company is expected to report its latest finances to the lending consortium in the weeks after the quarter ends next month, the sources said. The banks could then decide whether they should continue holding onto the debt or look to engage investors on it, the sources said. Other banks in the consortium include Barclays, Mitsubishi UFJ, BNP Paribas, Mizuho and Societe Generale. BNP, SocGen, and Barclays declined to comment. The other banks did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Sources have said banks have marked down the value of the debt to different degrees on their books, depending on their outlook on it. One of the lenders is marking potential losses on the loan weekly, and had already set aside reserves to fully cover them, according to a source familiar with the situation. Attempts to sell the debt in late 2022 attracted bids which would have seen banks taking as much as a 20% loss on the face value of the debt, sources at the time said. Instead of crystallizing those losses, banks have been holding on to the paper, the sources said. X has kept up with interest payments on the bonds, they said.

2024-11-16 21:14

2024-11-16

21:14

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/hp-to-host-grande-finale-of-omen-intel-campus-quest-season-2-at-dreamhack-india-2024-all-the-details-article-12868584.html

HP to host grande finale of Omen Intel Campus Quest Season 2 at DreamHack India 2024: All the details

HP.Related stories.

HP is set to conclude its OMEN Intel Campus Quest Season 2 with a Grand Finale at DreamHack India 2024, a global gaming festival celebrating technology, gaming, cosplay, and pop culture. The event will take place from November 15 to 17 at the Hitex Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad. Finale highlights After three months of competition involving over 8,000 players and 1,600 teams from across India, the top six teams will battle for the championship title and a prize pool of ₹5 lakhs. HP will fly the finalists to Hyderabad, where the matches will be played on HP OMEN laptops equipped with Intel processors. These high-performance devices promise immersive gaming experiences with seamless gameplay and cutting-edge graphics. Interactive gaming experience At DreamHack India, HP will showcase its latest gaming solutions at interactive product booths. Attendees can test HP OMEN and Victus laptops, along with HyperX accessories, in intense AAA gaming sessions. The exhibits will also provide an opportunity for gaming enthusiasts to win exciting prizes and interact with their favourite pro players and gaming influencers. Event details • Date: November 15-17, 2024 • Venue: Hitex Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad • Tickets: Starting at ₹1,699 What to expect Visitors to the HP stage area can expect an engaging lineup of activities, including professional-level gaming demonstrations, hands-on sessions with HP’s innovative gaming products, and a chance to network with gaming enthusiasts and influencers.

2024-11-16 21:04

2024-11-16

21:04

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/haryana-authorises-dcs-to-temporarily-shut-schools-till-class-5-in-wake-of-rising-pollution-12868746.html

Haryana authorises DCs to temporarily shut schools till Class 5 in wake of rising pollution

Haryana authorises DCs to temporarily shut schools till Class 5 in wake of rising pollution.Related stories.

The Haryana government on Saturday authorised deputy commissioners to temporarily shut physical classes up to Class 5 in schools in their respective districts after assessing the situation in the wake of rising pollution levels. "Letters have been written to all the district deputy commissioners on behalf of the directorate of school education in this regard," the state government's department of public relations posted in Hindi on X. Given the rising pollution, the Haryana government has given the deputy commissioners the authority to temporarily close schools up to Class 5, giving priority to the health of children, it added. In the letter, the directorate of school education wrote, "I have been directed to inform you that the government has decided that the concerned deputy commissioners shall assess the prevailing situation (as per the GRAP) in view of the severe AQI levels in Delhi and surrounding regions and may discontinue physical classes and issue necessary directions for holding online classes for upto Class 5th in the schools (government and private) in the interest of the health and safety of the students." "The assessment for rural and urban areas of the concerned districts may be carried out separately," it added. Haryana's Jind recorded its Air Quality Index (AQI) in the 'severe' category on Saturday, while several other parts of the state recorded their air quality in the 'very poor' and 'poor' zones. The AQI was 410 in Jind, 392 in Bhiwani, 383 in Bahadurgarh, 357 in Panipat, 321 in Kaithal, 309 in Rohtak, 297 each in Charkhi Dadri and Gurugram, 289 in Kurukshetra, 285 in Karnal, 227 in Panchkula and 209 in Ambala. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', 401 and 450 'severe' and above 450 'severe plus'. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana after harvesting the paddy crop in October and November is often blamed for the rise in air pollution in Delhi.

2024-11-16 20:52

2024-11-16

20:52

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/jhansi-hospital-fire-up-deputy-cm-seeks-action-against-officials-after-his-vip-welcome-draws-flak-12868728.html

Jhansi hospital fire: UP deputy CM seeks action against officials after his 'VIP welcome' draws flak

Representative image.Related stories.

Following backlash over his grand welcome at the Jhansi hospital, Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak on November 16 directed the district magistrate to initiate action against the officials who lined his path with lime powder. In a video message, Pathak said, “Before I reached Jhansi Medical College, some person was laying lime powder on the roadside, which is very sad. I condemn this. And, I would ask the District Magistrate to identify the person, who got the work done, and take strong action against him. I will never accept this.” Pathak and the principal secretary of the health department had gone to the Maharani Lakshmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi to visit the families of the neonates who died in a fire that engulfed the children’s ward on November 15. As per reports, the road leading to the hospital was lined with lime powder before his arrival, drawing massive criticism, especially from the Opposition. A video of workers marking the path with lime powder in apparent preparation for a VIP visit was circulated widely on social media. The Congress party, in a post on X, dubbed the incident “insensitive” and wrote, “On one hand, children were burnt to death, their families were crying and wailing. On the other hand, lime was being sprayed on the road to welcome the Deputy CM. The family even says that there was filth spread all across the compound, which was cleaned before the arrival of the Deputy CM. This is the height of the government’s insensitivity. Children are dying by burning and this government is busy in polishing its face. Shameful!” According to Jhansi District Magistrate Avinash Kumar, the fire at the state-run medical college broke out around 10.45 pm in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It was likely caused by an electrical short circuit. While 10 children died in the fire, 16 were injured in the tragic incident and are battling for life. The children who were in the outer part of the NICU were rescued, along with some of those who were in the interior part. The state-run medical college started services in 1968 and is one of the largest government hospitals in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. (With agency inputs)

2024-11-16 20:40

2024-11-16

20:40

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/curfew-in-imphal-after-protesters-storm-residences-of-ministers-mlas-over-killing-of-3-persons-12868738.html

Curfew in Imphal after protesters storm residences of ministers, MLAs over killing of 3 persons

According to an order issued by Imphal West District Magistrate Th Kirankumar, the curfew was imposed from 4.30 pm on Saturday..Related stories.

