We’re live as the Security Council convenes for its annual open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, with briefings from UN relief chief Tom Fletcher and the head of UN Women Sima Bahous. Ambassadors will discuss evolving threats, including use of heavy weapons and the rise of lethal autonomous killing machines such as drones. The UN has documented a spike in deaths, with Gaza, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan and Ukraine among the hardest-hit. Mobile app users can follow here.
The debate quickly turned partisan, with the Congress party raising concerns about the potential impact of the bill on minority rights. They argued for a more thorough review and consultation process. The BJP, however, defended the bill, emphasizing its goal of bringing greater transparency and efficiency to the management of Waqf assets.
Key points of contention included the proposed changes to the Waqf Tribunal’s powers and the mechanisms for resolving property disputes. Opposition members expressed worries about potential misuse of authority, while the government asserted the need for stronger oversight to prevent encroachments and mismanagement.
The Waqf Amendment Bill has generated significant debate, with varied perspectives on its potential impact. Here’s a breakdown of the pro and against points:
Arguments in Favor:
Arguments Against:
However, minister Kiren Rijiju stressed that the amendments are intended to protect Waqf properties and ensure their proper utilization for the benefit of the community. He reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders.
The Lok Sabha is expected to continue discussions on the bill in the coming days, with further amendments and clarifications likely.
In an era where financial literacy is increasingly becoming a necessity, a recent online debate has sparked interest and controversy in equal measure. The debate was initiated by Sourav Dutta, an investor and trader, who took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his financial advice.
Dutta suggested that people should consider investing in Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) rather than purchasing a car. His post, shared on October 15, 2024, quickly gained traction, accumulating over a million views and sparking a widespread discussion.
Dutta’s argument was based on a hypothetical scenario involving a character named Ravi. According to Dutta, Ravi was burdened with a monthly EMI of ₹20,000 for five years after purchasing a car.
Dutta proposed that Ravi would have been in a better financial position had he invested the same amount into mutual fund SIPs. He explained that an SIP of ₹20,000 per month in Nifty ETF would grow to a bank balance of ₹17 lakh at the end of five years. In contrast, a car, which would have cost ₹10 lakh, would depreciate to a value of ₹4 lakh by 2030.
Life Choices and Financial Planning
Rs 20000/mo is the 5 year EMI of a 10L car for Ravi. Instead, Ravi puts ₹20000/mo for 5 years in Nifty ETF SIP. First decision gives him a car worth ₹4L in 2030. Second decision gives him ₹17L of bank balance in 2030. Life is about the choices we make, Dutta wrote.
However, Dutta’s advice was met with mixed reactions. While some agreed with his financial perspective, others argued that life is not solely about investment and financial returns. They emphasized the value of enjoying life and the conveniences a car provides, such as family time and emergency transportation.
One user commented, Life is also short for some enjoyment. Look beyond SIP and market returns. And enjoy life for yourself and for the family you got. This sentiment was echoed by others who pointed out that not everyone can forgo the immediate benefits of car ownership for future financial gains.
Another user argued, “Not everything in life is about saving money. Also, if everyone thinks like Ravi, then the economy won’t grow, and the stock market won’t perform, and Ravi will not even make FD returns!”
This comment highlights the broader economic implications of Dutta’s advice, suggesting that if everyone were to follow this advice, it could potentially stagnate economic growth.
Practicality Experiences
The debate took an interesting turn when users began to question the practicality of Dutta’s advice. One user quipped, The problem here is that, when Ravi wants to go somewhere with his family at his convenient time without bargaining with the Ola or Uber fellow, he can’t print the ETF papers, sit over it and ask it to fly.
It will not take him anywhere. This comment underscores the limitations of relying solely on public transportation or ride-hailing services, and the convenience and independence that owning a car provides.
In response to the criticism, Dutta argued that the expenses on petrol for the car would have been similar to cab fares over five years, and the difference in the end would still be a significant amount in favor of investing in SIPs (Rs 13 lakh more in savings).
This debate is reminiscent of similar discussions in the past where financial advisors have advocated for investment over consumption.
In a horrifying incident that unfolded on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, a school bus carrying students and teachers on a field trip caught fire. The tragic event, which occurred on October 1, 2024, has left an estimated 25 people feared dead and 16 passengers hospitalized.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the nation and the international community, triggering debate on the importance of stringent safety measures in school transportation everywhere.
The bus was transporting students and teachers from the province of Uthai Thani, located approximately 250 km (155 miles) north of the capital, Bangkok. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit. The minister also confirmed that 16 students and three teachers were sent to a hospital for treatment.
