BRICS Has Arrived – Mighty US Dollar Losing Suckers

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They say a sure shot indicator of someone or something being successful is when others start attacking or bad-mouthing that someone or something. 

Donald Trump, the US President designate has fired the first salvo on BRICS clearly signaling that BRICS has arrived on the international stage.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump’s own social media offering, he said, ““The idea that the BRICS Countries are trying to move away from the Dollar while we stand by and watch is OVER. We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy. They can go find another ‘sucker!’ There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the US Dollar in International Trade, and any Country that tries should wave goodbye to America.”

Whether the statement has come out of arrogance or fear, acceptance even, is up for debate. However, the statement is a sure sign of the issue being on the minds of US and other western governments. And so it should be, considering that they are the ones who have pushed multiple countries into a corner with their policies and at times high-handedness. 

Founded in 2009 as BRIC i.e. Brazil, Russia, India and China and expanding to BRICS in 2010 with South Africa joining, the grouping was essentially meant to promote peace, security, development and cooperation within the member nations. In 2024, the group expanded further with 4 more countries joining BRICS i.e. Ethiopia, UAE, Iran and Egypt. Another country i.e. Saudi Arabia has also been approved for joining by the member nations but is yet to confirm their acceptance. Another 13 countries, namely Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam have also been invited to be partner countries. There are many others who have either applied for membership or have been invited to join as partner countries.

Consider this, after the addition of new members the GDP of the group represent 37% of the Global GDP, 45% of the global population and potentially 40-45% of global oil production/reserves, if Saudi Arabia was to join. The good part is that the bloc by itself has a large consumer base too signalling a sustainable isolated future; not that it is desirable. Add partner countries, the global south and the countries generally sick of the hegemony of the west, there is enough reasons for the world to ditch the US and its “mighty US dollar”. 

I am no expert on global economy, but don’t think I need to be one to decide that if a nation imposes tariff on another, the supplier nation is not going to pay the tariff from his margin or pockets. The tariff will be absorbed in the selling price. So, in essence what the tariffs will do is only raise the cost of the product for the importing country’s population. It works if the alternates are available, then you can squeeze the other country to submission, but if you don’t it is a foolhardy exercise. Just like imposing sanctions on Russia. 

The G7 countries have had a tough 2024 with their economies struggling due to multiple factors. The manufacturing is in doldrums. Even if they were to raise the production, who will consume it. The dwindling population is not helping their cause in any case. US itself has a huge debt to take care of. Elon Musk and many others have repeatedly stated that US is going bankrupt/broke, what with the USD 36T debt. In this context, it seems apparent that US needs the world more than the world needs it.

This is not to say that US will just watch as the world de-dollarizes. It will do everything in its capacity to hold on to the might that it wielded. It will do everything to keep the reserve currency tag for the US dollar. The forever wars were a basic need to maintain that status of economic and military might. I have no doubt US will even go to war to preserve their status in the world. 

Trump is a businessman and US is nobody’s friend. It is likely that they will go ahead with executing the threat. A war is imminent, whether it is a trade war or a military one, only time will tell.

 

Barcelona vs Mallorca – La Liga 2024-25 03 Dec 2024 Live Streaming

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Barcelona continues to be at the top position in the La Liga with 34 points from the 15 matches they have played so far. However, with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid close on their heels with 33 and 32 points respectively, Barca cannot afford to take things lightly. Note that Real Madrid has played only 14 matches so far.

Barcelona vs Mallorca takes place on 03 Dec 2024 at 6:00 PM UK time or 1:00 PM US ET. Premier Sports in UK and ESPN in US have the exclusive rights to La Liga games. 

Mallorca, though far behind at 24 points, has had two consecutive wins against Las Palmas and Valencia and are currently positioned 5th in the league table. They of course would be looking to put their best against a team against whom they have won only one game in the last 24 years. However, Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat at home to Las Palmas should encourage the Mallorca players to a possibility of shocking the league leaders, although the absence of Toni Lato due to a hamstring injury does not augur well for them. For Barcelona, Lamine Yamal who has had a good tournament with 5 goals and six assists, is expected to come back after an injury.

In India, the Barcelona vs Mallorca match can be viewed on GXR, Galaxy Racer which is live streaming the La Liga Games. In Spain, the match can be viewed on Movistar+, M+LALIGA TV, LaLiga TV Bar HD.

Visit La Liga Official Website at https://www.laliga.com/ 

You can also see the La Liga League table /standings at https://www.espn.in/football/table/_/league/esp.1

Narayan Murthy – Infosys – 80 Hour Weeks – Really?

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There has been a lot of opinion bashing going on, on Infosys founder Narayan Murthy’s expectation and advise for people to work 80 hour weeks. 

