Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana: Nearly 48 crore individuals have enrolled in Rs 2 lakh accident insurance coverage through the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), the Finance Ministry said on Saturday.
The Finance Ministry in a social media post on X added that the cumulative enrolment under the PMSBY has been 47.59 crore, and the cumulative number of claims received stood at 1,93,964, while the cumulative number of claims disbursed is 1,47,641.PMSBY is a one-year accidental insurance scheme renewable from year to year, offering coverage for death or disability due to an accident.
Persons in the age group of 18-70 years having an individual bank or a post office account are entitled to enrol under the scheme. Accidental death cum disability cover of Rs 2 lakh (Rs 1 lakh in case of partial disability) for death or disability due to an accident against a premium of Rs 20 per annum.
The Ministry added that Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has become a cornerstone of financial inclusion with more than 54 crore beneficiaries, empowering unbanked citizens nationwide.The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 28th August 2014, completes a decade of successful implementation in August this year.
PMJDY is the largest financial inclusion initiative in the world, through which the finance ministry continuously endeavours to provide support to the marginalised and economically backward sections through its financial inclusion interventions.As of 14th August, 24, the number of total PMJDY accounts is 53.13 crore; 55.6 percent (29.56 crore) Jan-Dhan account holders are women, and 66.6 percent (35.37 crore) Jan Dhan accounts are in rural and semi-urban areas, as per the official figures.
Total deposit balances under PMJDY accounts stand at Rs 2,31,236 crore. The ministry added that the deposits have increased about 15 times with an increase in accounts of 3.6 times as of Aug 15, 2024.PMJDY has enabled savings while providing credit access to those without a formal financial history.
Account holders can now show saving patterns, which makes them eligible for loans from banks and financial institutions.The closest proxy is sanctions under Mudra loans, which rose at a compounded annual rate of 9.8 percent in five years from FY 2019 to FY 2024, as per the finance ministry.
Bashar al-Assad told almost no one about his plans to flee Syria after the fall of his regime. Instead, associates, officials and even relatives were deceived or kept in the dark, more than a dozen people with knowledge of the events told Reuters.
A torn poster shows ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad at the entrance to the notorious security detention center called Palestine Branch in Damascus, Syria, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (AP)
Hours before fleeing to Moscow, Assad assured a meeting of about 30 army and security chiefs at the Defense Ministry on Saturday that Russian military support was on the way and urged ground forces to stay, according to a commander who was there. and had requested anonymity. To speak about the briefing.
The civilian staff was also none the wiser.
Assad told the manager of his presidential office on Saturday that he was going home when he finished work but instead headed to the airport, according to a close aide.
He also called his media adviser Buthaina Shaaban and asked her to come to his house to write the speech, the aide said. When she reached there she found that there was no one there.
An aerial photo shows a crowd of Syrians waving a giant independence-era flag, used by the opposition since the uprising began in 2011, as they march through Damascus’s central Umayyad square earlier this week But they were celebrating the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s harsh regime. On December 13, 2024.(AFP)
“Assad hasn’t even made a final stand. He hasn’t even mobilized his troops,” said Nadim Houri, executive director of the Arab Reform Initiative regional think-tank. “He let his supporters face their fate.”
Reuters was unable to contact Assad in Moscow, where he has been granted political asylum. Interviews with 14 people familiar with his final days and hours in power paint a picture of a leader who sought to extend his 24-year rule before resorting to deception and manipulation to plot his exit from Syria on Sunday morning. Keeps looking for outside help.
Most of the sources, including close aides to the former president, regional diplomatic and security sources, and senior Iranian officials, asked to remain anonymous in order to freely discuss sensitive matters.
According to three aides, Assad did not even inform his younger brother, Maher, commander of the army’s elite 4th Armored Division, about his exit plan. Maher flew a helicopter to Iraq and then to Russia, one of the people said.
Assad’s cousins, Ehab and Iyad Makhlouf, were similarly left behind as Damascus fell to rebels, according to a Syrian ally and Lebanese security official. He said the couple tried to flee to Lebanon by car, but rebels ambushed them along the way, shooting Ehab dead and Iyad wounded. There has been no official confirmation of the death and Reuters is unable to independently confirm the incident.
