BANGKOK — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world's third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Nissan Chief Executive Makoto Uchida, left, and Honda Chief Executive Toshihiro Mibe, center, and Takao Kato CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, right, arrive to attend a joint news conference Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) The ascent of Chinese automakers is rattling the industry at a time when manufacturers are struggling to shift from fossil fuel-driven vehicles to electrics. Relatively inexpensive EVs from China's BYD, Great Wall and Nio are eating into the market shares of U.S. and Japanese car companies in China and elsewhere. Japanese automakers have lagged behind big rivals in EVs and are now trying to cut costs and make up for lost time. Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi announced in August that they will share components for electric vehicles like batteries and jointly research software for autonomous driving to adapt better to dramatic changes in the auto industry centered around electrification. A preliminary agreement between Honda, Japan's second-largest automaker, and Nissan, third largest, was announced in March. A merger could result in a behemoth worth about $55 billion based on the market capitalization of all three automakers. Joining forces would help the smaller Japanese automakers add scale to compete with Japan's market leader Toyota Motor Corp. and with Germany's Volkswagen AG. Toyota itself has technology partnerships with Japan's Mazda Motor Corp. and Subaru Corp. Nissan Chief Executive Makoto Uchida, left, Honda Chief Executive Toshihiro Mibe, center, and Takao Kato, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, right, pose for photographers during a joint news conference in Tokyo, Japan, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Nissan has truck-based body-on-frame large SUVs such as the Armada and Infiniti QX80 that Honda doesn't have, with large towing capacities and good off-road performance, said Sam Fiorani, vice president of AutoForecast Solutions. Nissan also has years of experience building batteries and electric vehicles, and gas-electric hybird powertrains that could help Honda in developing its own EVs and next generation of hybrids, he said. "Nissan does have some product segments where Honda doesn't currently play," that a merger or partnership could help, said Sam Abuelsamid, a Detroit-area automotive industry analsyt. While Nissan's electric Leaf and Ariya haven't sold well in the U.S., they're solid vehicles, Fiorani said. "They haven't been resting on their laurels, and they have been developing this technology," he said. "They have new products coming that could provide a good platform for Honda for its next generation." Nissan said last month that it was slashing 9,000 jobs, or about 6% of its global work force, and reducing global production capacity by 20% after reporting a quarterly loss of 9.3 billion yen ($61 million). Earlier this month it reshuffled its management and its chief executive, Makoto Uchida, took a 50% pay cut to take responsibility for the financial woes, saying Nissan needed to become more efficient and respond better to market tastes, rising costs and other global changes. Fitch Ratings recently downgraded Nissan's credit outlook to "negative," citing worsening profitability, partly due to price cuts in the North American market. But it noted that it has a strong financial structure and solid cash reserves that amounted to 1.44 trillion yen ($9.4 billion). Nissan's share price has fallen to the point where it is considered something of a bargain. A report in the Japanese financial magazine Diamond said talks with Honda gained urgency after the Taiwan maker of iPhones Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., better known as Foxconn, began exploring a possible acquisition of Nissan as part of its push into the EV sector. The company has struggled for years following a scandal that began with the arrest of its former chairman Carlos Ghosn in late 2018 on charges of fraud and misuse of company assets, allegations that he denies. He eventually was released on bail and fled to Lebanon. Honda reported its profits slipped nearly 20% in the first half of the April-March fiscal year from a year earlier, as sales suffered in China. Toyota made 11.5 million vehicles in 2023, while Honda rolled out 4 million and Nissan produced 3.4 million. Mitsubishi Motors made just over 1 million. Even after a merger Toyota would remain the leading Japanese automaker. All the global automakers are facing potential shocks if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on threats to raise or impose tariffs on imports of foreign products, even from allies like Japan and neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico. Nissan is among the major car companies that have adjusted their supply chains to include vehicles assembled in Mexico. Meanwhile, analysts say there is an "affordability shift" taking place across the industry, led by people who feel they cannot afford to pay nearly $50,000 for