
Kolkata: India's ambition to own at least a tenth of 6G technology patents globally looks challenging as the country has yet to secure billions of dollars in funding for 6G research and upgrade existing 4G/5G networks to support the sixth-generation wireless broadband technology, analysts and industry experts said. Top industry executives have decried the government's modest ₹1,100 crore FY25 budgetary allocation, amounting to 0.03% of the GDP, for telecom-related R&D, including allocations towards the IndiaAI Mission and design-linked incentive scheme. They termed it an unrealistic and feeble attempt to aspire for leadership on the global 6G stage. More so, since the actual FY25 budgetary allocation to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for R&D is just Rs 400 crore. In comparison, China, already a strong player in 6G research, has earmarked a $1.55-trillion fund for telecom R&D. As per industry estimates, China and the US have set aside around 2-3% of their respective GDPs for tech R&D. "The government has an aspiration that Indian entities should own at least 10% of overall 6G patents by 2030, but the country faces significant challenges in pursuing 6G leadership, particularly in infrastructure readiness and securing adequate funding for research and development," global professional services firm Grant Thornton said in a report. 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With data speeds exceeding 100 Gbps, it is estimated to be over 100 times faster than 5G mobile broadband, promising a latency of nearly one microsecond or 1,000 times lower than the millisecond latency of 5G. This sharp reduction can significantly benefit in applications like self-driving cars and factory smart management, say industry experts. 6G is also expected to leverage terahertz frequencies, offering significantly wider bandwidths than 5G. But "if the goal is to secure a significant 10% share in the global 6G patents pool, it's essential to align funding proportionately and establish a well-structured and focused R&D framework," Parag Kar, telecom sector veteran and former vice president (government affairs) of Qualcomm India, told ET. A senior telecom industry executive said the near ₹83,468 crore unused corpus with the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) can ideally be tapped to provide bulk of the initial funding to drive 6G research. To be sure, Grant Thornton notes that major telcos like Reliance Jio are making initial investment in 6G technology. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 15, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Chandigarh, Dec 30 (IANS): Farmers have announced a 'Punjab Bandh' on Monday leading to the expected closure of all shops across the state and disruptions in road and rail services. However, emergency services will continue to operate. There will also be no supply of milk, fruits, and vegetables until the protest ends on Monday evening as several trade organisations lent their support to the bandh. "Farmer union leaders will enforce a chakka jam on roads and rail lines from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Government and private institutions are requested to stay closed. Only emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, marriage vehicles, or anyone in a dire emergency, will be allowed to pass," reports quoted a senior farm leader as saying. The decision to give a call for a 'Punjab bandh' was taken last week by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM). Sarwan Singh Pandher -- who happens to be the coordinator of both forums -- said traders, transporters, employees unions, toll plaza workers, labour, ex-servicemen, Sarpanches and teachers' unions, social and other bodies, and some other sections have lent their support to the bandh. Farmers under the banner of SKM (Non-Political) and KMM have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. With Jagjit Singh Dallewal's indefinite hunger strike entering its 34th day on Sunday, farmer leaders at Khanauri said they have been following the Gandhian way to continue their protest and it is up to the government to decide whether it wants to use force to evict their senior leader. He further said the farmers wanted to make it clear that whatever situation arises the responsibility will lie with the Centre and the constitutional bodies. Rail movement and road traffic will remain closed on Monday. In support of the farmers' Bandh call, bus services in Punjab will remain suspended on Monday. While the PRTC bus services will be shut for four hours, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the private bus operators have announced their full support, thus declaring the suspension of services across the state from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday. Besides a legal guarantee on the MSP for crops, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and "justice" for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands. This bandh, the farmer leader said, will force the Centre to accept the demands of farmers. He slammed the Union government for failing to accept the demands of farmers. Farmers under the banner of SKM (Non-Political) and KMM have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after security forces stopped their march to Delhi. A "jatha" (group) of 101 farmers made three attempts to enter Delhi on foot on December 6, December 8, and again on December 14. Security personnel in Haryana prevented them from proceeding. There will be a complete bandh on December 30, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said. However, emergency services will remain operational. Punjab farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said the call for a 'Punjab bandh' on December 30 is getting good support from various sections. The decision to give a call for a 'Punjab bandh' was taken last week by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. To ensure the success of the bandh, SKM (Non-political) and KMM convened a meeting of transporters, employees, traders and others at the Khanauri protest site last Thursday.
