Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

<keyword id="19902762" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Google" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Google" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Google">Google</keyword> laid off thousands of employees in 2023 and many found their lives turned upside down with just an email notification. After all, when you have given your heart and soul to an organisation, it is never easy accepting the fact that you are being asked to leave at a moment’s notice. The situation becomes even more complicated when you have been with the company for more than a decade. Something similar happened with <keyword id="23300967" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nicholas-Whitaker" source="keywords">Nicholas Whitaker</keyword>, who had been working with the company since 2010 and found out about his <keyword id="20118388" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="layoff" source="keywords">layoff</keyword> abruptly. <h2>The 3 am email bringing bad news</h2>“My layoff experience was traumatic. I got an email at 3 am to my personal email, that I only found because a colleague pinged me on Linkedin in the DMs to ask if I was ‘Ok’ and if I was ‘safe’,” Whitaker told <keyword id="21390875" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Business-Insider-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Business Insider India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Business Insider India">Business Insider India</keyword> in a conversation. He added that when his colleague enquired about his safety, he thought it was a “shooting or some natural disaster.” In other words, he didn’t even imagine that he was being laid off from Google. He then revealed that when he checked his work email, he discovered that he was locked out of his laptop and phone. He then checked his personal email and there it was, the “short and impersonal email” that told him that his role at Google was being eliminated. <h2>The layoff process was uncomfortable</h2>When Google announced large-scale layoffs last year, the company made a lot of headlines for handling them in an unprofessional manner. In March 2023, several Google employees had even written an open letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, asking him to deal with layoffs in a better manner. Whitaker, narrating his own experience, shared with Business Insider India that after receiving the dreadful layoff email at 3 am, he spent the next few months completing formalities to get his payments that were due. He said, “It took all of the next several months for me to mail back my laptop, badge and any gear that I had that was Google property. (I also had to) navigate unemployment, health insurance and get all of the documentation I had to submit to "self Offboard" and to receive payments that I was supposed to get.” “Along the way there were multiple errors and miscommunications from the team that made it all even more uncomfortable,” he said. Whitaker also noted a complete lack of communication and empathy from his old team at Google. “I got a single text message from my prior manager asking how I was doing a few days after I was laid off, but otherwise no one reached out to check on me or offer assistance from my old team. Overall I found the process to be brutally impersonal and inhumane,” he said. <h2>Experience at Google</h2>But was Google always “inhumane” in his experience? Not really. There were some amazing days too and Google, according to Whitaker, was a different company when he had joined. “My initial experience working at Google was like it was a completely different company. I started as a temp, contractor and then a vendor for Google back in 2010, and at the time I think it was something like 40,000 employees. It had a real startup feel to it. Teams were agile and collaborative, and there was a lot of room for growth. It may have been specific to my team and org, but it felt like you had a lot more room for experimentation and autonomy to make decisions, and failure wasn't seen as a bad thing, but a necessary part of innovation,” he said. Whitaker also said that a “class system” was there at Google, especially since he was a TVC (Temporary, Vendor and Contractor). “As a TVC you wouldn't be included in many of the activities and learning opportunities that full time employees had, and didn't get invited to extracurricular activities. There was a real bias towards culture at the time, and words like Don't be Evil, and be Googly were often used.” However, in general, he added that the atmosphere was positive and full of possibilities. “Colleagues generally were very supportive, collaborative and encouraging to work with. I was excited as this was my first time working in big tech, or Corporate America and I saw that period of time as a real coming of age for me. I learned how to be a professional at Google and appreciated all of the early guidance and support that I got from colleagues and leaders.” <h2>Helping others</h2>It has now been over a year since Whitaker was laid off. He now has his own venture and helps other people navigate their careers. Talking about what motivated him to kick-start his own venture, he said, “After 13 years in big tech, the last few years in particular being particularly difficult due to toxic teams and leaders, I didn't want to jump right back into that kind of experience again. A year before getting laid off, I had experienced a bad <keyword id="19956983" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mental-health" source="keywords">mental health</keyword> crisis that was the result of workplace bullying, gaslighting and toxic leadership. "I wanted to help others avoid and recover from similar situations and create a community where people can find mutual support and coaching on how to best navigate their careers in a conscious way. My severance after working so long at Google allowed me to fund the launch of my coaching business, and eventually ‘changingwork.org’." <keyword id="23300968" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Changing-Work" source="keywords">Changing Work</keyword>, Whitaker explained, is his way of addressing a deep need in corporate life — helping people rediscover their sense of purpose and alignment in their careers and finding ways to build more conscious leaders and businesses. He added, “What makes this so transformative for me personally is that it allowed me to step into a role where I could integrate all the lessons from my own career—especially the parts that were hardest for me. During my time at Google, I saw firsthand how high-pressure environments can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a disconnect from our true selves.” The recent tragic death of a young CA at Ernst &amp; Young (EY) employee in India has turned the spotlight on toxic work cultures prevalent in many high-pressure industries. Broader debates on burnout, mental health struggles, and unrealistic expectations in corporate environments in the workplace have occupied social media platforms. This incident serves as a painful reminder that companies must prioritize <keyword id="21050364" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="employee-well-being" source="keywords">employee well-being</keyword> and mental health to foster sustainable, humane workplaces. And makes the work that people like Whitaker are doing all the more important. “I’ve spoken publicly about how mindfulness practice, coaching and therapy literally saved my life during some of my darkest times at Google. Changing Work is the culmination of that journey. It’s not just about helping others find balance and fulfillment—it’s about creating a space where I can live those values every day,” he concludes.

Fired from Google after 13 years of service, he used his severance to build a business around helping others with their careers

A new study published in <keyword id="22188694" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Lancet-Global-Health" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="The Lancet Global Health" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="The Lancet Global Health">The Lancet Global Health</keyword> paints a concerning picture for <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>. Nearly half (49.4%) of <keyword id="6357805" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian" source="Orion">Indian</keyword> adults are failing to meet the recommended levels of <keyword id="20053428" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="physical-activity" source="keywords">physical activity</keyword> according to the World Health Organization (<keyword id="19895006" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="WHO" source="keywords">WHO</keyword>). This lack of movement is a ticking time bomb, putting millions at risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia and some cancers. Globally, nearly a third of adults (1.8 billion people) are failing to meet activity recommendations but India finds itself at the forefront of this growing public health concern. India ranks 12th globally for <keyword id="702971" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="physical-inactivity" source="Orion">physical inactivity</keyword>. The study highlights that the worrying prevalence of inactivity has more than doubled since 2000. India is followed closely by countries like Pakistan, where 45.7% of the people are physically inactive. This is in stark contrast to neighbouring countries like Bhutan (9.9%) and Nepal (8.2%) where activity levels are considerably higher. Still, the highest inactivity rates are concentrated in South Asia (45%) and the high-income Asia-Pacific region (48%). Another troubling trend that the researchers uncovered was the <keyword id="20646065" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gender-gap" source="keywords">gender gap</keyword> in physical activity among men and women. In India, women (57%) were more physically inactive than men (42%) as of 2022. These trends, if left unchecked, could lead to a global healthcare burden of $300 billion over the next decade. Fortunately, there's a readily available solution - get moving! The WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week for adults. These seemingly simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of numerous chronic diseases. The good news? Physical activity doesn't have to be complicated. Walking, cycling, housework, and even playing can all contribute to a healthier lifestyle. The message from this report is clear: India faces a looming inactivity crisis. We must all take steps, quite literally at times, for a healthier future.