Imphal West administration on November 16 imposed prohibitory orders in the district for an indefinite period after protesters attacked the residences of two ministers and three MLAs. The mob attacks on the legislators were made to demand justice for the murder of three people in the Jiribam district, the police said. According to an order issued by Imphal West District Magistrate Th Kirankumar, the curfew was imposed from 4.30 pm on Saturday. A mob stormed the residence of Health and Family Welfare Minister Sapam Ranjan in Lamphel Sanakeithel area, a senior officer said. Lamphel Sanakeithel Development Authority's representative David told reporters, "Sapam assured us that the issues related to the killing of three persons will be discussed at a cabinet meeting and that the minister will tender his resignation if the government fails to honour the sentiment of the public." Protesters also stormed the house of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister L Susindro Singh, another senior officer said. Agitators in Sagolband area of Imphal West district gathered in front of the residence of BJP legislator RK Imo, who is also the son-in-law of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, and raised slogans demanding an "appropriate response from the government" over the killing of three persons and urging the authorities to "arrest the culprits within 24 hours". Protesters, who had come to meet Keishamthong constituency's independent legislator Sapam Nishikanta Singh at his residence at Tiddim Road, targeted the office building of a local newspaper owned by him after they were told that the legislator was not present in the state, a senior officer said. The mob destroyed some temporary structures in front of the office building, he claimed. Three bodies, suspected to be of six missing people from Jiribam district, were found near the confluence of the Jiri and Barak rivers along the Manipur-Assam border on Friday night. The bodies of a woman and two children were found about 16 km from Borobekra in Jiribam district, close to the location where the six people went missing on Monday. With PTI inputs

2024-11-16 20:30

2024-11-16

20:30

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/seven-feared-dead-in-deadly-attack-on-security-check-post-in-pakistan-12868734.html

Seven feared dead in deadly attack on security check post in Pakistan

Seven feared dead in deadly attack on security check post in Pakistan.

At least seven people, including security personnel, are feared dead and 10 others injured in a deadly attack on a security check post in the restive Balochistan province on Saturday. Following the attack, details of which are awaited, there are widespread complaints from different parts of Balochistan about disrupted internet services. Geo News channel reported seven people were killed in the attack and 10 others injured in Kalat district of Balochistan. The banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack. However, neither the provincial government nor any senior law enforcement official have come out with any statement. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed that mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended in certain areas of Balochistan, citing public safety concerns amidst a recent surge in terrorist attacks. The PTA statement explained that the decision followed directives from relevant authorities and was implemented to “ensure public safety given the security situation in these areas.” Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack offering tributes to the deceased. Outlawed separatist groups have stepped up attacks in Balochistan in recent days. Last week a suicide bomber killed at least 27 people and injured scores at the Quetta Railway station in the province.

2024-11-16 20:25

2024-11-16

20:25

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/jhansi-hospital-fire-four-member-panel-formed-to-probe-incident-grieving-parents-wait-for-charred-bodies-12868741.html

Jhansi hospital fire: Four-member panel formed to probe incident; grieving parents wait for charred bodies

The devastating fire erupted at approximately 10:45 pm on Friday, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 10 children (Image: Screengrab/ANI).

Following the fire incident in the children's ward at Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi, the Uttar Pradesh government has established a four-member committee to conduct an investigation into the cause and circumstances of the blaze. The government has directed the committee to determine the cause of the fire and investigate any signs of negligence, with a report expected within seven days. The panel will be led by the Director General of Medical Education and Training, with the other members being the Director (Health) of Medical Health Services, the Additional Director of Electricity of Medical Health Services, and an officer nominated by the Director General of Fire Services. Apart from investigating the cause of the fire, which so far is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, the committee will also provide recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future. The devastating fire erupted at approximately 10:45 pm on Friday, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 10 children. Additionally, 16 other children suffered critical injuries in the incident. Parents continue to wait at the hospital: Yakub Mansuri, who was sleeping on a pavement near the children’s ward of the medical college in Jhansi on Friday night, rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit when the fire broke out, according to a PTI report. He broke a window to save some newborns but couldn’t save his own two daughters. Authorities showed him the charred remains of some babies for identification, but he couldn’t recognise them. “I couldn’t recognise them,” the heartbroken father was quoted as saying by PTI, still clinging to hope of finding his daughters. Outside the children's ward, grieving parents, particularly young mothers, huddled together for emotional support as they faced this devastating tragedy. A woman named Santoshi had given birth just 11 days ago also lost her child in the tragedy. "I heard a noise and came running. But how could I save my child? There was no one to tell us what was happening," she told PTI. Another parent who had given birth to her first child prematurely told PTI Videos, "My child was born after seven months and was admitted here. He died in the fire. There was no one to save him.” The Uttar Pradesh government has announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia to the parents of each deceased and also ordered a three-tier probe into the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled with the families of the deceased and announced an assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin.

2024-11-16 20:24

2024-11-16

20:24

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/ipo/rajesh-power-services-ipo-to-open-on-november-25-price-band-set-at-rs-320-335-per-share-12868714.html

Rajesh Power Services IPO to open on November 25, price band set at Rs 320-335 per share

Rajesh Power Services IPO.Related stories.

Gujarat-based Rajesh Power Services will open its Rs 160-crore initial share sale for subscription on November 25. This would be the sixth IPO from the SME segment launching in current month despite subdued equity markets mood. The price band for the public issue has been fixed at Rs 320-335 per share. The institutional investors can participate in the anchor book of the offer for a day on November 22, while the subscription for all kind of investors' category will be closed on November 27. The IPO is a combination of fresh issue of up to 27.9 lakh equity shares (Rs 93.5 lakh crore at the upper price band) and an offer-for-sale of 20 lakh shares (Rs 67 lakh crore) by promoters - Panchal and Patel families. The solar power generation company has reserved half of the net offer size (total issue size less market maker's portion) for qualified institutional buyers, 15 percent for non-institutional investors, and the remainder for retail investors. Retail investors can bid for a minimum and maximum of 400 equity shares amounted to Rs 1.34 lakh at the upper price band, as their investment can not exceed the Rs 2 lakh limit for an IPO. Also read:HDB Financial shares surge in unlisted market as HDFC Bank unit plans IPO launch Rajesh Power Services offers execution of turnkey projects, operation & maintenance, and consultancy services for power utility companies (both renewable and non-renewable segments). It has an order book of Rs 2,358.2 crore as of March 2024 which is to be executed over the three financial years. It has invested in HKRP Innovations which provides Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud-based solutions to power grids and renewable energy sector. HKRP provides Smart Feeder Management System (SFMS), Virtual Feeder Segregation (VFS), RTMS for Oil Well, Solar Energy Data Management (SEDM). The company will spend Rs 25.1 crore out of the net fresh issue proceeds for purchase of cable identification, testing and fault location equipments. setting up of DC solar power plant having capacity of 1300 KW, and in-house development of technical expertise in production of green hydrogen and associated equipment such as electrolysers. Also read:NTPC Green Energy IPO: Are you eligible to apply under shareholder quota? Check GMP ahead of next week's launch Furthermore, Rs 30 crore will be utilised for additional working capital requirement, and the remainder for general corporate purpose. Rajesh Power Services that competes with listed peers like Advait Infratech, Kay cee Energy and Infra, and Viviana Power Tech recorded standalone net profit at Rs 26.02 crore for the year ended March 2024, increasing sharply from Rs 6.75 crore in the previous fiscal 2023. Revenue during the same period jumped significantly to Rs 285 crore, up from Rs 207.2 crore. In the six months period ended September 2024, standalone profit stood at Rs 27.7 crore on revenue of Rs 313.06 crore. Isk Advisors is the sole book running lead manager to the issue, while Bigshare Services is the registrar to the offer.