Having worked in the Navy, where you are on call 24 hours a day and also in the private sector for the last 15 years, seven out of which have been as a freelancer, I can only express my disappointment at a, apparently well respected, founder CEO of one of the premier institutions in the country. He is what, about 78 years old, and has been working for most of these years and has still not understood factors impacting productivity or he has understood it too well to know what profit-making entails.

What would necessitate 14-hour days, day after day? 

a) Your hiring (HR department or its processes) is wrong or you are deliberately compromising on matching people with job roles for saving hiring costs. It may be because of low self-esteem (if I could do it, anyone else can) or overconfidence that your managers are capable of training even donkeys or monkeys to do the job. Get the right people and no one will have to struggle. 

b) Your assessment of number of people to do a project is wrong. Again, it may be your incorrect understanding or maybe a conscious decision to save costs by making the reduced number of folks to work like donkeys. (Monkeys usually will not listen to you once they are fed up with doing what you are asking them to do)

c) I have done it myself, so why can’t others do it for me. This is the most ridiculous expectation. You messed up your life (for which your wife and kids may be still giving you the pain), and now you expect other to follow suit. You didn’t have the balls to stand up to your boss and now when people stand up to you, you try emotional blackmail, country, GDP, development etc… 

d) You are pitching aimlessly at any and every project and have no idea on how much business you are going to get. Result is you have people sitting on bench or running short, hence the 14 hr days

e) Finally, and it has a bearing on all the above, you have no idea that while education costs have gone up at a much larger scale, the starting salaries at your company have no way matched up to it.

f) People take up jobs, in part at least, to have a regular income along with a work life balance. If they are not getting it, they might as well become a contract worker and do their own thing. It won’t be long before people, the ones worth their salt, become freelancers and take up contractual works and demand what they deem fit.

You can indeed take your opinion to the grave, and your epitaph should probably read “Knowledge Makes a Man Unfit for Slavery.”

Dehradun Car Accident – Time for Engineering Controls?

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The very recent car Accident involving 7 youngsters in a Toyota Innova moving at 170 Kms/hr colliding into a truck and claiming 6 lives brings us to the question, what more can be done to prevent such needless loss of lives?

In Health & safety risk management, the hierarchy of controls clearly defines the order in which controls need to be considered. While it may become complicated to define all elements of hazards associated with driving a car, let’s limit it to a singular hazard of accident at high speed driving (With or without drinking.) 

So what are the current mitigating controls / options for high speed driving and their shortcomings. 

Self-Discipline - The speed at which one drives is a personal choice and hence self-discipline is a good way to eliminate the hazard, however everyone is not of the same mindset and in most cases people driving at high speeds consider themselves to be in total control.

Taxi/Public Transport – Alternate means of public transportation are available and good means to substitute self-driving where alcohol, emergencies, stress or lack of sleep are involved.

Engineered Safety – Brakes, ABS, collision avoidance system, impact reduction techniques, tyre pressure indicators etc are safety features or Engineering controls built into cars to prevent accidents or reduce impact on an accident. Most of these features depend on a response/reaction time and may or may not work, especially at high speeds.

Speed Limits – Most roads/highways have speed limits assigned by the administration, supposedly worked out in a scientific manner. Most people do not follow it and some are even happy to pay the fine, if and when, penalized. At some place speed limits seem so ridiculous, that one might think that if I am going to break the limit, might as well do it with gay abandon. 

Safety Belt / Air Bags – While these are known to be effective protective equipment at lower speeds, their efficacy at higher speeds depends on multiple factors and do not guarantee and safe walk out of an accident.

Amongst others, the speed of the vehicle at the time of impact, is one of the most important factors determining the extent of damage to the vehicle and the occupants and hence it becomes the obvious controllable choice. Unfortunately, faster acceleration and top speed happen to be selling points for vehicles.

In India the highest maximum speed limit on any road till date is 120 Kms/hr restricted to expressways. National highways and other roads are less than 110 Kms/hr. Why, pray, then we have vehicles capable of driving at 170 Kms/hr (as in this case). Even these limits are only for passenger vehicles with less than 8 seats, which is too broad for comfort since driving a small budget car at 120 Kms/hr is not the same as, let’s say, an SUV. Again, the policy does not differentiate between safety features of vehicles. So, a car without an ABS is treated at par with one with ABS and a car with two air bags is treated at par with one with Six airbags.

