No plans to raise stake in Vi: Telecom minister

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The Indian government has confirmed that it has no plans to increase its stake in the struggling telecom company, Vodafone Idea (Vi).

Despite ongoing challenges faced by the company, the government remains firm on its decision to maintain its current investment level. This move indicates a cautious approach amid the telecom sector’s evolving landscape.

Vodafone Idea continues to navigate financial difficulties, but as of now, there will be no change in the government’s shareholding position. Stakeholders and industry observers will likely watch closely for future developments.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/government-won-t-raise-stake-in-vodafone-idea-jyotiraditya-scindia/story

Buying Bikes Online Now Possible, Royal Enfield’s 350cc Range In Collaboration With Amazon India Enters Website Shopping Segment

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New Delhi: Mid-size motorcycle maker Royal Enfield announced on Thursday that its entire 350cc range is now available for purchase online through a collaboration with Amazon India.

Currently, this online purchase option is available to customers in five major cities: Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, New Delhi, and Pune, the company said in a statement.

The models available on the dedicated Royal Enfield brand store on Amazon India include the Classic 350, Bullet 350, Hunter 350, Goa Classic 350, and the new Meteor 350.

Royal Enfield also confirmed that delivery and after-sales service support will be handled by the customer’s preferred Royal Enfield dealership in their city.

Royal Enfield is a part of Eicher Motors.

*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. Nothing has changed except the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/buying-bikes-online-now-possible-royal-enfields-350cc-range-in-collaboration-with-amazon-india-enters-website-shopping-segment

IAS Shekhar Singh Bids Farewell To Pimpri Chinchwad After Transformative Three-Year Tenure As PCMC Commissioner

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**Pimpri-Chinchwad: PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh Transferred to Nashik as Kumbh Mela Commissioner**

Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh has been transferred to Nashik. He will now take charge of preparations for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela as Commissioner of the Nashik Kumbh Mela Authority. The Maharashtra State Government issued the transfer order earlier this week, marking the end of Singh’s impactful three-year tenure at the helm of PCMC.

Singh joined PCMC as its chief in August 2022. His posting was rather unusual for the city, as he operated without any mayor, general body, or political party officially intervening in his work. Despite this, Singh made a significant impact on the PCMC area, spearheading many key decisions during his tenure.

In an emotional post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Singh expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve. He described his time in Pimpri Chinchwad as one of the greatest honours of his career. Singh thanked the officers, civic staff, elected representatives, industry partners, and citizens who worked alongside him. “Together, we transformed aspirations into achievements,” he wrote, highlighting how collective efforts helped shape a “cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive city.”

### Key Achievements During Singh’s Tenure

Under Singh’s leadership, Pimpri Chinchwad made significant strides in various sectors:

– **Urban Development and Cleanliness:** The city achieved its highest-ever ranking in the Swachh Survekshan survey, securing first place in Maharashtra and seventh nationally.
– **Sustainability Initiatives:** PCMC launched Maharashtra’s first waste-to-energy plant and became the first civic body in India to issue a Green Municipal Bond for sustainable mobility projects.
– **Recognitions:** The city earned an IGBC Platinum Green City rating, the Bloomberg BICI Award, and top ranks in the Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan.
– **Education Reforms:** Singh focused on strengthening civic schools by enhancing learning outcomes, improving infrastructure, and boosting girl enrolments. He noted that rising parental confidence reflected the city’s growing emphasis on quality and inclusion.
– **Citizen-Centric Governance:** Initiatives like participatory and climate budgeting, Zero Waste Slums, the Lighthouse Project, and Navi Disha brought citizens to the centre of governance.

### Challenges and Public Debates

Despite these achievements, Singh’s administration faced challenges and criticism. Decisions related to the city’s draft Development Plan, infrastructure projects, and demolitions in certain localities sparked public debate. However, Singh maintained that every decision was made with the long-term welfare of the city in mind.

