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<keyword id="20051732" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Electronic-Voting-Machines" source="keywords">Electronic Voting Machines</keyword> (EVMs) have been at the heart of modernizing voting processes worldwide, including in the US and India. However, their journey has been fraught with issues that highlight both the promise and pitfalls of digital voting. The US, once heavily reliant on EVMs, has pulled back significantly in recent years, largely due to concerns about security and transparency. This shift provides an intriguing comparison to India’s continued reliance on EVMs, even as the country incorporates additional checks like <keyword id="23828650" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Voter-Verified-Paper-Audit-Trails" source="keywords">Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trails</keyword> (VVPAT) to strengthen trust in the system. <h2>The US’s love-hate relationship with EVMs</h2>The history of voting machines in the United States goes back over a century, with early mechanical voting machines (lever systems) introduced in the late 1800s and dominating for much of the 20th century. Later came punch-card systems, which became infamous after the 2000 election’s “hanging chad” debacle in Florida, where authorities had to painfully and manually recount the votes over weeks. Following that crisis, Congress passed the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in 2002, pushing states to replace outdated voting systems with modern, computerised Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) machines, believing they would improve accessibility and accuracy. However, these touchscreen DRE machines introduced new problems. By 2016, revelations about foreign hacking attempts on voter databases and research highlighting vulnerabilities in DRE software underscored the need for better security and transparency. A major turning point came with the 2020 presidential election and subsequent unfounded accusations of fraud, which amplified public distrust in purely electronic voting systems. Today, around 95% of American voters use systems with a paper trail to back up their votes, typically through optical scanners that read paper ballots and enable auditability, while only a small fraction of jurisdictions still use paperless EVMs. <h2>Adding paper trails</h2>In both the US and India, ensuring vote integrity has become central to the discussion around EVMs. While India was slower to adopt VVPAT, being trialled for the first time in the 2014 General Elections, this feature now serves a role similar to the hybrid systems the US has embraced, enabling verification and recounts if discrepancies arise. VVPAT, which prints a paper record of each vote that voters can see, was introduced by the Election Commission of India to build trust and create a tangible trail for audit purposes. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="115002787" title="Here&amp;#39;s what Trump&amp;#39;s victory means for Indian markets" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>The US, in contrast, leans more heavily on optical scan machines, which directly scan paper ballots filled out by voters, leaving a clear, physical record from the outset. This trend gained momentum as DRE vulnerabilities were exposed; touchscreens without paper verification were phased out across much of the country. States like Virginia and Pennsylvania, for example, moved away from pure DREs after facing issues with hacked machines and machine malfunctions. <h2>Different paths, shared concerns</h2>While the US and India have approached voting technology differently, the challenges they face — such as security, transparency, and logistical concerns — are strikingly similar. In the US, outdated EVM infrastructure remains an issue, with hundreds of voting districts still using machines from over a decade ago, creating risks tied to malfunction, lack of parts, and security flaws. These problems are mitigated somewhat by the hybrid model (optical scanning with paper ballots), which ensures that even if a machine malfunctions, votes can still be counted manually. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114965373" title="Joe Rogan endorsed Donald Trump, saying Elon Musk made a &amp;#39;compelling case&amp;#39; for the former president" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In India, EVMs have faced skepticism from opposition parties, with doubts raised over potential tampering and the lack of a physical vote count. While the introduction of VVPAT has helped address some of these concerns, experts argue that the level of transparency in Indian elections could benefit from further measures. The presence of VVPAT helps create an auditable trail, but questions remain about the random sampling method used in verifying these paper trails. As technology advances, both countries continue to refine their approaches to electronic voting, adapting to meet the demands of secure, reliable, and transparent elections. The US experience, however, offers a lesson on the importance of hybrid systems, especially when voter confidence is paramount in safeguarding democracy.

America’s complicated history with EVMs, and why the country almost stopped using them exclusively

Inside the island fortress of America's mega-billionaires

<ul><li><keyword id="6354484" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Donald-Trump" source="Orion">Donald Trump</keyword> has been re-elected as the 47th president of the United States.</li><li>Trump has defeated <keyword id="20307089" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kamala-Harris" source="keywords">Kamala Harris</keyword> in the US Presidential elections.</li><li>Indian Americans have welcomed the re-election of Donald Trump.</li></ul>Eminent Indian Americans have welcomed the re-election of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States and assured to work with him on issues of importance in the US-India ties. "Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his decisive victory. We are in a golden age of American innovation and are committed to working with his administration to help bring benefits to everyone," Google CEO Sundar Pichai said on Wednesday. “The American people have spoken”, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said. "Congratulations to President Trump on a strong win. Now, it's time for the American people to come together, pray for our country, and start the process of a peaceful transition," Haley added. "That begins with Kamala Harris conceding. You can't just talk about unity in a campaign, you have to show it regardless of the outcome," Haley said. Former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal called it a great day for America. "Let's take a moment to celebrate. Then begins the hard work to get our country back on track!" said Jindal. "It's almost morning in America," said entrepreneur-turned-politician Vivek Ramaswamy. "Now let's go save a country," he said. "Congratulations to President Trump. We look forward to working with him and his administration on issues of bilateral importance in the US-India relationship, and on global challenges that the two countries can lead together," said M R Rangaswami, founder of Indiaspora, a community engagement platform. Ajay Jain Bhaturia, a major fundraiser of the Kamala Harris campaign, also congratulated Trump. "Congratulations President-elect Trump! America failed to elect its First Women President again! People have voted for a change to handle border issues, the economy, immigration, crime, and wars! I respect their choice. We did all we could!" said Bhaturia. New York-based prominent entrepreneur Al Mason said: "God saved Trump from two assassination attempts - there is a reason for the same. Trump is going to be a messiah for the American people and the rest of the world. There will be a very prosperous America, a safer world free of wars. In fact, a golden era begins for the United States of America." Dr Krishna Reddy, chair of Indian American Friendship Council, congratulated Trump on the victory. "This is the beginning of super <keyword id="21319316" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="US-India-relations" source="keywords">US-India relations</keyword> and together we keep the world safe again. This is the great strength of Indian Americans to build a robust economy again and Indian Americans are a great part of this success," he said. With inputs from PTI. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/skoda-kylaq-suv-launched-in-india-starting-at-7-89-lakh/articleshow/115013668.cms">Skoda Kylaq SUV launched in India starting at ₹7.89 lakh</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/swiggy-ipo-gmp-risk-factors-and-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/115004939.cms">Swiggy IPO – GMP, risk factors and all you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-ipo-indias-biggest-telco-to-go-public-in-2025-retail-ipo-further-away/articleshow/114944496.cms">Reliance Jio IPO – India’s biggest telco to go public in 2025, retail IPO further away</a>