This aerial photo shows Syrians gathering near a destroyed building in the central city of Homs as they celebrate the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s harsh regime earlier this week, Dec. 13, 2024. (AFP)
Assad fled Damascus by plane on Sunday, December 8, and escaped the clutches of rebels attacking the capital by flying under the radar by turning off the plane’s transponder, two regional diplomats said. The dramatic exit ended his 24-year rule and his family’s half-century of unbroken power, and brought a 13-year civil war to an abrupt end.
They flew to Russia’s Hmeimim airbase in the Syrian coastal city of Latakia and from there to Moscow.
Assad’s immediate family, including wife Asma and their three children, were already waiting for him in the Russian capital, according to three former close aides and a senior regional official.
Videos from Assad’s home, taken by rebels and civilians who gathered at the presidential compound after his flight and posted on social media, show that he quickly escaped, including what remained on the stove. Cooked food and many personal items, such as family photo albums, were visible. ,
Russia and Iran: no military defense
There will be no military defense from Russia, whose intervention in 2015 helped turn the tide of the civil war in favor of Assad or his other staunch ally, Iran.
According to people interviewed by Reuters, this was clear to the Syrian leader in the days leading up to his exit, when he sought help from various quarters in a desperate race to hold on to power and ensure his security.
Assad visited Moscow on November 28, a day after Syrian rebel forces attacked the northern province of Aleppo and struck down power across the country, but his appeals for military intervention fell on deaf ears in the Kremlin, three regional diplomats said. , who was unwilling to intervene. ,
Hadi al-Bahra, head of Syria’s main opposition abroad, cited a source close to Assad and a regional official as saying that Assad did not tell his domestic allies the reality of the situation.
“He told his commanders and aides after his visit to Moscow that military support is coming,” Bahra said. “He was lying to them. The message he got from Moscow was negative.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday that Russia had made great efforts in the past to help stabilize Syria but that its priority now was the conflict in Ukraine.
Four days after that visit, on 2 December, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Assad in Damascus. By then, rebels from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Islamist group had taken control of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, and were moving south as government forces collapsed.
A senior Iranian diplomat told Reuters that Assad appeared distressed during the meeting and acknowledged that his forces were too weak to put up effective resistance.
However, Assad never requested that Tehran deploy troops to Syria, according to two senior Iranian officials, who said he understood that Israel would use any such intervention to destroy Iranian forces in Syria or even Iran. Can do to target.
The Kremlin and the Russian Foreign Ministry declined to comment for this article, while the Iranian Foreign Ministry was not immediately available for comment.
Assad faces his downfall
After exhausting his options, Assad finally accepted the inevitability of his fall and resolved to leave the country, ending his family’s dynastic rule, which had lasted since 1971.
Three members of Assad’s inner circle said he initially wanted to seek refuge in the United Arab Emirates, as rebels had captured Aleppo and Homs and were moving towards Damascus.
He said he was rebuked by the Emiratis, who feared international backlash for harboring a man subject to US and European sanctions for allegedly using chemical weapons in a crackdown on rebels, allegations that Assad has rejected. It has been dismissed as fabricated.
The UAE government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Yet Moscow, while unwilling to intervene militarily, was not ready to abandon Assad, according to a Russian diplomatic source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov led the diplomatic effort to ensure Assad’s security, attending the Doha Forum in Qatar on Saturday and Sunday, which called on Turkey and Qatar to address their ties with HTS, two regional officials said. To take advantage, so that Assad can be safely driven out of Russia. ,
A Western security source said Lavrov did “everything he could” to ensure Assad’s safe departure.
Qatar and Turkey arranged with HTS to facilitate Assad’s exit, three sources said, despite both countries’ official claims that they had no contact with HTS, which the US and UN classify as a terrorist organization. Named as.
Three sources said Moscow had also coordinated with neighboring states to ensure that a Russian plane leaving Syrian airspace with links to Assad would not be intercepted or targeted.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to questions about Assad’s exit, while Reuters was unable to reach HTS for comment. A Turkish government official said there was no Russian request to use Turkish airspace for Assad’s flight, although he did not say whether Ankara had worked with HTS to facilitate the escape.
Assad’s last prime minister, Mohammed Jalali, said he spoke to his then-president on the phone at 10.30pm on Saturday.
“In our last call, I told them how difficult the situation was and that there was a massive displacement (of people) from Homs to Latakia… that there was panic and terror in the streets,” he told Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV. ” This week.
“He replied: ‘Tomorrow, we will see’,” Jalali said. “‘Tomorrow, tomorrow’, was the last thing he said to me.”
