Study Abroad: Best Business Schools For GMAT-Free Admission

Study Abroad: Aspiring MBA students now have more flexible options to pursue world-class business education as several top business schools have waived the GMAT requirement for 2025 admissions. These schools prioritise holistic assessments, focusing on professional achievements, leadership skills, and academic records, creating opportunities for those who may not clear standardised testing.

ESSEC Business School (Asia-Pacific Campus), Singapore

Known for its international focus, ESSEC offers highly regarded Global and Executive MBA programmes. While the average GMAT score for its diverse cohort is 680, candidates can apply without GMAT scores by showcasing strong professional experience or academic credentials. GRE scores or relevant professional qualifications are accepted alternatives. ESSEC has a 91% placement rate within six months and access to over 71,000 alumni worldwide.

Australian National University (ANU), Australia

Ranked 1st in Australia and 30th globally, ANU offers GMAT alternatives such as completing the Evidence-Based Management MicroMasters with a 70% score or an ANU Graduate Certificate of Management with a GPA of 5.0/7.0. The program focuses on evidence-based decision-making and offers scholarships for meritorious candidates.

These GMAT-free pathways ensure diverse candidates can access top-tier MBA programs, paving the way for global career success.

UCLA Anderson School of Management, USA

UCLA Anderson, the Los Angeles- based business school, offers MBA specialisations in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more. Applicants opting for a GMAT waiver must submit a short essay highlighting their quantitative skills through coursework or professional experience. GRE and Executive Assessment (EA) scores are accepted alternatives, ensuring a flexible application process.

MIT Sloan School of Management, USA

The MIT Sloan Fellows MBA, designed for mid-career professionals, allows applicants to skip GMAT scores without facing penalties. Applicants can instead provide GRE or EA scores. Known for its rigorous curriculum, Sloan emphasises analytical skills and boasts a 96.6% postgraduation employment rate.

Warwick Business School - University of Warwick, UK

Warwick MBA programmes ranks among the UK's top 10. Applicants may bypass GMAT and GRE scores by taking the Warwick Test, an alternative available to candidates with extensive professional experience. This test is conducted post-interview, supporting holistic candidate evaluations.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/LPZYVhw
via IFTTT

Odisha Couple Pose As Daughter, Son-In-Law Of PM's Principal Secretary, Arrested

Odisha Police on Monday said it arrested a couple on charges of defrauding people by impersonating themselves as the daughter and son-in-law of PK Mishra, the principal secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The couple, identified as Hansita Abhilipsa (38) and her accomplice Anil Kumar Mohanty, believed to be her husband, were accused of cheating people by claiming that they have influential connections, police added.

"They were arrested on Sunday and booked under Sections 329(3), 319(2), 318(4), and 3(5) of the BNS. They claimed to be the daughter and son-in-law of PM's principal secretary Dr. PK Mishra," Swaraj Debata, Additional DCP Zone 6 in Bhubaneswar, said.

Police recovered several photographs from the couple's residence, showing them with high-profile people, including chief secretary. The duo allegedly swindled rich businessmen, builders, mining operators, and other influential people in Bhubaneswar.

Officials said the couple digitally manipulated the photographs with influential officials and used these doctored images to approach victims, falsely promising to help them get their tenders passed.

Hansita is a resident of Kandhamal district, while Mohanty is a small-time businessman who owns an infrastructure firm.

The arrests were made following a complaint by a mine owner.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/U5mu6Ik
via IFTTT

Delhi Records Cleanest December Air Since 2015

With an average Air Quality Index of 294, Delhi has recorded its cleanest December air since the introduction of the AQI system in 2015.

This improvement can be attributed to strong, consistent winds in the first half of the month and record-breaking rainfall in the second, officials said.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), December marked Delhi's cleanest first half ever, with only one 'very poor' air day recorded between December 1 and December 15.

On Monday, the AQI stood at 173, in the "moderate" category, a significant improvement from Sunday's 225 (poor). This marked the eighth moderate air quality day this month, with the capital previously recording no more than three moderate days in December.

The lowest AQI of this month was recorded on December 28, at 139, marking the cleanest December day on record.

The average AQI during this period stood at 238, significantly lower than the usual AQI of over 300 for this time of year.

In comparison, Delhi's average AQI was 348 last December, 319 in 2022, and 336 in 2021. The previous lowest December AQI was 300, recorded in 2015.

Additionally, the month is set to conclude with at leats 53.5 mm of rainfall, making it the fifth-wettest December since 1901. The city also recorded its highest single-day December rainfall in 101 years, with 41.2 mm on December 28 (Friday).

This year, Delhi experienced six rainy days in December, compared to just one in 2023, none in 2022, four in 2021, and a single rainy day in December 2020.

In total, Delhi recorded 53.5 mm of rainfall this month, with 41.2 mm occurring in a single day. In contrast, December 2023 and 2022 saw no rainfall, while 2021 recorded 9.6 mm, and 2020 recorded 1.6 mm.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the highest-ever single-day rainfall in December was 75.7 mm, recorded on December 3, 1923.

While the nights were pleasant, with an average minimum temperature of 8.4 degree celsius, consistent with the long-period average (LPA) for December, the days were slightly warmer, with an average maximum temperature of 23.1 degree celsius -- 0.3 notches above the LPA.

This marks the coldest December since 2021, when the average maximum temperature was 22.4 degree celsius, according to IMD officials.

Experts attributed the favourable air quality in December to the favourable dispersion of pollutants, particularly in the first two weeks of the month.

However, the third week saw a slowdown in winds, causing six severe air quality days between December 17 and 23. This was due to a western disturbance that brought added moisture, which led to stagnation in the air.

Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet, explained that winds in early December helped disperse pollutants effectively, preventing dense fog, and maintaining relatively clean air.

On Monday, Delhis AQI stood at 173, in the "moderate" category, a significant improvement from Sunday's 225 (poor).

This marked the eighth moderate air quality day this month, with the capital previously recording no more than three moderate days in December.

The lowest AQI of the month was recorded on December 28, at 139, marking the cleanest December day on record.

The highest AQI recorded in December was 451, which occurred on December 19.

The CPCB categorises AQI as follows: 0-50 (Good), 51-100 (Satisfactory), 101-200 (Moderate), 201-300 (Poor), 301-400 (Very Poor), and above 400 (Severe).



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/SzUZdbt
via IFTTT

Five Years On, WHO Urges China To Share Data On Covid Origins

The World Health Organization on Monday implored China to share data and access to help understand how Covid-19 began, five years on from the start of the pandemic that upended the planet.

Covid-19 killed millions of people, shredded economies and crippled health systems.

"We continue to call on China to share data and access so we can understand the origins of Covid-19. This is a moral and scientific imperative," the WHO said in a statement.

"Without transparency, sharing, and cooperation among countries, the world cannot adequately prevent and prepare for future epidemics and pandemics."

The WHO recounted how on December 31, 2019, its country office in China picked up a media statement from the health authorities in Wuhan concerning cases of "viral pneumonia" in the city.

"In the weeks, months and years that unfolded after that, Covid-19 came to shape our lives and our world," the UN health agency said.

"As we mark this milestone, let's take a moment to honour the lives changed and lost, recognise those who are suffering from Covid-19 and Long Covid, express gratitude to the health workers who sacrificed so much to care for us, and commit to learning from Covid-19 to build a healthier tomorrow."

'Same weaknesses'

Earlier this month, the WHO's Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the issue of whether the world was better prepared for the next pandemic than it was for Covid-19.

"The answer is yes, and no," he told a press conference.

"If the next pandemic arrived today, the world would still face some of the same weaknesses and vulnerabilities that gave Covid-19 a foothold five years ago.

