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

Union Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> highlighted India's significant progress in electrification, <keyword id="23692737" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="water-accessibility" source="keywords">water accessibility</keyword>, and <keyword id="20879840" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-empowerment" source="keywords">economic empowerment</keyword> during a fireside chat with John J Hamre, President and CEO of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in Washington, DC. Highlighting the progress made in <keyword id="23003732" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rural-electrification" source="keywords">rural electrification</keyword>, <keyword id="19916494" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sitharaman" source="keywords">Sitharaman</keyword> highlighted that every village in India now has access to electricity. She noted that in 2014, many villages across India, including those near state capitals, lacked even basic infrastructure for electrification. She said "I don't think any village in India is unelectrified today. Households have received the connections. So, if I remember the situation in 2014, there were still many villages in many parts of India, some even very close to the state capital, provincial headquarters, without even a pole to receive the electric wires. Now, all that has been overcome. Houses have got their electricity." The Finance Minister also discussed the <keyword id="19971121" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jal-Jeevan-Mission" source="keywords">Jal Jeevan Mission</keyword>, a program initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide tap water connections to every household. She explained, "Earlier, one tap water connection was provided to a village, from where everyone would take water to their home. But under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission,' each and every house gets a tap water connection." Sitharaman emphasized the positive impact of this initiative on health, sanitation, and convenience for millions of Indian families. Turning to the economic empowerment of <keyword id="20101496" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="municipalities" source="keywords">municipalities</keyword> and urban centers, Sitharaman noted that these local governments are receiving increased autonomy and financial support. She explained that municipalities receive a portion of taxes collected by the central government, along with additional funds based on the Finance Commission's recommendations. "Over and above, today, we are enhancing their capacities to raise resources from the market. Municipalities are a very powerful instrument of economic development and they, on their own, are raising a lot of resources," she added. Sitharaman also expressed confidence in India's economic growth and its appeal to <keyword id="20632552" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-investors" source="keywords">global investors</keyword>. "The policies are working, reforms are happening, and they shall continue to happen," she stated, adding that "greater liberalisation of the economy will be there and, in a way, we are accessing newer markets and speaking about the <keyword id="19948184" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-economy" source="keywords">Indian economy</keyword> in more avenues and platforms that will attract more investors." With ongoing reforms and increased global engagement, Sitharaman noted, India is solidifying its position as a significant player on the world stage, expanding its economic reach and inviting foreign investment.

No village in India left without access to electricity, claims FM Nirmala Sitharaman

New Delhi: The <keyword id="19938513" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Department-of-Consumer-Affairs" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Department of Consumer Affairs" meta.hostid="268" meta.entityid="Department of Consumer Affairs">Department of Consumer Affairs</keyword> has constituted a committee of experts to recommend a robust framework for a <keyword id="22964001" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Repairability-Index" source="keywords">Repairability Index</keyword> aimed at empowering consumers and promoting <keyword id="20128078" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-practices" source="keywords">sustainable practices</keyword> within the tech industry. The committee, chaired by Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) Additional Secretary Bharat Khera, will develop the Repairability Index to provide consumers with greater transparency on repair information for their products and foster a more sustainable technology industry. The National Workshop on the Right to Repair in the <keyword id="20881182" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-and-electronics" source="keywords">Mobile and Electronics</keyword> Sector, convened on August 29, brought together industry stakeholders to establish a consensus on the framework for evaluating components for the Repairability Index, fostering longevity in product design and democratising access to repair information and spare parts. "The framework on Repairability Index aimed to provide consumers with essential information about product repairability besides seamless access to spare parts will enable informed purchasing decisions," the DoCA said in a statement. The committee, which includes representatives from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and industry stakeholders, is expected to submit a comprehensive report on the Repairability Index framework by November 15. The key components of the proposed Repair Ecosystem include comprehensive repair information, accessible spare parts, affordable tools, modular product design and ensuring the economic feasibility of repairs for consumers. "By standardising the assessment of repairability, the index will create an ecosystem where consumers can easily compare products and choose options that align with the ethos of mindful consumption and sustainability," the DoCA statement said.

