Goa sees strong GST revenue growth in 2024, driven by digitisation and sectoral boosts
Red carpet for foreign arrivals, make 'India inevitable': Hospitality sector's New Year resolution
India's hospitality sector anticipates exceeding pre-Covid foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, aiming for a $1 trillion economic contribution by 2047. Industry leaders cite booming domestic travel, increased occupancies, and a shift towards travel as a non-discretionary spend. However, they urge government support through policy interventions like unified licensing and infrastructure investment to achieve this ambitious goal.
Triptii and Sam vacationing together in the Cotswolds?
Rumoured couple Triptii Dimri and Sam Merchant are sparking speculation about their relationship as they share glimpses from their vacation in the Cotswolds. Triptii posted stories of feeding goats and enjoying hot chocolate, while Sam mirrored her posts. Despite the shared moments, neither has officially commented on their relationship status.
Wirtz, Schick star for Leverkusen in rout of Freiburg and keep pressure on Bayern
BERLIN: Florian Wirtz starred and Patrik Schick scored four goals as Bayer Leverkusen routed Freiburg 5-1 on Saturday to keep the pressure on Bundesliga leader Bayern Munich over the winter break. Wirtz, who has yet to extend his Leverkusen contract, set up a hat trick for Schick and scored his seventh league goal of the season. Leverkusen dominated but needed patience before Schick broke the deadlock with a chip over the goalkeeper right before the break. Wirtz, who'd played Schick through, score after the break when he displayed brilliant close control to elude a defender before firing the ball inside the near post from a narrow angle. Vincenzo Grifo pulled one back four minutes later, but Wirtz floated in a precise cross for Schick to head Leverkusen's third in the 67th, then laid the ball back for Schick to fire Leverkusen's fourth in the 74th. For a striker, it's a dream to have this player behind you, Schick said of Wirtz. Schick scored again with a header to a corner three minutes later the only goal that didn't involve Wirtz. Leverkusen stayed four points behind Bayern after its eighth straight win across all competitions. Leverkusen resumes its league defense at Borussia Dortmund on Jan. 10, while Bayern visits Borussia Mnchengladbach on Jan. 11. Frankfurt goalkeeper's woes Brazilian goalkeeper Kau Santos endured a game to forget as his Eintracht Frankfurt was shocked by 10-man Mainz 3-1. Frankfurt had 34 shots at goal compared to nine by the visitor, which played with a man less from the 21st after captain Nadiem Amiri was sent off for catching Ellyes Skhiri's right ankle with his studs. Santos had already conceded an unfortunate own goal. The 'keeper played out a short pass to Skhiri, who was immediately under pressure from two Mainz players. Skhiri sent the ball looping back toward Santos, who deflected it onto the crossbar, from where it rebounded back off Santos' arm and in. Mainz's Paul Nebel then scored with a deflected shot for 2-0, and Santos was at fault again when a botched pass invited another Mainz attack. Nebel grabbed his second goal in the 58th. Rasmus Kristensen, who struck the crossbar in the first half, scored Frankfurt's consolation in the 75th. We were already there for Kau as a team on the field, Frankfurt defender Robin Koch said of Santos' bad day. He's a young player, these things happen. But he's a good guy, he'll come out of it and the same will help him with his development. Regular goalkeeper Kevin Trapp and reserve Jens Grahl were out with illness. Stuttgart stunned at home Johannes Eggestein fired promoted St. Pauli to a 1-0 win at Stuttgart, last season's runner-up. Stuttgart had won its last four games across all competitions. Union Berlin's winless run stretched to nine games across all competitions as Bo Svensson's team slumped to a 4-1 defeat at Werder Bremen. Holstein Kiel ended its five-game losing run by routing Augsburg 5-1, and Borussia Mnchengladbach won at Hoffenheim 2-1. There were tributes with silences before all the games for the victims of an attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg the night before. There are always more important things than football, Freiburg coach Christian Gnter said.
Can you name every player from Brazil to score 5+ Premier League goals?
There are 48 players to get. The post Can you name every player from Brazil to score 5+ Premier League goals? appeared first on Planet Football .
Jesus double lifts Christmas spirits for five-star Arsenal
LONDON: Mikel Arteta said the Premier League title race is on after his Arsenal side swept Crystal Palace aside 5-1 on Saturday to move just three points behind leaders Liverpool. Gabriel Jesus, who scored a hat-trick against Palace in the League Cup at the Emirates on Wednesday, netted twice at Selhurst Park and was only denied a third by the width of a post, with Kai Havertz pouncing. Palace forward Ismaila Sarr, who had pulled his team level at 1-1, failed to make the most of two inviting opportunities early in the second half. Instead Arsenal added two more, climbing back into third place above Nottingham Forest, who had leapfrogged them earlier in the day. The only concern for Arteta -- celebrating five years in charge at Arsenal -- will be that Bukayo Saka limped off midway through the first half. The Gunners are now within touching distance of Liverpool but Arne Slot's team have played two games fewer. Chelsea are second, a point clear of Arsenal. A bullish Arteta said the Gunners, who have not won the Premier League title since 2004, were now firmly in the title picture. We are not even halfway so we're going to try and set something. For us it's on, he told Sky Sports. We're winning, we've done the job, we're in a really good run at the moment, even though we drew two games in the Premier League (against Fulham and Everton) that we fully deserved to win, it's about the next one, that's it, enjoy, he added. 'Going to enjoy Christmas' I'm going to enjoy Christmas with my family because when you win it's always better. Jesus opened the scoring in the sixth minute, finishing confidently after fine work from Saka on the right wing for his first Premier League goal since January. But Palace were level just five minutes later when Sarr collected a Tyrick Mitchell pass, opening his body and bending the ball past the diving David Raya. Arsenal's second came after a corner, with Jesus steering the ball in off the post with pinpoint precision when it fell to him. Brimming with confidence, he headed against a post in the 38th minute, with Havertz following up to tap in. Sarr could have done better with a diving header from close range in the opening minutes of the second half but Raya got down low to save. Raya was called into action again minutes later, keeping out Jean-Philippe Mateta's fierce drive from distance and clutching the ball from Sarr's header on the follow-up. But Palace were unable to reduce the deficit and instead Arsenal stretched their lead -- again Jesus could have completed his hat-trick. Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson denied the Brazil international but substitute Declan Rice made good contact with the ball and Gabriel Martinelli turned it in from close range. Rice scored himself in the 84th minute to make it five, curling a shot from the edge of the box into the far corner.
Neuroscientist's mindful methods to make manifestation a reality
Neuroscientist Dr. James Doty shared his manifestation routine, emphasizing it's more than wishful thinking. He begins each day with breathing exercises, shifting to a calm, other-focused mindset. Doty then identifies his top three goals, writing them down and repeating them silently and aloud, visualizing their achievement. This mindful approach, he explains, creates the ideal environment for manifesting intentions.
22 venues, 200 projects: This festival in Goa delights art lovers across the spectrum
In our second photo essay from the Serendipity Arts Festival, we showcase more highlights from this major cultural celebration, along with curator insights.
Railways' switch to accrual-based accounting to boost multilateral, green financing: ICAI
Indian Railways has fully transitioned to accrual-based accounting for the 2023-24 fiscal year. This shift, supported by the ICAI, enhances transparency, facilitates access to green financing and aligns with international accounting standards. The move also marks a significant step towards achieving ESG goals, with environmental initiatives reflected in the 2022-23 financial statements.
Route Mobile On Track To Achieve $1 Billion Revenue Goal In Three Years, Says New Management
Route Mobile, now part of Proximus Global, is targeting $1 billion in revenue by 2027, with strong backing from its parent company and strategic deals in the pipeline.
Atletico upset Barcelona to go top of La Liga
Atletico upset Barcelona to go top of La Liga Madrid: Atletico Madrid ended the year as leader in La Liga after winning 2-1 away to FC Barcelona with virtually the last attack of the game. Alexander Sorloth scored the winning goal for Atletico with a thumping left-foot finish in the sixth minute of injury time, [] The post Atletico upset Barcelona to go top of La Liga appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Search ongoing for leopard which killed 24-year-old in Vellore
VELLORE: Carcasses of goats left unburied may have lured the leopard, which killed 24-year-old S Anjali, into Drhuvam village near Veerichitipalli reserved forest area, said forest officials. They added that a search is ongoing to capture the leopard. Speaking to TNIE, the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) S Manivannan said that more drone cameras are being deployed and neighbouring areas are being thoroughly inspected. In the course of the search, we found that villagers had left the carcasses of goats exposed, without burying them. This might have attracted the leopard to the village. We have informed the villagers that they must properly bury the goats, the ACF said. Once the leopard is captured, higher officials will determine where it should be released, he added. Meanwhile, District Collector V R Subbulakshmi, in an official press release on Friday, urged the public not to panic while the forest department continues its search for the leopard. Anjali, the daughter of farmer Sivalingam, was a B Com graduate. Officials confirmed that a boy from the village had witnessed the leopard dragging Anjali into the forest on Wednesday.
We knew casting Santhwanams hit pair would work out well: TV actor Achu Sugandh
KOCHI: Pennine Istaayo, the short film debut by popular TV actor Achu Sugandh, has turned out to be a runaway hit with over 3.7 million views in just a month. The engaging drama revolving around the traditional pennu kaanal ceremony stars Sajin and Gopika Anil, familiar as Sivan and Anjali from the popular Malayalam soap opera Santhwanam. The story is about a chance encounter between a short-tempered traffic police constable, Prasad, and his bride-to-be Veena, that sparks a riveting ego clash. What inspired you to create Pennine Istaayo? We knew that casting Santhwanams hit pair in such a plot would work out well. We wanted to utilise their on-screen chemistry. You handled the script and direction I had ideas, but I did not want to write the script because it is a painful procedure while working on a film. However, I am now motivated to write more. Now, I believe that writing the script makes direction easier. What were the challenges you faced? Our limited budget led to significant financial constraints. I was not satisfied with the initial output, but later music and effects made my film sweet. Also, the entire crew and other well-wishers backed me. How does it feel to see your short film reap such a success? Initially, I thought people would have forgotten us. However, I was elated when my short film reached a million views within a day. I have been receiving several positive comments as well as criticisms. I appreciate both. Are you planning to continue filmmaking? Currently, I am focused on direction. I am working on a feature film project. We are discussing scripts and ideas. I love acting, and may return after this adventure. My goal is to build a production company to help newcomers.
