When the USS John S. McCain crashed in the Pacific, the Navy blamed the destroyer's crew for the loss of 10 sailors. The truth is the Navy's flawed technology set the McCain up for disaster.
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The office-space startup took a tumble when investors tired of its messianic CEO and lack of profits. But why were its backers - the House of Saud among them - so keen to pour billions into it in the first place?
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Filmed from just outside the Naval Air Facility El Centro in California, this close-up, head-on shot gives you an idea of just how powerful fighter jet engines are.
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Set up a 1080p HD, cinema-quality viewing experience anywhere with the pocket-sized PIQO Mini Projector. Broadcast via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and more. Usually $799, it's 64 percent off at just $279.99 right now.
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Boeing's Starliner capsule successfully took off on top of its Atlas V rocket this morning at 6:36AM ET, however it's unclear what the status of the capsule is at the moment.
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Try as you might, Christmas fiends, you cannot kill Williams-Sonoma. I know because I've been sh*tting on this company's catalog every Christmas for YEARS, as a matter of both tradition and moral principle. But all of my efforts to drown this yuppie trinket hive in the toilet have seemingly been in vain.
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Claire Stapleton didn't just buy into the lore of Google — she helped write it. What happened when the bard of Google became one of its most vocal critics?
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While today we comfortably use zero in all our mathematical operations, the concept of "nothing" has yet to enter the realm of artificial intelligence. In a sense, AI and deep learning still need to learn how to recognize and reason with nothing.
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If you've been looking for the best DIII college basketball highlight of the week (and we know you have!), look no further than this moment from Greensboro College's Keyford Langley.
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Nick Noland took a wrong turn on his way down from 14,232-foot Mount Shavano. What was supposed to be a quick hike turned into an all-night fight for his life in harsh winds and subfreezing temperatures.
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Creative web design changed dramatically in the last decade, beginning with the death of the beloved Flash, and then empowered by the rise of AR and VR.
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Twenty years ago, Oliver Stone set out to make the sports version of "Platoon," flanked by Al Pacino, Jamie Foxx and a whole lot of brash, righteous attitude.
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A dreary "X-Men" conclusion, a low point for Brian De Palma, an awful animated feature, two John Travolta flicks and a cat-aclysmic musical misfire — these and more were the worst movies of the year.
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BREAKING: One day after impeaching him, the Democratic-led House gives President Trump a bipartisan win on a renegotiated trade deal with Canada and Mexico. https://t.co/SN6wdcFbE8
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell speaking on the impeachment of President Trump: 'Over the last 12 weeks, the House Democrats have conducted the most rushed, least thorough and most unfair impeachment inquiry in modern history' https://t.co/7MWomkTNkvpic.twitter.com/KUGZNuAhzo
U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi wields the gavel as she presides over the House of Representatives approving two counts of impeachment against U.S. President Donald Trump in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
U.S. President Donald Trump reacts during a campaign rally in Battle Creek, Michigan. REUTERS/Leah Millis
WNU Editor: The two above pictures came from this photo-gallery .... Editor's Choice Pictures (Reuters).
* U.S. Attorney John H. Durham, the federal prosecutor probing the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation, is honing in on former CIA director John O. Brennan * Durham requested Brennan's emails, call longs and other CIA documents * He wants to see what Brennan told other officials, including former FBI director James B. Comey about his and the CIA's view of the Trump-Russia dossier * Durham will assess whether Brennan privately contradicted his public comments, including his May 2017 testimony, on that dossier * Brennan served as CIA director from March 2013 to January 2017 * The probe into the Trump-Russia investigation first started as an administration review in October, but later turned into a criminal investigation
The federal prosecutor probing the origins of the government's Trump-Russia investigation is examining the role of former CIA director John O. Brennan and has requested his communication records.
U.S. Attorney John H. Durham, the top federal prosecutor in Connecticut, is investigating the origins of the FBI's investigation into Russia led by Attorney General William P. Barr in May.
At first the inquiry was an administrative review in October, but later turned into a criminal investigation.
Now Durham is honing in on the communications of ex-CIA Director Brennan by requesting his emails, call longs and other documents from the CIA, a source briefed on the inquiry said to the New York Times.
* Nancy Pelosi forced the Trump impeachment across the finish line Wednesday * Now the process moves to a U.S. Senate trial but Pelosi said she's in no hurry * She blasted Senate leader Mitch McConnell for saying he's not an 'impartial' juror, and declared she won't hand him the baton without a pledge of 'fairness' * Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is pushing for witness subpoenas that Republicans don't want to agree to * Impeachment trial can't start until Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy choose 'managers' to carry the House's case to the Senate * McConnell slammed Pelosi in a floor speech and warned the Senate's more patient pace will have a 'calming' influence after 'slapdash' impeachment * President Donald Trump warned that '[t]he Do Nothing Party want to Do Nothing with the Articles & not deliver them to the Senate, but it's Senate's call!'
Mitch McConnell threatened on Thursday to cancel Donald Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate if 'scared' Nancy Pelosi refuses to send him the formal articles of impeachment that Democrats passed Wednesday night.
The Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority leader went to war over next steps in the impeachment process, with Pelosi slamming McConnell as a 'rogue leader'—and he blasted her indictment of the president as 'slapdash' and 'unfair.'
The dispute exploded into the open the morning after Democrats voted to impeach Trump, with the president bragging he could prevaIl by 'default.'
'If the Do Nothing Democrats decide, in their great wisdom, not to show up, they would lose by Default!,' Trump argued on Twitter of his upcoming Senate trial, which is now in doubt.
WNU Editor: Senate Majority leader McConnell is not going to give up his position and power as Majority Leader of the Senate to US Speaker Pelosi or to the Senate Democrat minority. Doubly so in this case since it appears that Speaker Pelosi will not pass over the articles impeachment unless she is sure of a conviction. Is this a winning strategy for the Democrats? I do not think so, but we shall see.
More News On House Speaker Pelosi Not Sending The Formal Articles Of Impeachment To The Senate
Deadly protests erupted in at least 15 cities in India Thursday, despite strict bans on public gatherings in several areas, as public anger over a controversial new citizenship law considered by many to be discriminatory against Muslims continues to build.
At least three people died in the violence, as thousands took to streets across the country. Two people died from injuries sustained during a protest in the city of Mangalore, in the southern state of Karnataka, a senior doctor at the Highland Hospital told CNN. One more person died from firearm injuries during a protest in Lucknow, the capital of northern Uttar Pradesh state, according to a senior doctor at the King George Medical University in the city.
A festive December evening turned deadly as a man armed with an assault rifle opened fire in the very heart of Moscow, killing one and injuring five people just across the street from a children's department store.
It is just after 6pm on Thursday, twelve days before the end of the year. The city is all strung up with holiday lights and Muscovites are leaving work to shop for food and gifts for the upcoming New Year and Christmas holidays. The Central Children's Store on Lubyanka Square, a few minutes' walk from the Kremlin, is bustling. Nearby streets, cafes and restaurants are filled with people. Then shots ring out.
Somewhere before the request for more money for Yekaterinburg's subway, but after the question about the high cost of flying to the faraway Kamchatka Peninsula, President Vladimir Putin got a couple of politically vital questions during his marathon annual news conference on December 19.
"Is it time to change to constitution?" he was asked by a reporter from the state news agency RIA-Novosti. Should the balance of power between president, parliament, and cabinet be changed?
Putin responded by saying there was no need for a new constitution – not that anyone asked about such a radical change.
WNU editor: Take it from me. There are some people in Russia who are not happy with what they heard today. The prospect that Putin may fix the constitution to stay beyond his current term that ends in 2024 is not going to go down well. To put it bluntly. There is going to be blow-back and a lot of internal Kremlin dissent if Putin is still there after 2024.
More News On Russian President Putin Hinting That He May Stay Beyond His Present Term That Ends In 2024
Russian leader Vladimir Putin said the deadly terrorist attacks in Beslan and Moscow which occurred during the early years of his presidency were the hardest moments for him to bear as the head of state.
During Thursday's Q&A session in Moscow, reporters asked Putin what events affected him the most during his years in power. The president said that the "most difficult" moments for him personally were the two major terrorist attacks in Moscow and the city of Beslan in the North Ossetia region in southern Russia in the early 2000s.
At his annual year-end press conference, Vladimir Putin addressed his presumed retirement in 2024, the situation in Ukraine, domestic issues around healthcare and demographics, and relations with China, among many other topics.