Government set to introduce Repairability Index for mobile, electronics products

In the Pindwara village of Rajasthan, a grassroots-level initiative led by local women has transformed the community's approach to nutrition. The women, part of a self-help group, began cultivating kitchen gardens to ensure a steady supply of diverse and nutritious food for their families. These gardens now yield various fruits and vegetables, contributing to a balanced diet and reducing the community's dependence on market-bought, often less nutritious food items. This initiative has improved health and empower women by giving them control over their family's nutrition. Similarly, in the tribal regions of Chhattisgarh, a collective effort by local community leaders has revitalized traditional agricultural practices. The community has reintroduced indigenous crops like millets and pulses, which are more resilient to the changing climate and require fewer resources to cultivate. These crops are rich in essential nutrients and have historically been part of the local diet. The community's efforts have not only preserved these traditional foods but also improved the nutritional status of the population, particularly children and women. These <keyword id="22748061" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="community-led" source="keywords">community-led</keyword> initiatives are part of a broader pattern observed in a recent study on <keyword id="22747862" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="diet-diversity" source="keywords">diet diversity</keyword> in <keyword id="20109648" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rural-India" source="keywords">rural India</keyword>. The qualitative study by NGO Vitamin Angels India and supported by UNICEF, conducted across several states, found that communities with strong local leadership and grassroots initiatives showed significant improvements in diet diversity and nutritional outcomes. According to government data, about 17% of children in the age group of 0-5 years are underweight, while 36% are stunted and 6% are wasted (too thin for their height, indicating acute malnutrition). Stunted, wasted, and underweight are key indicators of malnutrition in children aged 0-5 years. The research highlighted that while government programs and interventions are essential, the involvement and initiative of the community are critical to the success and sustainability of these efforts. One of the key findings of the study was that communities with active local participation in nutrition-related activities, such as kitchen gardening and the cultivation of traditional crops, had a higher intake of diverse and nutritious food. The research, which employed a mix of focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and home observations, reveals how collective and individual contexts -- ranging from socio-cultural norms to economic challenges -- influence dietary practices across different communities like the brick-kiln workers, fishers, and salt pan workers among others. This was particularly evident in regions where women played a central role in these initiatives. The study also noted that these communities were more resilient to food insecurity and were better able to cope with economic and environmental challenges. For example, the study looked into the lives of salt pan workers in Jodhpur who prioritize their children's nutrition despite financial hardships. They ensure that their children never go hungry, even if it means offering biscuits or bread-milk. It suggested that while government initiatives provide the necessary framework and resources, real change happens when communities take ownership of these programmes and adapt them to their local contexts. To enhance the effectiveness of nutritional interventions for pregnant women and children under five, several key recommendations emerge from the study. First, there is a critical need to strengthen the role of ASHA and Anganwadi workers, who are often the primary source of health information in many communities. By providing these workers with advanced training that equips them to offer tailored advice based on the specific socio-cultural and economic contexts of the families they serve, the reach and impact of nutritional programs can be significantly increased. Subsidies for essential complementary foods are another vital measure to address the financial barriers that many families face. These subsidies would ensure that even in economically disadvantaged households, children receive the necessary nutrients during crucial developmental stages, the study recommended. Additionally, promoting a blend of legacy knowledge with modern nutritional insights can lead to more culturally acceptable and effective practices. Health education programs that respect and incorporate local beliefs while introducing scientifically backed practices are likely to be more successful in achieving sustainable behavioral change. Support for maternal health is also paramount. Implementing programs that provide additional food or rest for pregnant women, particularly during the last trimester, can have a positive impact on both maternal and child health outcomes. These programs should be designed with an understanding of local familial structures and dynamics, ensuring that they are accessible and acceptable within the community. Community-based nutritional programs should be developed to emphasize the importance of child nutrition and encourage collective action. Workshops and informational sessions led by trusted community members or healthcare professionals can play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and encouraging healthy practices. Finally, improving access to fresh and nutritious food, particularly in remote or economically disadvantaged areas, is essential. This could involve initiatives such as creating community gardens, improving market access, or providing transportation subsidies to reach markets with a wider variety of foods.

