Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement, coinciding with the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, to showcase only indigenous Indian dog breeds at the upcoming National Unity Day Parade highlights the country's reliance on self-sustained K9 forces. The Ekta Diwas Samaroh celebrated India's diversity and unity, while PM Modi emphasized the significant role of indigenous dog breeds in Indian military and cultural traditions. With the current population of 150 Indian breeds deployed in strategic areas, the initiative, which gained momentum after PM Modi's visit to the BSF National Dog Training Centre in 2018, showcases the agility, stamina, and adaptability of these breeds in diverse terrains and climates.
The Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025, organized in New Delhi, has gathered delegates from over 80 nations, aiming to boost India's rice export share from 40% to 60%. IREF National President Prem Garg highlighted the need for increased export to benefit Indian farmers and declared the rice industry to be self-sufficient. The event, with participation from farmers, diplomats, and exporters, also emphasizes on banning pesticides and government support with ports and logistics to further boost the industry.
A young Australian expressed their difficulty in managing their finances and confessed to spending a whopping $994 on eating out in a month. Seeking advice from Reddit users, they revealed a pricey morning routine that contributed to their high expenses. Despite also spending on family meals, the important takeaway is that they acknowledged the need for budgeting and were open to learning from others' financial wisdom.
Nvidia, the Silicon Valley titan, has broken yet another market record by becoming the first company to reach a staggering $5 trillion valuation. The remarkable achievement highlights the profound impact of the company's AI chips in driving the ongoing AI revolution. However, concerns have been raised about inflated tech valuations, with the IMF warning of a possible "AI bubble." As Nvidia continues to expand globally and diversify its offerings, it remains to be seen if it can sustain its unprecedented growth.
The Federal Reserve announced a quarter point rate cut, bringing the benchmark interest rate down to a range of 3.75% to 4%. While some economists predict another cut in December, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that a third consecutive reduction is not guaranteed. The decision was made amid the ongoing government shutdown, causing policymakers to rely on private sector indicators for their decision. This move signals the Fed's greater concern about a cooling job market than lingering inflation. With 10 out of 12 members voting in favor of the action, the outcome of the meeting showcased deep division.
Father Muller Charitable Institutions, led by director Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, has taken a big step towards progress and excellence by inaugurating and blessing four modern classrooms for the students of Father Muller College of Physiotherapy and Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences. The ceremony, attended by management committee members, faculty, and staff, also saw the presence of respected individuals like Dr Michael Santhumayor and Fr George Jeevan Sequeira. These new additions are a testament to FMCI's commitment to providing top-quality education to its students.
The US Federal Reserve made the decision to reduce its key interest rates for the second time in a row, bringing it down to 3.75%-4.00%. The rate cut was approved by a 10-2 majority vote, with two dissenters who wanted a steeper cut or no cut at all. The Fed also announced that it will stop the reduction of its asset holdings from December 1, but did not provide any indication of its plans for the next meeting in December.
Traditional performance reviews often lack the necessary information and structure to be truly helpful. Lark Base, a project management tool, aims to change this by centralizing performance data into one source of truth. This not only allows for more accurate and comprehensive reviews, but also enables managers to track and improve client-facing projects and employee milestones. Additionally, Lark Messenger promotes a culture of constant feedback by making communication structured, easy to find, and tied to actionable items. With Lark Base and Messenger, performance reviews become more meaningful and effective for both employees and managers.
In a significant development for India's aviation industry, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an MoU with Russia's PJSC-UAC to manufacture the SJ-100 aircraft domestically. This marks the country's first full passenger aircraft production in over three decades and is seen as a major step towards achieving self-reliance in the civil aviation sector. With an expected demand for over 200 jets in the coming years, this partnership is crucial for strengthening regional connectivity and boosting the domestic manufacturing economy.
The Union Cabinet has approved the Terms of Reference for the 8th Central Pay Commission, which will revise salaries and benefits for central government employees and pensioners. The commission is expected to submit its recommendations in 18 months, following extensive consultations with various stakeholders. The recommendations are expected to be implemented from January 1, 2026.