"But the world has also learnt many of the painful lessons the pandemic taught us, and has taken significant steps to strengthen its defences against future epidemics and pandemics."

In December 2021, spooked by the devastation caused by Covid, countries decided to start drafting an accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

The WHO's 194 member states negotiating the treaty have agreed on most of what it should include, but are stuck on the practicalities.

A key fault-line lies between Western nations with major pharmaceutical industry sectors and poorer countries wary of being sidelined when the next pandemic strikes.

While the outstanding issues are few, they include the heart of the agreement: the obligation to quickly share emerging pathogens, and then the pandemic-fighting benefits derived from them such as vaccines.

The deadline for the negotiations is May 2025.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/oLnW4zA
via IFTTT

Mamata Banerjee In Sandeshkhali Tomorrow, First Visit Since Controversy

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will visit the riverine island of Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district tomorrow -- a first since the sexual harassment controversy broke out ahead of the Lok Sabha election. But the Leader of Opposition, BJP's  Suvendu Adhikari will not be far behind. Mr Adhikari has announced that he would hold a 'Jana Sanjog Yatra' in the area the day after the Chief Minister's visit. 

The Chief Minister will be heading for Sandeshkhali early tomorrow to chair a public distribution programme. 

The obscure island in West Bengal had hit the headlines earlier this year, before the Lok Sabha elections.

Its trigger was the protest by the locals against alleged incidents of sexual assault and land grabbing. They blamed the local Trinamool strongman Sheikh Shahjahan -- who has since been suspended by the party -- and his two aides, Shibu Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar. 

The Trinamool later held a press conference on a series sting operations in which a video surfaced on social media. It showed a former BJP leader purportedly claiming that the whole episode was "scripted by the BJP". 

The Trinamool said the allegations of sexual harassment were politically motivated, meant to defame the party. 

The BJP claimed the allegations were an example of the Trinamool misrule and exploitation of women. 

In the Lok Sabha election, the Trinamool Congress won the Basirhat seat, within which the Sandeshkhali assembly seat is located. 

Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested on February 29  after he managed to evade the police for around two months. He went on the run after his supporters attacked three Enforcement Directorate officials who visited Sandeshkhali on January 5. The attack had let the officials injured. 



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/I3nZ1ha
via IFTTT

Man Dies In Police Station While Recording Statement, Family Alleges Murder

The death of a 35-year-old Dalit man inside a police station in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district triggered protests from his family, who alleged murder. The Congress, on Sunday, also slammed the Mohan Yadav-led BJP government for what they termed "jungle raj" in the state.

Mukesh Longre died on Saturday after being called to the Satwas police station here for questioning in a complaint submitted against him by a woman on December 26, Superintendent of Police Puneet Gehlot said.

"While inspector Ashish Rajput was reading his statement, Longre made a noose around his neck with a gamcha (towel), tied it to a window grill in the lock-up and began yanking his neck. Police stopped him and rushed him to a hospital where doctors declared him dead," the SP said.

"There is no case against him. He was just called to record his statement. Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Nandani Uikey is conducting an inquiry into the death. The JMFC visited the spot this morning. The district magistrate has appointed three doctors to oversee the post-mortem process," Mr Gehlot added.

Mr Gehlot said inspector Ashish Rajput has been suspended, while all other procedures laid down under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as well as National Human Rights Commission guidelines are being followed fully.

"Some politicians have hijacked the issue, due to which his kin have refused to allow post mortem till the entire staff of the police station is suspended. This is an irrational demand. We have already suspended the inspector since the death took place while he was in charge," Mr Gehlot said.

Meanwhile, Longre's family alleged police demanded a bribe to lessen the severity of action against him in connection with the woman's complaint, adding the staff later told them he had died.

Amid a protest outside the police station that began on Saturday and continued on Sunday, Longre's relatives accused police of murdering him.

Attacking Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who also holds the home portfolio, the Congress held a protest outside Satwas police station on Sunday, which was attended by the party's state unit chief Jitu Patwari.

"Jungle raj is prevailing in MP. A Dalit man was murdered inside a police station. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav must take full responsibility for this incident," Mr Patwari said.

Mr Patwari's colleague and former Union minister Arun Yadav demanded suspension of the entire staff of Satwas police station.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/35euVj8
via IFTTT

"Doing Great Work": PM After Meeting Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas

Aravind Srinivas, the Indian-origin Co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and they discussed the potential for the adoption of artificial intelligence in India. While the Chennai-born Srinivas said he was inspired by the PM's dedication to staying updated on the topic and his "remarkable vision" for the future, PM Modi said it was good to see the CEO doing "great work" with Perplexity AI.

Posting a photo of their meeting, Mr Srinivas wrote on X, "Had the honor to meet Prime Minister @narendramodi ji. We had a great conversation about the potential for AI adoption in India and across the world. Really inspired by Modi Ji's dedication to stay updated on the topic and his remarkable vision for the future."

Replying to the post, PM Modi wrote, "Was great to meet you and discuss AI, its uses and its evolution. Good to see you doing great work with @perplexity_ai. Wish you all the best for your future endeavors."

Perplexity AI is a conversational search engine that uses large language models (LLMs) to answer queries. Before co-founding Perplexity AI in the US in 2022, Mr Srinivas was an AI researcher at OpenAI and also did research internships at Google and DeepMind. 
 



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/bZMBfz2
via IFTTT

Book Excerpt | How Manmohan Singh Helped India Beat China To Mars

Latest and Breaking News on NDTV

(The following is an edited excerpt from Pallava Bagla and Subhadra Menon's book 'Reaching For The Stars: India's Journey to Mars and Beyond', published by Bloomsbury India

How India's maiden mission to Mars became 'Mangalyaan': Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's 2012 speech written in Urdu hid the answers.

Not many realise that it was Dr Singh who gave India its first inter-planetary voyage with one single point geo-political message: India should beat China and reach the Martian orbit ahead of the Dragon. An Asian space race unfolded and India won it hands down as, under Dr Singh's leadership, the mission was conceived and delivered in all of 18 months. India ran a Martian marathon as if sprinting for a hundred-metre dash.

Mangalyaan was publicly announced by Dr Singh from the magnificent ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi on August 15, 2012.

Interestingly, when the Moon mission was being planned, Chandrayaan was also announced from the Red Fort by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was the prime minister in 2003.

Dr Singh, as it seemed, took the cue, delivering his speech that was actually written in Urdu. But who could match the visionary politician Vajpayee, who made sure to call the Moon mission Chandrayaan-1, whereas the bureaucrat in Manmohan Singh merely called it Mangalyaan, not thinking at all about any sequels. What's in a name, you might ask.

When the first budgetary clearances of Rs 125 crore were given for the Mars mission on March 16, 2012, during the 2012-13 budget presented by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, it was officially recorded - "Mars Orbiter Mission envisages launching an orbiter around Mars using the PSLV XL during the November 2013 launch opportunity. Mars Orbiter will be placed in an orbit of 500 x 80,000 km around Mars and will have a provision for carrying nearly 25 kg of scientific payload."

In what might be some 10 kg of documents running into thousands of pages, embedded in a book with orange covers called the Expenditure Budget, laced with tables and millions of figures, was a small annotation that announced this remarkable plan, giving financial sanction. "What a mangal announcement" was the observation on March 16, 2012, when one of the authors was in conversation with jubilant officials in the Prime Minister's Office, thinking about what name the mission would get. How India's maiden mission to the Moon was named Chandrayaan, and how this might perhaps become Mangalyaan was alluded to, and of course, some months later, in his speech from the Red Fort, then Prime Minister Dr Singh referred to the mission as Mangalyaan.

