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India's ageing population calls for a new social contract on elderly care
Rohini Nilekani, chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, discusses how India's ageing population is straining the traditional family-led care model and calls for a new social contract involving communities, the state and the market, along with technology and public infrastructure to enable dignified ageing.
Care comes at a cost: India's ageing population exposes a broken caregiving system
India's rapidly ageing population is driving demand for caregivers, but the sector faces a shortage of trained workers, low wages, poor working conditions and uneven recruitment standards. High costs burden families, while inadequate training and job security undermine care quality. Experts call for professional recognition, better pay and structured training.
India-born Nithya Raman to take charge in LA amid homeless crisis, political division
Nithya Raman, an India-born democratic socialist, has been elected the new mayor of Los Angeles. She faces significant challenges, including homelessness, housing costs, and public safety issues. Raman ran as an outsider without endorsements from her colleagues and against a wounded incumbent. Her leadership will be scrutinized as she assesses city problems and works with a divided City Hall.
US midterms explained: Breaking down the maths behind America's elections – why 218, 51 and 60 matter
The US midterm elections involve winning specific congressional seats to control political power in Washington. A total of 435 voting seats exist in the House and the majority threshold is 218. The Senate has 100 seats, with 51 needed for a majority, though 60 votes are required for most legislation. Democrats secured control of both chambers during the 2026 midterms, shifting the balance of power.
Social Security benefits warning: Will retirees lose $500 a month when the retirement trust fund runs out in 2032? What the latest forecast means for your monthly checks
The Social Security retirement fund is projected to exhaust its reserves by the end of 2032 without any legislative intervention. If changes are not made, monthly benefits for retirees might face substantial reductions, estimated between 22% and 26%. This impending decline is attributed to demographic shifts like an increasing elderly population and dwindling birth rates. Lawmakers have a limited timeframe to tackle these pressing issues before retirees experience significant cuts.
In California, researchers tracked desert tortoises in a protected area for 34 years; numbers fell from 589 to 47 by 2002, then rose to 73 by 2012
In California, desert tortoises have suffered an alarming 92% population decline, even within designated protected areas. Research attributes this drastic fall to diseases, predation, and environmental stressors, rendering protective measures inadequate. Although a slight recovery was noted by 2012, the overall trend indicates persistent decline, underscoring the urgent need for holistic conservation strategies to safeguard wildlife.
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Mass brands give liquor companies a hangover
"It is difficult to pinpoint the reasons for the slowdown, even in states such as Uttar Pradesh which had recorded strong growth earlier," said Amar Sinha, managing director of Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD), maker of Officer's Choice whisky. There are "no clear factors explaining the weakness," he said.
Delhi-Lucknow bullet train journey in 2 hours 12 minutes compared to 6 hours 25 minutes by Vande Bharat: What the Northern Corridor proposes
Delhi and Lucknow could be connected by a bullet train in 2 hours and 12 minutes under the proposed Northern Corridor approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has also shared estimated travel times for Agra, Kanpur and Varanasi as the planned network is set to extend from Delhi to Guwahati.
‘Facing ‘gerontonomia’, the West’s young opt for political extremes’
Tim Vlandas analyzes the influence of aging populations on electoral politics in advanced capitalist nations like Europe. Older voters display different policy preferences, emphasizing pensions over issues of younger demographics. Consequently, governments often allocate more resources to pension spending rather than investing in education and infrastructure. Young voters may become politically disenchanted, leading to radical shifts towards extreme parties.
The experience of the Shanti Rasa or Bhaav key reason behind Hanuman Ansh’s success: Producer Namrata G Singh
The film Hanuman Ansh has grossed nearly Rs340 crore at the box office, which is unprecedented for its modest budget. Producer Namrata G Singh emphasizes the significance of preserving intellectual property in storytelling. The film, rooted in spirituality, explores the life of Neem Karoli Maharaj and his connections with devotees. It also aims to expand into various formats and languages to reach global audiences.
Power to empower must include the power to stay well
“The true value of power lies in its purpose,” the Prime Minister told the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in October. India’s next lever of power is the health of its people, and the digital infrastructure behind CoWIN can now help keep a billion Indians well.
US growth boosted by AI, but no sign of a turning point higher
Economists estimate the growth potential of the US economy to be around 2%, whereas President Donald Trump aspires to double it. Business investments are escalating, primarily driven by the demands for data centers and enhanced AI capabilities, which can positively affect GDP growth. However, the influence of artificial intelligence on productivity is still unpredictable, and tariff strategies for cutting imports yield mixed results, affecting the market dynamics significantly.
Diwali travel rush: How to save on last-minute flight tickets and when to stop waiting for discounts
Waiting until the last minute in the hope of a sale can be costly. Airlines use dynamic pricing, and cheaper fares may disappear as more seats sell. If your dates are fixed, compare fares as early as possible and book when the price is reasonable for your budget. Set fare alerts to track changes, but don’t delay your booking expecting for a drop in prices.
Republican billionaire Rick Jackson is walking a Trump tightrope in his quest to lead Georgia
Republican billionaire Rick Jackson is seeking to become Georgia governor by combining his rags-to-riches story with a pro-business agenda and alignment with Donald Trump. Having spent nearly $200 million of his own money on the campaign, Jackson faces Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms, who accuses him of trying to buy the election.
