US paediatric surgeon Dr Tanya Haj-Hassan broke down in tears at a UN hearing as she recounted stories from Gaza.
US surgeon breaks down reading stories from Gaza doctors
Women ITR Filings Surge In AY24: Maharashtra, Gujarat, And UP Lead Way, Growing 25.3 Per Cent In 4 Years | Personal Finance News
New Delhi: The total number of women filing income tax returns in India has shot up by a robust 25.3 per cent in the last four years from 1.83 crore in assessment year (AY) 2019-20 to over 2.29 crore in AY 2023-24, according to figures compiled by the Income Tax Department.
This reflects the increasing number of women getting well-paid jobs or running their own business ventures, a senior official said. The total number of income tax returns (ITRs), that include both individuals and corporates, in AY 2023-24 crossed 7.97 crore.
The data show that Maharashtra accounted for the largest number of women ITRs with as many as 36,83,457 in AY24 registering a 23 per cent growth. Gujarat was ranked second with 22,50,098 women filing ITRs, registering a 24.4 per cent growth, while Uttar Pradesh came at the third spot with 20,43,794 ITRs and a strong growth of 29.2 per cent during this period.
Similar growth trends have been recorded in other major states. The number of women ITR filers jumped by over 20 per cent in Tamil Nadu from 12,92,028 in AY20 to 15,51,769 while in the case of Karnataka, there was an increase of 20 per cent from 11,34,903 to 14,30,345, during the four-year period. Punjab recorded a 36.23 per cent from 9,70,801 in AY20 to 13,22,580 AY24 and Rajasthan by 25.49 per cent to 13,52,202.
Small states and Union Territories such as Jammu & Kashmir and Mizoram also recorded a sharp rise in women filing income-tax returns between 2019-20 and 2023-24. Mizoram posted a 96 per cent increase in the number of women filers to 2,090 and J&K, a 49.2 per cent growth to 1,17,514.
Statue of Syrian president's brother is torn down in Aleppo
The footage, which has muted sound, was filmed by Turkish journalist Ibrahim Bozan on 30 November 2024.
Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath’s advice on ‘rising trend’ of stock market fraud
Dec 01, 2024 03:59 PM IST
He was reacting to a story about how a Bengaluru-based software engineer lost nearly ₹91 lakh to people who offered him “online training” in the stock market.
Alarmed by what he sees as the “rising trend” of stock market fraud, including through platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, Zerodha CEO Nikhil Kamath has advised people to change their WhatsApp and Telegram settings so that strangers cannot add them to groups on these messaging apps.
“The trend of these frauds are increasing. The past 9 months alone have had scams worth 11000 crores! I dread to think what it will be like once the fraudsters use AI,” Kamath posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He added, “One thing you can do to protect yourself is change the settings on WhatsApp and Telegram so strangers can’t add you to groups. Here’s screenshots of the settings screen that show how to do it.”
The Zerodha CEO was reacting to a story about how a Bengaluru-based software engineer lost nearly ₹91 lakh to people who offered him “online training” in the stock market and assured him of “huge profits.”
The man fell in their trap as all they asked of him was to vote for them in the “Global AI mart Trading Competition.” Subsequently, the fraudsters got the victim to make investments, which was done across 45 days.
Eventually, the victim realised he had been conned when he could not withdraw the money invested by him.
The scam began in July with the engineer receiving a message on WhatsApp offering him “training” in the stock market in exchange for “voting” in the “competition.” He voted every day and a few days later, was added to a Telegram group of 80 participants.
At one point, he was also made to download two apps, of which one showed his investment and profit details. The second one, on the other hand, was for making investments.
On November 25, days after realising something was amiss, the man contacted police. A case was registered under the Information Technology (IT) Act and Section 318 (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
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Syrian rebels seize control of Aleppo city in a lightning offensive | Syria’s War News
Fighters from the Hay’et Tahrir al-Sham armed group have swept into the city of Aleppo after a lightning offensive, forcing the Syrian army to withdraw from the northern city after eight years.
The rebel assault is the most intense fighting seen in northwestern Syria since 2020, when Russia and Turkiye agreed to a deal to de-escalate the conflict after government forces seized areas previously controlled by opposition fighters.