This was a deviation from his written speech that was made public in English but written in Urdu, and what Dr Singh read from, and that is why many people, who later reviewed the written English version questioned whether it was ever called Mangalyaan by the prime minister. This resulted in a small technicality that made ISRO formally stick to calling India's maiden mission to the red planet as the 'Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)'. It seems the Department of Space (DOS) officials had sent a list of names to the Minister of Space, a portfolio always held by the prime minister of India, to select one. As it happened, Dr Singh never returned that list giving his preference, and this led decision makers within the space community, for safety, to stick to referring to it as MOM.

This was in sharp contrast with how the Moon mission was named, when in 2003, a list of names was sent to Prime Minister Vajpayee. ISRO's preferred name was 'Somayaan', but astute officials around Vajpayee renamed it as 'Chandrayaan' and Sudheendra Kulkarni, the press advisor to the PM, told me (Pallava) that Vajpayee himself added, in his own handwriting, the suffix '1' after Chandrayaan, and said how a big country like India could make only one visit to the Moon.

This led decision-makers to use the informal names, MOM and Mangalyaan. Interestingly, after demonetisation in 2016, when new currency notes were introduced [by Prime Minister Narendra Modi], the image of Mangalyaan was printed on the Rs 2,000 currency note with Mangalyaan emblazoned below the image as an honour to ISRO. This was a remarkable tribute to the space community that aced the Mars launch and landing on the maiden attempt. India's tiger handsomely beat China by reaching the orbit of Mars ahead of the Chinese dragon.

(Disclaimer: The author and publisher of the book are solely responsible for the contents of the book or any excerpt derived therefrom. NDTV shall not be responsible or liable for any claims arising from the contents of the book including any claims of defamation, infringement of intellectual property rights or any other right of any third party or of law. Paragraph breaks and subheadings have been added by NDTV for readers' ease.)



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/vzHOGC5
via IFTTT

Manmohan Singh's Life, Work Profoundly Shaped India's Destiny: Congress

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) met here on Friday and paid glowing tributes to former prime minister Manmohan Singh, saying he was a towering figure in India's political and economic landscape whose contributions transformed the country and earned him respect worldwide.

In a condolence resolution passed at the meeting, the CWC mourned the loss of a "true statesman" whose life and work have profoundly shaped the destiny of India.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, and Congress general secretaries Jairam Ramesh, KC Venugopal and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra among others met here at the AICC headquarters for a meeting of the CWC to pay homage to the former prime minister.

Dr Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms and a consensus builder in the rough world of politics, died at AIIMS, Delhi, late on Thursday. He was 92.

He is survived by his wife and three daughters.

"Dr. Singh was a towering figure in India's political and economic landscape, whose contributions transformed the country and earned him respect worldwide. As Finance Minister in the early 1990s, Dr. Singh was the architect of India's economic liberalization," the CWC resolution read.

With unmatched foresight, he initiated a series of reforms that not only saved the nation from a balance-of-payments crisis but also opened the doors to global markets, it said.

"Through his policies of deregulation, privatization, and the encouragement of foreign investment, he laid the foundation for India's rapid economic growth. Under his stewardship, India emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing economies, a testament to his brilliance and vision," the CWC said.

As the 13th prime minister of India, Dr Singh led the country with a sense of calm determination and exceptional wisdom and his tenure was marked by sustained economic growth, global recognition and social progress, it said.

"He (Singh) steered the nation through the challenges of the global financial crisis in 2008 with strategic measures that shielded India from its worst effects. His leadership saw remarkable initiatives like MGNREGA, Right to Education, the historic Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Deal, National Food Security Act, Land Acquisition Act, Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme, and the 93rd Constitutional Amendment that advanced social justice for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs through Article 15(5)," it said.

Dr Singh also championed the Right to Information (RTI) Act to enhance transparency, the Forest Rights Act to empower tribal communities and contributed to achieving the highest GDP growth rate during his tenure, the CWC condolence resolution said.

"Dr. Singh's dedication to inclusive growth, international diplomacy, and economic modernization strengthened India's position in the global arena, while simultaneously focusing on the welfare of he common man. His legacy as a compassionate, reformist leader who prioritized stability and development will forever be etched in India's history," the CWC said.

Beyond his contributions as a politician, Singh was a respected academician, whose career as an economist helped shape India's policies and direction, the resolution said.

"His scholarly work as an economist and his service at institutions like the United Nations and the Reserve Bank of India laid the groundwork for many of the economic reforms he later championed as a policymaker," it said.

The CWC said Dr Singh's profound understanding of economics, combined with his dedication to education, inspired countless students, scholars and policy-makers. His academic rigor and intellectual contributions were pivotal in shaping India's approach to development, and his mentorship has had a lasting impact on the country's future economists, the resolution said.

"Dr. Singh was a man of extraordinary personal qualities. His grace, humility, and dignity set him apart as a leader of rare character. Despite holding the highest offices in the land, he always remained grounded, treating everyone with respect and kindness," the party said.

His demeanour was calm and composed and it was always guided by a deep sense of integrity, the CWC said.

"He was not only admired for his intellect and accomplishments but also for his unassuming nature, which made him beloved to people across all walks of life. Dr. Singh embodied the very best qualities of a true statesman- compassion, honesty, and a deep commitment to public service. His life was a living example of how grace and humility can coexist with great power," the resolution said.

"As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary leader, the Congress Working Committee pledges to honor Dr. Manmohan Singh's memory and carry forward his enduring legacy. His vision of economic reform, social justice, and inclusive growth will continue to inspire and guide us," it said.

The ideals he stood for -- integrity, diligence, and compassion -- will remain a beacon for future generations, the party said.

"We commit to upholding his values as we work towards building a more prosperous and united India, just as he envisioned. Dr. Singh's legacy as a leader, an economist, and a humble human being will live on, inspiring all of us to contribute to the continued progress and betterment of our great nation," the resolution read.

The CWC members also paid floral tributes to him at the party's headquarters.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/Gw3BH9m
via IFTTT

Video: "No Money" For Ticket, Man Travels 250 Km Under Train In Madhya Pradesh

Railway staffers carrying out a routine inspection of a train's rolling stock and undercarriage at Jabalpur station in Madhya Pradesh were in for a shock on Friday when they noticed a stowaway under one of the coaches, hiding in a space above the wheels.

Their shock only grew when they were told that the man had travelled 250 km - or more than four hours - in this fashion, all the way from Itarsi. 

Officials said employees from the Carriage and Wagon Department noticed unusual movement under the AC-4 coach of the Pune-Danapur Express (train no 12149) and asked the loco pilot to stop the train. The man, hiding in the trolley section above the wheels, was then asked to come out and handed over to the Railway Protection Force (RPF). 
 
During initial questioning, the man said that he could not afford a train ticket and therefore resorted to this method of travel to reach Jabalpur. Officials, however, said his responses also indicated that he may be mentally challenged. 

The RPF in Jabalpur is conducting further investigation to verify the man's identity and understand the circumstances that led him to undertake such a risky journey. 



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/012MvrK
via IFTTT

Argentina's Soaring Poverty And What President Javier Milei Is Doing About It

Argentina, a nation once ranked among the wealthiest in the world, has found itself grappling with severe economic challenges over the past 25 years. Then, one year ago, provocative libertarian economist Javier Milei was inaugurated as its new president.

Known for his flamboyant persona and radical views, Javier Milei is one of the most polarising figures in global politics, celebrated by some as a visionary reformer and dismissed by others as El Loco (“the mad one”). He pledged to take a “chainsaw” to the state and promote a free-market approach.

His pro-capitalism stance extends to the promotion of culture wars. Last month, he fired his foreign secretary for voting along with 186 other countries against the US embargo on Cuba at the United Nations. Only the US and Israel voted against it. He withdrew Argentina's delegation of negotiators to the UN climate summit in Baku, claiming human-caused climate change is “a socialist lie”.