Golden Chariot chugs with slim crowd after six years
BENGALURU: After a gap of six years, the states own luxury express train Golden Chariot chugged off from the Yeshwanthpur Railway Stations Platform-6 to Kochi on Saturday. The trip Jewel of the South was flagged off by Karnataka Tourism Minister HK Patil with 38 international tourists on board, while the train has 80-bed capacity. It is operated by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) along with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Railways. IRCTC, which is marketing the train, has priced the ticket at Rs 67,961.79 ($800). The five-night-six-day circuit will cover Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad/ Karaikudi, Kochi and Chertala/ Mararikuluam in Kerala and back to Bengaluru. Patil told the media that Golden Chariot is a special train for South India as it showcases the culture, tourism, history, nature, wildlife and heritage of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The trains operations had been stopped from 2018 due to financial reasons. Now it has been started in cooperation with agencies from the central government. We have entered into a partnership with the Railways and hope to make profits, he said. An IRCTC official said three special customised trips were made in 2020 and 2021, but the occupancy was very poor. As a new feature, we have introduced a provision for people/ companies to book the entire train and it can be taken on the routes (chosen from the itineraries already prepared by KSTDC and IRCTC). This chartered train service option has been availed by two private companies who have made bookings to take the train for trips on December 29 and February 13, 2025. KSTDC officials, who were present on the occasion, said that for February 2025, bookings have been made to run the train on the Pride of Karnataka circuit, which is a five-night-six-day trip, covering Bengaluru, Nanjangud, Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru, Hospet and Goa. KSTDC sources said the operations had stopped not just because of poor bookings and the corporation was unable to break even, but also because of high haulage charges. Now even after signing agreements with IRCTC and Indian Railways, the haulage charge issues have not been ironed out. We are hoping the train does not stop again or ticket prices are not increased because of this, the source said.
At 3.16 per cent in five years, Kerala's economic growth 4th lowest in country
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite topping the national charts on various human-development indices, Keralas economy has been limping for some time now. A recent central bank report further cemented the condition that the state finds itself in. In the Reserve Bank of Indias Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2023-24, Kerala took the 30th spot among select 33 states and Union territories (UTs) in terms of economic growth over a five-year period. Keralas average annual growth rate (AAGR) in gross state domestic product (GSDP, at constant prices) between 2018-19 and 2022-23 stood at 3.16%, with only Delhi (3.13%), Uttarakhand (2.16%) and Goa (0.70%) performing worse. Mizoram topped the chart with 6.75% growth, followed by Chhattisgarh (6.64%) and Gujarat (6.26%). Major south Indian states also registered commendable growth during the period. While Karnatakas economy grew by 5.62%, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh posted 5.61%, 5.27% and 5.19% expansions, respectively. The quick estimate for 2023-24 showed that Keralas GSDP improved to rs 6.35 lakh crore, posting a 6.52% year-on-year (YoY) growth, from the previous years Rs 5.96 lakh crore (+4.24% YoY). The handbook did not have data for all states/UTs for this year. Telanganas growth rate was pegged at 9.24%, followed by Tamil Nadu (8.23%), Andhra Pradesh (7.35%), and Karnataka (6.60%). There are various factors behind Keralas slow growth rate, economist Mary George said. The state is yet to be industry-friendly in the true sense and hence big investments are limited. Kerala continues to grapple with militant trade unionism, she said. The agriculture sector is facing a crisis due to price falls and human-wildlife conflicts. The drop in NRI remittances following the pandemic and outward remittances through migrant labourers have compounded the states woes, Mary added. Exponential increase in states expenditure on disaster relief The handbook showed that Kerala performed well in important social indicators like maternal mortality (MMR) and life expectancy. Kerala topped the chart in MMR with 19 deaths per one lakh births. At six deaths per 1,000, Keralas infant mortality rate was the fifth lowest in the country. The unemployment rate in rural Kerala was 76, fourth highest in the country. Unemployment in the urban areas saw a significant decline from 104 in 2019-20 to 67 in 2023-24, 19th position in the country. The report also threw light on the exponential increase in state governments expenditure on relief following natural calamities. Keralas expenditure rose by 232% from Rs 14,181 lakh in 2011-12 to Rs 47,060 lakh in 2023-24. At 3,13,376 lakh, the highest spending was in the flood-hit 2018-19. In the states finance sector, Keralas own tax revenue saw a quantum jump in 2022-23, from Rs 58,341 crore in the previous year to Rs 70,189 crore. The budget estimate for 2023-24 is Rs 81,039. The states own non-tax revenue too rose from Rs 10,463 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 15,355 crore in 2022-23. The estimate for 2023-24 is Rs 17,089 crore. Kerala had the fifth-highest pension expenditure in the country in 2023-24. The pension liability rose from Rs 26,689 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 28,240 crore in the current year.
Kozhikode navy officer among two recognised for outstanding voyage
KOCHI: Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa Alagirisamy, currently on a mission to sail around the globe, have bagged the prestigious Admiral Ramdas Trophy 2024 for the outstanding voyage of the year. They won the award, instituted by the Yachting Association of India (YAI), for two sorties undertaken as part of preparatory training ahead of their circumnavigation voyage. The first saw them sail from Goa to Port Blair and back in double-handed mode. The second entailed a transoceanic sortie from Goa to Port Louis in Mauritius and back. Both these voyages saw the duo cover nearly 10,000 nautical miles. While Lt Cdr Dilna hails from Kozhikode in Kerala, Lt Cdr Roopa is a Pondicherry resident. The two woman officers also won the trophy last year when they were part of a nine-member crew that went on a 188-day-long transcontinental voyage. Currently, they are nearing Lyttelton in New Zealand for their second scheduled stop on their latest expedition, which is part of the Navys Sagar Parikrama series. Other awards The YAIs Admiral R H Tahiliani trophy for the best yachtsperson of the year was jointly won by Vishnu Saravanan and Eabad Ali, while the Engineer-in-Chiefs Trophy for the best lady sailor of the year was shared by Nethra Kumanan and Neha Thakur. Hav Sikhansu Singh won the Admiral Nadkarni Trophy for the most promising yachtsman of the year. The Admiral R K Dhowan trophy for the best sailing club went to the EME Sailing Association in Hyderabad, and the Admiral Kohli Trophy for promoting the sport of yachting to Lt Col Alok Yadav. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ashok Thakkar and Lt Col M P Jaggi (retd). The YAI is the governing authority for sailing, windsurfing, motor boating, powerboat racing and personal watercraft at sea and on inland waters in India. It is recognised by the Indian Olympic Association and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Man City crisis deepens after another loss and Arsenal closes gap on Liverpool
Manchester Citys stunning slump deepened after losing to Aston Villa 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday. Goals from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers at Villa Park consigned the four-time defending champion to a ninth defeat in 12 games in a season that is unravelling. Pep Guardiolas team has won just once during that run. We dont have a defense for the results. They are not good, Guardiola said. Third-placed Arsenal closed the gap on league leader Liverpool to three points with a 5-1 win at Crystal Palace, but has played two games more. City dropped to sixth in the standings, nine points below Liverpool, and has played two games more. Its about what I can do with my people to get the results back and continue, Guardiola said. If there is a moment that I cannot overthink, it is right now. Try to be simple, stick to my principles and give certainty to the team. Top four hopes fading After winning six titles in seven years and an unprecedented four in a row, City's remarkable fall shows little sign of stopping. Guardiola admitted last week he had not been good enough to turn his teams form around. City was without a win in any of its last eight away games in all competitions. While it looks unlikely to win a fifth straight title, a place in the top four and Champions League qualification could also be in jeopardy after fourth-placed Nottingham Forest won at Brentford 2-0 to move four points clear of City. Only once under Guardiola has City managed to win the title when losing six times in the league. That was in 2021, when it lost two of its last three games, having already been confirmed as the champion. City lost nine times when Liverpool won the title in 2020, but its sixth defeat didnt come until February. Guardiola also lost six times in his first season in English soccer in 2016-17 and City finished third. The latest defeat could have been even more emphatic from a dominant Villa, which moved up to fifth. Duran scored his sixth goal in as many starts in the 16th minute from Rogers assist. Duran had a goal disallowed for offside in the second half and Rogers hit the post before doubling Villas lead in the 65th. Phil Foden pulled a goal back for City in stoppage time, but it wasnt enough to spark a late comeback. We have to stay positive, even though its difficult, and we have to keep working hard, City striker Erling Haaland said. Jesus streak It's five goals in a week for Gabriel Jesus against Crystal Palace. After scoring a hat trick in Arsenal's 3-2 comeback win against Palace in the English League Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday, the Brazil striker hit another two goals when the teams met again on Saturday. Going into Wednesday's game, Jesus had only scored once for Arsenal since the end of January. Jesus struck twice in a frantic start at Selhurst Park. He opened the scoring in the sixth, with Ismaila Sarr leveling five minutes later. Jesus restored Arsenal's lead in the 14th and was denied back-to-back hat tricks when hitting the post and then having another close range effort saved by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice also scored for Arsenal. Forest flying high If Citys demise is a surprise story of the season, so is Forests rise. After battling relegation for much of last term, Forest is in contention to qualify for the Champions League and possibly more. Facing a Brentford team that was unbeaten at home, goals from Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga secured another statement win on the road for Nuno Espirito Santos side, having already won at Anfield and Old Trafford this year. Isak treble Alexander Isak hit a hat trick in Newcastles 4-0 win at Ipswich. The Sweden international, who has 10 goals in his last 11 games, wrapped up his treble inside 54 minutes at Portman Road. Jacob Murphy also scored. Brighton was 1-0 up at West Ham through Mats Wieffer, but Mohammed Kudus levelled for the draw.
J&K Bank launches Kisan Adhikar Abhiyan to achieve 100% KCC coverage
Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 21: J&K Bank has launched the Kisan Adhikar Abhiyan, a campaign aimed at achieving full coverage of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme in Jammu and Kashmir. The campaign, which began on December 20, will run until January 31, 2025, and is being carried out in collaboration with the Directorates of Agriculture and Horticulture in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. The main goal of the campaign is to bring all eligible PM-Kisan beneficiaries under the KCC [] The post J&K Bank launches Kisan Adhikar Abhiyan to achieve 100% KCC coverage appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Goa Christmas: Celebrations evolve amid jingle of nostalgia
The quest for convenience has changed some festive practices households used to craft culinary delights at home, but now many want the family lunch laid out at a resort. At its core, however, Xmas in the state stays moored to tradition
SC dismisses petition by intl poacher held in MP
Siddique prison escape 100% police lapse, govt not to blame: Tanavade
Goa BJP president Sadanand Shet Tanavade blamed police negligence for the escape of land scam accused Suleman Khan. Tanavade questioned security lapses and the involvement of dismissed constable Amit Naik, emphasizing the police's responsibility. While assuring Khan's recapture, he deflected blame from the government.