Community-led nutrition initiatives in rural India can boost diet diversity, empower women, says study

Terming the state budget as "revolutionary," Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath <keyword id="20040955" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shinde" source="keywords">Shinde</keyword> said that this budget in a true sense empowers women, youth, and farmers through various schemes worth Rs 1 lakh crore. He said that this budget is revolutionary and would make the future of weaker sections, farmers, and youth bright. Stating that the budget was a resolve to give a new direction to Maharashtra, <keyword id="20062947" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CM-Shinde" source="keywords">CM Shinde</keyword> said that this budget has an "unending chant of the <keyword id="22227448" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="development-of-Maharashtra" source="keywords">development of Maharashtra</keyword>". Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister <keyword id="19941791" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ajit-Pawar" source="keywords">Ajit Pawar</keyword> on Saturday presented the additional budget for the year 2024-25 in the state assembly. The Finance Minister had presented the interim budget in February. Stating that the budget has important provisions to help women and unemployed youth to stand on their own feet, the Chief Minister said that "Chief Minister Majhi Laadki Baheen scheme, free vocational education to girl students, Chief Minister Annapoorna scheme which gives 3 cylinders per year to eligible families, project worth Rs 15 thousand crores for providing free electricity to farmers during day time, Chief Minister Baliraja electricity concession scheme which provides free power to farmers using agricultural pumps, training to 50 thousand youth every year to convey government schemes to masses and resolve to remove poverty of the weaker sections of the society have made this budget special." He said that provisions like free education to girl students for engineering, pharmacy, and medical education along with degree and diploma courses along with Rs. 1500 per month to every woman prove that the government has expressed its responsibility towards women of the state. Stating that the budget proves that it stands behind the farmers, Chief Minister Shinde said that the issue of food-grain storage would be resolved through schemes like Godown per village. He said that the lives of farmers would be transformed through various provisions in the budget which include financial assistance to cotton and soybean growers, special campaigns to complete irrigation projects, and solar pumps on demand. Pointing out that the decision to celebrate the coronation of <keyword id="19966480" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chhatrapati-Shivaji-Maharaj" source="keywords">Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj</keyword> through a ceremony every year at Fort Raigad is important, the Chief Minister said that other decisions include recommending the annual Pandharpur pilgrimage for the UNESCO World Heritage along with the rock sculptures in Konkan, Dahi Handi celebration are efforts towards the preservation of history and culture of the state. He said that the budget provides Rs 20,000 to every Dindi (the troops participating in the annual Pandharpur pilgrimage) and it has made the announcement of making arrangements for medical treatment of pilgrims through the Chief minister's medical relief cell and provision for Nirmal Waari show commitment towards the annual pilgrim and Warkari sect. He said that a separate Warkari Mahamandal or separate Corporation for the annual pilgrims would be set up. Stating that massive investment would be made in priority sectors and the <keyword id="21313056" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-hydrogen-sector" source="keywords">green hydrogen sector</keyword>, he said that it would generate employment in a big way. He said that the chief minister's youth training scheme would impart training to ten lakh youngsters every year and a centre of excellence would be established in ITI's which would benefit the youngsters. Stating that the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar scheme and Shrawan Bal seva state pension scheme assistance would be raised are strong steps CM Shinde said that providing for housing of various sections of society, Anand Dighe housing scheme for differently abled amply proves that the state government is taking strong steps towards removing the poverty in the state. The chief minister said that Metro routes worth 449 Kms in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur along with 23 thousand kilometer road stretch works under Chief Minister Gram Sadak scheme, construction of buildings of village Panchayats under Balasaheb Thackeray memorial Matoshree Gram Panchayat scheme, PM e-bus scheme in municipal corporation areas and other infrastructure works would be undertaken in a big way which would result in speedy development of the state. The monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly began on Thursday (June 28) and will go on till July 12. This is the last legislative session before the state assembly polls, in the next four months.