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Earlier this year, Hollywood actor Gal Gadot welcomed her fourth daughter, Ori, into the world. However, in a heartfelt revelation, Gadot shared that the journey to Ori’s birth was fraught with significant health challenges. The actor disclosed she was diagnosed with Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT), a rare but serious condition involving a blood clot in the brain. Gadot explains that approximately 3 in 100,000 pregnant women over 30 are diagnosed with CVT, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early detection. On Monday morning, Gal Gadot took to her social media to share her deeply personal experience. Alongside a touching photograph of herself holding her newborn daughter in the hospital, she wrote about the struggles and lessons she learned during this trying period. “This year has been one of profound challenges and deep reflections, and I’ve wrestled with how, or even if, to share a personal story,” Gadot began. “At the end, I decided to let my heart guide me. Perhaps this is my way of processing everything, of pulling back the curtain on the fragile reality behind the curated moments we share on social media. Most of all, I hope that by sharing, I can raise awareness and support others who may face something similar.” How Was This Diagnosed? In February, during the eighth month of her pregnancy, Gadot began experiencing persistent and debilitating headaches. Despite weeks of suffering, she initially dismissed the symptoms until an MRI revealed the cause: a massive blood clot in her brain. This diagnosis of CVT was a stark wake-up call for the actor and her family. “In one moment, my family and I were faced with how fragile life can be,” she wrote. “It was a stark reminder of how quickly everything can change, and amid a difficult year, all I wanted was to hold on and live.” Gadot was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she underwent emergency surgery to treat the condition. Despite the uncertainty and fear surrounding the situation, her daughter Ori was born during this challenging time. The name Ori, meaning “my light,” was chosen deliberately to symbolize hope and resilience. “Thanks to an extraordinary team of doctors and weeks of dedicated care, I made it through and began the road to recovery. Today, I am fully healed and filled with gratitude for the life I’ve been given back,” Gadot shared. Reflecting on her experience, Gadot emphasized the importance of listening to one’s body. She urged others to pay attention to symptoms such as persistent headaches or discomfort, as these can often signal underlying health issues. “Pain, discomfort, or even subtle changes often carry a deeper meaning, and being attuned to your body can be life-saving,” she wrote. Gadot also underscored the need for greater awareness of CVT, especially among pregnant women. While CVT is rare, it remains a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. According to medical experts, the condition occurs when a blood clot forms in the brain’s venous sinuses, preventing proper blood drainage. This can lead to increased pressure inside the brain, resulting in symptoms like severe headaches, vision problems, or even seizures. All You Need to Know About Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT) is a rare form of stroke that primarily affects young adults and children, with a slightly higher incidence in women due to pregnancy and hormonal factors. Symptoms of CVT: - Severe, persistent headaches - Vision disturbances - Seizures - Nausea or vomiting - Neurological deficits, such as weakness or difficulty speaking Risk Factors: - Pregnancy, especially in the third trimester or postpartum period - Use of oral contraceptives - Blood clotting disorders - Dehydration - Infections, including meningitis Diagnosis and Treatment: Timely diagnosis of CVT is crucial. Imaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans with venography are typically used to identify the condition. Treatment focuses on dissolving the clot and preventing further complications. This often involves anticoagulant medications and, in severe cases, surgical intervention. With prompt treatment, most patients recover fully, although some may experience lingering neurological symptoms. Early recognition and management are key to reducing the risk of long-term complications. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.PARIS (AP) — France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers joined together Wednesday in a historic no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet members to resign, a first since 1962 . The National Assembly approved the motion by 331 votes. A minimum of 288 were needed. President Emmanuel Macron insisted he will serve the rest of his term until 2027. However, he will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time after July’s legislative elections led to a deeply divided parliament. Macron will address the French on Thursday evening, his office said, without providing details. Barnier is expected to formally resign by then. A conservative appointed in September, Barnier becomes the shortest-serving prime minister in France’s modern Republic. “I can tell you that it will remain an honor for me to have served France and the French with dignity,” Barnier said in his final speech before the vote. “This no-confidence motion... will make everything more serious and more difficult. That’s what I’m sure of,” he said. Wednesday's crucial vote rose from fierce opposition to Barnier's proposed budget. The National Assembly, France’s lower house of parliament, is deeply fractured, with no single party holding a majority. It comprises three major blocs: Macron’s centrist allies, the left-wing coalition New Popular Front, and the far-right National Rally. Both opposition blocs, typically at odds, are uniting against Barnier, accusing him of imposing austerity measures and failing to address citizens’ needs. Speaking on TF1 television after the vote, National Rally leader Marine Le Pen said “we had a choice to make, and our choice is to protect the French” from a “toxic” budget. Le Pen also accused Macron of being “largely responsible for the current situation,” adding that “the pressure on the President of the Republic will get stronger and stronger.” Speaking at the National Assembly ahead of the vote, hard-left lawmaker Eric Coquerel had called on the government to “stop pretending the lights will go out,” noting the possibility of an emergency law to levy taxes from Jan. 1, based on this year’s rules. “The special law will prevent a shutdown. It will allow us to get through the end of the year by delaying the budget by a few weeks,” Coquerel said. Macron must appoint a new prime minister, but the fragmented parliament remains unchanged. No new legislative elections can be held until at least July, creating a potential stalemate for policymakers. Macron said discussions about him potentially resigning were “make-believe politics” during a trip to Saudi Arabia earlier this week, according to French media reports. “I’m here because I’ve been elected twice by the French people,” Macron said. He was also reported as saying: “We must not scare people with such things. We have a strong economy.” While France is not at risk of a U.S.-style government shutdown, political instability could spook financial markets. France is under pressure from the European Union to reduce its colossal debt. The country’s deficit is estimated to reach 6% of gross domestic product this year and analysts say it could rise to 7% next year without drastic adjustments. The political instability could push up French interest rates, digging the debt even further. Carsten Brzeski, global chief of macro at ING Bank, said uncertainty over France’s future government and finances is deterring investment and growth. “The impact of France not having a government would clearly be negative for the growth of France and hence the Eurozone,” Brzeski said. France has seen bond market borrowing costs rise, bringing back ugly memories of the Greek debt crisis and default in 2010-2012. Analysts say France is far from a similar crisis because much of its outstanding debt does not come due for years, and because its bonds remain in demand due to a shortage of German government bonds. Additionally, the European Central Bank could intervene to lower French borrowing costs in case of extreme market turmoil, though the bar for that remains high. —- AP Journalist David McHugh in Frankfurt, Germany, contributed to the story.