Thursday's Moscow event was the 15th in as many years of Putin's presidency, and finished up as one of the longest. The Russian president sat for four hours and 18 minutes, taking around 80 questions from 57 journalists, of which he answered about 77. Some 1,895 reporters representing Russian and foreign media received accreditation for the conference, with many more watching online.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States said new evidence and analysis of weapons debris recovered from an attack on Saudi oil facilities on Sept. 14 indicates the strike likely came from the north, reinforcing its earlier assessment that Iran was behind the offensive.
In an interim report of its investigation - seen by Reuters ahead of a presentation on Thursday to the United Nations Security Council - Washington assessed that before hitting its targets, one of the drones traversed a location approximately 200 km (124 miles) to the northwest of the attack site.
"This, in combination with the assessed 900 kilometer maximum range of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), indicates with high likelihood that the attack originated north of Abqaiq," the interim report said, referring to the location of one of the Saudi oil facilities that were hit.
It added the United States had identified several similarities between the drones used in the raid and an Iranian designed and produced unmanned aircraft known as the IRN-05 UAV.
Washington (AFP) - A wave of debt in emerging and developing nations has grown faster and larger than in any period of the last five decades and could end with another crisis, the World Bank warned Thursday.
And if the wave breaks, it could be more damaging since it would engulf private companies in addition to governments, at a time when economic growth is sluggish, according to a new report that covers four debt surges from 1970-2018.
"The size, speed and breadth of the latest debt wave should concern us all," World Bank President David Malpass said in a statement.
"Clearly, it's time for course corrections," he added.
Giving a speech followed with a Q&A to a Montreal Business council this afternoon on China - Canada and Russia - Canada relations this afternoon. Blogging will return later today.
MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. The impeachment crusade against US President Donald Trump stems from the ongoing domestic political strife triggered by the Democratic Party, Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters at his annual year-end news conference on Thursday.
"As for continuing our dialogue until the end of Trump's presidency, it looks like you are raising the issue that it is about to end. As for me, I am not sure of that. The Senate vote, where, as far as I know, the Republicans have the majority, still lies ahead. They will hardly want to oust a representative of their party from power for some trumped-up reasons," Putin said.
WNU Editor: The U.S. media is hyping up Russian President Putin's remarks that he is defending President Trump. But he did not say that. The question was on what is the future now of U.S. - Russian relations since President Trump was impeached, and Putin's response was that he doubt that US Senate Republicans are going to remove him on what they perceive as "trumped-up charges".
More On Russian President Putin's Comments On President Trump's Impeachment
Gunfire is being reported in central Moscow's Lubyanka Square in the immediate vicinity of the Federal Security Service building. Three people have been killed, according to unconfirmed media reports.
The shooting occurred right at the heart of Russia's capital – it's merely some 10 minutes on foot from the FSB building to the Kremlin.
Footage from the scene, circulating on social media, shows multiple law enforcement officers, gunfire can also be heard in the background.
WNU Editor: That is one building with a long history of murder and violence. According to reports there were three shooters. My Moscow condo is a few blocks away, and I know the area well. There are cameras and surveillance everywhere, and the police presence is strong. If there is more than one shooter, I am sure they will be capturing/killing them soon (if not already).
More News On Today's Shooting Near Russia's FSB Building
The U.S. Navy's largest shipbuilder, Huntington Ingalls, launched the newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier nine days after the christening.
Huntington Ingalls Industries' Newport News Shipbuilding division launched John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) into the James River for the first time, on Monday.
With the aid of six tugboats, Kennedy was guided down the river about a mile from Newport News Shipbuilding's Dry Dock 12, where it has been under construction, to the shipyard's Pier 3. There, the ship will undergo additional outfitting and begin its testing program three months ahead of its original schedule.
Ousted president accused by prosecutors of sedition and terrorism
Prosecutors in Bolivia's capital have issued an arrest warrant against the former president Evo Morales, accusing him of sedition and terrorism.
The interior minister, Arturo Murillo, recently brought charges against Morales, alleging he promoted violent clashes that led to 35 deaths during disturbances before and after he left office.
On Wednesday, the minister tweeted a picture of what appeared to be the arrest warrant, with the comment: "FYI Senor [Morales]."
Officials say Morales ordered supporters to blockade cities in order to force out the interim president, Jeanine Áñez, who took over when Morales resigned on 10 November.
WASHINGTON — Ambassador Tina Kaidanow, a longtime State Department official who joined the Pentagon in 2018, has left her position as senior adviser for international cooperation, Defense News has learned.
Her departure represents the fifth high-level official at the Defense Department to either exit or announce plans to leave the Pentagon in just the last week.
Kaidanow stepped down from her role on Dec. 16, department spokesman Lt. Col. Michael Andrews told Defense News. Michael Vaccaro, the department's director for international armaments cooperation, will serve as the acting senior adviser.
"The department remains committed to the development and implementation of international cooperative programs and defense exportability efforts to foster cooperation with U.S. allies on research, development, production and support of weapons systems and related equipment," Andrews said in a statement. "The department will not provide anything further on this personnel matter."
WNU Editor: Most of these resignations are political appointees who are leaving after 2-3 years. That is nothing new. And in a bureaucracy that has hundreds of such appointees, not surprising. But you never want to see good people go.
* Nancy Pelosi forced the Trump impeachment across the finish line Wednesday * Now the process moves to a U.S. Senate trial but Pelosi said she's in no hurry * She blasted Senate leader Mitch McConnell for saying he's not an 'impartial' juror, and declared she won't hand him the baton without a pledge of 'fairness' * Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is pushing for witness subpoenas that Republicans don't want to agree to * Impeachment trial can't start until Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy choose 'managers' to carry the House's case to the Senate * House will be out of session from December 20 until January 7 * McConnell plans a floor speech slamming Pelosi as 'afraid' and warning her that the Senate's more patient pace will have a 'calming' influence * President Donald Trump warned that '[t]he Do Nothing Party want to Do Nothing with the Articles & not deliver them to the Senate, but it's Senate's call!'
House Democrats have begun pressing Speaker Nancy Pelosi to force the Senate to tailor Donald Trump's upcoming constitutional trial to their wishes—by refusing to send the articles of impeachment they passed Wednesday night until Majority Leader Mitch McConnell agrees to their terms.
McConnell isn't amused. He plans to call her bluff in a mid-morning floor speech, saying she's afraid to hand him the baton because she knows the articles are weak.
'Pelosi suggested that House Democrats may be too afraid to even transmit their shoddy work product to the Senate,' he will say, mocking her suggesting in a post-vote press conference that she'll hold the two articles over McConnell's head until he agrees to a 'fair' trial.
The majority leader's staff began trickling out excerpts of his floor speech overnight.
WNU Editor: This delay only makes President Trump's case that the Democrats are the 'Do Nothing" party. On a side note. A friend brought this issue up with me this morning, and this is my response ....
The problem that I see is that I do not think the public will support this strategy. Like Brexit that just dragged on forever, this forever impeachment anti-Trump strategy is going to blow-back on them. In the end Nancy Pelosi will get her Nixon moment when members of her own party will come up to her and tell her to stop, and to ignore what the progressive wing is demanding.
Do the Democrats want to spend Christmas and New Years with friends, family, and constituents explaining this delay? Maybe the progressive wing of the party wants to, as well as the media and the pundits. But for everyone else .... the answer is a big NO!
Update: U.S. Senator Majority Leader McConnell's speech starts at the -7:10 mark in the above video.
WORLD WAR 3 was more than just a possibility during the Sixties and the Government drafted up plans to deal with the "anarchy" that would ensue, including a chilling "execution" proposal, a historian has revealed.
JUSTIN TRUDEAU has pleaded with Donald Trump to hold off signing any final trade agreement with China, until Beijing releases two Canadian citizens the country detained last year.
French telecommunications powerhouse Orange is facing a potentially landmark court ruling Friday on whether it was responsible for dozens of employee suicides or suicide attempts during a painful restructuring.
The decision could set a legal precedent, because Orange is the first of France’s big listed companies to be tried on a charge of “institutionalized moral harassment.” Orange was called France Telecom at the time of the suicides in the 2000s.
Former CEO Didier Lombard could face up to a year in prison, and he and other former or current executives also face tens of thousands of euros in fines. Plaintiffs’ lawyers are seeking 2 million euros ($2.2 million) in damages from the company.
Lombard, his former right-hand man Louis-Pierre Wenes and the director of human resources Olivier Barberot were accused of leading a “policy of destabilization” as they sought to shed 22,000 jobs in the 2000s. Four other managers are accused of complicity.