Jalali said that as soon as Sunday morning he tried to call Assad again, but there was no answer.
The first day of the third Test is a near washout as Australia and India are left frustrated by rain in Brisbane.
India’s bowlers were left frustrated and wicketless as rain wiped out most of the opening day’s play in the third Test against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday.
Australia were 28-0 when play was abandoned, with Usman Khawaja unbeaten on 19 and Nathan McSweeney on four after facing only 13.2 overs at a rain-sodden Gabba.
India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to field first but his hope of early wickets proved forlorn, with rain halting play in the sixth over for about 30 minutes and dashing his pace bowlers’ hopes of finding their rhythm.
The rain returned to bring an early lunch and persisted until play was abandoned late in the afternoon, short-changing a crowd of 30,145.
The Gabba pitch had a green tinge on what had been a steamy, overcast morning, promising a stiff examination for Australia’s top order, but the ball ultimately did little off the spongy pitch.
Barring a probing, opening burst by Bumrah, who repeatedly beat Khawaja’s bat, the Indian pacers were culpable of bowling too short.
Khawaja capitalised, smashing Mohammed Siraj to the fence with a couple of sweetly struck pull shots but the weather denied a healthy crowd more action.
With the five-Test series poised at 1-1, India made two changes to the side that lost by 10 wickets in the day-night Test in Adelaide — Ravindra Jadeja replacing spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and Akash Deep coming in for struggling paceman Harshit Rana.
Australia made only one change, with quick Josh Hazlewood replacing Scott Boland after recovering from a side injury.
Rohit, whose poor form with the bat has heaped pressure on his captaincy, will continue to bat at number six, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal retained as the opening combination.
“There’s a lot of grass and it looks a little soft as well so we want to try and make the best use of the conditions and try and see what we can do with the ball up front,” Rohit had said after winning the toss, adding that the mood in the Indian dressing room was “absolutely buzzing”.
“The guys are looking forward to the Test match. It’s been always nice to come here and play some really good cricket and yeah, when you talk about how everyone’s feeling, they want to come out here and showcase themselves.”
As it was, India will have to wait until day two to show their skills and may need early wickets to force a third consecutive result in the series.
South Korea has voted to impeach President Yoon – now what?
South Korea’s lawmakers have voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his ill-fated attempt to impose martial law, which sparked massive protests across the country.
A total of 204 MPs supported the motion, including some from Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) – though the decision still needs be ratified by the constitutional court.
Following days of public pressure the PPP had decided to let its lawmakers vote, after an effort to impeach Yoon last week failed when its lawmakers boycotted the hearing.
Thousands of anti-Yoon protesters celebrated outside the National Assembly on Saturday evening after the impeachment motion passed, with the crowd singing as fireworks broke out overhead.
“To the people, we hope your end of year will be a little happier now, and all your cancelled year-end celebrations to be restored,” said National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, as he announced the result.
“The future of the Republic of Korea and our hope is in the hands of the people, our hope is strong,” said Woo, a member of the main opposition Democratic Party.
There has been strong public support for Yoon’s impeachment – recent polls found three-quarters of South Koreans wanted to see him go.
The constitutional court now has 180 days to rule on whether Yoon should be impeached or restored. If it rules to impeach, an election for the next president must be called within 60 days.
Yoon has been suspended while Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has taken over as acting president.
However, Han and the finance minister Choi Sang-mok, who is next in line for the presidency, are both involved in an ongoing police probe over last week’s events.
In a statement following the vote, Yoon said he is “temporarily stopping my journey” but that he “will never give up”.
“I will take your criticism, praise, and support to the heart and do my best for the country until the end,” he said.
Outside the National Assembly, where tens of thousands of protesters gathered throughout the day despite the bitter cold, many spoke of their determination to see Yoon permanently leave office.
Reuters
The joy was palpable after the result was announced, with many erupting in cheers and singing in jubilation
“I’m so happy that the bill passed… At the same time, the fight is not over,” physical therapist Sim Hee-seon told the BBC as she wiped her tears.
“We’ll have to wait for the court’s judgment for his impeachment to be finalised. We will keep watching.”
Two women decked out in Rudolf costumes held signs that read: “[It will be] a merry Christmas only if Yoon Seok Yul disappears”.
Across town at a pro-Yoon rally in Gwanghwamun Square, it was a different story. His supporters fell silent after hearing the news of the vote. Some people uttered angry insults before leaving the scene.