All work, no play? Nearly 50% of Indians fail to meet WHO’s recommended standard for physical activity

Capitalism may have a lot of ramifications, but one very pervasive side-effect to the system is eye-bags. Many a man — and woman — has had to trade their valued sleep-time for coin, after all. But what if there was a way to get paid FOR sleeping? In 2023, <keyword id="22966515" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="saishwari-patil" source="keywords">Saishwari Patil</keyword>, an auditor based in Bengaluru, clinched the title of ‘<keyword id="22966518" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sleep-champion-of-the-year" source="keywords">Sleep Champion of the Year</keyword>’ and took home a prize of INR 9 lakh. But how? <keyword id="21339903" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wakefit" source="keywords">Wakefit</keyword> has been hosting a “Sleep Internship” for a while now, drawing attention from across the country. The company calls upon applicants to participate in their program for 60 days where they’re mostly expected to hit the 9-hour sleep KPI, take power naps and test a new Wakefit mattress. And suffice to say that last year’s competition was intense. First, the winner had to get selected from a massive pool of 5 lakh applicants vying for a spot in the <keyword id="22966519" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="wakefit-sleep-internship" source="keywords">Wakefit Sleep Internship</keyword>. After that, they had to compete with 11 other participants that were shortlisted — all of whom were paid a stipend of Rs 1 lakh. Over the course of the 2-month-long program, these sleep interns logged a combined total of 7,000 hours of sleep, with their progress monitored and evaluated based on their sleep efficiency. The competition reached its peak with a live “sleep-off,” where the top four finalists slept in custom sleep pods, competing for the ultimate prize. And Saishwari emerged victorious with a remarkable sleep efficiency score of 99%, securing her position as the season’s top sleeper. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112794594" title="The former Twitter director who went viral for sleeping in the office was deeply concerned about employee burnout" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>The Wakefit <keyword id="22966514" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sleep-internship" source="keywords">Sleep Internship</keyword> is not just a quirky contest; it’s also a part of the company’s broader mission to address a growing issue in India. According to the Great Indian Sleep Scorecard 2024, nearly 50% of Indians wake up feeling tired, with factors like long working hours, stress, and poor sleep environments contributing to widespread sleep deprivation. By creating the Sleep Internship, Wakefit aims to shine a light on the importance of <keyword id="20334530" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="quality-sleep" source="keywords">quality sleep</keyword> and encourage people to prioritise rest in their daily lives. The internship is a tongue-in-cheek way to promote better sleep habits, offering participants not just money, but also insights into improving their <keyword id="20760931" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sleep-health" source="keywords">sleep health</keyword>, the company said. The good news is that you may have a chance at being crowned the next <keyword id="22966517" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sleep-champion" source="keywords">Sleep Champion</keyword> of the Year! Building on the success of the previous seasons, Wakefit has already opened registrations for the fourth edition of its Sleep Internship. This time, the stakes are even higher, with the winner standing to earn up to Rs 10 lakh! Wakefit promises that this season will be more engaging than ever, with participants receiving a state-of-the-art Wakefit mattress and advanced sleep tracker. Additionally, the interns will undergo a series of sessions with sleep experts, fitness professionals, and wellness coaches, all aimed at enhancing their sleep quality. As the conversation around sleep continues to evolve, this initiative, while playful, underscores a critical message: quality sleep is not just a luxury, but a necessity for overall well-being. In the meantime, candidates interested in the program can fill in their entries <a href="https://www.wakefit.co/sleepintern/">here</a>. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="95275829" title="Wakefit.co announces &amp;#39;No Questions Asked&amp;#39; wellness leave policy for staff" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

A Bengaluru auditor earned Rs 9 lakh just for sleeping, and here’s how you can too!

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 11 (ANI): The earnings result season for Q1 (April-June) 2024 has commenced with major companies set to report their performance on Thursday in the Indian <keyword id="19925636" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="stock-market" source="keywords">stock market</keyword>, marking a significant period for investors and analysts. According to the <keyword id="19911480" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bombay-stock-exchange" source="keywords">Bombay Stock Exchange</keyword> (BSE), major <keyword id="20062339" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IT-companies" source="keywords">IT companies</keyword> in the country will report their <keyword id="20164830" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="financial-results" source="keywords">financial results</keyword> for the first quarter of 2024 this week. Among the notable names, Tata Consultancy Services (<keyword id="19950203" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="TCS" source="keywords">TCS</keyword>) is set to announce its first-quarter performance results on Thursday. In its previous earnings announcement, TCS reported a 9 per cent rise in net profit for the fourth quarter of FY24, achieving Rs 12,434 crore compared to Rs 11,392 crore in Q4 of FY23. This substantial growth has heightened expectations for the company's first-quarter performance. Thursday also marks the earnings announcement for Anand Rathi, a financial services firm. The firm's results will be closely monitored by market participants, given its significant influence in the financial sector. The company's performance will provide valuable insights into the broader financial services landscape and help gauge the health of the sector in the current economic environment. Following TCS, other IT giants are scheduled to announce their results in the coming days. HCL Technologies will release its earnings on Friday, July 12th. LtiMindtree is slated to announce its <keyword id="21174432" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Q1-2024" source="keywords">Q1 2024</keyword> results on July 17th. Infosys will reveal its numbers on July 18th, while Wipro is set to report its first-quarter performance on July 19th. Additionally, Tech Mahindra is expected to announce its Q1 results on July 26th. These announcements are highly anticipated as they will provide a comprehensive overview of the financial health and operational performance of these leading companies. The <keyword id="20034955" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="earnings-season" source="keywords">earnings season</keyword> is a crucial period for the stock market, offering insights into the performance and future prospects of listed companies. The results announced by these companies will not only influence their stock prices but also set the tone for the market's direction in the near term. Investors and analysts will closely analyze various metrics, including revenue growth, profit margins, and future guidance, to make informed decisions. As the earnings reports start rolling in, market sentiment will be shaped by the performance of the key players.

As earnings season begins, major companies' performance reports to decide market movement in coming days

