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Sethurathnam Ravi’s Guide to Thriving Financially as a Freelancer

In a world where traditional nine-to-five jobs are becoming less common, a new frontier of work has emerged—one defined by flexibility, autonomy, and endless possibilities. Welcome to the gig economy, where freelancers and independent contractors chart their own course, embracing the freedom to pursue passion projects, side hustles, and entrepreneurial dreams. Yet, amid the excitement of this modern-day gold rush, there lurks a challenge as formidable as it is exhilarating: achieving financial wellness in the ever-shifting landscape of gig work.

Understanding the Gig Economy

The gig economy, often associated with individuals like Sethurathnam Ravi, refers to a labor market characterized by short-term contracts or freelance work instead of permanent jobs. Platforms like Uber, Airbnb, Upwork, and Fiverr have revolutionized the way people work, enabling individuals to leverage their skills and talents for income generation on a project-by-project basis. While the gig economy offers flexibility and the opportunity to pursue multiple income streams, it also presents unique financial challenges.

Challenges Faced by Freelancers and Independent Contractors

Income Variability

One of the biggest challenges for gig workers is the inconsistency of income. Earnings may fluctuate from month to month, making it difficult to budget and plan for expenses. Sethurathnam Ravi highlights the importance of creating a flexible budget that can adapt to these fluctuations.

Lack of Benefits

Unlike traditional employees, gig workers often do not receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off. This places the responsibility squarely on the individual to manage their own benefits and savings. Sethurathnam Ravi advises freelancers to look into affordable insurance options and set up their own retirement accounts.

Uncertain Work Opportunities

Gig workers are subject to market demand and competition, which can lead to periods of unemployment or underemployment. This uncertainty makes it challenging to maintain a steady income stream. Sethurathnam Ravi recommends diversifying income sources to mitigate this risk.

Tax Complexity

Freelancers and independent contractors are responsible for managing their own taxes, including tracking expenses, deductions, and making quarterly tax payments. Without proper planning, they may face hefty tax bills or penalties. Sethurathnam Ravi suggests working with a tax professional to navigate these complexities.

Strategies for Financial Wellness

Budgeting and Cash Flow Management

Creating a detailed budget is essential for managing irregular income. Start by calculating essential expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Allocate a portion of your income to cover these necessities and prioritize saving for emergencies and taxes. Sethurathnam Ravi recommends using budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track your expenses and monitor cash flow regularly.

Diversifying Income Streams

Relying on a single source of income in the gig economy can be risky. Explore opportunities to diversify your income by offering different services, targeting multiple client niches, or using various gig platforms. Sethurathnam Ravi emphasizes the importance of having multiple income streams to provide stability during slow periods and reduce dependence on any single source of income.

Building an Emergency Fund

Given the unpredictable nature of gig work, having an emergency fund is crucial. Aim to set aside three to six months' worth of living expenses in a separate savings account. This fund can provide a financial safety net during lean times or unexpected emergencies, allowing you to cover expenses without relying on credit cards or loans. Sethurathnam Ravi advises prioritizing this fund to ensure financial security.

Investing in Insurance and Retirement

While gig workers may not have access to employer-sponsored benefits, they can still invest in their financial future by purchasing health insurance, disability insurance, and setting up retirement accounts such as IRAs or solo 401(k)s. Explore options for affordable health insurance through marketplace exchanges or professional organizations. Sethurathnam Ravi suggests consulting with a financial advisor to develop a retirement savings strategy tailored to your income and goals.

Managing Taxes Effectively

Stay organized throughout the year by tracking income and expenses using accounting software or dedicated apps. Set aside a portion of each payment for taxes to avoid a large tax bill at the end of the year. Consider working with a tax professional who specializes in self-employment taxes to maximize deductions and ensure compliance with tax laws. Sethurathnam Ravi stresses the importance of regular tax planning to avoid surprises.

Continuous Learning and Skill Development

Invest in your professional development to stay competitive in the gig economy. Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and new skills in your field. Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and networking opportunities to expand your skill set and increase your earning potential. Sethurathnam Ravi encourages continuous learning to enhance your marketability and adaptability.