GIDC banks on digital tools to solve systemic challenges and inefficiencies
Govt moves Good Governance event venue after accessibility plaints
Meat sellers threaten to stop sale after clash at Fatorda
Land demarcation for railway track doubling begins at Mollo-Pale
Temperature rises slightly as weather systems disrupt December chill
Recommendations of the 55th Meeting of the GST Council
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, December 21: The 55th GST Council met under the Chairpersonship of Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, today. The meeting was also attended by Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, Chief Ministers of Goa, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya and Odisha; Deputy Chief Ministers [] The post Recommendations of the 55th Meeting of the GST Council appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Tiger Woods' immediate goal: Keep his son from beating him in golf for 18 holes
Tiger Woods, recovering from back surgery, is playing the PNC Championship with his son, Charlie. While Charlie has beaten his father over nine holes, Tiger is determined to prolong the inevitable 18-hole defeat. The tournament holds special significance for the Woods family, offering a cherished end-of-year experience.
Bhumika temple dispute resolved temporarily
Transferred cop back at Mandrem station
India Inc treads diverse path with more women on top
Indian companies are boosting women in leadership. They are using mentorship, training, and inclusive hiring. Mphasis, RPG Group, KPMG, Target, and PepsiCo are leading the way. These firms offer programs for career growth and work-life balance. They aim to create diverse and inclusive workplaces. The goal is better representation of women in top roles.
Cong workers detained for protest march towards CMs residence
Lobo calls for fire tenders in beach belt as blaze guts shack
ISL | East Bengal edges Jamshedpur by a lone goal
Greek striker Diamantakos finds the only goal of the match at the hour mark to secure the full quota of points
Canacona to get film city, will ease unemployment: Tawadkar
Can you name every player to score 10+ Premier League goals for Crystal Palace?
Some memorable cult players make this list. The post Can you name every player to score 10+ Premier League goals for Crystal Palace? appeared first on Planet Football .
Vinicius Junior Named FIFA Best Player Of The Year, Aitana Bonmati Claims Women's Honour
Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Vinicius was named The Best FIFA Men's Player for the year 2024, while Star Barcelona women's midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named the Best Female Player of the Year. Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho took home the Puskas Award for Best Goal of the Year.
ISL 2024-25: Dimitrios Diamantakos Helps East Bengal FC Beat Jamshedpur FC
Dimitrios Diamantakos scored the only goal of the match as East Bengal FC defeated Jamshedpur FC 1-0 in the 2024-25 Indian Super League.
Man City suffers ninth defeat in 12 games with 2-1 loss to Aston Villa
Manchester City's stunning slump continued Saturday with a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League. Goals from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers at Villa Park consigned the four-time defending champion to a ninth defeat in 12 games. Pep Guardiola's team has won just once during that run. Phil Foden pulled a goal back for City in stoppage time, but it wasnt enough to spark a late comeback. City dropped to sixth in the standings nine points below leader Liverpool, having played two games more. Villa climbed to fifth. Citys remarkable fall shows little sign of stopping, with Guardiola admitting last week that he had not been good enough to turn his teams form around. Defeat meant his once dominant team is without a win in any of its last eight away games in all competitions. While its title defense is unravelling, a place in the top four and Champions League qualification could also be in jeopardy. A sixth league defeat is City's worst record since the 2020-21 season. Villa dominated the game with Duran scoring his sixth goal in as many starts in the 16th minute from Rogers' assist. Villa had a goal disallowed for offside in the second half and Rogers hit the post before doubling the home side's lead in the 65th. Foden gave City a slim hope of salvaging something with his goal in the third minute of added time.
Premier League: Manchester City slump to 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa
Aston Villa triumphed over Manchester City with a 2-1 victory on Saturday, increasing the pressure on City's manager Pep Guardiola. Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers scored for Villa, while Phil Foden netted a late consolation goal for City. This win elevates Villa to fifth place, surpassing City who now sit precariously in sixth.
ISL 2024-25: Mumbai City FC Register Hard-Fought Home Win Against Chennaiyin FC
Nikos Karelis netted from close range to bag the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win for the Islanders at the Mumbi Football Arena against the visiting CFC.
Best Running Shoes (2024): Asics, Hoka, Nike, On Running
We clocked thousands of test miles to bring you the best running shoes for every pace, ability, and running goal.
Arjun Tendulkar shines for Goa in Vijay Hazare Trophy, Mumbai Indians all-rounder did this....
Arjun has joined the Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2025 season. He signed with the five-time champions at his base price of Rs 30 lakh.
Welcome to 9to5Toys Electrified Weekly the best place to find all of this weeks best deals and new releases to electrify your life and protect Mother Nature. The Christmas savings on green deals is at full peak now that were only a few days away from the holiday, with our e-bike section being led by Velotrics weekend flash sale that has dropped the Go 1 Utility e-bike down to a new $999 low through December 22. We also have the final phase of Rad Powers ongoing savings which have added its newest models into the mix, along with up to $1,100 in savings from Vvolt (including a free extra battery deal). Theres also new prices from NIU, Trek, Gotrax, and more with the continued sales from popular brands Lectric and MOD kept in too. On the other side of the eco-friendly fence, we have the full Christmas sale from Anker SOLIX , which has taken 50% off its massive lineup of power stations all starting from $99 . Theres also the final phase of EcoFlows Christmas savings that has added a 5% off sitewide discount across its offers, with the DELTA 3 Plus power station hitting a new $617 low , among others. We also have new low prices on Jackery models, Goal Zero solar-charging power banks, Worx robot lawn mowers, Greenworks tools, and more. more
Bangladeshi Madrasa Students Dressed as ISIS Fighters at Cultural Program
Pune: Dr Abraham Mathai, former Vice-Chairman of Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, has expressed deep concern over alarming reports from Bangladesh at Jessores Jamia Islamia Madrasa that depict students dressed as ISIS militants, holding toy guns, reportedly under the guidance of a cleric. In the madrassas of Bangladesh, displays of jihad are staged. Someone dressed as a militant sits with a raised finger, while their small militant force stands armed with toy guns, toy swords, and toy grenades. When they grow up, they will wield real guns, swords, and grenades pic.twitter.com/YtBBp4Px0e taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) December 19, 2024 These shocking visuals from a cultural program, now viral on social media, raise serious questions about the psychological conditioning of young minds in Bangladesh, Dr Mathai said in a statement. He said the popular Bangladeshi author and feminist Taslima Nasreen has also criticized this, warning that children playing with toy guns today could grow up to wield real weapons tomorrow, a chilling prospect demanding urgent attention. Dr Mathai, also the founder-chairman of the Mumbai-based Harmony Foundation, an NGO, commended Nasreens courage in highlighting the issue and echoed her concerns. What appears to be a cultural program takes on a dangerous undertone when students are dressed as ISIS militants in a Madrasaa place meant to impart religious education, This is not normal. Fancy dress competitions and cultural programs do not typically glorify violent ideologies. The question is: are these institutions subtly grooming children to imbibe extremism as a goal to fulfil their radical ideology? he asserted. Dr Mathai noted that children, like clay, can be shaped in any direction. Such activities risk normalizing violence and indoctrination under the guise of harmless cultural expression, he pointed out. Dr Mathai also criticized the broader trajectory of Bangladesh, drawing parallels with nations like Afghanistan and Syria, where fundamentalist ideologies have disrupted peace and progress. Is this the nation they are heading towards, where children dress up as ISIS militants and Hindu minorities are suppressed every day? he asked. Urging accountability, including the revocation of Bangladesh government chief advisor Muhammad Yunus Nobel Peace Prize, Dr Mathai urged international leaders and organizations to take decisive action to prevent Bangladesh from falling deeper into the abyss of such extremism.
Shah advises Northeast police to 'work for citizens' as insurgency is 'solved'
Guwahati: With the insurgency problem in the Northeast more or less solved, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday advised the police in the region to change their approach and work to ensure that people get their rights, including the rights to life and property. For four decades, the focus of the police in the Northeast was on fighting insurgency. Now that insurgency is gone, it will work to protect the rights of citizens as guaranteed by the Constitution. We have to change the focus and training of police, Shah said addressing the 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council in the Tripura capital Agartala. Governors and Chief Ministers of the Northeast were among dignitaries who attended the session. Referring to Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), Shah said these three new criminal laws would help citizens get justice within three years of lodging FIRs. We kept fighting terrorism and violence. The goal of the police was to get rid of violence. That task has been almost accomplished. As there is peace now in the Northeast, the police will have to change its culture and direction, he reiterated. He said a multi-dimensional approach with a different strategy for each state helped curb the incidents of violence. He said there was a 31 per cent drop in violent incidents and 86 per cent drop in civilian killings in the region in the last 10 years. The home minister said peace accords were signed with various insurgent groups and 10,574 rebels surrendered. He cited the agreements signed between Assam and Meghalaya, and Assam and Arunachal Pradesh for solving border disputes. He said these agreements also helped establish peace. We have initiated the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The Northeast has a special responsibility. The region is a transit route for narcotic-smuggling. I appeal to all Governors and Chief Ministers to help remove the blemish. We have to work very hard to make Bharat nasha-mukt. The Northeast can contribute tremendously towards this end, Shah further stated.
Saturday Football Quiz: Kylian Mbappe, Jesus Navas, Puskas Award, Olimpico Goals
A very tough one this week. Good luck. The post Saturday Football Quiz: Kylian Mbappe, Jesus Navas, Puskas Award, Olimpico Goals appeared first on Planet Football .
Guardiola opined that Haaland's lack of goals in recent weeks boils down to his side not being able to create as many chances as they have been known to do over the years.
Mumbai ferry incident: Body of missing boy found, toll touches 15
Mumbai, Dec 21: The body of a seven-year-old boy, who had been missing since the tourist ferry-Indian Navy boat crashed off the Mumbai coast on December 18, was found on Saturday taking the toll to 15, official confirmed. The boy, identified as Zohan Pathan, whose mother also died in the accident, hailed from Goa and [] The post Mumbai ferry incident: Body of missing boy found, toll touches 15 appeared first on Northlines .