2024-11-16 19:57

2024-11-16

19:57

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/daily-voice-axis-secs-neeraj-chadawar-sees-limited-scope-of-earning-downgrades-in-these-4-stocks-12867902.html

Daily Voice: Axis Sec's Neeraj Chadawar sees limited scope of earning downgrades in these 4 stocks

Neeraj Chadawar is the Head - Quantitative Equity Research at Axis Securities.Related stories.

In the consumer space, Neeraj Chadawar of Axis Securities prefers Ethos, Trent, Varun Beverages, and DOMS industries as niche stationary consumption play. "In all these counters we see limited scope of earning downgrades," said the Head - Quantitative Equity Research at Axis Securities in an interview to Moneycontrol. According to him, events including the results of the upcoming state elections, potential policy changes in the US market, signs of revival in the Chinese economy, the direction of US 10-year bond yields, oil prices, and market flows are expected to keep the Indian equity market volatile. After recent correction, "largecap private banks, telecom, selected consumption, IT, and pharma provide more margin of safety in the near term," said Neeraj who has more than 11 years of experience in the equity research. Do you see any slowdown in the paint sector, especially after reading September quarter earnings? The paint sector is reeling with increased competition from new players (Birla Opus) and like other consumer companies, it is seeing slowdown in urban India. Typically, when there is slow down in consumer demand it takes time to see a recovery, there will be festive and wedding boost in H2, but given H1 was tepid the overall performance for the year FY25 is likely to remain lacklustre. Do you still see the market correcting further from here on? Key Monitorables in H2FY25: Two major global event 1. The outcome of US election 2. November’24 FOMC meeting) are now behind us. The markets have returned their focus to fundamentals, particularly corporate earnings. The Q2 earnings season delivered relatively muted results, with choppy price reactions observed throughout the quarter. Currently, all eyes are on the expected earnings recovery in the second half of FY25, driven by anticipated increases in government capital expenditure (CAPEX), post-monsoon activities, numerous wedding days, and a pickup in rural economic activity. As we look ahead, it’s important for the market to closely monitor several developments. These include the results of the upcoming state elections, potential policy changes in the US market, signs of revival in the Chinese economy, the direction of US 10-year bond yields, oil prices, and market flows. These events are expected to keep the Indian equity market volatile and it could respond in either direction based on the developments. In the near term, some allocation is likely to shift towards China based on the recent development. Nonetheless, we continue to believe in the long-term growth story of the Indian equity market. With increasing Capex enabling banks to improve credit growth, we believe it is well-supported by a favourable structure emerging. However, with current valuations offering limited scope for further expansion, an increase in corporate earnings will be the primary driver of the market returns moving forward. Hence, bottom-up stock picking with a focus on ‘growth at a reasonable price’ and ‘Quality’ would be keys to generating satisfactory returns in the next one year. Do you think the RBI will start cutting interest rates only February onwards? October 2024 inflation print is higher-than-expected where the food inflation was the biggest spoiler. Now all eyes on the December 2024 MPC meeting where the GDP forecast for FY25 remains critical. Given the recent development in the US market and higher-than-expected inflation print in the domestic market, the possibility of rate cut in the domestic market has pushed to February onwards. Do you expect consumer spending to improve significantly in second half of FY25? We are cautious about the potential improvement in consumer spending for the second half of the year. While rural areas are gradually recovering, urban areas are starting to experience a slowdown. Although there may be a slight boost in spending due to the festive season and weddings, it is unlikely to significantly impact overall earnings for FY25. The main factors contributing to the urban slowdown include high food inflation, decreased savings, rising rental costs, and increased EMI payments, which are strainingbudgets. Additionally, there is heightened competition from new-age companies primarily targeting urban markets. Have you started buying in the consumer space? In the current context we prefer the following companies in consumer space – Ethos in the luxury segment, Trent in fast fashion business, Varun Beverages based on geographical expansion and DOMS industries as niche stationary consumption play. In all these counters we see limited scope of earning downgrades. Do you think the full year earnings estimates cut may not be significant, though September quarter numbers were weak? Some earnings moderation was seen during the ongoing earnings season which was slightly below the expected line. Based on the 45 Nifty companies result, our FY25 Nifty earnings see the downgrade of 1.5 percent to Rs 1,065 level. Now we foresee 7-8 percent earnings growth for FY25. The recovery is expected in the second half of the current financial year as compared to the first half. Which sectors are looking really attractive to buy now? Largecap private banks, telecom, selected consumption, IT, and pharma provide more margin of safety in the near term.

2024-11-16 19:48

2024-11-16

19:48

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/sangli-pattern-a-political-trend-100-rebels-contesting-maharashtra-elections-as-independents-12868681.html

Sangli Pattern a political trend? 100+ rebels contesting Maharashtra elections as Independents

Jayshree Patil (L) is contesting as an Independent from Sangli against Congress pick Prithviraj Patil (R)..Related stories.

The contest in the Sangli constituency was keenly observed during the Lok Sabha elections due to the rebellion of local Congress leader Vishal Patil. There was considerable acrimony within the MVA during seat-sharing talks, as both the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) staked a claim to the seat. However, the Shiv Sena had the final word and announced its candidate. This decision disappointed Patil, who chose to contest as an independent candidate and ultimately won. After his victory, Patil declared his loyalty to the Congress. It was noted that although he stood as an independent, local Congress cadres campaigned for him rather than for the party's official candidate. This unique electoral strategy has since been dubbed the 'Sangli Pattern' and is now being mirrored in the assembly elections as well. Jayshree Patil, a member of the Vasantdada Patil family, has also rebelled against the Congress and is contesting the elections as an independent candidate. The Congress has fielded Prithviraj Patil, who has previously lost two elections. As in the Lok Sabha polls, a section of Congress workers is seen campaigning for the rebel candidate, Jayshree Patil. The only distinction between Vishal Patil's case and Jayshree Patil's is that, during the Lok Sabha elections, the official candidate belonged to an alliance partner (Shiv Sena, UBT), while in the assembly elections, the candidate represents the Congress itself. This dynamic has added a dramatic twist to the contest in Sangli. A district in western Maharashtra, Sangli holds historical significance in the state's politics. It has been a Congress bastion since 1962, with the exception of the period from 2014 to 2024. Maharashtra's first Chief Minister, Yeshwantrao Chavan, was born here. Vasantdada Patil, another notable leader from Sangli, served as the state's Chief Minister a record four times. Additionally, the late NCP leader RR Patil, renowned for his clean image, hailed from this district. While Sangli is celebrated for its political luminaries, it often makes national headlines for the wrong reasons, particularly during the monsoon season. The Krishna River's frequent flooding has devastated the region numerous times over the last two decades, making it a key issue in this election. Sangli, known for its turmeric production, comprises eight Vidhan Sabha seats. In 2019, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance won three seats, while the Congress-NCP coalition secured five. The 'Sangli Pattern' is no longer confined to Sangli; it has been observed in other constituencies as well, where local leaders have rebelled and are contesting against their party's official candidates. Across Maharashtra, over 100 rebels from both alliances are running as independents. In the event of a hung assembly, these independents are expected to play a pivotal role in government formation.

