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Showing posts from July, 2024

Sreelakshmi Suresh: The World’s Youngest CEO and Web Designer

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Sreelakshmi Suresh , a trailblazing web designer from Kozhikode, Kerala, holds the distinction of being the world’s youngest CEO and web designer. Born on February 5, 1998, Sreelakshmi’s journey from a tech-savvy child to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to her exceptional talent and determination. Sreelakshmi Suresh Early Life and Education Sreelakshmi was born into a middle-class family in Kerala. Her father, Suresh Menon, is an advocate in the Calicut council. She began using computers at the age of three and started designing websites by the age of four. By six, she had designed her first website. Sreelakshmi completed her schooling at Presentation Higher Secondary School in Kerala and graduated in Business Management from St. Joseph’s College, Devagiri. Career Milestones Sreelakshmi’s foray into web design began early, and by the age of six, she had created a web portal for her school, which was inaugurated by Binoy Viswam, the then Forest Minister of Kerala. Her initiativ

Budget 2024-25: Will it Reflect Economic Survey Cues or Follow Previous Budget Themes?

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As Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget for 2024–25, all eyes are on how it will align with the themes highlighted in the Economic Survey 2023–24 or if it will echo the maiden budgets of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s previous terms. The Modi government’s first Budget after returning to power in 2019 with an even bigger mandate than in 2014 was by and large incremental. Economic Survey Insights The Economic Survey 2023–24, released Monday, outlines significant challenges and key themes that are expected to shape India’s economic trajectory. The survey points to the need for: Inflation Targeting : Revising the Reserve Bank of India’s framework to exclude food inflation. Private Sector Investment : Encouraging private sector investment to sustain economic momentum. Employment and Skills : Tackling unemployment and enhancing skill development. MSME Growth : Easing regulatory burdens and improving access to finance for MSMEs. Agricultural Reform : Aligning pr

Today in Politics: All Eyes on Modi Govt 3.0’s First Budget Against a Changed Political Backdrop

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The political landscape is buzzing with anticipation as Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget for 2024–25. This marks the first budget under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, a term characterized by a notable shift in political dynamics. This will be the first Budget in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term in office. The Political Shift Unlike Modi’s previous terms, the BJP no longer holds a majority on its own and relies heavily on its NDA allies, particularly the TDP led by N Chandrababu Naidu and the JD(U) led by Nitish Kumar. This dependency adds an intriguing layer to this year’s budget, as both allies have outlined specific demands, including special category status (SCS) and special projects for their states, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. Anticipated Debates and Strategies The three-week-long Budget session, which kicked off on Monday, promises to be contentious. This was evident during the customary all-party meeting on Sunday, where coal

Manika Batra’s Path to Potential Olympic Glory: The Role of a Motivational Book, a Strategic Twiddle, and a Mother’s Support

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A Tale of Dedication and Resilience India’s most celebrated table tennis star, Manika Batra, has an interesting arsenal of secrets fueling her potential Olympic success: a hefty motivational book, a strategic racquet switch, and unwavering emotional support from her mother. India’s top table tennis player Manika Batra used the long pimpled rubber to finish on the podium at the Commonwealth Games six years ago.  Over the past decade, Manika has developed a deep admiration for cricket superstar Virat Kohli, drawn to his passionate and relentless approach to the game. “It’s because of how he handles everything that happens to him, and how passionate he’s about winning through all that. And how he enjoys playing cricket,” she shares. The Power of a Motivational Tome Before every match, Manika delves into a motivational book that she describes as “Ek moti-si kitaab hai” — a thick book of 280 pages that works like magic for her. The title escapes her, but the essence of its wisdom remains em

Tabu Opens Up: Refused Films with Shah Rukh Khan and Navigating Insecure Actors

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In a recent interview with Galatta India, acclaimed actress Tabu shared insights from her extensive career, including her reasons for turning down projects with Shah Rukh Khan and her experiences with insecure co-actors. With over three decades in the industry, the 52-year-old actress reflected on her journey and the dynamics of working in Bollywood. Tabu says she has refused films with Shah Rukh Khan. Refusing Films with Shah Rukh Khan Tabu revealed that she has turned down several film offers that starred Shah Rukh Khan. Despite their iconic status, the actress explained that her decisions were based on the roles and scripts offered to her, rather than any personal issues. “I’m not a producer or director,” Tabu clarified. “I can’t dictate who Shah Rukh Khan works with or which films are made. I simply choose or refuse based on what’s offered to me.” Dealing with Insecure Actors Tabu also discussed the challenges of working with insecure actors. She acknowledged that while having secu

