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Shigeru Ishiba, the newly elected leader of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and set to become the nation’s next prime minister, is a man of many contrasts. While he is often seen with a serious, contemplative demeanor, especially in political circles, there is another side to the 67-year-old leader that has earned him the affectionate title of “otaku” in Japanese media—a person deeply passionate about niche hobbies. Ishiba’s obsessions? Plastic miniature models, trains, and ramen noodles.

His office, which could easily pass for a political library with its towering stacks of books on history and governance, is also home to his collection of meticulously crafted plastic models. These aren’t just idle toys for Ishiba—they’re a key part of his diplomatic toolkit. As Japan’s former defense minister in 2007-2008, he often used these models to break the ice in high-stakes meetings. In one instance, he gifted a plastic replica of a U.S. P3 patrol plane to an American ambassador, a thoughtful gesture that brought a smile to his guest’s face. He’s even spent all night assembling a Russian aircraft carrier model ahead of a meeting with the Russian Minister of Defense, demonstrating his dedication not just to his craft, but also to creating meaningful diplomatic connections.

Ishiba’s fascination with transportation doesn’t end with models. He’s an ardent train enthusiast, a passion well-documented on his Instagram account. Having taken the overnight sleeper train between Tokyo and his home constituency in Tottori more than a thousand times, he vividly recalls his first ride on Japan’s famous Hikari bullet train, describing the experience as nothing short of magical. “The super express! Their shining interior and unprecedented style… The excitement I had will never fade. It was wonderful,” he shared with his followers.

However, trains and plastic models are only part of the story. Ishiba is also the head of a 50-member parliamentary group dedicated to ramen, a beloved staple of Japanese cuisine. Formed in 2022, the “Ramen Parliamentary Group” seeks to explore and celebrate this iconic dish, and Ishiba is as passionate about ramen as he is about his other hobbies. In a recent YouTube video, he delved into the different flavors produced by imported versus locally grown wheat in ramen noodles, recalling his early years of enjoying Nissin Foods’ Demae Iccho and Chicken Ramen during his high school entrance exam preparations.

As he steps into the role of Japan’s prime minister, Ishiba faces significant challenges, from navigating rising living costs to managing security tensions in East Asia. His plate will be full, leaving little time for his beloved hobbies. Yet, these interests—whether it’s assembling a plastic model late into the night or reminiscing about his first bullet train ride—offer a glimpse into the more human, relatable side of Japan’s next leader. And while his responsibilities may take precedence, it’s clear that Ishiba’s passion for plastic models, trains, and ramen will remain close to his heart.

Shigeru Ishiba’s unique blend of political acumen and heartfelt hobbies paints a picture of a leader who understands both the serious and the simple joys of life—a quality that may serve him well as he takes on the helm of Japan.

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In a bold move, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has released a video that shines a spotlight on its ongoing military strikes deep inside Lebanon, directly targeting Hezbollah’s covert weapons stash hidden within populated areas. This video, now widely circulated on social media, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter), reveals how Hezbollah has systematically embedded its terror network amidst civilian areas in southern Lebanon for over two decades.

“Hezbollah doesn’t want you to watch this video. And they really don’t want you to share it,” the IDF declared, as they sought to expose the militant group’s tactics of hiding weaponry within Lebanese homes. According to the IDF, these caches were strategically placed to launch future attacks on Israel, making southern Lebanon a de facto launchpad for hostile activities.

For Israel, the stakes are clear. “The IDF has launched a defensive operation against the Hezbollah terror organization by conducting precise, intelligence-based strikes on hundreds of Hezbollah targets,” an official IDF statement read. These operations aim to neutralize imminent threats from Hezbollah, which, according to Israeli intelligence, intended to use these very weapons to strike civilian homes in Israel.

This video release, however, serves more than just a military purpose. It comes at a time when international scrutiny over Israel’s operations in civilian-populated areas is mounting. By publicly sharing its rationale for the strikes, Israel seeks to preempt criticism and underscore the precision of its operations — ensuring that only Hezbollah targets are hit, not the civilian populace.