Yet Milei owes his 2023 victory to Argentina's deep economic crisis. It was an economy suffering from the third highest inflation rate in the world, at 211% year on year, a poverty rate north of 40% (it's now climbed even higher), and an economy in crisis for decades.

Argentina's economic woes are deeply rooted. Once one of the world's richest nations thanks to its fertile Pampas plains, its prosperity was built on agricultural exports and integration into global markets.

Political instability, excessive protectionism and fiscal mismanagement disrupted its trajectory. Peronism, a political movement based on economic independence and social justice, has dominated Argentine politics for decades. While it lifted the working class, critics argue it entrenched inefficiency and dependence on the state.

By 2023, Argentina's crisis had reached unprecedented levels and the peso had lost most of its value.

Argentines turned to Milei, an outsider who pledged to dismantle the state's bloated bureaucracy, privatise key sectors and adopt policies rooted in libertarian principles.

Sweeping reforms and painful cuts

Now in power for a year, he has slashed government spending by a third, dismantling price controls and cutting subsidies on energy and transport. Last December, he devalued the peso by 54%.

Around 30,000 state jobs were cut, as were more than half of government ministries. Milei also allowed inflation to eat into the real value of pensions and salaries. This has generated fiscal surpluses, but also deepened the country's worst economic crisis in two decades.

The result is unprecedented levels of poverty. As the cost of food and basic products increased, around 53% of Argentines now live in poverty – up from around 42% in 2023 and the highest level in 30 years. Another 15% of the population is in “extreme poverty”. An extra 5.5 million Argentines became poor during Milei's first six months in office.

Despite the pain, Milei's approval ratings have remained stable at around 50%. His success seems to rest on his unrelenting attacks on the country's establishment and workers' unions. The only large-scale protests occurred when Milei imposed cuts to free public universities. Argentines seem to have accepted the doctor's prescription.

Milei's key legislative victory was his controversial “omnibus” reform bill. This was originally aimed at slashing government spending, privatising public entreprises (whether or not they were profitable) and enforcing a zero-deficit policy.

Although the bill was watered down, economic indicators improved significantly. Monthly inflation dropped to 2.7% in October from its peak of 26% last December. The peso has strengthened considerably and is now overvalued, hurting exporters and raising the prospect of a devaluation – and with it, more inflation. Argentina's country risk index (which measures the risk of investing in a state) has fallen significantly.

But the economy is not out of the woods. Growth remains elusive – the IMF forecast a 3.5% economic contraction this year. Growth of 5.2% next year will only return per-capita GDP, a measure of individual wealth, to where it was by the time COVID lockdowns ended in 2021. Reducing inflation further won't be easy, as it has hovered around the 3% monthly level since July.

Meanwhile, Milei's 2025 budget proposal aims for a budget surplus of over 1.3% of the country's GDP, requiring further spending cuts. But calls to restart frozen public works and boost pensions and wages will inevitably grow louder next year.

And Argentina still has heavy capital controls, making it hard for investors to get money out of the country. They will think twice before investing.

Meanwhile, the opposition is waking up. Milei's veto of the bill increasing university budgets brought 250,000 people out in protest in November, prompting some to suggest the president had miscalculated.

Former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, still Argentina's dominant leftist, is poised to take over the leadership of main Peronist party ahead of next year's midterm elections. While her influence has greatly diminished, she still enjoys reasonable approval ratings. Both Kirchner and Milei are polarising figures, so it is unclear if her return will help the left.

The re-election of Donald Trump could prove to be Milei's best card. While Argentina is a small trade partner, Milei will leverage his relationship with the US president-elect to convince the IMF to roll over the remainder of the US$44 billion debt (£35 billion) acquired in 2018 during Trump's first term in office. Another US$10 billion is needed to bolster the central bank's international reserves which remain critically low.

This source of money will be critical for Milei to start lifting capital controls. Only then can economic stability translate into sustainable growth.The Conversation

(Author: Nicolas Forsans, Professor of Management and Co-director of the Centre for Latin American & Caribbean Studies, University of Essex)

(Disclosure Statement: Nicolas Forsans does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment)

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
 



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/c5jObiM
via IFTTT

Manmohan Singh, 2-Time PM And Architect Of India's Economic Reforms, Dies At 92

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh died of age-related medical conditions today, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, where he was admitted, said in a statement. He was 92.

"With profound grief, we inform the demise of former Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, aged 92. He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had a sudden loss of consciousness at home on 26 December 2024," AIIMS said.

"Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the medical emergency at AIIMS, New Delhi at 8.06 pm. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51 pm," AIIMS said.

Manmohan Singh was Prime Minister for two terms in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government from 2004 to 2014. He had been in poor health for the last few months.

The former prime minister is survived by wife Gurcharan Singh and three daughters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X condoled the death of the leader.

"India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr Manmohan Singh ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people's lives," PM Modi said.

"Dr Manmohan Singh ji and I interacted regularly when he was PM and I was the CM of Gujarat. We would have extensive deliberations on various subjects relating to governance. His wisdom and humility were always visible. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the family of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, his friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti," he said.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and her mother Sonia Gandhi reached the hospital as soon as the news of Manmohan Singh's hospitalisation became known.

Manmohan Singh served as finance minister under the then Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. He was the architect and the brainchild of economic reforms in 1991 that pulled India from the brink of bankruptcy and ushered in an era of economic liberalisation that is widely believed to have changed the course of India's economic trajectory.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and party MP Rahul Gandhi were in Karnataka's Belagavi attending the Congress Working Committee meeting when news of Manmohan Singh's death came. Both are returning to Delhi, news agency PTI reported.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/CDxZiT1
via IFTTT

Class 11 Student Stabbed 14 Times In Faridabad Market, 10 Detained

Ten people have been apprehended for allegedly stabbing a class 11 student to death in a market here, police said on Wednesday.

The family of the victim, Anshul, staged protests and accused police of inaction and "laughing off" the matter when they had complained about him receiving death threats on Instagram a few days ago.

Anshul's sister, Anjali, narrated the incident to the police and said that her brother had an argument with the accused a few days ago. On Tuesday, they had gone to the market when the accused -- Himanshu Mathur and Rohit Dhama -- along with a few other men attacked Anshul with sticks and knives.

Seeing this, she and some locals rushed to help Anshul and took him to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday. He was stabbed 14 times, police said.

Anmol, the victim's friend, told the police that the accused wanted to spread hooliganism in the Baslewa colony and used to sell drugs. They would often misbehave with the girls in the area.

A few days ago, Anshul reportedly had an argument with the accused. In a bid to take revenge, the accused killed Anshul, Anmol told the police.

Based on Anjali's complaint, an FIR was registered and 10 people, including Mathur and Dhama have been apprehended. Further investigation is underway, police said. 



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/oTYUrG1
via IFTTT

Popcorn Sold In Movie Theatres To Attract 5% GST: Sources

Popcorn, in loose form, sold in movie theatres will continue to attract GST at a 5 per cent rate, same as in restaurants, government sources said.

However, if the popcorn is clubbed and sold together with a movie ticket, the supply would be treated as a composite supply and taxed as per the applicable rate of the principal supply, which is the ticket.

The 55th meeting of the GST Council clarified the GST applicability in popcorn after it received a request from Uttar Pradesh to clarify the classification and GST rate applicable to popcorn mixed with salt and spices.

There has been no increase in the GST rate on popcorn.

Popcorn is served to customers in theatres in loose form and hence will continue to attract a rate of 5 per cent as applicable to 'restaurant service' as long as supplied independently of the cinema exhibition service, according to the sources.

