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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Iran has launched a missile attack on Israel, the Israeli military said.</li><li>The attack follows Israel's assassination of Hezbollah's leader and its invasion of Lebanon.</li></ul>Iran has launched an attack on Israel as tensions soar and violence further grips the volatile Middle East.The Israeli Defense Forces said on Telegram that "a short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel." On other social media pages, it said that "all Israeli civilians are in bomb shelters as rockets from Iran are fired at Israel.""The air defense system is fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats wherever necessary, even at this moment," the IDF said.Video footage showed Israeli air defenses intercepting Iranian missiles over Jerusalem.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">תיעוד: יירוט טילים איראניים בשמי ירושלים <a href="https://t.co/nPPH53mJt3">pic.twitter.com/nPPH53mJt3</a>— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/kann_news/status/1841158763606102091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2024</a></blockquote> The Iranian attack comes just days after <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-likely-used-bunker-buster-bombs-strike-kill-hezbollah-chief-2024-9">Israel killed Hassan Nasrallah</a>, the leader of the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group, in an airstrike in Beirut and hours after the Israeli military announced the start of a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-launches-ground-offensive-into-lebanon-destroy-hezbollah-targets-2024-9">"limited" ground operation</a> inside Lebanon.Motivations for the attack may be complex, though, as Iran has also vowed to retaliate against Israel after Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas' political wing, was <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ismail-haniyeh-top-hamas-leader-killed-in-iran-2024-7">assassinated in Tehran</a> in July.Earlier on Tuesday, a White House official said the US had indications that Iran was preparing to "imminently" launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel."We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran," the official said.The US military has <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-warships-aircraft-ready-fight-more-violence-grips-middle-east-2024-9">a wide range of assets</a> in position around the Middle East and in the Eastern Mediterranean that can protect Israel, as <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-forces-destroyed-iran-missiles-drones-massive-air-defense-battle-2024-4">American forces did in April</a> when Iran launched a massive retaliatory missile and drone attack on the country.The US now has more assets positioned in the region than it did at that time. It is unclear how many Iranian projectiles American forces shot down on Tuesday.The US has repeatedly said that it is ready to defend Israel again and protect its own forces in the region from any attack by Iran or its regional proxies. Washington has repeatedly tried to contain rising tensions and conflicts in the Middle East to prevent it from escalating, but it has been unable to do so.Speaking at the United Nations on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to Iran that any direct attack by the country would be met with a response."If you strike us, we will strike you," he said, adding that there's no place in Iran where "the long arm of Israel cannot reach. And that's true of the entire Middle East."After the unprecedented April bombardment, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/explosion-heard-in-iran-according-to-state-media-2024-4">Israel then struck Iran directly</a>.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Iran has launched a missile attack on Israel after Hezbollah leader killing, Israeli military says

As we approach the festive season, India's primary market is set to remain abuzz with action, with a slew of IPOs coming the investor's way. More than 12 companies will debut on the bourses in the next 2 months, looking to raise around Rs 60,000 crore in total. Prominent names among them include food delivery giant Swiggy, automobile giant Hyundai and more. Apart from these companies, NTPC Green Energy, Afcons Infrastructure, Waaree Energies, Niva Bupa Health Insurance, One Mobikwik Systems, and Garuda Construction will also be bringing about their IPOs in the months to come. As per reports, the Indian markets can expect around 30 IPOs before the end of 2024. The biggest of the lot will be of Hyundai Motor India Ltd, the Indian subsidiary of South Korea's Hyundai Motor Company, which is expected to raise Rs 25,000 crore, making it the largest-ever IPO in India to date. This record was previously held by LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India), which had raised about Rs 21,000 crore via its IPO in 2022. However, the automobile giant's issue will entirely be an OFS (Offer for Sale) of about 14,21,94,700 shares by Hyundai Motor Company, and will not have any fresh issue involved. Food and grocery delivery giant Swiggy is targeting to raise Rs 10,414 crore via a combination of fresh issue and OFS. The Rs 10,000-crore IPO of NTPC Green Energy is also set to come in the first week of November. Following them on heels will be the IPOs of construction firm Afcons Infrastructure, which will look to raise Rs 7,000 crore. Waaree Energies is expected to raise Rs 3,000 crores via its IPO. Additionally, Niva Bupa Health Insurance and One Mobikwik Systems are also planning to raise Rs 3,000 crore and Rs 700 crore, respectively. <h2>Positioning oneself in this IPO Euphoria </h2>So far in 2024, 62 companies have already raised Rs 64,000 crore collectively via mainboard, marking a 29% increase from Rs 49,436 crore, which were mopped up by 57 firms through the IPO route in 2023. More than 50 companies have already filed their draft papers, and are now awaiting market regulator SEBI's approval. IPO prospects for 2025 aren't looking dull either, with SEBI already approving 22 IPOs, which will collectively look to raise Rs 25,000 crore. Amidst this IPO frenzy, how can you position yourself in the best possible manner? Should you subscribe to an IPO for the long-term, or should you sell post earning listing gains? Per a recent SEBI study, which studied investor behavior over 144 IPOs listed on bourses between April 2021 and December 2023, if an IPOs listing returns exceeded 20%, investors are likely to sell around 67.6% of shares by value within just a week. On the contrary, if the returns were negative, only 23.3% of shares by value were sold off. Sarvjeet Singh Virk, Co-founder &amp; MD, Shoonya by Finvasia observes that most retail investors are mainly attracted to the listing gains of the IPO, while ignoring the fundamentals of the companies floating the IPOs. "Mindlessly investing without evaluating the valuations and fundamentals of any business can be highly risky. Also, investing solely on the basis of gray market premiums is yet again, undesirable. Recently, NSE has capped the pre-opening price surge to 90% to discourage investors who are investing only for listing gains. However, this is applicable only for SME IPOs, and not mainboard ones", he continues. Reading the company's DRHP or RHP can be a good starting point to understand why the company wishes to raise funds in the first place. It can also help you understand its long-term objectives. Another good parameter is to check how its peers are performing in the markets, as compared to it. Also evaluate if the company have a steady track record of profitability and revenue growth. Check for the shareholding pattern of the company, pre and post IPO. Is there a fresh issue, or is the IPO entirely OFS (offer for sale), where promotors are offloading their stake in the company? While most IPOs are a mix of the two, heavy selloff of promoter stakes should be construed as a red sign. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

