Amitabh Bachchan says, learning never stops, but outsourcing is the way forward

(Photo : IANS/File)

Mumbai, Megastar Amitabh Bachchan reflected on learning, time, and the rapidly changing nature of work, saying that while every day brings a new lesson, the pace of innovation today often makes it difficult to keep up as one grows older.

Taking to his blog, Big B shared his thought that there is often a sense of regret that certain things could not have been learned years ago.

“Each day is a learning .. and the regret is that what needs to be learnt should have been learnt many many years ago .. the regret is more because what is being learnt now did not exist then .. and now the desire and effort and energy to learn diminishes - with time and age ..”

The star observed that inventions and new systems evolve so rapidly that by the time one begins to understand them, time has already moved on.

“The speed of inventions and fresh new systems is so rapid that , by the the time you are beginning to learn it time has passed (sic).”

Drawing from recent meetings, he said the key takeaway was to get the basics right and then rely on the best and most skilled recent talents to carry the work forward.

He added: “So the take away today from several meetings is to get the basics in place and then hire the best recent talents and experts to carry out the job .. and job done (sic).”

“If you are unaware or not qualified to accomplish a given job .. no issue .. you accept it .. then hire it out to experts of choice and get it done .. the job accepted .. hired out .. and done .. rather than NOT take up a job, because you do NOT know it, but take it and get it done through a hiring process .. yes you employ or deploy the talent , at a cost , but better to do that than not accdept the job in the first place because you are not qualified for it ..”

Calling it a slightly complicated process, Bachchan said clarity eventually comes with time. He concluded by identifying the right term for this approach, outsourcing, where experts handle the work for a fee, while one retains control of the larger project.

“A bit complicated all this .. but in time it all falls into place .. aahh .. got the right expression and word that I was struggling with .. its called OUTSOURCING .. or you OUTSOURCE .. the expert or the knowledged do the work at a fee .. you maintain the job .. but outsourced to the more proficient .. the larger percentage of the commercial remains with you ..”

“The cost of outsourcing , being the commercial consideration that you are deployed with ..(sic)”

“YES .. finally understood .. in my time .. if you did not know the job, you regretted and did not or could not do it .. but now you take up the job, and get it done through OUTSOURCING (sic).”

Expressing relief at finally finding the right word, the veteran actor added that modern tools like ChatGPT make finding such answers quicker and easier than ever before.He concluded: “Oh boy what a relief to have got the term right .. and guess what .. put up the issue on ChatGPT, and within a few seconds the response was before you .. BAADUMBAAA !!!! (sic).” Amitabh Bachchan says, learning never stops, but outsourcing is the way forward | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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Hema Malini shares more ‘treasured photos’ with Dharmendra: My emotions are unfolding


(Photo: Hema Malini/Instagram) IANS

Mumbai, (IANS) Actress-politician Hema Malini on Friday shared another set of personal photographs with late star Dharmendra, calling them “treasured” moments from their family archives. She added that the photographs had never been published before, and revisiting them brought back a wave of emotions.

Hema took to Instagram on Friday morning, where she shared a slew of images featuring her posing with Dharmendra. Some photos even had their daughters Ahana and Esha flashing a smile as the got clicked with their father.

Posting the pictures on social media, she wrote that it may seem like an overload, but each frame holds a special place in her heart. The collection captures warm, candid glimpses of the family over the years.

“Some lovely family moments… simply treasured photos. I know it is a surfeit of photos but these have not been published and my emotions are unfolding as I see these. #memories #family #moments,” Hema wrote as the caption.

On November 27, Hema Malini expressed grief over the passing of her husband and legendary actor Dharmendra, sharing an emotional tribute to the superstar, whom she said was "everything to her.”

Taking to X, formerly called Twitter, Hema, broke her silence and penned an emotional note. In the heartfelt message, she described Dharmendra as “many things to me”, “my ‘go-to’ person” and “was everything to me.”

She wrote in the note: “Dharam ji. He was many things to me. Loving Husband, adoring Father of our two girls, Esha & Ahaana, Friend, Philosopher, Guide, Poet, my ‘go to’ person in all times of need - in fact, he was everything to me! And always has been through good times and bad. He endeared himself to all my family members with his easy, friendly ways, always showing affection and interest in all of them.”

“As a public personality, his talent, his humility in spite of his popularity, and his universal appeal set him apart as a unique icon unequalled among all the legends. His enduring fame and achievements in the film industry will last forever.”