Scores of employees killed themselves amid the restructuring. The trial focused on 39 cases between 2006 and 2009: 19 suicides, 12 suicide attempts and eight cases of serious depression. Other employee suicides couldn’t be linked directly and solely with their work.
For two and a half months, the court listened to the families of the victims and projected letters and photos on a giant screen. One read: “I am committing suicide because of my work at France Telecom, it’s the only cause.”
The three main defendants denied responsibility for the suicides of people they didn’t personally know.
But on the last day of the trial in July, Wenes said he was “deeply sorry” to “those for whom work was a source of discomfort and suffering. I never wanted that.”
Lombard, now 77, admitted in court that he “made a blunder” in 2006 when he said he “wanted employees to leave by the door or by the window.” He also admitted to once saying there was “a pattern of suicide in the business.” Lombard left his post in 2010.
His lawyer argued that the restructuring was a necessary result of the privatization of state-run France Telecom, and that Lombard “saved the business” and turned Orange into a big international telecommunications player.
If you or someone you know may be contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. In emergencies, call 911, or seek care from a local hospital or mental health provider.
(NEW DELHI) — Police banned public gatherings in parts of New Delhi and other cities for a third day Friday and cut internet services to try to stop growing protests that have so far left eight people dead and more than 1,200 others detained.
The protests have targeted a new citizenship law that opponents say threatens the secular nature of Indian democracy in favor of a Hindu state.
Demonstrations are planned around India as opposition to a new law that provides a path to citizenship has quickly expanded from predominantly Muslim universities and communities to a much wider section of the Indian public.
While some see the law as a slight against Muslims, others, including Hindu conservatives in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s own Bharatiya Janata Party, fear it will encourage immigration to India, where public services for its 1.3 billion people are already highly strained.
“In effect, some of the BJP’s own rank and file, the very people the party has sought to help, have come out against the law,” said Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia Program at the U.S.-based Wilson Center.
Kugelman said that the government’s failure to respond to the protests, except to accuse political opponents of orchestrating them, is “likely to galvanize the protesters even more.”
A law banning the assembly of more than four people was imposed for a third day in parts of the Indian capital as well as in several cities in northeastern Assam state and the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, where a motorized rickshaw driver was killed during a protest in the capital Lucknow.
A total of eight deaths have been reported so far, including five in Assam and two in southern Karnataka state.
Authorities erected roadblocks and turned areas around mosques in New Delhi, Lucknow and other Muslim-dominated areas into security fortresses to prevent widespread demonstrations after Friday prayers.
Police temporarily held 1,200 protesters in New Delhi alone on Thursday and hundreds of others were detained in other cities after they defied bans on assembly. Most protesters were released later in the day.
On Friday, New Delhi police rejected a permit application for a group representing Dalits, the lowest rung in in India’s caste hierarchy, to march from a mosque in Old Delhi to an 18th-century observatory where protesters have met every day since the law’s passage last week near India’s Parliament. Agitating students of the Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islami were also expected to protest.
The legislation has sparked anger at what many see as the government’s push to bring India closer to a Hindu state. Critics say it’s the latest effort by Modi’s Hindu nationalist-led government to marginalize India’s 200 million Muslims, and a violation of the country’s secular constitution.
Modi has defended it as a humanitarian gesture.
The protests come amid an ongoing crackdown in Muslim-majority Kashmir, the restive Himalayan region stripped of its semi-autonomous status and demoted from a state into a federal territory last summer. They also follow a contentious process in Assam meant to weed out foreigners in the country illegally. Nearly 2 million people were excluded from an official list of citizens, about half Hindu and half Muslim, and have been asked to prove their citizenship or else be considered foreign.
India is also building a detention center for some of the tens of thousands of people the courts are expected to ultimately determine have entered illegally. Modi’s interior minister, Amit Shah, has pledged to roll out the process nationwide.
Critics say the process is a thinly veiled plot to deport millions of Muslims.
The Modi government, which won a landslide reelection in May, had been able to push through those parts of its agenda without much opposition.
The worst of Hong Kong’s months-long pro-democracy protests might now be over, a top adviser to Hong Kong’s leader said, as the city experiences a lull in demonstrations after local elections in late November and ahead of the Christmas holiday.
Although occasional, smaller protests are still likely to break out from time to time, large scale confrontations between radical demonstrators and riot police may have tailed off, according to Bernard Chan, convener of Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s Executive Council.
“I actually think the worst is probably over,” Chan said in a phone interview Friday. “But I don’t think we’re going to get rid of all the sporadic types of protests. I don’t think it would be over so soon. It may take a little while. But I think the larger scale ones, hopefully, we might not see that — but who knows.”
At the same time, Chan said Lam’s administration was still unwilling to entertain any of the protesters’ additional demands, including calls to hold an independent commission of inquiry into the unrest.
Landslide victory
Hong Kong has seen more than six months of increasingly violent protests that began in opposition to a proposed bill allowing extradition to mainland China but expanded to include calls for greater democracy in the former British colony. The unrest has battered the city’s economy and led to a steep drop in tourist arrivals and retail sales.
In recent months, protesters have thrown petrol bombs and fired arrows at riot cops, who have responded by arresting more than 6,000 protesters and firing more than 10,000 tear gas rounds, as well as using rubber bullets and a water cannon.
However, after pro-democracy politicians won a landslide victory against pro-government rivals in recent local elections on Nov. 24, there has been a lull in the scale and frequency of the violence, although there have still been protests.
“With the district council election outcome, maybe some people will be more willing to say, ’Let’s see what the government can do to change things,’” Chan said. “Maybe they’re hoping that these newly elected members can do the job, rather than go out into the streets.”
Big confrontations
Still, Chan’s comments differ starkly from the predictions of the city’s pro-democracy opposition, who said a massive, mostly peaceful march on Dec. 8 — with an estimated 800,000 people — show that the movement has staying power and will continue protesting in the new year.
“We will soldier on,” opposition lawmaker Claudia Mo told Bloomberg News earlier this month. “This may last for the generations to come.”
In December alone, police have fired tear gas at a large crowd marching on the Kowloon side of the city’s harbor, while some demonstrators blocked roads and set fire to a subway. The city also canceled a New Year’s Eve fireworks show over security concerns, and there are more pro-democracy protests planned leading up to Christmas.
But recent weeks haven’t seen a repeat of the type of violence common throughout the summer and well into November, when Hong Kong protesters regularly shut down parts of the city, engaged in running street battles with police, blocked major arterial roads and congregated behind barricades at fortified university campuses across the city.
“I don’t think we expect them to be completely gone, so they will be there, the question is whether there will be any very big scale type of confrontations,” Chan said. “Maybe not. Though, we just don’t know.”
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison cut short his family vacation in Hawaii Friday and apologized after two firefighters were killed battling bushfires that have continued to spread across the country.
“I deeply regret any [offense] caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time,” he said in a statement.
Geoffrey Keaton, 32, and 36-year-old Andrew O’Dwyer were en route to fight a fire when a tree fell on their truck, which then rolled off the road, reports the Associated Press.
Firefighters are battling more than 100 fires across New South Wales, where Sydney is located, according to the state’s Rural Fire Service, and a ‘Catastrophic Fire Danger’ alert has been issued for the weekend for parts of the country due to hot, windy conditions.
Protesters gathered outside Morrison’s office on Thursday demanding urgent action on climate change, according to the Associated Press. Others criticized the timing of his vacation.
Hashtags like #WhereisScoMo, #WhereTheBloodyHellAreYou and #FireMorrison began trending on social media this week.
“I have been receiving regular updates on the bushfires disaster as well as the status of the search for and treatment of the victims of the White Island tragedy,” Morrison said, referring to the volcanic eruption on a New Zealand tourist island that killed at least on Australian citizen.
He said that given the “the most recent tragic events” he would be “returning to Sydney as soon as can be arranged.”
In a separate statement, Morrison expressed his condolences to the families of the firefighters who died on Thursday.
“Their sacrifice and service saving lives and saving properties will be forever remembered,” he said.
The country experienced its hottest day on record this week, and authorities in New South Wales declared a state of emergency on Thursday over the ongoing fires.
When asked about how the U.S. should address the Chinese government’s alleged human rights abuses, South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg brought up the protests in Hong Kong as part of his answer.
“If they perpetrate anything like Tiananmen Square when it comes to Hong Kong, they will be isolated from the free world, and we will lead that isolation diplomatically and economically,” Buttigieg said, referring to the Communist Party’s brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in 1989.