IPO Mania on D-Street to continue in October-November; Hyundai, Swiggy look to raise Rs 60,000 crore

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Nicholas Whitaker, who worked with Google for nearly 13 years and got laid off in 2023. He is now running a venture of his own. It has been edited for length and clarity. I joined Google over a decade ago and it became much more than just a job. At that time, Google had approximately 40,000 employees, and the atmosphere felt very much like a startup. Teams were nimble and cooperative, offering ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. There was an unmistakable sense of optimism and potential in the air. It was my first experience in the tech industry, and I viewed that period as a significant phase in my development. I gained valuable skills and benefited from the early support and mentorship of my colleagues and leaders. Perhaps this is why the experience of being laid off hit me so hard. I remember the moment vividly. It was 3 a.m., and I received a ping on LinkedIn from a colleague asking if I was safe. Initially, I thought there had been some kind of emergency—a shooting or perhaps a natural disaster. But when I checked my personal email, I discovered the real reason for their message. I found a short, impersonal email informing me that my role had been eliminated. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113637185" title="Fired from Google after 13 years of service, he used his severance to build a business around helping others with their careers" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>I was laid off without a warning </h2> What shocked me the most was the lack of warning. After my colleague's message, I checked my work email only to find out that it was locked out of my phone and laptop. I then checked my personal email and there it was, a short email informing me about my layoff, providing basic instructions about returning company property and navigating unemployment. The next few months were spent sending back my laptop, badge, and other Google gear. Along the way there were multiple errors and miscommunications from the team that made it all even more uncomfortable. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113619411" title="Rename home Wi-Fi, leave badge at office: Ex-Amazon employee reveals tricks used by employees to not work from office" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> There was only one text message from my former manager, asking how I was doing a few days after the layoff. Beyond that, I heard nothing from my old team. It was such a brutally impersonal and inhumane process. <h2>If you have been laid off, you are not alone</h2> If you’ve been laid off, the first thing I want to say is: You’re not alone, and this moment doesn’t define you. When it first happens, it can feel incredibly personal, but layoffs are usually about business decisions, not your individual worth or performance. After spending over a decade at Google, I know how disorienting it can feel. But over time, I realised that this was also an opportunity to rethink what I really wanted from my career and life. Here are a few pieces of advice that helped me navigate this uncertain time: Give yourself space to process what happened: It’s okay to feel angry, sad, or uncertain. Let yourself experience those emotions, but try not to let them dictate your next move. Take the time you need to recover emotionally before jumping into something new. Reframe the situation: As hard as it sounds, a layoff can also be an opportunity to reassess what you want from your career. For me, the layoff became a catalyst for starting my own venture and reconnecting with what truly matters to me. This is a chance to explore new possibilities that may have been overshadowed by the stability of a previous job. Invest in your health: It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of finding the next thing, but make sure you’re taking care of your mental and physical health. For me, mindfulness and self-care were key to navigating this period. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you’re refilling yours. Reconnect with your network: Don’t be afraid to lean on your network for support, advice, or job leads. It can feel uncomfortable, but remember that people are often happy to help. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and friends, and let them know you’re in transition. Don’t rush the next step: Sometimes, the instinct is to jump into whatever comes next to avoid the discomfort of uncertainty. But if you can, take a beat and make sure your next move aligns with your values and long-term goals. Use this time to reflect on what you want from your next role or career path. Explore new avenues: If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business, freelancing, or shifting industries, now could be the perfect time to explore those ideas. That’s what I did with Changing Work Collective, and it’s led me to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven career than I ever had before. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113800304" title="'Microsoft employee gets $300,000 for working 15-20 hours a week’: X user’s post goes viral" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> Ultimately, a layoff is just one chapter in a much larger story. It can be a painful experience, but it’s also a chance for reinvention and growth. Stay grounded, take care of yourself, and trust that you have the resilience and skills to navigate this and come out stronger on the other side. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

I was fired from Google after 13 years of service. Here's what I learnt on how to deal with layoffs