Indian Americans welcome Donald Trump's re-election

Reigning world Champions <keyword id="19907360" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Argentina" source="keywords">Argentina</keyword> have triumphed once again! <keyword id="20025988" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lionel-Messi" source="keywords">Lionel Messi</keyword> and his team successfully clinched their 16th <keyword id="20002770" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Copa-America" source="keywords">Copa America</keyword> title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over <keyword id="19987590" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Colombia" source="keywords">Colombia</keyword> at Miami's <keyword id="4820681" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hard-Rock-Stadium" source="Orion">Hard Rock Stadium</keyword> in the early hours of Monday (Indian time). The South American football spectacle faced an 82-minute kickoff delay due to crowd trouble caused by unruly unticketed fans. Once the game finally commenced, it remained deadlocked until the late stages of extra time. It was then that Inter Milan's <keyword id="4165877" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lautaro-Martinez" source="Orion">Lautaro Martinez</keyword> broke the stalemate with a decisive strike in the 112th minute, securing Argentina's victory. Displaying composure, the striker burst through the heart of a tired Colombian defence to pick the corner expertly. <div type="twitter" handle="copaamerica_ENG" handlename="copaamerica_ENG" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1812711734995476855"></div> Martinez came to Argentina’s rescue after Lionel Messi's night and <keyword id="719006" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Copa-America-final" source="Orion">Copa America final</keyword> ended prematurely. The Argentina captain departed the field in tears during the 64th minute, nursing an apparent ankle injury. The 37-year-old’s distressing exit came after a non-contact injury sustained while sprinting at full speed. Subsequent images showed a visibly swollen ankle as Messi sat on the sidelines. Prior to the delayed kickoff, chaotic scenes unfolded as individuals breached security railings near the Southwest entrance of the stadium, evading both police and venue staff. The backdrop was filled with shouts and commotion. In the sweltering heat of South Florida, some individuals required medical attention and hydration. Authorities swiftly responded by securing entrances with black gates, effectively preventing further unauthorised access. Despite the challenges, Argentina's teammates rallied when Messi needed them most. With this triumph, Argentina has clinched back-to-back Copa America titles, wrapped around a glorious World Cup victory. This achievement underscores that while the Messi era may be drawing to a close, Argentina's era of dominance is here to stay.

Copa America 2024 final: Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 despite Messi injury scare, crowd trouble at Hard Rock Stadium

<ul><li>The Indian stock indices opened flat on Thursday, a day after Trump’s victory.</li><li>FIIs continued to remain net sellers in the Indian market in November.</li><li>The <keyword id="20641216" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nifty-50" source="keywords">Nifty 50</keyword> index opened flat at 24,489.60 points, while the <keyword id="19950208" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BSE-Sensex" source="keywords">BSE Sensex</keyword> index was down to 80,248.60 points</li></ul>Indian stock markets opened flat with a marginal dip on Thursday after Donald Trump's victory, while FIIs continued to remain net sellers in Indian markets. The Nifty 50 index opened flat at 24,489.60 points, while the BSE Sensex index was down marginally by 0.16% during early trade to 80,248.60 points. Experts noted that global markets supported Trump's victory on Wednesday, and his success in the elections is expected to be more potentially transformative than initially thought. However, his decisions could have both positive and negative impacts on different sectors. "The Trump victory is turning out to be more potentially transformative than thought earlier. With the Congress and the Senate coming under Republican control and President Trump exercising power without bothering about another term in office, hugely transformational decisions are possible in the months following Trump's assumption of office. These decisions may turn out to be both good and bad" said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services. "His pro-business initiative of 'America First' can strengthen the American economy. But if he walks his talk and imposes a 60% tariff on Chinese imports and a 10 to 20% tariff on imports from other countries, that would trigger inflation and jeopardise the Fed's policy of containing inflation, necessitating a rethink of the Fed's present policy of rate cut. This has the potential to negatively impact global stock markets,” Vijayakumar added. In the sectoral indices, a mixed performance was seen on the National Stock Exchange, with Nifty Auto, Nifty Pharma, Nifty IT, and Nifty FMCG gaining, while Nifty Bank, Nifty Metal, and Nifty Private Bank declined. In the quarterly announcements today, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra, Trent, Rail Vikas Nigam, Linde India, Lupin, NHPC, and Aditya Birla Fashion &amp; Retail are some of the major companies set to announce their second-quarter financial performance. In other Asian markets on Thursday, Japan's Nikkei index was down marginally by 0.4%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.68%. Taiwan's weighted index also rose by 1.07%, and South Korea's KOSPI index was up by 0.41%. In China, the Shanghai Composite also gained 0.75% after Trump's return. U.S. markets on Wednesday rallied on Trump's victory, with the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq indices both surging more than 2%. “US is the largest market for India's $254 bn tech sector where its overall contribution is $80 bn to US GDP. Importantly, the industry plays a key role in supporting US companies in strengthening the US economy. Conversely, India is a prime destination for American businesses, with over 1,000 U.S. companies that are driving innovation and leveraging India’s digital infrastructure to create competitive solutions,” said Indian trade body Nasscom in a statement. With inputs from ANI. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/skoda-kylaq-suv-launched-in-india-starting-at-7-89-lakh/articleshow/115013668.cms">Skoda Kylaq SUV launched in India starting at ₹7.89 lakh</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/swiggy-ipo-gmp-risk-factors-and-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/115004939.cms">Swiggy IPO – GMP, risk factors and all you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-ipo-indias-biggest-telco-to-go-public-in-2025-retail-ipo-further-away/articleshow/114944496.cms">Reliance Jio IPO – India’s biggest telco to go public in 2025, retail IPO further away</a>

Nifty and Sensex continue downward trend, selling continues despite Trump's victory