The U.S. should not respond on its own, he said, but should instead gather a “coalition of democracy and freedom loving partners and allies to push back.”
Steyer added that the U.S. should treat China like a “frenemy.”
“We actually can’t isolate ourselves from China,” he said. “We need a good relationship with them and we’re going to have to work with them.”
Former Vice President Joe Biden was asked if military conflict with China is inevitable.
“What we have to make clear is that we are not going to abide by what they’ve done. A million Uihgurs are in concentration camps,” Biden said.
Biden was referring to the crackdown on the predominately Muslim ethnic minority group in Xinjiang in western China.
He added that a military build up in Asia might be necessary to stop China.
“We should be moving 60% of our sea power to that part of the world to let, in fact, the Chinese understand that they’re not going to get any further, we are going to be there to protect other folks,” Biden said.
“We don’t have to go to war but we have to make clear that this is as far as you go, China.”
CNN journalist Will Ripley posted on Twitter that the network’s debate live feed cut out in Beijing during the segment on China.
CNN live feed of Democratic presidential debate goes to black in Beijing. Candidates were asked about China’s human rights record & the mass detention of Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. #PresidentialDebatepic.twitter.com/DSQ9QRu5zA
It was supposed to be a journey that would save her life, when U.S. immigration officials brought a 7-year-old girl named Ajlee from an asylum-seekers’ camp in the Mexican border city of Matamoros to an emergency room in Brownsville, Texas on Dec. 11. That same day, they also transported two women in need of urgent care: Yanet, with a possibly cancerous tumor, and Yoladiz, who is going blind from an untreated parasitic infection.
But the next day, all three were back in Mexico, living in tents in Matamoros with no access to the medical care they needed—despite agency guidelines requiring border officials to allow asylum-seekers with known medical issues to remain in the United States.
And attorneys and medical professionals say there are many more like them: individuals with health issues who’ve been caught up in the Trump Administration’s Migrant Protection Protocols, or MPP, which requires asylum-seekers to stay in Mexico while their cases are adjudicated in the U.S. Those with serious illnesses or disabilities should be exempt, but dozens have have been turned away at ports of entry and told to wait in Mexico because of MPP, according to seven lawyers and medical professionals who spoke to TIME. Human Rights First, a nonprofit, has documented several accounts of asylum-seekers, including pregnant women, children and adults with seizures, children with prosthetics and children with cerebral palsy, being returned to Tijuana, Mexicali, Juárez and Matamoros, which it calls a violation of the United States’ own immigration policies.
The MPP policy has faced legal challenges since it was implemented in January 2019, but in May, a federal appeals court allowed it to remain in place while a lawsuit challenging it continues. Meanwhile, the number of asylum-seekers who have waited on the Mexican side of the border for court dates has reached at least 56,000 since the end of November, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a data and research organization at Syracuse University.
The federal government’s rules state that members of “vulnerable” populations, including those with physical and mental health issues, are permitted to stay in the U.S. through the duration of their asylum cases once they present themselves to U.S. asylum officers. But Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have the final say, according to the agency’s guidelines.
The agency declined to comment on what further guidance or rules exist in determining who is considered vulnerable and therefor exempt from MPP. CBP spokesperson Richard Pauza in Laredo, Texas, tells TIME the agency cannot discuss individual cases for privacy reasons, but he says all claims are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Attorneys from Matamoros to Tijuana who spoke to TIME say the system leaves asylum-seekers at the mercy of whomever happens to be working at a port of entry on the day they arrive. It also means they must have a lawyer determined to fight for them.
“You have to be very insistent and you have to not give up,” Jodi Goodwin, a Texas attorney who volunteers in Matamoros, says of the lawyers who watch for asylum-seekers with clear medical or disability issues. When they meet one at a port of entry, they guide that person over the border and present them to CBP officials. Many agents aren’t familiar with the rules, she says. “You have to say that you want a supervisor, and you have to show [CBP] the guiding principles and make them understand what the law actually says,” says Goodwin. “You have to really be an advocate.”
But that doesn’t always work.
“I’ve seen uncontrolled, severe high blood pressure, people who had heart attacks, people who have had stomach cancer,” says Helen Perry, a nurse practitioner and executive director at Global Response Management, a nonprofit that provides volunteer emergency medical care in crisis areas. “There’s no consideration for the conditions that they’re being returned to. They’re just sent back so unceremoniously.”
In October, border officials allowed a 29-year-old deaf and non-verbal woman and some of her family into the U.S. from Matamoros, but only after a team of lawyers threatened to sue the agency. It was a major achievement, says Carrie O’Connor, an attorney who was involved in the weeks-long effort to persuade CBP that the family should be permitted to remain in the U.S.
Goodwin tells TIME she fought successfully to enable two children with down syndrome — one eight-month-old and one 10-year-old — to remain in the U.S. But she couldn’t persuade border officials to exempt a child with epilepsy and a child who had an amputated leg from being sent back to Mexico.
Once there, their chances of gaining access to advance medical care in Mexico are very limited, says Erika Pinheiro of Al Otro Lado, a legal aid nonprofit in Southern California. “It’s really difficult to access care in Mexico because of the type of status that [the Mexican government] gives people when they’re returned under MPP,” Pinheiro, who is based in Tijuana, tells TIME. “It’s like the same visa you would get if you’re visiting Mexico, so it’s difficult for people to use that to access the public health system.”
For those with health issues, the struggle is made worse by the perils of living in tents without basic services, in a notoriously dangerous city like Matamoros. The U.S. State Department urges Americans not to travel there for risk of kidnapping and crime.
In the U.S., although health care is expensive and can be difficult to access, resources are often donated by networks of doctors and other medical professionals throughout the country.
“In other areas of the world there would be a camp hospital or some local referral system when they need medical care,” says Perry. Perry runs the GRM project in Matamoros and was involved in Ajlee, Yanet and Yoladiz’s cases. “The reality for them is that literally 25 feet away across the river in the United States, we have all of the medical care that all three of these patients need,” Perry says.
Ajlee’s predicament became clear when a pediatrician from the U.S. visited the Matamoros encampment across the bridge from Brownsville in early December and determined that she needed surgery for a fistula — an internal abnormality that was causing her to defecate out of two locations and exposing her to serious infection. It likely was the result of colon surgery when she was a newborn.
Greg Shay, the doctor who examined her in Matamoros, accompanied lawyers when they presented Ajlee to border officials on Dec. 11, asking that she be taken to the U.S. to see a specialist. Ajlee, along with Yanet and Yodaliz, were taken to the Valley Baptist Medical Center’s emergency room in Brownsville, but Perry says the hospital could not help them.
“These aren’t conditions that need an emergency room,” Perry says. “These are conditions that need specialty care.” So the three were returned to Border Patrol custody and sent back to Matamoros the next day, Perry and Shay say.
Valley Baptist Medical Center did not immediately respond to TIME’s request for comment or for verification of the ER visit.
Yanet is aware she likely has uterine cancer, Perry says. “She knows that the prognosis of her condition is not good, but she also wants to join her family in Las Vegas.”
Yodaliz is going blind and needs to be treated for a parasite in her eye, Shay tells TIME. If she could access the proper care, she could be treated and lead a normal life, he says.
CPB officials refused to allow either woman to return to the United States, but on Tuesday, after receiving complaints from attorneys and advocates, they agreed to let Ajlee and her mother back in. That night, she slept in a Texas hotel room—a big leap from the weeks she’d spent living in a tent in Matamoros.
On Wednesday, Ajlee and her mother were flown to Baton Rouge, La., to meet with their sponsors, according to Kim Hunter, Ajlee’s attorney. Volunteer medical providers have ensured she will receive the medical care she needs there.
“It’s a mixed bag,” Hunter tells TIME. “Certainly we’re thrilled for our client, and her daughter.”
But noting the struggle it took to get the ailing girl to safety, she adds, “It shouldn’t take an army of lawyers and advocates to secure the release of one child who is in grave medical danger.”
(AUBURN HILLS, Mich.) — A Michigan man who has been imprisoned in Russia on spying charges for nearly a year has lost his job with an automotive parts supplier in a corporate restructuring, a move his brother has denounced.
Paul Whelan was arrested Dec. 28, 2018, in a Moscow hotel while visiting for a friend’s wedding. The Russian government charged him with espionage and has repeatedly extended his detention while he awaits trial on charges that carry a sentence of up to 20 years. Whelan has denied the charges.