Female Students from Low-Income Families Aspire for Professional Careers: UNICEF Report

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A recent survey by UNICEF YuWaah and iDreamCareer highlights the career aspirations of female students from low-income families, showing a strong preference for professional careers over vocational ones. Out of 4,968 respondents, a significant 2,999 students expressed interest in professional careers, while 704 were inclined towards vocational paths. UNICEF's data was collected from students between grades 9-12 from 25 Indian states. Key Findings Professional vs. Vocational Careers: The survey reveals that over 69% of female students prefer professional careers. In comparison, a smaller percentage, though still significant, opt for vocational careers. Specifically, 62.42% of female students (1,872) showed interest in professional careers, whereas 56.25% of those interested in vocational careers were female. Gender Distribution: While female students lean towards professional careers such as medical science and teaching, their male counterparts show a preference for engineering an

BJP Prioritizes Ideology Over National Interest: Opposition Reacts to Lifting Ban on Government Employees in RSS

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The recent central government order lifting the long-standing ban on government employees participating in RSS activities has ignited a political firestorm. Ahead of the Budget Session of the Lok Sabha, this move has been met with sharp criticism from opposition parties, while the RSS and BJP have staunchly defended it. Congress general secretary in-charge (communications) Jairam Ramesh. The Controversial Order Earlier this month, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pension issued an order lifting the ban on government employees engaging in RSS activities. This ban, initially imposed in 1966, was deemed “unconstitutional” by the RSS and BJP, who argue that it should never have been implemented. Silence from Allies Allies such as the Janata Dal (United) and Rashtriya Lok Dal have remained silent on the matter. JD(U) national spokesperson K C Tyagi refused to comment, while RLD national spokesperson Mohammad Islam indicated he would discuss the issue within the party before

Ajit Agarkar on Choosing Suryakumar Yadav Over Hardik Pandya as India's T20I Captain

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Ajit Agarkar, the Chairman of the senior selection committee, recently shed light on the decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as India’s T20I captain over Hardik Pandya. According to Agarkar, Suryakumar was chosen due to his consistent availability and impressive T20 credentials, while fitness concerns played a role in Hardik’s exclusion from the captaincy role. India's Hardik Pandya greets fans during an exhibition cricket match between Bangladesh and India at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, Saturday, June. 1, 2024, in Westbury, N.Y. The match is a warmup for the T20 Cricket World Cup tournament. The Decision-Making Process Agarkar explained the rationale behind selecting Suryakumar Yadav, emphasizing his suitability and skill set for the role. “He is one of the deserving candidates. He is one of the best T20 batters in the world. We feel that Surya has all the necessary qualities to be a good captain. We wanted a captain who is likely to play all the games,” Agar

Rohman Shawl Responds to Sushmita Sen’s Comments on Being Single

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Sushmita Sen, the renowned actress and former Miss Universe, recently shared insights into her personal life on Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast, Chapter 2. During their heartfelt conversation, Sushmita opened up about her love life, revealing that she has been single for the past three years. This revelation left many fans curious about her current relationship with ex-boyfriend and good friend, Rohman Shawl, especially since the two were recently seen together at an award show. Rohman Shawl reacts to Sushmita Sen's 'I am single' statement.  Sushmita’s Revelations on the Podcast In the podcast, Sushmita candidly discussed her current status. “As we sit here today, I have no man in my life. I have been single for a while now. Three years, to be precise. I am not even interested in anyone at the moment. It’s lovely to take a break because I was in a relationship prior to that for almost five years and that was a long, long time,” she shared. Sushmita emphasized the importance of t

