Month: March 2021

Business News & Politics

What Tatas are Buying From BigBasket?

HT News

Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd is going to invest in BigBasket, the largest online grocery store of India, in a deal valued over $1 billion. Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd. has already filed the deal to Competition Commission of India (CCI) for approval.

What is the deal between Tata and BigBasket?

The deal is between Tata Digital Ltd, digital services subsidiary of Tata Sons, and Supermarket Grocery Supplies Pvt. Ltd (SGS). Tata has revealed its interest in buying 64.3% stake in SGS that deals with the commercial service branch through business.bigbasket.com. The deal will allow SGS to manage Innovative Retail Concepts Pvt. Ltd (IRC) that controls the retail side of the business through bigbasket.com.

Together SGS and Innovative Retail Concepts Pvt. Ltd deal in household items, personal and beauty care products, food, and grocery items through the BigBasket app.

What is the size of the deal?

According to inside sources, Tata is investing around $1 billion for buying 64.3% stake but they can infuse more capital to increase their stake within one year. Tata is interested in increasing its holding up to 80% or even bigger.

What is filing in CCI?

Tata will buy the said stake in SGS through a combination of primary and secondary acquisitions in a series of steps. In the second step, SGS will acquire total control of Innovative Retail. Tata will get a majority stake of and control over SGS through this transaction. But the larger non-promoter investors will be dropped from this deal.

Source::- https://bit.ly/3eB6lQy

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International News & Politics Technology

Joe Biden Opens His Doors For Indian IT Professionals

HT News

US President Joe Biden rescinded the three policy memos about foreign workers on visas like H-1B due. Taken by previous Trump government, the decisions put severe restrictions on the Indian IT professionals and others seeking employment in the US.

What were those decisions?

On June 17, 2020, the Trump government rescinded two prior policy memoranda by issuing a Policy Memorandum 602-0114. The policies rescinded were:

• Determining Employer-Employee Relationship for Adjudication of H-1B Petitions, Including Third-Party Site Placements issued on January 8, 2010

• Contracts and Itineraries Requirements for H-1B Petitions Involving Third-Party Worksites,” issued on February 22, 2018

On February 3, 2021, Trump government issued another Policy Memorandum 602-0142.1 to do away with PM-602-0142. This policy memo was rescission of the December 22, 2000 Guidance memo on H1B computer related positions issued on March 31, 2017.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that both the memos would apply to any pending or new [H-1B Petitions], including motions on and appeals of revocations and denials of H-1B classification.

What is the current stage of US visa applications?

Biden administration allowed petitioners to reopen and/or reconsider adverse decisions of the earlier policy memos by filing Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal of Motion to reverse. USCIS would charge a reopening fee.

Also, USCIS is provided discretionary powers to accept and consider untimely motions but the discretionary powers can be exercised only under certain circumstances as explained and permitted by the government. The petitioners have to keep the policy timeline in mind while filing their petitions.

Source:- https://bit.ly/30C9p6L

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International News & Politics

US Witnessed Over 2,800 Incidents Of Hate Crimes From March To December Last Year

HT News

US President Joe Biden condemned the hate crimes against the Asian-Americans and appealed to the masses to put an end to those crimes. He called those acts “vicious hate crimes” and “un-American”.

What are those hate crimes Biden talked about?

Asian Americans became the target of hate crimes with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The democratic president decried that the Asian Americans were attacked, harassed, blamed, and scapegoated over the pandemic that originated in China. But activists blamed on the loose talks by former president Donald Trump who used to talk about “Chinese virus” to refer to coronavirus.

What did Joe Biden say about Asian-Americans?

Biden called Asian-Americans, fellow Americans, and said that they were on the front lines of the pandemic. He highlighted their efforts by saying that they tried saving lives but they were forced to live in fear for their lives and belongings. Joe Biden said that that was wrong and un-American and that must stop.

What is the data about racial discrimination?

A California State University study found that reported anti-Asian hate crimes more than doubled across 16 major US cities including New York and Los Angeles last year. They jumped from 49 in 2019 to 122 in 2020. It also maintained that racial discrimination couldn’t be established in many cases.

Another study by the Stop AAPI Hate advocacy group revealed that over 2,800 incidents of racism and discrimination took place between March and December last year. The group included all crimes included non-physical and reported online.

Source:- https://bit.ly/3qGYjYu

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News & Politics

The Largest Asteroid 2001 F032 Will Pass By Earth On March 21

HT News

An asteroid roughly 3,000 feet in diameter will pass by earth at a distance of approximately 1.25 million miles (two million kilometers) on March 21, according to the US space agency, NASA.

Why this asteroid is important?

The asteroid, 2001 F032, was discovered 20 years ago and it is the largest asteroid to pass by earth this year. Paul Chodas, director of the Center for Near Earth Object Studies said that they knew the orbital path of the asteroid around the Sun very accurately and that there was no chance of it getting closer to earth than 1.25 million miles.