Whelan, a Marine Corps veteran, had been director of global security for BorgWarner, based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, but that role was eliminated last Friday in a corporate restructuring announced in April, BorgWarner spokeswoman Kathy Graham said.
Whelan’s twin, David Whelan, told The Detroit News in an email Wednesday that his brother’s health has been deteriorating and that his life has “unraveled” as he became “collateral damage in the Russian Federation’s geopolitical gamesmanship.”
The firing “increases the strain on our family’s ability to keep some semblance of his former life ready for when he returns home,” Whelan continued.
Paul Whelan, 49, started with BorgWarner in January 2017 and oversaw security at facilities around the world. BorgWarner notified Whelan’s representatives of his termination while he remains in Russian custody, Graham said.
Whelan spent about a decade cultivating friends and contacts in Russia, building connections on a social media platform with men who have ties to the military. Several of them said Whelan never seemed sinister, merely someone with an interest in Russia and a desire for pen pals.
Whelan, of Novi, Michigan, also holds British, Irish and Canadian citizenship. He was born in Canada to British parents.
Congress has demanded that the Russian government present evidence against Whelan or release him. The U.S. Embassy said requests to send a doctor to examine him have been rejected.
David Whelan said the federal government’s involvement is crucial.
“Without action in Washington, D.C., to secure his freedom, his life will continue to unravel and Paul will end up spending many more months as a political prisoner of the Russian government,” he said.
(PERTH, Australia) — Australia’s most populous state of New South Wales declared a seven-day state of emergency Thursday as oppressive conditions fanned around 100 wildfires.
Around 2,000 firefighters were battling the blazes, half of which remain uncontrolled, with the support of U.S. and Canadian backup teams and personnel from the Australian Defence Force.
The last state of emergency ran for seven days in mid-November amid “catastrophic” fire risk and was the first implemented in New South Wales since 2013. Central Sydney reached a maximum of 39 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit) on Thursday, while outer suburbs scorched at 42 Celsius (108 F).
A statewide total fire ban announced on Tuesday will remain in place until midnight on Saturday.
Around 3 million hectares (7.4 million acres) of land has burnt nationwide during a torrid past few months, with six people killed and more than 800 homes destroyed.
The annual Australian fire season, which peaks during the Southern Hemisphere summer, started early after an unusually warm and dry winter.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said authorities were concerned with the unpredictable conditions.
“With extreme wind conditions, extreme hot temperatures, we have a good idea, a good sense, of where the most concerning areas are, but again when you’ve got those turbulent conditions, embers and spot fires can occur very unpredictably,” she told reporters.
Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said five 100-member “strike teams” were on standby to deploy to the most dangerous fires.
Sydney’s air pollution levels on Thursday ranged from poor to hazardous. During the past month, hazardous smoke has often blanketed Australia’s most populous city and made its iconic skyline barely visible.
Hospitals have recorded a 10% increase in visits from patients with respiratory conditions during the past week.
The Australian Medical Association has recommended people keep hydrated, cool and out of the sun.
Wildfires are also burning in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
The Bureau of Meteorology said Tuesday was the hottest day on record in Australia with an average of 40.9 Celsius (105.6 F) nationwide.
Perth, the capital on the west coast, is experiencing its hottest December with average temperatures for the month at 36 Celsius (97 F) and seven degrees above the mean.
Adelaide, in the southeast, is currently experiencing a four-day heatwave culminating in a sizzling 45 Celsius (113 F) on Thursday.
The unprecedented conditions has reignited debate on whether Australia’s conservative government has taken enough action on climate change. Australia is the world’s largest exporter of coal and liquefied natural gas.
Protesters on Thursday camped outside Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s Sydney residence demanding urgent action on climate change.
Morrison, who is currently on holidays, conceded last week that “climate change along with many other factors” contributed to the wildfires.
Cooler temperatures are forecast on Friday before conditions worsen Saturday.
For centuries, Star Street in Bethlehem—believed to be the path taken by Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to the Church of the Nativity—was a bustling hub for craftsmen, workshops, and souvenir stores. It was the center of Palestine’s mother-of-pearl industry in the late 19th century until it crumbled a century later amid a tide of global economic stagnation. Star Street fell into decline, particularly after Bethlehem, a small town of 25,000 in the West Bank, was besieged by Israeli troops at the height of the Second Intifada (or Palestinian uprising) in 2002.
But now Star Street is being restored—and with Christmas just around the corner, Palestinians are hoping that visitors and pilgrims will make their way in large numbers to celebrate Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Christmas is the most popular time for visitors; this season alone, the city’s mayor expects 1.4 million tourists in Bethlehem. “I have been mayor for 2.5 years. I have celebrated Christmas for three seasons and each season, [celebrations] are more organized and more attractive for the local community and for tourists,” says the city’s mayor, Anton Salman.
Since 2017, the numbers of tourists have been on the rise, explains Salman. Bethlehem has especially grown into a hub for pilgrims who visit the Church of the Nativity, which marks the site of Jesus’ birthplace. And this season, Palestinians are looking to capitalize on the ongoing restoration of important historical and religious sites.
“The reconstruction of Star Street will be done before Christmas,” says George al-Ama, a researcher who specializes in Palestinian cultural history. The street “was recently used by the Custos of the Holy Land who came to Bethlehem carrying a relic from the Vatican.” The artifact — a piece of wood thought to be from Jesus’ manger — is being celebrated by Palestinians, who are excited it’s back just in time for Christmas and hopeful it will attract more pilgrims to the city this festive season.
Dominika Zarzycka/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesMain doors of Mosaic centre in Bethlehem and a view of the Star Street in Bethlehem, West Bank on April 6, 2019.
Bethlehemites are also gearing up for the Christmas period with a newly renovated Church of the Nativity, which has undergone restorations since 2013 to its leaky roof, tattered windows, and covered mosaics.
“We completed the consolidations of the Narthex — the entrance of the church — the roof and then we started with the external wall facades, wall mosaic, wooden Architrave and internal plastering and columns, floor mosaics and currently we are [working on] the marble tiles,” explains Afif Tweimeh, a Palestinian engineer overlooking the restoration work.
The renovations helped the team uncover several images of Jesus, angels and saints. Workers also found a small baptisimal font within a larger vessel that Tweimeh believes was used to baptize babies.
“Every day in this project is a special day. This was especially [true] when we were restoring the wall mosaics. From here to there you can see different shapes,” he said, referring to 1,300-square feet of wall space. “It was just amazing.”
Musa Al Shaer—AFP via Getty ImagesPriests pray in the Grotto of the Church of the Nativity, the site where Christians believe Jesus was born, in the West Bank holy city of Bethlehem on December 18, 2019.
But Bethlehem has not reached its full potential as a tourist destination, says Fadi Kattan, a popular Palestinian chef. “Tourism is not aid. Tourism is a development tool,” he adds, highlighting that unskilled Palestinians can find jobs much more easily in the tourism business. “The only sector in this country where we can deal with unemployment of people who [don’t] have formal education is tourism.”
As a boy, Kattan used to play in a forest near his home in Bethlehem, filled with thyme, a prickly plant locally known as akoub, and other herbs. Today, Kattan, 41, can no longer forage that area for the indigenous spices used in the dishes he prepares for visitors. The forest has gone, replaced by an Israeli settlement.
Kattan runs Fawda, a gourmet restaurant at Hosh al-Syrian, a guest house he also operates just a few blocks away from the Church of the Nativity. This Christmas, he’s expecting a full house, but there are many obstacles in ensuring his guests have a merry one.
“We have no access to a lot of our own resources,” he says. “Most of the farmers [I get my produce from] are in villages just outside of Bethlehem. I have no guarantee of getting [the produce] delivered every day,” because of Israeli checkpoints and hindrances to movement, he explains. Bethlehem is only five miles from Jerusalem, is hemmed by Israeli settlements and disconnected from the Holy City by a 479 mile-long separation wall.
Even some delicacies that are popular on Palestinian dinner tables are forbidden from being harvested because Israel considers them protected plants.
“Israel has forbidden us from foraging akoub, a little delicacy [you find] in a very short season,” Kattan says. “The Israelis say it’s forbidden for us to pick it because it’s an endangered species, while at the same time in Israel, it is being picked and sold on their markets. This double standard is a problem.”
Kattan says Bethlehem needs to find its identity outside the Christmas period. “We need to offer something that’s cultural…and combines a bit of the spiritual,” he said. “Bethlehem has enormous potential. Our potential is forbidden for us to exploit, because of the Israeli settlements and the separation wall,” that cuts Bethlehem from its twin city, Jerusalem.