The success of the vote had depended on the support from the PPP, as the opposition lawmakers who tabled the motion needed just eight more to join them. Last Saturday, when the opposition first tried to impeach Yoon, they fell short by just a few votes as the PPP staged a walkout.
On Saturday, the party held a marathon meeting that began at 10am and lasted till just minutes before the voting session began, as PPP lawmakers struggled to reach a consensus on the party’s stance.
In the end, the party agreed to take part and allowed their lawmakers to vote according to their conscience. It appeared that at least 12 of them crossed the floor. Another 85 voted against impeachment.
Getty Images
A total of 204 lawmakers voted for Yoon to be impeached
South Korea has faced nearly two weeks of chaos and uncertainty since Yoon’s short-lived martial law attempt late last Tuesday.
Yoon had cited threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korea. But it soon became clear that his move had been spurred by his own domestic political troubles, not by external threats.
Hours later he reversed the order after 190 MPs voted it down, with many of them climbing fences and breaking barricades to get into the voting chamber.
He later apologised. Then on Thursday, he defended his actions saying he did so to protect the country’s democracy and vowed to “fight on until the end”.
That speech galvanised people, and the president’s approval rating tumbled to a record low of 11%, according to a poll by Gallup Korea.
The impeachment of a president is not unchartered territory for South Korea, which last removed former president Park Geun-hye through this process in 2016.
Ironically, Yoon – then a prosecutor – had led the probe against Park, which ultimately resulted in her impeachment.
Additional reporting by Leehyun Choi, Jake Kwon and Yuna Ku in Seoul
To brighten or clean up, as the Oxford English Dictionary defines “refurbish”, is an approach finding increasing relevance for tech purchases. There are two overarching impressions to be drawn – value and aspiration. Smartphones continue to dominate, but more tech products are making a case too.
Refurbished tech, led by smartphones, is increasingly gaining traction as gadgets become expensive
Refurbished tech, led by smartphones, is increasingly gaining traction as gadgets become expensive. For instance, average selling price of smartphones grew annually at 38% between 2020 and 2023, according to research firm International Data Corporation (IDC). “This in turn has elongated average smartphone replacement cycle in India from 24 months to almost 36 months currently,” points out Navkendar Singh, associate vice president with IDC India.
“The refurbished technology market in India is witnessing an unprecedented boom,” says Mandeep Manocha, co-founder and CEO of Cashify, a platform which sells refurbished smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches and gaming consoles. They claim a 444% surge in revenue for 2023, which Manocha believes is fueled by consumer demand for cost-effective, high-quality devices.
Research firm Redseer estimates India’s refurbished electronics goods market will be worth $11 billion by 2026, up from around $400 million in 2021.
Cashify, ControlZ and Grest are three of India’s biggest refurbished tech marketplaces. E-commerce platforms Amazon and Flipkart are sharpening focus on refurbished tech as a category, while brands including Asus and HP use this as a springboard to widen product portfolio.
What are refurbished gadgets? These are essentially pre-owned pieces of tech, but unlike typical “used” products, there are a series of checks, necessary fixes and restoration that’s done.
“Technicians meticulously examine and fix, substituting any defective components and rebooting the software. The objective is to guarantee a device adheres to excellent quality standards, rendering it nearly identical to a brand-new item,” Yug Bhatia, founder and CEO of refurbishing platform ControlZ, explains to HT.
It is less likely that a refurbished gadget will have a non-working component, compared with just any used product. Often, refurbished devices command better price tags, because they are not only technically on a better footing, but also find warranty cover—usually between three months and a year.
That said, a buyer must trust a seller’s promise of multi-point checks for repairs, because it is impossible to verify for new or replaced parts, aside from cosmetic corrections. A lot then depends on operating systems such as Android and iOS to warn users—for example, if a swapped battery or display on an iPhone is not an original component, the phone generates a warning that cannot be ignored.
Flipkart has unlocked Reset for Business app for sellers of refurbished products, to assist their customers. The platform’s refurbished vertical includes a 74-point quality check for every product, warranty and service support.
Amazon too has a Renewed section that is well stocked in terms of variety.
Smartphones continue to be the dominant category, but other devices such as computing devices, tablets and wearables are increasingly finding relevance.