Achieving Financial Stability

Financial wellness is paramount for freelancers and independent contractors navigating the gig economy. By implementing proactive strategies such as budgeting, diversifying income, building emergency savings, investing in insurance and retirement, managing taxes effectively, and continuously learning and developing skills, gig workers can achieve greater financial stability and success in their careers. Despite the challenges posed by the gig economy, with careful planning and diligence, freelancers can thrive in this dynamic and evolving landscape. Sethurathnam Ravi’s insights provide valuable guidance for achieving financial wellness and stability in the gig economy.

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Zerodha's Nithin Kamath Praises SEBI's Progressive Reforms: What's Next for Brokers?

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Nithin Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, commended SEBI, the market regulator, for its continuous efforts to enhance investor friendliness in the Indian markets. Kamath speculated that brokers might soon find their roles reduced to merely processing orders due to these regulatory advancements.

Kamath noted, “The reduction in the AMC is, in a way, a result of the gradual reduction in a broker's role. In the not-so-distant future, I wouldn't be surprised if all that the brokers will be doing is just processing orders.”

Key Regulatory Changes

Since 2019, SEBI has implemented several changes that have significantly impacted the traditional role of brokers:

Segregation of Client Funds: Brokers are now required to keep client funds separate from their own, ensuring greater security and transparency for investors.

Compulsory Quarterly Bank Reconciliations: This measure mandates brokers to reconcile their bank accounts quarterly, enhancing financial accuracy and accountability.

Elimination of Fund Pooling for Mutual Fund Transactions: Brokers can no longer pool funds for mutual fund transactions, which further safeguards investor interests.

Direct Payout of Securities

Kamath highlighted a recent regulation aimed at simplifying operations for brokers and providing direct benefits to investors. Previously, when investors purchased securities, the clearing corporation (CC) credited these securities to the broker's pool account, who then transferred them to the client’s account. With the new regulation, CCs will directly transfer securities to the client’s demat account, bypassing the broker entirely. Kamath explained, “This also eases operations at a broker's end.”

Increased Limits for Basic Services Demat Accounts

Another anticipated change is the likely increase in the limit for Basic Services Demat Accounts (BSDA). Kamath mentioned, “Another move which will most likely be introduced is around increasing the limit for a Basic Services Demat account (BSDA) from the current ₹4 lakh to ₹10 lakh. So, investors will pay 0 or reduced AMC on their demat accounts with holdings up to ₹10 lakh.”

The Future of Brokerage

Kamath’s insights underscore the evolving landscape of brokerage in India. With SEBI's continuous efforts to streamline and secure financial operations, brokers may need to adapt to a reduced role, focusing primarily on processing orders. These changes are poised to create a more transparent and investor-friendly market, ultimately benefiting the end-users while reshaping the traditional functions of brokers.

Stay tuned for more updates on how these regulatory changes will impact the Indian financial market and the roles within it.

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Janhvi Kapoor on remaking Sridevi’s classics: No one should do it

‘Mr and Mrs Mahi’ stars Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao intereacted exclusively with IndiaToday.In, where they spoke about the idea of Janhvi reprising the roles played by her mother Sridevi, if the films are ever remade.

When asked about the prospect of Janhvi Kapoor being a part of a remake of a Sridevi film, Rajkummar said, “She would love to, but she'd be very scared. I think she would love to do a ‘Sadma’ or a ‘Chaalbaaz’. But, I think we should not touch classics.”

To this, Janhvi said that she agreed with her ‘Mr and Mrs Mahi’ co-star and added, “I don't think anyone should honestly do it.”

Rajkummar summed up by referring to Marlon Brando’s character from ‘The Godfather’. “There's no point in somebody playing a Vito Corleone again. Brando has done it so well. It's pitch-perfect. You can't touch perfection,” he opined.

‘Mr and Mrs Mahi’ releases in theatres on May 31.

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4 arrested for creating ruckus in drunken state on moving train in Tamil Nadu

Four people, including a juvenile, were arrested for creating a ruckus on a moving train allegedly in an inebriated state in Tamil Nadu, railway officials said on Tuesday.

