Rahul Gandhi advocates against privatization and financial incentives for quality education, urging for increased government spending and stronger public institutions. He emphasizes the need to foster innovation, nurture creativity, and offer diverse career paths for students, while addressing the hierarchical and restrictive nature of India's current educational system.
Prasidh Krishna impressed in Jasprit Bumrah's absence, taking three key Australian wickets, but India's low total of 157 could be costly. Australia needs only 91 more runs to win the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Despite early breakthroughs, Indian bowlers bowled too many loose balls. Usman Khawaja and Travis Head are at the crease, with Australia at 71-3.
A powerful winter storm has begun affecting the central United States, with expectations of severe weather extending eastward. The storm brings heavy snow, damaging ice accumulations, freezing temperatures, and gale-force winds. Travel disruptions are significant, with airport closures and hazardous conditions on roads. States including Missouri and Virginia have declared states of emergency.
Jimmy Carter's public farewell began in Georgia, tracing his life from a small-town farmer to U.S. president and global humanitarian. His funeral will blend personalized memorials with ceremonial honors over six days. Carter's life and legacy will be remembered in Washington and Plains, where he will be buried next to his wife Rosalynn.
Telangana Minister Jupally Krishna Rao announces increased benefits for farmers under the Rythu Bharosa scheme, providing Rs 12,000 per acre annually. Additionally, landless families and agricultural laborers will receive similar benefits under the Indiramma Atmeeya Bharosa scheme. These initiatives aim to counter opposition criticism and support farmers starting January 26, 2025.
The NG-1 mission will carry a prototype of Blue Ring, a Defense Department-funded spacecraft envisioned as a versatile satellite deployment platform, which will remain on board the rocket's second stage for the six-hour test flight. It will mark Blue Origin's long-awaited entry into the lucrative orbital launch market after years of suborbital flights with its smaller New Shepard rocket, which carries passengers and payloads on brief trips to the edge of space.
President-elect Donald Trump's second term will focus on the China challenge and building stronger strategic ties with India. The incoming administration will likely emphasize the Quad forum and countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The team will balance strategic competition and economic relations with Beijing, while strengthening the US-India relationship.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to visit Florida to meet President-elect Donald Trump. This comes amid foreign policy challenges for Meloni after Iranian authorities detained Italian reporter Cecilia Sala. The issue arises close to the arrest of Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini in Italy, and Iran's demand for his release following a U.S. extradition request.
The Biden administration strengthened the US-India relationship, emphasizing defense and technology. The incoming Trump administration, with key pro-India nominees, is expected to continue these policies and focus on countering China. Challenges include trade disputes, immigration issues, and human rights. The Trump 2.0 administration will focus on power politics rather than strategic altruism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of several development projects in Delhi on January 5. He will also ride in the Namo Bharat Train. Projects include the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor, a stretch of Delhi Metro Phase-IV, and the Central Ayurveda Research Institute. These initiatives aim to boost connectivity and healthcare infrastructure.
British police identified Edward Pettifer, a Londoner and stepson to a former nanny of Prince William and Prince Harry, as one of the victims in the New Year's Day attack in New Orleans. Pettifer was among 14 people killed by a U.S. Army veteran who had pledged allegiance to Islamic State.
The U.S. Surgeon General's warning about alcohol's cancer risk may connect with younger Americans who are already consuming less alcohol. Mocktails and juices have become popular alternatives. Public health efforts are increasingly focusing on alcohol, similar to past tobacco campaigns. Though younger people may resist mandatory drinking culture, labeling risks alone may not decrease consumption.
New Orleans is upgrading Bourbon Street with new 10-mph impact-resistant barriers to prevent vehicle attacks. These bollards were not yet installed before the recent attack that killed 14 people. The attacker managed to exploit a gap in current security measures. The new system was chosen for ease of operation and maintenance despite lower crash safety.
Delhi weather: Cold waves have gripped the national capital, causing temperatures to drop and disrupting travel. Several flights at IGI Airport have been delayed due to thick fog, affecting passengers' travel plans.
Tech giants are moving fast to develop and deploy AI agents, which are pegged to be the “next big thing” in 2025. They gobeyond the limited capabilities of LLMs and offer more end-to-end, action-based solutions. Agent frameworks can reason, plan, and execute, driving the convergence of automation and GenAI to create autonomous systems for complex business tasks.
Powered by advanced technologies like AI, VR, and GenAI, customisation can create deeply tailored shopping experiences. These innovations enhance ecommerce by offering personalised recommendations, virtual try-ons, and immersive browsing. AI further helps sellers optimise their offerings, improving both consumer engagement and business outcomes in the ever-evolving online marketplace.
The data law rules aim to balance innovation and regulation, with provisions like child-gating, which requires parental consent for children accessing platforms. To verify children's data, India will utilise school enrolment databases, which contain parent details and birth information. Virtual tokens will enable verifiable identification, offering a solution where global counterparts, such as Australia, have struggled.
Stock price and dividend yields have an inverse relationship. But before this inverse relationship kicks in, there is a level of equilibrium. Now this equilibrium level is subjective, and moves in tandem with the risk-free interest rate which an FD provides. Now, there is another equilibrium level which mathematical equations don't solve. Consider stocks with a reasonable probability of outperforming in a bearish market. The use of the word reasonable brings in the subjective element. With interest rates on FDs hovering above 7%... Читать дальше...
US stock market is likely to be dictated by the policy-related decisions made by US President-elect Donald Trump.