Talking about her personal loss, she said: My personal loss is indescribable and the vacuum created is something that will last through the rest of my life.After years of togetherness, I am left with myriad memories to relive the many special moments…”

Dharmendra breathed his last on November 24. He had been hospitalised at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital after reportedly complaining of breathlessness. After getting the necessary treatment, he was discharged on November 12 and continued his recovery at home.On the professional front, Dharmendra will be seen posthumously in the movie 'Ikkis', directed by ace director Sriram Raghavan. It also stars Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia. The movie is a war drama based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient. aHema Malini shares more ‘treasured photos’ with Dharmendra: My emotions are unfolding | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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The Greatest, the Baddest and the best: Six undisputed heavyweight champions

RIYADH - Victory for either Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury on Saturday will create the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the world in 24 years.

The ever-bubbling alphabet soup of boxing sanctioning bodies -- a winner in Riyadh would become the first four-belt heavyweight champion -- means that becoming, and remaining, undisputed champion requires not just skill and toughness in the ring, but acumen outside it.

A winner will join a select group. Here AFP Sport picks six of the undisputed best.

Jack Dempsey (Undisputed champion from Jan 1921 to Sept 1926, 3 defences)

OFF/AFP | -

The hard-hitting and aggressive Jack Dempsey became the first official world champion at the start of 1921 when the American National Boxing Association and the powerful New York State Athletic Commission agreed to recognise a world champion.

The "Manassa Mauler", with a right nicknamed "Iron Mike" and a left hook dubbed "Big Bertha" had become 'lineal' world champion, in boxing parlance "Beating The Man to become The Man" when he bludgeoned Jess Willard in 1919.

But the newly-minted official status helped turn his first sanctioned defence, against Frenchman Georges Carpentier, into the first "million-dollar fight".

He defended his title twice more, before losing twice to Gene Tunney and retiring.

Joe Louis (June 1937 to March 1949, 26 defences)

ACME/AFP | -

After the first African American heavyweight champion, Jack Johnson lost to Willard in 1915, no black boxer fought for the title until 1937, because Joe Louis, who had just lost to Max Schmeling was a more palatable challenger for Cinderella Man James Braddock's title than the German.

Louis knocked out Braddock to claim a title he held for record 26 defences over more than 12 years.

The most famous was the first-round revenge demolition of Schmeling at Yankee Stadium in 1938.

Louis was smart, calm, technically sound, and packed a ferocious punch.

"Everyone has a plan until they've been hit," he said.

Rocky Marciano (Sept 1952 to April 1956, 6 defences)

AFP | STAFF

After war service, an undistinguished amateur career and a baseball tryout with the Chicago Cubs, the boxer, who changed his name from Rocco Marchegiano, turned professional just before his 25th birthday in 1948.

He fought 49 times as a pro, winning every fight, 43 of them by knockout. Only 5-foot-10, Marciano was relentless, resilient and a thunderous puncher.

He was 29 when he got his title shot, flooring Jersey Joe Walcott in the last round with a straight right: his "Suzie Q".

Having pummelled an ageing Louis on his way up, knocked out the 39-year-old Walcott in the first round of their rematch, Marciano quit for good at 32 after stopping 42-year-old Archie Moore.

Muhammad Ali (Feb to Sept 1964, Feb to April 1967, Oct 1974 to Feb 1978, 10 unified defences)

The Greatest only fails to match Louis for total defences because he was effectively banned from boxing from March 1967 to October 1970, for his opposition to the military draft.

The Louisville Lip, who later declared "I'm so mean, I make medicine sick", had already upset the American establishment by changing his "white man's name", Cassius Clay.

After toppling Sonny Liston to win the title at 22 in 1962, he lost his undisputed status for taking a rematch with Liston.

Ali defended his remaining titles seven times, before reunifying the division in 1966 against Ernie Terrell.

At 25 he was banned. Ali was 29 by the time he got his crack at regaining his world titles, against Joe Frazier in 1971, but suffered his first loss.


It took until 1974, and his victory over George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle", a fight that highlighted Ali's craft, cunning and courage, to reclaim his crowns.

He lost his titles to Leon Spinks in 1978, won some of them back in a rematch seven months later, but, aged 38, lost a reunification bout to Larry Holmes in 1980.

By then Ali had won over all but his most determined critics.

Joe Frazier (Feb 1970 to Jan 1973, 4 defences)

AFP | -

Joe Frazier's often electrifying trilogy against Ali was boxing box office as two greats, with contrasting styles and personalities and opposing political views went toe-to-toe.