“I started <keyword id="20024281" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investing" source="keywords">investing</keyword> when I was 24, and had just taken up my first job. At first, it felt like a herculean task, setting aside Rs 15,000 every month for long-term investing. But now, at 29, I have a comfortable corpus with me, and I am able to even fund my sister’s education. I now realise how investing is the first step towards achieving some level of financial independence”. That was Yumna, a 29-year-old Delhi-based communication professional’s “tryst with her finances”. Tomorrow, India will celebrate its “tryst with destiny”, its 78th day of independence from Britishers. And so, it is certainly the right time to revisit our personal journeys towards independence, at least financially. If we heavily rely on our monthly salaries, being broke towards the end of the month, and desperately waiting for that end-of-the-month fund credit “ting”, then are we really independent? So, this Independence Day, consider gifting yourself (and your friends and loved ones) these five presents that promise you financial freedom. <h2>Start SIP-ing in Mutual Funds, stocks</h2>The British ruled India for almost 200 years, starting from the battle of Plassey in 1757, to when India finally ousted the British Raj in 1947. Nearly 200 years of tireless persistence, struggle and revolution was what it took to achieve freedom. Keep that in mind when you feel constantly investing for 10-15 years is “way too long!”. Consider this. Yumna started investing Rs 15,000 every month, five years ago. Assuming 12% p.a. in return, she has already amassed over Rs 12,00,000, out of which her investments are worth Rs 9,00,000, while her returns come to Rs 3,37,295. What if Yumna continues to invest at this pace for the next 20 years? If she invests Rs 15,000 (and assuming 12% p.a. return), she’d have invested Rs 36,00,000, while her returns would be a whopping Rs 1,13,87,219, making her total corpus worth Rs 1,49,87,219. The best time to start investing in the market was yesterday. So, if you’re yet to start investing, do so right away. But remember, it’s a marathon, and not a sprint, so remember to stay in and invested for the long run. <keyword id="20481917" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="index-funds" source="keywords">Index funds</keyword>, which basically mirror popular market indices like Nifty and Sensex are a good place to start. <h2>Insure yourself</h2>Getting a term and <keyword id="19894985" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-insurance" source="keywords">health insurance</keyword> should be at the top of your to-do list, immediately after you start earning. And no, don't rely just on your employer-provided <keyword id="19996817" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="insurance" source="keywords">insurance</keyword>. Plus, having term insurance can also help you save on taxes (an annual premium paid of up to Rs 25,000 for those aged less than 60 is tax-free under old tax regime), apart from saving you during medical emergencies. Says Sabyasachi Sarkar, Appointed Actuary, Go Digit Life Insurance, “a life insurance plan is a tool that provides a safety net for your family in case of unexpected events and for your need of savings or pension. Ideally one should take a term life cover that is at least 10-15 times your annual income. Moreover, adding riders like death benefits or disability coverage to your policy can offer protection and advantages beyond the basic coverage. Moreover, when picking a life insurance company, consider factors like the claim settlement ratio, returns etc”. Once you’ve insured your life, it's time to safeguard your health as well, with a solid health insurance policy. As Vivek Chaturvedi, CMO and Head of Direct Sales at Go Digit General Insurance notes, “Ensure the plan that you are picking does not come with any cap on the choice of room or ICU as this may impact your overall hospitalization bill. Second, make sure your policy provides a sum insured backup or reinstatement benefit.” Also, check for the pre- and post-hospitalization benefits in your health coverage. Ensure that expenses like diagnostic tests, doctor’s fees, medical check-ups, etc. that you might have to incur before you get hospitalized or after you are discharged are covered. A good plan should provide at least 60/90 days of pre- and post-hospitalization coverage. And lastly, check the coverage for organ donor expenses. While it is a low-probability event, any organ transplant is an expensive affair. This ensures such costs are covered by the insurer. <h2>Save for a rainy day</h2>“It can’t happen to us until it does”. When you are flooded with a daily deluge of news about accidents, deaths, fires, train wrecks and more, it’s easy to disassociate and think “Oh, this won’t happen to me”. But when emergencies arrive at your doorstep, they don't knock but rather break the door down. As such, it's best to be financially prepared for any contingencies, and the best way to do so is to have an <keyword id="20747810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="emergency-fund" source="keywords">emergency fund</keyword> handy. For this, you can set aside 3-6 times your monthly income in a liquid mutual fund, recurring deposit (RD) or savings bank account. This will help you tide over a medical emergency, job loss and more. But remember, this is not to be broken into for funding those impromptu vacations! <h2>Upskill, Upskill</h2>Earning money is hard, but still easier than effectively managing it. Most of us run away from managing and investing our own hard-earned money because it sounds difficult and looks too complicated and jargon-y. This Independence Day, gift yourself a basic course on <keyword id="20762784" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="money-management" source="keywords">money management</keyword>, budgeting and investing. You won’t become <keyword id="19921921" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="warren-buffett" source="keywords">Warren Buffett</keyword> overnight, but it will certainly be a good start. Start with a basic budget and importantly, stick to it. Write and track how much you earn and spend on a monthly basis, so that you’re more in charge of your funds, and not looking (hopefully!), at maxed-out credit cards and empty wallets at the end of the month. <h2>Be free of anything that looks easy money</h2>These days, it’s super easy to get credit, a personal loan, and buy your favourite gadget, or your latest fascination via <keyword id="19985897" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BNPL" source="keywords">BNPL</keyword> (Buy Now Pay Later). And in the short run, it can be incredibly satisfying as well. But then, when you get your monthly statements, and find a never-ending stream of interest charges, and penalties, which eventually pull you into a spiral of debt trap. If something looks too good to be true, it might really just be too good to be true. BNPL and instant credit are very much like that. So, the next time you want to buy something expensive, hold that thought for at least 48 hours, before revisiting it. Most of the time, you’ll find you don't even desire it anymore. If you still have the urge to buy it, try the saving and buying approach, instead of swiping your credit card or signing up for BNPL apps!

Five gifts you can give to yourself, friends, or family, towards achieving financial independence