Nirmala Sitharaman chairs 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is chairing the 55th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council which is underway in Jaisalmer of Rajasthan on Saturday. The participants in the meeting include the Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, Chief Ministers of Goa, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya and Odisha. The Deputy Chief []
Delhi LG reportedly permits ED to prosecute Kejriwal in excise case; AAP demands proof of sanction
Ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has reportedly approved the Enforcement Directorate's request to prosecute AAP Chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case, according to news agency ANI . AAP, however, has called the reports as false and misleading and asked the ED to show the copy of the sanction given by the Lt Governor. On December 5, the Enforcement Directorate had sought permission for sanction of prosecution against Arvind Kejriwal. This move comes after months of investigations into the Delhi government's excise policy, which has been at the center of controversy and allegations of corruption. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Friday granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) additional time to file its reply to the petition filed by Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia . The petition challenges the trial court's decision to take cognizance of the chargesheets in the Delhi Excise Liquor Policy case. The matter has been scheduled for hearing on February 5, by the bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri. Recently Delhi High Court had issued a notice on Aam Aadmi Party' leader Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia's plea challenging the trial court's decision to take cognizance of the Enforcement Directorate's chargesheet against them in the alleged excise policy scam. Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are currently out on bail in both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) cases related to the now-scrapped excise policy. According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Excise Policy was deliberately designed with loopholes to benefit AAP leaders and foster cartel formations. The ED accused AAP leaders of receiving kickbacks from liquor businesses in exchange for preferential treatment, including discounts, license fee waivers, and relief during the Covid-19 disruptions. The ED further alleged that the scam involved awarding wholesale liquor distribution rights to private entities with a fixed 12% margin, in return for a 6% kickback. Additionally, AAP leaders were accused of influencing the outcome of elections in Punjab and Goa in early 2022. Manish Sisodia walks out of jail after 17 months, hails 'power of Constitution' AAP alleges diversion from Ambedkar issue, questions ED over prosecution claims Calling it a diversion from the alleged insult to BR Ambedkar, former Delhi minister and AAP leader Manish Sisodia challenged the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to provide a copy of the prosecution permission. If the Lieutenant Governor has granted permission to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal, why isnt the ED showing a copy of it? This is clearly false and misleading news. Stop spreading such claims to distract from the insult to Baba Saheb, said Sisodia. #WATCH | On Delhi LG VK Saxena giving sanction to ED to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case, AAP MP Sanjay Singh says, This fake news has been circulating since the morning. I don't know what is the source of this information. If Delhi LG has given any sanction pic.twitter.com/d2WShjKQ1u ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2024 AAP MP Sanjay Singh dismissed the reports as fake news. He stated, This fake news has been circulating since the morning. I dont know the source of this information. If Delhi LG has given any sanction, he should make it public. Where is the letter of the sanction? Delhi LG has given no such letter. AAPs chief spokesperson, Priyanka Kakkar, also demanded proof of sanction from the Lt Governor. LG Saxena has not authorised the ED to prosecute Kejriwal. This is false news. If such a sanction exists, the ED must produce it, she said. (With inputs from ANI) Former AAP minister Satyendar Jain walks out of Tihar jail after Delhi court grants him bail in money laundering case
Can you name the top 25 Premier League goalscorers of the 2000s?
A decade of clinical marksmen. The post Can you name the top 25 Premier League goalscorers of the 2000s? appeared first on Planet Football .
Delhi LG gives nod to ED to prosecute Kejriwal
New Delhi: Ahead of the upcoming 2025 Delhi Assembly Polls, Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has granted permission to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute AAP Chief and Former Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, in the excise policy case. On December 5, the Enforcement Directorate sought permission for sanction of prosecution against Arvind Kejriwal. This move comes after months of investigations into the Delhi government's excise policy, which has been at the center of controversy and allegations of corruption. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Friday granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) additional time to file its reply to the petition filed by Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. The petition challenges the trial court's decision to take cognizance of the chargesheets in the Delhi Excise Liquor Policy case. The matter has been scheduled for hearing on February 5, by the bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri. Recently Delhi High Court had issued a notice on Aam Aadmi Party' leader Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia plea challenging the trial court's decision to take cognizance of the Enforcement Directorate's chargesheet against them in the alleged excise policy scam. Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are currently out on bail in both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) cases related to the now-scrapped excise policy. According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Excise Policy was deliberately designed with loopholes to benefit AAP leaders and foster cartel formations. The ED accused AAP leaders of receiving kickbacks from liquor businesses in exchange for preferential treatment, including discounts, license fee waivers, and relief during the Covid-19 disruptions. The ED further alleged that the scam involved awarding wholesale liquor distribution rights to private entities with a fixed 12% margin, in return for a 6% kickback. Additionally, AAP leaders were accused of influencing the outcome of elections in Punjab and Goa in early 2022.
Rohit Sharma melts hearts with adorable birthday post for wife Ritika
I'm grateful to walk through life knowing you're beside me, Team India ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma wrote on Instagram as he wished his wife Ritika on her Birthday. In a heartwarming post with a collection of pictures, the 37-year-old sent the internet into a frenzy, giving netizens major couple goals. Many many happy returns of the day Rits, he wrote, adding, I'm grateful to walk through life knowing you're beside me. Have a good one. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rohit Sharma (@rohitsharma45) The duo were married in 2015. Recently, Rohit missed the first Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy as they welcomed their second child. Meanwhile, Team India are preparing for the fourth test of the five match series against Australia. Rohit was seen sweating out in the nets, in a video released by Star Sports. The captain is in the g ove! Will @ImRo45 deliver big at the #BoxingDayTest in Melbourne? #AUSvINDOnStar 4th Test THU, 26th DEC, 4:30 AM pic.twitter.com/EiZNzZ4bQF Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 21, 2024 Rohit and Men are reeling under pressure after losing the second Test and escaped defeat by a whisker in the third. The all important fourth Test will start on Boxing Day (December 26) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MSG).
Delhi excise policy case: LG VK Saxena allows ED to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi's Lieutenant Governor sanctioned the Enforcement Directorate to prosecute AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case. The ED alleges Kejriwal conspired to receive 100 crore, benefiting private entities through a tailored liquor policy. They also claim 45 crore of illicit funds were used for AAP's Goa election campaign, with Kejriwal's involvement in money laundering.
INTERVIEW | 'Song-writing is cathartic for me; it helps me process my emotions': Singer Kaber Vasuki
CHENNAI: In the alleys of Tamil indie music, Kaber Vasuki has always been more of a phenomenon than a conventional artiste. Hes the kind of musician whose songs seep into your soul during long midnight drives, his lo-fi charm unspooling stories of vulnerability, and rebellion. For ten years now, since the brilliance of his debut album Azhagu Puratchi, Kaber has been crafting a soundscape that feels as intimate as it is experimental. With his new album Kaalame Kalipputhaan, a four-track EP featuring the songs Thirikilli, Varamum Saabamum, Ragasiyangal, and Naan Yen Ippadi Irukken, Kaber continues to redefine the contours of indie music. On December 25, the music video for Varamum Saabamum, featuring San-T, directed by Balaji Kombiah, is set to drop on KYN Records. I think its going to be a treat for Tamil indie music lovers. The song already has an excited fanbase, and Im pumped for everyone to experience the video, Kaber shares. Beyond this, he hints at a packed 2025, filled with indie and cinema releases that promise to push the boundaries of his artistry further. Excerpts: You draw inspiration from lyricists like Kannadasan, Vaali, and artistes like Green Day and Kanye. How do you balance these vastly different influences while keeping your work authentically Tamil? My mothers thalaatu when she nursed me as a baby was in Tamil. My father sang Kannadasan and Pattukottai songs to me when I played catch with him as a kid. My grandfather quoted Bharathiyar and Valluvar while helping me on my 23rd attempt to build a hovercraft out of packaging thermocol and spare parts from broken toys. When I make love to my wife, its in Tamil. When I cuddle and kiss my children, I tell them the world is theirs in Tamil. No matter how comfortable I am thinking and conversing in English, my default mode is always Tamil. The things that are authentically you dont require thought or effort they are simply there, always accessible and at hand. It takes effort to pretend or cover up; being authentic is actually the easiest thing to do. If you find yourself in a place where you cant be yourself, the question to ask is: why? As for inspiration: people are people. Regardless of background, education, or culture, our emotions and feelings affect us the same way. When Kannadasan says, Maaperum sabaigalil nee nadanthaan, unakku maalaigal vizha vendum, and Kanye says, No one man should have all that power, theyre essentially tapping into the same core ideas just from different eras and perspectives. Both lines make the hair on my neck stand up when I hear them. They energise me. All artistes and creators aim to tap into the same emotional neural pathways, but they discover new routes to get there. The excitement isnt just in finding the treasure its in charting a new path. Your music resonates deeply with people, especially during difficult times. How does it feel to be considered a healer through your art? Song-writing is cathartic for me; it helps me process my emotions, especially during difficult times. I think what you put into your work is what people take from it, and maybe thats why Ive fallen into that healer archetype for a lot of my fans. When people share their personal stories with me, it does affect me. I naturally empathise and, occasionally, need solitude to recover. But I understand why they share its because they find a safe space in my songs, and Im grateful they do. Knowing my work helps in any way is a blessing. I thank the universe every day for that gift. At your concerts, the audience often feels more like collaborators than spectators. How do these interactions influence your performances and writing? When youre on stage and a thousand people sing every line with you, theres no greater satisfaction as a songwriter I live for that. Sometimes, when I write a good line, I can already hear the crowd singing it back to me. That anticipation gives me an instant dopamine hit. Youve spoken about asking yourself, Is this who I am? Is this what I feel? before releasing music. How do you maintain this authenticity in an industry that often demands trends and compromises? I divide my work into two categories. When Im working on a movie or commission, my only goal is to make the director happy and elevate the story. Whether Im a composer, lyricist, dialogue writer, or singer, I surrender to the directors vision and focus on helping them achieve it. Cinema is a directors art form, and everyone else is a tool in service of that vision. When I work on an indie project like Kaalame Kalipputhaan, its about being as true to myself as possible. In this space, Im the artiste, and the story I tell is the one I feel most deeply at that moment. How do you approach working with other artistes and adapting your style to fit different creative visions? In cinema collaborations, the guidelines and requirements are usually clear defined by the director or music director. My focus is on delivering whats needed and making them happy. For Kaalame Kalipputhaan, I worked on my parts first and and let the collaborators bring their unique energy to the tracks. I believe collaboration is about finding the right people and giving them the space to do what they do best. Thats the approach KYN Records and I took, and everyone brought their A-game. It was incredibly fun, and I hope to do many more collaborations of both kinds in the future. A decade since Azhagu Puratchi...what do you see as the defining moments in your journey so far? Any creator measures themselves by the full potential of their vision, but the world judges us by the outcomes we achieve and rightly so. For me, the most defining moment came a couple of years ago when I accepted reality, put my ego in check, and committed to improving my craft. Only in 2024 do I feel like I finally understand the controls in this cockpit. It feels like Im just getting started. Maybe, in another decade, Ill have a different perspective. Who knows. Youve said, I want to create music that connects with people emotionally, even after 10 years. How do you envision your legacy in Tamil music? I feel theres still so much more to do, so much more to give. Its too early to think about legacy. For now, Im focused on working, and I hope the world lets me keep creating for years to come. When writing songs, I aim for timelessness. We still listen to music recorded 50 years ago because it has a certain enduring quality, and thats what I chase. Its more of a feeling I strive for every time I write than something I can fully articulate. You once mentioned barely passing your class 10 Tamil Board exam despite being a gifted lyricist. What does that journey from struggling with Tamil as a student to mastering it as an artist mean to you now? Im a much better student of Tamil literature, poetry, and history now. Back then, the education system and I had different approaches to similar goals. I was already attempting poetry in class 10, but my teachers and parents didnt have the tools to nurture that. The board graded me on how well I could recollect information which, to be fair, is important too. Well-functioning systems rarely have the flexibility to nurture nascent creative spirits. Their strength is their efficiency. Thats why creatives need to build their own systems, and I think Ive done that to some extent now. But the pursuit never ends. If you had to describe your music career so far as a Tamil film or song title, what would it be and why? Id go with my latest EPs title: Kaalame Kalipputhaan. Your perception of time shapes your reality, and then one day, you die. It feels like a joke sometimes. Whats the one question you wish people asked you in interviews but never do? How would you answer it? When I was younger, I couldve written a novella in response to this question. But as Ive grown older and gained more experience, Ive become more process-oriented than outcome-focused. To be honest, Im getting bored of interviews. Id rather spend time working on the next track, the next script, or the next lyric. Constantly dealing with expectations from your work being tossed between elation and disappointment is exhausting. Now, I focus on doing my best, putting it out, and moving on. Every now and then, I reflect on what I couldve done better, and that fuels the process. Shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset has helped me immensely. Im more sure of who I am, and other peoples opinions dont bruise me the way they used to. Im learning to time the tides and let go of assumptions.