The horrifying scene was captured in early images posted on social media and carried by local news outlets, showing thick grey smoke pouring out of the bus, parts of which were still ablaze. Firefighters later managed to extinguish the fire.
A Reuters photographer at the scene reported seeing fire trucks, police, and rescue vehicles parked around the blackened vehicle, with a cluster of firefighters at the entrance.
PM Shinawatra condoles
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences in a social media post, stating, “As a mother, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families.” The Prime Minister also confirmed that the students were on a field trip from Uthai Thani province. She assured that the government would take care of the medical expenses and provide compensation to the families of the deceased.
Rescue group Hongsakul Khlong Luang 21, in a post on its Facebook page, reported finding at least 10 bodies on the bus. The students and teachers belonged to the Wat Khao Phraya School, according to a report by Reuters.
Similar incidents elsewhere
This tragic incident is not a sole example. In November 2023, a bus carrying high school students was involved in a deadly crash on westbound Interstate 70 in Licking County, Ohio. The bus was carrying students and chaperones from the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District in eastern Ohio, who were headed to perform at an educational conference.
In another incident in August 2023, wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, claimed 67 lives, with some residents alleging that they were not sufficiently warned through emergency alerts as the crisis deepened. This incident, similar to the school bus fire in Thailand, called for the importance of effective emergency response systems and the need for stringent safety measures, particularly when it involves the transportation of children.
As the nation mourns the loss of young lives, it is hoped that the incident will lead to a thorough review of safety measures and protocols, particularly in school transportation, to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at the Westminster Abbey on Monday raised questions on Prince Harry for not singing in chorus the national anthem “God save the King”.
Besides the British royal family, 2,000 state heads gathered at Westminster Abbey for the funeral and they reportedly paid tribute to the monarch by singing ‘God Save the King’.
But some netizens were quick to point out on social media that Prince Harry didn’t join the royals in singing the anthem and the claim had a video of the Prince seemingly not singing.
The video shows the Duke of Sussex looking around and not syncing words frequently as the new anthem gets changed from the Queen to the King. Many Twitter users accused the Prince of being “disrespectful”.
One user wrote, “Prince Harry not singing the national anthem.” Others expressed their disappointment with Prince Harry’s actions.
Before the debate heated up, others were quick to point out that Prince Harry was, indeed, seen with lips moving. “Give him a chance. It’s changed since the last time he sang it – he hasn’t learnt the new words yet,” wrote a user. Many others said they could see him singing clearly.
“I can see Harry’s lips moving. He’s obviously not singing like he’s at karaoke, but he clearly forms the “Qu” sound and he shuts his mouth at the end. You’re a hateful non,” wrote another. Whoever sees the video (above) can make out that he is not singing loudly but at the end made lips sync with the tune.
A third user joined the debate saying, “Edward wasn’t singing either. I think it’s sometimes hard to sing when you’re emotional.”
Harry was seen sitting behind his father, King Charles III, and the Queen Consort Camilla. His wife Meghan Markle was seen by his side throughout the service.
As Bangalore is struggling to withstand torrential rains, the appalling picture of inadequate infrastructure is getting zoomed in international headlines with pictures of techies, CEOs travelling by boats and tractors to reach workplaces or shifting from their inundated residences.
Meanwhile, social media is abuzz with a debate on India’s Silicon City’s infrastructure, while the locals retaliated with the Twitter campaign for “Leave Bengaluru” is trending, as some users are asking migrants to leave the city and go back to their native places..
The tech communities and the Outer Ring Road Companies Association have asked the government that if they are not ensured proper infrastructure, they would find new destinations.
Another post stated: “Bengaluru is our city, not yours. Please go back to your native places.” “Listen migrants, you are in Bengaluru to earn your bread and butter, just complete your work and get lost, says yet another post.
On the other hand, “This is the result of paying taxes to the government. Forget about good infrastructure, they are not able to provide basic facilities as well,” stated a post while referring to the Global Technology Park on Outer Ring Road being inundated.
Meanwhile a minister too joined the debate.
“Those who say they can’t live in silicon city Bengaluru, should not come here. No one invited them to come and reside here,” stated Minister for Horticulture V. Munirathna, targetting the trolls.
Those who talk in demeaning manner about Bengaluru belong to low culture. It is not fair for them to bad mouth Bengaluru, the city which has given them food, shelter and livelihood, he said.
Bengaluru city is spoiled only because of people like this, ones whose history of the city will never talk about it. Those who come here first have to know the history. People from north India have settled in Bengaluru in large numbers. Those who tweet as per their whims and fancies must be taught a lesson legally, Minister Munirathna opined.