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The death of a 26-year-old EY employee has triggered a conversation about India's work culture.</li><li>The employee's family says that she was overworked — and that it reflects a wider problem.</li></ul>Fourteen-hour work days, meetings during vacations, and no overtime.To some, this may sound like a job from hell. But for many employees in India, it's just another working day.India has one of the toughest work cultures in the world. In 2022, according to the most recently available data from the <a target="_blank" href="https://ilostat.ilo.org/topics/working-time/#">International Labour Organization</a>, the average employee in India worked 46.7 hours a week, compared to about 38 in the US.Not only are employees in India working long hours, but many are also doing it under intense pressure."The pressure is very, very high," Jennifer Hephzibah, a senior HR professional in India, told Business Insider. "If you don't deliver it at a particular time, you either lose your bonus, or you lose your job. It doesn't matter what you're going through otherwise."A Boston Consulting Group <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/india-hr-revolution-building-workplaces-for-the-future&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1727195342438866&amp;usg=AOvVaw366N6_QMHZIy6fbfnMv__Y">survey</a> of 11,000 workers in eight countries in October 2023 found that 58% of Indian respondents reported feeling burned out — the highest share of any of the countries, including the US (50%), the UK (47%), and Japan (37%).<h2 id="56dd16d5-8f41-4ab5-aad1-efb517f1a780">'Glorifying overwork'</h2>This always-on culture has come under the spotlight recently following the death of an EY employee, Anna Sebastian Perayil, in July.Peryail's father, Sebastian Perayil, told<a target="_blank" href="https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/what-action-will-ey-take-anna-sebastians-father-speaks-to-tnm"> The News Minute</a> that he believed his daughter died of a combination of health issues, including work stress and acid reflux which triggered a lack of sleep. The official cause of Perayil's death, however, remains unclear."Anna was unable to sleep on most days and couldn't eat on time," he told the publication. "After a whole night of work, she would have to wake up at 7:30 the next morning and repeat the same cycle."According to<a target="_blank" href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/mother-pens-letter-following-death-of-26-year-old-daughter-due-to-work-stress-urges-ey-chairman-to-reflect-on-toxic-work-culture/article68656957.ece"> The Hindu</a>, Perayil's mother emailed Rajiv Memani, the chairman at EY India, in the wake of Perayil's death, saying her daughter had collapsed four months into the job after struggling with "the workload, new environment, and long hours."She also accused EY of "glorifying overwork."EY told BI it was "taking the family's correspondence with utmost seriousness and humility" and called Perayil's death an "irreparable loss."<h2 id="0e580f7b-a1b5-40de-bcd5-4c5e1cd9f1da">A 70-hour workweek</h2>Concerns about India's workplace culture are not new.Last year, the software billionaire and Infosys founder Narayana Murthy sparked controversy after saying that young people in India should be willing to work 70 hours a week to help the country progress."India's work productivity is one of the lowest in the world," he told<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES8ZNSTswrs"> The Record</a>, going on to say that unless India improved several factors including its work productivity, "we will not be able to compete with those countries that have made tremendous progress.""So, therefore," he continued, "my request is that our youngsters must say: "'This is my country. I'd like to work 70 hours a week.'"The comments appear to reflect wider expectations in India, even among employers with head offices elsewhere.Kavach Khanna, a former EY analyst in India, told BI that he believed he was expected to do more work than his US colleagues."We used to talk to colleagues in the US in the same roles, and their experience was completely different from ours," Khanna said. "They would get to go for client meetings, leave the office on time, no stretched workdays, and they weren't overburdened like we were."EY did not immediately respond to a request for comment.<h2 id="c34411b0-4cf7-4ac6-b8b5-d828d78369df">Cost centers and cheap labor</h2>Huge multinational companies, such as EY, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, and Accenture, have set up cost centers in India.These centers, also called Global Capability Centers (GCCs), manage everything from cyber security to product development. They can also manage human resources and accounting.They are cheaper to run in India due to lower labor costs, and they help companies tap into a wide and hungry pool of tech-savvy, English-speaking talent.An <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://assets.ey.com/content/dam/ey-sites/ey-com/en_in/topics/consulting/gcc/2023/06/ey-future-of-gccs-in-india-a-vision-2030.pdf">EY report in 2023 </a>projected that India is set to host at least 2,400 such centers by 2030, with a market value of more than $100 billion.An associate at the Indian office of a multinational banking and advisory firm told BI that even at his Western company, he believed Indian employees were expected to work longer and harder.He said 16- to 18-hour workdays — including some weekends — were normal in his job."A lot of multinational corporations use India as a cost center because of the cheap labor," said the associate, who wanted to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. "Offices in other countries have boundaries and then dump their extra work on us."Jeanie Chang, an executive coach who specializes in workplace mental health, said she had noticed such a trend, too. "It definitely exists that multinational companies tend to think, 'We love that the Indians work hard, so let's keep doing that.'"Chang also noted that some Asian communities place a cultural importance on work ethic that can lend itself to exploitation."There's a word in Japanese and Korean," Chang said, "that literally means 'overworking yourself to death.' That should say something."<h2 id="799c5726-4028-4993-85d3-1175f4f96f4d">Fear of replacement</h2>So what is stopping employees from demanding change?Part of it might come down to competition. In 2022, <a target="_blank" class="" href="http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/file/India%20Employment%20Report%202024.pdf">according to the India Employment Report 2024</a>, India's youth made up nearly 83% of the country's total unemployed population. With <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/budget/68432023-Economic-Survey-2023-24-Complete-document">India's workforce</a> thought to number well over 500 million, each job counts.Hephzibah, the senior HR professional, said that the sheer number of available workers has contributed to a feeling that employees are expendable, and has held them back from saying no to unreasonable demands for fear of losing their jobs.Perayil's mother's email, for instance, said her daughter "did not know how to say no.""She was trying to prove herself in a new environment, and in doing so, she pushed herself beyond her limits," the email said,Hephzibah said this was especially true for younger workers, who may not have enough experience to become critical within the company yet."In the bigger companies," she said, "if you don't deliver, that's it: You're replaced."<h2 id="76d9e66d-7e50-4929-bb3f-86da08d669dd">Cultural differences</h2>Chang told BI that she's had Indian employees point out their lack of resources compared to international peers in the same company."They tell me, 'Jeanie, we don't have effective mental-health resources, but we hear the US does,'" she said.In a<a target="_blank" href="https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx"> Gallup State of the Global Workplace report</a> published in 2024, only 14% of the roughly 2,262 Indian employees surveyed said they were thriving at their workplace, compared with 34% of the 128,278 employees surveyed globally.Hephzibah, who has worked in both Indian-owned and multinational companies, told BI that multiple colleagues had left or requested transfers outside India in recent years — mainly because of the work culture.She also found cultural differences when conducting training sessions for employees in India and the US.When implementing the Indian training schedule for one company's American employees, Hephzibah faced pushback on issues like late session timings."They said, 'We're not going to work after 6 and they could clearly call it out without feeling bad," Hephzibah said. "The problem in India is that people get scared to speak up because their jobs might be impacted."<h2 id="c1e23a63-b3a5-4dfe-9fda-a228d77f5f16">The way forward</h2>In Hephzibah's opinion, overtime and vacation policies need to be strictly enforceable in India."Outside, we're very careful to communicate that we care because they have legal backing to sue," she said. "Over here, that entire system is missing."She agreed with Chang that effecting systemic change would also be up to the leaders and middle management, and not just down to a country's laws."What is the leadership believing in? Is leadership overworking?" Chang said. "Because if they are, they're going to overwork their employees."

The death of a young EY employee is raising questions over India's 'always-on' work culture

<keyword id="19945681" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="samsung-electronics" source="keywords">Samsung Electronics</keyword> on Monday unveiled the long-awaited <keyword id="20240309" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="galaxy-ring" source="keywords">Galaxy Ring</keyword> smart device for the first time at the ongoing Mobile World Congress (<keyword id="20132833" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mwc" source="keywords">MWC</keyword>) 2024. The ring-type digital healthcare device was showcased in three colours and nine sizes at the South Korean company's booth on the opening day of this year's MWC, which kicked off at <keyword id="20735071" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fira-gran" source="keywords">Fira Gran</keyword> Via in Barcelona, Spain, according to <keyword id="19897758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="samsung" source="keywords">Samsung</keyword>. The Galaxy Ring will be comfortable to wear while sleeping, and the ring's inner surface will wrap around the user's finger to measure detailed health data, said the company. But Samsung Electronics said it has no plan to disclose details of specifications until the official launch, reports Yonhap News Agency. Also, the wearable devices were presented within transparent boxes, limiting the hands-on experience for visitors. The disclosure of the Galaxy Ring came about a month after Samsung Electronics teased the new ring-type device during the Galaxy S24 Unpacked event held in California last month. The Galaxy Ring is anticipated to hit store shelves later in 2024. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/iqoo-neo-9-pro-vs-oneplus-12r-which-mid-range-phone-should-you-buy/slidelist/107938249.cms">iQOO Neo 9 Pro vs OnePlus 12R – which mid-range phone should you buy?</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/from-usernames-to-secret-codes-for-locked-chats-here-are-the-upcoming-whatsapp-features/articleshow/107885651.cms">From usernames to secret codes for locked chats, here are the upcoming WhatsApp features</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/xiaomi-14-to-launch-in-india-on-march-7-to-take-on-the-galaxy-s23-and-oneplus-12/articleshow/107841326.cms">Xiaomi 14 to launch in India on March 7, to take on the Galaxy S23 and OnePlus 12</a>