Budget resolves to give new direction to Maharashtra: CM Shinde

In her <keyword id="19906106" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Interim-Budget" source="keywords">Interim Budget</keyword> speech in February 2024, <keyword id="20385790" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Finance-Minister" source="keywords">Union Finance Minister</keyword> <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> celebrated what she termed as the Modi government's landmark achievement: unleashing 'nari shakti' or women's power through various initiatives since 2014. Among these, the creation of one crore 'Lakhpati Didis' — women whose annual household income exceeds one lakh rupees — under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), has garnered significant attention. <h2>The hype around it </h2>Imagine being a <keyword id="20416259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lakhpati-Didi" source="keywords">Lakhpati Didi</keyword> — a rural woman whose annual household income exceeds Rs. 1 lakh. These women are not just financial achievers; they are community leaders who inspire others through their entrepreneurial journeys. Their success stories highlight the transformative impact of self-help groups (SHGs) and collective action in rural India. Launched amid much fanfare on August 15, 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme aims to empower women through diverse skill development programs, from producing LED bulbs to operating agricultural drones. Partnering with entities like Patanjali, Flipkart, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the initiative also focuses on branding and marketing these products, ostensibly connecting women with credit lines and MUDRA loans for financial support. Almost an year on, the scheme is all set to get some well-deserved boost in the Budget 2024 to be presented on July 23. However, the time also apt to examine if it has actually contributed to <keyword id="20009191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="women-empowerment" source="keywords">women empowerment</keyword> in the country. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111915324" title="Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to table Economic Survey in Parliament today" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>The reality check </h2>Critics argue that such schemes may inadvertently tether women's SHGs to corporate networks, potentially benefiting transnational agribusiness giants aligned with the government. Programs like 'Namo Drone Didi', allocated Rs. 500 crore in the Interim Budget, exemplify this trend by integrating women into digital agriculture, albeit under the influence of corporate agendas. Further, while the Interim Budget championed the narrative of women's economic prosperity, it failed to adequately address their basic needs. Despite claims of empowerment, essential schemes such as PM Awas Yojana (Rural) and Har Ghar Jal have seen significant budgetary underspending, raising concerns about the government's commitment to women's welfare beyond mere rhetoric. For instance, the underutilisation of funds in Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) and the shrinking allocations for crucial subsidies like nutrition and education further highlight the disconnect between budgetary outlays and on-ground impact. This trend suggests a shift in responsibility towards state governments without commensurate support from the Union government, leaving vulnerable populations like widows and rural women at risk. Overall, the well-intentioned narrative around the scheme needs better translation and execution on ground to achieve desired outcomes. <h2>Looking ahead </h2>Until now, the budgetary allocation for women-centric programs have remained disproportionately low, with the Ministry of Women and Child Development having been allocated Rs 26,000 crore in 2024-25, an increase of 2.52% compared to the previous budget. This paltry investment underscores a broader pattern of neglecting systemic issues such as gender-based violence, social discrimination and pro-corporate stance. As Budget 2024 approaches, stakeholders eagerly anticipate policies that not only boost economic growth but also empower rural women as entrepreneurs and leaders. While Lakhpati Didi stands poised to empower rural women with opportunities and support, more steps are needed to make it more sustainable. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111689743" title="Union Budget 2024: A handy FAQ guide to decode the upcoming budget" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Budget 2024: Can Lakhpati Didi Yojana’s reality inspire better focus on women?