Today, in a significant escalation, Israel bombed a Hezbollah commander’s location in Beirut’s southern suburbs, marking the fourth such attack in a week. While details remain scarce, a security source close to Hezbollah confirmed the hit, highlighting that Israel’s military actions remain focused on Hezbollah leadership.

“Our goal is to make sure that Israeli families can safely and securely return to their homes,” said the IDF, reinforcing the broader mission behind these strikes: ensuring the safety of Israeli civilians by dismantling Hezbollah’s operational capacity in Lebanon.

As tensions in the region escalate, this video has become more than just a documentation of military operations; it is a direct appeal to the global audience, framing Israel’s actions as a necessary defensive measure against a looming terrorist threat.

With precision raids continuing in Beirut and beyond, Israel’s message is clear: the fight against Hezbollah will persist, and efforts to dismantle their networks—no matter how embedded in civilian areas—will continue until the threat is neutralized.

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The Indian stock market witnessed an extraordinary rally on Thursday, September 26, as both the Sensex and Nifty 50 surged to new all-time highs. With gains driven by heavyweight automakers and select index giants, the Sensex climbed nearly 0.8% to close at a record 85,836.12, while the Nifty 50 peaked at 26,250.90 before settling at 26,216.05, up 0.81%.

Among the biggest winners were auto giants like Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, and Tata Motors, with the Nifty Auto index jumping 2.26% and leading the day’s charge. At the same time, the BSE Midcap index held steady, and the BSE Smallcap index dipped slightly, reflecting the focus on large-cap stocks, which dominated trading activity. The total market capitalization of BSE-listed firms rose to ₹477 lakh crore, making investors ₹2 lakh crore richer in just one trading session.

A significant boost came from global cues, particularly China’s recent economic stimulus announcement. This move has revitalized investor sentiment, driving Asian markets higher and further lifting the Indian indices. “China’s stimulus has significantly enhanced investor confidence, creating strong positive momentum in global and Asian markets,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services. He added that expectations of a recovery in corporate earnings for H2FY25, backed by anticipated government spending, also contributed to the rally.

In addition to the auto sector, stocks in sectors like FMCG, banking, and metals performed well, with ITC, Reliance Industries, and Hindustan Unilever contributing significantly to Nifty’s gains. Notably, 257 stocks, including NTPC, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finserv, and Sun Pharma, hit their 52-week highs in intraday trading.

On the global front, European and Asian markets were buoyed by China’s economic measures, along with news of potential rate cuts in the U.S. These factors, coupled with falling bond yields in developed economies, added to the surge of optimism. “The Indian market is scaling new heights, anticipating a strong corporate earnings recovery in the second half of FY25,” added Nair.

Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP of Research at Mehta Equities, pointed out that the monthly derivatives expiry day also played a role in the stock market’s sharp climb. “Winding up of positions and positive cues from global markets triggered a sharp upsurge,” he explained, as both the Sensex and Nifty approach even higher milestones.

As investor optimism continues to rise, the Indian stock market stands strong, driven by large-cap stocks and favorable global conditions, offering hope for further growth in the coming months.

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Meta Platforms co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has officially entered the ultra-exclusive $200 billion club, solidifying his position as the third richest individual on the planet. According to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, Zuckerberg’s net worth surged to an impressive $200 billion this year, placing him in a league that includes only two other tech titans—Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Tesla’s Elon Musk.

The meteoric rise in Zuckerberg’s wealth can be attributed to the booming performance of Meta Platforms, formerly Facebook, alongside significant advancements in technologies like the Metaverse and artificial intelligence. His fortune has skyrocketed by a staggering $72.2 billion in 2024 alone, highlighting his renewed financial dominance.

While Zuckerberg’s rise is remarkable, he still trails behind Musk, who retains his spot as the richest person in the world with a net worth of $265 billion. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, follows closely behind Musk, with a fortune of $216 billion. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has also seen tremendous growth, with his wealth increasing by $58 billion this year, marking him as another formidable player in the world of tech-driven fortunes.

Zuckerberg’s reentry into the ranks of the world’s wealthiest has been fueled by Meta’s innovative ventures, including its shift towards virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, propelling the company into new domains beyond its social media origins. As Meta continues to expand its reach, Zuckerberg’s influence in shaping the future of technology remains stronger than ever.