How did <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>, a subcontinent teeming with its own political dramas and economic riches, contribute to America's fight against <keyword id="20128307" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="British-rule" source="keywords">British rule</keyword>? On this 4th of July, as we celebrate the birth of American <keyword id="19923674" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="independence" source="keywords">independence</keyword>, let’s dive into this captivating tale of interconnected destinies and discover India's unexpected role in the <keyword id="22279984" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="American-Revolution" source="keywords">American Revolution</keyword>. <h2>A brief summary of America's independence struggle</h2>The American independence struggle began in the late 18th century as 13 British colonies grew increasingly frustrated with British rule — a struggle familiar to Indians at the time as well. What began as discontent over taxes and trade restrictions quickly snowballed into a full-blown quest for independence. Eventually, the pushback birthed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, a document that emphasised the colonies' right to self-governance and highlighted ideals of liberty and democracy. The Revolutionary War followed the signing, with General <keyword id="20158488" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="george-washington" source="keywords">George Washington</keyword> leading the Continental Army against British forces. Despite initial setbacks, lack of resources, and internal divisions, American forces managed to achieve many significant victories. The war concluded with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, where Britain recognised US sovereignty. This victory not only established a new nation but also inspired other revolutionary movements worldwide. <h2>What was happening in India at the time?</h2>While the American colonies were rallying against British oppression, India was experiencing its own upheaval. The <keyword id="19927376" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mughal-Empire" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Mughal Empire" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Mughal Empire">Mughal Empire</keyword>, which had ruled the subcontinent for centuries, was in decline. Internal political strife, coupled with the ambitions of European powers — particularly the British and the French — was eroding Mughal authority. By 1776, India was a patchwork of princely states and European-controlled territories, with the <keyword id="20144085" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="British-East-India-Company" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="British East India Company" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="British East India Company">British East India Company</keyword> emerging as a dominant force. The Company's grip on India's rich resources, especially its coveted textiles, was tightening as Britain sought to fuel its own industrial revolution and global trade ambitions. <h2>How did India get involved?</h2>As per the Museum of the American Revolution, India's involvement in the American Revolution was not through direct participation, but through the strategic and economic manoeuvres of European powers on its soil. Indian commodities, especially high-quality textiles, were pivotal in the colonial trade network. American colonists, reliant on British imports, found themselves paying hefty taxes on goods, including those from India. This economic strain contributed to the rising discontent and eventual boycott of British goods in the colonies. Moreover, the global conflict between Britain and France spilled over into India. With the French joining the American cause in 1778, British and French forces clashed in India, leveraging local allies like <keyword id="21269323" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hyder-ali" source="keywords">Hyder Ali</keyword>, the Sultan of Mysore. Hyder Ali, with his French connections, launched attacks against the British in southern India, marking the Second Anglo-Mysore War. These skirmishes diverted British resources and attention, adding another layer of complexity to the American Revolutionary War. <h2>How did India’s involvement impact America’s freedom struggle?</h2>The British reliance on Indian textiles and other commodities meant that any disruption in this supply chain had far-reaching effects. The American colonists' boycott of British goods, many sourced from India, led to the non-importation movement in America, which would later trigger the American Revolutionary War. The Anglo-French conflicts in India also played a strategic role. The British military, already stretched thin by the war in America, had to divert resources to protect its interests in India. This two-front conflict weakened British resolve and capabilities, indirectly aiding the American cause. All these factors helped strain Britain's economy while affording America that much more purchasing power with independence negotiations. In essence, while Indian soldiers didn't march on American soil, and Indian leaders didn't sign the Declaration of Independence, the subcontinent's economic and strategic importance played a crucial, if often overlooked, role in the broader tapestry of the American Revolution.

How did India help the United States of America achieve independence?

Russia, on Wednesday, accused the United States of showing disrespect towards India, alleging interference in India's 2024 <keyword id="19923279" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lok-Sabha-elections" source="keywords">Lok Sabha elections</keyword> and attempts to disrupt the country's internal <keyword id="19930636" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="political-stability" source="keywords">political stability</keyword>. Speaking at a media briefing, <keyword id="20731532" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Russian-Foreign-Ministry" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Russian Foreign Ministry" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Russian Foreign Ministry">Russian Foreign Ministry</keyword> spokesperson <keyword id="20446998" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="maria-zakharova" source="keywords">Maria Zakharova</keyword> criticised the US for its report on <keyword id="20114410" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="religious-freedom" source="keywords">religious freedom</keyword> in India, suggesting a lack of understanding of India's national mentality and historical context. Zakharova reportedly alleged that America continues to make “unfounded accusations” about religious freedoms in India and the reason (behind the US accusations) is to unbalance the internal political situation in India and complicate the general elections. “They (the US) tried to unbalance the political situation in India in order to make it harder to have the general parliamentary elections. That is part of meddling into India's domestic affairs,” Zakharova was quoted as saying by <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/russia-claims-us-aims-to-destabilise-india-during-lok-sabha-elections-2024/articleshow/109968436.cms">The Times of India</a>. "Regular unfounded accusations by the United States against New Delhi of violating religious freedoms are a reflection of the United States' misunderstanding of the national mentality, the historical context of the development of the Indian state and disrespect for India as a state. I am sure that this also comes from the neocolonial mentality, the mentality of the colonial period, the period of the slave trade, and imperialism," she said, as quoted by ANI. The report in question, drawn by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), raised concerns over India's purported infringements on religious freedom. It evoked a strong response from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which denounced it as biased and part of a recurring pattern of anti-India propaganda. Zakharova, in addition to criticising the US stance on religious freedom, also accused Washington of adopting a repressive attitude and failing to respect India's sovereignty. She suggested that such behaviour stems from America’s colonial mindset rooted in historical exploitation. Furthermore, Zakharova addressed allegations against an Indian official regarding an alleged "assassination" plot targeting pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The Washington Post had published a report implicating a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) official in the purported assassination attempt on Pannun. India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the report as baseless and unverified, emphasising that the matter is under investigation. It also criticised the US media for publishing speculative and irresponsible information. Zakharova weighed in on the situation, stating: “According to the information we have, Washington has not yet provided any reliable evidence of the involvement of Indian citizens in the preparation of the murder of a certain GS Pannun. Speculation on this topic in the absence of evidence is unacceptable.” With accusations and counter-accusations flying between Russia and the US, tensions between the two over their respective stances on <keyword id="21592534" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indias-internal-affairs" source="keywords">India's internal affairs</keyword> continue to escalate. As India grapples with these external pressures, it will be a walk on the tightrope for the country as it attempts to maintain friendly diplomatic relationships with both global superpowers. (With inputs from TOI)