The government forces have been in control of Aleppo since 2016, nearly a year after Russia intervened in support of President Bashar al-Assad.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence said its air force carried out strikes on Sunday in support of the country’s army, Russian news agencies reported.
Hay’et Tahrir al-Sham, earlier known as al-Nusra Front, is designated a terrorist group by the United States, Russia, Turkiye and some other states.
In Washington, the White House National Security Council said it was closely monitoring the situation and had been in contact with regional capitals over the last 48 hours.
Peaceful protests erupted against al-Assad following the 2011 Arab Spring protests. But soon the protests descended into violence and later turned into a proxy war after a widespread crackdown on opposition figures and protesters.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced since 2011. Most major fighting halted years ago after Iran and Russia helped al-Assad’s government win control of most land and all main cities. Rebels were pushed to the Idlib province bordering Turkiye.
After the army said it was preparing a counterattack, air raids targeted rebel gatherings and convoys in the city, the pro-Damascus newspaper Al-Watan reported.
The Syrian military command said rebels had attacked in large numbers and from multiple directions, prompting “our armed forces to carry out a redeployment operation aimed at strengthening the defence lines in order to absorb the attack, preserve the lives of civilians and soldiers”.
The rebels also took control of Aleppo airport, according to a statement by their operations room and a security source.
The fighting revives the long-simmering Syrian conflict as the wider region is roiled by wars in Israel’s war on Gaza and Lebanon. A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on Wednesday.
Stock markets brace for RBI’s monetary policy decisions after GDP growth slowdown | India News
NEW DELHI: Domestic stock indices are preparing for the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) monetary policy decisions, which are expected to provide fresh direction to the markets in the coming week.
India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth slowed to 5.4 per cent in Q2 FY25, marking the lowest growth rate in two years.During the past week stock markets, however, showed some recovery. The Sensex 30 and Nifty 50 indices collectively rose by 1 per cent over the week, recording their second straight week of gains despite mixed market signals.
“The upcoming week brings key data releases and events. Participants will first react to the GDP data released post-market on Friday. The primary focus will be on the RBI MPC’s monetary policy review, where policymakers’ interpretation of the GDP data and their stance on the rate trajectory will be crucial,” Ajit Mishra – SVP, Research at Religare Broking Ltd was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
He also noted that high-frequency indicators, including auto and cement sales, as well as HSBC Manufacturing and Services PMI data, are likely to guide market trends. Foreign inflows are also expected to remain a key factor influencing investor sentiment.
Foreign portfolio investors became net sellers in India for the second consecutive month in November, although the rate of selling eased in the second half of the month.
The RBI’s monetary policy review meeting is scheduled from December 4 to December 6.Stocks have been volatile in recent weeks, with recent bearish trends linked to fund outflows, lower-than-expected Q2 earnings from India Inc., and ongoing high inflation.
The BSE benchmark Sensex closed at 79,746.24 points, up by 702.50 points, while the Nifty ended at 24,131.05 points, gaining 216.90 points on Friday. This was ahead of the GDP data, which later revealed India’s growth at 5.4 per cent, below the RBI’s forecast of 7.0 per cent.
Sensex still remains almost 6,000 points below its all-time high of 85,978 points.
Political parties plot path to government in Irish election
PA MediaThe leaders of the three main Irish political parties have all been re-elected to serve in the Dáil (Irish parliament).
So far, 41 of the Dáil’s 174 seats have been filled, with counting resuming on Sunday morning.
Micheál Martin of Fianna Fáil, Simon Harris of Fine Gael, and the Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald have overcome their first obstacles in the Irish general election.
Now, they all face an even bigger challenge – to try to form the next government.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have served together in the outgoing government, and after the first day of counting votes, they seem well placed to return to government.
If they agree to do so, they may need the support of one of the smaller parties or a number of the many independent TDs who are expected to be elected as the counting of votes continues on Sunday.
Sinn Féin says it also wants to be in the next government, and the party is ready to speak to other parties and independents.
But, based on current predictions, the scale of the challenge facing Sinn Féin is enormous.
PA MediaPolitical pundits are currently predicting that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael could secure a combined total of more than 80 seats – within touching distance of the golden figure of 88 TDs needed to secure a majority in the Dáil.