<keyword id="19970108" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vacancies" source="keywords">Vacancies</keyword> in <keyword id="20591266" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="teaching-positions" source="keywords">teaching positions</keyword> in <keyword id="20132275" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="state-universities" source="keywords">state universities</keyword> have emerged as a major hurdle in the implementation of the National Education Policy (<keyword id="19904633" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nep" source="keywords">NEP</keyword>) 2020, University Grants Commission (<keyword id="19932586" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ugc" source="keywords">UGC</keyword>) chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar said here on Friday. The <keyword id="20963740" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UGC-chairman" source="keywords">UGC chairman</keyword> was here to attend a day-long conference of vice-chancellors of Northeastern and Eastern regions on 'Implementation of NEP 2020', hosted by Guwahati-based Pragjyotishpur University. Addressing a press conference, Kumar said, "Across the country, a major problem in state universities is vacancies in teaching positions. In some state universities, 50 to 80 per cent of teaching positions are vacant," urging universities to expedite the filling of these positions. He said implementation of NEP is a "journey", which cannot happen overnight, and state governments have been enthusiastically participating in implementing it. Kumar stressed that it is also essential for the universities to formulate an institutional development plan and their own roadmap for the future. With approximately 130 vice-chancellors and other academics participating, discussions at the conference focused on transforming <keyword id="19896809" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="higher-education" source="keywords">higher education</keyword> institutions to empower students in contributing to national development. Key topics include providing holistic education, integrating skill development with degree programs, and utilising digital technology to reach students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds. "We will be discussing how the NEP is being implemented and challenges colleges and universities are facing, so that we can collectively find solutions," he said. Kumar requested the universities to open more off-campus centres to make education accessible and equitable, while stating that UGC was also laying thrust on training teachers in the higher education sector. Highlighting the need to expose students to different parts of the country, he said the Northeastern region is home to many indigenous knowledge systems, whether it be a festival celebrated based on astronomical calculation, bamboo engineering or shifting cultivation. "These are parts of Indian knowledge system and there is a need to expose students to this from different parts of the country," he said. Kumar added that UGC is also working on promoting education in own language, especially with the country having numerous native languages. On implementation of NEP in this region, Kumar said the UGC is in regular touch with state higher education councils and VCs. "We are very happy to inform that state governments are very enthusiastically participating in implementing NEP. Implementation is a journey," he added. He reiterated that achieving the target of a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 50 per cent by 2035 requires sustained effort and cannot be achieved overnight. Among initiatives under NEP is the provision of biannual admissions to help students who fail to enroll during July-August to take admission in January-February. Universities with required infrastructure have been requested to implement it to maximise resource utilisation, Kumar said, adding that 90 varsities have also started biannual admissions for online programmes. The UGC chairman also said stress is being laid on strengthening research ecosystem in the universities and bring more young people into it. Though directly UGC funded-research has stopped now, funds for research projects are available through other agencies, like National Research Foundation and other schemes, he added. With focus on online education, internet connectivity and electrification has also received a boost across the country, with common service centres also set up for students in remote areas to access Net, Kumar added.

Vacancies in teaching positions major problem in NEP implementation: UGC chairman

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The 2024 Oscar nominations were announced on Tuesday.</li><li>"Barbie" earned eight nods, but they were largely skewed in favor of its male actors and writers.</li></ul>When the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/oscars-2024-nominations-winners-list-2024-1">2024 Academy Award</a> nominations were announced on Tuesday "Barbie" emerged as a voter favorite with eight nominations.These include a few pleasant surprises, like best picture and best supporting actress for America Ferrera, who delivers a moving <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/america-ferrera-criticism-barbie-feminism-monologue-2024-1">feminist monologue</a> at the movie's climax.However, the nominations were largely skewed in favor of the movie's male contributors — a conspicuous disparity for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/barbie-movie-ending-perfect-last-line-2023-7">a film about the female experience</a>.Margot Robbie, the film's star and <a target="_blank" href="https://deadline.com/2024/01/barbie-margot-robbie-billion-interview-1235696821/">producer</a>, was passed over in the best lead actress category. But Ryan Gosling nabbed a nomination for best supporting actor as Ken, the heroine's sidekick who becomes obsessed with the power of patriarchy.The Academy also failed to nominate Greta Gerwig, the mastermind behind the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/highest-grossing-movies-box-office-2017-1">billion-dollar box office smash</a>, for best director, despite giving the film a best picture nod.This might feel like déjà vu for Gerwig, who was <a target="_blank" href="https://variety.com/2020/film/news/greta-gerwig-oscars-directing-snub-little-women-1203491117/">similarly snubbed</a> for her direction of best picture nominee "Little Women" in 2020, despite the film being nominated for best picture, best adapted screenplay, best actress, best supporting actress, best original score, and best costume design.Only eight female directors have been nominated in Oscars history, including one this year: Justine Triet for "Anatomy of a Fall." (Gerwig was nominated for "Lady Bird" in 2018 but lost to Guillermo del Toro.)<div type="image" title="Ryan Gosling Greta Gerwig Margot Robbie" height="2664" width="3253" msid="107091317" hostid="261"></div>"Barbie" will also compete for best adapted screenplay — an award, if won, that Gerwig would share with her husband Noah Baumbach, who's been open about <a target="_blank" href="https://variety.com/2023/film/news/barbie-noah-baumbach-greta-gerwig-terrible-idea-1235772481/">his initial disdain for the movie pitch</a>. "I thought it was a terrible idea, and Greta signed me up for it," he said during a Q&amp;A in October.The male-favored imbalance also extended to the best original song category, where despite <a target="_blank" href="https://deadline.com/2023/12/2024-oscar-song-shortlist-barbie-olivia-rodrigo-more-1235679900/">being shortlisted</a>, Dua Lipa's "Dance the Night" (Barbie's "bespoke song") failed to make the cut.Instead, "I'm Just Ken," an '80s-style power ballad that satirizes Ken's struggles and his "life of blond fragility" received a nod, along with Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/barbie-movie-soundtrack-song-ranking-2023-7">heartwrenching ballad "What Was I Made For?"</a> (described by Gerwig as "Barbie's heart song").Gosling performs the song in the movie, but the award would go to Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt as cowriters and producers if won. (Had "Dance the Night" been nominated, Lipa still would've shared the honor with Ronson and Wyatt.)Last week, "I'm Just Ken" won best song at the Critics Choice Awards, beating "What Was I Made For?" — and, quite fittingly, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ryan-gosling-im-just-ken-barbie-reaction-critics-choice-awards-2024-1">Gosling's befuddled reaction went viral</a>.