When the Oslo agreement was signed between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel in 1993, there were 40-50,000 settlers living in the Bethlehem area, according to Suhail Khalilieh, head of the settlement monitoring department at ARIJ, a local research institute.
“From that time on, Israel has built more than 30,000 housing units,” he said, adding that the number of settlers today is approximately 165,000, quadrupling in size over the past two decades. “Bethlehem will [see] at least double this number within the next decade if nothing changes.” Approximately 51 miles of the wall is erected on Bethlehem land, leaving “about 27% of the area off limits to the Palestinians,” Khalilieh says.
And because of access, it’s not always easy to promote Bethlehem as a tourist destination or to capitalize on its historical and religious sites. “Tourist buses have to queue at the Israeli checkpoint and come from there to Bethlehem,” George Rishmawi, a Palestinian tourism expert. “It’s not very easy to visit Bethlehem; many people try to avoid it for this reason.”
When tourists do come, they spend only a few hours in the city, mainly visiting the Church of the Nativity, before heading back to Israel. Some Palestinians believe this is problematic, as it creates a disconnect between Bethlehem and its people.
“It reflects a Christian theology in which [many] look at our land but don’t look at the people, communities and history,” said Rev. Munther Isaac, Lutheran pastor of Bethlehem. “If you look at travel itineraries, they follow biblical sites only, as if nothing happened in time from the year 33 AD until today—as if no one lived here, as if no culture developed here.”
Despite the long-standing issues hampering tourism in Bethlehem, positive changes on the ground have seen the number of Bethlehem’s hotels expand. Days before Christmas eve, Manger Square is abuzz with tourists taking selfies by the newly lit tree erected by the municipality.
“I believe this year will be an attractive season for tourists,” Salma says. “We are hoping that despite the hardships, this season will be better than before. Some people have fears because of the occupation. But the city is quiet, calm. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
The executioners used a government-owned backhoe to dig shallow graves on a rugged hilltop. When authorities in the small town in the southern Philippines arrived at the scene, they used the same backhoe to dig up 57 bullet-riddled corpses, including those of 32 journalists and media workers.
The men and women had been en route to register an opposition candidate for an impending election—or, in the case of the journalists, to report on the politician’s candidacy. But before they made it to the election office they were stopped by a group of armed men, forced out of their vehicles, lined up and shot.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called it the single deadliest attack on the press in history.
On Thursday, more than 10 years after the massacre, a court in the Philippines found several members of a powerful political clan guilty in the attack.
The court in Quezon City outside Manila gave verdicts for almost 200 defendants charged with murder and other crimes. Former mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. and his brother, Zaldy were found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for the mass murder in a remote town in the southern province of Maguindanao, according to Bloomberg. Several other family members were acquitted.
A number of police officers were among those convicted, according to ABS-CBN News.
Ampatuan Jr. was accused of leading the 2009 attack on the convoy of political rival Esmael Mangudadatu, who had announced plans to challenge the Ampatuans by running for governor of Maguindanao province.
The Ampatuans have denied the allegations and are expected to appeal the ruling, the Associated Press reported.
Activists applauded the long-awaited verdict, but called for further reforms in the Philippines, where politically motivated killings are common.
The “momentous verdict should help provide justice to the families of the victims, and build towards greater accountability for rights abuses in the country,” Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia Director of Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.
“More broadly, this verdict should prompt the country’s political leaders to finally act to end state support for ‘private armies’ and militias that promotes the political warlordism that gave rise to the Ampatuans,” Robertson said.
Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, the CEO of the news outlet Rappler, says the ruling sends an important message, especially given the political climate in the Philippines.
“I think today’s decision sends a warning: it may take time but impunity ends,” Ressa tells TIME.
“Remember, this was a gruesome mass murder committed by police at the order of politicians,” Ressa said. “I couldn’t help but see this against the drug war that human rights activists say has killed tens of thousands.”
Approximately 80 suspects remain at large, according to the AP. Some family members said they would not be satisfied until all of those responsible are brought to justice.
Mary Grace Morales lost her husband, a local newspaper reporter, and her sister, the newspaper’s publisher, in the attack. “What I can accept is a 100% conviction of all the accused,” she told the AP before the verdict. “An acquittal of even one of the principal suspects will be unacceptable.”
In a statement on the verdict, the Defense Press Corps of the Philippines called for an end to violence against journalists: “The guilty verdict against the perpetrators of the Maguindanao Massacre must serve as a clarion cry against violence, harassment and oppression directed at society’s vanguards of truth — the fourth estate.”
Eighty-three journalists have been killed in the Philippines since the CPJ began collecting data in 1992. Three Philippine journalists were killed in 2019. The CPJ says the murders were likely perpetrated by agents working for local politicians.
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You can avoid taxes and penalties on Roth IRA withdrawals if you take qualified rather than non-qualified distributions. Here's how to know the difference.
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Learn more about the small yet growing number of South Korea ETFs, which track the often forgotten Asian Tiger responsible for Samsung, Kia and Hyundai.
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Discover MIT and Numbeo statistics which show that the cost of living in Boston, except for rental prices, is nearing that of one of the most expensive cities in the world, New York City.
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In response to California's proposed high-speed rail, entrepreneur Elon Musk conceptualized an inexpensive alternative for travel called the Hyperloop.
The Department of Labor (DOL) expanded the "investment advice fiduciary" definition, but it was vacated by a Federal Appeals Court for being "unreasonable."
Some of the larger countries have unemployment rates that are usually stable with economies to match. But due to agriculture and low wages, smaller countries have low unemployment but even lower GDP per capita.
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Motivation isn’t just some natural talent. It’s a developmental phenomenon. The people who seem to have natural motivation were blessed with opportunities for safe exploration when they were children. But our neurons aren’t stone-filled pathways cemented into our brains. We can change our brains and train them for success. Training might be more difficult for some than others, but it’s possible to succeed. Motivation is mostly internal and yet outside factors can augment your current abilities. Words are an efficient motivator. They pique the imagination and encourage further exploration. You can find inspiration from words spoken on an inspirational podcast.
Workshops can be an utter waste of someone’s time. And strangely, it seems that they’re a waste of time more often than not. One stat says that employees only retain 5-20% of what a workshop teaches. That’s a dismally low number. And it’s a testament to the stodginess of most workshop practices. Here we’re going to talk about how to overcome the common malpractices of workshop creators. Let’s get started. 1. Where Are You Aiming the Ship? Have you ever gone to a workshop and encountered an aimless mess? The speaker gets up there and talks for a bit and
2020 is going to be your year, you say to yourself as you open up your blog and see your abysmal traffic. I’m going to increase my traffic and sell more through my links. But the question is “how”? Just doing what you’ve always been doing will yield the exact same results. You need a leg up. But what are you missing? You’ve done everything you can think of. Well, today I’m going to give you some extra tools. And if you’ve ever done a home remodel, you’ll know that tools are invaluable. It’s time to do a blog remodel.
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WCD Delhi Recruitment 2019 Notification: Apply Online | 190 Block Coordinator, Block Project Assistant Job Vacancies Now!! Candidates who are eagerly waiting for Delhi Govt Job may apply for these Block Coordinator, Block Project Assistant Posts. Department of Women & Child Development Delhi invites the Online application for 190 Vacancies in various departments. Interested and eligible candidates can apply for the Posts through Online Process. The last date to apply for these jobs is 31st December 2019. Read the entire article for detail on WCD Delhi Jobs Notification 2019.
WCD Delhi Recruitment 2019-20
Department of Women and Child Development, GNCTD requires manpower on a Contractual/temporary basis for Block Coordinator, Block Project Assistant Positions for a Period of 1 Year. This is purely on contractual terms/ conditions for the implementation of the Government of India scheme “POSHAN ABHIYAAN”. A direct link to the official notification along with the online application form is given below. Candidates can also visit the official website by clicking on the link below.
Eligibility Criteria for WCD Delhi Block Coordinator & Block Project Assistant Jobs 2019
Applicants who are looking for the WCD Delhi govt vacancy can get the complete details of WCD Delhi Recruitment 2019 Notification from the below sections.
Educational Qualification:
Block Coordinator – Candidates should be a Graduate, At least 2 Years experience of working with technology and software application support.
Block Project Assistant – Graduate, At least 1 Year experience of working with Community/Local Government.
