#richest Indian under 40

[thenewglobal]

The Russian-Israeli Billionaires Embroiled in Israel's Latest Corruption Investigation

It seems that every unfolding political corruption scandal in Israel introduces the country to a new, colorful Jewish billionaire with deep pockets. The latest police investigation focusing on Interior Minister Arye Dery is no exception.

The news broke on Monday that Dery, his wife, Yaffa Dery and no fewer than 14 other suspects had been swept simultaneously into the offices of the police unit 433, known as the "Israeli FBI," and questioned about the Shas party leader’s finances. Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit opened a corruption inquiry against Dery in March 2016, at the end of a probe into the minister’s financial affairs that lasted several months. Specifically, police suspect that corruption played a role in major real-estate purchases by Dery and members of his family.

Police suspect that funds donated to Mifalot Simha, an educational nonprofit run by Yaffa Dery, were funneled to the Dery family by falsely registering confidants and relatives as employees of the organization. Dery and his wife were questioned on Monday for 11 hours straight.

Sources in law enforcement initially said Dery was suspected of receiving bribes, but a police statement released following the interrogation only mentioned he was suspected of money laundering, fraud, breach of trust, theft by an authorized person, false registration of corporate documents and tax offenses. Police said Yaffa Dery is suspected of the two latter counts.

Arye Dery was convicted of bribery and fraud in 2000 and served 22 months in prison. In 2012, he returned to lead the ultra-Orthodox Shas party.

Two names that stand out among the 16 people being questioned in the affair are those of Michael (Mikhael) Mirilashvili and his son Yitzhak. Michael Mirilashvili, a 57-year-old Russian-Israeli billionaire and philanthropist, is one of many extremely wealthy Jews with substantive business dealings in Russia and other countries who choose to make their home base in Israel. He has an unusually colorful history. Mirilashvili and his family donate hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to Mifalot Simha and to Yehuda Ya’aleh, a food charity operated by Yaffa Dery.

The dark-haired, blue-eyed Mirilashvili is one of Israel’s wealthiest citizens. In a 2013 survey, estimated that he and his son are the sixth richest family in the country, with a net worth of between $2.5 billion and $3 billion. It was in that year that he and his business partner, his son Yitzhak (Slava) Mirilashvili, made headlines with the sale of their 40 percent stake in the Russian social media network VKontakte for $1.12 billion. They own 5.2 percent of the Israeli oil and gas exploration company ILDC Energy. Michael Mirilashvili’s additional business interests in Israel include Kitaim Venture Capital, Hoshen Argaman Diamonds and Water Gen, whose technologies extract potable water from the air.

Yitzhak Mirilashvili, who was also questioned by police, is the owner of Israel's Channel 20, which broadcasts under a license as a Jewish heritage channel, but has plans to set up its own news company with right-wing leanings.

Michael Mirilashvili was born in Georgia in 1960 and moved to St. Petersburg as a teenager, where he studied medicine, specializing in pediatrics, before turning to focus on business in the 1980s. His family’s wealth came from real estate, but he branched out into areas including not only petroleum and diamonds, but also television, new media, renewable energy and pharmaceuticals. Mirilashvili’s extensive holdings in Russia including shopping malls, casinos and other gambling venues. In Israel, he has also invested in several high-tech and agricultural tech companies, promoting them abroad in countries such as India and Vietnam.

In an interview with an Indian newspaper last year, Mirilashvili mentioned his fondness for Bollywood movies — except for one aspect. “I noticed that the rich were always shown as evil people with no morals. It bothers me. And it is not right. Jews embrace rich people and never see them as bad people. We take care of the less fortunate.”

Mirilashvili is also actively involved in Jewish philanthropy. He donates to Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust museum and memorial, and the Zaka emergency response organization. He has donated Torah scrolls to synagogues and to the army through Chabad and other organizations, and has served in senior positions in the Maccabi World Union, the Russian Jewish Congress and the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress.

His life and business career suffered a lengthy interruption when he spent eight years in prison on charges related to the kidnapping of his father. In August 2000, his father, Moshe Mirilashvili, a prominent member of the Jewish community who served as president of the Congress of Georgian Jewry, was kidnapped in broad daylight on a main road in St. Petersburg. He was released just two days later, and a month and a half after the abduction, the bodies of two of the kidnappers were found.

Michael Mirilashvili was arrested and charged with several offenses, including attempted murder. In August 2003, he was convicted of kidnapping and lesser charges but acquitted on the charge of attempted murder, and sentenced to 12 years in prison. The conviction sent "shock waves" through the Russian Jewish community, the Jewish press reported at the time, saying it was widely believed that Mirilashvili was being targeted, either by rival businessmen or by powerful politicians.

Mirilashvili’s legal team fought his sentencing, calling it “enormously unjust” and “enormously severe.” In 2004, Mirilashvili appealed to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, arguing that his rights had been violated and that he did not receive a fair trial. He was vindicated in 2009, when the European court ruled that his conviction and sentencing was unfair. That year he was released from prison and he moved his home base to Israel, where he continued his business activities in Russia and began investing heavily in Israel and elsewhere.

Since his release, Mirilashvili has held an annual party with rabbis and politicians to celebrate his freedom. Attendees this year included Dery, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Environmental Protection and Jerusalem Affairs Minister Zeev Elkin, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein and former cabinet ministers Gideon Sa’ar and Ariel Atias.

Mirilashvili's close ties to politicians were also seen in 2010, when businessman Ofer Nimrodi threw Mirilashvili a party for his 50th birthday at his house in Savion – one of Israel's richest communities. Some 350 people attended that party, which was said to have cost some $1 million, including Edelstein, lawmakers Tzachi Hanegbi and Meir Shitrit, as well as former chief rabbi Yona Metzger.

The indictment filed against Metzger alleged that Mirilashvili gave Metzger $250 thousand in for the wedding of the former chief rabbi's son. Mirilashvili wasn't indicted and Metzger was ultimately convicted in a plea bargain and sentenced to 3.5 years in prison.

Melvin Roberts

[getdailynews247blogs]

Gautam Adani: The Rise of an Indian Billionaire Entrepreneur

Gautam Adani is a name that is synonymous with success and determination. Born in a small town in India, he has come a long way from being a small business owner to one of India's richest men and the head of the Adani Group, a conglomerate of companies with interests in ports, agribusiness, logistics, energy, and real estate. If you want to be successful in your life then you must read Gautam Adani's biography.

Early Life and Career

Gautam Adani was born on June 24, 1962, in the small town of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India. His father was a small-time trader and Gautam grew up in a humble household. Despite his humble beginnings, Gautam had a strong work ethic and a desire to succeed. He dropped out of college in the second year of his degree in Commerce and started working as a diamond sorter in the diamond markets of Mumbai. It was here that he learned the ropes of business and made valuable contacts.

In 1988, Gautam started his own trading firm, Adani Exports, which was involved in the import and export of commodities like polyester, rice, and spices. The company quickly gained a reputation for its quality and efficiency, and Gautam's business acumen and determination made it a success.

The Adani Group

In the early 1990s, Gautam saw the potential for growth in the infrastructure sector in India and decided to diversify his business. He started the Adani Group with a focus on ports and logistics, and the company soon became one of the largest port operators in India.

In the years that followed, the Adani Group expanded into other areas, including agribusiness, energy, and real estate. The company has become one of India's largest conglomerates, with a presence in more than 40 countries across the world.

Achievements and Contributions

Gautam Adani's achievements are numerous, and his contributions to the Indian economy have been immense. He has been instrumental in the development of India's ports and logistics sector, which has greatly benefited the country's economy. The Adani Group has also made significant investments in renewable energy and has been a pioneer in the development of solar and wind energy projects in India.