Despite being a film about female empowerment, 'Barbie' Oscar nominations heavily favored men (and Ken)

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Qatar Airways has a new CEO after Akbar Al Baker was in charge for 27 years.</li><li>Badr Mohammed Al-Meer wants "a culture of trust and empowerment" plus sustainable solutions.</li></ul>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/qatar-airways-outspoken-controversial-ceo-steps-down-after-3-decades-2023-10">CEO of Qatar Airways</a> says he plans to lead the airline into a "new era" which emphasizes "a culture of trust and empowerment will be the building blocks of our shared success."Badr Mohammed Al-Meer took over the role on Sunday, which was previously held by the outspoken Akbar Al Baker, who courted controversy throughout his time in charge.He paid tribute to his predecessor while announcing his plans for the future, according to a statement shared with <a target="_blank" href="https://onemileatatime.com/news/new-qatar-airways-ceo/">One Mile at a Time</a>.Al-Meer said he plans to invest in "the priorities and concerns of my generation," such as emerging technologies and sustainable solutions, while continuing with the "aggressive growth" the airline is known for.<div type="image" title="Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways CEO." height="1200" width="1200" msid="105125688" hostid="261" sizebytes="29996"></div>Since Al Baker took charge nearly three decades ago, Qatar's national carrier has transformed into a global brand and picked up several awards along the way.That leaves Al-Meer with big boots to fill, especially since he doesn't have experience in an operational airline role. Al-Meer was previously the chief operating officer of Hamad International Airport in Doha, which is Qatar Airways' main base.Although Al Baker often courted controversy, so a "culture of empowerment" could help Al-Meer make his mark and distinguish him from his predecessor.The former CEO was booed at a press conference in 2018 after saying that a <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/qatar-airways-ceo-akbar-al-baker-says-woman-couldnt-do-his-job-2018-6">woman couldn't do his job</a> "because it is a very challenging position."He later rowed back on the remark and said he would welcome a woman as his successor, and <a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/qatarairways/status/1004136369172590592">tweeted</a> an apology.And during a 2017 speech, Al Baker said US airlines were "crap" and their passengers were "always being served by grandmothers," while boasting that "the average age of my cabin crew is only 26." He subsequently apologized for the remarks.

