The World Opinion

Category: Economy

  • Bengaluru Traffic Update: Avoid Ballari, Jayamahal Road; Check Advisory For Samvidhana Jagruthi Jatha | Auto News

    As Bengaluru gears up for the Samvidhana Jagruthi Jatha on Sunday, February 25, 2024, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) have issued a crucial traffic advisory to mitigate potential congestion. With the city’s reputation as India’s ‘corporate capital’ and its notorious traffic woes, staying informed about such advisories becomes imperative for residents and visitors alike.

    Bengaluru Traffic Advisory

    The advisory primarily focuses on regulating traffic flow around the venue of the Samvidhana Jagruthi Jatha, namely the Palace Grounds area. This strategic move aims to prevent gridlocks and ensure smooth movement for attendees and regular commuters alike. Special attention is directed towards Ballari Road and its adjacent areas, given their proximity to the event venue.

    Routes to Avoid

    To alleviate congestion and streamline traffic, specific routes have been designated for the exclusive use of Jatha attendees, while others are to be avoided by general commuters. Here are the key points outlined in the advisory:
    1. Ballari Road Restrictions: Except for visitors heading to the Samvidhana Jagruthi Jatha, commuters are advised to refrain from using Ballari Road between Hebbal and Mehkri Circle.
    2. Restrictions on Jayamahal Road: Commuters are prohibited from accessing Jayamahal Road from Mehkri Circle to Cantonment Road, unless they are attendees of the event.
    3. Yeshwantpur-Mehkri Road Access: Travellers are advised against using the Yeshwantpur-Mehkri Road, except for those attending the Jatha.
    4. Parking Prohibitions: Parking restrictions are in place on Jayamahal, Nandidurga, Taralabalu, and Ballari Roads. Additionally, parking is prohibited from Mehkri Circle to Yeshwantpur Road.
    5. Heavy Vehicle Prohibition: Heavy vehicles are strictly prohibited at various junctions including Hebbal, CMTI, Govardhan Theatre, and NICE Road junctions.
    With the implementation of these restrictions and advisories, commuters are urged to plan their routes well in advance to avoid inconvenience. Whether it’s adjusting travel times or exploring alternative routes, proactive measures can help in navigating Bengaluru’s bustling streets seamlessly.
    As Bengaluru prepares for the Samvidhana Jagruthi Jatha, cooperation from residents and commuters is essential to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in the traffic advisory, individuals can contribute to a hassle-free experience for all stakeholders involved in the event while minimizing disruptions to daily routines.

  • Made-in-India Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Hits European Markets | Auto News

    Royal Enfield has commenced the distribution of its latest Shotgun 650 model to Europe, marking a significant expansion of the motorcycle’s global reach. The Shotgun 650 is now offered in key European cities including Paris (France), London (UK), Madrid (Spain), Berlin (Germany), and Milan (Italy).

    With its introduction into the European market, the Shotgun 650 joins the esteemed lineup of Royal Enfield’s 650cc platform alongside its siblings such as the Continental GT 650 and the Super Meteor 650, from which it derives its foundation. Retaining identical specifications and color options as its Indian counterpart, the Shotgun 650 promises a seamless transition across regions.

     Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Specifications

    The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 boasts a robust 648cc parallel-twin air-oil-cooled engine, delivering 47PS at 7250rpm and 52.3Nm at 5650rpm, mated to a responsive 6-speed gearbox featuring a slip-and-assist clutch system. With a claimed mileage of 22kmpl, it ensures both power and efficiency for riders.

    In terms of suspension and braking, the Shotgun utilizes a tubular steel spine frame akin to the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. It incorporates an inverted Showa Separate Function Big Piston Fork offering 120mm of wheel travel, paired with Showa twin rear shock absorbers providing 90mm of travel. The bike rolls on 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels equipped with 100-section front and 130-section rear Ceat radial tubeless tires.


    Braking performance is enhanced with a 320mm front disc and a 300mm rear disc, equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard, ensuring precise control and safety. The Shotgun 650 features a 795mm seat height (55mm taller than the Super Meteor), 140mm ground clearance (5mm higher than the Super Meteor), and a manageable 240kg kerb weight (1kg lighter than the Super Meteor), offering riders a comfortable yet dynamic riding experience.

  • Government Permits Traders To Export 54,760 Tonnes Of Onion To 4 Countries

    The ban was imposed on December 8, 2023, in order to boost the domestic supply and check price rise. 

  • Elon Musk Nominated For Nobel Peace Prize By Norwegian MP Marius Nilsen | International

    New Delhi: Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Marius Nilsen, Norwegian Member of Parliament, a Politico report has said. 

    Nilsen has called Musk a “stout proponent for free speech,” and has  picked Musk for his “adamant defense of dialogue, free speech and (enabling) the possibility to express one’s views’ in a continuously more polarized world.” He also stated that Mr Musk’s tech companies had helped “make the world a more connected and safer place.” 

    Nilsen also thanked Musk for giving Ukraine access to Starlink satellite internet service during Russia’s invasion of the country two years ago. 

    “The multitude of tech companies Musk has founded, owns or runs, aimed at bettering societies, increasing knowledge of both earth and space, in addition to enabling communication and connectivity globally… has helped make the world a more connected and safer place,” Nilsen told local outlet Agderposten.

    In October 2022, Musk paid $44 billion to acquire Twitter to promote free expression. The richest person in the world has completely redesigned both the business and the social media network after the takeover. Musk who has positioned himself as a “free speech absolutist” has restored many high-profile accounts that were suspended by the previous Twitter leadership. 

    In addition to X and Tesla, Musk also heads SpaceX, The Boring Company, and Neuralink. The billionaire entrepreneur’s overall net worth as of February 21 is $209 billion, based on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

  • Man Wins More Than Rs 2,800 Crore Lottery, What Happens NEXT Will Leave You Puzzled | Personal Finance News

    New Delhi: A resident of Washington, DC, finds himself entangled in a legal battle with Powerball and the DC Lottery after believing he had won the staggering jackpot of $340 million. John Cheeks, the hopeful winner, purchased a lottery ticket on January 6, 2023.

    Unexpected Turn Of Events

    Although he missed the Powerball drawing the following day, he was astonished to find his numbers listed on the DC Lottery’s website two days later. However, both organizations claimed it was a mistake. (Also Read: Navi Mumbai Woman Cheated Of Rs 1.92 Crore In Online Share Trading Scam)

    Mixed Emotions

    Reflecting on the moment he thought he won, Cheeks expressed, “I got a little excited, but I didn’t shout, I didn’t scream.” He calmly informed a friend and took a photo as advised. (Also Read: Unbelievable Scene In Hospital: Man Spotted Consuming Tobacco Despite Oxygen Mask And Medical Tubes; WATCH Video)

    However, his elation turned into disappointment when his claim was rejected by the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG).

    Despite being told by OLG to discard the ticket, Cheeks refused to give up. Instead, he chose to take legal action against Powerball, seeking justice for what he believed was rightfully his.

    Legal Action And Claims

    Cheeks’ lawsuit targets the Multi-State Lottery Association and game contractor Taoti Enterprises. He is demanding $340 million in damages, comprising the jackpot amount and accrued daily interest. The lawsuit includes allegations of negligence, fraud, breach of contract, and emotional distress.

    Perspective Of The Lawyer

    Richard Evans, Cheeks’ attorney, emphasized that the issue extends beyond mere numbers on a website. He asserts that because Cheeks’ numbers matched the winning combination, he should be entitled to the entire jackpot.

    Upcoming Proceedings

    The legal saga is ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for February 23, 2024. As Cheeks fights for what he believes is rightfully his, the outcome of the case remains uncertain.

  • Deutsche Bank Introduces New Work-From-Home Policy For Its Employees; Read Details | Companies News

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  • Road Transport and Highways Ministry Extends License Renewal Validity till February 29 | Auto News

    In a recent development on Tuesday, February 20, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued an order extending the validity of Learner Licenses, Driving Licenses, and Conductor Licenses until February 29, 2024. This decision comes as a respite for those whose licenses were on the verge of expiry, particularly those scheduled to lapse on 31 January 2024 and 15 February 2024.

    Reasons For License Validity Extension

    The Ministry’s decision was prompted by the challenges encountered by individuals in renewing their licenses, worsened by technical glitches within the infrastructure of the ‘Sarthi’ portal. Among the issues reported were difficulties in both license renewal and the conversion of Learner Licenses into Driving Licenses. Acknowledging the impact of these infrastructural hiccups, the Ministry deemed it necessary to extend the validity of licenses to accommodate affected individuals.
    The Ministry highlighted infrastructure-related disruptions observed in the Sarathi portal between January 31, 2024, and February 12, 2024. These issues hindered the seamless provision of license-related services, leading to frustration among applicants striving to navigate the licensing process. In light of the challenges posed by technical glitches, the Ministry opted to extend the validity of Learner’s Licenses, Driving Licenses, and Conductor Licenses expiring between January 31, 2024, and February 15, 2024, until February 29, 2024. Importantly, no fines will be levied on affected individuals, ensuring their licenses remain valid without penalty.
    As efforts to address the technical issues persist, affected individuals can now navigate the licensing process with renewed assurance. 

    License Renewal

    If you want to renew your driving license then there are a few points that you should keep in your mind. Check the points below:

    – Renewal applications should be submitted no earlier than one month before the license’s expiry date.

    – If an application is delayed by more than five years after the license expiry, the applicant must go through the entire process to obtain a new license.

    – Renewal applications made up to 30 days after the license expiry will be renewed from the expiry date.

    – Applications submitted more than 30 days after expiry will be renewed from the date of receipt, with an additional fee of Rs 30.

  • 8.41 Lakh New Members Enrolled With EPFO During December 2023 | Personal Finance News

    New Delhi: Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) provisional payroll data released on 20th February, 2024 highlights that EPFO has added 15.62 lakh net members in the month of December, 2023 which is highest in last three months. 

    An increase of 11.97% has been registered in net member addition during the current month as compared to the previous month of November 2023, Ministry of Labour & Employment said in a release.

    “The data indicates that around 8.41 lakh new members have enrolled during December, 2023 which is highest during the previous three months. The new members addition shows an increase of 14.21% when compared with previous month of November 2023. A noticeable aspect of the data is the dominance of the 18-25 age group, constituting a significant 57.18% of the total new members added in December. This statistic underscores a notable trend – the majority of individuals joining the organized workforce are youth, primarily first-time job seekers,” the release added.

    The payroll data highlighted that approximately 12.02 lakh members exited and subsequently rejoined EPFO. 

    “This figure represents a significant 12.61% increase compared to the previous month of November 2023 and stands as the highest recorded in the past five months. These members switched their jobs and re-joined the establishments covered under the ambit of EPFO and opted to transfer their accumulations instead of applying for final settlement thus, safeguarding long-term financial well-being and extending their social security protection,” said the release.

    Gender-wise analysis of payroll data unveils that out of 8.41 lakh new members, around 2.09 lakh are new female members. This figure marks the highest recorded addition of female workforce in the last three months. The comparison with the previous month of November 2023 shows an increase of 7.57%. Also, the net female member addition during the month stood at around 2.90 lakh reflecting an increase of approximately 3.54 % compared to the previous month of November 2023.The surge in female member additions is indicative of a broader shift towards a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

    State-wise analysis of payroll data denotes that net member addition is highest in the 5 states/ UTs of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Haryana. These states constitute around 58.33% of net member addition, adding a total of 9.11 lakh net members during the month. Of all the states, Maharashtra is leading by adding 21.63% of net members during the month.

  • Skip Long Queues; Know How to Book Delhi Metro Tickets On WhatsApp | Auto News

    To enhance the convenience of metro commuters in the Delhi-NCR region, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) provides its WhatsApp-based ticketing service to cover all lines. This facility allows passengers to seamlessly purchase metro tickets using their smartphones across the entire network, comprising 12 metro lines and 288 metro stations, including the Gurugram Rapid Metro line.

    The WhatsApp-based ticketing service offers commuters a hassle-free way to secure their metro tickets directly from their smartphones. This innovative approach eliminates the need for traditional ticket purchasing methods, enabling travelers to buy tickets from the comfort of their homes or workplaces.


    Steps to Book Metro Tickets On WhatsApp

    To book Delhi Metro tickets on WhatsApp, follow the steps below:

    1. Send a “Hi” message to DMRC’s official WhatsApp number at 9650855800.

    2. Upon initiating contact, you will be prompted to choose your preferred language, with options available in Hindi and English.

    3. Tap on the “Buy Ticket” button provided in the chat interface. You will then be able to select your source and destination stations. Additionally, options for Last Journey Tickets and to Retrieve Tickets are available.

    4.  Indicate the number of tickets you wish to purchase for your journey.

    5. After confirming all the details, you will be directed to make the payment. A payment link will be generated for the transaction. Please note that a convenience fee will be applied for transactions made via credit/debit cards, while UPI-based transactions will not incur any additional charges.

    6. Receipt of QR-based Ticket Once the metro ticket is successfully paid for, you will receive a QR-based ticket on WhatsApp.

    Important Points to Remember Before Booking Delhi Metro Tickets

    – A person can buy a maximum of 6 QR-based metro tickets for a single journey.

    – Each QR-based metro ticket will remain valid until the end of the day.

    – Upon entering a gate, you have 65 minutes to exit.

    – Tickets can be booked during operational hours, and there is no option to cancel QR-based Delhi metro tickets.

    – If you exit from the source station itself, you’ll have 30 minutes to do so.

    – QR-based tickets do not need to be printed; you can simply scan the QR code using your phone at designated scanners available at AFC gates for both entry and exit.

  • Nifty Hit Six New Record Highs This Year Indicating India’s Bull Market | Markets News

    New Delhi: This year alone, Nifty has set six new record highs during intraday trade and this is indicative of the strong momentum in the market, says V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services.

    An important characteristic of the bull market is its ability to set new successive record highs and this market has been doing this consistently, he said. Selling by FIIs, triggered by rising bond yields in the US, is having no impact on this up-trending market where DIIs bought Rs 17850 crores in February so far and domestic HNIs and retail investors are calling the shots, he added.

    High quality fundamentally strong large caps like RIL, ICICI Bank and Bharti taking up the leadership in the rally is positive for the bulls. Also, it is important to remember that large caps have valuation comfort in this market where segments of the broader markets have tipped into frothy valuations. Since the Bank Nifty is around 4% away from its record high, more action is likely in banking stocks. (Also Read: Vibhor Steel Tubes Makes Dream Stock Market Debut, Gains 182% On Listing)

    In the near term, volatility will be high. Sharp corrections can happen at any time, he said. Deepak Jasani, Head of Retail Research, HDFC securities, said Goldman Sachs upgraded its rating on global equities to “overweight” on prospects of economic growth and recovery in manufacturing activity, after starting the year with a “neutral” rating across assets.

    Asian shares were pinned below 1-1/2 month highs on Tuesday as even a larger-than-expected interest rate cut in China failed to excite investors jaded at the lack of bigger stimulus measures, he said. BSE Sensex is trading at 72,726.89 points, up by 18.73 points. Powergrid is up by 3 per cent. (Also Read: Whirlpool Likely To Sell 24% Stake In Indian Unit Via Block Deal: Report)