His $200 billion milestone not only underscores his personal achievements but also reflects the ongoing influence of Silicon Valley’s elite on the global economy. With Meta’s ambitious projects on the horizon, the question remains—how much further can Zuckerberg’s wealth ascend?

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In a strategic push to solidify India’s position in the global technology arena, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-profile roundtable with leading technology CEOs in New York, spotlighting innovation, collaboration, and India’s expanding tech landscape. Held at the prestigious Lotte New York Palace Hotel and hosted by the MIT School of Engineering, the roundtable featured prominent figures from the worlds of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology.

CEOs in attendance included Sundar Pichai (Google), Jensen Huang (Nvidia), and Shantanu Narayen (Adobe), among others. The roundtable was part of PM Modi’s three-day visit to the United States, with its second leg in New York, and aimed to deepen ties between India and global tech giants. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi expressed his optimism, saying, “Had a fruitful roundtable with tech CEOs in New York, discussing aspects relating to technology, innovation, and more. Also highlighted the strides made by India in this field. I am glad to see immense optimism towards India.”

Focus on Cutting-Edge Technologies

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that the discussion revolved around critical sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, biotechnology, and semiconductor technologies. These rapidly evolving fields are poised to shape the future of global innovation, and the meeting provided an opportunity for the tech leaders to explore how they could contribute to the well-being of people worldwide, including in India.

PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to ‘AI for All’, emphasizing the nation’s focus on the ethical and responsible use of AI. He encouraged global tech companies to harness AI’s potential in creating solutions for development challenges, thereby revolutionizing the global economy and human progress. Additionally, the Prime Minister assured the CEOs that India is committed to protecting intellectual property and fostering an environment that encourages technology-led innovation.

India: The Emerging Tech Powerhouse

The conversation also shifted towards India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem, which has become a hub of technological innovation. With an eye on the future, PM Modi highlighted India’s potential to become the third-largest economy globally, urging American companies to capitalize on the country’s growth trajectory. He painted India as a fertile ground for technological collaboration, pointing out that the country’s startups are driving innovation and could serve as a bridge for American tech giants to enter the Indian market.

Strengthening U.S.-India Tech Partnerships

MIT Professor Anantha Chandrakasan, who chaired the session, echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, reaffirming MIT’s dedication to using technology for global good. He expressed optimism about the expanding collaboration between India and the United States in critical tech sectors. The meeting concluded with a shared vision for the future—one in which India and the world’s leading tech companies work hand-in-hand to solve the most pressing global challenges through technological innovation.

The roundtable marked another step forward in PM Modi’s efforts to position India as a leader in the global technology space, ensuring that the country not only keeps pace with but also drives the next wave of technological revolutions.

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In a landmark moment for Delhi’s political landscape, Atishi, a prominent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi. At 42, she becomes the youngest leader to hold the capital’s top post, succeeding Arvind Kejriwal, who resigned following his release on bail in the Delhi liquor policy case.

A Historic Rise to the Top

Atishi’s political journey has been remarkable. Joining AAP in 2013, she initially worked behind the scenes, shaping the revolutionary education policies that brought national attention to Delhi’s public schooling system. It wasn’t until 2019, when she contested the Lok Sabha elections from East Delhi, that she began her journey into electoral politics. Despite losing that race, her consistent and impactful contributions to governance secured her a place in Kejriwal’s cabinet, especially during testing times after Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s arrest in 2023.

Atishi’s Challenges Ahead

Stepping into the Chief Minister’s role just months before the 2024 Delhi Assembly election, Atishi is tasked with fast-tracking crucial policies and welfare programs. Among the top priorities are the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, aimed at empowering women, Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, and the doorstep delivery of government services. Her leadership will be pivotal in ensuring these schemes are successfully implemented to meet the public’s expectations.

A Diverse Team in the Cabinet

Joining Atishi in the cabinet are well-known faces like Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Imran Hussain, and Saurabh Bharadwaj, alongside newcomer Mukesh Ahlawat, an MLA from Sultanpur Majra. This blend of experience and fresh perspectives is expected to guide Delhi through the coming months as the government focuses on public welfare and rebuilding public trust.