A video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows four drunk youths arguing with other passengers on Alapuzha Express, which departed from Chennai Central on Saturday night.

As the train was moving between Erode and Tiruppur, four young men were seen dancing, behaving indecently, and allegedly smoking and drinking, which caused inconvenience to other passengers.

Irked over their unruly behaviour, a family from Kolathur, who were travelling on the same train, confronted the young men, who were allegedly talking in an obscene manner.

When a passenger questioned the young men about their behaviour, they allegedly thrashed him and later got off the train and fled the scene.

Based on the passenger's complaint, Tiruppur Police arrested the youths identified as M Ashok (18), Pawan Kumar (17), S Sudalairaj (18) and K Karan (23). The minor was sent to a juvenile home, while others were presented before a magistrate court and remanded in judicial custody.

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T20 World Cup: Hardik Pandya joins Indian team in New York, posts photos

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya joined the national team in New York ahead of the team's warm-up match in the T20 World Cup 2024. Pandya, who did not travel with the first batch of the Indian contingent to the USA posted photos after linking up with the team. The vice-captain of the Indian team, Pandya, took to Instagram to share the training images.

This will be Hardik's first assignment with the national team since the ODI World Cup 2023. Hardik had slipped on his bowling mark and injured his ankle in the Bangladesh game at the World Cup. The all-rounder missed series against Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan and directly played in the Indian Premier League. Pandya will be hopeful to turn around his fortunes after having a terrible time with MI.

Pandya is not the only player to travel separately. The likes of Sanju Samson and Rinku Singh have travelled alone and linked up with the Indian team in New York. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has had to adapt this approach due to the varying commitments of the players for their respective IPL franchises.

Indian players have travelled in batches to the US. The first batch of players included Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant amongst others. The second batch had the RR trio of Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Batters: Rohit Sharma (captain), Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav.

Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson.

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja.

Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj

India play their only warm-up game ahead of the T20 World Cup on June 1 against Bangladesh. The entire team is expected to be available for that game.

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Amitabh Bachchan loses track of time on social media, fans say 'Sahi pakde hain'

Veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan wrote about the woes of using social media, a sentiment many on the internet can relate to. On Wednesday, May 29, Big B wrote on X in Hindi, which translates to, "Once you start using social media, you lose track of time."

As the actor shared his views on social media, many X users resonated with him. One of them commented, "True words Sir. Your condition is everyone's condition (sic)." Another fan noted, "Absolutely true, sir! Social media has a way of captivating us with its endless stream of content. It's easy to lose track of time when exploring its vast universe.

Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan shared on his blog that he has been keeping busy with work, hence has no time to write detailed blogs. ".. workloads keep me away from detailed Blogging… another early call tomorrow and hence .. a picture and a night filled with goodness .." the 'Kalki 2898 AD' actor wrote.

The 81-year-old actor is currently busy shooting for the upcoming season of the TV show, 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'. He is also awaiting the release of Nag Ashwin's sci-fi drama 'Kalki 2898 AD', set to release on June 27. The film also stars Deepika Padukone and Prabhas in the lead roles. Amitabh Bachchan will also soon make his Tamil debut with 'Vettaiyan'.

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"Mitchell Starc Earns 24.75 Crore, You 55 Lakh": Rinku Singh's Fiery Reply On Low KKR Salary

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh has been at the same Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise for 7 years. A couple of seasons ago, Rinku started to really showcase his potential, winning matches for KKR, and his consistency even earned India call-up. Rinku remains a part of India's T20 World Cup 2024 roster too, though as reserves. Despite the fact that Rinku is among the finest finishers in India when it comes to the T20 format, he only earns a salary of 55 lakh at KKR. His IPL teammate Mitchell Starc, on the other hand, earns a whopping Rs 24.75 crore.

If Rinku decides to leave KKR and put his name in the auction pool, even a Rs 10 crore bid might not be enough to sign him. On being asked about the low salary he gets at KKR, Rinku gave the perfect example of his mentality, saying even 50-55 lakh is a lot for him.