2024-11-16 19:41

2024-11-16

19:41

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/tmc-councillor-narrowly-escapes-murder-attempt-after-attackers-gun-malfunctions-12868711.html

TMC councillor narrowly escapes murder attempt after attacker's gun malfunctions

Representative image.

Sushanta Ghosh, a Trinamool Congress councillor, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Kolkata after the gun of one of the attackers malfunctioned, India Today said in a report. Once Ghosh and his supporters realized the attacker’s gun has stopped working, they chased him successfully and handed over to the police, the report said. The whole sequence of the incident, which took place on Friday at 8 pm, was caught on a CCTV camera near Ghosh’s resident.#JUSTIN#Kolkata#TrinamoolCongress#News18Tamilnadu|https://t.co/3v5L32pLWJpic.twitter.com/eWN3CpbTlkNews18 Tamil Nadu (@News18TamilNadu)November 16, 2024 In the video, Ghosh was sitting near his house with a man and a woman when the two attackers came on a bike. The pillion rider tried to shoot the councilor with his revolver, when it broke down, providing an opportunity for Ghosh to catch the assailants. The man who tried to kill Ghosh was caught, while the other man on the bike escaped. According to the police, the attacker had a revolver and two magazines and was hired by a man named Mohammed Iqbal to murder Ghosh.

2024-11-16 19:28

2024-11-16

19:28

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/from-new-jersey-to-hawaii-trump-made-inroads-in-surprising-places-in-his-path-to-the-white-house-12868715.html

From New Jersey to Hawaii, Trump made inroads in surprising places in his path to the White House

Donald Trump.Related stories.

Patrons at Murph's Tavern are toasting not just Donald Trump's return to the presidency but the fact that he carried their northern New Jersey county, a longtime Democratic stronghold in the shadow of New York City. To Maria Russo, the woman pouring the drinks, the reasons behind Trump's win were as clear in the runup to the election as the shot glasses lined up on the high-top tables. A mother raising two kids on her own in Passaic County on a barkeep's income, she saw it not just in light of her own situation but those of the people around her. “Anybody can see what’s going on, you know? The prices of everything. And me being a single mom?” she said. “I notice that when I go shopping – just like everybody else does.” Although Trump's win once again reflected a deep political divide across the United States, he made inroads in surprising places. From the suburbs of New Jersey to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s New York City congressional district to reliably liberal Hawaii, Trump gained ground even as support for Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, dropped off. AP VoteCast, a far-reaching survey of more than 120,000 voters nationwide, found that Trump made substantial gains among Black and Latino men, younger voters, and nonwhite voters without a college degree, compared with his 2020 performance. Common themes emerged in the AP VoteCast data. Voters were most likely to see the economy and immigration as top issues facing the country. More voters said their family's financial situation was “falling behind," compared with 2020. When they voted, Trump supporters were thinking about high prices for gas, groceries and other goods and the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border. Even in Hawaii, dominated by Democrats since the 1950s when labor unions organized sugar and pineapple plantation workers who built the state’s middle class, Republicans had commanding victories. In West Oahu, for example, where many plantations have given way to suburban development, school teacher Julie Reyes Oda, a Republican, flipped one state House district in the heavily blue-collar, working-class town of Ewa Beach. In the district next door, state Rep. Diamond Garcia held on to a seat he turned Republican two years ago. Democrats still control supermajorities in both chambers, but the GOP’s nine House and three Senate seats are the most the party’s had in the Legislature since 2004. Newly elected Republican state Sen. Samantha DeCorte said voters in her Waianae district west of Honolulu have long been frustrated by a lack of resources for basic needs such as public safety. Residents feel like they have to look over their shoulders when they are pumping gas, DeCorte said. “They don’t want to go to the grocery store at night because they have to walk back to their car in the parking lot," she said. Economic concerns, including the high cost of housing, may have figured prominently in the thinking of some Hawaii voters. On an island where the median cost of a single-family home tops $1.1 million, many people, including large numbers of Native Hawaiians, have been forced to move to the continental U.S. In New Jersey, AP VoteCast showed that Trump grew his support among nonwhite suburban voters and younger women, in addition to the demographic swings that showed up nationally. In New York, the survey showed especially large movement toward Trump among nonwhite men without a college education, although a majority of that group still supported Harris, the vice president. About half of New Jersey voters said Trump would better handle the economy, according to AP VoteCast, while about one-third said this about Harris, giving him a slightly bigger advantage on the issue there compared with national numbers. Few places better demonstrated Trump’s strength in traditionally blue areas than Passaic County, where Trump became the first Republican presidential candidate to carry the county in more than three decades. Interviews with voters and experts suggest Trump’s hammering on the economy influenced how people voted or whether they stayed home. “Those people taking the subway into Manhattan, they live in a very different world than those people who live in Manhattan,” said Richard F. Bensel, a political historian at Cornell University. “They live in very different worlds in terms of the pressures that they feel, challenges that they feel in life, and they don’t want to be preached to.” Sebastian Giraldo, a member of the Air Force stationed in Del Rio, Texas, who was home in Queens on leave recently, said it was a “no brainer” to vote for Trump despite having supported Democrat Joe Biden four years ago. “Just the current trajectory of the United States these last four years have obviously been downhill,” he said. “I mean, for everybody, I think it’s been harder to live. The grocery shopping, buying clothes and gasoline. Just living.” Ramon Ramirez-Baez, a 66-year-old writer and community activist in the Queens borough of New York, said he voted for Trump and encouraged others to do so despite being a registered Democrat who had voted for Democrats in the past four presidential elections and even ran unsuccessfully for the Legislature as a Democrat. The native of the Dominican Republic, who came to Queens more than three decades ago, blamed Biden administration immigration policies for the explosion of prostitution, illegal brothels and unlicensed food carts that have bedeviled his neighborhood in recent years. The White House’s position on the war in Gaza peeled away some Muslim voters in key swing states such as Michigan, and it cost them elsewhere, too. Selaedin Maksut, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in New Jersey, said he voted for Green Party candidate Jill Stein over Harris, though he backed other Democrats. “It’s a protest vote,” he said. ”We’re not going to just give you our vote.” In New Jersey, U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, who previously captured a House district claimed by Trump in 2020, carried Passaic County in his winning Senate race. It shows, he said in an interview, that people see local and state issues differently than national ones. He said voters have told him they appreciate his focus on “broken politics." “If these are people who are distrusting of government, I think my message is saying, like, look I am also frustrated with how things are happening." Ocasio-Cortez, like Kim, invited split-ticket voters to weigh in on social media about how they could back both Trump and her. That resonated across the Hudson River in New Jersey, where John Coiro, a patron at Murph's and a Trump supporter, said he respected her for asking the question. Trump’s performance could force a reckoning among Democrats in places where they are accustomed to winning regularly. Ralph Caputo, a former state legislator from northern New Jersey, said Trump, unlike Democrats, connected with different groups of voters. Trump was sharper, too, Caputo said, because he had been tested in the primaries, something Harris did not face because of Biden's late withdrawal from the race in July. “Those days are over where you just put somebody up for election and think they’re going to win because they’re on a Democratic ballot,” Caputo said. “They can’t win automatically.”