“Apple products, including refurbished iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, Apple Watches and AirPods, form the core of Grest’s offerings. For many customers, it is an affordable way to enter or upgrade within Apple’s ecosystem,” points out Nitin Goyal, co-founder and chief operating officer of Grest.
A new Apple iPhone 15 Plus with 256GB storage is priced at ₹89,900 whereas Grest’s refurbished options cost around ₹56,000 onwards. For buyers, that translates into a significantly lower monetary outlay.
“Consumers are drawn to refurbished items because they are significantly cheaper, often 40-60% less than new products, while offering good quality and performance,” points out ControlZ’s Bhatia.
It is no surprise that tech companies are noticing this transition, and speeding efforts to position refurbished products in parallel with regular portfolio of new tech that’s on sale. Computing devices get a renewed push.
Asus is adding to its physical retail presence, with stores in Chennai, Nagpur, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad, to boost the refurbished PC category. Or “pre-loved PCs”, as Arnold Su, vice president of the gaming and consumer segment at Asus India, calls them.
HP spent most of last year strengthening its refurbished product line with affordable laptops. This year, the company has expanded focus to offer refurbished computing devices and peripherals such as printers and video conferencing solutions to businesses.
“Each HP Certified Refurbished device undergoes rigorous refurbishment and inspection processes, utilizes approved HP parts, and comes backed by HP Support for added peace of mind,” the company says in a statement.
For HP Certified Refurbished Hardware, part of the pitch includes reminding businesses about their environmental footprint promises. In an illustration, HP claims a refurbished Elitebook 840 laptop has a 64% lower carbon footprint calculated over a product life span of four years, than purchasing a new laptop.
If you are looking for a compact and efficient water heating solution, these top 8 mini water heaters are exactly what you need. Perfect for small spaces, be it in your kitchen, bathroom or for travel use, these heaters provide instant hot water with minimal energy consumption. From Crompton to trusted brands like Kenstar, the market offers a variety of options that meet different needs. Whether you’re looking for a portable water heater with an attractive, space-saving design or one for quick use on the go, there’s something for everyone.
Compact and efficient, mini water heaters provide instant hot water with minimal energy consumption.
We have carefully reviewed and compiled the best mini water heaters considering factors such as energy efficiency, ease of use, and durability. If you’re short on space or need a quick heating solution, this list will help you choose the right option. Read on to discover the mini water heater that suits your needs and fits perfectly into your home or lifestyle.
The Crompton InstaBliss Instant Heater is a compact and efficient water heating solution for your home. With advanced technology and attractive design, it provides instant hot water for your daily needs. The heater comes with a warranty for added peace of mind.
Specifications of Crompton InstaBliss Instant Heater
advanced heating technology
instant hot water
Compact and sleek design
Warranty included
energy efficient
reason to buy
reasons to avoid
Provides instant hot water
May not be suitable for larger homes
Compact and sleek design
energy efficient
The CSI International Instant Portable Plastic Water Heater offers a portable and lightweight design for on-the-go heating needs. With its durable plastic construction, it is perfect for travel and outdoor use. The heater provides instant hot water at your convenience.
Specifications of CSI International Instant Portable Plastic Water Heater
Portable and lightweight design
durable plastic construction
instant hot water
easy to use
Suitable for travel and outdoor use
reason to buy
reasons to avoid
portable and lightweight
May not be suitable for larger homes
sustainable construction
Plastic construction may not be as durable as metal
Suitable for travel and outdoor use
Polycab Instant Water Heater is a reliable and efficient choice for instant hot water needs. With a warranty included, it offers peace of mind along with its high-quality performance. The heater is designed to be energy-efficient and durable for long-term use.
The Drumstone portable electric water heater is designed for convenience and ease of use. With a warranty included, it offers peace of mind along with its efficient performance. The heater is suitable for a wide range of applications from home use to restaurants.
Specifications of Drumstone Portable Electric Water Heater
convenient and easy to use
Warranty included
energy efficient
Suitable for a variety of applications
compact design
reason to buy
reasons to avoid
convenient and easy to use
May not be suitable for larger homes
Warranty included
Compact design may not be suitable for all locations
energy efficient
Suitable for a variety of applications
The Wellberg Portable Electric Water Heater provides a compact and efficient heating solution for your home or restaurant. With its energy-saving design, it provides instant hot water while reducing power consumption. The heater is suitable for a wide range of applications with its durable construction.