1.25 million miles is roughly 5.25 times than the distance of the earth from moon but still it is close enough to be classified as a “potentially hazardous asteroid”. Also, at 77,000 miles per hour, 2001 F032 is the fastest asteroid to approach earth.

What are the advantages of asteroid?

Lance Benner, principal scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory said the close encounter with the asteroid is an opportunity for astronomers to get a better understanding of the mineral composition of the asteroid. Sunlight reflecting from its surface will give a better idea of the metals the asteroid is made of.

Opportunity for amateur astronomers

NASA said that amateur astronomers can take advantage of the opportunity to continue their study of asteroids. The US space agency further said that it has catalogued more than 95% of the near earth asteroids and that none of them seem to be impacting the earth over the next century.

Source:- https://bit.ly/3bEBsbM

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Football News & Politics Sports

Arsenal Enters Quarter-Finals Of Europa League With 3-1 Win Over Olympiacos

HT News

Arsenal registered an impressive win against Olympiacos to get a smooth entry into the quarter-finals of the Europa League. The Gunners delivered 3 goals with stunning action and received only one. But the talking points of the match were about the opportunities missed.

What was the talking point of the match?

The Gunners revealed their true spirit but at the same time, they exposed their darker side. They were like both an angel and a demon. Whether it is ball possession or strike, Arsenal dominated the field but they look scattered in the field. There was little coordination between Arsenal players.

First is the selection of team….

Mikel Arteta decided to play with the team that drew 1-1 with Burnley in the Premier League. But he replaced Gabriel Magalhaes and Hector Bellerin came in for Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers to strengthen his team’s position.

In the first half….

Martin Odegaard was quick to assume the moment at 34th minute when he landed the ball into the net. Jose Sa looked quite helpless at the sudden strike.

In the second half….

As said, Arsenal made multiple mistakes and one of those mistakes was to allow Olympiacos a goal. That was clearly a miscommunication between Dani Ceballos and Bernd Leno that resulted in a goal for Olympiacos.

Martin Odegaard looked aggressive….

He tried many attempts but most of the times he was trying to fit into the team. He tried giving many passes but couldn’t coordinate with others resulting in mistakes.

Source:- https://bit.ly/30ANTiH

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News & Politics

SSKM Hospital Said Mamata Banerjee Had Severe Injuries On Her Foot, Ankle, Shoulder And Neck

HT News

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee got her left foot and ankle injured during an alleged attack by some miscreants while she’s campaigning in Nandigram. Mamata Banerjee was swiftly taken to SSKM hospital for treatment.

What did doctors say about her injuries?

Severe bone injuries in her left ankle and foot in x-ray. Doctors also got an MRI at the Bangur Institute of Neurosciences on noticing injuries in the right shoulder, forearm and neck. The CM was shifted to a special ward at the hospital’s VVIP Woodburn Block after the physical examination was complete. But doctors said that they could conduct more tests to assess her health.

CM Mamata Banerjee was complaining of chest pain and breathlessness in the hospital. Also, she had developed mild fever. The doctors said that she would be in observation for 48 hours after which they would decide the further course of treatment.

A team of doctors including a cardiologist, an endocrinologist, a general surgery doctor, an orthopedist and a medicine doctor is observing the condition of Mamata Banerjee.

How did CM injure her foot and ankle?

She alleged an attack by four-five men while she was praying at a local temple in Birulia area near Reyapara. She was standing at the door of her car at 6:15 pm when some men rushed towards her and threw the car’s door on her foot. The CM fell down due to the force and got injured.

Mamata Banerjee has Z-plus protection but she alleged that it was a conspiracy as at the time of incident there were no local policemen. Even the district police superintendent wasn’t present at the spot.

Source:- https://bit.ly/2PWsrCR

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Devotional Spiritual Today's Special

Send Best Wishes Of Happy Maha Shivratri 2021

HT News

Maha Shivratri is celebrated across the globe according to Hindu traditions. Devotees fast observe a day-long fast and perform puja all night during Nishita Kaal to worship Lord Shiva, the god of destruction. Also, they give best wishes of Maha Shivratri through phone calls and social media messages and pictures.

Importance of Maha Shivratri

It is the biggest night of Lord Shiva worshipped as the marriage of Lord Shiva with Devi Parvati. Also, it is the day when the Linga from the deity first appeared. Today is the fourteenth day (Chaturdashi Tithi) of Krishna Paksha of Phalguna month according to Purnimant calendar but it is Magha according to Amavasyant calendar.

Devotees of Lord Shiva go to Shivalayas to offer all the things that Lord Shiva likes. They offer bel patra, dhatoora, bel fruit, and bhang to Mahadev. Also, they bath the deity with fresh water, gangajal, milk, dahi, and desi-ghee. Sandal wood powder is also applied to the deity for sweet fragrance.