A Low-Key Oath Ceremony, But A Determined Spirit

Although the oath-taking ceremony was a muted affair, the significance of the moment was undeniable. The AAP, still reeling from Kejriwal’s resignation, displayed a quiet resilience. In her address, Atishi paid homage to her predecessor, lauding him for his empathetic governance and promising to continue his legacy of people-centric policies.

“It is an emotional moment for me as Arvind Kejriwal will no longer be the Chief Minister. His work for the poor, the students, and women of Delhi stands unmatched,” she said during her speech. Atishi also issued a strong statement of intent, vowing not to allow any “conspiracy by the BJP” to undermine the AAP’s governance in Delhi.

A New Chapter in Delhi Politics

Atishi’s elevation marks the beginning of a new era in Delhi’s political narrative. As the third woman to hold the Chief Minister’s office, following in the footsteps of Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit, she stands at the helm of a government known for its disruptive governance model. Her challenge now lies in retaining the trust of Delhi’s voters and ensuring that AAP’s transformative agenda continues to thrive.

As Atishi steps into this pivotal role, all eyes will be on her leadership to steer Delhi through this challenging period, ensuring that the city’s vibrant democracy continues to flourish.

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Chennai – India has found its foothold on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh, thanks to a resilient partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. After being reduced to 6 wickets down, the pair formed a century-plus partnership, guiding India beyond the 300-run mark in the final session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Ashwin, nearing his well-deserved century, showcased his classic technique and temperament, while Jadeja provided able support with a timely half-century. Their partnership has firmly put India in a commanding position after Bangladesh, having won the toss, opted to bowl first. Early breakthroughs from the Bangladesh bowling attack had put India on the back foot, but Ashwin and Jadeja’s resolve shifted the momentum.

As the final overs of Day 1 approach, India looks to capitalize on this partnership, while Bangladesh will be eager to break through and wrap up the tail before Ashwin can reach his century. The balance of the match now hinges on how both teams approach the next session.

Stay tuned as the action unfolds on Day 2 of this gripping Test match in Chennai.

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In a recent campaign event on September 17, 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines with his candid remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state of U.S.-India trade relations. Trump’s comments, delivered in Flint, Michigan, revealed a blend of admiration and criticism that underscores the complex nature of the two nations’ diplomatic and economic interactions.

Trump’s Affectionate Yet Critical Remarks

At the heart of Trump’s speech was a dichotomy of praise and reproach. While Trump described Modi as a “fantastic” leader, he did not shy away from expressing his grievances about India’s trade practices. Trump characterized India as a “very big abuser” in the context of the U.S.-India trade relationship. His remarks suggest a nuanced view of Modi, acknowledging the Indian leader’s stature while expressing frustration over trade disparities.

Trump’s directness in addressing trade issues was evident as he remarked, “A lot of these leaders are fantastic … They’re not a little bit backward. You know the expression, they’re at the top of their game and they use it against us. But India is very tough, Brazil is very tough. I can tell you, every one.” This pointed criticism highlights ongoing tensions in international trade negotiations.

The Modi-Trump Connection

The relationship between Trump and Modi has been marked by a notable degree of warmth and public display of camaraderie. During Modi’s visit to the U.S. in 2020, the “Howdy, Modi!” rally in Texas saw over 50,000 attendees and was a testament to the positive rapport between the two leaders. Similarly, Trump’s visit to India was marked by a grand event in Ahmedabad, which coincided with the inauguration of the world’s largest cricket stadium.

Despite these displays of mutual respect, Trump’s recent comments reflect a shift in tone. The former President’s upcoming meeting with Modi, scheduled for next week, is anticipated to be a focal point for further discussions on trade and diplomatic strategies.

Implications for U.S.-India Relations

Trump’s comments underscore the complexities of U.S.-India relations, particularly in the realm of trade. While personal diplomacy between leaders can facilitate cooperation, underlying issues such as trade imbalances and economic disagreements continue to influence their interactions. As Trump prepares to meet Modi, the outcome of their discussions could have significant implications for future trade policies and diplomatic engagements between the two countries.

In summary, Trump’s remarks highlight the balancing act of international diplomacy—where personal relations between leaders are juxtaposed against broader national interests and policy disagreements. As the world watches, the forthcoming meeting between Trump and Modi will be closely scrutinized for signals of how these dynamic relations will evolve.