Samsung unveils Galaxy Ring with health-tracking features at MWC

<ul class="summary-list"><li>This post originally appeared in the Insider Today newsletter.</li></ul>Welcome back! Despite last summer's OceanGate tragedy, someone else wants to take a submersible to the Titanic. Meet <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/larry-connor-billionaire-titanic-wreck-submersible-oceangate-2024-6">billionaire thrill-seeker Larry Connor</a>.In today's big story, we're giving a preview of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apples-wwdc-2024-expect-ai-news-siri-updates-new-homes-screen-more-2024-6">what to expect at Apple's annual event</a>. And be sure to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-wwdc-event-live-updates-keynote-announcements-2024-6">follow along with our live blog</a>.What's on deck:<ul><li>Markets: We're close to a soft landing, but the US economy needs to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/america-economy-recession-stock-market-crash-inflation-interest-rates-2024-6">thread the needle or risk a bumpy ride</a>.</li><li>Tech: Sam Altman might be <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sam-altman-personality-hire-openai-ai-chatgpt-why-2024-6">the ultimate personality hire</a>.</li><li>Business: No, Gen Z, your manager <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-work-talking-about-mental-health-anxiety-depression-hr-2024-6">is not your therapist</a>.</li></ul>But first, showtime for Apple.If this was forwarded to you, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/subscription/newsletter/insider-today">sign up here.</a><h3 id="7fa5f018-5b05-4a37-a8dc-d3f89138bcb3">The big story</h3><h2 id="5fd547b9-ec52-41fc-8e08-4f4b27dd8097">Apple's AI unveiling</h2><div type="image" title="Apple CEO Tim Cook below the Apple logo." height="4255" width="6163" msid="110879698" hostid="261" sizebytes="2467764"></div>Apple kicks off its big event today from a unique spot: behind.The Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is Apple's annual showcase for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-events">splashy announcements about cutting-edge tech</a>.But when CEO Tim Cook takes the stage for his keynote address this afternoon, it'll be about catching up with Apple's fellow Big Tech peers. The event is expected to be Apple's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apples-wwdc-2024-expect-ai-news-siri-updates-new-homes-screen-more-2024-6">long-awaited unveiling of its AI strategy</a>, writes Business Insider's Jordan Hart.(You can <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-wwdc-event-live-updates-keynote-announcements-2024-6">follow along with our live blog here</a>. The event kicks off at 1 p.m. ET.)<a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-agent-google-sundar-pichai-astra-openai-altman-amazon">Google</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-andy-jassy-ceo-letter-shareholders-ai-generative-plan-tech-2024-4">Amazon</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-build-keynote-announcements-copilot-ai-bing-news-2024-5">Microsoft</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/openai-chatgpt-audio-feature-talk-ai-2024-5">OpenAI</a> have all placed their proverbial flags in the AI ground over the past month. But Apple has remained noticeably quiet on AI, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-needs-a-big-ai-moment-at-wwdc-2024-5">much to investors' chagrin</a>.All signs point to Apple confirming the rumors of an OpenAI partnership. It wouldn't be the first time Apple announced a deal with a fellow tech company <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-iphone-dominate-internet-ai-era-openai-tim-cook-google-2024-6">that has massive implications</a>, writes BI's Hasan Chowdhury.In 2005, Apple and Google struck a deal to make the latter's search engine the default option on Apple's Safari browser. Two years later, Apple introduced the iPhone with Google as the core search tool.The rest, as they say, is history.<div type="image" title="Sam Altman and Tim Cook overlapping" height="1500" width="2000" msid="110879701" hostid="261" sizebytes="224632"></div>It's unclear if the expected Apple-OpenAI partnership will last as long as Apple's nearly two-decade relationship with Google.As beneficial as OpenAI is for Apple, it doesn't come without risks. The startup and CEO Sam Altman are, to put it mildly, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/openai-mess-concerns-over-nda-safety-sam-altman-2024-6">in the midst of some chaos</a>.OpenAI has faced criticism over transparency and safety protocols, and people have started questioning Altman's true motivations. Apple usually tries to avoid that type of drama. Remember how <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apples-bad-ad-not-original-lg-electronics-15-years-ago-2024-5">quickly it pulled that iPad ad</a>?Further complicating matters is that OpenAI's biggest backer happens to be a key rival of Apple: Microsoft.The fellow tech giant reportedly has reservations about the Apple-OpenAI tie-up. CEO Satya Nadella met with Altman to discuss how the deal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/satya-nadella-sam-altman-openai-apple-microsoft-worried-about-deal-2024-5">might impact his company's AI plans involving the startup</a>, The Information reported.Apple likely won't be interested in putting all its AI eggs in one basket anyway. As successful as the partnership with Google has been, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-apple-iphone-search-engine-safari-deal-20-billion-2022-2024-5">it didn't come cheap</a>. And more importantly, it led to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-antitrust-trial-big-tech-future-analysis-2024-5">plenty of regulatory attention</a> Apple would probably like to avoid this time around.<h3 id="e9f6cc86-e046-475a-b54c-f12866408278">News brief</h3><h2 id="1fcd294b-3f53-425f-9f20-4093e8623b59">Your Monday headline catchup</h2>A quick recap of the top news from over the weekend:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/european-union-parliament-election-far-right-nationalist-parties-2024-6">Far-right, nationalist parties gain strong support in European Parliament election</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/south-africa-universal-basic-income-anc-2024-6">South Africa could be the first-ever country to provide a no-strings-attached universal basic income</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-enticing-tesla-shareholders-with-access-to-the-muskonomy-2024-6">Elon Musk is pitching a daring idea to Tesla shareholders: A vote for Musk is a ticket to the 'Muskonomy'</a>.</li></ul><h2 id="34410f25-657c-425e-b615-cf5bd35f3da9">3 things in markets</h2><div type="image" title="A bald eagle holding an American flag screwdriver, unscrewing a screw in a globe with a view of Europe" height="900" width="1200" msid="110879700" hostid="261" sizebytes="131222"></div><ol><li>The final stretch of a soft landing for the US won't be easy. The European Central Bank's decision to cut rates last week puts the US in a tricky spot. A delay from the Fed in cutting rates could mean foreign money floods the economy, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/america-economy-recession-stock-market-crash-inflation-interest-rates-2024-6">making the central bank's job even harder</a>.</li><li>Trying to make sense of the latest GameStop meme madness. The company has already turned its latest rally into a $1 billion windfall by selling shares. Now it could make even more <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gamestop-meme-sales-3-billion-explained-2024-6">by selling additional shares</a>, which has further jolted the stock. Meanwhile, Roaring Kitty's <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/gamestop-stock-price-roaring-kitty-keith-gill-livestream-return-gme-2024-6">livestream didn't help things</a>.</li><li>Election results are serving up major stock-market surprises. It's the year of the election around the world, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stock-market-analysis-india-narendra-modi-mexico-claudia-sheinbaum-volatility-2024-6">wins for leaders in India and Mexico</a> sent their respective country's stocks tumbling. Meanwhile, European stocks opened lower today after <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/european-union-parliament-election-far-right-nationalist-parties-2024-6">far-right, nationalist parties saw major wins</a>.</li></ol><h2 id="f4b54806-7f81-450c-ba32-92560d4fae9b">3 things in tech</h2><div type="image" title="sam with gold megaphone" height="900" width="1800" msid="110879707" hostid="261" sizebytes="131500"></div><ol><li>Introducing the ultimate personality hire: Sam Altman. "Personality hires" contribute to a company with their soft skills, and arguably make for a healthy workplace. In AI, we can stretch that definition to include people who are really good at hyping up the product — and right now, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sam-altman-personality-hire-openai-ai-chatgpt-why-2024-6">Altman is AI's greatest hype man</a>.</li><li>Advertisers don't want to use Grok. X employees have been pushing advertisers to use Grok, the platform's sarcastic, not "woke" AI chatbot. The problem? <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/x-wants-advertisers-to-use-grok-they-are-not-interested-2024-6">Advertisers really aren't interested</a>.</li><li>Nvidia's key supplier seems to want in on its hype. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nvidia-ai-3-trillion-club-apple-microsoft-jensen-huang-2024-6">Nvidia's market value</a> hit $3 trillion last week after another blowout earnings report. Now, its main chip supplier, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nvidia-taiwan-tsmc-ai-chip-price-hike-value-jensen-huang-2024-6">hinting at raising prices</a>.</li></ol><h2 id="9260fa45-d397-4b3c-b4f8-4bb193976216">3 things in business</h2><div type="image" title="My credit card is tempting me to commit fraud." height="1000" width="2000" msid="110879704" hostid="261" sizebytes="437574"></div><ol><li>"Friendly" fraud is on the rise. Credit cards offer the ability to dispute a transaction to get a refund. But some customers, accidentally or intentionally, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/credit-card-disputes-friendly-fraud-perks-chargebacks-purchases-reviews-2024-6">are abusing the perk</a>. They're claiming legitimate transactions were fraudulent — and, in the process, they're engaging in first-party fraud themselves.</li><li>Your manager is not your therapist. Gen Z is more open to talking about their mental health, sometimes doing so at the office. And while destigmatizing mental illness is important, a workplace overly focused on mental health <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-work-talking-about-mental-health-anxiety-depression-hr-2024-6">isn't always a recipe for better mental-health outcomes</a>.</li><li>Amazon withdrew from huge investment in the eleventh hour. Amazon made a last-minute decision to not invest in Figure, an AI-robots startup, earlier this year, two investors told BI. A funding round <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-pulled-out-figure-ai-startup-funding-round-2024-6">valued the startup at $2.6 billion</a>, and sources said Amazon committed to $50 million at one point.</li></ol><h2 id="1ad7b482-3f4b-44b4-81b6-a864aa386478">In other news</h2><ul><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/uber-eats-stops-new-york-deliveries-by-foot-pay-law-2024-6">Your Uber Eats orders may be more likely to get stuck in NYC traffic now</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/35-million-dollar-connecticut-island-listed-top-hedge-funder-2024-6">See the private island outside NYC that a hedge fund exec is listing for $35 million</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-restaurants-in-the-world-ranked-2024-6">The 20 best restaurants in the world, ranked</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sports-illustrated-authentic-brands-lawsuit-200-million-2024-6">Sports Illustrated's ex-publisher wants $200 million from Authentic Brands Group, saying it stole website and employees</a>.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-got-500k-new-millionaires-last-year-ai-market-rebound-2024-6">An AI boom and market rebound helped create 500,000 new millionaires in the US last year</a>.</li></ul><h2 id="9f5d80ac-3466-429f-a50a-2ffbb70c65ff">What's happening today</h2><ul><li>Apple's Annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) kicks off.</li></ul>The Insider Today team: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/dan-defrancesco">Dan DeFrancesco</a>, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/jordan-parker-erb">Jordan Parker Erb</a>, editor, in New York. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/hallam-bullock">Hallam Bullock</a>, senior editor, in London. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/george-glover">George Glover</a>, reporter, in London. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/annie-smith">Annie Smith</a>, associate producer, in London.