2024-11-16 19:23

2024-11-16

19:23

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/gigabyte-m27qa-ice-monitor-launched-in-india-features-price-and-availability-article-12868581.html

Gigabyte M27QA ICE monitor launched in India: Features, price, and availability

Gigabyte.

Gigabyte has unveiled its M27QA ICE monitor in India, designed to offer high performance alongside a sleek, minimalist style. Targeted at younger, style-conscious gamers and content creators, the 27-inch monitor aims to meet the growing demand for premium white-themed electronics. Price in IndiaThe Gigabyte M27QA ICE monitor is priced at Rs 29,000 and is now available in India. FeaturesThe monitor offers a QHD (2560x1440) resolution on a Super Speed IPS panel, delivering vibrant visuals. It supports a 180Hz refresh rate and a 1ms (MPRT) response time for smooth gaming experiences. Features include AMD FreeSync for screen-tear elimination and VESA DisplayHDR400 for enhanced brightness and contrast. Additional highlights:Built-in KVM switch for controlling multiple devices using one keyboard, video, and mouse setup.Gigabyte’s tactical features include OSD Sidekick, Black Equalizer, and Aim Stabilizer for clear visuals and reduced motion blur.Wide colour coverage with 95% DCI-P3 and 130% sRGB for accurate and vivid visuals. Gigabyte is enhancing its after-sales service with on-site support for monitors and laptops. The service includes pickup within seven days and pan-India coverage, ensuring convenience and minimal customer downtime. Gigabyte is running a “You Review, AORUS Reward” program to celebrate the launch, inviting customers to share reviews and earn exclusive rewards.

2024-11-16 19:03

2024-11-16

19:03

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/israeli-troops-reach-deepest-point-in-lebanon-since-october-1-invasion-say-lebanese-media-12868700.html

Israeli troops reach deepest point in Lebanon since October 1 invasion, say Lebanese media

Israeli troops reach deepest point in Lebanon since October 1 invasion, say Lebanese media.Related stories.

Israeli ground forces reached their deepest point in Lebanon since they invaded six weeks ago, before pulling back early Saturday after fierce battles with Hezbollah militants, Lebanese state media reported. Israeli troops captured a strategic hill in the southern Lebanese village of Chamaa, about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Israeli border early Saturday, the state-run National News Agency reported. It said Israeli troops were later pushed back from the hill. It added that Israeli troops detonated the Shrine of Shimon the Prophet in Chamaa as well as several homes before they withdrew, but the claim could not be immediately verified. Israel's military said in a statement that its troops “continue their limited, localized, and targeted operational activity in southern Lebanon.” The military did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Lebanese media reports. The push on the ground came as Israeli warplanes pounded Beirut’s southern suburbs as well as several other areas in southern Lebanon including the port city of Tyre. The morning strike in Beirut hit an area known as Dahiyeh, which the Israeli military called a Hezbollah stronghold, saying its planes had hit multiple sites used by the militant group. Residents were given advance warning by Israel, and it was not immediately clear whether there were any casualties. The increase of violence came as Lebanese and Hezbollah officials are studying a draft proposal presented by the U.S. earlier this week on ending the war. Since late September, Israel dramatically escalated its bombardment of Lebanon, vowing to cripple Hezbollah and end its barrages in Israel. More than 3,400 people have been killed in Lebanon by Israeli fire — 80% of them in the eight weeks — according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. On Friday, Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister apparently urged Iran to try and convince Hezbollah to agree to a cease-fire deal with Israel, which would require the group to pull back from the Israel-Lebanon border. The proposal is based on U.N. Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the last Israel-Hezbollah war in the summer of 2006. A copy of the draft proposal was handed over earlier this week by the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who has been negotiating on behalf of Hezbollah, according to a Lebanese official. The official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the secret talks said Berri is expected to give Lebanon’s response on Monday. Another Lebanese politician said Hezbollah officials had received the draft, were studying it and would express their opinion on it to Berri. The politician also spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media about the ongoing talks. Berri told the pan-Arab Asharq Al-Awsat daily newspaper that the draft does not include any item that allows Israel to act in Lebanon if the deal is violated. “We will not accept any infringement of our sovereignty,” Berri was quoted as saying. He added that one of the items mentioned in the draft that Lebanon does not accept is the proposal to form a committee to supervise the agreement that includes members from Western countries. Berri added that talks are ongoing regarding this point as well as other details in the draft, adding that “the atmosphere is positive but all relies on how things will end.” There is also a push to end the war between Israel and Hamas, which began after Palestinian militants stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and abducting 250 others. The U.N. Security Council’s 10 elected members on Thursday circulated a draft resolution demanding “an immediate, unconditional and permanent cease-fire” in Gaza. The U.S., Israel’s closest ally, holds the key to whether the U.N. Security Council adopts the resolution. The four other permanent members — Russia, China, Britain and France — are expected to support it or abstain. Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives since the initial Hamas attack have killed more than 43,000 people in Gaza, Palestinian health officials say. The officials don’t distinguish between civilians and combatants but say more than half of those killed have been women and children.

2024-11-16 18:59

2024-11-16

18:59

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/pm-modi-is-suffering-from-memory-loss-rahul-gandhis-joe-biden-swipe-in-maharashtra-12868706.html

‘PM Modi is suffering from memory loss…’: Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Joe Biden’ swipe in Maharashtra

Gandhi described Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation as tools designed to harm farmers and small businesses.

Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday suggested that he might be showing signs of forgetfulness – allegedly comparing him to outgoing US President Joe Biden, who is often in the limelight for his verbal gaffes. "My sister told me that these days Prime Minister Narendra Modi was speaking about the same issues that I have been raising. I told him in the Lok Sabha that a caste census should be conducted and the 50 per cent cap on reservations should be removed. Now he is saying in his election rallies that I am against reservation. He is suffering from memory loss like a former US President,” PTI quoted the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha as saying. Gandhi was speaking at a campaign rally in eastern Maharashtra’s Amravati ahead of the November 20 polls. The Congress leader also said that his party considers the Constitution to be the country's DNA, but for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) it is a "blank book". His response followed claims by Modi and the BJP that the Congress leader was displaying a copy of the Constitution with blank pages during his campaign rallies. The Prime Minister will next say Rahul Gandhi is against caste census, he said. He described Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation as tools designed to harm farmers and small businesses, while adding that rising unemployment was fueling hatred in society. ''I want to tell Modi ji that industrialists haven't chosen you to be the PM, it is done by the people of India. It is true that industrialists have marketed him,'' he said. His sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also launched an attack on PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah accusing them of spreading lies that Rahul Gandhi is against reservations. Modi and Shah are scared of Rahul Gandhi because he wants a caste census to be conducted, she alleged.

2024-11-16 18:40

2024-11-16

18:40

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/biden-xi-set-for-tense-final-meeting-in-peru-as-trump-era-looms-12868656.html

Biden, Xi set for tense final meeting in Peru as Trump era looms

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) with US President Joe Biden.Related stories.

Joe Biden meets Chinese president Xi Jinping for the last time as U.S. president on Saturday, but the leaders' goal of lowering tensions before Donald Trump's inauguration is challenged by fresh conflicts over cyber crime, trade, Taiwan and Russia. Biden and Xi will huddle on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Lima, Peru -- for their first talks in seven months -- where Pacific Rim leaders are assessing the implications of Trump's return to power as U.S. president on Jan. 20. The time of their meeting has not been disclosed. Washington is incensed by a recent China-linked hack of the telephone communications of U.S. government and presidential campaign officials, and it is anxious about increasing pressure by Beijing on Taiwan and Chinese support for Russia. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te is planning to stop in the U.S. state of Hawaii and maybe Guam on a sensitive visit that is sure to anger Beijing in the coming weeks, Reuters reported on Friday. China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory. The U.S. is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier, despite the lack of formal diplomatic recognition. At the same time, Beijing's economy is taking a stiff hit from Biden's steps on trade, including a plan to restrict U.S. investment in Chinese artificial intelligence, quantum computing and semiconductors and export restrictions on high-end computer chips. All of those topics are expected to figure into the talks, U.S. officials said. China routinely denies U.S. hacking allegations, regards Taiwan as internal matter and has protested American statements on Sino-Russian trade. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington declined to comment. BLANKET TARIFFS Trump has vowed to adopt blanket 60% tariffs on U.S. imports of Chinese goods as part of a package of "America First" trade measures. Beijing opposes those steps. The Republican president-elect also plans to hire several hawkish voices on China in senior roles, including U.S. Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state and Representative Mike Waltz as national security adviser. On Wednesday, Biden national security adviser Jake Sullivan described the transition as "a time when competitors and adversaries can see possibly opportunity." Biden will stress with Xi the "need to maintain stability, clarity, predictability through this transition between the United States and China." Shen Dingli, a Shanghai-based international relations scholar, said China wants the meeting to ease tensions during the transition period. "China definitely does not want relations with the United States to be thrown into turmoil before Trump formally takes office," said Shen. The summit in South America offers new signs of the challenges to the United States' power in its own backyard, where China is on a charm offensive. Xi, who arrived in Lima on Thursday, plans a week-long diplomatic blitz in Latin America that includes a refurbished free-trade agreement with Peru, inaugurating the massive Chancay deep-water port there and being welcomed in Brazil's capital next week for a state visit. China is seeking Latin America's metal ores, soybeans, and other commodities, but U.S. officials worry they may also be looking for new U.S.-adjacent military and intelligence outposts. Chinese state-backed media has called those accusations a smear. A U.S. official said Washington's commitment to the region was strong and that Chinese infrastructure investment overseas has declined in recent years due to domestic challenges and problems with the projects. But Ryan Berg, director of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank, said Xi would meet with a good reception in the region. "Biden's trip will be overshadowed very clearly by all of the things that Xi Jinping will be up to when he visits APEC," he said. "When Xi meets with Biden part of his audience is not – it's not solely the White House or the U.S. government. It's about American CEOs and continued U.S. investment or trying to renew U.S. investment in China and get rid of the perception that there's a hostile business environment in China."

2024-11-16 18:33

2024-11-16

18:33

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/what-is-bluesky-the-fast-growing-social-platform-welcoming-fleeing-x-users-article-12868703.html

What is Bluesky, the fast-growing social platform welcoming fleeing X users?

Bluesky said in mid-November that its total users surged to 15 million, up from roughly 13 million at the end of October.Related stories.

Disgruntled X users are again flocking to Bluesky, a newer social media platform that grew out of the former Twitter before billionaire Elon Musk took it over in 2022. While it remains small compared to established online spaces such as X, it has emerged as an alternative for those looking for a different mood, lighter and friendlier and less influenced by Musk. Championed by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Bluesky was an invitation-only space until it opened to the public in February. That invite-only period gave the site time to build out moderation tools and other features. The platform resembles Musk’s X, with a “discover” feed and a chronological feed for accounts that users follow. Users can send direct messages and pin posts, as well as find “starter packs” that provide a curated list of people and custom feeds to follow. Bluesky said in mid-November that its total users surged to 15 million, up from roughly 13 million at the end of October, as some X users look for an alternative platform to post their thoughts and talk to others online. The post-election uptick in users isn’t the first time Bluesky has benefited from people leaving X. The platform gained 2.6 million users in the week after X was banned in Brazil in August — 85% of them from Brazil, the company said. About 500,000 new users signed up in one day in October, when X signaled that blocked accounts would be able to see a user’s public posts. Across the platform, new users — among them journalists, left-leaning politicians and celebrities — have posted memes and shared that they were looking forward to using a space free from advertisements and hate speech. Some said it reminded them of the early days of Twitter more than a decade ago. Despite Bluesky’s growth, X posted after the election that it had “dominated the global conversation on the U.S. election” and had set new records. Bluesky, though, has bigger ambitions than to supplant X. Beyond the platform itself, it is building a technical foundation — what it calls “a protocol for public conversation” — that could make social networks work across different platforms — also known as interoperability — like email, blogs or phone numbers. Currently, you can’t cross between social platforms to leave a comment on someone’s account. Twitter users must stay on Twitter and TikTok users must stay on TikTok if they want to interact with accounts on those services. Big Tech companies have largely built moats around their online properties, which helps serve their advertising-focused business models. Bluesky is trying to reimagine all of this and working toward interoperability.

2024-11-16 18:14

2024-11-16

18:14

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/indian-family-froze-to-death-crossing-canada-us-border-perilous-trip-becoming-more-common-12868702.html

Indian family froze to death crossing Canada-US border, perilous trip becoming more common

The pipeline of illegal immigration from India has long existed but has increased sharply along the US-Canada border (Image for representation).