Is the US interfering with Lok Sabha elections? Russia accuses America of disrespecting India, influencing democratic processes

<div type="image" title="Companies are embracing the unbossing trend" msid="113256383" hostid="261" sizebytes="1440779"></div> If there’s one thing both a productive team member and an underperformer hates in the corporate world, it’s being micromanaged. Now, imagine a workplace where the boss isn’t calling all the shots. Instead, everyone has a voice, and innovation flows freely. The recent corporate trend of "Unbossing" promises to do just that, empowering employees by eliminating the heavy hands of hierarchy. Sounds too good to be true? Well, globally, not just the new-age start-ups, but dozens of major corporations have embraced this trend and trimmed their middle management. <h2>Managers managing managers — no more!</h2>In January last year, <keyword id="399907" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="META" source="Orion">Meta</keyword> CEO Mark Zuckerberg made headlines for declaring 2023 as the “year of efficiency” and saying that he doesn’t want a management structure that's just “managers managing managers”. <div type="image" title="Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg" agency="ANI" msid="113256403" hostid="261"></div> The same month, it was also reported by Command Line that Meta's chief product officer Chris Cox, had shared a post on the company's communication platform, Workplace, highlighting the necessity to "flatten" the organisation's structure. What followed was reports of Meta slashing middle management roles. Gradually, other companies like Shopify, Bayer, and Cisco began making headlines for showing the exit door to some of their middle managers. Loosely, unbossing is essentially cutting down the middle management roles. It cuts significant costs for the company and the new-age workforce also endorses the trend as efficient in enabling faster decision-making and innovation. However, critics argue this trend also limits the extent of mentorship that the younger generation receives while entering the workforce, which often remains an intangible value if your boss turns out to be a good mentor. Therefore, for some, it’s not about firing the middle management, but just another leadership philosophy on how leaders (and ‘bosses’) should conduct themselves. This approach advocates bosses working along with the team as a part rather than shouting instructions from the top. Whatever one’s understanding, this trend of “Unbossing” appears to be taking corporate America by storm in 2023, as evidenced by hundreds of media reports highlighting the same. Overall, most agree that the trend is restructuring organisational hierarchy to enable direct communication between employees and leaders. Cut to 2024, this trend is still prevalent and making headlines. A Bloomberg report recently said that Georges Elhedery, the incoming CEO of HSBC Holdings, might also consider plans to streamline the company's operations by reducing layers of middle management. But what’s the scenario in India? Are Indian companies ready to ditch the old-school approach and adopt this new way of working? Let’s dive in and see what the experts have to say! <h2>Layoffs to impact senior professionals: Naukri.com survey</h2>A survey by job portal Naukri.com early last year had suggested that recruiters in India expect a decline in layoffs during the first half of 2023. The survey, which included responses from 1,400 recruiters and consultants across ten industries, revealed that only 4 percent of participants anticipated layoffs to be the main focus of hiring activities within their organisations. However, the survey also highlighted that information technology roles and senior professionals were likely to be the most affected by hiring adjustments. About 20 percent of recruiters predicted that layoffs would predominantly impact senior professionals, while freshers are expected to face the least disruption from these hiring corrections. Interestingly the survey came around the same time when the Unbossing trend had begun picking up pace abroad. <h2>Layoffs at Wipro, <keyword id="18635" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="amazon" source="Orion">Amazon</keyword> and Collegedunia</h2>In January this year, Wipro India was in the limelight for laying off hundreds of its mid-level executives. The company reportedly culled many jobs as part of its strategy to improve margins. An ET report citing two sources familiar with the situation had said that the leading Indian IT firm reduced mid-level roles at its onsite locations. "Notices began being issued earlier this month, and hundreds of mid-level executives onsite are being let go," one source revealed. Another source added, "They have costly resources onsite in Capco, and although growth is returning, it's not sufficient. Aparna Iyer, Wipro's chief financial officer, has been tasked with delivering better margins this quarter." <div type="image" title="Amazon decided to lay-off middle managers in May" msid="113256170" hostid="261"></div>Then in May, Amazon also decided to reduce layers of middle management within its customer service divisions as part of an organisational restructuring, a Fortune report had said. The cuts impacted over 100 customer service managers in Level 5 and Level 6 middle management roles, both in call centres and virtual positions, primarily based in the U.S. and India. Not just large tech companies, startups too seem to be adapting the <keyword id="23125775" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="unbossing-trend-in-India" source="Orion">unbossing trend in India</keyword>. Last month, educational portal Collegedunia confirmed that around 100 employees from its Study Abroad department had been given the pink slip. A report in CNBC-TV18 had said that additional job cuts were happening across other departments as part of a broader reorganisation. The restructuring, as per the report, was aimed at automating many tasks to reduce costs. Interestingly, despite the layoffs, Collegedunia had posted 13 job openings on LinkedIn for various roles in different locations, primarily entry-level positions requiring up to two years of experience. "While Collegedunia is laying off several employees, it is also hiring fresh talent, allowing them to keep staffing levels up but at a lower cost," one employee told CNBC-TV18 at the time. Another source confirmed that while Collegedunia had been actively recruiting for some months, it has also been letting go of employees, including senior staff members with 7-8 years of experience at the company. <h2>What do experts say?</h2> <div type="image" title="Experts&amp;#39; opinion on unbossing trend" msid="113256250" hostid="261"></div>Mr. Sumit Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, told Business Insider India, “From the perspective of HR leaders and CEOs, the strategic culling of middle management is viewed as a means to streamline operations, reduce overhead, and foster a culture of autonomy and innovation.” He also noted that even though employees can “exercise greater ownership and agility in decision-making” through this approach, there are also significant downsides. “The erosion of middle management creates a vacuum in leadership development, mentorship, and the retention of institutional knowledge, potentially leading to disengagement, a weakened talent pipeline, and misalignment with organisational objectives,” Kumar noted. Talking specifically about the Indian scenario, he said, “Implementing this trend in India would be a strategic move, positioning organisations to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving business environment. However, to fully capitalise on this approach, developing a more robust talent pipeline that integrates the ability to multitask at all levels is imperative. In today's landscape, leadership demands thinkers, strategic visionaries, and individuals who can execute with precision. We need to cultivate a new breed of leaders who are both thinkers and doers, capable of navigating complex challenges while driving innovation and growth. By building versatile, agile leaders through targeted talent development programs, Indian organisations can ensure they are well-prepared to thrive in a decentralised, high-performance environment.” RP Yadav, Chairman and Managing Director of Genius Consultants Limited, told ET recently that the Unbossing approach simplifies hierarchies and encourages open communication between frontline employees and senior management. He had added that the concept of “the oldest in the room is always the wisest of all” is no longer applicable. Meanwhile, Aditya Narayan Mishra, MD and CEO of CIEL HR Services told ET that the unbossing trend is predominantly seen in tech companies, creative roles, and startups, where swift decision-making and the unrestricted exchange of ideas are crucial. For example, the tech sector often thrives with flattened hierarchies that support rapid innovation and agility, while creative industries such as advertising and media use unbossing to cultivate a more collaborative and idea-focused environment. Thus, the unbossing trend is gaining traction beyond global companies and is finding its way into Indian organisations as well. While this approach can streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance agility, experts caution that it also brings challenges, such as gaps in leadership development and the loss of institutional knowledge. To fully harness the benefits of unbossing, Indian companies must focus on cultivating agile leaders who can navigate complex challenges and drive growth. By building a strong talent pipeline and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, Indian organisations can position themselves to thrive in a more decentralised and dynamic business environment. Do you have insights or personal experience to s hare on layoffs, <keyword id="34447" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="workplace-trends" source="Orion">workplace trends</keyword>, or career changes? Contact us at businessinsider@timesinternet.in.