Specifications of Wellberg Portable Electric Water Heater
concise and efficient
energy saving design
instant hot water
sustainable construction
Suitable for home or restaurant use
reason to buy
reasons to avoid
concise and efficient
May not be suitable for larger homes
energy saving design
sustainable construction
The Drumstone Exclusive Warranty portable water heater provides a reliable and durable heating solution to your needs. With its exclusive warranty, it offers peace of mind along with its efficient performance. The heater is designed to be energy efficient and suitable for various applications.
Specifications of Drumstone Exclusive Warranty Portable Water Heater
reliable and durable
special warranty
energy saving design
Suitable for various applications
Compact and sleek design
reason to buy
reasons to avoid
reliable and durable
May not be suitable for larger homes
special warranty
Compact design may not be suitable for all locations
The Greenish Instant Portable Water Heater is designed for convenience and ease of use. With a warranty included, it offers peace of mind along with its efficient performance. The heater is suitable for a wide range of applications from home use to restaurants.
Specifications of Greenish Instant Portable Water Heater
convenient and easy to use
Warranty included
energy efficient
Suitable for a variety of applications
compact design
reason to buy
reasons to avoid
convenient and easy to use
May not be suitable for larger homes
Warranty included
Compact design may not be suitable for all locations
energy efficient
Suitable for a variety of applications
The Kenstar Powerful Electric Water Heater provides a high-powered heating solution for your home. With its anti-rust design, it ensures durability and long-term performance. The heater is suitable for larger homes and heavy-duty applications.
Specifications of Kenstar Powerful Electric Water Heater
CSI International Instant Portable Plastic Water Heater
Yes
Yes
No
Polycab Instant Water Heater
Yes
Yes
Yes
Drumstone Portable Electric Water Heater
Yes
Yes
Yes
Wellberg Portable Electric Water Heater
Yes
Yes
Yes
Drumstone Exclusive Warranty Portable Water Heater
Yes
Yes
Yes
Greenish Instant Portable Water Heater
Yes
Yes
Yes
Kenstar Powerful Electric Water Heater
No
Yes
No
Best value for money mini water heater:
CSI International Instant Portable Plastic Water Heater offers the best value for money with its portable and lightweight design, making it perfect for travel and outdoor use. It provides instant hot water at an affordable price, making it a good investment for your heating needs.
Kenstar Powerful Electric Water Heater stands out as the best overall product in the category with its high-powered heating, rust-proof design and suitability for larger homes. It offers durable construction and heavy-duty performance, making it a reliable choice for your hot water needs.
Factors to keep in mind when choosing the best mini water heater:
size and capacity: Choose a mini water heater that is suitable for your space and meets your water usage needs. Choose a model that provides enough capacity for your home without wasting energy.
energy efficiency: Look for heaters with energy-saving features like high energy ratings to reduce power consumption and keep costs down.
heating time: Consider how quickly a mini heater can heat water. Models with faster heating times are more efficient for quick use.
Durability and Warranty:Ensure that the mini water heater has a long lifespan with reliable components like stainless steel tank, and it comes with a good warranty.
portability:If you need a portable unit, choose a lightweight model that’s easy to carry, especially if you plan to use it in multiple locations.
What is the price range of these mini water heaters?
The price range of these mini water heaters varies from Rs. 2000 to Rs. Rs 5000 depending on the brand and features.
Are these mini water heaters suitable for restaurant use?
Yes, many of these mini water heaters are suitable for restaurant use, providing instant hot water for the needs of the kitchen and customers.
Do these mini water heaters come with a warranty?
Yes, most of these mini water heaters come with a warranty, providing peace of mind for your investment.
What is the energy efficiency rating of these mini water heaters?