Regarding Marks“ The Eligibility Criteria shall be minimum of 75% marks in Class Xth and 70% marks in XIIth“
Age Limit for WCD Delhi Recruitment:
Maximum Age Limit – 35 Years
Salary Details:
Post Name
Pay Scale
Block Coordinator
Rs. 20000/-
Block Project Assistant
Rs. 16858/-
Application Fee:
Applicants can refer to the official notification for more information.
WCD Delhi Career – Selection Process:
Written Examination
Interview
General Instructions
The Candidate is Mandatory for the local area for which candidate should have any one of the following supporting documents issued from Delhi:
Voter ID
Driving License
Electricity Bill/Water Bill
Passport
Aadhar Card
Bank Passbook with Photo, duly certified
Or any other relevant document.
How to Apply for WCD Delhi Jobs Notification 2019?
Download the WCD Delhi Recruitment 2019 Notification given below.
Read the official notification carefully and check your eligibility details
Read the job details given in the Official Notification.
Then click the Online application form from the below link
Start filling the Application Form with all the required details.
Recheck the details are properly on the application form.
Attach all required documents to the application form and recheck the details which entered in the form
Pay the application fee if required
After successfully completing the application form submit the application
Take a printout of the application for future reference.
Important Dates for WCD Delhi Block Project Assistant Notification 2019
About the Department of Women & Child Development Delhi
The Ministry of Women and Child Development, a branch of the Government of India, is an apex body for formulation and administration of the rules and regulations and laws relating to women and child development in India. The current minister for the Ministry of Women and Child Development is Smriti Irani having held the portfolio since 31st May 2019. The Department of Women and Child Development was set up in the year 1985 as a part of the Ministry of Human Resource Development to give the much-needed impetus to the holistic development of women and children. With effect from 30.01.2006, the Department has been upgraded to a Ministry.
KPSC Results 2019 is here to download. A huge number of applicants had made use of this opportunity and had attended the examination. Hence for such contenders, we have provided direct links to help them check their KPSC Exam Results 2019. By checking results candidates can evaluate their performance in the examination. The results sheet is released by the officials and hence there would be no ambiguity. The result is available here as it was released by the officials at kpsc.kar.nic.in.
New Update: Board of Karnataka Public Service Commission had released the KPSC Departmental Test 2019. Get a direct link from the below link.
KPSC Accountant, Chief Officer & Other Posts Result 2019Released @ www.kpsc.nic.in. Therefore, the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) has conducted the Written Examination for multiple Posts on the scheduled date. Many aspirants are waiting for the Karnataka PSC Result 2019. Now, the Board has declared the results for various posts such as Chief Officer Grade-2, Accountant, First Grade Revenue Inspector, Accounts Assistant, Physical Teacher, Office Superintendent, Store Controller/ Warden, First Grade, Computer Assistant, Catering Supervisor/ Hostel Warden, Hostel Warden on the official web portal. So, all the eligible candidates can check and download the KPSC Accountant and Other Result 2019 from this site. In addition, aspirants can also download the KPSC Cut Off Marks and Merit List 2019 from this page itself.
KPSC Result 2019 – Accountant, Chief Officer & Other Posts
KPSC Accountant & Other Post Results 2019
Organization Name
Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC)
Post Name
Chief Officer Grade-2, Accountant, First Grade Revenue Inspector, & Other Posts
KPSC Assistant Director Result 2019 – Download KPSC District Minorites Officer Result 2019 – Download KPSC Warden Selection List 2019 PDF – Download KPSC Assistant Director Selection List 2019 PDF – Download KPSC Environmental Engineer Selection List 2019 PDF – Download Chief Officer Grade-2 In The Department Of Municipal Administration 2019- Download
KPSC JTO Result 2019 will be released by the officials of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) at kpsc.kar.nic.in. Candidates who have written the test well, need to check the current information about the KPSC Junior Training Officer Result 2019 from this post. Most probably, the Karnataka PSC JTO Result 2019 will be released in the December2019 (Tentatively) for the held KPSC Junior Technical Officer Exam from 27th December 2018 to 4th January 2019. We will update this post, after the official declaration of the results.
KPSC Departmental Test Result 2019 Released @ kpsc.kar.nic.in | Available Now!! Applicants who are waiting for the KPSC Departmental Test Second Session Result 2019 can check your result from the below link. Here we have updated the latest KPSC Departmental results 2019 link. By clicking the direct link to get your result easily. Applicants can keep track of this page to get all the latest result updates regarding KPSC Departmental Results 2019. Moreover, applicants can get the complete details from the official website kpsc.kar.nic.in.
Karnataka PSC Departmental Test Result 2019
KPSC Departmental Results 2019
Organization Name
Karnataka Public Service Commission
Post Name
First Division Assistant & Second Division Assistant
KPSC SDA & FDA Result 2019 Available Now!! Applicants who are waiting for the KPSC SDA & FDA Result 2019 can check your result from the below link. Here we have updated the latest result link for the KPSC SDA & SDA marks. By clicking the direct link to get your result easily. Applicants can keep track of this page to get all the latest result updates regarding Karnataka Public Service Commission. Moreover, applicants can get the complete details from the official website www.kpsc.nic.in.
KPSC SDA & FDA Result 2019
KPSC SDA & FDA Result 2019
Organization Name
Karnataka Public Service Commission
Post Name
First Division Assistant & Second Division Assistant
KPSC SDA Marks 2019 – Download KPSC FDA Result & Marks – Download
KPSC Result 2019 for Departmental Examination I Session is now available. Check your Karnataka PSC Dept Examination Result 2019 1st Session here. The candidates can avail of their KPSC Exam Result using the link below. The result was declared on 5th Nov 2019.
KPSC SDA Result 2019 is now out. All the candidates who have written the KPSC exams for Second Division Assistant post can check the KPSC Exam Results here. The KPSC Results were released on 31-10-2019. The candidates can also check results on the official site www.kpsc.nic.in the SDA selection list.
The KPSC Competitive Exam Result 2019 is now out. Candidates who were waiting for Karnataka PSC Result can check here using the link given below. Download the KPSC Merit List 2019 here easily. However, it is also mentioned on the official site @ www.kpsc.kar.nic.in but we advise you to check through the link given below.
KPSC Result for Junior Engineer is now out. The Results for KPSC Junior Engineer Mechanical & Jr Engineer Civil is now live. The candidates can check the KPSC Result 2019 on the official page as it was released on 22nd October 2019. Check your results before the link goes invalid. However, we too have provided a link for you to check your KPSC Jr Engineer result.
KPSC Result 2019: Candidates can check the Karnataka Public Service Commission Assistant Librarian Exam Result 2019 here. The KPSC Board has given the Assistant Librarian Result on 22-10-2019. However, the direct link to check the KPSC Result 2019 is present on this page. Hence, click on the KPSC Result Link below the table to check your Assistant Librarian Result.
KPSC Result 2019: All those who appeared for the Karnataka Public Service Commission Library Assistant Exam. Can now check their KPSC Library Assistant Result 2019. The KPSC Board has given the Library Assistant Result on 22nd Oct 2019. However, the direct link to check the KPSC Result 2019 is present on this page. Hence, click on the KPSC Library Assistant Result Link below.
KPSC Result 2019 has been released here for various posts. A huge number of contenders had applied for the post and attended the examination. Hence such applied applicants are eagerly waiting to check their KPSC Merit List 2019. The result consists of the name of shortlisted candidates and only such can take up further rounds. Moreover, the KPSC Results 2019 is released by the officials and hence there can be no ambiguity. Refer to the link given below for more details.
KPSC Associate Professor Kriya Shareera(Ayurveda) Result – Click Here
KPSC Associate Professor Tashrreh-ul-Badan (Unani) Result – Click Here
KPSC Associate Professor Roganidana(Ayurveda) Result – Click Here
KPSC Professor Shalyatantra(Ayurveda) Exam Result – Click Here
KPSC Professor Kaumarabhritya (Ayurveda) Exam Result – Click Here
KPSC Professor Swasthavritta (Ayurveda) Exam Result – Click Here
KPSC Professor Roganidana (Ayurveda) Exam Result – Click Here
KPSC Professor Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana (Ayurveda) Exam Result – Click Here
KPSC Professor Samhitha Siddhantha (Ayurveda Exam Result – Click Here
KPSC Professor Kriya Shareera (Ayurveda) Exam Result – Click Here
KPSC Professor Prasuti Tantra & Striroga (Ayurveda)Exam Result – Click Here
KPSC Professor Panchakarma (Ayurveda) Exam Result – Click Here
KPSC Associate Professor Prasuti Tantra & Striroga (Ayurveda) Exam Result – Click Here
KPSC Associate Professor Anatomy (Homeopathy)Exam Result – Click Here
KPSC Associate Professor (Pathology & Microbiology) (Homeopathy) Exam Result – Click Here
KPSC Associate Professor (Gynaecology & Pediatrics) (Unani) Exam Result – Click Here
Karnataka Public Service Commission Results
The KPSC Result 2019 – Office Superintendent: Candidates can make use of this page to check their KPSC Exam Result 2019 for the post of Office Superintendent. A huge number of contenders had applied for the post and attended the examination. Hence such applicants are eager about their KPSC Merit List 2019. Refer to the link given below to check your results.