SIMPLY PUT: What’s with all “Unbossing” talks? Are Indian companies also embracing this global trend?

World Cup-winning opening batter Gautam <keyword id="19929078" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gambhir" source="keywords">Gambhir</keyword> was on Tuesday named as the head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, replacing <keyword id="19923639" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rahul-Dravid" source="keywords">Rahul Dravid</keyword> at the top post. Dravid quit the post after India's recent <keyword id="19921630" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="T20-World-Cup" source="keywords">T20 World Cup</keyword> triumph in the Americas. "It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Mr @GautamGambhir as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team. Modern-day cricket has evolved rapidly, and Gautam has witnessed this changing landscape up close. Having endured the grind and excelled in various roles throughout his career, I am confident that Gautam is the ideal person to steer Indian Cricket forward," <keyword id="19901245" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BCCI" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="BCCI" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="BCCI">BCCI</keyword> secretary Jay Shah posted in his 'X' account. "His clear vision for #TeamIndia, coupled with his vast experience, positions him perfectly to take on this exciting and most sought-after coaching role. The @BCCI fully supports him as he embarks on this new journey." The 42-year-old Gambhir, a key member of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning Indian side, led Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. He was the mentor of the KKR team that won the IPL title in 2024. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/xiaomi-su7-with-up-to-800-km-range-showcased-in-india-but-you-cant-buy-it/slidelist/111609513.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/xiaomi-su7-with-up-to-800-km-range-showcased-in-india-but-you-cant-buy-it/slidelist/111609513.cms" target="_blank">Xiaomi SU7 with up to 800 km range showcased in India but you can’t buy it</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/redmi-13-5g-with-120hz-display-launched-in-india-starting-at-13999/articleshow/111604488.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/redmi-13-5g-with-120hz-display-launched-in-india-starting-at-13999/articleshow/111604488.cms" target="_blank">Redmi 13 5G with 120Hz display launched in India starting at ₹13,999</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/top-10-selling-cars-in-india-in-june-2024-tata-punch-leads-the-list/slidelist/111578419.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/top-10-selling-cars-in-india-in-june-2024-tata-punch-leads-the-list/slidelist/111578419.cms" target="_blank">Top 10 selling cars in India in June 2024 – Tata Punch leads the list</a>

Gautam Gambhir appointed as Indian team head coach

US President <keyword id="99719" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="joe-biden" source="Orion">Joe Biden</keyword> has honoured two Indian-American scientists -- <keyword id="19253515" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ashok-gadgil" source="Orion">Ashok Gadgil</keyword> and <keyword id="165227" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="subra-suresh" source="Orion">Subra Suresh</keyword> -- with the country's highest scientific awards for their contribution to the field of science and technology. Biden presented the prestigious <keyword id="6356037" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="White-House" source="Orion">White House</keyword> National Medal for Technology and Innovation to Gadgil, a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Civil and Environmental Engineering at <keyword id="201630" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="uc-berkeley" source="Orion">UC Berkeley</keyword>, on Tuesday for providing life-sustaining resources to communities around the world. The award, bestowed on leading US innovators, recognises those who have made lasting contributions to America's competitiveness and quality of life and helped strengthen the nation's technological workforce. Suresh, a professor at large at <keyword id="107088" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="brown-university" source="Orion">Brown University</keyword>'s School of Engineering, was awarded the National Medal of Science for pioneering research across engineering, physical sciences and life sciences, and particularly for advancing the study of material science and its application to other disciplines. Gadgil was one of 12 recipients of the White House National Medal for Technology and Innovation. Gadgil has developed low--cost solutions to some of the developing world's most intractable problems, including safe drinking water technologies, energy-efficient stoves, and ways to make efficient electric lighting affordable. He focuses on robust inventions that can be deployed as widely as possible, and together, his projects have helped more than 100 million people. Gadgil is also an expert in building energy efficiency and computational fluid dynamics of indoor air and pollutant flows. The White House said Gadgil was presented the medal "for providing life-sustaining resources to communities around the world. His innovative, inexpensive technologies help meet profound needs, from drinking water to fuel-efficient cookstoves. His work is inspired by a belief in the dignity of all people and in our power to solve the great challenges of our time." Gadgil's award is the 17th national medal overall and the second National Medal of Technology and Innovation that Berkeley Lab researchers have earned. "The world is not a fair place. I try to bend my knowledge of science, engineering, and creativity to make it a little less unfair for the people who are holding the short end of the stick. If I can make that difference, go even a little bit in that direction, I think that's fantastic," Gadgil told Barkley Lab in an interview. Gadgil earned degrees in physics from the University of Bombay (now Mumbai), the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, and his Ph.D. from UC Berkeley. He then joined Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) in 1980 and retired earlier this year as a faculty senior scientist; he is now an affiliate retiree of the Berkeley Lab. He formerly served as the division director of the Environmental Energy Technologies Division - now the Energy Technologies Area (ETA). He is also a distinguished professor emeritus of civil and environmental engineering at UC Berkeley. The announcement from the National Science and Technology Medals Foundation noted Suresh's commitment to research and collaboration across international borders, which has demonstrated how science can forge understanding and cooperation among people and nations. "It's very satisfying," said Suresh, who said he takes special pride in the recognition because of what the medal signifies, according to a Brown University statement. Suresh, the former head of the National Science Foundation (NSF), was presented with the prestigious science medal along with eight others. Born in India in 1956, Suresh graduated from high school at 15 and by age 25, had earned his undergraduate degree, master's degree and Ph.D., which he earned in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in just two years. Suresh became a faculty member at Brown University in 1983 as the youngest member of the engineering faculty. After 10 years at Brown, Suresh went on to become the first Asian-born American to lead the National Science Foundation (NSF), serving as its 13th director after he was nominated by then-president, Barack Obama. He returned to Brown's School of Engineering in September 2023, and earlier this month, the school announced a biennial symposium in his honour focused on the frontiers of technology and society. Under his leadership, NSF launched the Global Research Council, a virtual organisation of heads of science and engineering funding agencies from more than 50 countries, aimed at fostering global collaboration and data sharing. He also oversaw the establishment of the Centre-Life Balance programme, an initiative to increase the number of doctoral-level women in the science and engineering fields from 26 per cent to 40 per cent between 2011 and 2021.