"Smokin' Joe" preferred close-quarters attack, but his constant bobbing made him hard to hit. In their opener, "The Fight of the Century" – a gruelling 15-rounder - he decked Ali with the devastating left hook he called his "heat-seeking missile".

By the rematch in 1974, George Foreman had taken Frazier's title. Ali not only floated like a butterfly but clinched like a crab and won on points.

In the 1975 "Thrilla in Manilla" Ali unleashed a merciless barrage in the 13th. The referee stopped the fight in the next round. Frazier, 30 at the time of that bout, only fought twice more.

Mike Tyson (Aug 1987 to Feb 1990, 6 defences)

AFP | Carlos SCHIEBECK

By the time he was 13, Mike Tyson had been arrested 38 times.

In 1986, at the age of 20 years and 4 months, he was the youngest heavyweight champion in history. Even though he was only 5-foot-10 his approach was vicious intimidation.

He won his first 19 professional fights by knockout. Smart but troubled, his wild lifestyle took a toll.

He was ambushed by Buster Douglas in 1990.

Although he regained two belts in 1996, he immediately lost to Evander Holyfield.

At his brief, snarling, sneering peak, Tyson lived up to his billing as the "baddest man on the planet". by Peter Berlin. The Greatest, the Baddest and the best: Six undisputed heavyweight champions
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Roger Federer bids adieu: It has been a perfect journey, I would do it all over again

Swiss maestro Roger Federer termed his glittering career "perfect journey" after he bid adieu to competitive tennis following his last dance at the Laver Cup. Federer played his last match alongside longtime on-court rival Rafael Nadal in a doubles event at the O2 Arena in London. Representing Team Europe, the duo, often called as 'Fedal', lost to Team World's Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 6(2)-7, 9-11 on Friday (September 23). The result, however, didn't matter as the occasion was all about the retirement of one of the greatest players who served tennis. And for Federer, it was indeed a wonderful day. "It's been a perfect journey," Federer said in his on-court interview. "I would do it all over again." "We will get through this somehow - will we, right? Look, it has been a wonderful day. I told the guys I am happy. I am not sad. So it feels great to be here. "And, of course, playing with Rafa on the same team and having the guys, everybody here, all the legends, Rocket (Rod Laver), Edberg, Stefan, thank you. I am so happy I made it through and the match was great. I could not be happier. So it has been wonderful." Plenty of tears followed the match, with Federer hugging Nadal and opponents Sock and Tiafoe. The scenes were full of affection as the crowd clapped for Federer from the stands. Federer's family, including wife Mirka, four kids and parents, joined the legendary player on the court afterward. Although the match was a bitter-sweet affair, the farewell was nothing short of a fairytale as Federer's teammates and opponents carried him in the air to celebrate his contribution. The 20-time major singles champion last week announced that he would retire at the three-day Laver Cup. Federer then confirmed that the doubles match alongside Nadal would be his final match. Copyright © Jammu Links News Source: Jammu Links News
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Lt Governor pays tributes to Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his Birth Anniversary


DEC 25, 2020 JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha paid tributes to former Prime Minister, Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary. "Atal Ji was a distinguished statesman, cherished leader, prolific poet, and a social reformer who deeply enriched the Indian political space and contributed immensely to our Nation's progress. The country also remembers 25th December as Good Governance Day to honour Atal Ji. We must pledge to devote ourselves to this cause", said the Lt Governor. The Lt Governor observed that the former Prime Minister made a significant mark as a political figure in our nation's history with his incredible intellect, fairness, and modesty. "He was a stalwart loved and respected across all sections of society. His great wisdom and faith in the power of democracy will continue to guide our future generations", the Lt Governor added. Copyright © Jammu Links News, Source: http://www.jammulinksnews.com/

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Micheal Jackson’s Neverland sold to his ex-friend for $22m

Micheal Jackson’s residence The Neverland has been sold for $22m to his former friend Ron Burkle; Photo: Collected

Micheal Jackson’s residence The Neverland has reportedly been sold to a billionaire for a quarter of its initial asking price.

“Ron Burkle, a former friend of Jackson, recently bought the estate in Los Olivos, California,” Burkle’s spokesman said.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Ron Burkle paid $22m for Neverland. The 2,700-acre (1,100 hectares) estate was first listed for $100m in 2015.

Since then Neverland, north of Santa Barbara city, has been on and off the market, listed most recently last year for the lower price of $31m, BBC reported. 