"Even 50-55 lakhs is a lot. When I started, I had not even thought that I would earn so much. At that time, I was a kid and if I got even 10-5 rupees, I thought I would get it somehow. Now I am getting 55 lakh rupees, so this is a lot, I should be happy with whatever God gives me. This is my thinking. I don't think at all that I should have got this much money or that much. I am very happy even with 55 lakh rupees. When I didn't have this, I realized the value of money," Rinku told Dainik Jagaran in an interview.

Rinku isn't the sort of a person who believes in running after money. Like a proverbial saint, he highlighted that people come and leave the same way, without any money in their pocket. Hence, staying grounded is the most important thing.

"If I tell you the truth today, then all this is an illusion. You did not bring anything with you, nor will you take anything with you. You never know when time will change. I would like to say that you have to go back the same way you came. Stay grounded, what else," Rinku said.

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Pak Admits Violating Pact With India, Nawaz Sharif Says "Was Our Fault"

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday admitted that Islamabad had "violated" an agreement with India signed by him and ex-prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999, in an apparent reference to the Kargil misadventure by Gen Pervez Musharraf.

"On May 28, 1998, Pakistan carried out five nuclear tests. After that Vajpayee Saheb came here and made an agreement with us. But we violated that agreement…it was our fault," Sharif told a meeting of the PML-N general council that elected him president of the ruling party six years after he was disqualified by the Supreme Court.

After a historic summit here, Nawaz Sharif and Ata Bihari Vajpayee signed the Lahore Declaration on February 21, 1999. The agreement that talked about a vision of peace and stability between the two countries signalled a breakthrough. Still, a few months later Pakistani intrusion in the Kargil district in Jammu and Kashmir led to the Kargil conflict.

"President Bill Clinton had offered Pakistan USD 5 billion to stop it from carrying out nuclear tests but I refused. Had (former prime minister) Imran Khan like a person been on my seat he would have accepted Clinton's offer," Sharif said on a day when Pakistan marked the 26th anniversary of its first nuclear tests.

Sharif, 74, talked about how he was removed from the office of the prime minister in 2017 on a false case by then Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar. He said all cases against him were false while the cases against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder leader Imran Khan were true.

He also talked about the role of former ISI chief Gen Zahirul Islam in toppling his government in 2017 to bring Imran Khan into power. He asked Imran Khan to deny that he was not launched by the ISI.

"I ask Imran not to blame us (of being patronised by the army) and tell whether Gen Islam had talked about bringing the PTI into power," he said and added Khan would sit at the feet of the military establishment.

The three-time premier talked about receiving a message from Gen Islam to resign from the office of prime minister (in 2014). "When I refused, he threatened to make an example of me," he said.

Sharif also praised his younger brother Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for standing by his side through thick and thin. "Efforts were made to create differences between us but Shehbaz remained loyal to me. Even Shehbaz was asked to become PM in the past and leave me but he declined," he said.

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"All Eyes On Rafah": Outrage After 45 Civilians Killed In Israeli Strike

At least 45 people, including children, were killed at a refugee camp in Gaza's Rafah after an Israeli air strike. The incident, coming just days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its operation in Rafah, triggered international outrage, deepening the global isolation facing Israel over the war in Gaza.

Israel launched the attack on Rafah late Sunday, hours after Hamas unleashed a barrage of rockets at the Tel Aviv area, most of which were intercepted.

Israeli forces pressed their assault on the border town - once seen as the territory's last refuge - despite an order last week from the top UN court to halt its operation there.

'All eyes on Rafah' is a phrase that refers to the ongoing genocide in this Gaza city. The phrase is trending on social media as global support poured in for the Palestinians affected by the Israeli strikes.

Several celebrities have shared support messages with the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah. The phrase has picked up steam as a call for awareness of the ongoing war.

Rafah was a major entry point for humanitarian aid before Israel stepped up its military offensive on the Gaza side of the border earlier this month and seized control of the crossing.

Fighting in Rafah has caused more than 1 million Palestinians to flee, most of whom had already been displaced in the war between Israel and Hamas.