On the last night of their lives, Jagdish Patel, his wife and their two young children tried to slip into the US across a near-empty stretch of the Canadian border. Wind chills reached minus 36 Fahrenheit (minus 38 Celsius) that night in January 2022 as the family from India set out on foot to meet a waiting van. They walked amid vast farm fields and bulky snowdrifts, navigating in the black of an almost-moonless night. The driver, waiting in northern Minnesota, messaged his boss: “Make sure everyone is dressed for the blizzard conditions, please.” Coordinating things in Canada, federal prosecutors say, was Harshkumar Patel, an experienced smuggler nicknamed “Dirty Harry.” On the US side was Steve Shand, the driver recently recruited by Patel at a casino near their Florida homes, prosecutors say. The two men, whose trial is scheduled to start Monday, are accused of being part of a sophisticated human smuggling operation feeding a fast-growing population of Indians living illegally in the US. Both have pleaded not guilty. Over the five weeks the two worked together, documents filed by prosecutors allege they spoke often about the bitter cold as they smuggled five groups of Indians over that quiet stretch of border. “16 degrees cold as hell,” Shand messaged during an earlier trip. “They going to be alive when they get here?” On the last trip, on Jan 19, 2022, Shand was to pick up 11 more Indian migrants, including the Patels. Only seven survived. Canadian authorities found the Patels later that morning, dead from the cold. In Jagdish Patel's frozen arms was the body of his 3-year-old son, Dharmik, wrapped in a blanket. Dreams of leaving India The narrow streets of Dingucha, a quiet village in the western Indian state of Gujarat, are spattered with ads to move overseas. “Make your dream of going abroad come true,” one poster says, listing three tantalising destinations: “Canada. Australia. USA.” This is where the family's deadly journey began. Jagdish Patel, 39, grew up in Dingucha. He and his wife, Vaishaliben, who was in her mid-30s, lived with his parents, raising their 11-year-old daughter, Vihangi, and Dharmik. (Patel is a common Indian surname and they are unrelated to Harshkumar Patel.) The couple were schoolteachers, local news reports say. The family was fairly well off by local standards, living in a well-kept, two-story house with a front patio and a wide veranda. “It wasn't a lavish life,” said Vaibhav Jha, a local reporter who spent days in the village. “But there was no urgent need, no desperation.” Experts say illegal immigration from India is driven by everything from political repression to a dysfunctional American immigration system that can take years, if not decades, to navigate legally. But much is rooted in economics, and how even low-wage jobs in the West can ignite hopes for a better life. Those hopes have changed Dingucha. Today, so many villagers have gone overseas — legally and otherwise — that blocks of homes stand vacant and the social media feeds of those who remain are filled with old neighbours showing off houses and cars. That drives even more people to leave. “There was so much pressure in the village, where people grew up aspiring to the good life,” Jha said. Smuggling networks were glad to help, charging fees that could reach USD 90,000 per person. In Dingucha, Jha said, many families afforded that by selling farmland. Satveer Chaudhary is a Minneapolis-based immigration attorney who has helped migrants exploited by motel owners, many of them Gujaratis. Smugglers with ties to the Gujarati business community have built an underground network, he said, bringing in workers willing to do low- or even no-wage jobs. “Their own community has taken advantage of them,” Chaudhary said. The pipeline of illegal immigration from India has long existed but has increased sharply along the US-Canada border. The US Border Patrol arrested more than 14,000 Indians on the Canadian border in the year ending Sept. 30, which amounted to 60% of all arrests along that border and more than 10 times the number two years ago. By 2022, the Pew Research Center estimates there were more than 725,000 Indians living illegally in the US, behind only Mexicans and El Salvadorans. In India, investigating officer Dilip Thakor said media attention had led to the arrest of three men in the Patel case, but hundreds of such cases don't even reach the courts. With so many Indians trying to get to the US, the smuggling networks see no need to warn off customers. They “tell people that it's very easy to cross into the US. They never tell them of the dangers involved,” Thakor said. US prosecutors allege Patel and Shand were part of a sprawling operation, with people to scout for business in India, acquire Canadian student visas, arrange transportation and smuggle migrants into the U.S., mostly via Washington state or Minnesota. On Monday, at the federal courthouse in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Patel, 29, and Shand, 50, will each face four counts related to human smuggling. Patel's attorney, Thomas Leinenweber, told The Associated Press his client came to America to escape poverty and build a better life and “now stands unjustly accused of participating in this horrible crime." Shand's attorney's did not return calls seeking comment. Prosecutors say Shand told investigators that Patel paid him about USD 25,000 for the five trips. His final passengers, though, never made it. The last night By 3 am on Jan 19, 2022, the 11 Indian migrants had spent hours wandering in gusting snow and brutal cold trying to find Shand. Many were in jeans and rubber work boots. None wore serious winter clothing. Shand, though, was stuck. Prosecutors allege he had been heading to the pickup spot in a rented 15-passenger van when he drove into a ditch roughly a half-mile (0.8 kilometers) from the border. Eventually, two migrants stumbled across the van. Sometime later, a passing pipeline company worker pulled the vehicle from the ditch. Soon after that, a US Border Patrol agent, on watch for migrants after boot prints were found near the border, pulled over Shand. Shand repeatedly insisted there was no one else outside, even as five more desperate Indians wandered to the vehicle from the fields, including one going in and out of consciousness. They had been walking for more than 11 hours. There were no children among the migrants, but one man had a backpack filled with toys, children's clothes and diapers. He said a family of four Indians asked him to hold it, because they had to carry their young son. Sometime in the night they had become separated. Hours later, the Patels' bodies were found just inside Canada, in a field near where the migrants had crossed into the US. Jagdish was holding Dharmik, with daughter Vihangi nearby. Vaishaliben was a short walk away. Hemant Shah, an Indian-born businessman living in Winnipeg, some 70 miles (110 kilometers) north of where the migrants were found, helped organise a virtual prayer service for the Patels. He's accustomed to hard winters and can't fathom the suffering they endured. "How could these people have even thought about going and crossing the border?” Shah said. Greed, he said, had taken four lives: “There was no humanity.”

2024-11-16 18:13

2024-11-16

18:13

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/wayanad-landslide-relief-kerala-govt-cpim-slam-centre-governor-rejects-charges-12868692.html

Wayanad landslide relief: Kerala govt, CPI(M) slam Centre; Governor rejects charges

Wayanad landslide relief: Kerala govt, CPI(M) slam Centre; Governor rejects charges.Related stories.