These mini water heaters are designed to be energy-efficient, providing cost savings on electricity consumption.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We will not be liable for any claims under applicable laws including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in relation to the Products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
NEW DELHI: The Indian auto components industry has experienced robust growth in the first half of FY25, with a notable 11.3 per cent increase in its market size, according to Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) report. The industry, which was valued at $36.1 billion in H1 FY24, surged to $39.6 billion in H1 FY25. Several trends have emerged in the market, with consumers shifting towards larger and more powerful vehicles across all segments. The demand for Utility Vehicles (UVs) in the Passenger Vehicle (PV) segment grew by 13 per cent, with UV1 models (ranging from 4000 to 4400 mm in length and priced under Rs 20 lakh) seeing a 25 per cent increase in sales. The two-wheeler market also saw a 74 per cent increase in sales of motorcycles with engine capacities between 350cc and 500cc. Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant traction, with sales rising by 22 per cent in H1 FY25 compared to the previous year. While electric two-wheelers (e-2W) grew by 26 per cent, electric passenger vehicles (e-PVs) saw a decline of 19 per cent. Exports from the auto components sector have been strong, with a 7 per cent growth in exports and a trade surplus of $150 million. The USA, Germany, and Turkey emerged as the top destinations for Indian auto component exports, while China, Germany, Japan, and Korea were the leading sources of imports. The industry’s overall size stood at Rs 3.32 lakh crore ($39.6 billion) in H1 FY25, with supply to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) reaching Rs 2.83 lakh crore ($33.8 billion). Exports in Asia alone amounted to $2.74 billion, while the total region-wise imports were valued at $7.16 billion. In terms of overall performance, the total industry turnover stood at Rs 3.32 lakh crore ($39.6 billion) in H1 FY25, up from Rs 2.98 lakh crore ($36.1 billion) in H1 FY24, marking an 11.3 per cent growth. The supply to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) saw an increase of 11.2 per cent, reaching Rs 2.83 lakh crore ($33.8 billion), compared to Rs 2.55 lakh crore ($30.8 billion) in the same period last year. The aftermarket segment grew by 5.0 per cent, totaling Rs 47,416 crore ($5.7 billion), up from Rs 45,158 crore ($5.5 billion) in H1 FY24. Exports from the industry grew by 8.7 per cent, amounting to Rs 93,342 crore ($11.1 billion), up from Rs 85,870 crore ($10.4 billion) in H1 FY24. Imports also saw a rise of 5.3 per cent, totaling Rs 92,050 crore ($11.0 billion), compared to Rs 87,425 crore ($10.6 billion) in the previous year.
Police say a member of rebel group KNU clashed with ‘rival gangster’ in Tak province, but group denies involvement.
Authorities in Thailand have arrested two men following a blast at a festival near the border with Myanmar that killed three people and wounded dozens.
Thai police said an improvised explosive device had been thrown into a crowd on a dance floor at a crowded festival in Umphang district in Thailand’s northern Tak province just before midnight on Friday.
The explosion killed two people instantly, with another dying later in hospital and 48 left injured among the approximately 8,000-9,000 attending the event.
Police said a Thai youth and a man belonging to the Karen National Union (KNU), a rebel group fighting for autonomy in neighbouring Myanmar’s Karen state, had been arrested.
Tak police chief Major-General Samrit Ekamol said the Myanmar suspect had thrown the bomb after encountering a “rival gangster” he had previously fought with.
But a senior KNU official contacted by the AFP news agency, who declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak to media, denied any involvement and said the group did not have any members in the area.
Thanathip Sawangsang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, told The Associated Press that local police had reported a fight between rival groups of men before the explosion and that there was no wider security threat.
He said the forensic evidence showed the explosive device was a homemade bomb.
Tak province has a heavy military presence in its border areas, including in Umphang.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences to the victims’ families and urged security agencies to carry out an investigation.
RBI Collateral-Free Agricultural Loan: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced an increase in the limit for collateral-free agricultural loans, raising it from Rs 1.6 lakh to Rs 2 lakh per borrower, effective from January 1, 2025.
This move, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is designed to help address rising input costs and the financial challenges farmers face, particularly amidst inflationary pressures on agricultural inputs.
Under the new policy, farmers can access loans for agricultural activities, including allied sectors, without the need for collateral or margin requirements.
The RBI has instructed banks across the country to implement the revised guidelines quickly, ensuring timely financial assistance for farmers. Furthermore, banks have been urged to widely publicize the changes to ensure that farmers and stakeholders are fully informed about the updated loan provisions.
This move is expected to provide enhanced financial access to small and marginal farmers, who represent over 86% of the agricultural sector.
With collateral-free loans, farmers will no longer face the burden of offering assets as security to secure credit. This is anticipated to reduce borrowing costs and make it easier for farmers to invest in their agricultural operations, boosting productivity and livelihoods.
In addition to the collateral-free loan limit, the RBI’s policy will likely increase the uptake of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, enabling farmers to meet their operational and developmental needs.
The initiative also complements the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme, which offers loans up to Rs 3 lakh at an effective interest rate of 4 per cent.