Under GST, popcorn mixed with salt and spices is classified as namkeen and attracts a 5 per cent tax. When it is pre-packed and labelled, the rate is 12 per cent.

All sugar confectionary, other than a few specified items, attract 18 per cent GST, and hence, caramelised popcorn attracts an 18 per cent rate.

The council recommended the issuance of clarification to facilitate the resolution of classification disputes in the field on ready-to-eat popcorn that is mixed with salt and spices, the government sources noted.

All goods, including food items, are classified under GST as per the Harmonised System (HS) classification, which is a multipurpose international goods nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO).

This system is used by over 200 countries, covering over 98 per cent of the international trade. The varying GST rates are only consequential to the classification of the commodity under different chapters of the HS system.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/VlKJcOQ
via IFTTT

Adani Defence & Aerospace Acquires Air Works For Rs 400 Crore

Adani Defence & Aerospace announced on Monday that it has signed a binding agreement to acquire Air Works, India's largest private-sector maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) company, for an enterprise value of Rs 400 crore.

"Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Ltd (ADSTL) has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 85.8 per cent shareholding in Air Works India (Engineering) Private Ltd," a company statement said.

Air Works undertakes base maintenance for narrow-body and turboprop aircraft, as well as rotary aircraft from its facilities at Hosur, Mumbai, and Kochi and with regulatory approvals from civil aviation authorities of more than 20 countries.

In addition to being a market leader in civil aviation, Air Works has built significant capabilities in defence MRO, executing projects for key platforms of the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, the statement said.

"The acquisition enhances the Adani Group's capabilities in the defence MRO sector, solidifying its position in India's airborne defence ecosystem," the statement said

This strategic move marks a pivotal step in Adani Group's growth trajectory, laying the foundation for its expansion into the civil aviation services domain, it added.

With operations spanning 35 cities and a workforce of over 1,300 personnel, Air Works brings extensive expertise in servicing both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

The MRO company offers an end-to-end bouquet of aviation services spanning line maintenance, heavy checks, interior refurbishment, painting, redelivery checks, avionics as well as asset management services to its Indian and global customers, according to the statement.

"The Indian aviation industry stands at a transformative juncture, now the third largest globally and on track to induct over 1,500 aircraft in the coming years," said Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Airports.

"This growth aligns seamlessly with the government's vision to connect every corner of our nation, creating unprecedented opportunities in aviation services. For us, creating a presence in the MRO sector is more than just a strategic step - it's a commitment to building an integrated aviation services ecosystem that strengthens the backbone of India's aviation infrastructure. Together, we are excited to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India's skies."

Adani Defence & Aerospace CEO Ashish Rajvanshi said: "This landmark acquisition represents a pivotal step in Adani Defence & Aerospace's mission to strengthen India's MRO capabilities."

"Our vision is to deliver a full-spectrum MRO offering - spanning line, base, component, and engine maintenance - to meet the needs of both commercial and defence aviation sectors. In a time when Aatmanirbharta in defence is a national imperative, we stand fully committed to scaling domestic capabilities to serve both our armed forces and the broader aviation sector. This is our pledge to the nation-to build capabilities that secure our skies and strengthen our sovereignty."

Adani Defence & Aerospace, part of the Adani Group, is a pioneer in the design, development, and manufacturing of state-of-the-art defence products. The company has also established an ecosystem of start-ups and MSMEs with an export-oriented mindset, best-in-class processes, and quality management systems, the company statement added.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/mQSwsFN
via IFTTT

Lessons Learnt, Policy Revised: Paramilitary Force CISF On Hoax Bomb Threats To Airlines

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Monday said it has "learnt its lessons" following incidents of a spate of hoax messages being sent to Indian airlines recently and the situation has improved after the assessment protocol for such calls was revised.

Several domestic carriers, between October and November, received hundreds of "hoax" messages or calls on their official communication channels including on social media claiming bombs being placed or a hijacker onboard leading to numerous diversions and delays for passengers in specific and the entire aviation ecosystem in general.

"There were a very large number of hoax calls recently (to the airlines)...but we have learnt our lessons. The Government of India rules were revised regarding the requirements for convening the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) meetings.

"The basic revision done was that the BTAC can meet online or in a digital mode hence cutting down the time to convene such a meeting. The situation has improved considerably after this...," CISF Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Shrikant Kishore told reporters here.

PTI had in October reported that the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) under the Union civil aviation ministry has tweaked BTAC procedures in the wake of the messages being sent over the social media daily by adopting a "multi-layered" approach to assess threats and determine their "credibility and seriousness." According to the new guidelines, upon receipt of a bomb threat, the BTAC can be convened over a internet-based secure platform but this is only an "interim" arrangement till the members of the committee assemble physically at the designated control room.

Asked about the issue of congestion at several airports in the country during the vacations, Kishore said the force and other agencies involved in civil airport operations were "at a better position now" as they saw "improvement and enhancement" in security infrastructure and manpower.

The force provides counter-terrorist security cover to 68 civil airports of the country and has deployed about 48,000 personnel for this task out of its total manpower of about 1.7 lakh men and women.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/D6GoEJ4
via IFTTT

Tata Institute Of Fundamental Research Invites Applications For Multiple Positions, Check Details

Tata Institute Of Fundamental Research Recruitment 2024: The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), a premier research institute in India, is inviting applications for various positions, including Engineers, Scientific Officers, Technical Assistants, Administrative Officers, and more. The recruitment drive offers an excellent opportunity to work in science, technology, and innovation. It aims to fill 26 positions. Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications by visiting the official website

Key Details:

Positions Available:

  • Engineer (C) (Mechanical): 1- Pay Level 10, Rs 1,13,970
  • Engineer (C) (Civil): Pay Level 10, Rs 1,13,970
  • Scientific Officer (C): Pay Level 10, Rs 1,13,970
  • Administrative Officer (C) (Legal): Pay Level 10, Rs 1,13,970
  • Technical Assistant (B) (Electrical): Pay Level 6, Rs 70,290
  • Tradesman (B)- (Turner, Electrician, etc): Pay Level 3, Rs 45,219
  • Clerk
  • Work Assistant (Technical)

Eligibility:

  • Reservations are available for SC, ST, OBC, PWBD, and EWS candidates as per government norms.
  • Age relaxations apply for eligible candidates based on Government of India rules.
  • Applicants must attach relevant documents for age relaxation claims where applicable.

Important Note:

  • SC/ST/OBC/PWBD/EWS candidates may apply for unreserved positions but must meet the age and eligibility criteria for such posts.
  • Any updates or corrigenda will be published exclusively on the official website.

For detailed information on qualifications, experience, and the application process, visit the TIFR Recruitment Page.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/BRP5MpI
via IFTTT

Indian Businessman Ravi Pillai Receives Bahrain's Topmost Award

Indian businessman Dr Ravi Pillai has been awarded Bahrain's prestigious national honour, the Medal of Efficiency, in recognition of his significant contributions to the progress and development of the kingdom, making him the only foreign national to receive the title.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the king of Bahrain, awarded the prestigious national honour to Mr Pillai, chairman of RP Group, on December 16.

“This esteemed award reflects His Majesty's deep appreciation for Dr Pillai's outstanding contributions to the Kingdom, particularly in the fields of refinery operations, local community development, and the strengthening of Bahrain's global position,” the Royal Order said.

“We appreciate Dr Ravi Pillai for his exceptional service and contributions to the Kingdom, and we are honored to present him with this distinguished award as a sign of our deep gratitude,” the king said in the royal proclamation.

With a turnover of USD 12 billion, his business is the largest employer of Indians outside India, the release said, adding, with 1,26,000 employees, his group is one of the largest remitters of foreign currency to India.