The Kerala government and the CPI(M) on Saturday accused the union government of adopting an "anti-democratic stand" over providing Central assistance for the victims of Wayanad landslides. While the CPI(M) warned that it would intensify protests against the Centre, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan defended the union government and said he had complete trust on the assurance made by Prime minister Narendra Modi in this regard. A political row erupted in the state over the issue following the Centre's recent letter to the state government stating that under the existing guidelines of SDRF and NDRF, there is no provision to declare any calamity a "national disaster." Speaking to reporters here, Revenue Minister K Rajan said the Centre should not have taken such a "tragic approach" towards the state and it was not acceptable for Kerala. "To spend the money from the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF), there is no need for the prime minister and the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) to visit the disaster-hit area. There was also no need for the state to submit a memorandum to the Centre to spend the money from the SDRF," Rajan pointed out. At a time when the state has the right to get the fund in accordance with the SDRF calculation, it was not good to create a misunderstanding saying that money for the rehabilitation of landslide-hit Wayanad was allocated in the distress relief fund, he explained. "It is not appropriate for a democratic system," he added. Sharing similar views, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan said the Centre has been denying assistance for Wayanad rehabilitation only due to "political reasons". Despite the state pressing the union government for allocating adequate assistance for the relief and rehabilitation initiatives in landslide-hit Wayanad, the Centre has not even allocated a penny for the purpose till date, he alleged. "It is because of the Centre's grudge towards the state. The assistance is denied only because of political reasons," he said. He accused the BJP-led union government of not allowing the state to 'progress' financially. Govindan said, though PM Modi, during his visit, had assured that all assistance would be given to the state for the rehabilitation of the landslide-hit Wayanad, he is yet to fulfil his word. The party veteran also warned of intense protests against the Centre over the issue in the coming days. However, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan rejected the criticisms against the Centre and said he "fully trust the assurance of the prime minister" in this regard. "We already have money. You (state government) submit the accounts to the Central government. Say, this money has been spent and more money is needed," he told reporters in Ernakulam. Khan also questioned the demand of the state government to declare the category of the disaster, saying that it was not a category but rehabilitation is more important for him. "I would rather believe the words of the PM who said publicly that because of the money, the rehabilitation work would not be allowed to be adversely affected," the governor said. When the reporters repeatedly asked him about the Centre's alleged reluctance to declare the Wayanad landslide tragedy as a national disaster, Khan asked them whether they were interested in declaration or rehabilitation. Both the UDF and LDF on Friday called for a hartal on Novemeber 19 to protest against the Centre's decision. The disaster, which struck on July 30, devastated large parts of three villages –Punchirimattam, Chooralmala, and Mundakkai–along with sections of Attamala in Wayanad. As per the government, the deadly disaster claimed 231 lives, while 47 people are still missing.

2024-11-16 17:44

2024-11-16

17:44

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/g7-confirms-pledge-to-imposing-severe-costs-on-russia-for-ukraine-war-12868691.html

G7 confirms pledge to imposing severe costs on Russia for Ukraine war

Russia-Ukraine war (File Image).

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) major democracies on Saturday reiterated a pledge to keep imposing severe costs on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, through sanctions, export controls and other measures, and vowed to support Kyiv for as long as it takes. "Russia remains the sole obstacle to just and lasting peace," said a joint statement published on Saturday, adopted "in support of Kyiv as the thousandth day of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine approaches." Italy holds the 2024 rotating presidency of the G7, which also includes the United States, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, and Britain. "The G7 confirms its commitment to imposing severe costs on Russia through sanctions, export controls and other effective measures. We stand united with Ukraine," the statement added.

2024-11-16 17:27

2024-11-16

17:27

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/over-1400-antiquities-valued-10-million-returned-to-india-by-us-12868690.html

Over 1,400 antiquities valued $10 million returned to India by US

PM Modi inspecting antiquities returned to India (File Image).Related stories.

A sandstone sculpture looted from Madhya Pradesh in the 1980s and another in green-grey schist, looted from Rajasthan in the 1960s are among the over 1,400 antiquities collectively valued at $10 million that the United States returned to India. More than 600 more antiquities looted from India are scheduled to be repatriated in the coming months. The pieces were returned at a ceremony with Manish Kulhary from the Consulate General of India here and Alexandra deArmas, Group Supervisor from the Homeland Security Investigation of New York Cultural Property, Art, and Antiquities Group, according to a statement from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L Bragg, Jr. At least 1,440 antiquities collectively valued at $10 million were returned to India at the event, Bragg said in a statement. The sandstone sculpture depicting a celestial dancer was looted from a temple in Madhya Pradesh in the early 1980’s. The looters had cleaved the sculpture into two halves to facilitate smuggling and illicit sale and by February 1992, the two halves were illegally imported from London into New York, professionally reassembled, and donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met). It remained on display at the Met, until it was seized by the Antiquities Traffic Unit (ATU) in 2023. The second sculpture, Tanesar Mother Goddess, carved from green-gray schist, was looted from a village of Tanesara-Mahadeva in Rajasthan. First documented in the late 1950s by an Indian archaeologist along with 11 other sculptures of mother goddesses, the Tanesar Mother Goddess and her fellow mother goddesses were stolen one evening in the early 1960s, the statement said on Wednesday. By 1968, the Tanesar Mother Goddess was in a Manhattan gallery and after passing through two other collectors in New York, the Met accessioned the Tanesar Mother Goddess in 1993, where it remained on display until it was seized by the ATU in 2022, it added. These antiquities were recovered under several ongoing investigations into criminal trafficking networks, including those of alleged antiquities trafficker Subhash Kapoor and convicted trafficker Nancy Wiener, the statement added. “We will continue to investigate the many trafficking networks that have targeted Indian cultural heritage," Bragg said. Also read:US returns 297 smuggled antiquities during PM Modi’s visit The statement said that during Bragg’s tenure, the District Attorney’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit recovered just over 2,100 antiquities stolen from more than 30 countries and valued at almost $230 million. It said about 1,000 antiquities, including more than 600 antiquities looted from India and recovered earlier this year, were scheduled to be repatriated in the coming months.

2024-11-16 17:25

2024-11-16

17:25

moneycontrol.com

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/ec-seeks-responses-from-bjps-nadda-congresss-kharge-on-poll-code-violation-complaints-12868686.html

EC seeks responses from BJP’s Nadda, Congress’s Kharge on poll code violation complaints

The poll panel has sought formal responses from both the party presidents by 1 pm on Monday, November 18.

The Election Commission (EC), acting on complaints of poll code violations from both the BJP and Congress against each other, on Saturday asked the party presidents to respond to the allegations concerning their leaders. The EC wrote separate letters to BJP president JP Nadda and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, seeking their comments on the complaint. The commission exchanged the complaints between the two parties while seeking their responses. The poll panel has sought formal responses from both the party presidents by 1 pm on Monday, November 18, while reminding them of EC’s earlier advisory to them dated May 22, 2024 during Lok Sabha elections, to keep star campaigners and leaders under check so that public decorum is not flouted and MCC is followed in letter and spirit during election campaign.

2024-11-16 17:17

2024-11-16

17:17