Micheal Jackson bought the estate for about $19.5m in 1987 and named as ‘Neverland’ - named after a fictional island where children never grow up in ‎JM Barrie's Peter Pan story.

He later turned the compound into an entertainment complex, building a zoo and playground on-site, where he regularly entertained children and their families.

However, Neverland became the center of various investigations into child sexual assault allegations against Jackson in the 1990s and 2000s, but he denied the allegations. In 2005, he acquitted of allegations of abusing a 13-year-old boy at the estate.

After that, Micheal Jackson never returned to Neverland and died at another home in Los Angeles in June 2009 after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Since his death, Neverland has been rebranded as Sycamore Valley Ranch and has undergone extensive redevelopment.

Burkle’s spokesman said the businessman saw the investment as a “land banking opportunity.”

Ron Burkle, 68, a co-founder and managing partner of Yucaipa Companies, LLC, a private investment firm. His net worth as of 24 December 2020 was estimated to be $1.4bn, according to business magazine Forbes.

Source: BBC, Wall Street Journal, ForbesDailyBangladesh/AS Source: https://www.daily-bangladesh.com
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Trump pardons 15 including 2 former aides



Before stepping down, incumbent United States President Donald Trump pardoned 15 people, including two of his former aides, in the executive power of the presidency.

Among those who received special pardons are the two former Republican lawmakers, including George Papadopoulos, a former adviser to his campaign camp, and attorney Alex van der Zwaan, the BBC reported.

The Republican president also pardoned four security guards involved in the 2007 Iraq genocide.

Trump is expected to pardon many more before leaving the White House on January 20. Outgoing presidents in the United States usually pardon many who have been convicted of less serious crimes before leaving office.

George Papadopoulos and Alex van der Zwaan have already served most of their sentences.

Papadopoulos was convicted of lying to the FBI about meeting two people with ties to Russia during the 2016 election campaign. He told investigators he met the two men “before” working for Trump. In fact, he met “shortly after” he started working for Trump’s team.

Papadopoulos was the first of Trump’s former aides to be arrested during Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe.

Trump has repeatedly called Mueller’s investigation a “hoax” during his tenure. US Justice Department officials said in a statement after Mueller’s investigation that “there was no evidence” that Trump’s camp was colluding with Russia.

The White House said in a statement that Trump’s apology would help correct the mistakes made by Mueller’s investigation team.The Republican president also pardoned two former lawmakers, Chris Collins and Duncan Hunter, who were convicted that day. Last month, Trump also pardoned former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn in his power of the presidency. Source: https://www.daily-bangladesh.com/
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Biden-Kamala named Time’s Person of the Year


Newly elected United States President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris have been named 2020’s Person of the Year in the influential US magazine Time.
According to the US media CNN, Time magazine jointly announced the names of the two as the best personalities of 2020 on Thursday evening local time.

Front fighters in the Covid-19 fight include doctors, nurses, delivery boys, store workers, emergency services personnel and others who have worked at risk during the epidemic, as well as immunologist Anthony Fauci, a key member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, were in the possible discussion for the recognition of the Time magazine this year.

The Anti-Apartheid Movement across the United States and President Donald Trump were also shortlisted. Biden and Kamala were also on the list. 

However, Biden was elected the Person of the Year after defeating incumbent President Donald Trump in the US election. Kamala has also been given this honor along with him. She is the first woman in US history and the first vice president of African descent.

The COVID Fighters was ahead as the best of the year in the readers’ vote. However, in the eyes of Time, the names of Biden and Kamala came up for this recognition.

Time magazine published a list of the most discussed and important persons of the year in their final edition. In that edition, reports or biographies of one or more individuals, groups, organizations, doctrines or events are presented. The US magazine has been promoting Person of the Year since 1927. Charles Lindbergh of the United States was the first to receive this recognition. He was a pilot, engineer and Pulitzer Prize winner. Source: https://www.daily-bangladesh.com
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Japan PM Shinzo Abe in hospital


Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe entered a hospital for a medical check-up on Monday, Reuters News Agency reported, citing a government source.

The news came out after a top official voiced concern the premier was suffering from fatigue because of his workload during the coronavirus pandemic.

The 65-year-old plans to return home later on Monday after the examination at Tokyo's Keio University Hospital, the source familiar with the situation told Reuters.

The reason for the check-up was not immediately clear. News of Abe's health comes as the country reported its sharpest economic decline due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kyodo News said it was a regular check-up, citing people near to the prime minister, while Nippon TV quoted government sources as saying it was not a worrying situation.