Under Gautam's leadership, the Adani Group has become one of India's largest employers, providing jobs to thousands of people across the country. The company has also made significant contributions to social and environmental causes, and Gautam is widely regarded as a responsible corporate citizen.

Conclusion

Gautam Adani's journey from a small businessman to one of India's richest men is a story of hard work, determination, and vision. His success has inspired many and is a testament to the opportunities available in India for those who are willing to work hard and take risks. Gautam Adani is a true visionary, and his contributions to the Indian economy and society are sure to be remembered for years to come.

Website - https://www.getdailynews247.com

Email -  getdailynews247@gmail.com

[ausetkmt]

Moneylaundering can usually lead right back to you, when they are tired of you. He should have remembered that he's not a member of the club, cause to quote Paul Mooney " He doesn't have the complexion for the protection"

Suspicion is creating chaos in the empire built by the Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, who since last year has become the richest man in Asia. 

Adani, 60, saw his fortune jump by more than $40 billion last year, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. While the fortunes of a number of tech billionaires were melting, this leap propelled him into the elite holders of the world's biggest fortunes.. 

He managed to rank as the second richest person behind Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO. He fell back to finish the year in third place. And he's currently the fourth richest person in the world with a net wealth valued at $113 billion as of Jan. 26, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. 

Now, as he tries to establish himself on the world stage, observers can expect his wealth to dwindle further. That's because for the past two days he's been caught up in what appears to be a nightmare.

Short-Seller Hindenburg's Allegations

The New York investment firm Hindenburg Research has announced that it shorted stocks of the Andani conglomerate through U.S.-traded bonds and non-Indian-traded derivative instruments. 

This means that Hindenburg Research, a well-known short-seller, is betting on a short-term drop in the prices of these equities. 

The short-seller explains that the bet stems from alleged illegal practices on the part of the Indian tycoon's conglomerate.

"We have uncovered evidence of brazen accounting fraud, stock manipulation and money laundering at Adani, taking place over the course of decades," Hindenburg wrote in a report. 

"Adani has pulled off this gargantuan feat with the help of enablers in government and a cottage industry of international companies that facilitate these activities."

The report describes a galaxy of shell entities based in tax havens -- the Caribbean, Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates -- controlled by the Adani family.

"The Adani Group has previously been the focus of 4 major government fraud investigations which have alleged money laundering, theft of taxpayer funds and corruption, totaling an estimated U.S. $17 billion," Hindenburg said. 

"Adani family members allegedly cooperated to create offshore shell entities in tax-haven jurisdictions like Mauritius, the UAE, and Caribbean Islands, generating forged import/export documentation in an apparent effort to generate fake or illegitimate turnover and to siphon money from the listed companies."

The Adani Empire responded in two separate statements, one the day after the report was released and the other the following day. It rejects all these accusations and threatens to resort to the legal process to defend itself. 

"The report is a malicious combination of selective misinformation and stale, baseless and discredited allegations that have been tested and rejected by India’s highest courts," commented Jugeshinder Singh, Adani Group's chief financial officer, in a statement on Jan. 25.

Adani Threatens 'Punitive Action' in Court

"The maliciously mischievous, unresearched report published by Hindenburg Research on 24 Jan 2023 has adversely affected the Adani Group, our shareholders and investors," said Adani Group's head of legal, Jatin Jalundhwala, in another statement on Jan. 26.

"We are deeply disturbed by this intentional and reckless attempt by a foreign entity to mislead the investor community and the general public, undermine the goodwill and reputation of the Adani Group and its leaders, and sabotage the [Follow-on Public Offering] from Adani Enterprises. 

"We are evaluating the relevant provisions under US and Indian laws for remedial and punitive action against Hindenburg Research," he continued.

Hindenburg is doubling down.

"Regarding the company's threats of legal action, to be clear, we would welcome it," the short-seller reacted. "We fully stand by our report and believe any legal action taken against us would be meritless."

"If Adani is serious, it should also file suit in the U.S. where we operate. We have a long list of documents we would demand in a legal discovery process."

Market Rout in Adani Company Shares

In the meantime, Adani companies are seeing a stock-market rout. Over the past two trading sessions, the Adani empire has lost a total of $51 billion in market capitalization, according to Bloomberg News. 

Adani Enterprises, the flagship of this empire, for example, lost nearly a fifth (more than 19%) of its value on Friday. Units like Adani Green Energy and Adani Total Gas plunged 20%, the daily limit allowed. Adani Power lost 5%. Adani Port’s share price dropped 13.8% and Adani Transmission fell 19.47%.

The sales of shares in Adani-related entities were widespread, with large trading volumes. The companies are listed on Mumbai.

Friday's falls follow those of Wednesday, the first session after Hindenburg published its report. India's stock market was closed on Thursday, Jan. 26.

This stock-market rout also affects Gautam Adani's fortune. According to Bloomberg, this wealth should drop below $100 billion once the calculations are made by Jan. 27. It would be around $93 billion. At this level, Adani would have lost about $26 billion of his fortune since the publication of the Hindenburg report.

The billionaire has left his lieutenants to manage the crisis for the moment. He continues to take care of his profile on the world stage. Adani has published a photo of him with the Egyptian president on Jan. 26.

"An honour to have met HE President Sisi and his ministers on his visit to India and hear from him about his ambitious development plans for Egypt," the billionaire wrote on Twitter. "Great possibilities in the Ports and Logistics, Energy and Digital sectors. We look forward to engaging."

Unsurprisingly, most Twitter commentators were asking him to respond to the allegations of fraud made by Hindenburg.

"It's good that you're flying high and spending the wings but do clarify the allegations by #HindenburgReport," commented one Twitter user.

Fitch Assesses Adani Group

Last August, the CreditSights subsidiary of Fitch Ratings warned that the Adani conglomerate was "deeply overleveraged" and may "in the worst-case scenario" spiral into a debt trap.

But two weeks later the credit-rating firm said it discovered that it had made "calculation errors" in two of Adani Group's companies. It corrected its report and removed the words "deeply overleveraged."

"CreditSights' views have not changed from its original report and we still maintain that the group's leverage is elevated," CreditSights concluded.

Adani Group is one of the most valuable companies in India. The firm holds mines, ports and power plants. It owns a dozen commercial ports and is present in coal, electricity and renewable energy. It also has diversified into airports, data centers and defense.

The company also recently entered the cement sector by buying assets of cement manufacturer Holcim in India and is also looking to set up an aluminum factory. 

Adani has grown the group by acquiring companies with debt.

[blocknahas]

Carnatic music lessons minneapolis

Vaidehi Vaishampayan - Hindustani Classical Sandip Burman - tabla, sitar & tabla tarangĬharushree Swaminathan - Hindustani-Vocal Neil Dev Persad / Sunrise/Ft Lauderdale/Miami Floridaįort Lauderdale - Bakshi - Vocal, sitar, tabla Tampa 52 / Rammohan Rao - Carnatic Music and Bharatnatyam Vocal - Khyal, Dhrupad, Light classical, Tabla, Key-board, Sitar, VocalīRIDGEPORT (203) 576-1984 - Lahiri - Tabla Washington, DC Shubha Sankaran Surbahar / Sitar / - Washington, DC Tabla / Percussion Ty Kumar - Carnatic OF COLUMBIA Tel: (408) 368 4038 / Livingstone - Sitar, Sarod - Indian music on Western instrumentsĪrjit Bal - Vocal - Classical, bhajan, Filmy Vocal - North Indian Classical Music - Bay Area Kentfield / 453-2801 - Shabda Khan - Hindustani Vocal Michael Robbins - Sitar, Sarod, Tabla, Francisco - 41 Montino Burbon del Monte - Sarod, Sitar, 80ĭavid Philipson - Bansuri, Hindustani vocal Shaiq Chishty - Sitar, Tabla, Harmonium, Dilruba, - 209-478 6729 Preetha Sheshadri - Carnatic Music - Jose - 408 260 - 9733 Rose Muralikrishnan - Carnatic - (562) 802-8462īharathi Kalalaya - North and South Indian vocal & (510) 490 4629 Indian Vocal, Ghazals, Film songs, Bhajans, Ragas, Rao - Hindustani City 65 Prasad Bhandarkar - Srinivasa Murthy - Folk 40 Geetha Vidyalaya - Carnatic Vocal, (510)809-7474 Madhuwanti Mirashi -Hindustani - Santa Clara Los Angeles 31 / Muralikrishnan - Carnatic Oak - Dublinĭr. Los Angeles - 4 Angeles - 31 Bakshi - Tabla Purandaradasa was the trendsetter in developing a teaching methodology for Carnatic music and is hailed as the "Father of Carnatic music".Ī systematic learning of Carnatic music under a competent teacher enables one to sing in a disciplined manner with adherence to the laid down rules with an understanding of the concept of Carnatic music.Phoenix(480) 951-9339 Kothandaraman - Carnatic Vocals This pattern is being followed even today. Purandaradasa developed a system of teaching Carnatic music, starting with Sarali Varisai in Mayamalavagowlai ragam and gradually built up till Gitam. There are various stages of learning Carnatic music, starting from the Swaravali (Sarali Varisai) which train and tune the voice and the mind. The other notable composers are Patnam Subramaniya Iyer, Papanasam Sivan, Raja Swathi Thirunal, Annamacharyar, Purandaradasar. The Trinities of Carnatic Music, Saint Thyagaraja, Muthuswamy Dikshithar and Syama Shastri composed songs that have explored & exhibited the depth and the rich feeling in this form. Emphasis is more on the voice than on instrument as it is said to have the ability to bring out the graduation of the composition. The confluence of the Ragas and the Thalas have from early times been providing us with melodious patterns which when rendered with bhava (feeling) is an experience that has to be had to be believed. It begins with 'Varnam' a warm up of sort for the musicians, followed by exchange of ragas and thalas, intermixed with krithis and pallavi. The Melody infused ragas called 'Alapana' are introduced and developed gradually, with the embellishment much faster and shorter. It primarily comprises a monophonic song based on improvised variations. Carnatic music is one of world's oldest and richest musical traditions, originating in the fertile plains of the Cauvery delta and flourishing through the ages.

[squarwell-breakingnews]

Zerodha, Ola founders richest under 40: Hurun - Times of India

Zerodha, Ola founders richest under 40: Hurun – Times of India

BENGALURU: Zerodha founder Nikhil Kamath and Ola Electric founder Bhavish Aggarwal are the richest Indian entrepreneurs under the age of 40, says a study by IIFL Wealth Hurun India. In 2021’s list of under-40 self-made entrepreneurs, Kamath came fifth with wealth of Rs 11,100 crore which has now increased to Rs 17,500 crore. Aggarwal, who stood second, has a wealth of Rs 11,700 crore. The…

[studywithds]

17-02-2020

We provide you with the latest news updates and daily current affairs from The Hindu. Indian Express, Live Mint, PIB, Etc,… #studywithDs #UPSC #SSC #RAILWAYS #CurrentAffairs #DailyCurrentAffairs #DEEPIKASINGAMSETTY #DEEPIKA #GOVTEXAMCURRENTAFFAIRS 1. Lifelong Online Appoints Milind Soman As Brand Ambassador 2. Lotus Herbals Ropes In Jacqueline Fernandez As Brand Ambassador 3. Gandhinagar To Host UN's 1st Biodiversity Summit 2020 4. Delhi To Host Global Conference On Traditional Medicines 5. Ahmedabad To Host National Vehicle Accident Conference 2020 6. Bahrain To Host 4th Middle East Refining Technologies Conference 7. Hyderabad To Host 17th Edition Of BioAsia 2020 8. Abu Dhabi To Host 7th UNCTAD World Investment Forum In December 9. Goa - Portugal Sign MoUs On Education, Water, Shipbuilding 10. EAM S Jaishankar Attended Munich Security Conference 2020 11. Mizoram - Bihar Paired Under EK Bharat Shrestha Bharat Programme 12. Arvind Kejriwal Takes Oath As Chief Minister Of Delhi For A 3rd Term 13. Manish Sisodia Takes Oath As A Minister In Delhi Govt 14. South Central Railways Zone Becomes India’s 1st To Have Energy-Neutral Stations 15. 8th International Strength Lifting & Inclined Bench Press Championship 2020 Held In Thailand 16. India Won 22 Medals At 8th International Strength Lifting & Inclined Bench Press Championship 2020 17. Asian Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championship Begins At Uzbekistan 18. Nitin Gadkari Inaugurated 1st Inter-City Electric Bus Service In Maharashtra 19. Ananya Pandey Wins Best Debut Actress Award At Filmfare 2020 20. Gully Boy Wins Best Film Award At Filmfare 2020 21. Ranveer Singh Wins Best Actor Award At Filmfare 202 22. Alia Bhatt Wins Best Actress Award At Filmfare 2020 23. Zoya Akhtar Wins Best Director Award At Filmfare 2020 24. National Organic Food Festival Held In New Delhi 25. Theme: " Unleashing India’s Organic Market Potential " 26. World Defence Spending Rose By 4.0% In 2019 27. USA World's Biggest Defence Spenders: IISS Report 28. China World's 2nd Biggest Defence Spenders: IISS Report 29. Saudi Arabia World's 3rd Biggest Defence Spenders: IISS Report 30. Russia World's 4th Biggest Defence Spenders: IISS Report 31. India World's 5th Biggest Defence Spenders: IISS Report 32. Mobile World Congress 2020, Barcelona Cancelled 33. Radhakishan Damani Becomes India’s 2nd Richest Person 34. GOI Sanctioned 9 Medical Colleges & 2 AIIMS For Jammu & Kashmir 35. Kerala Govt Launches ‘ Yodhavu ’ (Warrior) Mobile App 36. 77th Senior National Squash Championship Held In Chennai 37. Joshna Chinappa Wins 77th Senior National Squash C'ship Title 38. Saurav Ghosal Wins 77th Senior National Squash C'ship Title 39. NBA All-Star MVP Award Named in Honor Of Kobe Bryant 40. Sikkim Hosts 2nd Edition of Premier Badminton League 2020. Read the full article

[rajaybhaireddy-blog]

Tour to Chennai | Chennai to Chennai As we reached near Antimalarial bus station, at 1 kilometer, we stopped to check a hotel. After a small rest, we visited the most renowned Lord Venkateswara Temple, dedicated to Sri Balaji, the most important place in our Chennai to Tirupati 2 days tour package. It is one of the richest and most sacred temples in the world. Situated on the Tirumala Hills, the temple attracts millions of devotees around the year. The entry is allowed with a token (Kankanam) having a specific entry time allotted. A huge crowd was present that day and therefore we had to wait for hours to get the darshan. But the wait was not at all tiring. The world-famous Tirupati Laddu as Prasadam was mesmerizing and unforgettable. Nearby at about 2 kilometers, we visited the Sila Thoranam, a natural rock formation just like an arch. we are providing the best services  for  tirupati trip from chennai with affordable cost and flexible timings.

Chennai to Tirupati vehicle rental services Every year, there are so many devotees of various parts of the globe are visiting Tirupati and its experience thousands and millions of devotees come to visit the Balaji temple. We all know that the Balaji temple is a great sacred place in the world. We at sri bhavani car travels organize personal car hire or Chennai to Tirupati vehicle rental services under our special guidance were we ensure that you will get to visit the temple of Lord Balaji. You also get the opportunity to select your own from our list of cars available with us like Indica, Innova, Indigo, Tavera and Quails, etc.for your travel. We assure our customers that you will have the best convenient and comfortable journey. You can find more at A day Tirupati tour package from Chennai.

Tirupati tour packages

The Satyanarayana Temple is one of these categories in Chennai. The presiding deity is Expert Satyanarayana. The other deities are Expert Hanuman, Expert Venkateswara, Expert Narasimha (The Lion God), Goddess Mahalakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), Expert Hayagriva (the God of Learning), Andal (The devotee who later mixed with the God), Expert Rama with his members of the family affiliates and Sudarshana. I visited this forehead after almost 6 a few several weeks to thank him for benefits me with kids (my girl).

Travel To Tirupati From Chennai

The vehicle was being inspired across the National Roads NH 205 (which connects Chennai in Tamil Nadu with Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh). The published amount limit confirmed was 40 km. When I saw the speedometer (as I was seated turn back driver), it exposed just 90 km. It was not that our car proprietor was an allergic reaction, others were producing faster almost 100 km on both sides of the way.

Tirupati Tour Package From Chennai

Next, you will start for Araku by road. The alternative is to go by train and that is likely to be a different experience but that is not part of this package. Pretty soon the road will start snaking around the Araku hills and mountains. If you nauseate on such a journey please keep some medicine handy. The roads are not being binding as in the North Indian hill station, nor is the elevation very high. Also, from a temperature and clothing perspective, do not worry too much and maybe just carry a jacket with you particularly if are from North India. It would not be as cold as some people might make it out to be. Moving your way, this cab directions stop on the Tyda Jungle Resort for lunch. The food is decent but obviously with a South Punjabi taste. Y'all will reach Araku by night from 5-6 pm. On the way be on the lookout for a few local things like spices, coffee, local chocolates to purchase if you are interested. Be prepared to put your negotiation skills to test with the street-side vendors.

[gauravrajput]

7 Continents of the World and their Countries

The continents are the large tracts of land that we can see on our planet. They are inhabited by terrestrial organisms, such as human beings, chimpanzees or lions. We have small lands, known as islands, where existence is also possible, but which alone could not form a continent. There are 7 continents on the planet, although many people combine Asia and Europe into one, known as Eurasia. On the other hand, others decide to combine North America with South America, creating the American continent.

In general, the recognized continents are Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America.

CONTINENT AREA (KM) POPULATION MOST POPULOUS CITY Asia 43,820,000 20,185,064 Shanghai, China Africa 30,370,000 1,002,234,000 Lagos, Nigeria Antarctica 13,720,000 4,490 McMurdo Station, US Australia 3,478,200 29,127,000 Sydney, Australia Europe 3,390,000 738,199,000 Moscow, Russia North America 9,460,000 542,056,000 Mexico City, Mexico South America 6,890,000 392,555,000 Sao Paulo, Brazil

Asia

Asia is a continent bounded by the border of Europe, containing part of Russia in its interior

Asia is the largest continent and contains the largest population, approximately 4.3 billion people. This is why it is an important part of the world economy. It is located in the northern and eastern hemispheres, occupying 30% of the total land area. It is also known for its dense settlements and for containing large overpopulated regions.

It contains 60% of the population of the planet, an amazing fact if we compare it with the rest of the continents.

The boundaries of this continent are not established exactly so the separation between Europe and Asia is quite diffuse. Hence, many people call both continents Eurasia, considering them one. In the eastern part, Asia is bathed by the Pacific Ocean, on the south by the Indian Ocean and on the north by the Arctic Ocean. The continent is known to have a wide variety in terms of culture, environments, ethnic groups, its economic and historical past and its systems of government.

Africa

The African continent has a large number of inhabitants, with ages less than nineteen

Africa is the second largest continent in the world, being also the second with the largest population. It is made up of 54 countries that make up the home of more than one billion people. Approximately 15% of the world's population lives on this continent. Africa is located in the center of the Earth so that Ecuador passes through its center. It is the only continent that extends from the north, with colder temperatures, towards the south, with more temperate zones, although in general, its climate is tropical. According to the historians in this continent, the birth of the human species is located, since the oldest fossils were found in it. At present, many different species live on their land. On the north, it is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, on the southeast by the Indian Ocean, on the northeast by the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The African population is the youngest in the world, perhaps due to the shortest life expectancy, to contract diseases, due to the continuous wars and the nonexistent birth control. Approximately 50% of its residents are under 19 years of age.

Antarctica

The continent of Antarctica is a very cold climate and sex that allows the survival of species very different from other places

Antarctica is the continent that is located to the south, located on it the South Pole land and consisting mostly of permanent glaciers. It is one of the places on the planet where life is more complicated. Therefore, it has a very small population, less than 5,000 residents, being the continent with the smallest number of inhabitants.

Approximately 98% of its surface is covered by ice of a thickness of 1.9 kilometers.

It is the fifth largest continent, having twice the size of Australia. It is known for having a dry, cold climate and being the windiest. It contains the highest elevation of the seven continents, reaching -89 degrees of temperature. This hostile environment causes few organisms to survive and there are few resources, so for a long time remained unexplored.

Australia

Representation of the Australian continent on a map with its different cities and deserts

The Australian continent is the smallest of the seven, being called by some as the continent island. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean is very rich in biodiversity and ecosystems. It is composed of a large number of islands, highlighting the island of Tasmania. Among the closest neighboring countries, we find Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, New Zealand or New Guinea.

It contains the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest reef, which extends up to 2,000 kilometers northeast of the Australian coast and, the largest monolith on Earth, Mount Augustus.

Before British settlers arrived, Australia was inhabited by Indians, for approximately 40,000 years, so it counted on 250 different language groups. Today, it is considered one of the richest countries in the world, as well as one of the most developed. In addition, it is classified as one of the main countries in terms of quality of life, education, health, economic freedom, and also in the protection of political rights and freedoms.

Europe

Classification of the European Union with the different flags of each country

Europe is the second smallest continent in the world. It contains 50 countries and is the third largest population, after Asia and Africa. Russia is the largest European country, accounting for 40% of its surface. Know that this country also has part of its territory on the Asian continent. It is divided from Asia by the basin that divides the Ural Mountains and the Caucasus, the Urals River, the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea and the water courses that connect the Black Sea with the Aegean Sea. Europe is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean in the north, by the Atlantic Ocean in the west and by the Mediterranean Sea in the south and east. The ancient Greece of Europe is known to be the birthplace of Western culture. Since the beginning of the 15th century, it has played a very important role in history, even during the industrial revolution. During the sixteenth and twentieth centuries the countries of Europe were controlled by America, some parts of Africa and Oceania. This is due to the strategic situation between America and the rest of the continents. However, at present, it begins to have a great influence on the rest of the countries and continents.

North America

The North American continent seen from above, in all its extension and surrounded by different oceans

The North American continent resides in the northern part of the hemisphere. It is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean in the north, by the Atlantic Ocean in the east, by the southwest by the Pacific Ocean and by the southeast by the Caribbean Sea. Its population amounts to 565 million people, containing 7.5% of the world's population. Much of the area of this continent is dominated by Canada, the United States of America, Greenland, and Mexico. Although it also contains small states from Central America and the Caribbean regions.

South America

Outline of the most outstanding elements of South America

South America is located in the western hemisphere with much of its surface in the southern part and a small portion in the northern hemisphere. It is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, on its west side, by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and east side, and by the northwest by the Caribbean Sea. It is considered the fourth largest continent, and the fifth in terms of population. It has great diversity in terms of geography and biodiversity. In Venezuela, there is the highest waterfall in the world, known as El Salto del Ángel. The Amazon River is the largest in the world and the Atacama Desert is also located within this continent. Its biodiversity is characteristic of the place, with unique animal species, such as the anaconda, or the jaguar. Its tropical forests contain the largest proportion of species on the planet. Brazil is the largest country in this continent, occupying more than half of its surface. Most of the population is located on the west and east coasts, while the southern and inland areas have fewer inhabitants. South America was colonized during long periods of history, by the Spanish and Portuguese, helping these languages ​​to expand through these territories until the present time.

[awhilesince]

Sunday, 1 August 1830 (travel journals)

5 40/60

12 1/2

tolerable motion ready at 7 1/4 – all went to the top? of the

Cathedral – too hazy to see the Pyrennees – home at 8 – breakfast –

off from the hotel de France Auch at 9 – very good Inn – small dinner on well cleaned plate yesterday and handsome china this morning and everything good – dinner well cooked – good vin du pays and champagne –

cathedral fine gothic interior and the richest in gilding (in the chapels) we have seen to say nothing of the magnificent boiserie and painted glass –– in the Sycamore tree and our saviour seeing him and some little white sheep the best of the glass the King Chief canon and has stall never used – the exterior very plain – the two west towers small and poor and the west front spoilt by the putting on of a Corinthian façade –

a pretty esplanade and all the roads having fine avenues many handsome promenades – 2 places – town seems large and pretty good but irregular – the Gers here as every where a narrow inconsiderable river –

man chef de maison in Paris and going per Diligence proper cause taken up by the police for saying the King had left Paris – no papers since dated of Monday last –

very fine sunny morning sortie by nice level flat road thro’ fine avenue of elms along the foot of rounded hill, forming one side the widish fertile valley of various cultivation – hills covered with vines – too little wood for beauty don’t see the river (Gers) – farms – cottages – hedges – Fahrenheit 74 1/2 at 9 a.m.

road as yesterday stoned – mended with gravel– Vicnau single house (farm house like) – changed horses and off at 10 42/.. –

in 3 1/2 minutes after at the top of the hill immediately above Vicnau first view of the Pyrennees – Louisa with me – delighted – could not have distinguished them from clouds – a longish line – none but an eye accustomed to mountains in such distance could have distinguished them – distinguished the pic du Midi, and some snow-clad summits, but the snow not seeming to Extend far down –

Extensive view from Vicnau hill over undulating country parserné d’hibilations under vine and plough – very little wood but in fence rows good farm houses, and hamlets – the last stage rather hilly at last, and this stage very hilly look down nicely up Mirande and enter it by fine long avenue of elms, cross good stone bridge over yellow ochreous Baize, and mount mount steepish hill into the great (splashed yellow on white) goodish picturesque old town – houses projecting largish church –

Fahrenheit 80° at 11 3/4 in shade in the carriage, and 92° in the sun on the cap case –

ground place arcaded as, in Italy and large arcaded building – all the people marched in the middle in their Sunday clothes standing about – nothing particular in costume – Basque or Ayrshire caps often crimson very picturesque town – admire it much –

fine range of undulating country but tops of hills more – generally very pretty one half wooded – few vines – much corn – avenue of elms to some distance beyond the Town –

the language quite different from French today and yesterday – but French spoken to us – Provencale –

Fahrenheit 109° in the sun at 1 p.m.

very undulating stage – from 1 3/60 long straight road and the Pyrennees right ahead – the best view since Vicnau – but they are seen thro’ mist –

the latter 1/2 this stage more wooded than the former and pretty nice little town of Miélan celebrated for its mutton which however is not now so good since the hills have been defriché, which used to produce aromatic 2 herbs

obliged to wait till our horses bait – from 1 1/2 to 2 35/.. walk about – come to the little hotel dawdle – then (2 35/..) Louisa and I sit down to write – had just got comfortably writing when off at 2 57/.. – mud-splashed little town – fine view from the church yard of Pyrennees –

drag down long traversing steep descent out of the picturesque town into wide ascending plain not much wooded – I could sleep very well at such an Inn as where we have been sitting close to the post house –

Fahrenheit 90° in shade in the carriage at 3 10/..

fine view of the Pyrennees stretching along in the distance (left) – very fine country but the summits bare, the snow in patches and to me the mountains not to be compared with alps seen from Berne, or Soleure or Rigi Culm – more wooded and mountainous as we go along hardly at all out of foots pace – asleep a while –

about 3/4 hour from Miélan – look down upon rich green wooded dell – hill covered with brackens richly wooded mountain tops hills – in the distance long curving line of lower Pyrennees backed by the higher – for ever up and downhill but views of green-wooded vales and vine clad hills and wooded summits – fine air too –

Fahrenheit 103° in the sun now at 4 from the Top of hill at 4 7/.. high Pyrennees very fine – the mist so far clearer as to allow us to trace their outline nearer to the bottom – got out and walked 10 minutes down the hill – look down upon the little picturesque town of scattered village of Villecontal? and pass stone bridge over little river Esteux? vines and Indian corn – hedges all along more or less – high mountains (left) very fine on coming down upon Rabasteins more dun cows – not well built, but picturesque little town – all the people at their doors in Sunday clothes but no particular costume –

our 3 carriages (I first) all together quite a sight for them – large place municipale with large odd looking marché in the middle looking like 3 rows of great cart sheds covered in – being square not arcaded, as at Mirande –

Fahrenheit 89° in the sun at 5 1/4 p.m. – hedges – and alder hedges alongside the road – as we near the high Pyrennees they are are certainly fine but there is so little snow mere spots (taches) specks), here and there that I cannot compare them with the high alps – as a range of mountains of course nothing in Scotland can be other than miniatures compared with them, but Ben Nevis as a mountain looked as fine as any of them – the nearer I approach the high Pyrennees the less I compare them to the if now clad Alps – but they are better approached – seen to more advantage? where can one so go up to from a wide plain the chain of alps – these are like a fine cathedral built up – the others like a less fine cathedral in a beautiful close –

road very pretty some time before Tarbes between alder hedges, and woods the high Pyrennees right ahead of us – but oh! no more like alps – not like Mont Blancs – a perfect garden of mais, and vines creeping round fruit trees – pretty neat cottages straw thatched tiled a blue slated house if whitish stone or splashed – out on 1 long wide street with gardens interspersed in front and at the sides up the houses – very pretty and picturesque no! this is not Tarbes but the very pretty village (St. Terreol Auvilbeaux? Aureilhan) and from here the high Pyrennees seen from their feet and very fine – but have I not seen scenery near Snowdon as striking?

lovely evening – no snow hardly on them – we cannot surely see the highest tops – cross handsome stone bridge over broad but almost dry Adom – a mere shallow running stream over its gravelly bed –

very neat wide streeted town – large neat white washed, grande place – nice town had her done – walked out an hour to the cathedral and Prado – the fête of the tutelar saint – 2 fiddles and one clarionet and dancing – great many people in their best, quite gay – the Prado reminded Lady S– [Stuart] of the Enghi at Berne –

dinner at 8 1/2 – came to my room at 11 50/..