Palestinians say they are vulnerable to Israeli attacks wherever they go and have been moving up and down the Gaza Strip in the past few months.

When Israeli forces told those in the north to evacuate, before conducting operations in central Gaza and the southern city of Khan Yunis, hundreds of thousands had fled south to Rafah.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said in a statement that Israeli shelling in and around health facilities in Rafah has left just one still operational.

Humanitarian groups warn of a spiraling crisis in Gaza after the fighting in Rafah cut off the main aid routes into the territory.

Rafah offensive stirred renewed outrage and prompted an outcry from global leaders. Israel, however, vowed to press on with the Rafah strike despite the global condemnation and a US warning.

The United Nations has long warned of looming famine, especially in the north of besieged Gaza. And since the Rafah incursion, the UN Chief, said he was becoming increasingly worried about malnutrition in the south.

The Israeli army claimed that their aircraft had targeted a Hamas compound in Rafah, resulting in the deaths of two senior Hamas operatives, Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar. They acknowledged reports of civilian casualties due to the strike and the subsequent fire, stating that the incident was under investigation.

The US faces growing pressure to take a firmer stance after a deadly strike in the Gazan city. Questions are mounting over how long President Joe Biden can tolerate an Israeli assault on Rafah when the International Court of Justice -- the UN's top court, of which both the US and Israel are members -- ordered it to stop.

Gaza security officers said that Israeli tanks were now also "in central and southwest Rafah".

The war in Gaza began after Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 36,096 people in Gaza.

[wordexpress]

India Coach Application Deadline Ends: No Top Foreign Names Apply, VVS Laxman Not Interested, Gautam Gambhir…

The deadline for applying for the post of Indian men's cricket team chief coach ended on Monday but both the BCCI and the top name in its wishlist, Gautam Gambhir chose to keep mum on the development. After guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL trophy on Sunday, it is but natural that Gambhir's name is getting more momentum. While both interested parties haven't said anything on record, the BCCI, it seems, doesn't have too many quality options available at the moment.

It is understood that no notable foreign name has applied for the post, especially after BCCI secretary Jay Shah made it clear that the Board is looking at someone who has risen through the ranks and knows the domestic structure.

It could be safely said that the BCCI's primary target was VVS Laxman, the National Cricket Academy head, but the stylish Hyderabadi seems not interested in a full time position which requires him to available for 10 months a year.

"The deadline is fine, but the BCCI brass wouldn't mind taking some more time before reaching a decision. Right now, the team will be busy with World T20 for the better part of the month of June. After that seniors will be rested from tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe where any of the NCA-based senior coaches can accompany the team. So what's the hurry," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Also, KKR principal owner Shah Rukh Khan shares a deep bond with Gambhir and it is not easy to leave an IPL team which has been a part of identity for the former India opener.

There's another aspect that needs to be look into seriously -- what senior India players, currently in New York, feel on whether Gambhir can indeed be Rahul Dravid's replacement.

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KCR Wanted to Arrest BJP's BL Santosh: Big Claim in Tapping Row

Inquiries into the Telangana phone-snooping row have thrown up yet another explosive allegation - that then Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao wanted to arrest senior BJP leader BL Santosh to force a "compromise" and "get rid of the Enforcement Directorate case" against his daughter K Kavitha.

The allegations were made by ex-Deputy Commissioner of Police P Radhakrishna Rao in a six-page confession that contained damning claims, including one that said he "arm-twisted certain persons creating trouble" for the former Chief Minister and/or his family members and the ruling party.

Mr Rao - arrested in March from his Banjara Hills Hyderabad home - also claimed he had, on orders from the Chief Minister or his inside circle, been active in "suppressing dissent or protest or agitation against the BRS (then called the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, or TRS) and/or its government…"

The former senior cop, who was also a member of the Hyderabad City Task Force, said KCR, whom he called "peddayana" or his "elder", would get "irritated by minor dissent or criticism"

But perhaps the biggest flashpoint was an elaborate plot-and-counterplot drama involving the BRS' Tandur lawmaker Panjugula "Pilot" Rohith Reddy, an alleged poaching attempt by the BJP, and the former Chief Minister scheming to entrap his rivals and force dropping of charges against Ms Kavitha.