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Israel launched ground incursions into Lebanon on Tuesday, opening up a new war front.</li><li>The IDF said they were "limited, localized and targeted ground" raids against Hezbollah targets.</li></ul>Israel faces a security dilemma in deciding how far it should go in its operations inside Lebanon, according to security experts.Early on Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://x.com/IDF/status/1840890054819864776">said</a> it had launched "limited, localized, and targeted ground raids" against Hezbollah targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon — opening up a new front in the escalating conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group.The ground offensive comes after months of cross-border projectile exchanges and a series of Israeli airstrikes on September 27 that killed Hezbollah's longtime chief, <a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/who-was-hassan-nasrallah-the-hezbollah-leader-killed-by-israel-2024-9">Hassan Nasrallah</a>.The IDF said its ground operation would follow a "methodical" plan, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://x.com/IDF/status/1840986613029224748">adding</a> it would continue fighting until it achieved all its war goals.But security experts told BI that the IDF runs the risk of prolonged conflict and increasingly bloody fighting in Lebanon should it decide to go further into the country."A full-scale Israeli ground offensive in southern Lebanon would not be an easy task," Clionadh Raleigh, executive director of the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, and Ameneh Mehvar, a Middle East regional specialist with ACLED, said in a joint statement.They told BI that Hezbollah had been preparing for this scenario "for years" and that the IDF would "likely encounter more intense fighting than in Gaza, which could lead to greater Israeli casualties."Farzan Sabet, a senior research associate at the Global Governance Centre and the Sanctions and Sustainable Peace Hub at the Geneva Graduate Institute, went further in his assessment."One of the major risks involved in such operations is that Israel will squander the major strategic and tactical victories obtained against Hezbollah and become trapped in a military quagmire in Lebanon," he said.<h2 id="27ec35c1-df96-4347-9ee3-0000c20734eb">A more perilous terrain than Gaza</h2>Israel's ground operations inside Lebanon bear some resemblance to the ones it conducted in Gaza about a year ago.In October 2023, the IDF <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/major-events-during-100-days-war-between-israel-hamas-2024-01-14/">mounted</a> limited ground incursions into Gaza and called on Palestinians to evacuate to the south of the enclave before launching a broader offensive.While the early stages of the IDF's ground operations in Lebanon are similar to its early operations in Gaza, Hezbollah's military capabilities, Lebanon's political circumstances, and its topography make the country a whole different reality, security analysts told BI.<div type="image" title="Israeli army tanks were deployed in the Upper Galilee region of northern Israel near the border with Lebanon on September 29, 2024." height="5462" width="8192" msid="113859101" hostid="261" sizebytes="1879964"></div>Sabet of the Geneva Graduate Institute said an Israel offensive in Lebanon will be "distinct" from the one in Gaza in that the IDF would be operating on a "much larger" territory against a "bigger and more sophisticated" adversary.While the Gaza Strip is about 140 square miles in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Gaza-Strip">size</a>, Lebanon is about 4,036 square miles.Hezbollah is also <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hezbollah-breach-israel-iron-dome-likely-backfire-destruction-lebanon-2024-9">estimated</a> to have stockpiles of up to 200,000 missiles.Burcu Ozcelik, a senior research fellow for Middle East Security at the UK's Royal United Services Institute, said that the IDF's limited ground raids across the Lebanese border would expose its troops to combat with Hezbollah fighters on a terrain that is Hezbollah's "home turf," and where it commands control over military infrastructure and local communities."This is not an area that is peppered with densely populated urban centers in the way the Gaza Strip is," she told BI.Raleigh and Mehvar of ACLED, meanwhile, said the nature of the operation in Lebanon differs from those in Gaza. Israel isn't fighting against Lebanon's government — unlike the de facto government in Gaza, they said.As such, they do not expect an "extensive carpet bombing" and "ferocity" like the one seen in Gaza."Israel's objective is to 'diminish' Hezbollah's military capabilities and push it away from the border," they said.<h2 id="baa571b7-f217-4e5f-ac5e-9f72a6dd61bd">How far it should go</h2>Israel has spent months conducting airstrikes and raids into southern Lebanon to degrade Hezbollah's capabilities.<div type="image" title="Smoke billowed from the area as a result of the Israeli army's attacks on the town of Hiyam in Nabatieh, Lebanon, on September 30, 2024." height="3392" width="5088" msid="113859104" hostid="261" sizebytes="1157544"></div>However, it remains unclear how deep Israel's ground incursions might go, according to Raleigh and Mehvar.They said the IDF will likely not extend beyond southern Lebanon due to the risk of getting "increasingly" entangled in a new "prolonged" conflict in southern Lebanon.They added that "Hezbollah still retains much of its capability, including the missile stockpiles it has built up since 2006, which could be used against Israeli military and civilian targets."Sabet, meanwhile, said that history is "strewn" with examples of countries whose militaries entered the territory of another country for limited military operations but ended up engaged in costly and damaging long-term wars.He mentioned Israel's own "costly" experiences of invasion in Lebanon, including the Second Israeli Invasion of Lebanon of 1982 and the Second Lebanon War in 2006.Since the Hamas October 7 terror attacks on Israel last year, Israel's economy has suffered, with its GDP <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link c-link--focus-visible" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-q4-gdp-revised-207-contraction-2nd-estimate-194-2024-03-10/">contracting</a> by 20.7% in the last quarter of 2023.In the long run, the war in Gaza alone could cost Israel 10% of its annual GDP, Yannay Spitzer, an assistant professor specializing in economic history and applied microeconomics at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, told <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link c-link--focus-visible" href="https://themedialine.org/life-lines/economist-warns-israels-war-costs-could-reach-10-of-gdp-raising-urgent-challenges/">The Media Line</a> last month.However, those sums, and Israel's overall military calculations, could quickly change if Iran gets involved on the side of Hezbollah in Lebanon.A senior US administration official told <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/iran-preparing-ballistic-missile-attack-against-israel-us-official-2024-10">outlets on Tuesday</a>, that Iran was preparing to launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel."We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack," the official said.During a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkZREiWcrpQ">speech</a> last week at the UN, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a warning to the "tyrants of Tehran," saying: "If you strike us, we will strike you."He added: "There is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach."<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Israel faces a major issue in how deep it should go in Lebanon, security experts say