### About Shekhar Singh

Shekhar Singh is a 2012 batch IAS officer. Before his role at PCMC, he served as District Collector in Satara and Zilla Parishad Chief in Sindhudurg. Now appointed as Kumbh Mela Commissioner in Nashik, Singh is expected to play a crucial role in overseeing one of India’s largest religious gatherings.

The Maharashtra government has already begun large-scale planning for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, including improvements in sanitation, mobility, river cleaning, and civic infrastructure. Singh’s strong track record at Pimpri Chinchwad has raised expectations for a well-organised, sustainable, and citizen-friendly Kumbh Mela.

In his farewell message, Singh wrote:
“I carry with me immense pride, gratitude, and faith in the continued progress of this remarkable city. Pimpri Chinchwad will always remain close to my heart — a city that doesn’t just grow but evolves together.”
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/ias-shekhar-singh-bids-farewell-to-pimpri-chinchwad-after-transformative-three-year-tenure-as-pcmc-commissioner

Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 Might Prove To Be A Litmus Test For Many

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The Bihar assembly elections have been announced, and now all eyes are glued to the final result on November 14, when votes will be counted. The Bihar election is important for various reasons, not least because the credibility of the Election Commission (EC) is at stake. Regardless of the outcome, a serious debate is expected after the results are declared, questioning whether votes were polled and counted fairly, or if the result was manipulated to suit the interests of a particular party.

### The Crucial Role of the Election Commission

The role of the Election Commission has rarely been discussed as much as it is now, since the days when T.N. Seshan was the Chief Election Commissioner. Seshan is credited with transforming the EC into a powerful institution that refused to toe the government line. He gave the EC ferocious teeth to challenge big political parties, powerful prime ministers, and chief ministers, cleansing the electoral system during a time when elections often meant violence and destruction at polling booths.

Before the Bihar elections were announced, the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the voters’ list had become a hot topic. The Opposition alleged that the entire exercise was designed to help the ruling NDA by deleting and adding names on the voters’ list to ensure a BJP/JDU victory. The SSR was challenged in the Supreme Court, which ordered the EC to announce reasons for the deletion of each of the 6.5 million names removed from the draft list.

The EC remained adamant about not using Aadhaar cards for voter verification but relented only after a stern Supreme Court order. Meanwhile, claims surfaced that foreigners’ names were included to favor the Opposition, yet, as of now, no evidence or arrests have confirmed these allegations. This turned out to be a hoax, further proving that the BJP’s purported use of Bangladeshi and Rohingya names was a tactic to polarize the elections.

### Upholding Election Integrity

In this election, the EC must prove that elections in India cannot be manipulated. Elections should not only be conducted fairly but must also be **seen** to be done fairly. Hence, more than the political parties, it is up to the EC to demonstrate impartiality and ensure its conduct is above suspicion. The SSR exercise was not intended to favor any party but to ensure a clean and accurate voters’ list.

This election is also very important for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, as the Rahul Gandhi-led Opposition has accused them of manipulating the election through the EC. The BJP must prove that these accusations are baseless and that they win the election purely by voters’ choice. Even if the BJP loses, it should not be seen as an impediment to free and fair elections, thereby putting an end to the “vote chori” (vote theft) debate in future elections.

### Rahul Gandhi’s Rising Opposition Leadership

Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a formidable leader of the opposition since the 2024 parliamentary elections. He is shaping the political agenda, compelling the BJP to respond to campaigns like Save Constitution, the demand for a caste census, and now the Vote Chori allegations. Rahul is increasingly viewed as a serious challenger to Prime Minister Modi. According to the C-Voter survey, he is closing the popularity gap vis-à-vis Modi for the prime minister’s post.

However, since becoming the top leader of Congress, Rahul has lost more elections than he has won. He needs to prove that he can win elections too, and that the Congress’s improved seat tally in 2024 was no fluke. His Voter Adhikar Yatra has been a huge success, attracting massive crowds and energizing Congress cadres at the grassroots. Yet, whether this momentum will translate into votes remains to be seen.