The same pundits believe Sinn Féin could secure around 40 seats.
But even if it achieves that, it will still be well short of what is required for a Dáil majority.
In that case, Sinn Féin would have to look towards the smaller parties and independents.
However the smaller parties are expected to be in single figures when all their TDs are finally confirmed.
If it turns to independents, it will find a very disparate cohort of TDs.
To find common cause in such a situation will be another big challenge for the party.
To compound matters, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have insisted that they are not interested in sharing power with Sinn Féin because of fundamental policy differences on a range of issues.
Exit poll reversal
Analysis – BBC News NI political editor Enda McClafferty
The race to government has yet to reach the half way point but the final result is starting to take shape.
Fianna Fáil is on course to finish as the largest party, with Fine Gael favourite to fill the runners up spot just ahead of Sinn Féin.
As it stands, with just two of the 43 first counts to be completed, Fianna Fáil has a vote share of 21.6%, Fine Gael has 20.7% and Sinn Féin has 18.7%.
If that order remains after the final count, it will reverse the exit poll prediction which had Sinn Féin in front and Fianna Fáil in third.
Although more than two thirds of seats have yet to be filled Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael look set to return to the government benches.
If they end up with a combined total of 80 plus seats, they may look to the Labour Party or independent TDs to shore up the government.
Sinn Féin is still talking up the prospect of leading a left-leaning coalition but it will struggle to get the numbers needed on current predictions.
Despite what Mary Lou McDonald described as an “incredible” performance by her party she could find herself back on the opposition benches.
‘Sensational political masterclass’
PA MediaThis all means that Sinn Féin may have to engineer a sensational political masterclass if it is to enter government in the Republic of Ireland for the first time.
The one thing Sinn Féin and all the parties will have is time.
There is a widespread belief that negotiations to form a new government may go beyond Christmas and into the new year.
On Saturday, party leaders Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill were jubilant when they joined their Sinn Féin supporters at the RDS in Dublin.
They were clearly extremely satisfied with the number of seats Sinn Féin is expected to win.
As things stand, very few political commentators are expecting the Sinn Féin jubilation to be sustained to the other side of the negotiations for government.
Ola Electric Vehicle Registrations Decline By 33 Per Cent In November | Economy News
New Delhi: After a blockbuster sales figure in October due to the festive season, Ola Electric vehicle registrations dropped by 33 per cent in November. According to Vahan portal data, the number of registrations of Ola Electric vehicles in November fell by 33 per cent on a month-on-month (MoM) basis to 27,746 units. In October last year, this figure was more than 40,000 units.
Due to fewer registrations, the company’s market share dipped to 24 per cent in November, which was 30 per cent in October. However, the company still maintains the first position in the electric two-wheeler market by sales.
Bhavish Aggarwal-led Ola Electric has seen volatility in sales in recent months. The reasons for this were attributed to increasing competition in the market and poor service and product quality.
Along with Ola Electric, registration of electric two-wheelers of TVS Motor declined by 13 per cent on a month-on-month (MoM) basis. A total of 26,036 electric two-wheelers of TVS were registered in November. However, TVS’ market increased to 23 per cent last month, which was 21.5 per cent earlier.
Bajaj Auto’s 24,978 electric two-wheelers were registered in November. The company’s sales declined by 12 per cent on a month-on-month (MoM) basis. The company’s market share in November was 22 per cent. It was 20 per cent in October.
Ather Energy’s EV two-wheeler registrations saw a decline of 24 per cent last month and stood at 12,217 units. At the same time, 16,148 units were registered in October.
Due to a decrease in sales of big players, the total registration of EV two-wheelers in November declined by over 18 per cent on a month-on-month (MoM) basis to 1.14 lakh units. However, registrations surged by 23.5 per cent on a year-on-year (YoY) basis.
MLS Cup final 2024: LA Galaxy vs NY Red Bulls confirmed on December 7 | Football News
The New York and Los Angeles teams will face-off for the biggest prize in North American football.
The New York Red Bulls have booked themselves a spot in their first MLS Cup final after a 1-0 win at Orlando City saw them through to the December 7 decider against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Both teams won their respective conference championship games on Saturday, with the Galaxy securing a home ground advantage as the higher seeded team.