This combined approach strengthens financial inclusion in the agricultural sector, supports sustainable farming practices, and aligns with the government’s long-term vision for enhancing agricultural growth and economic resilience. (With ANI inputs)
Pro-EU protesters and the opposition refuse to recognise the vote in parliament naming Mikheil Kavelashvili president
A former Manchester City footballer has been appointed president by Georgia’s disputed parliament, after 17 days of pro-EU protests that have swept this country’s towns and cities.
Mikheil Kavelashvili, now 53, is a former MP from the increasingly authoritarian ruling Georgian Dream party and was the only candidate for the job.
On Saturday, 224 out of 225 members of Georgia’s electoral college voted for him.
The four main opposition groups have rejected Kavelashvili and have boycotted parliament, insisting that the elections held in October were rigged.
Large crowds of protesters, facing freezing temperatures, gathered outside parliament from the early hours of Saturday morning ahead of the vote.
Georgia’s outgoing pro-Western president, Salome Zourabichvili, has condemned Kavelashvili’s election as a travesty, insisting she holds Georgia’s only remaining legitimate institution.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused Zourabichvili of trying to harm Georgia’s interests, emphasising that when her term of office ends on 29 December, she will have to retire.
“We have very strong state institutions, so we certainly have no difficulty in bringing the situation under full control,” he was quoted as saying on Friday.
Party colleague Nino Tsilosani told reporters that Zourabichvili was no longer president in the eyes of the public.
Reuters
Mikheil Kavelashvili has been named Georgia’s next president
Protests against Georgian Dream began immediately after the October elections but they burst into life on 28 November when the government announced it was putting EU accession negotiations on hold until 2028.
An overwhelming majority of Georgians back the country’s path to the European Union and it is part of the constitution.
Every night, the main avenue outside parliament fills with protesters draped in EU flags, demanding new elections.
The night before the vote, the capital Tbilisi was convulsed by pop-up protests involving IT specialists, public sector workers, creative industry professionals, actors and lawyers.
“We are standing here to create a legal state once and for all, to respect the provisions of the constitution and human rights,” said lawyer Davit Kikaleishvili, 47.
Kavelashvili is a founder of the People’s Power party, known for being the main voice for anti-Western propaganda in Georgia.
He has accused opposition parties of acting as a “fifth column” directed from abroad, and described President Zourabichvili as a “chief agent”.
Kavelashvili moved into politics after he was disqualified from seeking the leadership of the Georgian football federation because he lacked the qualifications.
Although his party ran alongside Georgian Dream in the October elections, it has now decided to act in parliament as a “healthy opposition”, to fill the place of the “so-called radical opposition funded by foreign forces”.
A People’s Power party MP, Guram Macharashvili, who announced on 13 December that his faction would leave the ruling parliamentary majority, told the BBC that what was happening in the country was an “artificially created crisis characterised by the influence of foreign powers”.
Macharashvili and Kavelashvili are the architects of Georgia’s controversial “foreign agents” law, seen by the country’s opposition as Russian-style legislation.
When asked what “healthy opposition” means, Macharashvili said: “Opposition does not necessarily mean opposition on all issues, it does not mean only cooperation with foreigners. It means competition with the ruling party to make better proposals on what’s best for Georgia’s future.”
Georgian Dream, founded by billionaire businessman and former Georgian PM Bidzina Ivanishvili, has been accused of dragging the country back into Russia’s sphere of influence.
Both the EU and US have condemned the government for democratic backsliding and more than 460 people have been detained across Georgia over the past two weeks, according to Transparency International.
More than 300 have been ill-treated or tortured, the organisation says, including dozens of people from Georgian media. Last weekend, thugs were filmed attacking a TV reporter and cameraman.
Moment journalist and cameraman attacked by masked men in Georgia
The EU has condemned the “brutal, unlawful force from the police” and foreign ministers are due to consider measures against the government when they meet on Monday.
Protesters have called on the international community to impose sanctions on top government officials as well as Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgia’s most powerful man.
Pro-government groups have also waged a campaign of harassment towards civil society activists, beating them outside homes, and carrying out arbitrary arrests.
Nino Kereselidze
Two protesters climbed a crane on Friday as demonstrations spread across Tbilisi
“There is systematic torture, inhuman and degrading treatment of citizens,” said former public rights defender Nino Lomjaria.
Theatre workers who joined the protests on Friday chanted: “The police are everywhere, justice is nowhere.”