Suitable speed limiting (Governor) controls, backed by legislation mandating highest speed achievable, basis type of vehicle can be considered to be one of the solutions to get a handle on high-speed driving. Depending on the type of vehicle, its safety features, passenger carrying capacity, safety rating etc the manufacturer should set the maximum acceleration and top speed the vehicle can achieve, which of course will not exceed the maximum mandated by the Government. A smaller car or one with lesser safety features will have a lesser top speed allowed compared to a bigger vehicle or one with more safety features/rating. This may bring up some concerns, initially, like maybe the restriction being an impediment while overtaking or climbing up in a hilly terrain, but these are minor obstacles which can be overcome, again by engineering design like, maybe, a 3-5 minute selectable override. The collateral benefit will be more discipline on roads. Speed limiters are currently being used in some commercial vehicles and even made a statutory requirement in some countries. 

In the future, in addition to the above, Satellites/GPS control may be mandated for controlling the speed of vehicles based on the designated speed limit for the particular road/highway/expressway. The technology exists and the auto industry as well as the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways need to start looking into this.

Super Bowl LIX 2025 - Where and How to Watch Live on TV and Streaming

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Are you ready for some football? With Super Bowl LIX 2025 right around the corner, football fans are gearing up to watch the biggest game of the year. Whether you prefer the comfort of your living room or the convenience of streaming, there are plenty of options to catch all the action live. Here’s a comprehensive guide on where and how to watch all Super Bowl 2025 games on TV and streaming platforms.

TV Broadcast

For those who prefer the traditional way of watching football, tuning into the TV broadcast is still one of the most popular methods. Super Bowl 2025 games will be broadcast on major networks like NBC, CBS, and Fox. Make sure to check your local listings and schedule to find out which network will be airing the games in your area.

FOX Deportes and Telemundo have announced an agreement to broadcast Super Bowl LIX live in Spanish on both networks on February 9, 2025, from The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. This partnership will offer the broadest Spanish-language distribution for any Super Bowl in U.S. history. Both networks will produce separate broadcasts and announce further coverage details closer to the event. Carlos Sanchez, EVP and General Manager of FOX Deportes, highlighted the collaboration as a significant moment for the NFL’s growing Hispanic fanbase, noting the networks' key role in expanding the league's reach within the Spanish-speaking community.

Cable and Satellite TV

Subscribing to a cable or satellite TV service will also give you access to Super Bowl 2025 games. Providers like Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, and DIRECTV often offer special packages that include access to sports channels broadcasting the NFL games.

Live Streaming Services (Online, Mobile Apps & VPN)

If you’re looking for a more versatile and modern option, Live streaming services provide a convenient way to watch Super Bowl 2025 games live. Games on FOX can be streamed on FOXSports.com or the FOX Sports App. You can also subscribe to NFL+, which gives you access to live local and primetime regular and postseason games.The 2025 Super Bowl LIX will be streaming on the app fubo as well as on NFL+. 

You can also stream the Super Bowl with VPN Services. For e.g. with ExpressVPN .  

You can watch the international version of NFL Game Pass on most devices, including computers, smartphones, even smart TVs and gaming consoles. You can also live stream Super Bowl 59 for free in many other countries, other than USA.

ESPN+

The ESPN+ streaming service offers extensive coverage of NFL games, including the Super Bowl. By subscribing to ESPN+, fans can access live games, on-demand content, and exclusive coverage.

Paramount+

Paramount+ provides subscribers with access to live NFL games, including the Super Bowl. With a subscription, fans can stream the games on various devices, making it an accessible option for those who prefer streaming.

YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV

These popular live TV streaming services also offer access to major sports networks, which will be broadcasting Super Bowl 2025 games. Subscribers can enjoy live coverage and additional features such as cloud DVR and on-demand content.

NFL Game Pass (International)

For the devoted football aficionado, NFL Game Pass is a comprehensive streaming service that allows subscribers to watch all NFL games live, including the Super Bowl. This platform also offers on-demand games, exclusive content, and access to previous seasons.

Mobile Apps

Additionally, many major networks and streaming services offer mobile apps, allowing fans to watch Super Bowl 2025 games on the go. Whether you’re using a smartphone or tablet, you can download the respective app and stream the games from anywhere with a stable internet connection.

With these various options for watching Super Bowl 2025 games live on TV and streaming platforms, football enthusiasts can choose the method that best suits their preferences and lifestyle. Whether you prefer the communal experience of gathering around the TV or the flexibility of streaming on your favorite devices, there are plenty of ways to catch all the thrilling action of the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl LIX 2025 Ticket Packages

If you are still looking for Super Bowl 2025 Tickets, then check out NFL OnLocation for the best packages that suit your preferences. Apart from Official Packages, you can also get the Priority Access and explore other Super Bowl LIX Experiences. Make your Super Bowl LIX experience one to remember with a package from On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider of the NFL!

So, get ready to grab your snacks, don your team colors, and settle in for an unforgettable football showdown!

Higher Education Colleges, Universities under Financial Pressure?