Abe gets a regular check-up twice a year, with his most recent on June 13, said Kyodo, adding that Monday's visit was a follow-up to the June check-up, citing a hospital source.

Abe's office did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.

The news follows weekend comments by Akira Amari, chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's tax panel, that Abe, Japan's longest-serving prime minister, could be suffering from fatigue because of his continuous work over the response to the virus. - Reuters Source: https://www.daily-bangladesh.com
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Amit Shah admitted to hospital again


India's Home Minister Amit Shah has once again been admitted to hospital. 

After complaining of severe respiratory problem, he has been admitted at the government-run All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi on Monday night, days after he recovered from coronavirus.

Time of India reported that a team of doctors led by AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria is monitoring his condition. He discharged from hospital on Friday. 

In a medical bulletin, AIIMS said that Amit Shah has been complaining of fatigue and body aches for the past 3-4 days. He is comfortable and continuing his work from the hospital.

On Friday, Amit Shah had tested negative for coronavirus. After getting released from the hospital, he was on home isolation. Source: https://www.daily-bangladesh.com/
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Pranab Mukherjee’s health condition unchanged

The health condition of India’s former President Pranab Mukherjee has remained unchanged. He is still in ventilator support.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Army Research and Referral Hospital said, “There is no change in the medical condition of Pranab Mukherjee. He continues to be in ventilator support and his vital parameter are stable.”

The 84-year-old former president of India was admitted to the hospital in Delhi Cantonment on August 10 and underwent emergency surgery to remove a brain blood clot.

He has been in a coma ever since. He also tested positive for Covid-19. Source: https://www.daily-bangladesh.com/
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Elon Musk becomes world`s fourth-richest person

Elon Musk's financial upswing shows no signs of slowing but increasing day by day. The outspoken South African entrepreneur is now the world's fourth-richest person after Tesla Inc. shares surged 11% on Monday, closing at a record high and boosting Musk's net worth by $7.8 billion.

The rise vaulted the Tesla co-founder past French luxury tycoon Bernard Arnault, the wealthiest non-American on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Musk's $84.8 billion fortune puts him within $15 billion of Mark Zuckerberg, number three on the ranking of the world's 500 richest people.

Monday's Tesla rally is just the latest triumph for the billionaire who only two years ago was sued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and had to resign as chairman of the electric car maker over rogue tweets. Tesla shares are up 339% this year, fueled by growing anticipation that the company will be included in the S&P 500 Index.

Musk's Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, is poised to potentially pad his fortune further.

The company is close to finalizing $2 billion in new funding that would increase its equity valuation to $46 billion, Bloomberg reported last week.

Musk's fortune has grown by $57.2 billion this year, the second-biggest increase on the index. Amazon.com Inc. founder Jeff Bezos is this year's biggest gainer, up $73 billion. Source: https://www.daily-bangladesh.com
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Indian cricketing legend M S Dhoni bids adieu to international cricket


Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni - considered a cricketing legend because of his exploits on the world of international cricket for 16 years - has announced his retirement in an Instagram post.

Dhoni posted a video montage with pictures at different points of his career along with a terse caption: "Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired (sic)."

The two-time World Cup-winning skipper didn't give details of the development as to whether he is retiring from the game entirely or if he is only bowing out from international cricket.

Dhoni is currently part of the Chennai Super Kings training camp at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and is expected to lead the team in the 2020 season of the Indian Premier League which is set to start on September 19.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan had recently said that the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman would be a part of the franchise, even for the 2021 and 2022 editions of the IPL.

Dhoni's last appearance in India's blue jersey came in India's semi-final defeat to New Zealand at the 2019 World Cup after which he took a break from professional cricket. In this time, Rishabh Pant and later K L Rahul took his place as wicketkeeper of the Indian limited-overs side.

Earlier, head coach Ravi Shastri had said that Dhoni's chances to make it to the Indian team that goes to the 2020 T20 World Cup -- originally scheduled to be held in Australia in October-November this year -- would depend on his performance in the IPL. However, both the IPL and the T20 World Cup were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Considered one of the most successful captains of all time in international cricket, Dhoni led the Indian team to victory in the 2007 World T20, which was also his first assignment as skipper of the team in any format, the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.

As Test captain, he also led the team to the numero uno spot in the ICC rankings for the first time ever in 2009. He is also the only captain to win all three ICC trophies. He has also led India to victories in the Asia Cup in 2010 and 2016.