Airbus Nearing Decision on H125 Helicopter Assembly Site in India

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Airbus Helicopters is close to finalizing the location for its new final assembly line (FAL) in India, intended for the H125 helicopter. Eight potential sites are currently under evaluation, according to top Airbus Helicopters officials. An Airbus H125 helicopter under production in Marignane, France. Expansion Plans in India The proposed FAL, a collaboration between Airbus Helicopters and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), aims to meet the growing demand in India and South Asia. The decision on the location is expected soon, with the groundbreaking ceremony planned for late 2024 and the first H125 helicopter rolling out by 2026. Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President Global Business of Airbus Helicopters, emphasized that the final decision will consider factors like employee attractiveness, industrial activity, logistics, and regulations. “We are still in the final assessment stage but stay tuned, we should be in a position to announce shortly,” Michalon told reporters at Airbu

Unleash Your Leadership Potential: Discover the MBA Program at Rohini College of Engineering and Technology, Kanyakumari

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Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? The MBA department at Rohini College of Engineering and Technology (RCET) , Kanyakumari, is the perfect place to unlock your full potential. Renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation, RCET offers a transformative MBA program that prepares students for success in the competitive business world. Unlock Your Future with RCET's MBA Program: Where Leadership and Innovation Meet Why Choose RCET’s MBA Program? Nurturing Future Leaders: The MBA department at RCET is dedicated to developing the next generation of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. With a dynamic curriculum, experienced faculty, and industry-aligned programs, students gain the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to excel in today’s business landscape. Comprehensive Curriculum: The program offers a blend of theoretical foundations and practical insights across a wide spectrum of business disciplines, including Finance,

Aamir Ali on Heartbreak, Relationships, and Fatherhood: A Candid Reflection

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Aamir Ali, known for his roles in television and film, recently opened up about personal struggles, relationships, and the challenges of navigating life post-divorce from actor Sanjeeda Shaikh. The couple, who married in 2012 and welcomed a daughter in 2018, parted ways in 2021, marking a significant transition in both their lives. Aamir Ali talks about heartbreak. Navigating Post-Divorce Challenges In a candid interview with Galatta India, Aamir reflected on the societal expectations placed on men during relationship breakdowns. He acknowledged, “Every time something goes wrong, the blame immediately comes on the guy.” Addressing Sanjeeda’s comments about losing friends post-divorce, he maintained a diplomatic stance, wishing her well in her endeavors without delving into specifics. Personal Growth and Perspective Preferring to keep personal matters private, Aamir emphasized his approach to dealing with adversity, stating, “I like to fight my own battles. I have managed to keep things

UP Congress Plans Extensive Dalit Outreach Ahead of 2027 Assembly Polls

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Following its success in regaining a significant portion of the Dalit vote in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress has launched an extensive outreach campaign to solidify this support for the 2027 Assembly elections. The party’s first focus is Gorakhpur, the home turf of UP CM Yogi Adityanath. The outreach will include special membership drives among Dalits, identifying influential Dalit personalities in each Assembly constituency, as well as organising division-level “sammelans” and district-level “Dalit chaupals” to talk about their issues. Reconnecting with the Dalit Community The Congress aims to strengthen its ties with the Dalit community through special membership drives, identifying influential Dalit figures in each Assembly constituency, and organizing division-level “sammelans” and district-level “Dalit chaupals” to address community issues. Detailed Outreach Plan At a recent high-level meeting at the state Congress headquarters in Lucknow, a detailed 15-day program was crafted with i

Clive Madande: Franchise Cricket Can Bring New Talent to Zimbabwe

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Wicketkeeper Clive Madande hopes his team can put up a strong performance against India in the upcoming five-match T20 series starting Saturday. He believes that greater participation in franchise cricket could attract more young talent to the sport in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe's wicketkeeper-batter Clive Madande celebrates  The Day Cricket Became a Passion Clive Madande’s love for cricket began as a 12-year-old when his father took him to watch a Test match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club in 2014. Zimbabwe’s victory by 24 runs left a lasting impression on him. “It was one of the greatest days in Zimbabwean cricket. We beat Pakistan, and I thought, well, I should play this game,” Madande recalls. Now, a decade later, he is a key figure in reviving Zimbabwe’s cricketing legacy. The Struggles of Zimbabwean Cricket Despite that memorable victory, Zimbabwe’s cricket has faced numerous challenges over the past decade. Administrative issues, lack of infrastructure, governmen

Manisha Koirala Opens Up About Toxic Relationships: "I've Only Fallen for the Wrong Men"