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New Delhi, 17th September 2024 – The World Environment Council (WEC) and AMU Consulting LLC have officially signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development, promotion, and delivery of globally accredited educational courses and certification programs. The MoU signing took place on the 2nd Floor, Conference Hall, Regal Building, Connaught Place, New Delhi, with key attendees including Mr. Puneet, Munkhzul, Dr. Sugarbayar, and Prashant.

Under the terms of the MoU, both organizations will jointly offer programs such as ESG Reporting, ESG Auditing, Eco-Certification, and Green Certification, catering to growing global demand for expertise in sustainability and environmental management. With WEC providing content, materials, and accreditation, and AMU focusing on local promotion and management.

WEC’s ESG Reporting Course Led by Prof. Ganesh Channa Receives Global Recognition, The World Environment Council (WEC), under the visionary leadership of Prof. Ganesh Channa, President of WEC, has successfully conducted multiple batches of its flagship ESG Reporting Course. With participants from across the globe, the course has garnered widespread praise for its comprehensive approach to sustainability reporting, facilitated by a dedicated team of experts, including Mr. Puneet and Mr. Shrivastav Sir, both esteemed faculty members at WEC.

During the signing of a landmark MoU between WEC and AMU Consulting LLC, discussions focused on the next phase of educational initiatives, including the upcoming ECO-Green Certification by WEC. This new certification aims to further expand WEC’s global footprint and promote environmental excellence. The collaboration signifies WEC’s commitment to launching future projects that will be executed globally, enhancing sustainability practices worldwide.

This collaboration is set to elevate the global standards of ESG education and foster environmental sustainability across regions.

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Jio users across India experienced a widespread network outage on September 17, 2024, leaving many unable to make calls, access mobile internet, or use JioFiber services. The outage, which quickly became a trending topic on social media, triggered frustration and humor alike, as users took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their discontent under the hashtag #JioDown.

Sudden Surge in Reports

The website Down Detector, which tracks real-time service interruptions, saw a significant spike in outage reports from Jio users. At 12:18 PM, the platform registered 10,367 reports of network issues, compared to a mere 653 reports just over an hour earlier. According to the data, 68% of the complaints were related to users experiencing “No Signal”, while 18% were linked to problems with mobile internet, and another 14% affected JioFiber services.

In stark contrast, other Indian telecom giants like Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and BSNL appeared to be functioning normally, as there was no notable surge in problem reports from their users, according to the same tracking website.

Social Media Flooded with Complaints

As users realized the scale of the outage, social media platforms quickly became flooded with messages directed at Jio’s official accounts. Some vented their frustration over being unable to make calls or send messages, while others pointed out the irony of being disconnected in a country where Jio is seen as one of the most reliable networks.

One user complained, “Pathetic network Jio, all we see is network outage. Why is this happening so frequently? #JioDown,” while another humorously remarked, “Vodafone and Airtel users laughing in the corner #JioDown.”

A particularly humorous take came from a user who quipped, “Mukesh Ambani naraz hain #JioDown #JioOutage,” reflecting the public’s familiarity with the Jio brand and its founder.

Jio’s Response Awaited

As the network disruption persisted for over an hour, many users began speculating whether the company was actively addressing the issue. Some users shared their frustration directly with Jio’s official X account, stating, “Jio appears to be facing an outage, even their recharge systems/portals are down. Has anyone begun working to resolve the issue?

Broader Impact

With Jio’s expansive user base across India, the outage affected a large number of people, disrupting daily routines and work for many. As one of the biggest telecom providers in the country, Jio’s outages often create a significant ripple effect, affecting communication, business operations, and connectivity for millions.

What’s Next?

As of now, there has been no official statement from Jio addressing the cause of the outage or its resolution timeline. However, with frustration mounting and users eagerly awaiting updates, all eyes remain on Jio’s next move to restore services. While this incident has sparked humor on social media, it also highlights the importance of uninterrupted digital services in today’s hyper-connected world.

As India continues to rely heavily on telecommunications for business and personal communication, this outage serves as a reminder of how integral these services have become—and how disruptions, however brief, can lead to widespread inconvenience.

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