### Tejashwi Yadav: The Mahagathbandhan’s Hope

Tejashwi Yadav narrowly missed victory in the 2020 Assembly elections. Despite being a greenhorn then, he courageously made unemployment the central theme of that election, forcing Modi and Nitish Kumar to work hard to retain power. Since then, Tejashwi has matured as a leader and is now the sole leader of the Mahagathbandhan alliance. Most surveys place him ahead of Nitish Kumar as the first choice for Chief Minister.

But can he actually win? This remains the million-dollar question.

### Nitish Kumar’s Final Battle

Twenty years is a long time in politics, and anti-incumbency has surely mounted against Nitish Kumar. He is trying to neutralize public anger by distributing money directly to women’s bank accounts—a strategy that worked in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Maharashtra. Will this formula work again in Bihar?

This is likely Nitish’s last election. He appears frailer and seems to have lost some control over the administration due to his failing health. Speculations abound that he is only a front, with others running the government and the JDU. However, Nitish should not be underestimated. A maverick in Indian politics, he has survived and remained Chief Minister for two decades. Even now, he has the capacity to surprise his rivals and pull off extraordinary political maneuvers.

### Bihar at a Crossroad

Bihar has a rich history as the land of great empires but remains the poorest state in India today, with the lowest per capita income. Nearly 34% of households earn less than Rs 6,000 per month, and over 95% of the population does not own a vehicle.

Bihar desperately needs new thinking and fresh ideas to break free from the cycle of backwardness and poverty. Can this election demonstrate that Bihar votes on real issues rather than caste? Only time will tell.

—

*The writer is Co-Founder of SatyaHindi.com and author of* Hindu Rashtra. *He tweets at* [@ashutosh83B](https://twitter.com/ashutosh83B).
https://www.freepressjournal.in/analysis/bihar-assembly-elections-2025-might-prove-to-be-a-litmus-test-for-many

Lance MacCullers’ wife Kara dons vibrant orange bikini top on dreamy luxe vacation with Astros star

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Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr.’s wife, Kara, recently shared a glimpse into their family’s latest moments during the offseason.

The couple spent quality time together with their two daughters, capturing special memories away from the baseball season.

Kara’s update offers fans a heartfelt look at the McCullers family’s life beyond the field, highlighting the importance of family and relaxation during the break.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-lance-maccullers-wife-kara-dons-vibrant-orange-bikini-top-dreamy-luxe-vacation-astros-star

東証、394円高　午前9時15分現在

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経済 東証、394円高 午前9時15分現在

（）

この記事は有料会員限定です。

クリップ機能は有料会員の方のみお使いいただけます。

7日間無料トライアルで、1日37円で読み放題。年払いならもっとお得です。

西日本新聞meとは？

https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/1409219/

Hokkaido to Set Up Hidden Camera Detectors in Schools

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Typhoon No. 22 has brought severe weather to the Izu Islands, particularly around Hachijo Island, where strong winds and heavy rain continue to impact the region. Although the intensity of the rain and wind has peaked, authorities urge residents to remain cautious due to violent gusts, high waves, and the risk of landslides caused by saturated ground conditions.

While most of the Kanto region, including the Tokyo metropolitan area, has avoided major transportation disruptions, some services along the coasts of Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures may still experience delays or interruptions.

As of 9 a.m. on October 9, Typhoon No. 23, named Nakri, was moving quickly northwest over waters south of Japan. It is expected to influence weather conditions during the upcoming three-day holiday weekend. Forecasts predict that the typhoon will strengthen slightly as it approaches the Okinawa and Amami regions between October 10 and 11. Afterward, Nakri is expected to curve northward, moving off the coast of Kyushu on October 12 and reaching waters south of Japan’s main islands by October 13.

In other news, a recent OECD report released on Tuesday reveals that elementary and junior high school teachers in Japan continue to work the longest hours among their peers worldwide. Although the 2024 results show a reduction of about four hours per week compared to the previous survey in 2018, Japan’s teachers still far exceed the working hours of educators globally.