‘France’s protests increased polarisation — and helped the far-right’
Recent protests in France erupted from student frustrations surrounding educational systems and inadequate school environments. As the movement evolved, it brought to light broader issues such as soaring living costs and employment stagnation. The troubling economic backdrop of national debt and inflation has intensified citizens' worries, particularly the younger generation's outlook on jobs and climate change. This upheaval threatens to deepen the political divide as it interrogates existing social policies.
Maine’s state ferries need about $15.8 million a year to run, while fares can cover only half; state law treats the boats as the only vehicle link to six islands
Linking six island communities with the mainland, the Maine State Ferry Service offers essential transportation for locals. Projected operational costs for the 2024 fiscal year stand at approximately $15.78 million, funded through a combination of user fares and state funding. The increasing expenses have resulted in fare escalation, adversely affecting island residents and local businesses. This ferry service functions within the framework of the state’s highway network, facilitating vital connections.
We have to change the conversation from media costs to business value: Publicis Media's Lalatendu Das
India's advertising sector is experiencing a transformative phase driven by innovations in artificial intelligence and the rise of the creator economy. Marketers are prioritizing agencies that provide tangible business outcomes over mere media optimization. As a result, there is a transition in advertising budgets from traditional celebrity endorsements to content created by influencers.
When it comes to Trump's economy, these are the numbers that matter before mid-term elections
United States President Donald Trump attempted to convince voters before the upcoming mid-term elections that the American economy is growing. However, voters have maintained the negative effects of inflation caused by the Iran war. The economy is seeing slowing job growth and widening income inequality, with high interest rates encumbering housing and automobile purchases.
Lake Champlain began killing invasive sea lampreys in 1990; native lake trout survival rose 25%, and Atlantic salmon returns to the main lake fishery tripled
Lake Champlain experienced significant ecological harm due to the invasive sea lamprey, which posed a threat to local fish populations. However, an experimental control initiative launched in 1990 led to a marked decrease in lamprey numbers and better fish survival. Economic evaluations revealed positive returns from the control efforts, benefiting both local tourism and fisheries. Ongoing initiatives have further bolstered the lake trout population, restoring its self-sufficiency.
How a personal loan can help you manage planned and emergency expenses
Understand how a personal loan can help you cover planned expenses and urgent financial needs, explore its benefits, and plan your EMIs based on your budget.
Canada may raise immigration levels as population growth hits lowest since WWII
Canada's Immigration Minister Lena Diab has signalled a possible increase in immigration levels as population growth hits its lowest rate since the Second World War. Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is expected to unveil an updated immigration plan in November, balancing economic growth and labour needs against housing affordability and pressure on public services.
Nirmala Sitharaman pitches for public, private capital to build financially sustainable cities
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the importance of creating sustainably investable cities in India. She proposed a combination of public investment alongside private capital to achieve these goals. Various urban development initiatives have been established to support this approach effectively. The Urban Challenge Fund aims to improve municipal finances and is pivotal for project preparation. Overall, the strategies discussed will enhance urban planning and infrastructure development throughout the country.
India’s senior living market to move to tier 2 cities
India's senior living market is projected to reach USD 11.43 billion by 2031, indicating significant growth. The demand for organised housing is increasing as families become more nuclear and elderly individuals seek independence. Tier-II cities and spiritual hubs are emerging as attractive options for seniors seeking affordable living. Key factors include healthcare access, social infrastructure, and lifestyle amenities that foster community.
Global Market: IMF urges governments to cut spending, reduce debt as borrowing costs rise
The IMF has urged governments worldwide to rein in spending, narrow budget deficits and reduce debt as global public debt approaches 100% of GDP. Rising bond yields and borrowing costs are adding to fiscal pressures and limiting room to tackle future economic shocks.
India has gone from half-full to half-empty. That's excessive: Vincent Mortier, Group CIO, Amundi
Vincent Mortier, the chief investment officer of Amundi, reflects on the current state of Indian equities. He believes the recent decline in the market is a temporary issue related to negative narratives. Mortier identifies several potential catalysts for investment in India, including geopolitical resolutions and currency stabilization. He also discusses the intricate capital gains tax system affecting foreign investors' participation.
Roche calls for global healthcare overhaul to tackle disease burden
Roche highlights the urgent need for a transformation in global healthcare to effectively tackle chronic diseases. Jorg Rupp pointed out that existing healthcare infrastructures are largely reactive, falling short in proactively addressing the rise of non-communicable diseases. This burgeoning issue not only challenges health systems but also imposes heavy financial demands. Governments must begin viewing healthcare as a crucial investment aimed at enhancing health outcomes.
Rich countries on the debt frontline: How the Iran war is shifting world's risk map by squeezing America, Europe and Japan
The International Monetary Fund confronts increased borrowing costs and record debt levels among developed countries. As inflation rises, governments find it harder to manage their financial obligations. The potential for civil unrest emerges alongside economic pressures observed in these nations. Emerging markets have improved their resilience since previous crises, allowing them to face challenges more effectively.
Statistics ministry proposes common framework to calculate state GDP
The statistics ministry has proposed a common framework for estimating state gross domestic product. This framework uses an expenditure approach under the revised 2022-23 base year. Currently, no state compiles estimates of private final consumption expenditure, creating a gap. Proposed methods include using administrative data to allocate estimates across states and union territories. This initiative aims to improve consistency and comparability of GSDP estimates throughout India.
Flu shots, vaccines latest update: Donald Trump's Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. launches new push on vaccine injuries. All you need to know
Robert Kennedy Jr. has said US children receive too many vaccines, falsely claiming repeatedly that kids get up to 90 doses before age 18, which has been echoed by President Donald Trump.
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