Qatar Airways' new CEO — whose predecessor once said a woman couldn't do his job — wants to bring a culture of 'trust and empowerment' to the airline

<ul><li>Women entrepreneurs account for 20% of <keyword id="3082456" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indifi" source="Orion">Indifi</keyword>’s total loan disbursals. </li><li>Indifi said that it has disbursed 50,000 loans to over 30,000 micro <keyword id="44779" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="smes" source="Orion">SMEs</keyword>. </li><li>Over 64% of the loans for small business owners is concentrated in east, northeast and south regions. </li></ul> Indifi Technologies, a Gurgaon-based online lending platform, said that it has disbursed 50,000 loans amounting ₹2,800 crores in the last six years. These loans were given to 30,000 micro SMEs. As per the <a href="https://msme.gov.in/sites/default/files/MSME_gazette_of_india.pdf">ministry definition</a>, a micro enterprise’s annual turnover must be below ₹5 crore and its investment in plant, machinery or equipment must not exceed ₹1 crore. “Micro entrepreneurs have historically struggled with access to timely capital but, with advancements in technology and data, the industry today is equipped with great tailwinds to change that,” Alok Mittal, co-founder and CEO said. A fifth of Indifi’s loan disbursals went to women entrepreneurs. Further within the women-led businesses, 25% of the loans were given to first time borrowers and 25% to businesses from tier 2, 3 and 4 cities. The loans that are being disbursed to micro enterprises have been going up. The Non Banking Finance Company-Micro Finance Institute’s (NBFC-MFI) portfolio increased by 36.6% in India from Q3 FY 19-20 to Q1 FY 22-23, according to a report by <keyword id="113684" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="microfinance" source="Orion">Microfinance</keyword> Institutes Network (MFIN). “During the first quarter, the sector was occupied with the implementation of new harmonized regulations of the RBI. Despite that the growth has been good and credit quality of post-Covid disbursements are at 95% plus. During the remaining period of FY 22-23, riding on robust branch expansion, pent up demand and conducive policy, the sector is poised for sustainable growth,” MFIN chairperson, Devesh Sachdev said. The report also said that over 64% of the loans for small business owners are concentrated in east and northeast and south regions. The microfinance network is made up of NBFC-MFIs, banks, Small Finance Banks (SFBs), <keyword id="6354598" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nbfcs" source="Orion">NBFCs</keyword> and others (including Non-profit MFIs). As on 30 June 2022, 3.5 crore clients have loan outstanding from BFC-MFIs, which is 13.8% higher than a year before, MFIN reports. In spite of the recent growth, the credit gap to the <keyword id="6393272" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="msmes" source="Orion">MSMEs</keyword> is estimated at ₹40 lakh crore, owing to barriers of access, cost, and <a href="https://m.economictimes.com/small-biz/sme-sector/funding-and-msmes-can-banks-fintech-together-address-the-credit-gap-for-small-businesses/articleshow/81087510.cms">underwriting</a>. In India, microfinancing institutions (MFIs) are present in 27 states and five union territories. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/reliance-is-reportedly-planning-to-launch-jiophone-5g-launch-in-india-at-a-very-affordable-price/articleshow/94483655.cms">Specifications of JioPhone 5G with Codename 'Ganga' leaked - check all details here</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/amazons-2022-hardware-event-heres-whats-new-on-kindle-echos-fire-tv-cube-and-halo-rise/articleshow/94532586.cms">Amazon’s 2022 Hardware Event — here’s what's new on Kindle, Echos, Fire TV Cube, and Halo Rise</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/news/jasprit-bumrah-ruled-out-of-t20-world-cup-with-back-stress-fracture-report/articleshow/94532793.cms">Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of T20 World Cup with back stress fracture: Report</a>

Gurgaon-based Indifi disbursed ₹2,800 crore worth of loans to small business owners