Dhoni also holds the record for most wins as an Indian captain in ODIs and T20Is, and most back-to-back wins by an Indian captain in ODIs.

He made his international debut in an ODI against Bangladesh in December 2004 and made his Test debut a year later against Sri Lanka. He amassed 10,773 runs in 350 ODIs and 1,617 runs in 98 T20Is. The wicketkeeper-batsman also has 229 ODI sixes - the most for an Indian batsman.

Dhoni had retired from Test cricket on December 30, 2014 and in the longest format of the game, he played 90 matches and scored 4,876 runs at an average of 38.09.(IANS)

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Modi government's Vision 2022 to make India poverty, corruption-free



The Modi government is pursuing big goals to mark the 75th anniversary of independence in 2022. The government has prepared a vision document through which it aims to make a New India by 2022 by eradicating poverty and corruption. It plans to achieve this goal through inclusive and sustainable development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year said that celebration of 75th Independence day in 2022 will mark the celebration of the dream of New India in a unique way. The Vision document for 2024 prepared by Ministry of Rural Development envisages several big goals.

According to the New India Strategy column of the Vision document, the Modi government has set a big goal to eradicate poverty by 2022. The vision document prepared by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Rural Development states that India has succeeded in finding a solution to the problem of poverty.

Under the New India 2022 strategy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims for balanced development of all sectors, recognising the challenges of development. The government is emphasizing on inclusive development. There is a special focus on the development of rural areas. The main objective is to reduce poverty. Everyone will be given a home by 2022. Poverty will be eradicated by strengthening sectors like electricity, drinking water, health, education etc. in villages. Special attention will be given to economic and social development.

The document also states that basic needs will be identified in the villages. Facilities will be increased to improve living. The focus will be on increasing employment by developing rural basic resources and women empowerment. Training and capacity development programs will be conducted in the villages.

The vision document aims of changing the lifestyle of people living in villages by 2022 through Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana, National Livelihood Mission, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, MNREGA, Skill Development Program, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban Mission, National Social Assistance Program, etc.

Sources in the Ministry of Rural Development told IANS that under the mission of New India 2022, work is going on with a focus on a dozen of targets. The government is focussing on education, skill development, bank credit, water conservation, health and nutrition, electricity, housing, ODF, waste disposal, road, internet, LPG, DBT, social protection of elderly, widows, disabled, sports, youth club, non-agricultural activities in rural areas.

Union Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar stated in the vision document, "The ministry is dedicated to meet the goals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's New India 2022. The aim is of economic development by increasing livelihood opportunities in agriculture and non-agriculture sector, improving road connectivity, improving supply chain, providing houses, electricity and education to all. The Vision document contains all the goals of development of rural India."

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Amitabh Bachchan denies testing negative for COVID-19


Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Thursday refuted media reports about him being tested negative for COVID19.

The 77-year-old legend shared a tweet responding to a report by Times Now. Some other Indian media also reported that the actor tested negative, quoting Nanavati Hospital sources. "This news is incorrect, irresponsible, fake and an incorrigible LIE !!" –Amitabh wrote.

The reports emerged as the Bollywood veteran and Abhishek, 44, neared the completion of their 14-day quarantine period at the city hospital. A day after the father-son's revealed their diagnosis, Amitabh's daughter-in-law, actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, 46, and his eight-year-old granddaughter Aaradhya Bachchan also tested positive for COVID-19. Aishwarya and Aaradhya were shifted to Nanavati last Friday, almost a week after they tested positive. Bachchan occasionally updates his fans on social media about his health.

The second coronavirus test of the entire Bachchan family was done on Wednesday. Only after the reports, it will be decided by Dr. Barve, Dr. Ansari, and their team whether the family will be discharged and how the further treatment will take place. On Sunday, Amitabh's daughter-in-law, actor Aishwarya, 46, and her eight-year-old daughter Aaradhya also tested positive for the coronavirus. Amitabh's wife, veteran actor-MP Jaya Bachchan, 71, has tested negative.

However, hospital authorities informed that Amitabh Bachchan is in good condition. However, anxiety has not yet subsided. He is under strict observation of the physicians.

On the night of July 11, Amitabh Bachchan himself said that he was infected with coronavirus. Since then, he has been undergoing treatment in the isolation ward of Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai. Source: https://www.daily-bangladesh.com
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Amitabh Bachchan cautions fans against six 'negative' traits in his tweet

Representative image

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan who is currently getting treated for coronavirus in Mumbai's Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital, shared a quote on Thursday urging people to introspect and steer clear of negative "trendsetters" in life.