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In USA alone, at least 70 Colleges have closed or merged with another in the last 4 or 5 years, of which 40 have shut shop or announced closure. The primary reason, of course, is financial. With about 20 of them, closing in 2023-2024, Covid is not the only reason for the poor financial health.

In UK, according to The Guardian, “An increasing number of universities in England face a material risk of closure”

In Canada, Gabriel Miller, president of Universities, Canada told CBC, "We're seeing budget deficits in universities right across the country: Quebec, Ontario, the Maritimes"

These three countries have been right at the top for attracting the most International students. So what may be the issues which are putting financial constraints?

Shrinking populations – There is a reduction in the number of domestic students applying for the college education. The declining birth rates have finally started showing its effects. The fertility rates, USA – 1.786, UK – 1.755 (England & Wales is at 1.44) , Canada – 1.3, have been in a decline in these countries and the current fertility rates will continue to impact the numbers available for higher education for many years to come.

Loss of Faith in college Degree - The Pew Research Center and Gallup published new surveys that reveal that Americans are losing faith in the value of a college degree. According to the surveys, 29% of Americans say that college is not worth the cost and 49% say having a four-year college degree is less important for landing a high-paying job today than it was 20 years ago. The question people are asking is, Does the college degree ensure a high paying job? Sadly, it is no longer true and students are opting for trade/vocational courses instead, to be job ready instead of a “not so reputed” college degree. Further the younger generation has realized the futility of undertaking studies in non-conventional subjects like dance, drama, tourism etc. They may get you a job but won’t take you far.

Burgeoning College Fees – College fees has been going up for ever and have reached a stage where a good college is unaffordable to most. One may get loans, but that is a burden one needs to carry for a long time and again suitable only if you get admission into a good course in a good college. College costs have gone up by more than 150% in the last 40 years, but the salary of new entrants into the job market has gone up by less than 20% (U.S. Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics and National Center for Education Statistics data).

Wider Spread of International Students – International students in most countries pay up to 2 to 3 times of what domestic students pay for the college degree. Needless to say, that the higher fees actually bolsters the institute’s finances as well as subsidize the education for domestic students. Over a period of time, due to the high costs of higher education, as well as more colleges/universities across the world becoming better at delivering education the international students are getting spread over a larger number of countries (colleges), therefore there is a financial hit to the institutes which were earlier attracting students despite being “not so reputable.” Consider this, in the year 2000, 70% of all international students were studying in the top 5 countries. In 2022, the top five countries account for only 48% of students.

Political/Economical Concerns – Australia and Canada are at the forefront of fighting the ask from locals to cap the number of students. Their reasons include pressure on local housing market, domestic students being forced out of top universities as also the impact on domestic students in the job market and other unintended impacts of the immigration policies, for example the post study work visa allowing international students to stay in the country to work / look for work for certain number of years. Political compulsions are forcing the Governments to reduce the intake of international students. Similarly the higher household debt to income ratios because of general economic factors is contributing to declining demand for higher education.

Many colleges are and will continue to face hardships to stay afloat. While the demand for reputed colleges, universities is intact and ins some cases also seeing higher number of applications, the not so reputed, smaller and less selective institutions will continue to see a decline in number of applications and inevitably move towards closure.

Super Bowl LXII: Atlanta Set to Host the Big Game in 2028

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Yes, the NFL has announced that Atlanta will host Super Bowl LXII in 2028. The game will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is no stranger to hosting major sporting events, including the Super Bowl LIII in 2019. The National Football League (NFL) made the official announcement that the Super Bowl LXII 2028 will be hosted in Atlanta, Georgia at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This would not be the first time that this city has hosted the Big Game, in fact it is the fourth time! The Super Bowl has been hosted in Atlanta in 1993, 1999 and 2019 earlier at the old Georgia Dome. The city's central location, modern facilities, and strong sports culture make it a popular choice for hosting the Super Bowl.

Expect a lot of excitement and festivities around this event in 2028, as Atlanta prepares to showcase its world-class venues, hospitality, and southern charm once again!

"This is a tremendous honor for the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia to be selected as host for Super Bowl LXII," said Atlanta Falcons Owner and Chairman Arthur M. Blank. "Mercedes-Benz Stadium was built to host the world’s largest sporting events, and I know I speak for many when I say we are honored to bring it back to Atlanta in 2028 and build off the success of Super Bowl LIII in 2019." (Source: LivenowFox.com)

Dan Corso, the President of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Super Bowl Bid Committee said "As we made clear throughout the process, no city is better positioned than Atlanta to host events of this magnitude. Super Bowl LXII would not be possible without the incredible cooperation of leaders in the civic and business community who continue to come together to deliver for our city and state."

What about the Super Bowl LXII 2028 Half Time Show? We will know about this only a few months before the actual event. Earlier in 2019, Adam Levine of Maroon 5 and Travis Scott had performed at the half time show.
 

How to Get Tickets to February 13, Super Bowl LXII 2028? 

If you are looking to book early tickets to Super Bowl LXII 2028, then you can check out the Priority Access Deposit Program. Visit the Site for complete information and details on how to secure your best seat for the Big Game.

On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider of the NFL. On Location’s Priority Access deposit secures your front-of-the-line access to purchase a Super Bowl LXII package.

Don't forget to tune in early to get all updates on the game here.

Super Bowl LIX 2025 - The Ultimate Showdown Date, Time & Place

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Caesar's Superdome New Orleans to Host Super Bowl LIX 2025

The American NFL Super Bowl is the most anticipated sporting event of the year, attracting millions of viewers and creating an unmatched atmosphere of excitement and entertainment. As we look forward to Super Bowl LIX 2025, the anticipation and speculation about the teams, halftime show, and commercials are already reaching fever pitch. 

One of the most critical elements of any Super Bowl is, of course, the teams that will battle it out on the field. Will we see a rematch of perennial rivals, or will a dark horse emerge to claim victory? As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see which teams rise to the top and earn their spot in the big game.

Super Bowl LIX (59) 2025 promises to be an unforgettable event, filled with excitement, drama, and entertainment. As fans count down the days until kickoff, the anticipation continues to build for what is sure to be a game for the ages. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest news and updates on Super Bowl 2025, the ultimate showdown in sports and entertainment.

Super Bowl LIX 2025: Logo, Date, Time & Place

NFL Super Bowl LIX 2025 is scheduled to take place on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, home of the Saints. The game is set to commence at 6:30 p.m. ET.  Watch Live on:

TV: FOX | Stream: fubo
 

The Official Logo for Super Bowl LIX 2025 was revealed by the Front Office Sports in it's Social media Post on X:

The Halftime Show - Date & Time

The halftime show has become a spectacle in itself, with top-tier musical acts taking the stage to entertain the millions watching at home. The question on everyone's mind is: who will headline the halftime show at Super Bowl 2025? Grammy Award-winning artist Kendrick Lamar is set to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025 on FOX. (Source: NFL.com)

The Commercials

Super Bowl commercials have become as much a part of the event as the game itself. Advertisers go all out to create memorable and engaging commercials that capture the attention of viewers and spark conversations long after the final whistle has blown. What creative and innovative ads will we see during Super Bowl 2025? Apparently, Super Bowl 59 is already sold out with commercials garnering $7 million for 30 seconds on FOX, which will be airing the Big Game.  Among the complete list of Ad commercials are names like Coffee mate, Sketchers, Dove & Doritos...etc. 

Through Nov. 11, fans can submit their own Super Bowl LIX ads at DoritosCrash.com for a chance at $1 million and a trip to the Big Game.

Don't miss out on the action and be sure to tune in to witness history in the making at Super Bowl 2025!

Mount Lewotabi Laki Laki Major Volcano Eruptions Cause Panic

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A major volcanic eruption has just occurred in eastern Indonesia on Mount Lewotabi Laki Laki, causing it to literally blow its top up, spewing ash and such a large volume of erupted materials that now parts of Australia are under a volcanic ash advisory! Specifically, the Northern Territory. Apparently, this was the strongest eruption Lewotabi's Laki Laki cone has ever produced. Yesterday's eruption sent a plume of ash to an altitude of 55,000 ft or 16,764 mtrs. Mount Lewotabi Laki Laki is located on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia. 

According to local officials, the eruption on Monday had sent fiery lava & rocks into the surrounding  villages, about 4km from the crater, burning and damaging the residents houses. This caused them to raise the status of the volcano to the highest alert level, warning locals to clear at least a 7km radius from the crater. The local officials had started evacuating residents to other villages located 20km from the crater of the volcano.

This fresh volcanic eruption today, has spread fear & panic among the local residents & tourists already traumatised by explosions that had reportedly killed at least ten people on Monday. The authorities in Indonesia had reported seven eruptions on Thursday, with the most powerful ejecting a giant column of ash to about 8000 m into the air. They had imposed a 7km radius exclusion zone around the volcano on the island of Flores.

According to various sources, there are more than 10,000 people living in temperory shelters. The authorities have given warnings of potential flash floods and cold lava flows in the coming days. The local government has declared a state of emergency for the next 58 days. Hundreds of people have already left their homes and have been sheltered in schools and other buildings. The central government has said it intends to move 16,000 people out of the danger zone. 

Click Here to get latest updates from government site.

India Bids to Host 2036 Olympics

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According to latest news reports: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed strong support for India's interest in hosting the Olympic Games, following the Indian Olympic Association's formal communication of its desire to host the 2036 Olympics. 

The IOC welcomed India's firm commitment, highlighting the country's passion for sport and youthful population as assets for the future of the Olympic Movement. The IOC also noted that discussions are ongoing with interested parties from four continents about hosting future Olympic Games. Other contenders for the 2036 Olympics include Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Indonesia, Barcelona, and Chile. 

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that India has not yet submitted any specific cities for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, despite expressing strong interest in hosting the event. India's ambitions were outlined last year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the country's desire to host the Olympics at the IOC Session in Mumbai.

IOA President PT Usha assured that despite internal challenges, such as disputes over the appointment of CEO Raghuram Iyer, the IOA remains committed to hosting the 2036 Games. The IOC has been monitoring the situation within the IOA, having addressed governance issues in a direct letter to the organization. Last month, the IOC urged the IOA to urgently resolve its internal governance concerns.

India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympics took a significant step forward with the official "Letter of Intent" submitted to the IOC, moving the bid process from the 'Informal Dialogue' to the 'Continuous Dialogue' stage. This includes a feasibility assessment that will evaluate various factors, such as human rights and sustainability, through external bodies like Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Ahmedabad is the leading candidate city, with plans already in motion to develop Olympic-standard infrastructure, including a 300-acre Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave in Motera. This plan includes six new stadiums, alongside the existing Narendra Modi cricket stadium, with a combined capacity exceeding 100,000 spectators.

The IOC's next step will be the 'Targeted Dialogue,' which involves detailed consultations with Olympic stakeholders, sports federations, and experts to assess various aspects like environmental impact and costs. These discussions began following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pitch at the IOC Session in Mumbai in 2023 and continued to gain momentum, even appearing in the ruling BJP’s election manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

In addition to the bid for the 2036 Olympics, India is also seeking to host the 2030 Youth Olympics. However, concerns regarding transparency, accountability, and doping control have been raised, particularly as India works to align its sports administration with international standards.

Donald Trump's Victory Speech - Key Message to World & America

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Donald Trump addressed his supporters in Florida to celebrate his victory in the 2024 Presidential election. He thanked the American people and described it as the greatest political movement of all time. He also pledged to fight for the American people and "Make America great again!"

“I want to thank the American people for the honour of being elected your 47th & 45th President of the United States of America. I will not rest till we have delivered a strong, safe and prosperous America that our children need. This will truly be the golden age of America!”  He also said, "God spared my life for a reason, to save America at that point of time. We are going to help our country heal. We have a country that needs help and it needs help very badly. We are gonna have to seal up those borders!"

Trump, in his victory speech also thanked and expressed appreciation for Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla. He called him a "Star."  Elon Musk had gone all out in his support for Donald Trump in this Presidential Election, using his social media platform X to boost his campaign. Trump called him an "amazing guy" and said that they had spent a lot of time together. Musk campaigned for Donald Trump online & Offline backing him all the way to the White House. He spoke highly of him in all his posts and even his podcasts. He shared several posts praising all the people who voted for a "change".

“We have a new star; a star is born: Elon,” Trump said, highlighting Musk's role in his campaign. “He (Elon) is a super genius. We have to protect our geniuses, we don't have many of them."

Trump's Message on War

Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential race has also raised concerns, particularly among Ukrainians, regarding his stance on foreign conflicts. 

In his victory speech, Trump emphasised his intention to end wars, a policy shift that some fear could lead to a reduction in US support for Ukraine in its ongoing battle against Russia. Trump's past rhetoric, which has criticised US aid to Ukraine and suggested he could resolve the conflict swiftly, has heightened these anxieties. 

As the war against Russia intensifies, with Moscow's growing alliance with North Korea, the uncertainty surrounding Trump's foreign policy has led to alarm among Ukrainian officials and citizens, who rely heavily on US military and financial support. 

Trump's previous term, which saw his engagement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and no major wars, contrasts sharply with the current geopolitical tensions involving Ukraine and Russia.

Watch US President Elect Donald Trump's Full Victory Speech on You Tube:

According to Times of India news report: Republican candidate Donald Trump addressed his supporters, calling it a "magnificent victory for the American people." Reflecting on his journey, Trump cited a July 13 assassination attempt, saying, "God spared my life for a reason."

Posts on X:

Raphinha Turns Down Arsenal to Remain in Barcelona

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Image Source: FMT

According to a latest news report - "Raphinha turned down overtures from Saudi Arabia to remain at Barcelona in the summer even though he was offered lucrative contracts."

Raphinha has become a key figure at FC Barcelona under coach Hansi Flick, solidifying his role as both a top performer on the pitch and a leader in the dressing room. Despite speculation about his future during the summer transfer window, including interest from clubs like Arsenal and Saudi Arabian teams, he chose to stay at Barcelona. 

Arsenal made an attempt to sign the Brazilian international, with former sporting director Edu holding talks to bring him to the Premier League. However, Raphinha wanted assurances of a regular starting role, and ultimately decided to remain at Barcelona. His decision has paid off, as he has outperformed expectations in his first two seasons, leading both on the field and in the locker room. Raphinha has been named one of Barcelona's five club captains and is reportedly in line for a new contract.

"Raphael Dias Belloli, known as Raphinha, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a winger for La Liga club Barcelona and the Brazil national team. Raphinha began his footballing journey with Avaí, but left for Portuguese side Vitória Guimarães in 2016, where he made his professional debut." Source Wikipedia. Born on 14th December 1996 in Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and has played in 12 La Liga matches so far.

US Election Results Live - Donald Trump Wins 277 Vs Kamala Harris 226 to Become 47th President of USA

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 Kamala Harris Vs Donald Trump - US Election Results Live Today

According to latest news reports, Republican candidate Donald Trump won 9 counties including Florida, Indiana, Kentucky and more while Democrat Kamala Harris won Vermont and four other seats as the early projections started streaming in. The voting is now closed and counting of the ballots is underway. Over 82 million people in the country took advantage of early voting to cast their ballots.

You can Follow the US Election Results Live Here.

The U.S. presidential election uses a total of 538 electoral votes, with a candidate needing 270 to win. In 2020, Joe Biden secured 306 electoral votes, defeating Donald Trump, who earned 232. The election outcome also determines control of Congress—the Senate and House of Representatives. Polls suggest a tight race between Trump and Kamala Harris, with swing states like Pennsylvania, Florida, and Wisconsin potentially deciding the winner, meaning the results may take time to finalise.

The 2024 U.S. presidential election has been marked by intense drama and unpredictability. Key events include Trump’s courtroom conviction, an injury from a bullet grazing his ear, a pivotal debate that dampened Joe Biden's chances of re-election, and Kamala Harris's last-minute nomination. Harris, aiming to become the first female president, focuses on bipartisan cooperation to address economic issues while staying aligned with Biden's policies. In contrast, Trump promises to replace federal workers with loyalists, impose tariffs on both allies and adversaries, and carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.

The New York Times predicts that Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, is projected to win 277 electoral votes, while Kamala Harris is expected to secure 261 votes. However, the race remains a "tossup," with both candidates still competing for key battleground states. The final outcome will depend on the remaining votes, as both candidates strive to secure the last electoral votes needed to win.

Elon Musk Posted on X: 

Latest Update on Election Final Results Date & Time: 

There are 51 separate elections with 6 different time zones in each US state. Each state has its own rules and practices for counting the votes. Officially, November 5th has been set as the Election Day, but the actual final picture may take hours or days to emerge due to the neck-and-neck contest between Democrat Kamala Harris and her Republican rival Donald Trump.

To complicate matters more, unlike in India, there is no election commission to tabulate the results. It is the responsibility of the state and local governments to count the votes. Therefore, all the citizens of US and the world have to rely on the American media to provide the election results within hours of the end of voting.

"According to the BBC, the last polls will close at 01.00 EST, which, as per Indian time, will be 11.30 am on Wednesday. Thus, by Wednesday night, a clear picture of the trends may start to emerge about who is ahead in the race to occupy the White House."

Indian Air Force & Uber Mobility MoU - Why Question It?

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A few days back a section of a podcast went viral. The subject of discussion was MoU signed between Indian Air Force and Uber towards mobility solutions for Air Force personnel and their families. The so-called experts were mocking not only the concept / arrangement made by the organization, but also deriding the people behind the concept as also the leadership of the Air Force. The excuse – Security concerns on using a mobile app from a US Company storing data outside India. 

 

Which world are thses guys living in? Do they think that the Indian Armed Forces do not allow their personnel to use commercially available smart phones, or that the Armed Forces personnel and their families do not use Uber otherwise, or that these men and their families do not use any apps on their phones, or that they use only Indian made apps storing data only on servers within India, or that Armed Forces personnel and their families do not use any apps from Alphabet, Meta or Amazon, or that these companies cannot or do not track the movements/actions of their users, or that any of these companies will profile the user data only if the parent organization has a formal MoU with the said company or that the Indian Armed Forces have the budget to provide a Government Vehicle to all the personnel or that the intelligence of the other countries is so weak that they do not know the locations of the bases of Indian Armed Forces, which is crazy since we actually have railway stations named after cantonments, for God’s sake or, finally, that the senior leadership has not carried out the due diligence before giving the go ahead.

 

Given a data set of mobile usage, any amateur data analyst can figure out the workplace of any person. If you use Google maps, it actually asks the user to set the location as workplace or home when it sees you are travelling back and forth to same locations during mornings and evenings. So, there it is, if one is travelling to sena bhavan even in his own vehicle, Maps and so many other apps already know that you are working in the Armed Forces and that too in the Headquarters. You don’t have to be using the Uber app or even registering with them for Uber and the other apps to start profiling you. And even if you are using a service vehicle but carrying a smart phone, you are still being tracked. So, what are we trying to achieve by denying a welfare scheme to the Armed Forces personnel.

Few lessons to be learnt here. 

 

First, an expertise on one subject does not make one an expert on all subjects. Just because someone is a good orator and specializes in one subject should not and does not give them the right or authority to opine on any other subject under the garb of free speech. The people on the podcast, besides indulging in fearmongering, damaged their own reputation as well as their own following, by speaking on a subject clearly out of their grasp. None of the panelists in the said podcast are qualified in cyber security, mobile telephony, defence matters or mobility solutions. Still they yap!!  

 

Second, one should not shun development, technology or even an idea just because there is a risk, but we should take measures to mitigate the risk and protect ourselves from misuse, abuse or even sabotage. Pathankot, Uri, Pulwama did not happen because of Armed Forces personnel travelling in taxis. 

 

Lastly, it is a common issue in the civilian/corporate world, they get in an expert to solve their problem and then start telling the expert how to solve the problem. Likewise, here, people who have entrusted their own security to the Armed Forces, are now questioning the capability of the Armed Forces to look after the security of the Armed forces personnel. If these people are so concerned about security of the armed forces, they probably should canvass against any commercial activity, buildings, hotels in the vicinity of the Naval docks, Army cantonments and Air Force bases. For example, stop civilian/foreigner movements around Gateway of India, shut down Taj Palace hotel, Mazagaon docks, etc., the list is endless.

 

PS: Microsoft Word just auto corrected the spelling of Mazagon, above. Is it now a national security threat, Should I stop using MS Word?

Beware of "Digital Arrest Scam" - What Should You Do?

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What does the term "Digital Arrest" mean? Well, "Digital arrest" typically refers to the phenomenon where a person is prevented from accessing their digital devices or online accounts, often due to security measures, hacking incidents, or unauthorised access. It can also relate to situations where digital assets or accounts are frozen or suspended, perhaps due to legal issues or policy violations. In a broader sense, it highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity and the potential risks associated with our reliance on digital technology.

But, here we are not referring to this legal action of arresting someone by the sanctioned legal authorities, instead this term is now being used by fraudsters and scammers to fool people into believing so! 

The "digital arrest scam" usually involves fraudsters posing as law enforcement or government officials who claim that the victim is involved in illegal activities online. They might threaten the victim with arrest unless they pay a fine or fee immediately, often demanding payment through unconventional means like gift cards or cryptocurrency. They may do this via emails, WhatsApp calls or phone calls. There have been several cases now reported of people losing crores of rupees to these scammers. Most recent case was that of a techie from Hyderabad who spent 30hrs on a fraud call by these fraudsters. According to news reports, more than 6,000 complaints of digital arrests have been registered this year! 

Here are some key points about the scam:

1. Threats of Legal Action: Scammers create a sense of urgency by claiming that the victim has committed a crime or is involved with some illegal activities, such as money laundering, copyright infringement, or tax evasion.

2. Impersonation: They often spoof official-looking emails, phone numbers, or websites to make their communications appear legitimate.

3. Payment Pressure: Victims are pressured to make quick payments to avoid arrest, often with threats of further legal action or embarrassment.

4. Common Targets: These scams can target anyone, but older adults or less tech-savvy individuals might be more vulnerable.

5. Prevention: It’s important to verify any claims made by contacting official sources directly and to be cautious about sharing personal information or making payments.

If you or someone you know encounters this type of scam, it’s best to report it to local authorities and avoid engaging with the scammers. Or call 1930. 

This scam has become so worrisome and menacing that recently our honourable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi in his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' broadcast, flagged the issue of fraudsters targeting people with the cyber crime of "digital arrests" and urged people to adopt the mantra of "Stop, Think and Take Action" when faced with such a scam, asserting that these steps will provide digital security to them.

"'Stop, Think And Take Action': PM Shares Must-Dos Against Digital Arrests Scam"

According to a news report in Times Now - 

"The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a high-level committee to investigate digital arrest scam cases and cyber fraud. The committee has been instructed to take immediate action against the perpetrators. The committee was announced days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged the issue of fraudsters targeting people with the cyber crime of "digital arrests" and urged people to adopt the mantra of "stop, think and take action" when faced with such a scam, asserting that these steps will provide digital security to them."

Be Alert Citizens....! Take Action to avoid becoming a Digital Arrest Victim, for the next one could be YOU!