An 85th-minute goal from Serbian forward Dejan Joveljic earned Galaxy a 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders.
A 47th-minute header from Andres Reyes gave the Red Bulls the victory and sent the New Jersey club into the final.
The Red Bulls qualified for the playoffs with a seventh place in the regular season, earning them the final automatic spot in the playoffs.
Sandro Schwarz’s team then pulled off a major upset by beating defending champions Columbus Crew in the best-of-three first round before eliminating local rivals New York City last week.
Orlando had the early pressure and Red Bulls keeper Carlos Coronel had to be at his best to keep out an effort from Facundo Torres after a counterattack.
But Red Bulls threatened themselves when their Swedish playmaker Emil Forsberg floated a free kick into the box and Belgian Dante Vanzeir flicked the ball just wide.
Two minutes after the interval, New York grabbed the decisive goal when John Tolkin’s free kick was delivered perfectly to the back post, where Reyes arrived to head in.
Orlando grew increasingly desperate in their attacks – Duncan McGuire got round the back of the Red Bulls defence but fired his shot well wide and then Luis Muriel’s rushed effort from a promising position flew harmlessly off-target.
The last chance of the game fell to Ivan Angulo, but he too failed to find the target as the Red Bulls, founding members of MLS in 1996, held firm.
“I’m very proud of the whole group. It’s amazing to create this atmosphere and also with this fighting spirit. Amazing the last couple of weeks and now we have one week more and it’s not done,” said German Schwarz, former Mainz and Hertha Berlin coach.
Los Angeles here we come. 🌴🏆@LAGalaxy host the @NewYorkRedBulls for the title at @dignityhealthsp on December 7th. pic.twitter.com/0DcXPoaSzq
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 1, 2024
The Galaxy, record five-time MLS champions, will have a chance to extend that mark when they take part in their first MLS Cup final in 10 years.
Jovejlic had twice seen efforts saved by Seattle keeper Stefan Frei, but he kept his composure to settle a dour contest.
Alex Roldan gave the ball away for Seattle and LA’s Spanish midfielder Riqui Puig played a deft through ball to Joveljic, who provided an ice-cool finish.
The Galaxy were the second seed in the Western Conference after not making the playoffs last year. They beat Colorado in two games in the first round and defeated Minnesota 6-2 last Sunday.
The Galaxy and Red Bulls did not face each other during the regular season.
LPG price revisions, Aadhar card updates: 7 key changes coming into effect from Dec 1
Several key rule changes are set to be implemented from December 1, which will affect daily finances for people in India, including revisions to LP prices, credit card changes, Aadhar card updates and more.
LP price revision
Oil marketing companies are going to revise LPG cylinder prices on December 1, with potential impacts on household budgets due to fluctuations in international market trends. Last month, prices for 19-kg commercial cylinders were increased, suggesting that possible adjustments will take place this month as well.
Aadhar update deadline extension
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has extended the deadline for free Aadhaar updates. Individuals can update their name, address, or birthdate details online at no cost until December 14. After this date, updates will incur a processing fee.
New credit card policy for SBI customers
December 1 onwards, State Bank of India (SBI) customers will face new credit card policies, including the removal of reward points for transactions on digital gaming platforms. Additionally, HDFC Bank has updated its lounge access policies for Regalia credit card users, signaling wider changes in premium benefits.
ITR filing extension
Taxpayers who missed the July 31 deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for FY 2023-24 can still submit a belated ITR by December 31, though penalties will apply— ₹5,000 for most taxpayers and ₹1,000 for those with incomes under ₹5 lakh.
TRAI to reduce spam and phishing messages
Starting December 1, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will enforce new traceability regulations aimed at reducing spam and phishing messages. Despite concerns about potential delays in OTP deliveries, TRAI has assured that services will remain seamless after the implementation.
Travel to the Maldives to become costlier
Traveling to the Maldives will become costlier as departure fees rise from December 1. Economy-class passengers will now pay $50 ( ₹4,220), up from $30 (R 2,532). Business-class and first-class passengers will face similar increases, with fees for private jet travelers climbing from $120 ( ₹10,129) to $480 ( ₹40,515).
Increased air turbine fuel prices
Air Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices are scheduled for revision on December 1, which may lead to higher flight ticket prices, contributing to increased travel costs.