Youth hacked to death near Nellai court
TIRUNELVELI: Exactly a month after an advocate was brutally attacked with a sickle in broad daylight on the Hosur combined court premises, a 25-year-old man was murdered with a similar weapon, allegedly by a seven-member gang, near the gate of the Tirunelveli district court on Friday. Police said the deceased, S Mayandi from Keezhanatham village, belonged to an intermediate caste and was killed by a gang of seven SC men in retaliation to the murder of SC panchayat ward member N Rajamani from the same village in 2023. Tension prevailed at the court campus, in Keezhanatham and surrounding areas. Mayandi had come to the court to attend a hearing in connection with a criminal case against him. After a gang tried to attack him at Annapoorna hotel near the court, he ran towards the court campus. Special Sub-Inspector Uikkattan spotted one of the accused, M Ramakrishnan (25), chasing Mayandi with a sickle, the city police said in a statement. The SSI managed to detain him. However, another member of the gang caught Mayandi near the gate of the court and hacked him to death. An inquiry with Ramakrishnan revealed that Mayandi was murdered in retaliation for Rajamanis killing, the city police added. On August 13, 2023, Rajamani was murdered by a gang from the intermediate caste while tending to his goats. His murder created unrest in many villages with SC residents staging protests condemning the killing. The Tirunelveli police had arrested Mayandi in connection with Rajamanis murder. He was later detained under the Goondas Act, based on a recommendation from Superintendent of Police N Silambarasan. Based on information from by Ramakrishnan, police arrested R Siva (19), M Thangamagesh (21), Rajamanis brother N Manoraj (27), and A Muthukrishnan (26), all residents of Keezhanatham. Later, special teams also nabbed S Kannan (20) and K Kannan (22). Police personnel have also been deployed to prevent any untoward incidents across the city, police said. Upset at the violence near the court, advocates staged a protest, alleging that the police failed to prevent the murder. Tirunelveli City Police Commissioner Rupesh Kumar Meena refuted their charges. We usually deploy 11 police personnel at the court campus. During hearings of sensitive cases, we deploy 30 personnel, he said. Deploy armed cops at all courts in Tamil Nadu
Delhi excise policy: LG V K Saxena nod to ED to prosecute Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi's Lieutenant Governor has approved the Enforcement Directorate's request to prosecute Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case. The ED alleges Kejriwal conspired with the South Group to receive substantial kickbacks and misused funds for AAP's Goa election campaign.
Change is something I look forward to
BENGALURU: Sania Mirza, the former doubles World No 1 and six-time Grand Slam champion, is a name synonymous with excellence and empowerment. Mirza, who was recently in the city to unveil carpet wall art pieces, inspired by paintings created by children on an autism spectrum, shares insights that go beyond the court, offering a glimpse into the mind of a champion who continues to inspire millions around the world. The tennis star, who is also seen promoting other causes like inclusivity and equality in household chores, elaborates, Equality is about equal opportunity. Asking the right questions at every given point is key. We can certainly talk to men about equality but for equality to happen, it is the woman who truly needs to believe that she is empowered. While most people struggle with change, Mirza reflects, I think change is the only constant. Change can be good and bad there will be moments where you may feel bad but that change can lead to something greater tomorrow. So, change is something I look forward to. It is necessary for us to progress not just individually but as a society. Successful sportspeople are, more often than not, excellent self-motivators. Mirza is no exception, pointing out that she keeps herself motivated all the time. My goals keep changing; when I used to play, there used to be certain goals and now, there are other goals, she notes. Mirza is now in a different phase of her life, where she is embracing motherhood. I always wanted to be a mother. This is one of the most gratifying and wholesome experiences that a human being can have. It has helped me evolve into a selfless person. Once you become a mother, you love a child in a way you dont think that you are capable of loving another human being. Sharing a message for her fans, she says, Always try and do the right thing for a better tomorrow.
MT Vasudevan Nair's condition remains critical, says hospital
KOZHIKODE: Jnanpith laureate M T Vasudevan Nair, who was admitted to the Baby Memorial Hospital, Kozhikode, continued to be in critical condition, hospital sources said late Friday night. The renowned writer suffered a heart attack and is battling multiple health issues, including respiratory and cardiac complications. Doctors have reported significant deterioration in the functioning of other vital organs, the sources said. The 91-year-old was admitted to the hospital on December 15 following breathing difficulties. Despite intensive treatment, his condition remains critical, they said. His blood pressure fluctuated alarmingly late Thursday night, the sources said. A team of experts is attending to him. He is currently on oxygen support, said M N Karassery, who called on him at the hospital. MTs elder daughter Sitara and family had visited him at the hospital earlier. His younger daughter and family is currently with him at the hospital. Ministers Mohamed Riyas and A K Saseendran visited the ailing litterateur in hospital. In a message, Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai said everyones prayers are with MT. Aswathy and Karassery are by his side at the hospital. MTs literary contributions have left an indelible mark on Malayalam literature and cinema, and his critical health condition has sparked widespread concern among his admirers and well-wishers.
Serendipity Arts Festival kicks off its spectacular ninth edition in Goa
In this four-part photo essay series from Goa, we showcase stunning highlights from this major cultural festival, along with curator insights.
Guiu tricks as Chelsea rout Shamrock 5-1
The 18-year-old Guiu took over as the competitions leading scorer with six goals, two of which came in the win away to Astana last week.
Shahid drops flirty comment on Mira's PICS
Shahid Kapoor serves husband goals as he drops a romantic, flirtatious comment on Mira Rajput's latest photos. Shahid will be seen next in 'Deva' which is directed by Rosshan Andrrews.
FM holds pre-budget consultations with CMs, DyCMs, FMs of States/UTs
Good platform for discussions on tax reforms: Omar Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU/JAIPUR, Dec 20: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today held pre-budget consultations with representatives of States and Union Territories with Legislature including Jammu and Kashmir for the forthcoming 2024-25 budget at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, CMs of Goa, Haryana, Meghalaya and Odisha, Deputy CMs of five States, Finance Ministers of States/UTs, Secretaries [] The post FM holds pre-budget consultations with CMs, DyCMs, FMs of States/UTs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Hockey India League a big boost for youngsters: PR Sreejesh
CHENNAI: There is something about PR Sreejesh. He is always ebullient, seems at peace with himself and more than anything he is shrouded in an aura of positivity. Always cheerful and articulate, Sreejesh speaks his mind. During a short conversation, he felt that his stint as coach of the junior team had been fantastic. India won the junior mens Asia Cup title beating Pakistan in the final. The first major outing, in his words, was a good job. Sreejesh said that the revival of the Hockey India League was a big step. The league is like an international match where top players from across the world play and it is a platform where youngsters can learn and grow, Sreejesh said during a Zoom interaction on Friday. He said that like earlier editions, domestic players will benefit from it. With the HIL set to begin in the last week of December, Sreejeshs role has changed coaching to an administrator. Right now he is the Director and mentor of the Delhi SG Pipers team. The two-time Olympic bronze medal winner with the India hockey team said even this stint too would be interesting. Sreejesh realised that coaching was not easy either. Playing was easier than coaching, he said. As a player, you just need to worry about your own business. But now you are the boss of 40 players and another eight staff under you. You are responsible for everything. Then it is a new role. But I am enjoying it. I always say this on the field, the goalkeepers always act like a coach. You are commanding the defenders or organizing them, communicating with the midfielders and forwards. It has slightly changed now. I used to yell from the back or the goalpost but now I am yelling from the sidelines. Hockey is something which I had known for the last 24 years and teaching that game to the youngsters is something I am enjoying seriously, Sreejesh mentioned. It is not always that international players are inducted as coaches just after retirement. Sreejesh is an aberration. The moment he retired after the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, he was offered the role of a coach for the junior national team. It happened unexpectedly, admitted Sreejesh, adding that he was hoping to take a break for two years and spend some time with the family. I just wanted to join the junior team not as a chief coach. I spoke with my family first about this offer from Hockey India. She said we are happy if you take us with you. We can shift to Bangalore because being a coach you get an apartment. About his new role as director of the Delhi team, Sreejesh felt that this would give him an opportunity to learn something about sports administration. He said that when Mahesh Bhupathi (CEO of the team) approached him and told him to help build the team he was more than willing to join. I have been in the sport for quite a long time and I know who are the best players, so I said yes, he said. Sreejesh has given an example of how HIL can help players. It is like this. When I step into a new franchisee in HIL, I'm going to be with some of the best foreign players. And I am going to learn everything from him. From the dining hall, what he eats what are the things he eats before a match his daily routine on a match day. How he prepares for a match or behaves before, during, and after a match. How he motivates a player when the team continuously loses or how he talks to a player when the team is winning. Sreejesh said that HIL helps because every country has its own style. India, we got a culture, we do have a style. The Europeans have theirs so do Australians. So you are getting a platform where you can learn. The former India goalkeeper also said that playing in front of a good crowd also helps. These youngsters who are 18, 17 or 20 and are dreaming about becoming a part of a senior team are getting the experience playing to play in front of a huge crowd, he said. I think that is an important part. Pressure management is something that is really important for becoming an elite or mature player. Sreejesh felt more than anything else he would want his Delhi team to enjoy their games. If they enjoy they will play well and win, he said. Sreejesh said he would be happy if the team finished in the top four. Watch the Hockey India League from 28th December 2024 onwards at 7:30 PM IST live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sand ony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu).