It's showtime for Apple, and we're expecting news on its AI plans and a big partnership

A day ahead of the final Budget presentation, India released the <keyword id="20613906" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="economic-survey" source="keywords">Economic Survey</keyword> 2023-2024, outlining a plethora of optimistic — and some bittersweet — indicators of the health of the nation’s economy. When you consider the climate-related aspects of the report, there’s a ton of good news: we have achieved massive strides in clean power generation, while cutting out a ton of dirty emissions from our products. However, scroll down to the bottom of the report, and you find a scathing criticism of the “western” approach to climate change. Here's a closer look at why, and what clues do such narratives hold about India's <keyword id="22513472" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-strategy" source="keywords">environmental strategy</keyword> in coming years. <h2>Problems with the “Western way”</h2>The major criticism, as per the survey, is that the Western approach to climate change is far too alarmist. They argue that this “one-size-fits-all” attitude often fails to account for the diverse needs of countries like India. To that end, it also points out that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) promotes "accelerated and equitable mitigation pathways" that don't always align with the developmental priorities of <keyword id="20353838" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="developing-nations" source="keywords">developing nations</keyword>. Additionally, the report notes that Western solutions often prioritise market-based strategies to sustain high consumption levels rather than addressing the root issue of overconsumption. The survey emphasises that <keyword id="20224417" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-living" source="keywords">sustainable living</keyword> is deeply ingrained in <keyword id="19983840" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-culture" source="keywords">Indian culture</keyword>, which contrasts sharply with the consumption-driven lifestyle prevalent in the West. This focus on high consumption misses the mark, as it doesn't consider the environmental impact of such lifestyles. And for the most part, this bit is true; Indian history is enriched with traditions that emphasise the conservation of nature. As <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2017/3828609">per estimates</a>, religious practices have preserved an estimated 1.5 lakh sacred groves across India, and natural conservation efforts can be traced back to the time of Ashoka. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111925936" title="Economic Survey 2023-24: Where does India stand on the employment, and what&amp;#39;s next?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Therefore, it may not be entirely inaccurate to say that in India, sustainability isn't a new concept; it's a way of life. Traditional Indian practices like using reusable materials, upcycling, and embracing minimalism have always promoted sustainability. The survey highlights that these practices are now threatened by Western capitalist ideals that equate consumption with progress. By returning to these roots, India can offer a model of sustainability that's both practical and culturally relevant. <h2>Fixation on technical solutions</h2>The Economic Survey also critiques the Western obsession with high-tech solutions, such as solar-powered buildings and electric vehicles. These solutions require substantial financial and infrastructural resources that many developing countries simply don't have. Moreover, they often overlook the broader environmental impact and lifecycle costs associated with urban sprawl and high-density living. Instead, the survey suggests that simpler, more holistic solutions might be more effective and sustainable. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111774972" title="Economic Survey shows India&amp;#39;s energy needs to grow 2.5x, healthy growth in formal employment" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>However, this does not mean that India refuses to embrace greener tech. Not only has the country launched various initiatives to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, it also aims to to generate 40% of its energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. As per the report, India is the only G20 country on track to meet the 2°C warming commitment under the Paris Agreement, with significant investments in <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword>, particularly solar power. <h2><keyword id="20269618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mission-LiFE" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Mission LiFE" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Mission LiFE">Mission LiFE</keyword>: A sustainable initiative</h2>In order to help reinforce and rejuvenate the Indian way, the survey highlights Prime Minister Modi's Lifestyle for Environment initiative, or Mission LiFE. This initiative underscores individual responsibility in combating climate change, drawing from ancient Indian philosophy that advocates for a naturally sustainable lifestyle. By focusing on small, individual actions that collectively lead to significant environmental benefits, Mission LiFE contrasts sharply with the Western top-down policy approach. This grassroots strategy could be key to achieving real, lasting change, the report asserts. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111927198" title="On the right track — Economic Survey 2023-24 outlines India’s commendable climate action" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>All in all, the report challenges the dominance of Western policies and offers a pathway that could be more adaptable and relevant for other developing nations facing similar challenges. With its ongoing progress towards climate goals, India is well-placed to lead by example, showcasing a sustainable and culturally attuned approach to environmental stewardship.