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The popularity of AI chatbots like ChatGPT has people concerned that AI may steal their jobs.</li><li>One person who's not worried? Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, the company that made ChatGPT.</li></ul>OpenAI's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-chat-gpt-2023-1">ChatGPT</a> has made some notable strides since its viral launch in November, doing everything from <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-new-ai-chatbot-conversation-with-questions-answers-examples-2022-12">penning songs</a> to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wharton-professor-tested-chatgpt-withfinal-exam-would-give-b-2023-1">passing an MBA exam</a> at an Ivy League college.Its range of capabilities has some people <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-anxiety-about-losing-our-jobs-2023-2">worried</a> that the AI may take their jobs. But <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sam-altman-chatgpt-openai-ceo-career-net-worth-ycombinator-prepper-2023-1">Sam Altman</a>, the CEO of OpenAI, doesn't share that concern."I think AI is going to be the greatest force for economic empowerment and a lot of people getting rich we have ever seen," Altman said in a <a href="https://twitter.com/sama/status/1625186078599811072?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweet</a> on Monday.AI poses a greater threat to some jobs than others, experts <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-jobs-at-risk-replacement-artificial-intelligence-ai-labor-trends-2023-02">previously told</a> Insider. These include jobs in fields like tech, media, and law. But the AI boom is also <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-ai-will-not-take-jobs-create-future-work-opportunities-2023-2">ushering in a new fleet of workers</a> needed to make it happen.And some workers are using the new technology to their advantage to make their work lives a little easier. Lawyers, realtors, and teachers <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-use-chatgpt-artificial-intelligence-making-these-jobs-easier-2023-2">told</a> Insider they used ChatGPT to lighten their workloads. ChatGPT has also shown impressive potential in helping workers conquer tasks like <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/using-chatgpt-ai-write-cover-letters-job-applications-2023-2">writing cover letters</a> when applying for jobs or <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-how-to-negotiate-a-raise-job-advice-experts-approved-2023-1">asking for a raise</a>.In response to his tweet, a Twitter user <a href="https://twitter.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1625210747084230657" target="_blank" rel="noopener">asked</a> Altman, "Do you have any real idea of the likely net implication of your own work? I'd guess that you can't because it may be too profound. Is it likely that even you have no idea where AI will take us?"Altman <a href="https://twitter.com/sama/status/1625249841927565312?s=20">replied</a>: "We have some ideas, but it's a complex system and will coevolve with society. Anyone who says they really understand what the AI-future is going to look like in detail is delusional at best. A tight feedback loop and deep engagement with society seems like the best path forward."In an interview last month with StrictlyVC's Connie Loizos, Altman was similarly asked for his predictions on the future of AI."I think the best case is so unbelievably good that it's hard for me to even imagine," he <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-openai-ceo-worst-case-ai-lights-out-for-all-2023-1">said at the time</a>. "The bad case — and I think this is important to say — is, like, lights out for all of us."He's also <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/openai-chatgpt-ceo-sam-altman-responds-school-plagiarism-concerns-bans-2023-1">weighed in</a> on one misuse of the tool: plagiarism, specifically students using ChatGPT on school assignments."We adapted to calculators and changed what we tested for in math class, I imagine," Altman said in the same interview. "This is a more extreme version of that, no doubt, but also the benefits of it are more extreme, as well."OpenAI executives have said they're <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-openai-executives-are-shocked-by-ai-chatbot-popularity-2023-1">shocked by ChatGPT's popularity</a>, noting that the product almost wasn't released for public use in its current form.In a recent interview on the New York Times <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hard-fork/id1528594034" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">tech podcast</a> "Hard Fork," Altman said, "People really love it, which makes us very happy. But no one would say this was like a great, well-integrated product yet."

You Searched For "empowerment" and got 10 results

No village in India left without access to electricity, claims FM Nirmala Sitharaman

ANI

Government set to introduce Repairability Index for mobile, electronics products

PTI

Community-led nutrition initiatives in rural India can boost diet diversity, empower women, says study

PTI

Budget resolves to give new direction to Maharashtra: CM Shinde

ANI

Budget 2024: Can Lakhpati Didi Yojana’s reality inspire better focus on women?

Ashmita Gupta

Vacancies in teaching positions major problem in NEP implementation: UGC chairman

PTI

Despite being a film about female empowerment, 'Barbie' Oscar nominations heavily favored men (and Ken)

Callie Ahlgrim

Qatar Airways' new CEO — whose predecessor once said a woman couldn't do his job — wants to bring a culture of 'trust and empowerment' to the airline

Pete Syme

Gurgaon-based Indifi disbursed ₹2,800 crore worth of loans to small business owners

Eetika Kapoor

CEO of ChatGPT maker OpenAI says AI will be 'the greatest force for economic empowerment' we've ever seen

Sarah Jackson

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides