A child writes a scathing letter to Santa Claus, questioning his methods, motives, and relevance in the modern world. The child criticizes Santa's judgmental 'naughty or nice' binary, his outdated image, and his dubious helpers. They praise Jeff Bezos as the true 'Deliverer of Gifts' and suggest replacing Santa with 'Banta' for a more relatable experience.

A traveler recounts their Christmas indifference. They recall quiet holidays in Brazil and Tonga. An Irish expat shared his island life. A Tanzanian hotel offered an unexpected musical treat. The author anticipates another unconventional Christmas, seeking open establishments amidst the festivities. They hope for another surprising encounter.

The soulful and inspired virtuosity of an artist like Ustad Alla Rakha Khan Saheb, his lineage and legacy, has also brought the tabla centre-stage as an independent instrument capable of immense sonic possibilities. His son, Zakir Hussain's role in achieving this transition on national and international concert prosceniums is unparalleled.

From communicators to drones, India's tech scene is exploding. Digital payments, AI, and biotech are transforming industries at an unprecedented pace. While risks exist, the potential for positive change, from accessible healthcare to sustainable energy, is immense. The future hinges on ensuring inclusivity and responsible innovation.

Nigel Richards, a 57-year-old New Zealander and renowned Scrabble champion, won the Spanish World Scrabble Championship without knowing Spanish. He achieved this feat by memorizing the entire Spanish Scrabble dictionary. Richards, who also won the French championship using a similar method, demonstrates the power of rote learning, even in the age of AI.

India's Parliament witnessed unruly behavior, reminiscent of a children's playground brawl. While some may dismiss this as an anomaly, it reflects a deeper issue of frustration and a decline in decorum. The incident mirrors a concerning trend in national behavior, raising questions about the effectiveness of parliamentary discourse.

The luxury industry, heavily reliant on its wealthiest clientele, is facing a potential crisis as rising prices deter consumers, particularly in China. To maintain exclusivity and value, brands must strategically adjust volumes and cater to a broader, yet still affluent, customer base by offering more accessible luxury items without compromising quality.

Investing our time in God through meditation yields immeasurable rewards. By focusing inward, we connect with the Divine, deepening our love and understanding of life's mysteries. This spiritual awakening guides our soul's journey back to its Source, ensuring we depart this world fulfilled, having nurtured our relationship with the Divine through daily meditation.

India's overworked workforce faces mounting pressure, sparking debate on the 'right to disconnect.' Recent incidents highlight the need for legislation protecting employees from excessive work hours and ensuring mental well-being, mirroring global trends.

India will discuss free trade agreements with Britain and the EU in 2025. The focus will be on bulk alcohol imports. This will help Indian businesses make premium alcoholic beverages. Small and medium businesses will benefit. Exports may also increase. India's alcohol market is changing. Indian brands are strong. International brands may face challenges.

Santa's adventures bring laughter this Christmas! Stuck in chimneys? Claus-trophobia strikes! His helper battles low elf-esteem. Santa Paws delivers pet presents, while Santa Clues solves mysteries. He rides a Holly Davidson, pays jingle bills, and loves Elf-is Presley. Ocean waves greet him, and his presence is sensed through gifts.

Pets offer unconditional love and joy, enriching our lives with comfort and warmth. Their presence evokes simple joys, from a purring cat to a wagging dog. Playful antics and cuddles create moments of laughter and calm, melting away stress. These non-human companions offer profound emotional fulfillment and a sanctuary from life's chaos, recharging our spirits.

A proposed film spotlights India's ongoing debate about B.R. Ambedkar's legacy. The home minister's remarks reignited discussions, even involving Ambedkar's grandson. Despite Ambedkar's vision of caste annihilation, the debate continues, with parliamentarians considering his perspective on contemporary issues.

The US Supreme Court has granted TikTok a hearing on January 10th to challenge a looming ban set for January 19th. This contrasts with India's swift 2020 ban of the platform, citing national security and data privacy concerns.

Patience is a virtue. It helps people overcome challenges. Robert Bruce showed patience and won a battle. Spiritual teachings emphasize patience. Patience brings silence and strength. It helps people handle adversity. Patience leads to greater achievements.

India aims to seize a golden opportunity in electronics manufacturing, emulating Vietnam's success. By attracting major OEMs, reducing tariffs, building competitive clusters, and extending PLIs, India seeks to achieve a $500 billion electronics production target by 2030 and capture 10% of the global market share.

The Biden administration has proposed a rule change to redefine 'US employer' for H-1B visa sponsorship, potentially allowing foreign entrepreneurs to sponsor themselves. This move aims to attract global talent, boost innovation, and strengthen the US's position in the digital and green economy.

Over half of India's population, residing in semi-urban and rural areas, faces limited access to formal credit, forcing reliance on predatory lenders. High interest rates hinder economic growth. Transitioning to cash flow-based lending, leveraging data, and implementing risk-based pricing are crucial for expanding financial inclusion and promoting economic well-being.

US interest rate cuts and Donald Trump's return impacted global markets. Indian equities faced pressure from foreign investors. The Reserve Bank of India may lower rates. Food prices and manufacturing are key factors. Market volatility is expected. A strong US economy and China's growth influence investments. India's market remains sensitive to trade tensions and domestic consumption.

The Indian Parliament introduced bills for simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections (ONOE), sparking debate about its impact on the Constitution, federalism, and democracy. A Joint Parliamentary Committee will scrutinize the bills, considering factors like census, delimitation, and women's reservation.

Island nations are seeking climate change compensation from large emitters, arguing their existence is threatened by rising sea levels. However, many island nations are relatively wealthy, benefiting from the same global forces that drive emissions. Critics argue that focusing on per-capita emissions and adaptation measures like land reclamation are more relevant than compensation claims.

A government-appointed panel, led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan, has recommended restructuring the National Testing Agency (NTA) following the NEET-UG paper leak. The panel suggests NTA focus solely on higher education entrance exams, improve internal capacity, and strengthen security measures to prevent malpractice. The recommendations aim to build a more robust and reliable testing system for India.

Donald Trump's call for tariff reciprocity with India presents a potential advantage if handled strategically. While Trump's focus remains on China, India's strong trade relationship with the US and its growing role in global supply chains offer leverage. Trump's energy policies, including cheap oil and a potential end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, could further benefit India.

Housed in a 19th-century chapel in Antwerp, The Jane offers a unique dining experience for up to 200 guests daily. Its dramatic interior blends the sacred and contemporary, featuring an open kitchen in the former altar. The seafood-centric set menu, including dishes like Gillardeau oysters with plankton and peach, is full of surprises.

The Dalai Lama acknowledges Western secularism's frequent antagonism towards religion, citing historical instances of religious institutions' exploitation and oppression. He differentiates critiques of religion from those targeting religious institutions, emphasizing that social justice aligns with core religious values like kindness, compassion, and integrity.

A Kolkata couple, the Biswases, faced immense humiliation at their daughter's wedding reception when the caterer they hired for 5.9 lakh failed to show up. Left scrambling, they managed to arrange a meager meal, but many guests departed hungry. The caterer, Rangan Niyogi, with a history of similar scams, was later arrested.

The Indian government has proposed constitutional amendments to enable simultaneous general and state elections. This One Nation, One Election initiative aims to reduce costs and improve governance by limiting election disruptions. However, critics argue it centralizes power, potentially marginalizing regional issues and expanding the scope of presidential rule.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has listed approximately 1.45 million individuals, including 180,000 Indians, for potential deportation. Historically, Indians, particularly from Punjab, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, have sought entry into the U.S., with around 90,000 apprehensions in recent years. A potential shift in public sentiment within India may arise, with some citizens possibly opposing the return of these deportees.

Rachelle Glendon's podcast, How to Live Slow, offers advice on finding calm amidst the holiday chaos. The Living a Fomo-Free Life episode explores how to overcome the fear of missing out by using it as a tool for a more fulfilling life. Glendon suggests practical steps like limiting social media and embracing digital detoxes to prioritize activities you truly enjoy.

The staycation industry, a niche within the leisure sector, is experiencing growth, with a projected market revenue of $758 million by 2033. Appealing particularly to the 25-34 age group, staycations offer escapes and digital detox opportunities close to home. However, India lacks sufficient 'holiday infrastructure' outside traditional tourist spots and hotels.

Our relationship with the sun is complex. We crave its warmth in winter yet shun its intensity in summer. By aligning with nature's rhythms and respecting the sun's power, we can achieve greater resilience and a more carefree existence. The sun's vital role in our solar system reminds us of our own vulnerability and interconnectedness.

HUL boss Rohit Jawa needs to think out of the box and make HUL what it was in pre-liberalisation India, independent and free thinking; hauling the company that was once a CEO factory and a laboratory of strategic thinking -- out of a funk that it finds itself in today. Even Unilever CEO Hein Shumacher is busy putting the consumer behemoth into shape, pruning portfolios, people and premiumising, while upping sales projections.

Mukesh Ambani, chairman of the 2024 ET Awards jury, asserted that India's challenge isn't job creation but low wages. Addressing this requires a multifaceted approach beyond simply generating more jobs. It necessitates investment in infrastructure, innovation, and urban development to create higher-paying jobs, alongside improving education and skilling the workforce to enable wage growth nationwide.

India faces a trifecta of Trump-era challenges: managing US immigration policies, navigating the Bangladesh crisis, and balancing its relationship with China. Trump's focus on immigration may impact Indian H-1B visa holders and require a transactional approach. Bangladesh's instability necessitates careful diplomacy, while India seeks to manage its relationship with China independently of US influence.

India-US relations saw a mix of advancement and strain. President Biden boosted key initiatives. However, incidents like the indictment of an Indian official and the Adani case fueled distrust. Defense deals progressed, but challenges remain. Disagreements on Khalistan and Bangladesh further complicated the partnership.

Ustad Zakir Hussain, a tabla maestro, was renowned for his exceptional talent and humility. His performances emphasized tradition and collaboration, prioritizing 'sangat' (fellowship) over individual stardom. Hussain's collaborations spanned across genres and generations, blending his virtuosity with a deep respect for fellow musicians. His legacy extends globally, marked by numerous awards and a profound impact on Indian classical music.

Omar Abdullah, fresh off his electoral victory, questions the tendency to blame EVMs for losses. He highlights the hypocrisy of parties that celebrate EVM-led wins but cry foul in defeat. With two decades of EVM use and added safeguards like VVPAT, the focus should shift from baseless accusations to genuine electoral reforms.

Walmart scaled back its DEI initiatives. The company faced criticism for its vague response. The response recalled Zomato's controversial hiring practices. Walmart stated its commitment to saving people money. The company aims to create a sense of belonging for everyone. Walmart's actions sparked debate about corporate social responsibility.

Rumi's philosophy stresses the importance of connecting with our surroundings. He encourages us to be present in each moment. We must embrace the energy of every place. Our presence can shape the atmosphere. We can create harmony with the world. Each person holds immense potential. We are not insignificant drops in the ocean.

A thirty-three-year-old narrator initially misjudged a young woman he encountered at a bar. He perceived her as an ordinary barfly but later realized her beauty. After a brief visit to the bar, the woman, driving a station wagon, offered him a ride home, assuring him of safety despite a potential issue with someone named Bert.

Switzerland revoked its 'most favoured nation' tax status with India following a Supreme Court ruling requiring separate notification of MFN changes. This move acknowledges India's focus on negotiated tax agreements and strengthens its position in bilateral trade deals.

France appointed its fourth PM in a year. Francois Bayrou faces a tough economic situation. Moody's downgraded France's debt rating. Bayrou needs to form a stable government. He must navigate between the far-left and far-right. A new EU-Mercosur trade deal adds to the complexity. Bayrou must also address domestic economic concerns.