a new vehicle. In American, a vital market for companies like Nissan, Honda and Toyota, that's forcing automakers to consider lower pricing, which will eat further into industry profits. ____ AP Auto Writer Tom Krisher contributed to this report from Detroit. Airbags, advanced driver assistance features, and high-strength materials mean that the safest cars today are far better at protecting people from injuries than ever before. Although most new cars compare well to their predecessors, some stand above the rest. The safest cars for 2025 offer excellent occupant protection and also do a good job of preventing accidents from happening in the first place. Based on testing data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , or IIHS, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , or NHTSA, these are some of the safest cars available today. Ranging from inexpensive compact cars and mainstream midsize sedans to stylish station wagons, posh luxury cars, and sporty coupes and convertibles, Edmunds shares a list that has something for just about everyone. For those who prefer a higher seating position and maybe some added practicality, Edmunds' list of safest SUVs is for you. The stylish Mazda 3 has a lot to offer compact-car shoppers, including great looks, a composed driving experience, and reasonable fuel economy from its base 2.0-liter engine. It's also one of the safest cars in its class, earning a perfect five stars in NHTSA crash testing and sterling crashworthiness and collision avoidance scores from the IIHS. Its standard features are forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure prevention. With mature styling, a premium interior, and an efficient hybrid powertrain option, the 2025 Honda Civic is a great option if safety is a concern since it aces almost all of the IIHS' crash tests and earns a five-star safety rating from the federal government. It also comes standard with adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The Civic falls short slightly in the IIHS' updated moderate overlap front test, which now accounts for rear passenger safety, but even so, it's one of the safest cars in its class. Reflective of parent company BMW, today's Mini Cooper is well constructed and features premium safety features that belie its small size, including automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning. Although the Mini hasn't been tested by NHTSA, the IIHS gives the Cooper its highest score of Good in the original driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side-impact tests. That said, the IIHS doesn't place the Cooper on its Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ lists since it hasn't been evaluated on the updated battery of passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, or side-impact tests. Expect the new-for-2025 Mini Cooper to earn decent crash ratings in those scenarios, especially since it shares its strong platform with the outgoing model. With its recent redesign, the Toyota Prius transformed from a frumpy little caterpillar to a stylish and efficient butterfly. It also became a very safe hybrid hatchback. Perfect scores in all of its government and IIHS crash tests, as well as a sophisticated system of collision avoidance technology, earn it top marks. It's also one of our favorite cars on the market, period, as evidenced by its status as a 2024 Edmunds Top Rated vehicle. The Honda Accord is among the safest midsize sedans on the market today thanks to excellent crashworthiness scores and a competent standard collision prevention system. It's a Top Safety Pick+, beating out rivals like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Subaru Legacy, and the Accord also earns a perfect five-star rating from NHTSA. Honda's hybrid-intensive product planning is on full display here—all but the two lowest Accord trims have a hybrid powertrain—and it's also among the most spacious cars in its class. Like its Honda Accord rival, the Toyota Camry is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with a five-star NHTSA rating. It also has a very impressive suite of driver assistance and safety technology, including lane departure prevention with active centering, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Camry edges out the Accord in IIHS testing thanks to a more effective collision avoidance system, but both cars are remarkably well matched otherwise. The fully electric Hyundai Ioniq 6 offers excellent safety and collision prevention, with excellent scores across the entire line of IIHS tests. The Ioniq 6 hasn't been tested for rollover resistance by NHTSA, but it earned a four-star front safety rating and a five-star side-impact rating in government tests. Like most EVs, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure prevention. It also offers up to 342 miles of all-electric driving in its longest-range trim level. The Acura Integra is a close mechanical cousin to the Honda Civic, so it's no surprise it does well in both the IIHS' and NHTSA's crash tests. The luxury hatchback is a Top Safety Pick+ and earns a perfect five stars in government testing. The AcuraWatch safety suite is standard on the Integra, bringing automatic emergency braking, lane centering, lane departure prevention, and adaptive cruise control. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a safe option in the popular small luxury sedan segment thanks to its good scores in IIHS crash testing. Mercedes' best-selling sedan also comes standard with automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning, which helps it earn a Top Safety Pick award. However, it hasn't been tested by the NHTSA. Both the Genesis G80 and the fully electric Genesis Electrified G80 earn a Top Safety Pick+ score from the IIHS thanks to their good scores on the agency's crash tests, as well as a comprehensive suite of active safety features that avoided collisions with simulated pedestrians. The internal-combustion-engine G80 earned a perfect five-star safety rating from NHTSA, and although the Electrified G80 hasn't been tested by the feds just yet, it should likely excel in those tests too. The flagship Genesis G90 sedan competes with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, and the South Korean automaker clearly hasn't skimped on safety in its fight against the establishment. Although it hasn't been subjected to the NHTSA array of tests, it aced almost all of its IIHS tests, and a long list of standard active safety and driver assistance features sets it apart from the stingy German makes that charge extra for them. With handsome styling and a well-finished interior, the Volvo V60 is a very appealing station wagon for those looking for such a thing. It's also quite safe, with good crashworthiness scores in the IIHS' original moderate overlap front and side-impact scores. Unfortunately, since it hasn't been tested with the updated versions of those tests, it didn't earn this year's Top Safety Pick award, but it was called a Top Safety Pick+ in 2022. NHTSA also gives the V60 a five-star safety rating. Although the Mercedes-Benz E 450 All-Terrain isn't a traditional wagon — it follows the lifted almost-crossover formula shared with the Audi A6 Allroad and Volvo V90 Cross Country — we'll take what we can get in this dwindling category. The All-Terrain hasn't been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but a previous-generation E-Class earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award, and Mercedes isn't the kind of company that goes backward when it comes to safety. The E 450 All-Terrain comes standard with automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning, though, at this price, Benz should just make other active safety features standard. With a five-star NHTSA safety rating, standard forward collision warning and emergency braking, and excellent IIHS crashworthiness scores on its original tests, the Audi A6 Allroad does a good job protecting people (both passengers and pedestrians) from crashes. However, since the IIHS hasn't subjected the Allroad to its updated side and moderate front crash criteria, it lost its Top Safety Pick+ status in 2022. Still, it should be a fine option for luxury longroof shoppers. Both the Ford Mustang coupe and convertible perform well in crash testing. The coupe received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA, and both variants scored decently on all the IIHS tests they've undergone. They also come standard with forward collision warning, lane departure prevention, and automatic emergency braking. However, the IIHS needs to test both models on its updated criteria before it will rate them. Although the government hasn't tested it, the Toyota GR86 aced all of its IIHS crashworthiness tests when it was new for the 2022 model year. Unfortunately, since it hasn't been subjected to the IIHS' updated testing since then, it lost its Top Safety Pick+ status. Still, this is a fun-to-drive, sporty coupe that comes standard with a long list of active safety features, and it's reasonably priced to boot. Mechanically identical to the Toyota GR86, the 2025 Subaru BRZ achieves the same safety ratings—who would have thought? It likewise received a Top Safety Pick+ score in 2022 that lapsed when the IIHS updated its criteria for 2023, but like the Toyota, it has a long list of active safety features to go along with its lightweight, rip-roaring sports car attitude. The Audi A5 lost its traditional two-door coupe body style after 2024, but the five-door Sportback body style remains before it's replaced later in 2025. Although it hasn't seen the IIHS' more stringent test regimen, its original crashworthiness scores were good enough to earn it a Top Safety Pick award as recently as 2022. The Sportback is the only variant to be tested by the government, where it earned a five-star safety rating. This story was produced by Edmunds and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.NoneAssad's fall in Syria is a 'fundamental act of justice,' but also 'a moment of risk,' Biden says