"… sometime in the last week of October (before the 2023 Assembly election), one day Prabhakar Rao told me Chief Minister had information from an MLA that some persons claiming to be influential in BJP (were) asking him to leave BRS and join (the rival party)," Mr Rao said in his letter.

T Prabhakar Rao was then the chief of the Special Intelligence Branch and reportedly tasked by the former Chief Minister with running the allegedly illegal phone tapping operation. Prabhakar Rao - expected to return shortly from the United States - has been named as 'Accused No 1' in the case.

"KCR, thinking to use this to corner the BJP, had asked the Special Intelligence Branch to put surveillance over these private persons (reportedly from the saffron party) and the MLA…"

The result was an audio tape that led to the arrest of three people after a 'sting op' at the farmhouse on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The BJP firmly denied it tried to poach any BRS legislators.

A SIT, or special investigative team, was set up to 'investigate' the BRS' poaching claims, and it was this team that K Chandrasekhar Rao reportedly wanted to use to arrest the BJP's BL Santosh.

Mr Santosh was named as an accused in the case but, after a stay from the Telangana High Court, authorities confirmed in November 2022 he would not be questioned in this matter.

However, the unfortunate, "inefficiency of some Cyberabad police officers" put a premature end to this operation. "The case went to the High Court, where do-not-arrest orders were issued and the case was transferred to the CBI (which reports to the centre)… pedayanna KCR was very angry."

[wordexpress]

DMK mouthpiece Murasoli slams Governor RN Ravi for 'saffronising' Thiruvalluvar

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Mouthpiece Murasoli on Monday attacked Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, accusing him of 'saffronising' Thiruvalluvar and said that he insulted the ancient Tamil poet-saint.

Murasoli claimed that paying respects to a portrait of Thiruvalluvar clad in saffron, Ravi has proved that he didn't read even a single couplet of Thirukkural (a collection of couplets on ethics, political and economic matters, and love written by him).

"Saffron today is the symbol of division. Isn't it an insult to saffronise Thiruvalluvar, who said that all are born equal!", Murasoli claimed in one of the articles.

Murasoli also claimed that the divinity mentioned in Thirukkural is not the divinity used by BJP for 'divide and rule'.

Murasoli went on to say that the tactics of 'embrace and destroy' is being used by Governor Ravi and that a few couplets have been chosen to portray Vedic principles. It further said that such people will never support Sanga Tamil but only Sanghi Tamil.

The ruling DMK, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, and Governor RN Ravi have come at loggerheads over a host of issues, one of them being the swearing-in of former Minister K Ponmudy's swearing-in as a Cabinet Minister in March.

Ravi had refused to administer the oath of office to Ponmudy, rejecting Chief Minister MK Stalin's request after the Supreme Court stayed Ponmudy's conviction in a disproportionate assets case and suspended three-year jail sentence.

[wordexpress]

Develop your knowledge in a range of management disciplines and equip with skills to progress your career – Join for MBA at Rohini College of Engineering and Technology

Rohini College of Engineering and Technology is always reinventing itself to keep ahead of the competition because it is in the business of developing industry-ready leaders. The MBA syllabus has been deliberately constructed utilising an outcome-based approach to cater to a holistic, multinational, and integrated learning experience in order to suit the particular needs of industry.

High standards of delivery are also maintained at Rohini College of Engineering and Technology, with highly qualified and experienced faculty members available to students. You can also enjoy a series of MBA Masterclasses from industry experts, bringing you cutting-edge business insights to inform your learning.

The various types of management programmes available at RCET are:

• M.B.A — Operations Management

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• M.B.A — Financial Management

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• M.B.A — Human Resource Management

• M.B.A — Logistics & Supply Chain Management

• M.B.A — Infrastructure & Real Estate Management

Rohini College of Engineering and Technology, Top Engineering college in Kanyakumari aims to disseminate quality education in management through a holistic and innovative approach. They also focus on fostering a conducive learning environment and encourage continuous improvement. RCET also build leaders of ethical values who can contribute to organization and society.