New Delhi, Dec 30 (PTI) With the rapid evolution of channels like quick-commerce and the emergence of ONDC, the Indian retail industry is 'cautiously optimistic' for 2025, in which new-age technologies such as AI and automation will play a crucial role, driving efficiency and personalisation. The New Year could be a period of transformation for the Indian retail industry, one of the fastest-growing globally, where the contemporary retail landscape is rapidly evolving, influenced by the preferences of digital-first generation Gen Z and retail tech. Also Read | Kolkata Fatafat Result Today: Kolkata FF Result for December 30, 2024 Declared, Check Winning Numbers and Result Chart of Satta Matka-Type Lottery Game. Helped by tailwinds such as rising disposable income, rapid urbanisation, the rise of non-metro tier II cities, and growing middle class along with a digitally-savvy consumer base, the organised retail sector is poised to grow expanding its play further with a customer-centric approach. "FY25 is likely to see continued focus on building supply chain efficiencies, along with upgrades to logistics hubs and tracking systems to meet fast delivery demands. Employment generation in quick commerce, logistics, and related sectors is also expected to continue," said EY India Tax Leader for Retail Practice Paresh Parekh. Also Read | Shillong Teer Results Today, December 30 2024: Winning Numbers, Result Chart for Shillong Morning Teer, Shillong Night Teer, Khanapara Teer, Juwai Teer and Jowai Ladrymbai. Indian consumers, influenced by global exposure and digital technologies, are prioritising higher quality and value for money. This has resulted in a shift in spending from luxuries to essentials or more affordable options. "Despite these challenges, the outlook for 2025 remains positive, driven by demographic trends, urbanisation, digital growth, and the aspirations of a young, dynamic middle class," he said. Parekh expects an increase in foreign investments in the retail sector and a continuance of consolidation led by PE firms and strategic acquisitions. According to the Retailers Association of India (RAI), the Indian retail sector in 2024 has witnessed a mix of challenges and opportunities. "Growth was subdued in the first half, with marginal consumption increases and cautious consumer spending. Many retailers struggled to achieve like-for-like growth, reflecting shifting consumer priorities," said its CEO Kumar Rajagopalan adding "Despite this, the year also brought innovation and resilience." Retailers have embraced technology to enhance operations and customer experience and initiatives like ONDC are creating exciting new opportunities, particularly in reaching untapped markets. "Looking ahead, the sector remains cautiously optimistic. The festive and wedding seasons have boosted momentum, and with strategic planning, retailers can sustain growth into 2025," he said. The Indian retail sector contributes around 10 per cent to its GDP and according to the latest annual report of leading retailer, Reliance it is expected to cross USD 1.4 trillion by 2027. It is also poised to become the third-largest market by 2030. Over the emergence of quick commerce, Deloitte India partner, consumer products and retail sector Anand Ramanathan said it is a "viable business model" and it is here to stay. 2024 has been disruptive for the retail sector, which besides the emergence of quick commerce, also saw the revival of mass consumption and the value retail segment for the first time since the pandemic. "100 million middle-income households will be added this decade to the economy. 2025 will continue to see the impact of this growth in middle-income households with further momentum in mass consumption. This will have a positive impact across sectors including fashion, home and food services," said Ramanathan. Puneet Mansukhani Sector Head - Retail KPMG said in 2024 retailers faced significant challenges due to inflation impacting profitability and supply chain disruptions. "These issues required strategic pricing adjustments and innovative solutions to maintain smooth operations. The festive season did see some uptake as compared to the previous year but overall the customer was cautious. "The ecommerce spend in the tier 2 and 3 cities was stronger than urban and the trend is likely to continue which makes the retailers feel bullish and optimistic in 2025," he said. Over the outlook for 2025 for the retail industry, he said continued advancements in AI and automation are "expected to drive efficiency and personalisation" in retail, enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency. Moreover "increased use of data analytics will enable more personalised shopping experiences, catering to individual consumer preferences," he said. Retailers will likely focus more on sustainability and transparency in their supply chains, responding to consumer demand for ethical practices. However, Mansukhani also hinted towards economic uncertainty and said "Inflation and economic volatility may continue to pose challenges, affecting consumer spending patterns." (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)Title: Tragic Incident of Thai Female Singer Paralyzed After Three Massages Sparks Warning
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As we bid farewell to the era of "lying flat" in savings, let us embrace a new era of financial empowerment and resilience. By prioritizing rational consumption, tightening our wallets, and cultivating healthy saving habits, we can secure our financial future and build a solid foundation for long-term prosperity. Let us pave the way for a brighter and more financially secure tomorrow, one prudent decision at a time.