Mr Pillai is also one of the largest investors in India, where he has six five star hotels, two hospitals and three shopping malls and plans to invest USD 2 billion in the next two years in India.

Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, Mr Pillai said, “This award is a reflection of the collective efforts of my team, the support of the people of Bahrain, and the unwavering trust of the Kingdom. I dedicate this award to all the hardworking employees who supported me all these years.” He also added that he dedicates the honour to “all the Indians, especially the expats in the Gulf, whose contributions have been instrumental in the growth and prosperity of the region.” 



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/2bdO0wf
via IFTTT

Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Seeking Review Of Bail Order To Senthil Balaji

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea seeking review of an order granting bail to Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji in a money laundering case related to a cash-for-jobs scam.

A bench of justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih also dismissed a prayer for conducting open hearing on the review petition.

"Application seeking oral hearing of the review petition is rejected. The review petition seeks review of judgment and order dated September 26, 2024. Having gone through the review petition and the connected papers, we do not find any ground to review the order sought to be reviewed. There is no error apparent on the face of the record," the bench said in its order passed on December 17, and uploaded on the top court website on Saturday.

The bench noted that an application for recall of the same order is pending and is being heard by the court.

The review petition was filed by one of the complainants in the case.

On Friday, while hearing a petition for the recall of the September 26 order, the bench observed it was "terribly wrong" to appoint Balaji as a minister in the Tamil Nadu government days after he was granted bail in the case.

It had said a large number of witnesses were public officials and sought response of the state government on the pending cases against Mr Balaji.

"It can't be axiomatic that the moment a person is released he becomes a minister, there is something terribly wrong. Because there maybe cases and cases where somebody is being framed. In the facts of the case we will have to consider," the bench had remarked.

On September 26, the top court granted bail to DMK strongman Balaji, in the money laundering case after over 15 months, noting there was no possibility of the completion of trial in the near future.

Senthil Balaji, 48, was sworn-in as a minister by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on September 29 and was assigned the same key portfolios -- electricity, non-conventional energy development, prohibition and excise -- that he held previously in the Chief Minister M K Stalin cabinet.

The ED had arrested Mr Balaji, representing Karur assembly constituency, on June 14, 2023, in the case, when he was the transport minister during the previous AIADMK regime between 2011 and 2015.

On February 13, the TN Governor accepted Mr Balaji's resignation from the council of ministers. The top court reprieve on September 26, ended his 471-day incarceration.

On September 2, the top court refused to appoint a special public prosecutor for the trial of the case involving Balaji.

The top court had further underscored the prosecutors dealing with cases of MPs and MLAs were aware of the nature of their responsibilities as these cases were being monitored by the top court.

The Enforcement Directorate had filed a case of money laundering in July 2021 to probe the allegations after three FIRs were registered by the Tamil Nadu police in 2018 and on the basis of complaints by those aggrieved of the alleged scam.

The agency's chargesheet claimed the entire recruitment process in the Tamil Nadu transport department during the tenure of Balaji as minister was turned into a "corrupt chiefdom", and the scam was executed under his authority.

Being a public servant, Mr Balaji "misused" his official capacity as the then transport minister and obtained pecuniary benefits by corrupt and illegal means and directly acquired the proceeds of crime that were generated out of a criminal activity related to a scheduled offence, the agency alleged.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/GnUa7cz
via IFTTT

How Bashar al-Assad's Inner Circle Fled Syria After His Fall

A lightning rebel offensive early this month caught Syria's ruling clan off guard.

President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia on December 8, leaving behind many of his collaborators, some of whom sought refuge in neighbouring countries.

According to two sources, the ousted president, who fled to Moscow via the Russian military airfield in Hmeimim on Syria's coast, was accompanied by only a handful of confidants.

Among them were his closet ally, the secretary-general of presidential affairs Mansour Azzam, as well as his economic adviser Yassar Ibrahim, who oversees the financial empire of Assad and his wife, Asma.

"He left with his secretary and his treasurer," an insider who requested anonymity said, mockingly.

Bashar's brother, Maher al-Assad, commander of the elite Fourth Division tasked with defending Damascus, did not know about his sibling's plans.

Leaving his men stranded, Maher took a separate route, fleeing by helicopter to Iraq before travelling to Russia, according to a Syrian military source.

An Iraqi security source told AFP that Maher arrived in Iraq by plane on December 7 and stayed there for five days.

Maher's wife, Manal al-Jadaan and his son briefly entered Lebanon before departing through Beirut airport, said Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi, without disclosing their final destination.

Another Assad government heavyweight, Ali Mamlouk, the former chief of Syria's security apparatus, fled to Russia via Iraq, said a Syrian military source.

His son passed through Lebanon before leaving for another destination, according to a Lebanese security source.

'Wanted'

The Iraqi Interior Ministry denied on Monday the presence of either Maher al-Assad or Mamlouk in Iraq.

Both are wanted men.

Maher - and Bashar al-Assad - are wanted by France for alleged complicity in war crimes over chemical attacks in Syria in August 2013.

The French courts have already sentenced Mamlouk and Jamil Hassan, former head of Syria's Air Force Intelligence, in absentia to life imprisonment for complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes.

On Friday, the Lebanese authorities received an Interpol alert relaying a US request to arrest Hassan and hand him over to the US authorities, should he enter the country.

The United States accuses Hassan of "war crimes", including overseeing barrel bomb attacks on Syrian people that killed thousands of civilians.

A Lebanese judicial source told AFP that they had no confirmation of Hassan's presence in Lebanon, but assured that he would be detained if found.

Last-minute escapes

Other prominent figures also made hasty escapes.

Bouthaina Shaaban, former translator for Hafez al-Assad - Bashar's father who founded the brutal system of government his son inherited - fled to Lebanon on the night of December 7-8.

Shaaban, Bashar al-Assad's long-time political adviser, then travelled to Abu Dhabi, according to a friend in Beirut.

Kifah Mujahid, head of the Baath Brigades - the military wing of Syria's former ruling party - escaped to Lebanon by boat, a party source told AFP.

Other officials took refuge in their hometowns in Alawite regions, some of them told AFP. Assad hailed from Syria's Alawite minority.

Not all escape attempts were successful.

Ihab Makhlouf, Bashar al-Assad's cousin and a prominent businessman, was killed on December 7 while trying to flee Damascus.

His twin brother, Iyad, was injured in the same incident, said a military official from the former government.

Their elder sibling, Rami Makhlouf, once considered Syria's richest man and a symbol of the regime's corruption, managed to survive. Rami, who fell out of favour with the Assad regime years ago, is believed to be in the United Arab Emirates.

Several other figures close to Assad's government crossed into Lebanon, according to a security source and a source in the business world. These included Ghassan Belal, head of Maher's office, and businessmen Mohammed Hamsho, Khalid Qaddur, Samer Debs and Samir Hassan.

A former Lebanese minister with close ties to Syria said that several senior Syrian military officers were granted safe passage by the Russians to the Hmeimim airbase.

They were rewarded for instructing their troops not to resist the rebel offensive in order to avoid further bloodshed, he said.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/oqNrkXO
via IFTTT

Philippines Eases Medical Practice Rules: What It Means For Indian Students

In a significant move, the Philippines government has amended its Medical Act, allowing foreign nationals, including Indian students, to practice medicine in the country. The reform addresses the aspirations of Indian students seeking affordable and globally recognized medical education.

The new law replaces the outdated Medical Act of 1959 and was passed with overwhelming support in the House of Representatives, securing a vote of 184-3. Key amendments include the establishment of the Medical Education Council and the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine, aimed at enhancing academic standards, fostering ethical medical practices, and solidifying the Philippines' position as a global hub for medical education.

Indian students graduating from CHED-accredited colleges can now register and practice medicine in the Philippines after completing their internships. Additionally, the qualifications meet Indian Medical Commission standards, enabling seamless opportunities to practice in India or globally.

Kadwin Pillai, Managing Director of Transworld Educare and Director of Kings International Medical Academy, called the reform a "milestone" for the Philippines.

"This reform is not just a milestone for the Philippines but also an indication of the country's commitment to strengthening its educational ties with India. It positions the Philippines as Asia's leading hub for medical education, offering unparalleled opportunities for students to become globally competent doctors," he said.

Why the Philippines?

The Philippines has long been a preferred destination for Indian students pursuing medical education, offering English-based instruction, a US-aligned curriculum, and affordable tuition fees. With 64 accredited medical schools and globally recognized residency programs, the country delivers quality education alongside low living expenses.

Each year, approximately 2,000 Indian students choose the Philippines for their medical studies. Its culturally inclusive environment and cost-effective education have cemented its reputation as a top choice for aspiring doctors.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/q9oJQsZ
via IFTTT

"Medical Seats Should Not Go To Waste When Country Faces Shortage Of Doctors": Supreme Court

Precious medical seats should not go to waste when the country was facing acute shortage of doctors, the Supreme Court on Friday said and directed the authorities to hold fresh counselling for filling up the vacant seats.

A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan asked the admission authorities to hold a special counselling and complete the admission process for medical courses by December 30.

"Taking into consideration the peculiar facts and circumstances and further that the precious medical seats should not go in waste, when the country is facing acute shortage of doctors, we are inclined to extend the period by way of a last chance," the bench ordered.

The apex court passed the order while dealing with pleas seeking directions to the admission authorities to conduct a stray/special counselling round for the remaining vacant seats even after five rounds of counselling.

The bench noted the counsel appearing for the National Medical Council had fairly said that given the number of vacant seats, the court may extend the period as a one-time measure without it being treated as a precedent.

"The admission authorities are, therefore, directed to hold a fresh stray/special counselling for the seats remaining vacant and complete the admission process prior to December 30, 2024 in any eventuality," it said.

The bench directed no college would be permitted to admit students directly and the admission should be conducted only through the state admission authorities.

"We, however, clarify that the stray/special admission process should not disturb the admission which are already finalised and the admissions would be made only from the waitlisted candidates," it said and disposed of the pleas.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/pnuR5jh
via IFTTT

Syrian Brothers Reunite In Aleppo As Displaced Families Return After Assad Dynasty's Fall

Two brothers, separated by years of civil war, finally embraced each other in a moment typifying the post-Bashar-al-Assad Syria. The brothers last saw each other seven years ago when the government forces, led by former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, reclaimed control of Aleppo's eastern districts in 2016.

Their emotional reunion came days after the rebel forces launched a major offensive in northern Syria, seizing control of Aleppo from the government. The intense fighting in northern Syria at the end of last month killed hundreds and raised grave concerns for the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire. But, for these two siblings, and so many other families, the end of the Assad regime brought with it the joy of seeing the ones they thought were either killed or imprisoned for life.

The emotional moment, captured in a video, shows the brothers, overcome with tears and excitement, falling into each other's arms and collapsing onto the floor in sheer joy. 

Aleppo, once Syria's economic and demographic hub, was a key battleground during the civil war. As Syrian government forces, backed by Russian airstrikes, fully encircled the city, civilians faced extreme hardships. The siege led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people internally. By the time the city was fully retaken by government forces in late 2016, estimates suggest over 300,000 people had been displaced from the city alone; many fled to other parts of Syria or sought refuge in neighbouring countries. About 1.5 million people were reportedly held in government-held Western Aleppo.

The city's residents, who endured the brutal years of fighting, are now ready to move on following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. On December 9, as detainees were released from government prisons after Assad's ousting, people in Aleppo celebrated by dancing at the city's entrance. Aleppo is now under the control of HTS and its allies. The return of many displaced Syrians has sparked emotional reunions with loved ones apart for years due to the ongoing conflict.

For many, like Ahmed Orabi, whose family had fled to Idlib years ago, the return to Aleppo is a dream come true, albeit amid the ongoing challenges of war. Abdulkafi Abdulkafi, an English teacher from Aleppo, was reunited with his 85-year-old father after years of separation due to the conflict, BBC reported.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/quT7Dhm
via IFTTT

Omar Abdullah Meets Amit Shah, Discusses Statehood Restoration, Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah here and discussed various key issues, including an early restoration of statehood and involving the elected government in the fight against terrorism.

Meeting Amit Shah for the second time after taking over as the chief minister of the Union territory on October 16, Omar Abdullah said the talks took place in a "cordial manner". "We hope to always work in a better environment so that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are benefited from this," he added.

After the meeting that lasted 30 minutes, the chief minister told reporters that he briefed the Union home minister about the situation in the Union territory and the experience of his government in the last two months.

"Yes, I raised the issue of early restoration of statehood with the home minister," Omar Abdullah said, adding that "we hope that Jammu and Kashmir gets its statehood restored soon".

On whether the talks included the militancy situation in the Union territory, he said security and law and order are the responsibility of the lieutenant governor.

"I have always said and I told the home minister that 'you cannot fight militancy and terrorism in a vacuum, you will have to take the public of Jammu and Kashmir in confidence....they will also have to be brought into this battle, and for that, you will have to take into confidence their elected representatives and their elected government'," Omar Abdullah said.

The chief minister said the talks did not include the framing of business rules for the division of powers between the elected government and the lieutenant governor's office and made it clear that the Centre had no role in it.

"Business rules have nothing to do with the government of India. We have to decide it and the Cabinet has to approve it. The Cabinet sub-committee will finalise it and then, we will send it to the LG for approval," he said.

Omar Abdullah will be attending the Goods and Services Tax meeting in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer on December 20. To a question about the proposed hike of 28 per cent on handloom products, he said, "I have not seen such a proposal. If it comes, we will contest it. Not only us, other states will be affected too." Immediately after Omar Abdullah's meeting ended and he left, Amit Shah began his second meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and other senior officers to review the law-and-order situation in the Union territory.

Earlier, Omar Abdullah met with Amit Shah on October 23 during his first visit to the national capital after assuming office on October 16.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/jJTkexm
via IFTTT

Vladimir Putin Once Again Hails India's Growing Economy Under PM Modi's Government

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday once again acknowledged India's growing economic prowess while highlighting his government's continued efforts to keep the overall economic situation in the country normal and stable despite the long and ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

"International financial and economic institutions have placed Russia first in Europe in terms of economic volume, purchasing power parity, and fourth in the world. Ahead are China, the United States, and India. We overtook Germany last year and have overtaken Japan this year. But this is not an indicator that we should fall asleep and calm down on. Of course not," said President Putin while answering questions during his annual press conference in Moscow on Thursday.

He mentioned that the Russian economy continues to develop despite external threats and attempts to influence it.

"Everything is developing, everything is actively moving forward. If the Eurozone has fallen asleep, then there are other centres of world development, they are also moving forward. And in the Eurozone and in the States, the situation is also changing. We must maintain the momentum, change the quality of our economy," Putin asserted.

Earlier this month, the Russian President had lauded Prime Minister Modi's 'India-first' policy and the 'Make in India' initiative while expressing Russia's willingness to establish manufacturing operations in India.

Addressing the 15th VTB Russia Calling Investment Forum in Moscow, Putin had drawn parallels between Russia's import substitution programme and India's 'Make in India' initiative.

"Prime Minister Modi has a similar programme called 'Make in India'. We are also ready to set up our manufacturing operations in India. The Indian government, under the Prime Minister's leadership, has been creating stable conditions, driven by a policy of putting India first. We believe that investing in India is profitable," the Russian President said.

In September, during his one-on-one meeting with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval in Saint Petersburg, Putin had hailed India's rising global stature and the strength of its growing economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

"Our special privileged strategic partnership is gaining momentum, gaining strength, which we are only happy about. We are also happy about India's success in building, strengthening its statehood, and developing the economy, which is happening under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi," the Russian President had said during his meeting with NSA Doval.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/vsMBiJx
via IFTTT

Delhi Bans Firecrackers In City Throughout The Year

The Delhi government on Thursday imposed a "perpetual ban" on the manufacture, use and sale of firecrackers, including through online platforms, in the national capital, according to an official order.

Principal Secretary (environment) of the Delhi government A K Singh invoked the "perpetual ban" on firecrackers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

The ban covers the manufacturing, storage, and selling, including delivery through online marketing platforms, of all kinds of firecrackers and their bursting in Delhi, said the order.

The move comes amid Delhi facing hazardous air pollution levels leading to a range of restrictions including a ban on construction activities and entry of trucks in the city.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/7AdTRbS
via IFTTT

India, China Arrive At 6 Consensus Points As Ajit Doval, Wang Yi Meet

India and China agreed on six points to resolve the border issue as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. Both sides agreed on the need to maintain peace and a commitment to continue seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable package solution to the boundary issue. The consensus points also include cross-border tourism including in areas like Tibet and cross-border river cooperation and Nathu La border trade and resumption of Mansarovar Yatra.

This was the first Special-Representative level meet since the flare-up of incidents at the border. 

The meeting follows the bilateral between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit held in Kazan last month. It was the first significant breakthough amid the chill that had set in following the clashes in Ladakh's Galwan -- the worst in decades.

Today's meet was meant to oversee the management of peace at the border and explore a "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question".

At the meet, the two sides agreed to continue to take measures to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations. 

During discussions both SRs also underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas to promote overall development of the India-China bilateral relationship.

They reaffirmed their "commitment to continue seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable package solution to the boundary issue in accordance with the political guidelines agreed upon by the special representatives of the two countries".

Among other things the two sides also agreed to further refine the management and control rules in the border area, strengthen the building of confidence-building measures, and achieve sustainable peace and tranquility. 

The cross-border exchanges and cooperation will be strengthened and Indian pilgrims' pilgrimage to Tibet, China, cross-border river cooperation and Nathu La border trade will be resumed, the two sides agreed. 

India and China have also agreed to hold a new round of special representatives' meetings in India next year.

The disengagement, finalised in October, saw both India and China pull back troops from the two remaining friction points in Demchok and Depsang, after nearly four years of military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Following the disengagement, both India and China are keen to build on this momentum and re-establish trust. The special representatives' talks, which are part of a long-established mechanism to address the border dispute, have been convened after a hiatus, with the last meeting held in 2019.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/aevfnwz
via IFTTT

Turkey-Made Drones Spotted Near Bangladesh Border, Meghalaya Alerts Centre

The Meghalaya government has alerted the Centre over the recent sighting of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) near the border with Bangladesh. This comes after the Turkey-made Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles were spotted near the border.

Prestone Tynsong, Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, has said the Centre and state government are closely monitoring the situation, adding that the Border Security Force and the Indian Air Force have been alerted and New Delhi is keeping a close watch.

"We are keeping the Centre informed on this and they are also taking serious note of this...Centre also must take it up with the government of Bangladesh," Mr Tynsong said.

Meghalaya shares a 443 km border with neighbouring Bangladesh. However, the UAVs were recently spotted close to Sohra and Shella in the East Khasi Hills district, about 200 meters south of the zero line on the international border.

The Indian security agencies, including the Air Force, have intensified surveillance along the India-Bangladesh border.

Bayraktar is a medium altitude long endurance drone, used for conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The drone is also capable of carrying armed attack missions.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/q516ep2
via IFTTT

IIM Raipur Introduces Free Advanced Courses For Entrepreneurs, MSMEs

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) under the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP), has launched two advanced development courses for aspiring entrepreneurs and MSMEs. These fee-waiver programmes aim to equip participants with the skills and strategies needed to successfully establish and scale ventures.

The two programmes are:

Advanced E-SDP for New Venture Creation

Duration: February 3-7, 2025

This five-day course is designed for budding entrepreneurs, covering key areas such as marketing, financing, leadership, operational efficiency, and legal compliance.

Advanced MDP For Business Scale-Up For MSMEs

Duration: February 3-8, 2025

Focus: 

Aimed at MSME owners and managers, this six-day programme addresses growth challenges, scalable business models, and sustainable strategies, including opportunity identification, securing finances, and overcoming family business issues.

Eligibility: The courses are open to Indian citizens aged 18 and above with a graduation degree. Preference is given to individuals from Chhattisgarh and underrepresented groups such as SC, ST, OBC, women, and persons with disabilities.

Application Deadline: January 12, 2025

These offline programmes are aligned with India's National Education Policy 2020 and the "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision to empower MSMEs and foster a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. For further information, applicants can visit IIM Raipur's official website.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/GV9QrfZ
via IFTTT

"His Tabla Spoke Universal Language": Leaders, Fans Mourn Zakir Hussain

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain - the eldest son of legendary tabla player Allah Rakha - died in the US today of a heart disease. He was 73. Leaders and fans across India and the world posted condolences on social media.

"The news of the death of renowned tabla player Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain is extremely sad. My heartfelt tribute to him. The death of Zakir Hussain is an irreparable loss to the country's art and music sector," Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said. "His contribution in the field of art is unprecedented. His dedication towards his art and his contribution will always be remembered. May God grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family and fans. Om Shanti."

"The lyrics of Zakir Hussain ji's tabla spoke a universal language, transcending borders, cultures and generations. This clip defines how we will remember him, and celebrate his legacy. The sound and vibrations of his rhythm will echo in our hearts forever. Will always echo, Wow Taj! My deepest condolences to his family, fans and loved ones. Om Shanti," Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said.

"The world falls silent as the tabla loses its maestro. Ustad Zakir Hussain, a rhythmic genius who brought the soul of India to global stages, has left us. I was privileged to know him because of his connection with HMV and hear him perform at our home. His beats will echo eternally," RPG Enterprises chairman Harsh Goenka said.

Anand Mahindra said the rhythm of India paused today.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/l6Abo8e
via IFTTT

Founder Of Mango Clothing Chain Dies In Accident

Isak Andic, the founder of Spanish clothing retailer Mango, one of Europe's largest fashion groups, with nearly 2,800 stores worldwide, died Saturday in an accident, the company said.

"It is with deep regret that we announce the unexpected death of Isak Andic, our non-executive chairman and founder of Mango," the Barcelona-based company's CEO, Toni Ruiz, said in a statement.

"Isak has been an example for all of us. He dedicated his life to Mango, leaving an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision, his inspiring leadership and his unwavering commitment to values that he himself imbued in our company," he added.

The company did not provide further details about the accident. Spanish media said the 71-year-old died after falling while hiking with several members of his family near Barcelona.

Mango traces its origins to 1984, when Andic, who is of Turkish origin, opened his first shop on the Paseo de Gracia, Barcelona's famous shopping street, with the help of his older brother Nahman.

It was hugely successful. Spain had just emerged from a decades-long dictatorship that ended with the death of General Francisco Franco in 1975, and consumers were hungry for more modern clothes.

Mango has consolidated its position as one of the leading international fashion groups, with a major presence in more than 120 markets and 15,500 employees worldwide, according to its website.



from NDTV News Search Records Found 1000 https://ift.tt/xZnNV0J
via IFTTT

Amazon Best Sellers must see