The 'Amar Akbar Anthony' actor took to Twitter to share the quote in Sanskrit and explained its meaning in the subsequent tweet.

Bachchan warned his social media followers, through the tweet, of people with six negative tendencies -- dissatisfaction, anger, jealousy, dislike, anger and doubt.

"People who express jealousy, dislike, dissatisfaction, anger, and doubt towards all others and those who live off others...these six kinds of people always remain filled with sadness...that is why, whenever possible, save yourself from people who have these traits," his tweet read.

Besides Big B, his son, actor Amitabh Bachchan, daughter-in-law, actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and granddaughter Aaradhya Bachchan also tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week.

His wife, however, actor Jaya Bachchan, tested negative for the virus.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: https://www.business-standard.com/
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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter test positive for COVID-19

(L-R) Actor Abhishek Bachchan, actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and their daughter Aaradhya[Image: BBC]

Three generations of a high-profile Bollywood family have tested positive for COVID-19. Results show actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a former Miss World, and her daughter Aaradhya were infected with coronavirus. Her husband Abhishek and father-in-law Amitabh, both also actors, were taken to hospital with the virus. Both men were said to have mild symptoms. Abhishek Bachchan tweeted that they would remain in hospital "till the doctors decide otherwise". Source: https://www.fijivillage.com
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Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan tested COVID-19 positive and admitted to hospital



MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan was admitted to Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital on Saturday evening. Before being admitted to the hospital, a tweet from his official Twitter handle said: ”I have tested CoviD positive .. shifted to Hospital .. hospital informing authorities .. family and staff undergone tests , results awaited .. All that have been in close proximity to me in the last 10 days are requested to please get themselves tested !”, Zee news reported.

Amitabh Bachchan was last seen in Shoojit Sircar’s comedy-drama ”Gulabo Sitabo” alongside Ayushmann Khurrana. The film was initially going to be released in theaters, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, it premiered on Amazon Prime Video.

Big B was also slated to return to host the twelfth season of ”Kaun Banega Crorepati.” The auditions of the show concluded in May this year.  Source: https://www.southasiatime.com/
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Merkel, Macron meet as Germany takes on high-stakes EU presidency

Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron

AFP/Berlin: Chancellor Angela Merkel hosts French President Emmanuel Macron for talks on Monday, days before Germany takes on the rotating presidency of the European Union with the economy in the throes of the most severe storm since World War II.

Berlin's chairing of the 26-member bloc will be its last with Merkel in charge, and could be the one that defines the legacy of the leader dubbed the ‘eternal chancellor’.

With the future of the bloc's relationship with Britain to be determined, a crucial shift to a lower carbon world in the balance and crises from Libya to Syria all jostling for attention, there is no shortage of burning issues to tackle.

But the COVID0-19 pandemic and the economic devastation it has wrought have become a bull in the painstakingly arranged EU china shop.

‘This crisis that we're currently experiencing is different compared to any other we have experienced since the founding of Europe,’ Merkel, in power since 2005, told parliament in an address laying out priorities for the EU presidency.

‘Alone in Europe, it has claimed more than 100,000 lives. A few weeks of economic standstill was enough to endanger what we have built up over years.’

With all to play for, member states are anxiously looking to Europe's biggest economy to take charge.

In an interview published Saturday, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said it was ‘very fortunate that Germany is taking over the presidency at this time of a major crisis.’

Merkel's long experience and credibility ‘helps enormously,’ she told the Handelsblatt newspaper.

So high are the expectations that Germany's EU ambassador Michael Clauss said in jest they are making him ‘sleep badly, because I think the expectations are already a bit overstretched.’

‘We have to act as honest brokers, otherwise we won't have the support of the council.’

- German 'bulldozer' -

Besides its geopolitical weight and economic heft, Germany is taking on custodianship of the bloc with a strong hand as it has so far withstood the health emergency better than most other member states.

Its economy also entered the crisis well-endowed to fight the impact.

Crucially, compared to the debt crisis that threatened to sink the single currency zone in 2009-2010, Germany looks very different today -- it's out with Scrooge and in with Lady Bountiful.

Once an obstinate champion of budgetary rigour, Merkel's government has ditched its no-new-debt dogma to throw resources at the crisis.

At home, its programme to shore up the economy totals more than a trillion euros in spending, loans and guarantees.