<ul><li>STT increased on futures and options trading </li><li>Changes in TDS rates (from 5% to 2%) on payments for life insurance policy, brokerage </li><li>Buybacks to be treated as dividends for taxation purposes</li><li>Small savings account rates left unchanged for Oct-Dec 2024</li></ul>Starting October 1st, a lot is set to change with your money. From F&amp;O trading (futures and options) and buybacks getting more expensive in the hands of the individual, to changes in TDS slabs for payments concerning life insurance, brokerage, and more, here's a ready reckoner for all that you need to know: 1. STT upped for F&amp;O (Futures and Options) trading This budget, in a bid to discourage retail investors from burning their hands in the highly risky F&amp;O segment, the government had proposed raising the STT (securities transaction tax) for both futures and options. Starting today, you will have to pay an STT of 0.1% on premium earned from option sales, as opposed to 0.0625% previously. As for futures, the STT is set to rise to 0.02% of trade price, up from its previous mark of 0.0125%. Notably, STT is levied every time an individual purchases or sells a security, which significantly increases its incidence and coverage. For instance, if the trading price of the futures you're selling today is Rs 1,000, you'd have to pay Rs 0.2 as STT today. Till September 30th, the STT applicable would be Rs 0.12. Similarly, for options, if the settlement price of your options contract is Rs 1,000, your STT payable today would be Re 1, which earlier stood at Rs 0.625 While this may sound super inconvenient for frequent or intraday traders, a recent SEBI study has highlighted that a staggering 93% individual traders have incurred just losses while trading in the F&amp;O segment between FY22 and FY24, with the total losses exceeding Rs 1.8 lakh crore during this period. Only a tiny 1% traders managed to rake in profits above Rs 1,00,000. Perhaps SEBI is thinking along the lines of prevention being better than cure? 2. Changes in Debit card rules for ICICI bank ICICI debit card users, who also happen to be frequent flyers, listen up! Starting today, you will be able to access the complimentary airport lounge service twice, but only if you have spent Rs 10,000 or more via your card in the previous quarter. So, suppose you've spent just Rs 8,000 between July-September 2024 via your ICICI debit card. Since this falls below the Rs 10,000-threshold, you wont be able to access complimentary airport lounge service two times between October-December 2024. 3. Changes in rules for PPF, small savings account The interest rates on various small savings schemes were left unchanged by the Finance Ministry for the upcoming quarter i.e. October-December 2024. For this quarter, Public Provident Funds (PPF) will earn you 7.1% interest p.a., while Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) will offer interest at the rate of 8.2% p.a. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113692667" title="Attention! Here's what's changing with your PPF accounts starting 1st October, 2024" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> Also, these changes in PPF accounts will kick in from today: <ul><li>Have a PPF account in your child's name i.e. a minor? This account would earn the same interest as a POSA (Post Office Savings Account) i.e. at 4% p.a. currently. Once your child turns 18, the prevailing PPF interest rate, which is presently at 7.1%, will be levied. </li><li>No more interest earning via multiple PPF accounts! Starting today, only your primary PPF account will be eligible for interest. </li><li>Are you an NRI who currently holds an active PPF account, and you have not disclosed your residency status in Form H (used to extend the tenure of your PPF account by blocks of 5 years)? Starting today, such accounts will earn zero interest. </li></ul>4. Buyback set to get more expensive Buybacks happen when a company decides to buy back its own shares from its existing shareholders. What's in for the shareholders, you ask? The buyback price is usually higher than what is offered by the markets. You are eligible to participate in a company's buyback if you hold its shares on or before the record date that's set by the company. Starting today, buybacks will be treated just like dividends. This means starting today, the burden of tax payable on buybacks will fall on the shareholders selling the shares, and not the company. Buybacks will be taxed as per the individual's personal income tax bracket. 5. Revision of TDS rates Starting today, the TDS (tax deducted at source) on various payments you make for life insurance, lottery tickets and more is also set to change. Here's how TDS rates will look, starting today: <table class="redcator-table-advance"><tbody><tr><td>Category </td><td>Previous TDS rate</td><td>New TDS rate (Effective October 1st, 2024)</td></tr><tr><td>Payment made towards life insurance policies</td><td>5%</td><td>2%</td></tr><tr><td>Commission earned on sale of lottery tickets </td><td>5%</td><td>2%</td></tr><tr><td>Payment of commission/ brokerage </td><td>5%</td><td>2%</td></tr><tr><td>Payment of rent by certain individuals/HUF </td><td>5%</td><td>2%</td></tr><tr><td>Payment made by e-commerce operators/platforms to e-commerce participants/sellers </td><td>1%</td><td>0.1%</td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody></table> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Attention! Here's what's changing with your PPF, F&amp;O trading, and buybacks, starting today!

<ul><li>The BMW CE 02 electric scooter has been launched in India.</li><li>The electric scooter comes with a price tag of ₹4.50 lakh.</li><li>Here’s everything you need to know about the second electric scooter from BMW Motorrad.</li></ul> BMW Motorrad today launched the company’s second electric two-wheeler, the BMW CE 02 in India. The company had recently launched the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/bmw-ce-04-electric-scooter-launched-in-india-priced-at-14-90-lakh/articleshow/111985569.cms"> BMW CE 04</a>, the most expensive electric scooter in India. The BMW CE 02 will be produced in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, in partnership with TVS Motor Company. The CE 02 is among the most expensive electric scooters in the country. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111985569" title="BMW CE 04 electric scooter launched in India priced at ₹14.90 lakh" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>BMW CE 02 price and availability</h2>The BMW CE 02 has been priced at ₹4.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The bookings for the premium electric scooter are now open and the deliveries will begin soon. The electric scooter comes in two colour options – Cosmic Black and Cosmic Black 2. <h2>BMW CE 02 features</h2>The BMW CE 02 comes with a futuristic look and features a boxy design. It features 14-inch wheels, which will offer a comparatively comfortable ride on Indian roads. With a kerb weight of 142 kg, the CE 02 is considerably lighter than its elder sibling. The BMW CE 02 is equipped with a synchronous motor that can churn out 11kW of power and 55Nm of peak torque. The scooter can go from 0 to 50 in just 3 seconds and has a top speed of 95 km per hour. The scooter offers two riding modes, Flow and Surf. Powering the BMW CE 02 is a 3.92 kWh battery that is claimed to offer a range of 108 km. The scooter is offered with a 900W charger that is claimed to charge the device from 20 to 80% in 102 minutes. The BMW CE 02 comes with a 3.5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity and navigation support. The scooter comes with anti-lock braking system (ABS) and automatic stability control (ASC). SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/upcoming-bikes-and-scooters-launching-in-india-in-october-2024/slidelist/113841653.cms">Upcoming bikes and scooters launching in India in October 2024</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/pm-e-drive-scheme-with-10900-crore-outlay-announced-for-electric-vehicles/articleshow/113816837.cms">PM E-DRIVE scheme with ₹10,900 crore outlay announced for electric vehicles</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/upcoming-smartphones-launching-in-india-in-october-2024/slidelist/113804125.cms">Upcoming smartphones launching in India in October 2024</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

BMW CE 02 electric scooter launched in India at ₹4.50 lakh

A week or two of cold and cough can make you conjure up some pretty odd conspiracy theories. The freshest one that I cooked up this week is that 'Big Tissue' wishes to keep everyone sick, and therefore they collaborate with 'The Scientists' to keep them from making a cure. After all, the world witnessed researchers demonstrate incredible and hasty success in combating COVID-19, and yet, the common cold remains an seemingly elusive target. But far from being an actual conspiracy, there are several real reasons why we haven’t yet cracked the code to curing the cold, despite decades of research. So grab your tissues, folks, and let's get into them. <h2>Viral diversity</h2>One major hurdle in curing the common cold is the sheer diversity of viruses involved. Over 200 viruses can cause cold symptoms, with rhinoviruses responsible for up to 75% of cases. Rhinoviruses alone consist of more than 160 known strains. This viral diversity makes it extremely difficult to develop a universal vaccine or treatment. Unlike SARS-CoV-2, which has one main spike protein target, cold viruses come in a dizzying array of structures and behaviours, requiring a vast array of medical solutions. In contrast, when COVID-19 emerged, researchers focused primarily on one virus and one major target — its spike protein. That focus allowed for the rapid development of vaccines using mRNA technology, like those from Pfizer and Moderna. For the common cold, a similar solution isn’t feasible due to the multiple viral families involved. <h2>Mutations and adaptations</h2>Another issue is how quickly cold viruses mutate. Rhinoviruses, for example, are known for their high mutation rates. This rapid evolution allows them to evade the immune system, which is why even if you’ve had a cold before, you're not immune to future infections from different strains. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113757960" title="Healthcare in India faces massive strain as costs rise by 14% annually; most expenses paid out-of-pocket" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>This rapid mutation is akin to how COVID-19 has evolved into variants, but with cold viruses, it happens on an even greater scale. Scientists fear that if they developed a vaccine, new strains would quickly render it ineffective, much like how seasonal flu vaccines must be reformulated annually. <h2>Mildness of the illness</h2>Ironically, one reason the common cold hasn’t been cured is because it’s too mild to warrant massive investment. Most people recover from a cold without medical intervention. While cold symptoms are annoying — runny nose, sore throat, cough — they rarely escalate into serious illness. As a result, pharmaceutical companies and governments have little financial incentive to pour billions into research for a disease that poses no significant threat to public health. COVID-19, on the other hand, caused severe illness and death on a global scale, spurring massive investment from both the public and private sectors. Governments and companies alike invested heavily in research and fast-tracked vaccines, which led to solutions much quicker than we’ve seen for colds. <h2>Complex, complex immune system</h2>The immune system’s response to cold viruses is also a significant factor. Studies have shown that repeated exposure to cold viruses over a lifetime results in limited immunity. For instance, research from Harvard points out that even though the body produces antibodies after a cold, the immune response isn't strong enough to prevent future infections from slightly different strains. This is in stark contrast to diseases like measles, where one infection can result in lifelong immunity. COVID-19 benefitted from its novelty. The immune system had never encountered SARS-CoV-2 before, making it easier to target with vaccines that produce a strong and specific immune response. Here’s an additional fun fact: because there are SO many different strains of common cold-causing viruses, research says that it is unlikely that you will be infected with the same strain of common cold twice throughout your life! <h2>Attempts to develop treatments</h2>There have been attempts to develop treatments for the common cold. Some researchers have targeted the way viruses enter and replicate in human cells. For example, a 2018 study explored inhibiting the protein that cold viruses use to replicate, showing some promise in early trials. However, most of these treatments are in the experimental phase, and none have been widely successful yet. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113284254" title="Gastro problems could heighten Parkinson&amp;#39;s disease risk by 76%, study finds" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In recent years, attention has shifted towards using broad-spectrum antiviral drugs that can target multiple viruses at once, similar to how some antibiotics work against a range of bacteria. However, this approach has yet to yield a major breakthrough. The idea of a universal cure for the common cold remains distant, but advances in genetic research and vaccine technology offer some hope. For example, CRISPR technology may allow scientists to edit out the genetic components that cold viruses rely on to replicate. Additionally, the mRNA technology used for COVID-19 vaccines has opened new possibilities for antiviral treatments, although these applications are still in early stages. Research continues, but for now, humanity may have to continue battling sniffles and coughs the old-fashioned way: with rest, fluids, and time. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

How did we manage to deal with COVID-19 so quickly, but the common cold still remains a persisting problem?

<ul><li>Diffusion Engineers will announce the share allotment status today.</li><li>The shares of Diffusion Engineers were subscribed 114.5 times.</li><li>The shares of Diffusion Engineers will be listed on the stock exchanges on October 4.</li></ul>Maharashtra-based Diffusion Engineers, a manufacturer of welding consumables, wear plates and parts is all set to announce the allotment status of its initial public offering (IPO) on Tuesday, October 1. The Diffusion Engineers IPO opened on September 26 and closed on September 30. The price band for the IPO was ₹159 to ₹168 per share. <h2>Diffusion Engineers IPO subscription</h2>On the last day, the Diffusion Engineers IPO was subscribed 114.5 times, receiving bids for 75.55 crore equity shares against 65.99 lakh shares on offer. While the qualified institutional buyer portion was subscribed 95.74 times, the non-institutional investors portion was subscribed 207.60 times. The retail portion also witnessed excellent participation and was subscribed 85.61 times. The employee portion was subscribed 95.05. <h2>Diffusion Engineers grey market premium</h2>The shares of Diffusion Engineers are currently commanding a grey market premium (GMP) of ₹65 per share. GMP is the premium at which IPO shares are traded in an unofficial market before they are listed on the stock exchanges. <h2>How to check the Diffusion Engineers’ allotment status</h2>You can check the allotment status on the registrar’s website. <ul><li>To check the Diffusion Engineers IPO allotment status, visit the registrar’s website<a href="https://ipo.bigshareonline.com/IPO_Status.html"> here</a>. </li><li>Click on ‘Select Company’ and then select ‘Diffusion Engineers’. </li><li>Now, select PAN, application number, or beneficiary ID and provide the details. </li><li>Now, enter the captcha. </li><li>Click on “Search”. </li></ul>You will be able to see your application status. It will display the number of shares that you have applied for and the number of shares that have been allotted to you. You can also check the Diffusion Engineers IPO allotment status on the BSE and NSE websites. To check the allotment status on the BSE or NSE website: <ul><li>Go to the BSE<a href="https://www.bseindia.com/investors/appli_check.aspx"> website</a>. </li><li>On the website, click on 'Equity' and then select ‘Diffusion Engineers’ from the dropdown menu. </li><li>Now, enter your application number and PAN. </li><li>Click on 'Search'. </li></ul>You will be able to see the number of shares allotted to you. You can click<a href="https://www.nseindia.com/products-services/initial-public-offerings-bid-verification"> here</a> and log in to check your allotment status on NSE. <h2>Diffusion Engineers IPO listing date</h2>The shares of Diffusion Engineers will be listed on the stock exchanges on October 4. Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We recommend that readers consult certified, qualified, registered advisors for professional and personalised financial advice. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/pm-e-drive-scheme-with-10900-crore-outlay-announced-for-electric-vehicles/articleshow/113816837.cms">PM E-DRIVE scheme with ₹10,900 crore outlay announced for electric vehicles</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/upcoming-cars-launching-in-india-in-october-2024/slidelist/113809612.cms">Upcoming cars launching in India in October 2024</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/upcoming-smartphones-launching-in-india-in-october-2024/slidelist/113804125.cms">Upcoming smartphones launching in India in October 2024</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Diffusion Engineers IPO allotment – Check allotment status, GMP, listing date and more

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and approximately 120 supporters were detained by Delhi Police at the city's borders on the night of September 30, 2023. Wangchuk, known for his environmental activism and advocacy for Ladakh’s autonomy, was leading an allegedly peaceful march, “Delhi Chalo Padyatra,” from Leh to New Delhi. The march aimed to demand the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which provides special autonomy and governance rights to tribal areas in India. Wangchuk and his supporters were stopped before entering the national capital, sparking significant unrest among his followers and in Ladakh. <h2>Purpose of the march</h2>The Sixth Schedule currently applies to tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, allowing these regions to form autonomous councils with legislative, executive, and financial powers. Ladakh’s demand for this status is rooted in concerns that the Union Territory’s unique identity and ecological balance are at risk without constitutional safeguards. Wangchuk and his group had travelled for a month across various regions, gathering momentum for their cause. The march was organised by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), groups that have been leading the agitation for Ladakh's statehood and protection of the region’s cultural identity. As the padyatrist approached Delhi, they were met with heavy police deployment at the Singhu border. Despite expectations that they were being escorted, Wangchuk revealed in a social media post that the group was, in fact, being detained. Delhi Police cited prohibitory orders banning gatherings of five or more people, and concerns about potential law and order disruptions as reasons for the detainment. The detained marchers were taken to various police stations near the border, with Wangchuk and others kept at Bawana Police Station, where Delhi Chief Minister Atishi was later prevented from meeting them. Supporters of Wangchuk were also placed in other police stations, although women marchers were reportedly not detained. <h2>Backlash in Ladakh</h2>The detentions have led to a strong backlash in Ladakh, where the KDA and LAB called for a bandh (shutdown) across the Union Territory. In Leh and Kargil, shops remained closed, and protestors voiced their demands for Wangchuk’s release and for the government to recognize their call for Ladakh’s autonomy. Hajan Fathima Bano, an 87-year-old activist, expressed deep concern over the detention, stating, “They didn’t go to engage in conflict; they went to advocate for the Sixth Schedule on behalf of the people of Ladakh. We are willing to give our lives for them. They shouldn’t be held captive.” <h2>Peaceful movement and criticism of police</h2>Wangchuk has consistently emphasised that the march was non-violent and aimed at pressing the Indian government to prioritise Ladakh’s rights. The Delhi Police, meanwhile, have imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (previously Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code), banning large gatherings in New Delhi, North, and Central districts, as well as areas along the border, until October 5, 2023. The heavy-handed response to the peaceful march has drawn criticism, especially in light of Wangchuk’s stature as a respected climate activist and innovator. His post on social media shortly before his detention highlighted the scale of the police presence, stating that about 1,000 personnel had been deployed to block their entry into Delhi. He expressed frustration that a peaceful march intended to draw attention to the plight of Ladakhis had been thwarted in such a manner, underscoring the irony of being detained in "the world’s largest democracy.” (With inputs from agencies) <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Sonam Wangchuk’s peaceful march ends in detention of Sonam and 120 supporters, protests erupt in Ladakh

A couple of days back, EY employee Anna Sebastian Perayil’s death had left the entire nation shocked. The 26-year-old’s mother had blamed work stress for her death. The incident reignited debates about the importance of work-life balance and people took to social media to react to the incident. Now, yet another tragic incident has unfolded in Jhansi. <h2>42-year-old Bajaj Finance employee dies by suicide </h2> A 42-year-old area manager, employed by Bajaj Finance, was found dead in his home on Sunday morning. According to a PTI report, the employee, named Tarun Saxena, ended his life by hanging, leaving behind a suicide note in which he alleged severe work pressure and mental harassment by his superiors. Tarun Saxena’s body was discovered by his housekeeper, who immediately alerted his family. The local police, as per a ET report, confirmed the recovery of a suicide note, which contains accusations against his senior colleagues. <h2>What was in the suicide note? </h2> In the letter, Saxena revealed he was facing immense pressure to meet recovery targets, stating that his seniors had threatened him with salary deductions and the possibility of losing his job if he failed to achieve the required quotas. According to Saxena’s note, the pressure to meet unrealistic targets had left him mentally and physically drained. “I have not slept for 45 days. I have hardly eaten. I am under a lot of stress. Senior managers are pressuring me to meet targets at any cost or quit,” Saxena wrote in his final letter. He also mentioned that employees were forced to cover missed loan payments from their own pockets, adding to the financial burden. I am very tense about the future. I have lost my ability to think. I am going”, the suicide note added as per NDTV. Saxena reportedly also named his superiors in the note and urged his family to file a police complaint against them, holding them responsible for his death. His family, still grappling with the loss, has yet to lodge an official complaint with the authorities. However, the local police have assured that an investigation will be conducted if a formal complaint is registered. Superintendent of Police Gyanendra Kumar Singh confirmed that a post-mortem has been ordered, and the police are prepared to take action pending further developments. Tarun Saxena’s death sheds light on the growing issue of workplace stress and its tragic consequences. Bajaj Finance, at the centre of the allegations, is yet to issue a formal statement regarding the incident. <h2>“He was mentally tortured,” says cousin</h2> The 42-year-old’s cousin, Gaurav Saxena, corroborated his late brother’s claims. He said that a virtual conference that was held on Sunday morning, involving senior managers, further pushed his cousin to the breaking point. Gaurav also alleged that during the call, abusive language was used, and his cousin was humiliated over his inability to meet the stringent recovery demands. "In the morning, he was mentally tortured by his regional manager Prabhakar Mishra and national manager Vaibhav Saxena. Abuses were also hurled at him during a conference, which was held virtually. He was quite frustrated since that (Saturday) night, following which he took the extreme step (on Sunday),” Gaurav said as per a report in PTI. He added, ”He was told that in case of non-fulfilment of the target, he would have to pay from his own pocket. He was assigned areas like Moth and Talbehat for collection, which are rural areas.” (With PTI inputs) <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

‘Being pressurised to meet targets at any cost, I am leaving’: Bajaj Finance employee dies by suicide, leaves note blaming work stress

Upcoming bikes and scooters launching in India in October 2024

SoftBank's Vision Fund is set to make a significant leap into the artificial intelligence space by investing $500 million in OpenAI, according to a Reuters report originally attributed to The Information. If this happens, it would be the first major investment from SoftBank in the AI company, led by Sam Altman, and will be a part of OpenAI’s ongoing funding round. OpenAI, which became a household name after launching generative AI chatbot ChatGPT, has been at the centre of the AI boom. The company is currently raising $6.5 billion through convertible notes, a financial instrument that allows investors to convert their debt into equity at a later date. This funding round could push OpenAI’s valuation to an impressive $150 billion, though this is before the anticipated SoftBank infusion. However, this valuation is not without challenges. OpenAI is in the process of a corporate restructuring, which is crucial to attracting future investments. Currently, the company operates under a non-profit structure, with a cap on investor profits. But recent reports suggest that OpenAI is working to transition into a for-profit entity, a move that would remove this cap and offer more flexibility to investors. This restructuring is seen as a pivotal moment for the company’s future growth and valuation prospects. The Information also reports that OpenAI is considering granting CEO Sam Altman a 7% equity stake as part of its restructuring efforts to transition into a for-profit company. Interestingly, despite the buzz around this massive funding round, Apple has reportedly decided not to participate, according to earlier reports. Apple’s decision to step back leaves the field open for other major players, with SoftBank now seizing the opportunity. As SoftBank looks to make its first foray into OpenAI’s ecosystem, the investment signals the company’s confidence in the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. If OpenAI succeeds in restructuring, it could unlock a new wave of investment, further pushing the boundaries of AI innovation. (With Reuters inputs) <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

SoftBank could invest $500 million in OpenAI, new report says

Actor and Shiv Sena leader Govinda was rushed to a hospital in Mumbai on Tuesday morning after accidentally shooting himself in the leg, an ANI report says. The incident occurred while the actor was reportedly handling his personal revolver at his residence, leading to an unexpected misfire. According to early reports, the gun discharged while Govinda was cleaning the weapon, with the bullet striking his knee. A senior official from the Mumbai Police confirmed that the actor was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Medical staff are currently attending to his injury, and more updates on his condition are expected soon. Govinda, who has a long-standing career in Bollywood and is also a prominent figure in Shiv Sena, has been an influential public figure for decades. The news of the accident has left both his fans and political supporters concerned, as they await further information regarding his recovery. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accidental discharge. (This is a developing story and will be updated) <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Actor Govinda accidentally shoots himself in the leg, hospitalised

The US Mission in India recently announced the opening of an additional 250,000 visa appointment slots for Indian travellers, which includes tourists, skilled workers, and students. This expansion aims to ease the visa process for Indian applicants, ensuring timely interviews and facilitating travel that supports the strong ties between the United States and India. In an official statement, the US Embassy in New Delhi highlighted the significant increase in Indian travel to the US in 2024, with over 1.2 million Indians visiting the country—a 35% rise compared to the same period in 2023. The surge in demand has prompted the embassy to take proactive steps to accommodate the growing number of applicants. "The US Mission to India has already surpassed one million nonimmigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year. During our student visa season this summer, we continued to process record numbers, and all first-time student applicants were able to obtain an appointment at one of our five consular sections around India," the US Embassy said in a statement. It added, "We are now focused on bringing families together, connecting businesses, and facilitating tourism. At least six million Indians already have a nonimmigrant visa to visit the United States, and each day, the Mission issues thousands more." US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, praised the efforts made by consular teams across India, saying, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden set an ambitious goal to enhance and expedite the visa process, and I am proud to say we have delivered on that promise." He further acknowledged the tireless work of the embassy and consulate teams in meeting the surging demand for visas. The embassy has already processed over one million nonimmigrant visa applications for the second consecutive year, with record numbers handled during the recent student visa season. First-time student applicants were able to secure appointments across the five consular sections in India, ensuring smooth processing for their travel needs. Currently, over six million Indians hold nonimmigrant visas, and the US Mission continues to issue thousands more each day. (With PTI and ANI inputs) <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

'Focused on bringing families together': US Mission opens 2.5 lakh new visa slots for Indians

Veteran Tamil superstar Rajinikanth was admitted to Apollo Hospitals in Chennai late Monday after complaining of severe stomach pain. The 73-year-old actor, who has a massive fan following across India, was brought in for medical evaluation after experiencing significant discomfort in his abdomen, a PTI report revealed. Reports in PTI and ANI have now confirmed that the legendary actor's health is now stable, and he is scheduled to undergo an elective procedure at the hospital’s cath lab later today to address the issue near his abdomen. Sources also indicate that this is a planned procedure and is not an emergency intervention. Following the procedure, the actor will be shifted to a room and is expected to be discharged by Tuesday evening, barring any complications. Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, M K Stalin, extended his well-wishes to the actor for a speedy recovery. Fans of the iconic star took to social media to offer prayers and express their hope for his swift return to good health, flooding platforms like Twitter and Instagram with supportive messages. As Rajinikanth rests and prepares for the procedure, there is a wave of relief amongst his admirers, many of whom were concerned about his sudden hospitalisation. The actor’s presence on the big screen has made him a household name, and any news regarding his health is followed closely by his fans. Rajinikanth, born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, is an Indian film superstar predominantly known for his work in Tamil cinema. With a career spanning over four decades, he has appeared in more than 160 films, and his larger-than-life persona on screen has made him one of the most influential and popular actors in Indian cinema. Known for his unique style and powerful performances, Rajinikanth has a cult following that extends beyond India, particularly in Southeast Asia. Apart from his film career, he has also dabbled in politics, making headlines for his influence and statements. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

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