Biden honours two Indian-American scientists with America's highest scientific awards

Vice President <keyword id="20307089" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kamala-Harris" source="keywords">Kamala Harris</keyword> is a symbol of hope and representation for more than 4.4 million Indian-Americans in the US, a <keyword id="22524402" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Democratic-fundraiser" source="keywords">Democratic fundraiser</keyword> has said, asserting that her <keyword id="20282804" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="presidential-campaign" source="keywords">presidential campaign</keyword>'s "organic, <keyword id="22582741" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="grassroots-enthusiasm" source="keywords">grassroots enthusiasm</keyword>" is producing results. Harris, 59, is the presumptive presidential nominee of the <keyword id="20031929" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Democratic-Party" source="keywords">Democratic Party</keyword>. She officially declared her candidacy for president last week after incumbent President Joe Biden withdrew from the race for a second term on July 20. She is, however, yet to be officially declared as the <keyword id="19985223" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="presidential-candidate" source="keywords">presidential candidate</keyword> by the Democrats. "Kamala Harris, with her <keyword id="19990665" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-origin" source="keywords">Indian origin</keyword>, brings an additional layer of excitement and support from the Indian-American community. As someone whose mother hailed from Chennai, India, Kamala Harris is not just a candidate but a symbol of hope and representation for over 4.4 million <keyword id="54089" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="indian-americans" source="Orion">Indian Americans</keyword>," Ajay Bhutoria, deputy national finance chair, 'Harris for President, 2024' said on Sunday. "This community, historically engaged and influential, is poised to be a margin of victory in key battleground states," Bhutoria said in a statement. On Sunday, the Harris campaign announced it had raised USD 200 million and had 170,000 volunteers signed in the first week of the campaign. Harris will be up against former president Donald Trump, the Republican Party's presidential candidate for the high-stakes general elections on November 5. "Harris has been a candidate for less than a week, but she's already coalesced the entire Democratic Party around her campaign, and the organic, grassroots enthusiasm is producing results," Bhutoria said. "From record-breaking fundraising to unprecedented crowds and volunteers pouring into field offices across the battlegrounds, Team Harris is fired up to elect the Vice President and defeat the extremist Trump-Vance ticket," he said. The momentum and energy for Harris is real - and so are the fundamentals of this race: this election will be very close and decided by a small number of voters in just a few states. "That's why our campaign is harnessing the energy across the country for a weekend of action to mark 100 days out from the election (today!)," Bhutoria said. "Kamala Harris stands as a beacon of hope and leadership in a time when America is at a crossroads. Her candidacy represents a bold vision for the future, one that promises to strengthen democracy, protect reproductive rights, and create opportunities for every American to thrive," he said. "As we face a critical choice between a future built on progress and inclusion versus one driven by division and regression, Harris offers a compelling path forward," Bhutoria said.

Kamala Harris a symbol of hope and representation for over 4.4 million Indian-Americans: Democratic fundraiser

America has long had a plastic problem. It's an urgent question — what do we do with the 40 million tons of plastic waste we produce annually? One year of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/disposable-face-mask-waste-toxic-poison-water-nanoplastics-pollution-health-2022-2">plastic waste</a> is roughly enough to smother the entirety of Manhattan a meter deep, and it has to go somewhere. For years, the answer was simple: Make a lot of it, dump most of it in the landfill, and make the rest of it someone else's problem — the US regularly exported 7 million tons a year to China alone. Some of it was melted into lesser plastic; the rest was incinerated or buried.But then, in 2018, China cut off plastic imports.Now, America is coming to terms with a hard truth: Plastic was never designed to be recycled and there's no profitable way to recycle 91% of it. The environmental impacts have been disastrous. About 430 million tons of plastic are produced globally every year, accounting for 14% of global oil demand. The refinement of plastic alone emits up to 235 million tons of greenhouse gases a year. Most of that plastic breaks down into <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microplastics-risks-heart-attack-stroke-study-2024-3">microplastics</a> that make their way into the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/expert-how-i-keep-baby-family-safe-toxic-plastic-microplastics-2023-1">air, rain, and our bodies</a>. Almost 95% of America's water supply contains plastic fibers.While the US, the UK, and other European countries responded to China's ban by sending their waste to places like Thailand and Malaysia, those countries then followed China in cutting off waste imports. The message was clear: The Global South would no longer be a dumping ground for the West.<div type="image" title="A scavenger drinks water while collecting plastic waste to sell to a recycling center at a landfill in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia in March 2024" height="3333" width="5000" msid="109561992" hostid="261"></div>America is now scrambling to find alternatives. One approach peddled by oil corporations like Chevron and Exxon has been to turn plastic into crude oil, which they say extends the life of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/north-americas-largest-waste-hauler-investing-in-a-plastic-recycler-2022-9">plastic that would've otherwise ended up in a landfill</a>. As these companies look to replace projected lost revenue from the phasing out of fossil fuels, they're lobbying to blanket the country with 150 plants that specialize in pyrolysis, a form of chemical recycling that melts plastic down into crude oil to be used for fuel and petrochemicals, as well as to make lesser-quality plastics. While advocates champion these facilities for breaking down hard-to-recycle plastics that other <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-recycling-startups-aluminum-plastic-valuable-materials-2024-4">recyclers toss aside</a>, critics condemn them for emitting toxic particles, relying heavily on government subsidies, and acting as a greenwashed alternative to addressing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/plastic-recycled-into-bricks-ivory-coast-conceptos-plasticos-2023-2">the plastic problem</a>.As they're pitched as an innovation set to bring us a "circular economy" of plastic that allows us to stop making new plastic and just reuse what we have, marketing for pyrolysis and recycling overlooks a glaring fact: Plastic production doubles every 15 to 20 years.This isn't sustainable, Tim Miller, a vice president at the Ohio plastic-recycling center Royal Paper Stock, told me, adding: "But I don't know how to stop it." Pyrolysis is another sign of America's plastic paralysis.In the years after World War II, plastic flooded the marketplace as a cheap alternative to otherwise scarce and finite materials. It was hailed as a democratic harbinger of a new, utopian age of capitalism, fueling the subsequent decades of cheap consumerism that became synonymous with the American dream."The continuous flow of oil fueled not just cars but an entire culture based on the consumption of new products made of plastics," Susan Freinkel wrote in her book "Plastic: A Toxic Love Story."Plastic went from being practically nonexistent in 1940 to being consumed at a rate of 30 pounds a person each year by 1960. Just as quickly, it became a target of environmental movements protesting litter, garbage-filled oceans, and landfills brimming with plastic. Oil and chemical companies responded by looking into whether recycling was realistic or, more importantly, profitable. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2020/09/11/897692090/how-big-oil-misled-the-public-into-believing-plastic-would-be-recycled">It wasn't</a>. So companies shifted the blame for the pollution onto consumers. The "Crying Indian" commercial, funded by beverage and packaging corporations, aired in 1971, showing a Native American character crying at the sight of litter.The messaging worked. As companies expanded plastic into every facet of life, recycling became the due diligence needed to sustain our hyperconsumption. We didn't worry about plastic bottles because the recycling truck carried them off to a new life. Companies like Coca-Cola and Nestlé slapped "100% recycled" and "100% recyclable" labels on their packaging to appear sustainable. Just last year, the Plastics Industry Association launched a million-dollar ad campaign, "Recycling Is Real," claiming that it's "not only real, but feasible and economical."While recycling is real, the vast majority of plastic isn't recycled, mostly due to how expensive it is to clean and sort it effectively. A 2022 report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development found only 9% of all plastic ever produced had been recycled; 72% ended up in landfills or the environment. Unlike aluminum or glass, the plastic that can be recycled rarely results in replacing one recycled water bottle with another.<div type="image" title="Recycling sorters at Recologys Recycle Central sort out pieces of flimsy and film plastic destined for landfill in 2019 in San Francisco" height="4480" width="6720" msid="109561996" hostid="261"></div>Instead, it's a process of downcycling — turning plastic into lesser plastics like plant containers or bins before they are relegated to a landfill. By downcycling a tiny portion of plastic waste, companies can genuinely reuse a relatively small share of plastic, while convincing consumers that the industry has created a circular economy of infinitely recycled plastic. Never mind that products advertised as being made from recycled plastic are made almost entirely out of new plastic or that almost all the 300 pounds of plastic every American consumes each year (10 times as much as in 1960) ends up in a landfill, in the ocean, or incinerated.Larry Thomas, a former president of what's now called the Plastics Industry Association, told NPR in 2020: "If the public thinks that recycling is working, then they are not going to be as concerned about the environment." And if they aren't worried about the impact of plastic on the environment, they won't threaten the plastics industry.Since 2018, the fossil-fuel and plastics industries have faced two harsh realities: Oil is being phased out in favor of clean, renewable energy, and plastic waste can no longer be exported to developing nations in the South. To replace their fuel losses, oil companies are going all in on plastic. The International Energy Agency predicted in 2018 that petrochemical products like plastic would outpace trucks, aviation, and shipping in oil demand by 2050. In a recent report, ExxonMobil predicted that petrochemicals used largely for plastics and fertilizer would account for nearly all of the oil industry's growth by 2050, replacing industrial fuel demand, which is projected to decrease. To keep expanding plastic production, however, it needs to look sustainable.<div type="image" title="A Good Year sign in Akron, Ohio" height="960" width="1200" msid="109562000" hostid="261"></div>Akron, Ohio, which hosts about one-quarter of the country's polymer companies, is ground zero for this push. Designated by the Biden administration as the only "tech hub" in Ohio, the city has received tens of millions of dollars from the CHIPS Act, which it hopes to use to create a circular economy around plastic.In 2012, Alterra Energy opened America's first large-scale plastic-pyrolysis facility. According to its website, Alterra converts "plastics back into their original building blocks to produce new plastics and other valuable products." The crude oil produced by the Akron facility is shipped to petrochemical companies around the globe to be purified and made into new plastics. But it's unclear how effective this process is.A study published in 2023 by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that the economic and environmental impact of turning pyrolysis oil back into plastic was actually far worse than it was to make brand-new plastic. As a result, they said, pyrolysis oil is "typically reintegrated into the petrochemical industry where only a small fraction is used for closed-loop recycling."<div type="image" title="The Alterra Energy facility in Akron, Ohio" height="960" width="1200" msid="109562003" hostid="261"></div>"It has had, let's say, limited success," Miller, the Royal Paper Stock vice president, said about pyrolysis. "No one yet in the United States that I know of is just cranking in plastic and pumping out oil." He pointed to a pyrolysis facility in Oregon that just announced it would shut down after tens of millions of dollars in losses.Residents in Akron are split on the impacts of the Alterra facility. On the one hand, pyrolysis melts plastic to be reused instead of sending it to the landfill or incinerator. On the other, it emits cancerous pollutants such as mercury, benzene, and arsenic, and props up the very fossil-fuel companies that are driving the climate crisis.<div type="image" title="Kelley Sayre in front of her garage in Akron, Ohio" height="1500" width="1200" msid="109562007" hostid="261"></div>"Akron's going for 'the green city on the hill,'" Kelley Sayre, a fourth-generation Akron resident, told me, "but it's really 'the greenwashing city.'"Vicky Abou-Ghalioum, the lead petrochemicals organizer of Buckeye Environmental Network, has been working with Akron residents concerned about the environmental and health impacts of chemical recycling, but it's proved challenging in a city ruled by polymers. "People are afraid to talk about plastic," she told me. Her organization has been pushing the EPA to address the influx of planned pyrolysis facilities in Ohio, arguing that they're bad for the environment and people, and aren't even profitable.In a statement to Business Insider, Alterra Energy said its Akron facility is profitable and diverts over 100,000 pounds of plastic each day from landfills. "We operate in a heavily regulated industry and are in compliance with those requirements," the company said in response to concerns about toxic emissions. It also said one of its customers uses Alterra's oil product exclusively for making new plastic.Despite the problems of pyrolysis, many manufacturers hail it as a sustainable miracle. Companies such as Eastman Chemical Co. see chemical recycling as the solution to recycling or composting 50% of their plastic packaging by 2025, and the American Chemistry Council claims the growing industry is necessary for fostering what it calls "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.americanchemistry.com/chemistry-in-america/news-trends/press-release/2022/america-s-plastic-makers-encourage-congressional-focus-on-advanced-recycling-to-achieve-circularity">plastics circularity</a>." But these companies face an uphill battle. Former Mayor Mike Bloomberg of New York City launched an $85 million campaign in 2022 to stop over 120 proposed petrochemical facilities. "Petrochemical plants poison our air and water — killing Americans and harming the health of entire communities," Bloomberg said in a statement.In the plastic-recycling industry, pyrolysis is seen as a well funded but failing experiment. A 2023 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.beyondplastics.org/publications/chemical-recycling">report</a> by Beyond Plastics and the International Pollutants Elimination Network found that the 11 pyrolysis facilities in operation in the US required massive public subsidies, most couldn't operate at full capacity, and only two of the plants sold the crude oil to be used exclusively for plastic production. Most of it was sold to make fuels and chemicals. Based on their findings, they argued that pyrolysis was ultimately "a public relations distraction to prevent plastic regulation and prop up the profits of the petrochemical/plastics industry."Though the conundrum of plastic grows more dire by the day, there are signs of hope. In early <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/historic-day-campaign-beat-plastic-pollution-nations-commit-develop">2022</a>, the UN adopted a resolution that could send shock waves throughout the entire plastic-disposing world. Heads of state, environment ministers, and UN representatives agreed to end all plastic pollution with a legally binding international plastic treaty to be officially adopted later this year. "Plastic pollution has grown into an epidemic," Espen Barth Eide, Norway's then-minister for climate and the environment, said in the announcement. "With today's resolution we are officially on track for a cure."The resolution would establish an agreement addressing plastic at every level, from production to recycling, in an attempt to reduce plastic pollution worldwide. Organizations such as the international coalition Break Free From Plastic have said that cutting the production of plastic has to be on the table. "The oil and gas industry sees plastic as its primary growth market and is investing billions of dollars in new and expanded facilities," the organization wrote in a 2022 statement. The group recommended bans on single-use plastics, a plastic tax, and regulations that prioritize plastics that can be recycled."Reduction in the production of plastic is entirely possible," Abou-Ghalioum of Buckeye Environmental Network told me. She pointed to the more than 500 cities and 12 states that have banned plastic bags, reducing the number of bags used by the billions. "It's talked about how we rely on plastic for so many things, and it just feels like a marketing ploy to make us reluctant to shift away from it," she said. "We had everything we ever needed before plastic."The tough reality is that the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com/p/landfill-plastic-area">9.5 billion tons of plastic</a> with us will be here for hundreds of years. But how many millions of more tons are added will be determined by the types of solutions we arrive at today.<a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/taylor-dorrell">Taylor Dorrell</a> is a writer and photographer based in Columbus, Ohio.

China stopped taking our plastic. Now America is drowning in it. 

New Delhi: After winning the <keyword id="20257145" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bronze-medal" source="keywords">bronze medal</keyword> at the <keyword id="20006192" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Paris-Olympics" source="keywords">Paris Olympics</keyword>, the <keyword id="20415656" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Hockey-Team" source="keywords">Indian Hockey Team</keyword> received a warm welcome at the <keyword id="19906825" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi-Airport" source="keywords">Delhi Airport</keyword> on Tuesday. People gathered in huge numbers at the Delhi Airport to get a glimpse of the bronze medalists in the Paris Olympics. Fans welcomed the Indian hockey players with the tunes of dhols. Earlier on Saturday, the first set of the Indian men's hockey team arrived at the New Delhi Airport. The rest of the players who stayed for the closing ceremony of the Summer Games 2024 arrived on Tuesday. <keyword id="20544212" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PR-Sreejesh" source="keywords">PR Sreejesh</keyword>, Abhishek Nain, Amit Rohidas, and Sanjay were among the players who touched down at the national capital today. One of the team members Sumit Valmiki said, "It feels great. Entire India is sending us its love...You can see the atmosphere across the country...Love us more, we will perform even better. Sreejesh gave his best throughout the tournament. We won Bronze due to him..." The closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics was held on Sunday night. India finished in the 71st place on the Paris Olympics medals tally, while, the United States of America ended in top place with a total of 126 medals. Earlier on Thursday, a brace from captain <keyword id="20349470" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Harmanpreet-Singh" source="keywords">Harmanpreet Singh</keyword> and PR Sreejesh's saves secured a bronze medal for India at the Paris Olympics with a 2-1 victory over Spain at the Yves du Manoir Stadium in France. Under the guidance of coach Craig Fulton, India created history by securing back-to-back bronze medals at the Olympics. Goals from Harmanpreet Singh (30', 33') were enough to seal the victory. Marc Miralles (18') was the lone goal-scorer for Spain. In an electrifying atmosphere, the Indian team triumphed despite being down 0-1 after the first quarter. Sreejesh, playing his last game for India, was filled with emotions as the rest of the team joined him on the ground to celebrate this momentous occasion in India's hockey history. India won consecutive bronze hockey medals for the first time in 52 years, since the 1972 Munich Games. Singh emerged as the leading goal-scorer in the tournament, netting 10 goals in eight matches, surpassing Australia's Blake Govers, who scored seven goals, by three.

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