The Best Engineering College in Kanyakumari district, Rohini institution of Engineering and Technology, places a strong emphasis on activities geared at capacity building and skill growth. The activities are designed to help students improve their leadership, adaptive management, and technical skills. Some of the activities carried out at RCET in order to increase the students’ skill set include training sessions in soft skills, language and communication skills, life skills, and awareness of technological trends.

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Infosys Techie Killed At Hotel Near Pune, Boyfriend Seen On CCTV Arrested

A software engineer working with Infosys was shot dead Saturday night at a hotel on Pune outskirts, police have said. The woman's boyfriend has been arrested for allegedly murdering her, and a pistol recovered from him.

The incident took place at a Oyo hotel in Pimpri Chinchwad's Hinjewari area. After police received information about a firing incident, they reached the hotel and recovered the woman's body. The body was on the floor and blood stains were found in the room.

According to police, the woman has been identified as Vandana Dviwedi and her boyfriend as Rishabh Nigam. Both were originally from Uttar Pradesh. The investigation so far has found that the two were in a relationship and an altercation led to the murder. The accused is now being questioned for more information about the tragic incident.

Rishabh came under the police's scanner after CCTV footage from the hotel showed him exiting the room late at night. Police then started scanning vehicles at checkpoints and caught him.

"The hotel room booking was done in the name of Vandana and Rishabh. So he is our prime suspect. Further probe is on," senior police officer Vishal Hire told the media.

[wordexpress]

Congress vs BJP As Hanuman Flag Removed In Karnataka, Situation Tense

In Keragodu village of Karnataka's Mandya, a controversy over a Hanuman flag has led to political confrontations, protests, and police intervention. The incident took place last week when a group of men erected a 108-foot flagpole and raised a Hanuman flag.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 have been issued in the village because of the tense situation.

The village panchayat had granted permission for the installation of the flagpole, but complaints were filed against it, prompting officials to request the removal of the Hanuman flag. Villagers, however, stood firm in their decision, accusing a few individuals of attempting to politicise the matter. A large police contingent was deployed, and members of the BJP, JD(S), and Bajrang Dal joined villagers in protesting against the removal.

Protests escalated on Saturday when villagers closed their shops in defiance. Yesterday, Gram Panchayat officials visited the village to remove the flag, leading to a gathering of villagers chanting slogans of 'Go Back' in protest against the officials.

The controversy took a political turn when banners of local Congress MLA Ravi Kumar were vandalised during the protests. In response, police presence was heightened in the region, anticipating further unrest.

BJP leaders and Hindu activists strongly condemned the removal of the flag. The BJP announced plans to hold protests in all districts of Karnataka, with a specific protest scheduled at Mysuru Bank Circle in Bengaluru today.

To quell the unrest, police resorted to lathi charge and replacing the Hanuman flag with the national flag on the flagpole. Official sources revealed that the flag post's installation was funded by residents of Keragodu and 12 neighboring villages, with the active involvement of BJP and JD(S) workers.

Opposition parties criticised the Congress-led government for the police intervention, with BJP leader R Ashoka condemning the government's "anti-Hindu stance." He argued that the Hanuman flag was raised with the gram panchayat's approval, questioning the sudden removal by the Congress government.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded to the situation, expressing concern that a 'bhagwa dwaja' (saffron flag) had been raised instead of the national flag.

"It is not right. I have asked (the authorities concerned) to hoist the national flag."

The District In-charge Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy clarified that the flagpole's location falls under the panchayat's jurisdiction, and permission was initially obtained for hoisting the national flag on Republic Day.

"There may be politics behind it (the installation of the Hanuman flag replacing the National Flag). I don't know who is behind it …This country works under democracy and the Constitution. Tomorrow they may say they want to hoist the flag (saffron flag) in front of the DC's office. Can it be allowed? If it is permitted at one place, it will extend to other places. This is the only reservation," he said.