Why did the latest Economic Survey of India heavily shun the ‘Western ways’ of climate action?

<keyword id="19919396" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tripura" source="keywords">Tripura</keyword> is presently facing a surging <keyword id="22356081" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="HIV-epidemic" source="keywords">HIV epidemic</keyword> ripping through its student population. Fueled by <keyword id="22349851" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="injectable-drug-use" source="keywords">injectable drug use</keyword>, this crisis has infected at least 828 students and tragically claimed the lives of 47. The situation stretches across 220 schools and 24 colleges, highlighting the alarming ease of transmission. Officials from the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) paint a grim picture. New cases are detected daily, with estimates ranging from five to seven. This data, meticulously collected from 164 health facilities across the state, offers a comprehensive view of the outbreak's geographic and demographic reach. The crisis appears to be disproportionately impacting students from affluent families. Often, both parents hold government jobs, possibly indicating higher disposable incomes. However, officials think that this dynamic can delay the detection of drug use and HIV infection, hindering early intervention, as per TOI. While this news may come as a surprise to many outside the northeast, the region has actually been battling a drug problem for several years now, which has sparked a concerning shift in its HIV epidemic. <h2>The growing threat of injectable drug use </h2>As of November 2023, Tripura had over 5,200 active HIV/AIDS cases. While sexual transmission had dipped below 2% as of last year, injectable drug use among students became the primary mode of transmission of the deadly disease. In just a few years, injectable drug use has skyrocketed to a staggering 95% among students aged 14-20. This surge is attributed to the easy availability of injectable drugs, leaving students particularly vulnerable. The statistics paint a bleak picture. As of July 2023, Tripura has witnessed a 300% increase in AIDS patients over the previous decade, TOI reported. The report further stated that injectable drug users were estimated to be 43 times more likely to contract HIV compared to the general adult population. This issue is particularly concerning in northeastern states like Tripura, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur. HIV cases have seen a dramatic rise. From a mere 11 in 2015-16, the number jumped to 757 in 2022 alone. And just over six months into 2024, the state has already seen over 800 HIV cases among students due to drug use. However, experts do point to increased surveillance, awareness and better screening are also contributing to an increased number of cases being reported in recent years. Experts warn that this trend indicates a potential full-blown epidemic. Curbing it requires extensive counselling and mass testing among vulnerable youth. However, obtaining prior consent for testing creates a significant hurdle. The <keyword id="174281" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tripura-government" source="Orion">Tripura government</keyword> is actively seeking solutions. Amending the law to allow mandatory HIV testing under specific circumstances is being explored. Additionally, the focus remains on strengthening existing strategies to combat HIV/AIDS. Tripura's Chief Minister has pointed a finger at foreign nations such as Myanmar, accusing them of fueling the illegal drug trade in the state. He has vowed to crack down on drug traffickers, highlighting Tripura's position as the leading drug seizure state in the Northeast. With the recent surge in the state’s HIV cases, Tripura's fight against AIDS has entered a new chapter. Addressing the rising IDU trend among students is crucial to prevent a further escalation of the epidemic. Through a combination of stricter regulations, targeted interventions, and increased awareness, Tripura can hope to control this public health challenge.

How did over 800 students test HIV positive in Tripura?

Last week, the President of the United States, <keyword id="19919748" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="joe-biden" source="keywords">Joe Biden</keyword>, announced significant tariffs on a range of <keyword id="20139085" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chinese-products" source="keywords">Chinese products</keyword> to protect American workers from unfair trade practices. The targetted measures include a 100% tariff on <keyword id="6354973" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicles" source="Orion">electric vehicles</keyword>, a 50% tariff on semiconductors and solar cells, and a 25% tariffs on batteries, steel and aluminium products, some critical minerals, and essential health equipment like medical gloves, syringes and needles. In his address from the Rose Garden of the White House, Biden said America can continue to buy any kind of car they want, "but we're never going to allow China to unfairly control the market for these cars. Period." He claimed that the Chinese government has been investing state funds in various Chinese companies for years, spanning industries across the above-mentioned sectors. How does this brewing geopolitical <keyword id="20736760" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="trade-war" source="keywords">trade war</keyword> impact <keyword id="20742235" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-firms" source="keywords">Indian firms</keyword>? Experts say the impact could be in two ways, benefitting some sectors, while harming the few others. Let’s start with the bad news. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Threat to Indian firms" comment="subhead" text="Threat to Indian firms">Threat to Indian firms</cmsannotation> Beijing offers significant subsidies on most of these products, leading to surplus production that exceeds domestic and even regular export demand. Subsequently, Chinese companies are known to flood the global markets with surplus products at unreasonably low prices, forcing local manufacturers out of business in many countries, including <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>. A prime example of this in practice can be found in the steel sector, where weak domestic demand is pushing the world’s largest steel producer China to offload surplus production into Indian markets at cheaper prices. Indian steel manufacturers are already struggling to compete with a glut of cheaper Chinese steel, with shipments nearly doubling year-on-year in the financial year ending March 2024. “India is already under grave threat of import because all major steel consuming economies are shutting their doors on these steel producing countries. We are highly vulnerable to surging and predatory import,” said Alok Sahay, secretary general of the Indian Steel Association, to Reuters. Global trade experts say that a majority of Chinese products are sold at unreasonably low prices in global markets because the companies in these sectors do not have to worry about profits. They are heavily subsidised by the Chinese government. <keyword id="20279291" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Steel-Authority-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Steel Authority of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Steel Authority of India">Steel Authority of India</keyword>’s (SAIL) chairman Amarendu Prakash also said that they are keenly watching Chinese imports after the US tariff increases. Additionally, China has been accused of employing anti-competitive strategies like compelling foreign companies to transfer their technology in order to operate in China. These factors have led to the US effectively shutting its door on several Chinese products through heightened tariffs, and other developed markets like Canada are also likely to follow suit. White House also emphasised that it continues to consult with its partners and allies who are facing similar threats from China’s unfair trade practices and are keen on taking action. If more and more global markets restrict entry of Chinese products, the risk of the majority of such products being dumped in neighbouring India increases drastically. Trying to block Chinese excess production "is like squeezing a balloon. It shrinks in one place and pops out in another," William Reinsch, a trade expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, tells Reuters. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="An opportunity also arises" comment="subhead" text="An opportunity also arises">An opportunity also arises</cmsannotation> While some products risk being dumped into the Indian market, in a few other cases, Indian firms could benefit from fresh openings in the lucrative US market. "Of the products affected, India has opportunities in face masks, PPE, syringes &amp;needles, medical gloves, aluminium, iron, and steel. Opportunity may come in China also with retaliation, provided we have market access in products targeted by China," Ajay Sahai, Director General of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), told ANI. However, China is not likely to retaliate against the US tariffs at the moment, say experts, though the country’s Ministry of Commerce said it would take 'resolute measures to safeguard its own rights and interests' "China's economy is fragile. With household spending and the property market on the wane, manufacturing for export markets is one of its few bright spots. Beijing will not want to cut off its nose to spite its face. More broadly, China is desperately trying to encourage new foreign investment. Rash retaliatory action could spoil its case," Moody's Analytics explained in a recent report. Out of China's USD 420 billion exports to the US, only USD 18 billion is impacted due to the latest hike in tariffs — representing slightly over 4% and therefore considered marginal. But Sahai says that this market will continue to grow with time and provides an opportunity to India and other competitors to chip in the supply gap. Ajay Srivastava, the founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), also echoes Sahai’s opinions. He emphasised that the increased duties on Chinese face masks, syringes, needles, medical gloves, and natural graphite offer a substantial opportunity for India, as quoted by ANI. "By ramping up production and export of these in-demand products, India could enhance its trade footprint in the US market," he added. In terms of products like electric vehicles and semiconductors, India remains a net importer, and therefore, may not be in a position to capitalise right now. In the long term, however, as India begins semiconductor production at scale in 2025, there will be opportunities to export some of it to the US and other European countries, offering fresh impetus for domestic manufacturing. As the security risks associated with importing Chinese semiconductors prompts more and more trade barriers from the Western countries, demand for supply from India is likely to grow. Efforts are already underway for the establishment of four large semiconductor plants in India, with three located in Gujarat and one in Assam. Last fiscal year, Indian exports to the US dipped marginally by 1.32 per cent to $77.5 billion as against $78.54 billion in 2022-23. The new development now gives an unique opportunity to turn the tide over the next few years. Overall, some sectors like steel and aluminium do face a serious challenge due to the fresh US tariffs on Chinese products. However, the development will open new avenues for Western market entry and expansion for several other products. (With inputs from agencies)

