While dedication and hard work are essential, astrology suggests that the alignment of the stars also influences our paths and outcomes.
Meanwhile, the EC has decided to investigate irregularities and shortcomings in all previous elections.
Income inequality in India has declined over the years, aided by government initiatives such as NREGS and DBT. The income share of the top 10% relative to the bottom 50% decreased from 1.82 times in 2004-05 to 1.34 times in 2022-23, although disparities briefly increased during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Elon Musk has voiced his opinions about politics in the UK.
CII has proposed a seven-point agenda to boost employment in India, including a national employment policy. The agenda includes creating a National Employment Policy, developing a Universal Labour Information Management System, and providing tax incentives for new employment. Support is suggested for sectors like construction, tourism, textiles, and low-skilled manufacturing.
India's forest advisory committee has approved the construction of a 2,000 m firing range in Sikkim and a 16 MW hydroelectric plant in Arunachal Pradesh. The firing range will be located near the India-China border and will impact 87 hectares of forest area. The hydroelectric plant in Arunachal Pradesh will utilize the Halai river to generate electricity.
The government will review the financial and operational performance of state-run insurers. This will help decide about capital infusion. Oriental Insurance, National Insurance, and United India Insurance have solvency ratios below the required 1.50. The Insurance Amendment Bill is expected to increase competition in the sector by allowing 100% foreign direct investment.
Farm credit is poised to exceed ₹27 lakh crore this fiscal year, with substantial contributions from RRBs and RCBs. Improved rural consumption is anticipated to surpass urban demand. Enhanced productivity, adequate resources, and digitalisation in agriculture are key points highlighted by Shaji KV, Chairman of Nabard.
Top telecom companies and legal experts expressed concern over new draft data protection rules, highlighting potential problems with international calls and data localization. They warn these rules could increase operational challenges and compliance costs, as well as raise security risks and privacy concerns.
The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir bring challenges with dual control. The National Conference government, led by Omar Abdullah, faces tensions with the Lieutenant Governor's administration. Key issues include the restoration of Article 370, reservation policies, foreign infiltrators, infrastructure projects, and political prisoners.
The labour and employment ministry will introduce multiple measures in 2024 to enhance social security for over 380 million unorganised workers. These include a common application form on the e-Shram portal, targeted enrolment of gig and platform workers, and integration of building and construction workers' data with e-Shram.
India's draft privacy rules introduce dynamic controls for easier implementation, sector-specific data localisation, and differentiated data fiduciary treatment. They mandate upfront data declaration, processing purposes, and end-use details, with phased implementation to aid data collecting entities in upgrading security measures while ensuring adequate privacy protection.
Johnny Cash's 2002 rendition of 'Hurt', originally by Nine Inch Nails, is a poignant and deeply moving interpretation. Cash's raw, emotional confession resonates on a personal level. His cracked leather voice and sparse instrumentation lend the song an intimacy. The lyrics become searing, full of weariness and vulnerability, making it a testament to human frailty and redemption.
Gaming firms are seeking Supreme Court intervention against retroactive GST demands, which could lead to hefty tax burdens exceeding their earnings. They challenge the imposition of GST on the entire betting pool for past years, fearing a potential industry collapse if interim relief isn't granted.
Martech is expected to grow significantly by 2030. Marketing automation can boost efficiency if correctly used. Poor strategy and over-automation can harm customer relations. Handling customer data securely is crucial. Mobile optimization, meaningful content, and exploring new platforms are key. Data-driven insights should align tech with strategy for meaningful customer connections.
Karnataka plans to borrow Rs 48,000 crore in January-March to fund its flagship guarantee schemes, the highest among the southern states. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to present the budget in March, targeting a significant increase in open market loans while the state faces criticism for prioritizing welfare schemes over economic development.
President-elect Donald Trump's threat to end EV tax credits spurred late-year electric vehicle sales, boosting an otherwise slow year for U.S. automakers. GM and Ford posted significant gains, contributing to a record 1.3 million EVs sold in 2024. However, this surge is unlikely to continue into 2025 due to potential policy changes.
As we step into 2025, the celestial alignments offer a powerful backdrop for manifestation.
Carl Jung's concept of 'the two halves of life' explains that the first half is focused on building a healthy ego through achievements, while the second half involves inner reflection, letting go, and discovering deeper meaning, love, and wisdom. Meditation aids this process by enhancing self-awareness and internal healing.
The Government of India is responding carefully to an increase in human metapneumovirus cases in China. They have asked WHO for updates and assured the public. Unlike Covid, HMPV is known since 2001 and is seasonal. India must check its healthcare system and focus on sanitation, clean air, and tracking diseases to manage outbreaks effectively.
Virat Kohli's consistent error of getting out to balls pitched outside the off-stump during the Australia-India series has led to the creation of a new verb 'Kohliing,' implying the repeated failure in the same manner causing harm to one's reputation. His recurring struggles have ironically defined his performance in this context.
Donald Trump's presidency brings uncertainty, with expected higher tariffs impacting international trade. India must reconsider its forex reserve policy, balancing costs and benefits of large reserves and intervention, and possibly allowing the rupee to reflect its real effective exchange rate rather than defending its value.
An Indian podcast host’s critique of North Indian tourists' behaviour in Vietnam has gone viral, dividing opinions online. Ravi Handa, host of the Desi FIRE Podcast, accused some tourists of queue-jumping and loud conduct, citing specific incidents during his New Year trip. While some supported his remarks, others labelled them stereotyping. This incident follows similar complaints about the conduct of Indian travellers abroad, sparking a broader conversation about civic behaviour and cultural sensitivity among tourists.
Delhi health authorities issued an advisory for preparedness against respiratory illnesses linked to Human MetaPneumoVirus (HMPV) and other viruses. Hospitals were instructed to report cases, follow isolation protocols, and ensure the availability of essential medicines. The recommendations follow reports of increased respiratory illnesses in China.