ISL: Ahead of Christmas, Brison lights up Fatorda
Poriem temple groups clash, cop injured
Rooftop restaurant project atop Margaos multi-level parking plan taken off menu
CM to Centre: Keep aiding capital investment, give Goa bigger share
The 7 best white elephant gifts that are worth stealing
Whether or not youve heard of a white elephant gift exchange before, theres a good chance you have the wrong idea of what it is, how it actually works and where the idea came from. According to legend, the King of Siam would give a white elephant to courtiers who had upset them. It was a far more devious punishment than simply having them executed. The recipient had no choice but to simply thank the king for such an opulent gift, knowing that they likely could not afford the upkeep for such an animal. It would inevitably lead them to financial ruin. This story is almost certainly untrue, but it has led to a modern holiday staple: the white elephant gift exchange. Picking the right white elephant gift means walking a fine line: the goal isnt to just buy something terrible and force someone to take it home with them. Rather, it should be just useful or amusing enough that it wont immediately get tossed into the trash. The recipient also shouldnt be able to just throw it in a junk drawer and forget about it. So here are a few suggestions that will not only get you a few chuckles, but will also make the recipient feel (slightly) burdened. White elephant FAQs What is white elephant? A white elephant gift exchange is a party game typically played around the holidays in which people exchange funny, impractical gifts. How does white elephant work? A group of people each bring one wrapped gift to the white elephant gift exchange, and each gift is typically of a similar value. All gifts are then placed together and the group decides the order in which they will each claim a gift. The first person picks a white elephant gift from the pile, unwraps it and their turn ends. The following players can either decide to unwrap another gift and claim it as their own, or steal a gift from someone who has already taken a turn. The rules can vary from there, including the guidelines around how often a single item can be stolen some say twice, max. The game ends when every person has a white elephant gift. Why is it called white elephant? The term white elephant is said to come from the legend of the King of Siam gifting white elephants to courtiers who upset him. While it seems like a lavish gift on its face, the belief is that the courtiers would be ruined by the animals upkeep costs. Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-7-best-white-elephant-gifts-that-are-worth-stealing-150516076.html?src=rss
Brison Fernandes brace helps FC Goa beat Mohun Bagan, extend unbeaten streak in ISL
ISL 2024-25: Brison Fernandes brace helps FC Goa neat Mohun Bagan, extend unbeaten streak
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ISL: FC Goa extend unbeaten run with win
Brison brace stretches FC Goa's unbeaten streak to seven games after 2-1 win against Mohun Bagan
ISL 2024-25: FC Goa Sink Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2-1 Thanks To Brison Fernandes Brace
Fernandes netted in either half to help the Gaurs secure all three points as Dimitrios Petratos's spot-kick proved nothing more than a consolation for MBSG.
Couple goals: This viral video of elderly duo dancing to Kala Sha Kala will melt your heart!
A heartwarming video of an elderly couple dancing to a Punjabi song at a wedding has gone viral. Shared by a Delhi-based DJ, the clip shows the couple's joyful dance moves, captivating viewers worldwide. Their infectious energy and traditional attire have earned them praise and admiration, with many calling them couple goals.
Will Keerthy Suresh quit film industry? Rumors fly after marriage
Hyderabad: Keerthy Suresh, one of Tamil and Telugu cinemas brightest stars, recently tied the knot with her long-time boyfriend Antony in a beautiful ceremony in Goa on December 12. Their 15-year relationship makes their love story even more special, and fans were thrilled to see her begin this new chapter. View this post on Instagram Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Adivasi Pilgrimage Sites Frequented by Tigers
Adivasi youth dance in the procession taken out during Ganesh idol immersion in Adilabad on Friday. DC Image Adivasi youth dance in the procession taken out during Ganesh idol immersion in Adilabad on Friday. DC Image Adilabad: Adivasis preparing for their annual religious pilgrimages, known as Poosmas, may encounter tigers near their sacred sites, where animal sacrifices are traditionally offered. These pilgrimages, set to begin in January, include visits to holy places like Jangu Bai and Bheemayyak located deep within the forests, where tiger movements have been recently observed. The Poosmas festivities, running from January 1 to 30, involve worship at locations such as Kotaparandholis Jangubai, Narnoors Pulikasa, and Danthanpallis Bheemayyak. These sacred sites, nestled in valleys surrounded by hills and dense forests, house gods and goddesses in caves. At Jangu Bai, Adivasis light traditional oil lamps (diyas) as part of their rituals. Tigers are known to frequent these areas, drawn by the scent of blood from goats and hens sacrificed at these sites. Recently, tiger activity was reported near Munda at Goyagaon in Wankidi mandal, Komaram Bheem Asifabad district a sacred site where Adivasis raise traditional flags and offer sacrifices to appease their deities. During the Poosmas, groups of Adivasis journey to these sacred locations on foot, accompanied by traditional drumbeats. Children ride in bullock carts as families carry their deities (Pen) to bathe them in sacred waters at places like Toplikasa. Worshippers also visit Demmal Rajul in the Kawal Tiger Reserves core area and pray at Rajulpen, wooden tiger effigies placed on the outskirts of agricultural fields, seeking protection for their cattle and themselves. Elderly Adivasis recount encountering tigers during past pilgrimages, noting that while they often hear roars or spot the big cats, devotees have remained unharmed. Adivasi writer Mothiram Atram of the Kolam tribe explained, We worship Rajulpen (Tiger) and pray for safety. The pilgrimage to Bheemayyak in Tiryani mandal and the bathing of Bheeyyak at Toplikasa are sacred traditions deeply rooted in our culture. As Adivasis prepare for their annual rituals, the coexistence of spiritual practices and wildlife continues to define their unique relationship with the forests they call home.
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Telangana underfunded in Centrally Sponsored Schemes: Bhatti
Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Friday said despite being among the fastest-growing States and contributing significantly to the national economy, Telangana has been underfunded in Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). At the pre-budget meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, he said Telangana was requesting allocations based on population ratios, disbursed promptly without bias apart from greater flexibility in CSS implementation to address regional-specific needs is also necessary. Referring to pending dues under the AP Reorganization Act-2014, he said Telanganas bifurcation commitments remain unfulfilled. He urged the Central government to release pending grants of Rs.1,800 crore under Section 94(2) in addition to an extension of the annual Rs.450 crore grant for five more years to support backward districts. On infrastructure investments for backward districts, Bhatti sought funds for critical infrastructure such as industrial parks, irrigation projects, and highway networks. Extending the Smart Cities Mission to emerging urban centres is also crucial, he said. With regard to flexibility in MGNREGA utilization, he urged the Central government for greater flexibility to use MGNREGA funds for innovative public works that generate employment while creating durable assets. Increased allocations are essential to tackle rural job distress. On MSME development and industrial support, the Deputy Chief Minister advocated implementation of a PLI scheme for MSMEs in high-potential sectors. Affordable financing under RBI guidelines is needed to revive sick units. GST rationalization is also critical to ease input costs for MSME industries. Referring to borrowing flexibility and fiscal autonomy, Bhatti said that to enable States to meet their development goals, Telangana needs communication of Net Borrowing Ceilings alongside tax devolution figures during budget presentation. Removal of conditionalities on borrowings will allow greater fiscal space. On climate resilience and sustainability initiatives, Telangana has undertaken pioneering initiatives for sustainability. The State requests access to green financing mechanisms for sustainable infrastructure projects. Dedicated Union funds to strengthen climate resilience initiatives are also needed, he said. Stating that Telangana remains committed to being a growth engine for India, Bhatti said fiscal fairness, MSME revival, infrastructure investments, gig worker security, and equitable resource allocation were critical for the shared vision of a vibrant and resilient India. We urge the Central government to consider our specific priorities with the attention they deserve. By empowering the States and fostering a collaborative federal structure, we can achieve inclusive growth, balanced fiscal consolidation, and sustainable development for the nation, he added. Referring to fiscal consolidation with growth focus, Bhatti said the fiscal consolidation roadmap laid out in 2021 has served well. We move towards FY26, balancing fiscal discipline with growth imperatives becomes crucial. Telangana supports a realistic fiscal deficit target of 4.5 per cent of GDP to sustain momentum in infrastructure and employment generation, he explained. From FY27 onwards, Telangana emphasizes a growth-driven approach to reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio rather than an austerity-driven strategy. On simplifying Indias tax system, he said reforms to the Income Tax Act were a welcome step. Indias current tax system is complex, leading to compliance burdens for individuals and businesses alike. Telangana urges simplification of tax slabs and reduction of corporate tax rates to enhance ease of doing business. Streamlining income tax and GST filing processes is vital as these processes currently consume weeks for mid-sized and large businesses. Expanding the tax base through digital tracking of financial transactions and encouraging voluntary compliance are also key measures. With regard to capital expenditure for economic resilience, Bhatti said amid global uncertainties and domestic slowdowns, robust capital expenditure stimulus is essential. Telangana requests enhanced Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure with an allocation of Rs.2.5 lakh crore annually. Flexibility in fund utilization without restrictive conditions like branding requirements under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) is also important. Referring to MSME Revival and Technological Modernization, Bhatti said MSMEs were the backbone of Indias economy but face structural challenges in financing, technology, and competitiveness. Telangana proposes the establishment of a Technology Upgradation Fund for MSMEs. Extension of PLI schemes to sectors like power electronics, plastics recycling, and emerging technologies is necessary. Reduction or exemption of GST on critical machinery will lower production costs and encourage Industry 4.0 adoption. He said modernization of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) was crucial for skilling youth in new-age sectors like AI, renewable energy, and electronics. Telangana has partnered with over 50 advanced technology centers for upskilling youth and boosting manufacturing competitiveness. Higher allocations for employment programs are needed to address rural and urban job shortages. He said gig workers were an emerging workforce segment contributing significantly to the economy but often lack social security and fair working conditions. Telangana recommends establishing a national framework for gig worker social security, including health insurance, pension schemes, and accident coverage. Formal recognition of gig workers is essential to ensure minimum wage protections and access to labor rights. Creation of a grievance redressal mechanism to address disputes between workers and platforms efficiently is critical. Encouraging platform companies to contribute towards gig workers' welfare funds is equally important.