Meanwhile, beer deliveries from Asahi Group Holdings have been disrupted following a ransomware cyberattack. This has caused shortages affecting izakaya and other establishments across Japan. Some bars have reported their beer stock dwindling to just a single bottle as supply chain delays ripple through the industry.

Additionally, a magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture around 9:30 a.m. on October 7. The tremor registered a maximum intensity of 4 on the Japanese seismic scale. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, there is no risk of a tsunami resulting from this earthquake.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147214.php

Mukesh Ambani Tops Forbes’ 2024 Indian Billionaires List; Check Out The Top 10

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Wealth has a way of shaping narratives, and in India, the stories of its billionaires are no exception. As the country’s richest individuals continue to amass unprecedented fortunes, Forbes has published its latest 2024 “India’s 100 Richest” list.

According to the report, the collective wealth of India’s richest has doubled since 2019, with a staggering addition of approximately USD 316 billion over the past year alone. More than 80 percent of the richest Indians have grown wealthier, with 58 of them adding USD 1 billion or more to their respective net worths. Notably, the top 12 individuals account for close to half of the combined wealth of the top 100, the report added.

### Top 10 India’s Richest

**1. Mukesh Ambani**
At the forefront is Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, boasting a net worth of USD 119.5 billion. His wealth increased by USD 27.5 billion this year, making him the second-biggest gainer in dollar terms.

**2. Gautam Adani**
In second place is Gautam Adani, with a net worth of USD 116 billion.

**3. Savitri Jindal**
Savitri Jindal and her family occupy the third spot, with a net worth of USD 43.7 billion.

**4. Shiv Nadar**
Shiv Nadar, Chairperson of HCL Enterprise, comes in fourth, with an estimated wealth of USD 40.2 billion.

**5. Dilip Shanghvi**
Closing out the top five is Dilip Shanghvi, founder of Sun Pharmaceuticals, whose net worth stands at USD 32.4 billion.

The remaining top ten includes:
– Radhakishan Damani (USD 31.5 billion)
– Sunil Mittal (USD 30.7 billion)
– Kumar Birla (USD 24.8 billion)
– Cyrus Poonawalla (USD 24.5 billion)
– The Bajaj Family (USD 23.4 billion)

### New Faces on the List

This year’s list features several exciting new entrants. Mahima Datla, head of Biological E, makes her debut as the newest woman on the list. Other newcomers include B Partha Saradhi Reddy, founder of Hetero Labs; Harish Ahuja of Shahi Exports; and Surender Saluja, chairman of Premier Energies.

At just 38 years old, Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, is the youngest billionaire featured on the list.

Meanwhile, the late Ratan Tata, who passed away on October 9, was absent from the rankings this year.

—

Forbes’ 2024 “India’s 100 Richest” list paints a vivid picture of India’s rapidly evolving wealth landscape, highlighting the individuals who continue to drive economic growth and innovation across the country.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/mukesh-ambani-tops-forbes-2024-billionaires-list-check-out-the-top-10

Understanding The Benefits Of Group Health Insurance For Employees

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**Understanding Group Health Insurance: Benefits, Coverage, and Integration with Family Plans**

Group health insurance is a type of health coverage provided by employers to their employees, offering a range of medical benefits. It is one of the most sought-after perks in the workplace, ensuring that employees and their families have access to essential healthcare services.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of group health insurance, how it differs from individual plans, and why it is an advantageous option for both employers and employees. We will also discuss how family health insurance is integrated into group health insurance policies.

—

### What is Group Health Insurance?

Group health insurance is a policy purchased by an employer to provide healthcare coverage to their employees. This type of insurance often includes family health insurance benefits, allowing employees to cover their spouses, children, and sometimes even parents under the same policy.

By offering a group health insurance plan, employers can ensure that their workforce has access to necessary medical treatments, promoting a healthy and productive work environment.

—

### Benefits of Group Health Insurance for Employees

Group health insurance offers several advantages that make it an attractive option for employees:

1. **Cost-effective Coverage**
One of the most significant benefits of group health insurance is its affordability. Since the employer covers a substantial portion of the premium, employees pay much lower rates than they would for an individual health insurance plan. This makes it easier to access quality healthcare without facing financial strain.