Together with Macron, Merkel had sketched out the backbone of the 750 million-euro ($840-million) fund proposed by von der Leyen to bolster the bloc's economy.

The fund would offer grants -- with no repayment obligation -- to countries hardest hit by the pandemic, a major policy U-turn for Berlin.

With an eye on the devastating blow taken by the worst-hit countries like Spain or Italy, Merkel explained that it was ‘imperative that Germany not only thinks of itself but is prepared for an extraordinary act of solidarity’.

‘In such a crisis, everyone is expected to do what is necessary. And what is necessary in this case is rather extraordinary,’ she told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.

The recovery fund is likely to be among the key points raised when Merkel and Macron hold talks at German government retreat Meseberg on Monday, with frugal nations such as Austria and the Netherlands sharp critics.

But observers believe that the EU's biggest paymaster Berlin will ram through a yes.

‘When the Germans are certain they are right, it's very bulldozer, there is no margin for discussion,’ a high-ranking EU official said.

- 'Swan song' -

An EU diplomat agreed, saying: ‘On the recovery fund, I expect Germany to dictate the whole process. Merkel is holding all the cards and (EU Council chief) Charles Michel will follow that.

‘She also wants to get Brexit out of the way and she will always go for the deal as she wants to keep the West together. Third leg will be restoring ties with US after the election there.’

Merkel, who has ruled out running for a fifth term next year, won't have much time.

Brexit talks will have to be done by the end of the year, while in November, focus will be on whether US President Donald Trump, whose relationship with Merkel has been frosty at best, manages to hold on to his job.

What is clear is that Merkel's fingerprints will be all over the EU's roadmap through the next six months.

‘This will be a very Merkel presidency, her swan song,’ said the EU diplomat, adding that she would be using it ‘to craft her legacy’.Merkel,  Source:https://www.gulf-times.com/
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Amitabh Bachchan, son Abhishek hospitalised after contracting Covid-19, latest updates





























The samples of Jaya Bachchan and Aishwarya Bachchan have been taken and their reports are expected soon

Mumbai: Bollywood hero Amitabh Bachchan, who tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday, is now "stable with mild symptoms" and is currently admitted in the isolation unit of Mumbai's Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital, the hospital said in a statement released Sunday.

77-year-old veteran actor and his son Abhishek Bachchan (44) were admitted to hospital on Saturday evening after testing positive for COVID-19. Health Minister Rajesh Tope too said the condition of both the Bachchan father-son duo is stable.

The samples of Jaya Bachchan and Aishwarya Bachchan have been taken and their reports are expected soon.

Amitabh Bachchan was admitted to Nanavati Hospital on Saturday evening. The actor confirmed that he has tested COVID-19 positive on Twitter.

"T 3590- I have tested CoviD positive .. shifted to Hospital .. hospital informing authorities .. family and staff undergone tests, results awaited .. All that have been in close proximity to me in the last 10 days are requested to please get themselves tested!" tweeted @SrBachchan.

Soon after Bachchan tweeted to confirm that he has been hospitalised with COVID-19 infection, his son actor Abhishek Bachchan, also took to social media on Saturday night to state that he has tested positive to the novel coronavirus.

"Earlier today both my father and I tested positive for COVID 19. Both of us having mild symptoms have been admitted to hospital. We have informed all the required authorities and our family and staff are all being tested. I request all to stay calm and not panic. Thank you," tweeted Abhishek, 44, on his verified account, @juniorbachchan.
Wishes pour in

Meanwhile, wishes for a speedy recovery have already started pouring in from industry colleagues for both father and son.

Taapsee Pannu, who worked with Amitabh Bachchan in "Badla" last year, wrote on social media: "And you shall be back to health n happiness soon! champ!"

Malayalam superstar Mammooty tweeted to Big B: "Get well soon sir." Get well soon sir! Wishing you a speedy recovery, tweeted Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu.

"Oh no! Take care, Sir! Get well soon! Sending you tonnes of love and good wishes!" wrote Ranveer Shorey on Twitter.
Big B's 3 houses to be fumigated, sanitised

Hours after Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were admitted for COVID-19 treatment in hospital, civic teams rushed to the three bungalows of the Bachchan family in Vile Parle-Juhu.

The teams, sporting full protection gear, started carrying out a full fumigation and sanitisation of the premises, inside and outside.

Nearly a two dozen strong team landed at Jalsa, Pratiksha and Janak bungalows, all within a radius of barely two km in the posh Juhu-Vile Parle suburb in western Mumbai. Source: https://ummid.com/
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