Understanding the intricacies of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is key to navigating the emotional and physical journey of fertility treatment. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) plays a crucial role among the many factors that influence IVF outcomes. AMH levels provide valuable insights into ovarian reserve, offering a clearer picture of a woman’s reproductive potential. This blog delves into the significance of the in IVF, explaining why your levels matter and how they can shape the course of your treatment. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a protein hormone secreted by cells in the ovarian follicles. These follicles contain eggs that mature and are potentially released during ovulation. AMH levels in the blood reflect the number of remaining egg follicles, making it a reliable indicator of ovarian reserve. Understanding AMH levels is critical for women undergoing IVF. Unlike other hormonal indicators such as Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, AMH levels remain relatively stable. This consistency makes AMH a preferred marker for assessing fertility potential. Low AMH levels can be disheartening, but they are not the end of the road. While they indicate a reduced number of eggs, IVF success is still possible. Fertility specialists may recommend: AMH levels naturally decline with age, reflecting the biological clock of fertility. Women in their 20s and early 30s generally have higher AMH levels compared to women in their late 30s or 40s. However, age also affects egg quality, which AMH does not directly measure. A younger woman with low AMH may still have good-quality eggs, whereas an older woman with normal AMH levels may face challenges due to age-related declines in egg quality. While AMH levels are largely determined by genetics and age, certain lifestyle factors can influence overall fertility health. Here are some steps to optimize your chances: Understanding your AMH levels is a vital part of the IVF journey. It provides a roadmap for treatment, helping fertility specialists tailor protocols and manage expectations. While AMH is an important piece of the puzzle, it is just one factor among many that contribute to IVF success. With the guidance of an experienced fertility team and a proactive approach to reproductive health, achieving your dream of parenthood is possible—regardless of where your AMH levels stand.UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are emerging as powerful agents of change in India's vibrant entrepreneurial landscape. These businesses, often born from a single spark of an idea, are now fuelling the dreams of a nation and driving its economic engine. With their remarkable ability to adapt and think out of the box, they are challenging the status quo and carving their place on the national stage. Over the last decade, these enterprises have evolved from creating simple goods to developing innovative and sophisticated products. However, these journeys are not without challenges. Many MSMEs face significant hurdles, including limited access to formal credit, a discerning market, and fierce competition. Despite these obstacles, their perseverance helps them push boundaries, scale new heights, and transform their dreams into reality. As the sector looks ahead to a promising future, we focus on the inspiring stories of three such entrepreneurs who have carved their own paths towards success, empowered by their training under the Walmart Vriddhi program. Prateek Enterprises: Enhancing safety for urban residents Entrepreneurship Validating Your Startup Idea: Steps to Ensure Market Fit By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Learn InVideo AI: Create Videos from Text Easily By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Web Development Intermediate C++ Skills: Master Pointers, Structures and File Stream By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrow's Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Science MySQL for Beginners: Learn Data Science and Analytics Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Analysis Animated Visualizations with Flourish Studio: Beginner to Pro By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Design Microsoft Designer Guide: The Ultimate AI Design Tool By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Web Development JavaScript Essentials: Unlock AI-Driven Insights with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Advanced Java Mastery: Object-Oriented Programming Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Finance: Finance Beginner Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Legal Complete Guide to AI Governance and Compliance By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program For Sanjay Kumar, founder of Prateek Enterprises, entrepreneurship was a lifelong ambition. His journey began with a vision to create affordable and effective safety solutions for urban households, a need he identified through personal observations and market research. Residents in high-rise buildings faced challenges in safeguarding their homes against birds like pigeons and, at times, animals such as monkeys. This realization led him to establish Prateek Enterprises in 2022, specializing in innovative safety nets that provide practical, durable, and customized protection for