2. **Comprehensive Coverage**
Group health insurance plans typically offer comprehensive coverage, including hospitalisation, surgeries, outpatient treatments, diagnostic tests, and maternity benefits. This ensures employees and their families are well-protected against a wide range of medical expenses.

3. **Family Health Insurance Benefits**
Many group health insurance policies provide coverage for an employee’s family members, including spouses, children, and in some cases, dependent parents. This added benefit means employees do not have to secure separate family health insurance, making it a convenient and cost-effective solution.

4. **No Pre-medical Tests Required**
Unlike individual health insurance plans, group health insurance does not require employees to undergo medical tests before enrolment. Even employees with pre-existing conditions can be covered without any waiting periods, ensuring immediate access to healthcare benefits.

5. **Tax Benefits**
Employees can enjoy tax benefits on the premium paid for group health insurance, as per Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. This provides a valuable financial incentive by reducing the overall tax burden.

—

### Benefits of Group Health Insurance for Employers

Employers also enjoy significant advantages by offering group health insurance to their employees:

1. **Improved Employee Morale and Retention**
Providing group health insurance demonstrates an employer’s commitment to employee well-being. This leads to higher job satisfaction, improved morale, and better employee retention rates.

2. **Attracting Top Talent**
In today’s competitive job market, offering group health insurance is crucial for attracting skilled professionals. Employees are more likely to choose employers who provide comprehensive health coverage.

3. **Tax Advantages**
Employers benefit from tax deductions on the premiums they pay for group health insurance, helping to reduce the overall cost of healthcare coverage.

4. **Enhanced Productivity**
A healthy workforce is a productive workforce. Group health insurance ensures employees have access to timely medical care, reducing absenteeism and boosting overall productivity.

—

### How Group Health Insurance Integrates Family Health Insurance

A standout feature of group health insurance is its ability to provide family health benefits. Employees can extend their health coverage to their family members, safeguarding their loved ones against medical expenses.

– **Spouse and Children:** Most group health insurance plans automatically include an employee’s spouse and dependent children, providing the same healthcare benefits as the primary policyholder.
– **Parents:** Some employers also offer options to include parents under the group health insurance plan, either as part of standard coverage or as an add-on benefit.

This integration makes group health insurance an excellent option for employees who want comprehensive family health protection without needing separate policies.

—

### How to Maximize the Benefits of Group Health Insurance

To make the most of your group health insurance policy, consider the following tips:

1. **Understand the Coverage**
Familiarize yourself with the policy details, including treatments, services offered, network hospitals, and any exclusions or limitations. This knowledge helps in making informed healthcare decisions.

2. **Take Advantage of Preventive Care**
Many plans offer preventive health check-ups at no additional cost. Use these benefits to monitor your health and identify potential issues early.

3. **Know the Claim Process**
Learn the claim procedure, required documentation, and how cashless treatment works. Being informed ensures a smooth experience when submitting claims.

—

### Differences Between Group Health Insurance and Individual Health Insurance

Understanding the differences between group and individual health insurance helps employees appreciate the benefits of employer-provided coverage:

– **Cost:** Group health insurance is generally more affordable since employers cover a significant portion of the premium.
– **No Waiting Period:** Individual plans often have waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, whereas group plans provide immediate coverage with no waiting periods.
– **Coverage Scope:** Group health insurance typically offers broader coverage and additional benefits like maternity and family health insurance, which might not be available in individual plans.

—

### Conclusion

Group health insurance is an invaluable employee benefit, providing comprehensive and cost-effective coverage that often includes family health insurance.

By offering access to essential healthcare services, it protects employees and their families from unexpected medical expenses. Employers who provide group health insurance demonstrate a strong commitment to employee well-being, enjoy better morale and productivity, and gain a competitive edge in attracting talent.

Fully understanding and utilizing group health insurance benefits can lead to improved health outcomes and greater financial security for employees and their families.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/understanding-the-benefits-of-group-health-insurance-for-employees