Happy Maha Shivratri wishes and quotes

• Maha Shivratri is a day when you awaken your inner consciousness to discover the purpose of your being. Feel the presence of the Supreme Power inside and outside.

• Here’s extending my warm greetings to you on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.

• Shiv Ji Ka Tyohaar Aaya Hai, Anginat Ullas Laya Hai, Har Manokamna Poori Ho Aapki, Bhole Baba Ka Ashish Chhaaya Hai

• Kabhi Na Ho Dukhon Ka Samna, Pag Pag Bholenath Ka Aashirwad Mile, Maha Shivratri Ki Aapko Dheron Shubh Kamnayein. Hara Hara Mahadev

• On the joyous day of Maha Shivratri, here’s praying that we all stay together and cherish every … Read the rest

Football News & Politics Sports

Salah And Mane Took Liverpool To The UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals

HT News

Liverpool’s 2-0 victory during the round of 16 second leg over RB Leipzig on Wednesday paved its way UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. But it wasn’t a smooth advance as RB Leipzig looked more dominant till the 70th minute of the game.

Goalless first half

RB Leipzig was successful in warding off the relentless press of The Reds but it couldn’t break Liverpool’s high defensive line. It failed in making any meaningful attack on The Reds despite keeping the possession of the ball for maximum time in the first half. Liverpool made a comeback into the third-quarter of the first half but the opportunities were missed due to lack of finishing. So, both the teams failed to get any breakthrough in the first half.

RB Leipzig changed its strategy in the second half

RB Leipzig brough attacker Alexander Sortloth into the game in the second half. He was replaced midfielder Kevin Kampl. It also made minor changes but the results achieved with the changes had little impact on the game. At one moment, Hwang Hee-Chan and Justin Kluivert came too close to scoring a goal but Alexander Sortloth shot the ball off the post.

Liverpool turned the game in last minutes

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News & Politics

Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat Resigns For Following Reasons

HT News

Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat’s resignation on Tuesday just a year before polls is seen as a course-correction by the party. While the rumors about his exit were doing rounds for months, his meeting with the BJP leadership on Monday in Delhi put end to all speculations.

Who is Trivendra Singh Rawat?

Trivendra Singh Rawat is known as a low-profile politician handpicked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lead Uttarakhand after BJP won 57 seats the 67-member assembly in 2017 elections. Also, it was the first time that Mr. Rawat, 60, was elevated to the position of chief minister. Before putting his paper, Mr. Rawat met BJP chief JP Nadda in Delhi.

Why did BJP ask for his resignation?

The central leadership was monitoring handling of Chamoli flash flood by the Rawat government in Uttarakhand. Also, the leaders in Delhi criticized Mr. Rawat pushing the projects suspended by the Supreme Court. Finally, BJP sent Raman Singh and Dushyant Gautam as observers to Dehradun and acted on their assessment. BJP JP Nadda even held talks with Home Minister Amit Shah and senior BJP leader BL Santosh before meeting Trivendra Singh Rawat.

What did Trivendra Singh Rawat say on his resignation?

Mr. Rawat said that he acted on the advice of the senior party leaders. On further pressing for information, he said that it is only leaders at Delhi that could shed light on reasons of his resignation. Dhan Singh Rawat, a state minister in the present government, could be the next CM.

Source:- https://bit.ly/3qBYUe6

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News & Politics Technology Today's Special

Google Doodle Shows Prof Rao Placing A Satellite In Its Orbit On His Birthday

HT News

Renowned Indian professor and scientist Udupi Ramachandra Rao popularly known as “India’s Satellite Man” turns 89 today. And Google is celebrating his birthday with a Doodle to highlight the commendable work done by Professor Rao, who died in 2017.

Life of Udupi Ramachandra Rao

Born in Karnataka on 10th March 1932, Prof Rao started his work as a protégé of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space program. After completing his doctorate, Prof Rao joined NASA as a professor and conducted experiments on Pioneer and Explorer space probes.

In 1966, Prof Rao returned to India to work on an extensive high energy astronomy program at the Physical Research Laboratory. In 1972, he spearheaded India’s satellite program. Also, he was instrumental in developing and supervising over 20 satellites including India’s first satellite – Aryabhata. In 1975, India launched its first satellite that transformed the rural landscape of the country by boosting communication and meteorological services.

His biggest contribution to the nation

Development of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) technology is the biggest contribution of Prof Rao in the field of space research. PSLV has launched over 250 satellites including Mangalyaan. Launched in 2013, Mangalyaan is the first interplanetary mission that orbits Mars today.

The country honored Prof Rao

In 2013, Prof Rao was inducted into the Satellite Hall of Fame to honor all his work. Google says that his stellar technological advancements continue to be felt across the galaxy in its Doodle that features a picture of Prof Rao placing a satellite in the space.

Source:- https://bit.ly/3vdg7yb

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