"We are not here to hurt our youth. I have spoken to officials, police and youths. We are ready to install the Hanuman flag at a private place or near a temple. We will support them. We too are Rama Bhaktas," he added.

[wordexpress]

China's Xi Jinping's "Break New Ground" Offer To France, Days After Macron's India Visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping has offered to "break new ground" to give a fillip to the China-France ties, days after French President Emmanuel Macron's high-profile visit to India during which the two countries unveiled an ambitious defence roadmap besides intensifying cooperation in the strategic Indian Ocean and the Indo-Pacific region.

Macron's visit to India also coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France.

In his message on the occasion, Xi said "As today's world is once again at a critical crossroads, China and France should jointly open up a path of peace, security, prosperity and progress for human development."

Xi said China attaches great importance to the development of bilateral ties and he stands ready to work with Macron to take the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an "opportunity to uphold fundamental principles, break new ground, build on past achievements, open up a new future, and make China-France comprehensive strategic partnership more solid and dynamic," the official media reported.

China has offered to step up French imports to the country, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

"We will continue to unleash consumer and investment market demand, continue to expand the import of high-quality products and services from France", he said and hoped that France too will provide Chinese companies with a fair, just and predictable business environment.

China prioritises ties with France as Macron is pushing Europe to become a third bloc, a balancing force between the US and China.

Hailing China-France ties, Chinese official media has called for stepping up cooperation in high-tech areas.

"Scientific and technological cooperation between France and China has been a cornerstone of their relationship. From aerospace and the nuclear industry to renewable energy, the two countries have made significant strides in joint research and development", state-run China Daily said in its editorial.

President Macron was the sixth leader from France to be the chief guest at India's 75th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26.

Beijing kept a wary watch on Macron's visit to India as Paris is emerging as a key defence partner to New Delhi amid efforts by the US and European Union to court India as a counterweight to counter China.

After Macron's talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two countries unveiled an ambitious defence industrial roadmap to co-develop critical military hardware besides firming up cooperation in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region, a key area of concern for China.

"Defence and security partnership has been the cornerstone of India-France partnership in the Indo-Pacific region, which includes a comprehensive range of bilateral, multinational, regional and institutional initiatives, especially in the Indian Ocean Region", the joint statement issued after Macron's visit to India said.

"They also agreed to intensify their cooperation in the Southwest Indian Ocean, building on the joint surveillance missions carried out from the French island territory of La Reunion in 2020 and 2022", it said.

The intensification of India-France cooperation in the Indian Ocean concerns China as it tries to make forays in India's backyard.

The US, India and several other world powers have been discussing the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's rising military manoeuvring in the resource-rich region.

[wordexpress]

Jadeja's LBW Dismissal Sparks DRS Debate

India batter Ravindra Jadeja looked set to complete his century as he arrived on the pitch on Day 3 of the first Test against England in Hyderabad. However, only a few runs later, England star Joe Root trapped him in front of the stumps, and the umpire had no issue in raising his finger. However, Jadeja remained unconvinced and went straight to the third umpire, opting for a DRS referral.

The third umpire analysed the footage available from multiple angles, and in the end, the decision went in the favour of Root and the England team. But, that didn't stop a social media debate from triggering.

The confusion erupted in the mind of the third umpire after the Ultra Edge showed a big spike just as the ball passed the bat. But, the impact on the pad was also at the same time. Hence, it became inconclusive if the ball hit the bat before it hit the pad.

As the third umpire went for ball tracking, both the impact on the pad and on the stumps showed 'umpire's call' on the giant screen. The final decision, hence, went in the favour of the bowling side as the on-field decision was out.

Ravi Shastri, on commentary duty for the match, agreed with the decision and also explained why Jadeja didn't get the benefit of the doubt. The former India head coach also explained if the on-field decision was given in favour of the batter, Jadeja would've stayed not-out.

After Jadeja's dismissal, India didn't add much runs with the bat, with Jasprit Bumrah departing on the next ball of the over from Root. Axar Patel also couldn't score a half-century, departing a few deliveries later as India took a 190-run first innings lead against England.