The New Timeline: Motherhood and Fertility Beyond 35
(Photo: File) (Photo: File) In recent years, more women are choosing to delay motherhood until their mid-30s or later. Career ambitions, financial security, and personal goals often shape this decision, reflecting a growing sense of autonomy and control over lifes milestones. While this trend empowers women to embrace parenthood on their terms, it also brings unique challenges. Understanding these realities and the strides in modern medicine can help women make informed choices about their fertility and family planning. The Biological Clock: A Timeless Truth The decline in fertility with age is an undeniable biological reality. By the time a woman reaches 35, her chances of conceiving naturally begin to decrease significantly. Here are the key factors driving this decline: Egg Quality and Quantity: A woman is born with a finite number of eggs, which diminish in both quality and quantity as she ages. By her mid-30s, this natural depletion often leads to lower chances of conception and higher risks of miscarriage. Chromosomal Abnormalities: Aging eggs are more prone to chromosomal errors, increasing the likelihood of conditions such as Down syndrome due to improper division during fertilization. Hormonal Shifts: Hormonal changes can disrupt ovulation, causing irregular cycles, missed ovulation, or difficulties in sustaining a pregnancy. Pregnancy Risks: Older mothers are at a higher risk for complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and exacerbated age-related conditions such as fibroids or endometriosis, which can impede conception or increase risks during pregnancy. The Emotional Landscape of Delayed Motherhood For many women over 35, the path to motherhood can feel like a race against time. Anxiety about the biological clock often creates a sense of urgency, overshadowing the joy of starting a family. Fertility struggles can strain relationships, heightening stress and feelings of inadequacy. Moreover, societal expectationswhich often link motherhood to youthadd to the emotional burden. Women are left navigating a delicate balance between personal aspirations and the pressure to conform to traditional timelines. Open communication, emotional support, and reframing these narratives are essential in helping women find peace and clarity during this journey. The Silver Lining: Modern Medicine and Fertility Solutions The challenges of conceiving after 35 are real, but so are the opportunities. Advances in reproductive medicine have opened new doors for women who wish to have children later in life: Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): Techniques like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing have revolutionized fertility care. IVF enables fertilization outside the body, offering a path to parenthood even when natural conception proves challenging. Egg freezing allows women to preserve their eggs at a younger age, safeguarding their fertility for the future. Donor Eggs: For those with diminished egg quality, donor eggs from younger women provide a viable and effective option, bypassing the challenges associated with aging eggs. Genetic Testing: Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before implantation, improving IVF success rates and reducing the risk of genetic conditions. Proactive Fertility Checks: Ovarian reserve testing and other diagnostic tools empower women to plan their families with greater precision, ensuring that they are informed about their reproductive health. Enhanced Maternal Care: Advances in prenatal care and maternal health monitoring have significantly improved outcomes for older mothers, making pregnancy safer and more manageable. Beyond Medicine: Lifestyle and Fertility While age is a major factor, lifestyle choices also play a crucial role in maintaining fertility and overall reproductive health. Women over 35 can take proactive steps to optimize their chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy: Healthy Diet: A nutrient-rich diet supports hormonal balance and egg quality. Foods high in antioxidants, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial. Regular Exercise: Moderate physical activity improves blood circulation, reduces stress, and supports overall well-being. Stress Management: High stress levels can disrupt hormonal function. Practices such as yoga, meditation, or mindfulness can enhance emotional resilience and improve fertility outcomes. Avoiding Harmful Habits: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental toxins can accelerate egg loss and negatively impact reproductive health. Eliminating these habits can significantly improve fertility prospects. Embracing Empowerment: Knowledge is Key Fertility after 35 comes with its share of hurdles, but its also a time when women can take control of their reproductive health like never before. By staying informed, prioritizing health, and seeking guidance from fertility specialists, women can make empowered decisions about their journey to motherhood. The road to parenthood may look different for every woman, but one thing is certain: the possibilities are greater than ever. Modern medicine, coupled with healthy lifestyle choices, ensures that women can embrace motherhood on their terms, whether at 25, 35, or beyond. Final Thoughts The trend of delayed motherhood reflects a broader societal shift toward greater autonomy and choice for women. While its important to acknowledge the biological challenges, its equally vital to celebrate the opportunities and advancements that make motherhood after 35 a feasible and fulfilling reality. For women navigating this path, the key is to act with intention, seek support, and trust that the dream of starting a family remains within reachno matter the age. The article is authored by By Dr R.L.N Renuka, Senior Fertility Consultant, Ankura Hospital for Women & Children
Zostels Pranavi Chhikniwala on tapping travel trends to inspire Gen Z & Millennials
In a world where social media scrolls are filled with wanderlust-inducing content, Gen Z and Millennials are constantly inspired to pack their bags and set off on new adventures. Travel trends are thriving, with a recent report highlighting how certain destinations like Mussoorie, Vietnam, Thailand, and occasionally offbeat destinations have captured the imagination of the younger generation. Travel trends show a 35% rise in bookings for unique destinations, with over 60% of travellers preferring peaceful landscapes, cultural experiences and adventure. For the travel industry, selling popular destinations is relatively easy. But the real challenge lies in highlighting what lesser-known, obscure locations can offer eager travellers. Enter Zostel, a hostel chain that has carved a niche by establishing unconventional locations and amplifying its allure through its storytelling. Pranavi Chhikniwala, Head of Marketing, Zostel, in an interaction, shares how social media trends find their way into the content the brand creates, and the focus is always on being informative and engaging. Zostel has consistently tapped into emerging trends that shape travel choices. One of the ways the brand spotlights lesser-known locations is using a series known as 'Top 50'. The campaign highlights the top 50 experiences across India, going beyond Zostel's properties. The result? Posts that often garner up to one to two million views, sparking curiosity and wanderlust among its audience. However, its not always smooth sailing. For the brand, certain niche campaigns sometimes go viral, but others dont perform as well, according to Chhikniwala, revealing the unpredictable nature of organic content marketing. While Zostel has a strong presence on Instagram with 859K followers, other channels have also emerged as effective tools in building its community. Chhikniwala shares that YouTube has been rewarding given its algorithm gives reach based on your SEO metrics and consistent presence, unlike Instagram. She comments that any marketer looking to tap into a Gen Z or Millennial audience should consider YouTube as a way to build a community. In this interview, Chhikniwala reveals how the brand is leveraging social media trends, its organic-first marketing strategy, and the lesser-known platforms that drive community growth. Edited Excerpts: What trends have you noticed among young Indian travellers that have influenced your marketing and advertising strategies? If we talk about trends in travel, its important to note that, apart from all the memes and funny stuff that circulate on social media, travel and food are usually at the top of everyones list. Even the brands that are doing well tend to fall into these categories. For me, the brand's journey has been shaped by these trends. After COVID, there was a whole revenge travel phenomenon, and travel content started going viral in 2021 and 2022. Those years were key for us, even though they werent particularly favourable for many brands. Despite that, we saw significant growth and social presence, and a lot of it can be attributed to that period. Travel has been a steady trend since then. If I talk about it in general, even our content and the things we talk about have been influenced by it. This trend has also impacted the kinds of products we've launched. For example, Zostel has always been known for establishing locations that arent conventional. We often enter places and, soon after, those places see a boost in tourism. This has happened with locations like Bir and Wagaman, which werent very popular initially, but after we set up, they became proper tourist destinations. Weve always tried to tap into emerging trends. For example, there was a shift toward experiential travel, where younger generations like Gen Z and millennials are looking to go beyond popular destinations like temples or sightseeing spots in Manali or Goa. Theyre interested in hiking, waterfall diving, and activities like surfing. Experiential travel has become a key trend, and its something we've embraced. Another trend weve seen is the rise of Southeast Asia as a travel destination. Places like Vietnam and Thailand were trending on social media last year. We also introduced Zotrux, a new travel offering where we take exclusive groups of 10 to 15 people on fully packaged tours with lots of inclusions. Our Vietnam and Thailand trips are selling really well right now. Because these trends also find their way into social media, the kind of content we produce tends to be informative. Unlike many other brands, this approach works for us. We focus on content that establishes us as industry expertssuch as informative reels or posts that highlight lesser-known parts of the country or unique seasonal phenomena. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zostel (@zostel) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zostel (@zostel) When it comes to social media, our target audience is a blend of Gen Z and millennials. Its sometimes a hit or miss, as it is for most brands, but what works for us is striking a balance between creating content that establishes us as experts and tapping into trending topics. For example, we use popular seasonal content, trending audio, and whatever is currently relevant in India to engage with the Gen Z audience. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zostel (@zostel) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zostel (@zostel) What specific challenges have you encountered when adapting your marketing strategies to align with the influential role of Gen Z and Millenials in travel planning? Can you provide examples of campaigns that have succeeded or failed in capturing their attention? Some destinations are really favourites among travellers. For example, if we promote places like Bokarna or Mussoorie, it's very likely to go viral. However, when it comes to lesser-known destinations, especially obscure ones, we have to get really creative, or people just won't notice them. What works for us is a series we are currently running on Instagram, which is also performing well on YouTube Shorts. Its called Top 50, where we highlight the top 50 experiences anyone should have across India. This approach doesnt depend on whether Zostel has a presence in those destinations; its about showcasing the destination experience first, rather than focusing on our properties. When we do these Top 50 posts, they often cross one or two million views. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zostel (@zostel) As for content that hasnt worked, we focus primarily on organic content marketing, rather than paid promotions. While we do paid promotions when necessary, we mostly rely on organic content. When we run niche campaigns, they can go either waysome content pieces go viral, while others dont perform well. For example, during Children's Day in mid-2024, we launched a back-to-school campaign. This was aimed at our millennial audience, as nostalgic content resonates well with them. Its similar to how Paper Boat's entire strategy revolves around nostalgia, but we don't necessarily draw inspiration directly from them. We create nostalgic content, especially on Zostel Homes, another page we run on Instagram. However, when we do very niche campaigns, they are more likely to fall flat. The reason is that we don't always use trending audio or follow the current Instagram trends when running these campaigns. The general strategy would be to stick to whatever is trending, as thats what performs well. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zostel (@zostel) But as a brand manager, I also have to ensure we stay true to what we stand for and maintain our identity through our content. So, we continue with these types of campaigns. For example, we launched T-shirts as part of our 10-year anniversary merchandise, and again for our 11-year anniversary this August. We try to be creative with the videos we make, but weve noticed that while such campaigns may perform well with creators, they dont necessarily go viral with our audience. Since we're not focused on the e-commerce side of things, such as selling T-shirts, that campaign didnt go viral as expected. Despite that, our sales remained unaffected, and people still bought our products. So, it can be a bit overwhelming at times, but I think its all part of the process. With reports indicating that Indian Gen Z and Millenn ials prefer travelling during off-peak seasons to save on costs and avoid crowds, how does Zostel position itself while catering to budget-conscious young travellers? I think more than the off-season, the shoulder season is what these travellers prefer. It's typically the period between the off-peak and peak season. Naturally, during this time, the dorm rates, experience costs, and even taxi fares are lower, which is beneficial for them. We are present in 85-90 locations across India, and the list is constantly growing. We dont specifically take extra measures to target certain seasons. However, for a few weeks every year, we offer long-stay discounts and packages, particularly for digital nomads who are working remotely or in a hybrid setup. They can benefit from discounts if they stay for three, five, seven, or even 15 days. This is usually part of our promotional activities for our mountain properties, which make up about 50% of our locations, particularly in Himachal and Uttarakhand. During peak season, though, things change, and we sell out a month or so in advance. Instagram seems to be a key platform for Zostel. How do you approach content curation to engage and grow your community? Apart from Instagram, what are the most effective marketing channels that you use to engage with Gen Z and Millennial travellers? Could you share examples of the kind of content that works on each channel? YouTube is really rewarding. Personally, I feel that YouTube is a more rewarding platform compared to Instagram. On Instagram, if you show consistency with the algorithm, it may or may not help you. With YouTube, we know for sure that if you're doing SEO correctly and posting consistently about relevant topics, you're far more likely to grow on the platform. For any marketer looking to tap into a Gen Z or Millennial audience, I definitely recommend YouTube. We also do newsletters, and we have an excellent email open rate and click-through rate. I think its because of the passion people have for the brand. When I first started with newsletter marketing, I didnt think it would be very successful because people often see it as an outdated channel, especially for a brand like Zostel. But it has given us surprising results. If we talk about social media or digital channels, these are the platforms we focus on: YouTube, Instagram, and newsletters. On newsletters, we try to do a mix of everything. For example, if theres something trending, like Diwali, we create content around it, but with a more wholesome approach compared to what we do on Instagram or YouTube. If its a two-minute read, it should be worthwhile and bring a smile to your face. Its not really important for us to sell our properties or talk about things in a forced way. Even though we dont use it primarily as a sales marketing platform, newsletters are excellent for community engagement. The audience cant respond directly like on YouTube or Instagram, where people comment or DM us, but the engagement we get is still very high. I can attribute this to excellent copywriting. We dont use any fancy tools for images; its a very basic newsletter. But the kind of response weve received has kept us going. I think when you try to talk to your audience in an authentic way, it really helps. My team is also part of the customer base, so when they write directly to the audience, it makes a difference. Would it be possible to share the numbers that you all are able to achieve through your newsletters and Instagram? For newsletters, we are growing our subscriber base. Its something that we started primarily this year. We have approximately 50K subscribers as of now. Considering that we only started this year and we are not doing anything unethical, like spamming people with newsletters they havent subscribed to, thats the situation. On Instagram, we have around 50K followers, and our reach is usually 20 to 30 times more than our community size. Organically, our monthly reach is anywhere between 27 million to 35 million, depending on how viral the content is. Given the traction that you have had, could you share any specific challenges that you all have had to navigate through while adapting your marketing strategies over these years? A very refined, detailed analysis goes into understanding what's working because the algorithms of these platforms keep changing. I'm mainly talking about social media, as content marketing is our primary way of building the community and reaching people. The challenge is doing your homework every day. If I go idle for even one week and let things run as they are, it's very likely that the content will stop performing because new trends have emerged. For example, there was a time when voiceover reels were working really well for us, where we would use some audio stimulus to guide the contentwhether funny, informative, or otherwise. It worked like crazy for two, three, even six months. Then suddenly, it stopped working. We had invested in all the gear, talent, and resources for this approach, and then Instagram changed its algorithm, demanding something different. This happens frequently, and its part of the jobthings will keep changing, and we have to stay updated with the trends. The challenge is that it can be demotivating when the numbers drop, especially after a month of hard work. But thats the reality we face. What innovative technologies have you integrated into your marketing approach to effectively engage young travellers? There have been significant upgrades in terms of the tools we use ever since AI became prominent. There are many amazing tools that help us with engagement, ORM, and even other areas. Apart from strategy, we use AI for almost everything else. Strategy is still something that we hold very close to our hearts; we don't want a robot to strategize or plan campaigns for us. Thats a big nostrategy comes from real, new ideas developed by the whole team. For example, in execution, we create mid-journey content, which is very experimental and usually works really well. To give you an example, we've posted something random like Zostel in different multiverses, imagining Zostel on an arid planet, or similar fun concepts. These kinds of experiments have worked for us. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zostel (@zostel) In terms of other technologies, we use automation tools, not for everyday tasks like handling DMs, but to assist with sales-focused content, such as when we are promoting trips or selling properties. There are tools that allow users to comment a word and receive the details directly in their DMs. Its a trend on Instagram right now, but weve been doing this for more than a year. Weve always been a tech-friendly company, and that is also part of the company ethos, as our founder is a big tech enthusiast. We are also looking at more AI integration moving forward, not just in marketing but across the board. Theres a major upgrade coming for our app, and were striving to become a more tech-first brand as we go forward. Can you share insights into Zostel's revenue performance last financial year and the projected growth for this year? As the hostel and travel industry grows, what does the brand's global expansion plan look like? As of now, we are experiencing a 50% year-on-year growth. While I cant share exact revenue figures, the growth has been steady for us. In terms of inventory and the number of destinations we're present in, it's consistently growing. November and December have been our best months, and the growth trend has been excellent. Looking ahead, I can say that we're expecting to continue this growth trajectory. For the upcoming year, youll see us expand into more international destinations. We're already present in Nepal and have some other destinations covered through our trips. Well also be launching properties in these international locations, so you'll see progress on that front as well.
Apple has big plans for the smart home in 2025
Macworld Apple has big plans for the smart home in 2025. Having long struggled with limited device support and complex standards, the company wants to move forward with simplified platforms, deeper device integration and improved software. This change in strategy is intended to strengthen the Apple ecosystem and make it competitive at a time when the larger industry is resting its hopes on Matter and Thread to restart a faltering market. In this article we outline Apples smart home strategy for 2025, and explain what this means for the HomePod range. The seamless smart home Apple is planning to significantly expand compatibility with cross-industry standards in 2025. Apple already supports the universal standard Matter, which makes it easier for you to use a wide variety of smart home products from different manufacturers. The Eve and Nanoleaf brands, which are well established in the Apple ecosystem, were among the first to jump on the bandwagon, and others are gradually being added. By doing this, Apple is breaking away from previous restrictions and opening up its platform to a wider range of devices. But it will also make it much easier for users to pick and choose which manufacturers they want to buy from and find the best-value choice. This can be a double-edged sword, as Apple is rarely the cheapest option. Apple Intelligence is also a central element of the new strategy. This AI-based technology is designed to understand commands, react flexibly and perform complex tasks. It is intended to enhance Siri so that the voice assistant can better implement contextualized commands. The goal is a true smart home experience in which your devices respond efficiently to your needs and work together seamlessly. Apple Intelligence isnt just about providing smart summaries of emails. It has an important role to play in the smart home. YouTube / Apple Theres no place like homeOS A key element of the new strategy is the introduction of homeOS . This operating system is intended to bring together several hardware lines and provide the basis for a standardized smart home. Currently, the Apple TV has tvOS running in the background, while the HomePod runs customized software. In future, homeOS could serve as a common platform that provides updates and functions more quickly. The new homeOS software wont be limited to the HomePod and Apple TV: it will play a role in new device categories too. These could include stationary smart displays that allow you to control your home devices more directly and intuitively, instead of using the fiddly controls on an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV. This would benefit both the HomePod and the HomePod mini: the more devices are controlled via homeOS, the more seamlessly your HomePod integrates into the overall experience. But one question remains unanswered: What will the smart display be able to offer that cant already be accomplished with an (inexpensive) iPad? The Apple TV 4K is not yet capable of running Apple Intelligence, although it already has some useful smart home functions. Apple Where does this leave the HomePod? The HomePod range has barely evolved since the launch of the original model. Although there have been software updates, there have been no real hardware innovations. We dont even want to talk about the 2nd-gen HomePod ; rarely has there been such a loveless relaunch of an Apple product. As part of the new strategy, however, Apple could give the HomePod and HomePod mini more significance. In future, the HomePod should be able to handle Apple Intelligence. This is not yet the case, as the hardware requirements are high and the HomePods are controlled by lower-power chips from the Apple Watch range. But Apple is likely to equip future generations of HomePods with more powerful chips to process complex local commands. This would allow Siri to react more intelligently on the HomePod without delays caused by cloud processing, and would enable Apple to remedy the HomePods biggest weakness: its limited voice assistance. The next generation of the HomePod mini should also benefit from the new strategies. Improved processors and optimized wireless standards such as Wi-Fi 6E should reduce response times and make operation smoother and more intuitive. Apple can also upgrade its sensor technology to better capture environmental data, which would make it easier to use an updated HomePod mini as a smart hub. Another factor is new displays. Apple is understood to be working on HomePod variants with an integrated screen, and although these will not appear for some time, they could significantly enhance the HomePod family. With a display, the speakers could be used much more flexibly, for example for video calls or displaying camera images. The idea is not entirely new; Amazon has been offering the Echo Show for a long time. The smart home of the future Support for Matter, the introduction of homeOS, and the deeper integration of Apple Intelligence in Siri will all drive Apples smart home ecosystem forward. For the HomePod and HomePod mini, this means a long-awaited upgrade. While Siri was previously seen as a weak point, better hardware, AI features and a simplified software platform could turn the HomePod into a valuable home hub in the future. While new HomePods with displays and significantly upgraded hardware may not be launched until after 2025, Apple is laying the foundations for a more powerful smart home offering.
Number of gas leak incidents rose to 30 in 2023; maximum in Gujarat: Data
Gujarat reported 24 of the 30 incidents in 2023, followed by Uttar Pradesh with three cases, Assam (2) and Goa (1)