balconies and windows. What sets Prateek Enterprises apart is its focus on delivering high-quality, UV-coated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) safety nets with warranties— an offering that combines affordability with long-term reliability. Unlike conventional options, these nets are tailored for diverse use cases, extending their application to construction sites, sports facilities, greenhouse shades, and swimming pools. When Sanjay started out on this journey, he faced significant hurdles, including sourcing raw materials, optimizing bulk pricing, and addressing customer feedback on product packaging. His determination to overcome these obstacles took a decisive turn when he joined the Walmart Vriddhi Program in 2023. The program equipped him with essential skills to refine his business model, improve client engagement strategies, and streamline operations. ET Spotlight By March 2024, Prateek Enterprises experienced remarkable growth, with monthly sales surpassing Rs 10 lakh. This surge was driven by strategic insights from the program, which contributed to a 30% increase in Flipkart orders and a significant rise in domestic B2C sales. Starting with just two employees, the company has now expanded to a six-member team and is targeting Rs 20-30 lakhs in monthly sales by the end of the year. Through Walmart Vriddhi, Sanjay gained clarity on pricing strategies and innovative ways to align his products with customer needs. The guidance also inspired the launch of new products, including sliding grills and invisible mosquito nets, paving the way for future growth in domestic and international markets. Quiqcurry: Reviving the essence of home-cooked Indian flavors People the world overare rediscovering the warmth of traditional Indian curries. Recognizing this evolution in the global palate, Dhiraj Chittoria, a finance professional-turned-culinary entrepreneur, launched Quiqcurry in 2022. This brand is dedicated to bringing the essence of Indian home-cooked meals to modern kitchens. While Quiqcurry saw early success as a household favorite, Dhiraj encountered significant challenges in navigating the competitive landscape of the ready-to-cook segment, which is dominated by well-established players. The intricacies of scaling a small business in such a crowded market proved daunting, from sourcing quality ingredients to establishing a robust supply chain. The Walmart Vriddhi program played a key role in overcoming these challenges. Dhiraj leveraged the insights to holistically revamp Quiqcurry’s branding and packaging. The program also refined Quiqcurry’s online sales strategy and introduced efficient cost-cutting methodologies for future production cycles. By implementing these innovative strategies, Dhiraj successfully balanced cost and quality, streamlining operations without compromising on standards. The program’s personalized mentorship ushered in a paradigm shift in Dhiraj’s business approach. It highlighted the importance of resource allocation, prioritization, and production management. ET Spotlight To meet the growing demands, Quiqcurry expanded from a three-member team to a ten-member brigade, each specializing in production, sales, and digital marketing. At present, Quiqcurry is witnessing remarkable growth, with monthly sales jumping from less than 100 kg to over 300 kg. Dhiraj continues to experiment with regional flavors, enhanced packaging, and building strategic partnerships. The brand’s strong online presence has enabled Quiqcurry to expand its reach into cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru, as well as areas in Assam and Rajasthan, paving the way for ongoing growth and innovation. Vinayak International: Bridging traditional Ayurveda and the modern marketplace Jinal Patel grew up surrounded by the healing traditions of Ayurveda, where herbs, spices, and recipes were a way of life. This early exposure left an indelible mark, inspiring him to modernize these ancient remedies and make them accessible to today’s consumers. He envisioned a unique fusion of age-old Ayurvedic wisdom with the vast potential of eCommerce, an idea both rare and bold. In 2020, this vision became a reality with the launch of Vinayak International, starting humbly with a single product, Trichup hair oil, on Flipkart. This small yet pivotal step marked the beginning of an ambitious journey. From these modest origins, Vinayak International quickly evolved into a diverse Ayurvedic brand, expanding its catalog to include products like Keshmani hair oils, face washes, herbal powders such as a mla and s hikakai , and even rare offerings like c hakri powder and mustard seeds. Each product represented a careful blend of tradition and innovation, tailored to meet modern consumer needs. However, the path to success was far from smooth. Jinal encountered several challenges in scaling the business, including understanding and implementing effective digital marketing strategies, optimizing product presentation for online marketplaces, and maintaining stringent quality control. Another significant hurdle was managing supply stock efficiently, which required aligning inventory levels with fluctuating sales trends. ET Spotlight The Walmart Vriddhi program played a crucial role in transforming the company’s business approach and strategy. Vinayak International has grown exponentially, expanding its range from traditional Ayurvedic remedies to innovative, customer-driven solutions. With plans to transition into manufacturing, the company is poised for further growth, setting new benchmarks in the Ayurvedic industry. Currently, the company is exploring new opportunities in the herbal and millet categories, aiming to transition from a trading company to a full-fledged manufacturer of Ayurvedic products. This pivotal shift has led to a sharper customer focus, greater market visibility, and a broader product range tailored to the needs of health-conscious consumers. India’s thriving entrepreneurial landscape is home to countless such MSME stories driven by bold visionaries who’ve transformed their dreams into reality. With access to expert guidance and tailored resources, Walmart Vriddhi has equipped entrepreneurs with the skills and confidence to unlock opportunities across both traditional and digital platforms. Launched in December 2019, this supplier development program was designed in collaboration with Walmart’s program partner Swasti to help small businesses grow, scale, and integrate into domestic supply chains while leveraging Flipkart's platform expertise. The free of cost learning program provides MSMEs access to digital training, business advice, and personalized mentorship opportunities, including seasoned mentors who enable these MSMEs to realize their potential, address their shortcomings, and achieve their goals. If you're a business owner ready to bring your dreams to life, take the next step by joining the no-cost digital training program. Seize this opportunity to turn your aspirations into reality. Register here .
UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New YorkOnePlus Watch 3 India Launch: The smartwatch is equipped with advanced health-tracking, LTE connectivity, and a rotating crown. It is designed to rival premium offerings from brands like Apple and Samsung. OnePlus Watch 3 India Launch: The Chinese electronics brand is gearing up to unveil the OnePlus Watch 3 smartwatch on January 7, 2024, alongside the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R smartphones reportedly. While the company has yet to reveal detailed specifications, the smartwatch is expected to deliver significant upgrades over the current OnePlus Watch 2. A report by GSM Arena highlights that the OnePlus Watch 3 will feature a rotating crown, a hallmark of premium smartwatches known for its tactile and user-friendly interface. This addition is anticipated to improve navigation, offering users a more intuitive and responsive experience. The smartwatch may be offered in two colour options. OnePlus Watch 3 Specifications (Expected) In addition to the rotating crown, the OnePlus Watch 3 is expected to feature a heart rate sensor and ECG functionality, although the latter will only be available in select regions. Internally, the OnePlus Watch 3 is expected to run on the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 SoC, delivering strong performance and energy efficiency. It will likely include 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, facilitating smooth app operation, notifications, and fitness tracking. The device is expected to run on Watch OS 5 and RTOS, ensuring a seamless and functional user experience. The smartwatch reportedly houses a battery capacity exceeding 500 mAh, promising substantial longevity for everyday use. Certain versions are anticipated to support LTE connectivity, enabling users to make calls, send messages, and stream music without needing a paired smartphone. Interestingly, a OnePlus Watch 3 model that received TENAA certification in June featured a 500 mAh battery and LTE support, though its design differed from the leaked render. Another variant, labelled OPWWE251 and recently certified by the FCC, is rumoured to include a larger 648 mAh battery, suggesting the possibility of multiple configurations. Health tracking remains a key focus for modern smartwatches, and the OnePlus Watch 3 is expected to deliver in this area. Alongside its heart rate sensor, the ECG functionality will allow users to monitor their heart health closely. However, regulatory requirements may limit the ECG feature to specific regions. The OnePlus Watch 3 represents a significant step forward in the company's smartwatch lineup. With features such as advanced health tracking, LTE connectivity, and a rotating crown, it aims to compete with premium devices from brands like Apple and Samsung. While the OnePlus Watch 2 catered to budget-conscious buyers, the Watch 3 appears to target the high-end market, boasting upgraded specifications and features. Stay informed on all the latest news , real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in india news and world News on Zee News.
NEW YORK (AP) — Top-ranked chess player is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for . Lamenting the contretemps, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement Sunday that he’d let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, and other “elegant minor deviations” from the dress code. He said Carlsen’s stand — which culminated in his quitting the tournament Friday — highlighted a need for more discussion “to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global and accessible sport.” Carlsen, meanwhile, said in a video posted Sunday on social media that he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship when it begins Monday. “I think the situation was badly mishandled on their side,” the 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster said. But he added that he loves playing blitz — a fast-paced form of chess — and wanted fans to be able to watch, and that he was encouraged by his discussions with the federation after Friday’s showdown. “I think we sort of all want the same thing,” he suggested in the video on his Take Take Take chess app’s YouTube channel. “We want the players to be comfortable, sure, but also relatively presentable.” The events began when Carlsen wore jeans and a sportcoat Friday to the Rapid World Championship, which is separate from but held in conjunction with the blitz event. The chess federation said Friday that longstanding rules prohibit jeans at those tournaments, and players are lodged nearby to make sartorial switch-ups easy if needed. An official fined Carlsen $200 and asked him to change pants, but he refused and wasn’t paired for a ninth-round game, the federation said at the time. The organization noted that another grandmaster, Ian Nepomniachtchi, was fined earlier in the day for wearing sports shoes, changed and continued to play. Carlsen has said that he offered to wear something else the next day, but officials were unyielding. He said “it became a bit of a matter of principle,” so he quit the rapid and blitz championships. In the video posted Sunday, he questioned whether he had indeed broken a rule and said changing clothes would have needlessly interrupted his concentration between games. He called the punishment “unbelievably harsh.” “Of course, I could have changed. Obviously, I didn’t want to,” he said, and “I stand by that.” Jennifer Peltz, The Associated Press
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will not play Sunday and head coach Kyle Shanahan said the lingering discomfort is a concern. Purdy sat out Friday after he participated in the start of Thursday's practice with the 49ers, then retreated indoors for what Shanahan said was a treatment session. Brandon Allen, 32, will start in Purdy's place, and the 49ers are also without defensive end Nick Bosa (oblique). Shanahan said players believe in Allen, even if he's an unknown. "Outside of here people haven't seen a lot of Brandon. But it's his second year (with the 49ers)," Shanahan said. "Obviously guys want Brock up, but guys are excited to see Brandon play." Shanahan said they are "a little surprised" Purdy experienced tightness and discomfort in his shoulder after an MRI exam on Monday that showed no long-term cause for concern. "The way it responded this week, it's really up in the air for next week," Shanahan said of Purdy. Allen is familiar to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who was an assistant coach with the Rams during Allen's two-year run in Los Angeles. Allen broke into the NFL in 2016 with the Jaguars and is 2-7 in nine career starts. He went 1-2 with the Broncos in 2019 and 1-5 in six starts over two years with the Bengals in 2020 and ‘21. Shanahan said Allen's confidence grew throughout the week and he doesn't anticipate a major change in how he calls the offense. Left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) also missed practice for the third consecutive day. Without disclosing the nature of the ailment to Purdy's throwing shoulder, general manager John Lynch confirmed Friday an MRI exam took place to determine the severity of any injury. Allen worked with the first team most of Thursday and Friday with Joshua Dobbs also taking snaps. Lynch described Purdy's status for the 49ers (5-5) this week as "tenuous." "Hopefully, he makes progress, and we can have a shot at this weekend, but we'll see," Lynch said in an interview with KNBR in San Francisco. "I think it's tenuous." When Purdy was on the field this week, he primarily worked on the side in position-specific drills with QB coach Brian Griese. Williams played through an ankle injury last week after being listed as questionable but exited the stadium with an exaggerated limp on Sunday. Run game coordinator Chris Foerster said the 49ers aren't where they want to be at 5-5 because they haven't won close games, not because of injuries. "Seven games left is like an eternity," Foerster said. "So much can happen. Do the math. What was our record last year? It was 12-5. I was on a 13-win team that was nowhere near as good as the team last year." With or without Purdy, Foerster said the challenge for the 49ers is not to give up the ball to a defense that has 19 takeaways. The 49ers have 13 giveaways this season. --Field Level Media