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Actor Manisha Koirala, currently enjoying the success of her role in the Netflix series “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” has candidly discussed her personal struggles with toxic relationships. In the series, created and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Manisha plays Malikajaan, a character known for bringing toxicity into every relationship. However, in real life, Manisha has often found herself on the receiving end of such relationships. Manisha Koirala on her toxic relationships  Reflecting on Past Romances In a recent interview with Filmfare, Manisha revealed a recurring pattern in her love life. “I have scrutinized why I have only fallen for the wrong men. I used to wonder why am I doing this again and again, or if there’s something wrong with me to be getting attracted to the most troubled person in the room,” she shared. Recognizing the need for self-work, Manisha has chosen to remain single for the past five to six years to focus on her personal growth. The Ideal Partner When

Can India Achieve High-Income Status by 2047? Martin Wolf Weighs In

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In a recent lecture organized by CUTS, Martin Wolf, Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times, expressed skepticism about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious goal of making India a high-income country by 2047. While he acknowledged that the goal might be out of reach, he projected that India could still achieve upper middle-income status and emerge as a global superpower by the middle of the century. Martin Wolf, Chief Economics Commentator, Financial Times Domestic Challenges and Necessary Reforms Wolf pointed out that the significant obstacles to India’s progress lie within its domestic institutions, policies, and politics. He emphasized that achieving inclusive and rapid growth would require not only sustained openness to global markets but also massive investments in both physical and human capital. “Openness remains a handmaiden of economic progress,” Wolf remarked. The Plausibility of Modi’s Vision Reflecting on PM Modi’s vision, Wolf questioned the feasibility of t

Ghazal Alagh : Co-founder of Mamaearth and Advocate for Women Entrepreneurship

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Ghazal Alagh is a pioneering entrepreneur and the co-founder of Mamaearth, a leading Indian company specializing in organic and toxin-free baby care products. Her journey from a corporate professional to a successful entrepreneur is an inspiring story of determination, innovation, and resilience. Ghazal Alagh Early Life and Career Ghazal’s entrepreneurial journey began when she and her husband, Varun Alagh, identified a gap in the market for safe and natural baby care products. Motivated by their belief in the business idea and their passion for providing better care options for children, they decided to quit their jobs and dive into the world of entrepreneurship. This bold decision marked the beginning of Mamaearth, which has since become a trusted name among parents across India. Challenges and Solutions As a woman entrepreneur, Ghazal faced numerous challenges, particularly in managing work-life balance while being a parent. She emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support

SP MP R K Chaudhary Calls for Removing Sengol, Upholds Dalit Politics in UP

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R K Chaudhary, a first-time Samajwadi Party (SP) MP from Uttar Pradesh, has sparked a debate by demanding the removal of the Sengol sceptre and emphasizing the importance of Dalit politics in the state. Here are the key points from his recent interview with The Indian Express: MP R K Chaudhary was a close associate of Kanshi Ram and served as a state minister five times. The Sengol Controversy Chaudhary, a former member of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), criticized the installation of the Sengol sceptre, suggesting it dilutes the significance of Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution. He argued that the BJP and RSS prefer Manusmriti over the Constitution, reflecting a move towards monarchic symbolism rather than democratic principles. Political Journey and Demands Having been associated closely with Kanshi Ram and the BSP, Chaudhary outlined his political journey and reasons for shifting allegiance to the SP. His demand to replace the Sengol with a Constitution replica aims to reinforce demo

India’s Ambitious Bid for the 2036 Olympics: PM Modi Seeks Inputs from Paris-Bound Athletes

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In a recent interaction with athletes headed to the Paris Olympics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India’s aspiration to host the 2036 Olympics. Modi emphasized the importance of gaining valuable insights from the athletes’ experiences in Paris to bolster India’s bid. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha poses for a group photo with the Indian contingent heading for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Seeking Insights from Paris During the session, which was held both in person and online, PM Modi highlighted the significant role these athletes could play in preparing India for hosting the Olympics. He encouraged them to observe the arrangements and provide feedback that could enhance India’s preparations. “We are hoping to host the Olympics in 2036. It will help in creating a sporting atmosphere. Work is in progress to prepare infrastructure for it,” said Modi. He emphasized tha