US-China tariff war could benefit several sectors in India while harming a few others

<keyword id="6355311" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="japan" source="Orion">Japan</keyword>'s <keyword id="46535" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="health-ministry" source="Orion">health ministry</keyword> has approved the use of a smallpox vaccine believed to be effective against monkeypox. The smallpox vaccine approved by the ministry is thought to be 85 per cent effective against monkeypox, health officials said. The move came after Japan confirmed two cases of the disease in late July in men in their 30s, who had both travelled overseas, and the government announced preemptive measures to prevent the spread of the disease. As for treatment, the health ministry is looking into a medication called tecovirimat, which is an oral medication also used to treat smallpox, <keyword id="106387" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="xinhua-news-agency" source="Orion">Xinhua news agency</keyword> reported. Symptoms of the tropical disease, spread through close physical contact, are similar to those of smallpox and include fever, extensive rashes, skin lesions and swollen lymph nodes, following an incubation period of five to 21 days, health officials here said. The health ministry also said it is creating a system whereby local health authorities will be able to test for monkeypox and is urging further domestic cases of the disease to be promptly reported. Whether to provide vaccinations for medical staff, laboratory personnel and health centre workers requesting to be vaccinated will also be discussed by officials, the ministry said. The <keyword id="6356311" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="world-health-organisation" source="Orion">World Health Organisation</keyword> has declared monkeypox a global health emergency amid a global outbreak of the disease. As for Japan's supply of the smallpox vaccine, the ministry said it is currently sufficient. A task force to deal with the outbreak of monkeypox has been formed in Japan. It is headed by Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary for <keyword id="90429" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="crisis-management" source="Orion">Crisis Management</keyword> <keyword id="14626010" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="takashi-murata" source="Orion">Takashi Murata</keyword>. SEE ALSO : <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/adani-transmission-is-now-the-12th-biggest-listed-entity-other-adani-cos-are-not-far-away/slidelist/93317527.cms">Adani Transmission is now the 12th biggest listed entity; other Adani cos are not far away</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sustainability/news/ruchira-kamboj-becomes-the-first-woman-to-take-over-as-indias-permanent-representative-to-the-un/articleshow/93316786.cms">Ruchira Kamboj Becomes the First Woman to Take Over as India's Permanent Representative to the UN</a>

Japan approves smallpox vaccine to prevent monkeypox

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is "nowhere near over" as the number of new cases worldwide has risen by 30 per cent in the last two weeks, the <keyword id="43588" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="Orion">World Health Organization</keyword> (WHO) has said. "I am concerned that cases of Covid-19 continue to rise -- putting further pressure on stretched health systems and health workers. I am also concerned about the increasing trend of deaths," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told journalists here on Tuesday, reports <keyword id="106387" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="xinhua-news-agency" source="Orion">Xinhua news agency</keyword>. According to Michael Ryan, executive director of the <keyword id="13297989" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="who-health-emergencies-program" source="Orion">WHO Health Emergencies Program</keyword>, the recent increase in the number of newly reported Covid-19 cases has been largely driven by <keyword id="1609796" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="omicron" source="Orion">Omicron</keyword> subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, and by the lifting of public health and social measures. Recent changes in testing policies have also been hindering the detection of new cases and the monitoring of the evolution of the virus, he said. Last Friday, the WHO's Emergency Committee concluded that the virus remains a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) and warned of several interlinked challenges. For instance, though Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 continue to drive the new waves of infections, hospitalizations and deaths around the world, surveillance - including testing and sequencing -- has dropped significantly, making it increasingly difficult to assess the impact of variants on transmission and the effectiveness of countermeasures. "New waves of the virus demonstrate again that Covid-19 is nowhere near over, and the virus is running freely and countries are not effectively managing the disease burden based on their capacity," Tedros said. He urged governments to deploy tried and tested measures like masking, improved ventilation and test and treat protocols, while regularly reviewing and adjusting Covid-19 response plans based on the current epidemiology and also the potential for new variants to appear. SEE ALSO : <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/heres-how-indias-top-10-richest-people-wealth-and-rank-in-the-world-as-per-forbes-list/slidelist/92828191.cms">Adani’s wealth grew by $9.5 billion today – here are India’s top 10 richest and where they stand in the world</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/mba-chai-wala-is-now-looking-to-hire-500-people-for-100-new-stores/articleshow/92828283.cms">From a small thela to 100 stores — MBA Chai Wala is now looking to hire 500 people for 100 more</a>

You Searched For "India health news" and got 13 results

Fired from Google after 13 years of service, he used his severance to build a business around helping others with their careers

Divyanshi Sharma

All work, no play? Nearly 50% of Indians fail to meet WHO’s recommended standard for physical activity

BI India Bureau

A Bengaluru auditor earned Rs 9 lakh just for sleeping, and here’s how you can too!

Ashmita Gupta

As earnings season begins, major companies' performance reports to decide market movement in coming days

ANI

Five gifts you can give to yourself, friends, or family, towards achieving financial independence

Ira Alok Puranik

The death of a young EY employee is raising questions over India's 'always-on' work culture

Hannah Abraham

Samsung unveils Galaxy Ring with health-tracking features at MWC

IANS

It's showtime for Apple, and we're expecting news on its AI plans and a big partnership

Dan DeFrancesco

Why did the latest Economic Survey of India heavily shun the ‘Western ways’ of climate action?

Ankush Banerjee

How did over 800 students test HIV positive in Tripura?

Ashmita Gupta

US-China tariff war could benefit several sectors in India while harming a few others

Deekshith Pinto

Japan approves smallpox vaccine to prevent monkeypox

IANS

Covid-19 cases rise by 30% world and the pandemic is 'nowhere near over', says WHO

IANS

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides