Home Blog Page 656

BRICS Nations Can Unlock Enormous Potential for Energy Security Cooperation: South African Minister

South African Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa emphasized the vast opportunities for BRICS nations to collaborate on energy security during the 9th BRICS Energy Ministerial Meeting held in Moscow. Speaking at the event, Ramokgopa highlighted the shared interests of BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—in developing sustainable energy strategies while ensuring economic growth and stability.

The minister expressed confidence in the potential of BRICS countries to collectively address the energy challenges each member faces. “We believe this BRICS group of like-minded members has a huge potential to work together, strengthening our resolve through cooperation on energy security,” Ramokgopa stated. He noted that this collaboration could help resolve key issues discussed at the 2023 BRICS Summit in South Africa, particularly the absence of an integrated energy policy framework across member nations.

Ramokgopa stressed that energy cooperation among BRICS nations is crucial at this “critical phase,” as all countries are grappling with the difficult task of balancing economic development goals with the necessary transition to cleaner energy sources. The ongoing global energy transition poses significant challenges, such as shifting from fossil fuels to renewable sources, all while meeting growing energy demands and maintaining energy security.

The minister also highlighted the importance of innovation and investment in clean energy technologies, emphasizing that cooperation in these areas could lead to better integration of sustainable practices across BRICS nations. According to Ramokgopa, BRICS members can jointly work on energy policies that support growth while meeting global environmental commitments.

This ministerial meeting underscored the need for BRICS to come together and explore mutual benefits in areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and infrastructure development, setting the stage for future collaborations that could reshape the global energy landscape.

PM Modi to Launch Major Infrastructure Projects During Maharashtra Visit

MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Maharashtra on Saturday, where he will unveil a series of ambitious infrastructure projects worth over ₹56,000 crore, underscoring his government’s focus on boosting development across the state.

PM Modi’s first stop will be Washim, where he will inaugurate the Banjara Virasat Museum, which celebrates the vibrant culture and heritage of the Banjara community. This inauguration will be accompanied by a visit to the historic Jagdamba Mata Temple in Poharadevi, where he will offer prayers. Additionally, the Prime Minister will pay homage to revered spiritual leaders Sant Sevalal Maharaj and Sant Ramrao Maharaj at their ‘samadhis’, reflecting on the deep spiritual traditions of the region.

Later in the day, Modi will move on to Thane, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for various development projects valued at over ₹32,800 crore. These initiatives include several metro lines and other critical infrastructure that aim to modernize urban transport and improve connectivity in the region. The metro project is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and offer a sustainable mode of transportation for the rapidly growing urban population.

This visit highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening Maharashtra’s infrastructure and ensuring the state’s continued economic growth. With a mix of cultural reverence and development goals, the Prime Minister’s initiatives are poised to benefit both local communities and the broader state economy.

PM Modi Calls for Record Voter Turnout in Haryana Assembly Elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the people of Haryana to set a new record in voter turnout as the state heads to the polls for its Assembly elections. In his appeal, shared on his X account (formerly Twitter), PM Modi encouraged all eligible voters, especially the youth casting their ballots for the first time, to participate enthusiastically in the democratic process. He emphasized the significance of voting as a “sacred festival of democracy.”

This election will determine the future leadership of Haryana, with prominent candidates in the fray including the state’s Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini from Ladwa, and the Congress’s Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Other key contestants include INLD’s Abhay Singh Chautala, JJP’s Dushyant Chautala, and former wrestler Vinesh Phogat representing Congress. Over 1,000 candidates are competing for seats in the 90-member Assembly, with intense competition across constituencies.

As Haryana voters cast their ballots, Modi’s message was clear: every vote matters in shaping the state’s future. He encouraged voters to seize the opportunity and ensure a robust turnout, which could pave the way for a transformative government in Haryana.

Govinda Leaves Hospital After Freak Accident Involving Revolver

MUMBAI: Bollywood legend Govinda was released from the hospital on Friday, three daysafter sustaining a leg injury due to an unexpected firearm incident. The actor explained the bizarre accident with a smile, saying, “It just fell and fired,” as he lightheartedly recalled the moment.

The incident occurred early Tuesday morning, right before Govinda was about to head to the airport. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery the same day.

The 60-year-old star, famous for his performances in films like Love 86, Swarg, Dulhe Raja, and Partner, was spotted leaving Juhu’s Criticare Hospital in a wheelchair, with a cast on his left leg.

Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP and RSS of Undermining Constitution at Nuh Rally

Nuh : At a rally in Nuh, Haryana, Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce critique against the BJP and its ideological ally, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing them of destroying India’s Constitution. Speaking on Thursday, Gandhi alleged that the BJP is fostering division and hate across the country, while the Congress is working to unite the nation through love and inclusivity.

Highlighting the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi stated, “From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, wherever the BJP opened a ‘market of hate’, we opened a ‘shop of love’. The fight is between two ideologies—one that seeks to tear the Constitution apart and another that stands for protecting it.” He reiterated that the Congress party’s mission is to spread harmony, countering what he claims is the BJP’s strategy of promoting hatred and disunity.

Gandhi also addressed the economic concerns plaguing the state of Haryana. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of prioritizing the interests of billionaires over the common people. According to Gandhi, while loans for the wealthy are being waived off, struggling farmers and ordinary citizens are left in the lurch. “Young people from Haryana I met in the U.S. told me they left the country because of unemployment. They were forced to take loans to pursue opportunities abroad, as they couldn’t find jobs here,” he said, blaming the BJP-led government for Haryana’s high unemployment rate.

In a pointed attack on smaller political parties contesting in the upcoming Haryana elections, Gandhi claimed these parties were merely extensions of the BJP, referring to them as the “A, B, C, and D teams” of the ruling party. Urging voters to rally behind the Congress, he warned them not to be misled by parties pretending to be independent but actually serving the BJP’s agenda.

Haryana will go to the polls on October 5, and the results will be announced on October 8. Gandhi’s fiery rhetoric at the Nuh rally has set the tone for a high-stakes battle as the Congress seeks to unseat the BJP in the state.

Marriage is mostly about sticking together, no matter what – Actress Shivangi Verma

Mumbai : To give it what it takes, no matter what, that’s how you make marriages work, says actress Shivangi Verma. She adds that people are not willing to do that which is why marriages end in divorce. “People’s lifestyles have changed a lot. In the past, marriage was mostly about sticking together no matter what. But now, both men and women have their own careers and lives, so they don’t feel the need to stay in an unhappy marriage just to follow traditions,” she says.
She adds, “Technology has definitely played a role. With social media, people are more connected to the world and sometimes get tempted to compare their own relationships with others. This can create misunderstandings and make couples feel like their marriage isn’t as good as it should be. Also, online interactions can sometimes lead to issues of trust.”
Some people even say women empowerment is one of the major reasons for high divorce cases in India. But she does not agree, she says, adding, “I wouldn’t say women empowerment is a reason for divorce, but it has given women the courage to leave bad marriages. In the past, many women stayed in unhappy relationships because they had no choice. But now, women are more independent and can make decisions that are right for their own happiness and well-being.”
She says that marriage still stands on love primarily. “Marriage is definitely about love, but it’s also about understanding and compromise. If both people aren’t willing to put in the effort and make sacrifices, it becomes really hard to make it work. Sometimes people expect everything to be perfect without putting in the effort, and that can lead to divorce,” she says.
She adds, “It takes two people to make a marriage, and it takes two people to make it fail. Both partners have to take responsibility for what went wrong. Blaming just one person is never fair because a relationship is always about both individuals.”

Mahindra Thar ROXX Hits Record 1.76 Lakh Bookings in Just 60 Minutes

Mahindra & Mahindra announced that their newly launched Thar ROXX SUV recorded 1.76 lakh bookings within 60 minutes of opening at 11:00 am, marking the highest first-day booking for any Mahindra vehicle. The Thar ROXX, with its bold design, advanced technology, and robust off-roading capabilities, appeals to a wide audience across India.

Deliveries of the Thar ROXX will begin on Dussehra, with customers receiving tentative schedules over the next three weeks. Booking remains open at Mahindra dealerships and online.

Built to resolve the impracticality of earlier Thar models as daily drivers, the Thar ROXX aims to capture the compact SUV market, currently dominated by competitors like the Hyundai Creta. Mahindra aims to sell over 1 lakh units in the coming year, with a production target of 6,500 units monthly for this lifestyle SUV.

Priced between ₹13 lakh and ₹20 lakh ex-showroom, the Thar ROXX is designed as a mainstream option, with Mahindra planning to produce 9,500 units monthly, including the Thar 3-door variant. Known for its ruggedness and off-roading capabilities, the Thar continues to expand its footprint in the SUV segment.

Massive Market Meltdown: Sensex Dives Over 1,700 Points, Rs 11 Lakh Crore Lost

Mumbai : India’s stock market faced a significant blow as the Sensex plummeted by over 1,700 points, erasing Rs 11 lakh crore in market value. The Nifty50 also fell below 25,250, reflecting widespread losses driven by geopolitical and financial concerns.

Here are the four major factors behind this sharp downturn:

  1. Iran-Israel Conflict: Tensions escalated in the Middle East following Iranian missile attacks on Israel, sparking fears that oil supplies from the region could be disrupted. Investors responded by selling off equities amid the uncertainty.
  2. Rising Oil Prices: Crude oil prices surged, with Brent crude exceeding $75 per barrel. This increase adds pressure on India’s import bill, further straining the economy and affecting investor sentiment.
  3. SEBI F&O Tightening: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced stricter futures and options regulations. These changes, aimed at curbing retail participation, reduced market liquidity and added to the selling pressure.
  4. China’s Market Resurgence: Stimulus measures in China have revitalized its stock market, attracting foreign institutional investors. This shift caused a significant outflow of funds from India, intensifying the market slide.

Key players like Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank led the losses, while oil and gas stocks were among the worst hit.