Lady S [Stuart] and I tete a tete from ten talking of different things shewing I was knowing enough and she not observation on the contents of Gibbons Rome and all sorts of things being put in Latin and Greek she evidently has no objection to my conversa tion and I see likes to have me as little later than her at Pau tomorrow as possible – very fine day –

left margin:

Capital Inn at Auch

Excellent grapes – the 1st excellent

there were a few little black grapes in the market at Tonneins once some little bad black ones –

peaches and pears and green gages the common fruit

reference number: SH:7/ML/TR/5/0024 - 0027

[xtruss]

‘The Hypocrite Hegemonic West’ Projects Its Own Crimes Onto China By Accusing It of ‘Genocide’ and ‘Colonialism’

— 19 July, 2021 | Sputnik

The Chinese national flag is seen in Beijing, China © Reuters

A key Western propaganda strategy is to accuse others of crimes that they’ve themselves committed. This is seen most blatantly in Western accusations that China is committing “genocide” or “colonialism” in Xinjiang.

As I Say, Not as I do

Most Western criticisms of China can be categorized under one broad umbrella: psychological projection. It is involuntary, reflexive and Pavlovian; as well as strategic, planned and deliberate. It’s a key pillar of Western propaganda, especially against China. It manifests in accusing others of that which you are guilty of.

Few propaganda campaigns meet the criteria better than the “Xinjiang genocide” narrative. Western history has no shortage of genocide and mass murder – both at home and abroad. Thus, in a natural reversal, many in the West accuse China of genocide. Such accusations are weaponized by the Western propaganda machinery – from the media to Wikipedia – and then projected onto China. Of course, there’s little evidence for any of it.

The United States of America, the vanguard of Western propaganda today, remains at the forefront of this campaign. The entire nation itself was of course founded on the genocide of indigenous peoples. Thus, in a classic example of projection, the US projects its crimes onto someone else, officially accusing China, its main rival, of genocide.

It is of course an entirely political decision – the US regime’s own lawyers disagree with the assessment.

Not to be outdone, also accusing China of “genocide” is Canada’s House of Commons. Recently, as unmarked graves of indigenous children are being discovered across the country, Canada has sought to divert attention by stepping up its “human rights” criticisms of China. It even went to the extent of delivering a joint statement on behalf of 44 countries at the UN Human Rights Council, which, with no sense of irony, mentioned reports of “forced separation of children from their parents” in China – exactly what Canada itself had done to indigenous children, word for word. Goebbels would’ve been proud.

Such flippant, reckless accusations of “genocide” by Western nations and their legislatures and media are despicable; not to mention a grave injustice to victims of actual genocides. Few diplomatic actions are more irresponsible than making a joke of perhaps the most serious accusation that can be levied on a nation state.

The ideological basis of the new Cold War is clear, and this time the Western powers look set to be on the losing side

A Project of Projection

Yet, despite the factual inaccuracy and historical revisionism, such projection nevertheless feels comfortable. Projecting your own guilt on someone else is an easy coping mechanism. It makes you feel better knowing that those “Others” are no better than you are. It helps you avoid coming to terms with your own guilt. This could help explain why so many are willing to absorb and believe it.

As an added bonus it also provides a much-needed diversion from their own crimes, not to mention aids the hybrid war against China.

An old falsehood in the West’s quiver is accusing China of colonialism. When once China was accused of imperialism and even “genocide” in Tibet, with even Hollywood celebrities speaking out, that is no longer in fashion. Today, the same narrative is being recycled for Xinjiang.

China may be building more than 100 new nuclear missile silos in its western desert... but only in response to American aggression

Industrial-Scale Lies

Colonialism is defined by economic exploitation and wealth extraction. The colonizer extracts wealth from the “colony,” either by exploiting its labor or natural resources, and ships it back to benefit the home nation. The “colony” becomes drained of capital and sees little benefit from its own natural resources and labor. Consequently, the colonizer grows richer.

Few colonial examples illustrate this better than India, the largest “colony” of the largest imperial empire in the modern world.

When British colonialists first started landing on Indian shores, the subcontinent commanded the single highest share of the world’s economy. In 1700 AD, India had 24.4% of the world’s GDP, the largest in the world. It was the global leader in manufacturing, producing 25% of the world’s industrial output. From the late 17th to the early 18th century, India accounted for 95% of British imports from Asia. The Indian economy at the time was in a proto-industrial state, and if left to its own devices, would possibly have experienced an “industrial revolution” of its own.

Instead, it was Britain that had the industrial revolution – financed by Indian capital. By the mid-18th century, the relative situation between India and Britain was largely reversed, with Britain beginning to replace India as the world’s leading economic and commercial power, leading directly to its superpower status.

Estimates cited by the Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, suggest the total robbery amounted to $45 trillion, around 17 times Britain’s current GDP.

India’s share of world GDP had come down from 24.4% to 3% when the British left in 1947. The same study also estimates that an unbelievable 1.8 billion people died from deprivation and famines in 190 years – between 1757 and 1947. No wonder then the British House of Commons projects Britain’s crimes onto someone else – officially accusing China of genocide by passing a non-binding motion (Britain having committed no shortage of crimes against China as well). There is little doubt that if India today was the rising power that China is, the West would’ve concocted similar accusations and projected their crimes onto India instead.

US-China confrontation may only get worse under Biden as Beijing switches into ‘war mode’ in face of western criticism & sanctions

China’s Nefarious Plot to Make People Richer

Today, the “Xinjiang genocide” narrative has been largely debunked, with even the most wicked propagandists split on whether the term is appropriate.

Accusations of colonialism are no less farcical. While colonialism is defined by economic exploitation and wealth extraction, China’s policies in Xinjiang and Tibet, while far from perfect, are the opposite. These regions have become exponentially richer than what “democratic” countries like India achieved for their border minority regions, or indeed, for their whole countries. China recently announced the elimination of extreme poverty, including in Tibet and Xinjiang.

In 2020, Tibet had the fastest economic growth among all of China’s 31 provinces and administrative regions. Per capita income has doubled in the last 10 years. Primary school enrollment is nearly universal. The unemployment rate is below 4%. Nearly all higher-education graduates have a job.

Xinjiang has a per capita income of around $7,868, higher than that of Goa ($6,698), India’s richest state by per-capita income. Meanwhile, Kashmir, a restive Muslim-majority region of India that also has a history of separatism and terrorism, languishes with a per capita income of $1,342.

Beijing has invested about 2.35 trillion yuan in Xinjiang over the past seven decades. GDP grew at an annual rate of 7.2% from 2014 to 2019. Per capita disposable income has multiplied more than 100-fold in 40 years. Primary school enrollment is 99.91%. 99.7% of residents are covered by basic medical insurance. Colonialism indeed.

China’s US visit snub is because Biden is increasingly behaving like Trump

Genociding Truth

Of course, none of this means that Chinese rule is legitimate because it has made these regions richer. Xinjiang and Tibet are as much part of China as Texas or Florida are of the US. Yet, for decades, Western propaganda has desperately tried to poison the well and portray Chinese rule as illegitimate. The US has directly funded Tibetan and Uighur separatists for decades.

Normally, one would assume that the more serious the accusation, the more overwhelming the evidence. But in this case, it’s the opposite. No wonder few outside the West are buying it. The Xinjiang narrative remains one of America’s weakest propaganda campaigns.

The Western cabal often tries to slander China at the UN by releasing statements criticizing it. China and its allies then release counter-statements in response. The two groups have been exchanging official barbs over the last three years, at numerous UN sessions. In every single such exchange, the pro-China side always gets more support than the pro-US side – every single time.

In the latest back and forth, where Canada fired the opening salvo with its joint statement last month, the result was an overwhelming backlash of anti-imperialist solidarity – a whopping 90 nations released statements supporting China and opposing any interference in its internal affairs. The international community stood with China against the US-led Western onslaught.

Expectedly, this elicited complete radio silence from Western media. It could only keep shouting over the rooftops about how “44 nations criticize China at the UN” – in story after story, with no mention of the nations supporting China. After all, propaganda by omission remains the easiest and oldest form of propaganda.

Truth is often said to be the first casualty of war. It is also the first casualty of an information war. And in the West’s campaign to accuse China of “genocide,” the only thing being murdered is the truth.

— Maitreya Bhakal is an Indian commentator who writes about China, India, the US, and global issues. Follow him on Twitter @MaitreyaBhakal

[humanengineers]

Bengaluru startups gave birth to most of India's young billionaires By | Hema Ravichandar | Strategic HR Advisory, former CHRO Infosys Ltd   NEW DELHI : Bengaluru, India's start-up capital, now also holds the distinction of being home to the most number of billionaires aged under 40. Hurun India Rich List 2019 has released a list of top 17 self-made entrepreneurs out of which a majority of 10 are from Bengaluru alone. While Mumbai registered the most number of billionaires across ages, Bengaluru, led by Zerodha's Nithin Kamath and Flipkart co-founder Sachin Bansal, became the millennial billionaire’s hub. Bengaluru's richest startup founders: 1) The richest in the young billionaires list from Bengaluru is Nithin Kamath, founder and CEO of discount brokerage startup Zerodha. He is just 39-year-old and his net worth has been estimated to be ₹6,600 crore. Founded in 2010, Zerodha now contributes to almost 15% of the Indian retail trading volume and is India's largest retail stockbroker with a customer base of more than 1.5 million. Kamath star... https://humanengineers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Startups-8.jpg https://tinyurl.com/yfduse6z https://humanengineers.com/bengaluru-startups-gave-birth-to-most-of-indias-young-billionaires/?feed_id=10540&_unique_id=60e58d49bd69a

[buzz-london]

Guys - pls stop trying to divide Hindus to harvest their souls for islam and christianity! This tired old tactic and question has been tried for over 1500 years and you still haven’t managed to convert all the dalits to your religion. So please - re-think WHY this question is failing you in your drive to convert us and try to ask more intelligent questions.

Dalits know that even after conversion, they remain as ‘dalit muslims’ and ‘dalit christians’. They do not improve their lot under these Abrahamic religions.

As Hindus, Dalits know they worship the Gods of their ancestors and Gods that are from India and care about Indians. Hindu Dalits know that their God resides in their heart, their lands and not some remote heaven. As Hindus, Dalits know their soul is immortal and does not rely on the judgement of a remote vengeful god that can condemn to eternal hell fire for the slightest infringement!

ALL Hindus - especially Brahmins and Bania were oppressed and taxed severely under the muslims to make them convert. They refused, making the oppression even worse. Dalits were offered the chance to get ‘equality’ under islam, but many found that even after conversion, they were kept out of the ummah and never allowed to marry muslims who came with the invading army.

Portuguese were just as cruel as the muslim invaders. Under the British the oppression was less severe and attempt to convert was less overt. But, covertly, they too wanted to attract dalits with the same old carrot of ‘you will be free from brahmins and bania’. Those who converted, found this not to be the case and once again, it was an illusionary tactic to simply harvest their souls and get them to make the church RICH! That is the main reason for conversion - to make the church (protestant / catholic or evangelical) one of the richest institutions on the earth! You just have to see how these guys jet around the world and their lifestyles to see the results!

Communist, pinko politics infected our film industry and most films since the 40s have this constant theme of Dalits being exploited by the brahmins and bania. This false propaganda is attempting to destroy the Hindu, Indian social system and supplant it with foreign constructs of what society should look like.

Like the Hindu Dalits of India, Africans and natives of Americas were asked to abandon their Gods and their social structures to adopt European ones. They lost all their lands, liberty and culture in the process. Look at any nations who adopted European social, cultural and religious systems and you will see they are impoverished by it.

I hope my Dalit brothers and sisters will keep their ancestral faiths and not suffer the same fate of the natives of other nations who converted.

[newstfionline]

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

The pandemic destroyed 225 million jobs worldwide, but billionaires got richer, reports find (Washington Post) At least 225 million full-time jobs disappeared worldwide last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report published Monday by the International Labor Organization, losses four times worse than those from the global financial crisis in 2009. But the ultrarich have seen their wealth soar. According to another report released Monday, by the anti-poverty nonprofit group Oxfam, the combined wealth of the world’s 10 richest men has risen by more than $500 billion since the crisis began—enough to vaccinate the entire planet and then some, according to the organization. Both sets of findings identify rising inequity as one of the pandemic’s principal outcomes. “Job destruction has disproportionately affected low-paid and low‑skilled jobs,” which “points to the risk of an uneven recovery, leading to still greater inequality in the coming years,” the ILO found. That unevenness is already apparent: Global poverty could take 14 times longer to return to pre-pandemic levels than the recovery of the world’s wealthiest, according to Oxfam. Last year, 8.8 percent of global working hours were lost, according to the report by the ILO, a U.N. agency. It found “unprecedented disruption” among global labor markets, and that women and young people have felt the worst impact.

US virus numbers drop, but race against new strains heats up (AP) Coronavirus deaths and cases per day in the U.S. dropped markedly over the past couple of weeks but are still running at alarmingly high levels, and the effort to snuff out COVID-19 is becoming an ever more urgent race between the vaccine and the mutating virus. The government’s top infectious-disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said the improvement in numbers around the country appears to reflect a “natural peaking and then plateauing” after a holiday surge, rather than the arrival of the vaccine in mid-December. The U.S. is recording just under 3,100 deaths a day on average, down from more than 3,350 less than two weeks ago. New cases are averaging about 170,000 a day after peaking at almost 250,000 on Jan. 11. The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients has fallen to about 110,000 from a high of 132,000 on Jan. 7.

California lifts virus stay-at-home order and curfew (AP) Gov. Gavin Newsom lifted stay-at-home orders across the state Monday in response to improving coronavirus conditions, a surprising move hailed by beleaguered businesses but that prompted caution from local health officials concerned the public may let down its guard. The turnaround puts California in a starkly different place than it was last month, when some Southern California hospitals overwhelmed by virus patients were crafting emergency plans for rationing care. Newsom crafted the stay-at-home order in December as coronavirus cases worsened and in anticipation of surges from holiday gatherings. He divided the state into five regions and ultimately four of them had the order imposed because their ICU capacity fellow the stat mandated 15%. Only rural far Northern California stayed above the threshold. The lifting of the stay-at-home order allows restaurants to serve diners outdoors and places of worship to offer services outside. Hair and nail salons and other businesses may reopen and retailers can have more shoppers in their stores. The state also is lifting a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, but San Francisco is keeping it in place.

Tornado rips through Alabama, killing 1 and injuring at least 20 (Washington Post) A tornado devastated Fultondale, Ala., and other areas just north of Birmingham late Monday, killing at least one person, injuring another 20 and causing significant damage for miles. The storm touched down at around 10:40 p.m. in Jefferson County near Interstate 65, and a tornado soon ripped through Fultondale, a city of more than 8,000 located eight miles north of Birmingham. The tornado cut a path nearly a quarter-mile wide, severely damaging Fultondale High School and multiple businesses in a period of about 30 minutes. Debris is estimated to have carried to around 15,000 feet in the air. About 12,000 people were without power in the state early Tuesday.

Agent Orange lawsuit (Foreign Policy) A French court is to hear a case brought against a number of international companies involved in the development of the toxic chemical defoliant Agent Orange during the Vietnam war, with possible implications for the United States. The case was brought by Tran To Nga, a 78-year-old French-Vietnamese woman, who alleges that the companies—which include Monsanto and Dow Chemical—played down the herbicide’s toxicity and misled the U.S. government. The companies named in the lawsuit maintain that it was the U.S. government that ultimately designed Agent Orange, leaving the firms blameless for the severe illnesses, birth defects, and other medical problems experience by those who were exposed.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte to resign (Washington Post) Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is planning to resign Tuesday, in a move that extends the country’s political chaos and risks complicating the coronavirus response. Conte’s decision leaves Italy with no straightforward path to reestablishing a workable government, all while the country tries to manage the pandemic’s health crisis and a vaccine campaign that has slowed because of Pfizer-BioNTech shortages. Though Italy is known for short-timer prime ministers and regional divisions, Conte had become the face of a surprisingly top-down pandemic response, announcing lockdowns and decrees in late-night news conferences. For a while, the pandemic had created an uneasy peace among Italy’s political factions. But that broke apart this month when a former prime minister, Matteo Renzi, pulled his small party’s support for the ruling coalition. Renzi cited inadequacies in how the government was managing its economic recovery. But many pundits—as well as the majority of Italians—felt Renzi was instigating the crisis out of his personal contempt for Conte, a fellow centrist whom he views as a competitor for voter support.

New India-China Border Clash Shows Simmering Tensions (NYT) Indian and Chinese troops have clashed along their disputed Himalayan border, according to media and military reports on Monday, as Beijing quietly intensifies pressure against its southern neighbor with new incursions into territory claimed by both sides. Details about the latest skirmish remain foggy, and Indian officials played down the events. Indian media outlets and independent military analysts said that the clash happened several days ago, and that soldiers on both sides were wounded, although no fatalities were reported. Though details were scant, reports of a clash show that tensions are still simmering between the two Asian giants, which fought a war in 1962 and have been eyeing each other warily across their unresolved frontier ever since. Tensions burst into the open in June, when troops from both countries engaged in a deadly brawl along the border of the Ladakh region in northern India. No shots were fired in that battle, stemming from a tacit understanding that neither side along the tense Himalayan border should use firearms. Still, the deaths of more than 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops exposed the increasing aggressiveness of both countries, which are governed by nationalist leaders with little political incentive to back down. As many as 100,000 troops from the Indian and Chinese armies are now facing off across inhospitable mountain passes in subzero temperatures in the Ladakh region alone, military experts estimate.

Farmers back at protest camp after deep challenge to PM Modi (AP) Tens of thousands of farmers who stormed the historic Red Fort on India’s Republic Day were again camped outside the capital Wednesday after the most volatile day of their two-month standoff left one protester dead and more than 300 police officers injured. The protests demanding the repeal of new agricultural laws have grown into a rebellion that is rattling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. On Tuesday, more than 10,000 tractors and thousands more people on foot or horseback tried to advance into the capital, shoving aside barricades and buses blocking their path and at times met by police using tear gas and water cannons. Their brief takeover of the 17th-century fort, which was the palace of Mughal emperors, played out live Indian news channels. The farmers, some carrying ceremonial swords, ropes and sticks, overwhelmed police. In a profoundly symbolic challenge to Modi’s Hindu-nationalist government, the protesters who stormed Red Fort hoisted a Sikh religious flag. “The situation is normal now. The protesters have left the streets of the capital,″ New Delhi police officer Anto Alphonse said Wednesday morning.

China to conduct South China Sea drills (Foreign Policy) China is to conduct military exercises in the South China Sea this week in what appears to be partly in response to a U.S. carrier group entering the area on Saturday. On Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian admonished the U.S. government, saying the U.S. operations were merely to “flex its muscles.” “This is not conducive to peace and stability in the region,” Zhao added.

New Zealand’s borders may stay shut for most of the year, PM Ardern says (Reuters) New Zealand’s borders will remain closed for most of this year as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, but the country will pursue travel arrangements with neighbouring Australia and other Pacific nations, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Tuesday. “Given the risks in the world around us and the uncertainty of the global rollout of the vaccine, we can expect our borders to be impacted for much of this year,” Ardern said at a news conference. For travel to restart, authorities either needed confidence that those vaccinated don’t pass COVID-19 on to others, which is not yet known, or enough of the population needed to be vaccinated so people can safely re-enter New Zealand. But both possibilities will take some time, she said. “In the meantime, we will continue to pursue travel bubbles with Australia and the Pacific, but the rest of the world simply poses too great a risk to our health and our economy to take the risk at this stage.”

Student-run free grocery store helps feed town’s hungry (AP) Traditional school stores might offer snacks and knickknacks, school gear and notebooks—but the one at Linda Tutt High School in Sanger, Texas, has a very different inventory and clientele. At Linda Tutt you can get everything from produce, milk and eggs to pasta, peanut butter and canned goods to dishwasher soap and laundry detergent. Students and staff can shop there, but on Tuesdays the store is open to the community. And it’s all free. “I like seeing their smiles, seeing how appreciative they are, and knowing that they are thankful that we’re doing something like this,” said Hunter Weertman, a 16-year-old junior who stocks shelves and takes inventory at the store housed in an unused art room. It has been open since November. The idea is to provide students with job skills, and at the same time help students, staff and local residents who are in need. And the store has one more purpose: teaching the youngsters the value of giving back to their community. “I’ve really seen the students take pride in working in the store,” principal Anthony Love said. “They’re excited about coming to school. They’re excited about helping in the grocery store and just being a part of it.”

[economyandfinancialnews]

Azim Premji tops EdelGive Hurun India Philantrophy List 2020

Wipro's Founder Chairman Azim Premji and his family have topped the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2020 with contribution of Rs 7,904 crore.

The Founder Chairman of HCL Technologies, Shiv Nadar, and his family ranked second, followed by richest Indian Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance Industries (RIL), in the third spot. Nadar and his family contributed Rs 795 crore for charitable causes while Ambani and family's contributions stood at Rs 458 crore.

The fourth spot was secured by Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group, followed by Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Group, in fifth spot.

Mumbai topped the preferred city of residence for top philanthropists with 36 names from the city making it to the list. Delhi and Bengaluru followed as second and third cities, respectively.

Education remained the biggest cause supported by the donors in India. Healthcare and water conversation witnessed a spike in donations compared to last year.

"Reports of this nature are rare, but give us deep insight into the philanthropic sector and the patterns of giving that are ever-evolving. This year, we also looked at our methodology very closely e ensuring we keep the process transparent and proactively invite leaders of a diverse group to participate in the list," Vidya Shah, Chairperson and CEO, EdelGive Foundation.

Twenty-eight philanthropists entered the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2020 for the first time. The top new additions in the list included S.D. Shibulal of Infosys with a donation of Rs 32 crore, followed by Amit and Archana Chandra of A.T.E. Chandra Foundation who donated Rs 27 crore.

Anas Rahman Junaid, MD and Chief Researcher of Hurun India, said: "The preferred cause of India's top philanthropists has been education, although poverty alleviation has grown dramatically to become the second most popular cause this year."

A statement said that Rohini Nilekani, who donates through Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, is India's "most generous" woman, followed by Anu Aga and family of Thermax. Binny Bansal is the only philanthropist under the age of 40 to enter the philanthropy list.

Source: https://www.dailypioneer.com/2020/trending-news/azim-premji-tops-edelgive-hurun-india-philantrophy-list-2020.html

[newsfactstoday]

With ₹24,000 crore net worth, Kamath brothers are richest self-made Indians under 40 | Check full list

With ₹24,000 crore net worth, Kamath brothers are richest self-made Indians under 40 | Check full list

The IIFL Wealth Hurun India 40 & under Self-Made Rich List 2020 on Tuesday released a ranking of the self-made entrepreneurs with a wealth of INR 1,000 crore, aged forty years and under from India. Nithin and Nikhil Kamath, who runs financial company Zerodha, have topped the list of self-made richest Indians under 40.

Nithin Kamath, 40, and Nikhil Kamath, 34, co-founded India’s first online…