Check KPSC Result 2019 – Art & Drawing Teacher DV List: The officials of the Karnataka Public Service Commission has declared the document verification list for the post of Art & Drawing Teacher. However, selected applicants must attend for document verification on 18th and 19th January 2019. However, we appeared contenders can make use of the link given below to check your results.
Art & Drawing Teacher Doc Verification List – Click Here
KPSC Results 2019 is here. Those contenders who had applied for the post of Assistant Engineer are eager to know their performance. However, the KPSC Exam Results 2019 is released by the officials and hence there would be no ambiguity. However, we have provided direct links and steps to help applicants get their results. We have provided direct links to help applicants check their results.
Karnataka Public Service Commission released the KPSC Results 2019. The KPSC board conducted the exam for various Posts. The candidates can get the KPSC Result 2019 from this page. After getting the kpsc.kar.nic.in Results 2019, applicants can get to know whether are shortlisted for further rounds. Aspirants can also download the Karnataka PSC Marks List in below Sections.
KPSC Results – kpsc.kar.nic.in Results
Karnataka Public Service Commission Every Year Conducting Many Examinations. This Year Also Commission Conducted the Exams. Candidates who appeared for those Tests, Now Searching for KPSC Results 2019. For those Aspirants, we came up with a Good News. In this Page, We are providing Everything Related to KPSC Result 2019. Applicants can frequently visit this page to stay updated with kpsc.kar.nic.in Results 2019. You can also find Direct Links to Check and Download Karnataka PSC Results and Merit Lists Simultaneously.
The KPSC Notification was released to recruit to fill multiple vacancies. Applicants who are interested in Karnataka Govt Jobs had attended the Examinations. A large number of Applicants took part in the KPSC Exams. Candidates can check the Cut Off marks and Answer Keys after the KPSC exam. Therefore candidates had the best chance to check their answers and guess their Scores. Just to confirm their estimated Karnataka PSC Marks, Aspirants are waiting to download their KPSC Marks list. After getting their KPSC Result only candidates will know whether they have been shortlisted for further rounds or not. Contestants who clear also the rounds of the interview will be eligible to get through the desired psc jobs.
KPSC Results 2019 – Download Marks List @ www.kpsc.kar.nic.in
Recently Karnataka Public Service Commission Conducted Many Examinations Like Group A B C, Asst Engineer, Jr Engineer, FDA SDA Exam, Sub Inspector, PDO, and Etc., Many No. if Applicants appeared for these Examinations. Now it’s time to Check their KPSC Results 2019. We have mentioned Detailed Post wise Exam Results in This article.
KPSC AE JE Result 2019
Karnataka PSC exam was a Junior Engineer and the Assistant exam was recently held. A large number of candidates attended the written exam and want to know their marks in the AE JE exam. Usually, there is a lot of competition for this Junior Engineer and Assistant Engineer Post because there are many engineers who are keen to get an engineering job in the government sector. The position also has a very high pay scale and scope to grow in that field. So the KPSC AE JE Result is much expected among all the applicants who wrote the exam.
KPSC SDA Result 2019
Karnataka Public Service Commission organized an exam for the post of Second Division Assistant. Many Contestants had applied and took part in the exam. The KPSC SDA Results 2019 depends upon the Marks Scored by the Aspirant. Candidates who clear the first interview process are shortlisted for the second interview process. Therefore, it is advised that aspirants keep in touch with our website to know when the Second Division Assistant Result is released.
KPSC FDA Results
The Karnataka PSC conducted First Division Assistant Exam to select the best candidates for the posts. There were many applicants to take part in the exam. The Results for the written test are announced after some days of the exam. So aspirants are checking for the Result every day, it will be declared any time soon.
Karnataka PSC Excise SI Guard Result 2019
Applicants who are very stubborn about getting a professional job such as Sub Inspector and Guard had taken up the KPSC Written exam. This exam is considered very important because candidates have to first qualify this exam and then only they will be allowed to get through other exams. There might be a physical fitness test for those who have cleared the initial written exam. There will be a heavy crowd for this Excise SI and Guard Posts cause it is many individual’s dreams to become a Sub Inspector. Therefore the Commission will take some time to correct the written test papers and the KPSC SI Results 2019 will be announced in due time.
KPSC Group C Result 2019 – Non-Technical Results
The Karnataka Public Service Commission had conducted an exam for various Non Technical posts exam. Each Subject lecturer Post had a different number of vacancies. Many eligible candidates who completed the master’s degree and required education qualification had attended this exam. The priority of these applicants was to get a Group C job for that they have to pass the written exam and other rounds of interview. Aspirants are advised to upgrade their skills for further rounds in the meantime the KPSC Group C Results 2019 will be announced. The qualifying marks would be high for this post because it deals with the education society.
KPSC PDO Results
The Karnataka Public Service Commission had kept the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) Exam. Many Eligible Candidates attended the exam fill up Panchayath Development Officers post. The KPSC PDO Result 2019 is much important for the applicants. Because there is a huge number of candidates who applied for the limited posts and it is very difficult to qualify in this PSC exam.
KPSC Group A Result
The Karnataka Public Service Commission conducted the exam to hire for Group A Posts. The KPSC Group A post consists of various posts such as KAS Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Superintendent of Police DSP, Executive Officer/Assistant Secretary, Assistant Director/District Treasury Officer, District BC Welfare Officer, Assistant Commissioner Commercial Taxes, Assistant Labour Commissioner. Therefore the written exam was held according to the post wise. Candidates who qualify for this exam are to attend the further rounds of interviews.
KPSC Group B Result
Karnataka PSC organized an exam for Group B Posts. The various posts under Group B posts are Tahsildar, Commercial Tax Officer, Asst Supdt, Prisons Dept, Deputy Superintendent of Excise, Assistant Treasury Officer, Chief Officer- Grade-I, Assistant Director, Asst Registrar Of Co-Operative Societies, Labour Officer, Employment Officer Jobs. Applicants who attended the exam for this job want to know their results. The commission will announce the Group B result at the direct link provided below.
Karnataka PSC Results 2019 – kpsc.kar.nic.in Result
The day of the Result is very important for each individual who attended the examination. Though most of them had already calculated their marks with the help of the Cut Off marks and Answer Key. Candidates prepare for the exam with so much effort and hard work only to get a good result. Therefore after completing their exams, it is very difficult for the aspirants to wait for the results. The KPSC Group B and C results 2019 will be soon declared by the officials. Just keep visiting our website to download the correct KPSC Exam Result 2019.
How to Check the KPSC 2019 Results?
Firstly, open the KPSC Official website i.e., www.kpsc.kar.nic.in
The Official homepage will open, which consists of various menus
On the right side of the page, click on the “Results” option
A new page will open containing the latest results
Select the Examination link Which you attend.
Another page will open, enter your Registration number and DOB
After entering click on ” Download Results”
Download your KPSC Results 2019 and take a print out for future use.
Candidates who have already attended the Karnataka PSC Exam were in search of the Cut Off Marks. Aspirants can check KSC Cut Off marks from our website. Therefore aspirants had already checked and predicted their scores. Candidates, please make a note of the Cut Off marks and your estimated marks to know whether you have been shortlisted or not. We advise clicking on the link below to check KPSC Cut off Marks.
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist Examination 2020 Syllabus is provided here. So the candidates who applied for UPSC jobs can check the UPSC Geologist Syllabus 2020 here in detail. Also, you can view the UPSC Geo-Scientist Exam Pattern in the below section. Download the Syllabus Pdf from the below links and start your preparation as soon as possible.
UPSC Geologist Syllabus 2020
According to the latest employment news, the Union Public service commission Geo-Scientist Notification is released. A numerous number of candidates who are waiting for Central government jobs can apply for the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Recruitment. After applying for UPSC jobs, the next process is proper exam preparation. So for proper preparation, the candidates need to check the UPSC Geologist Syllabus first. So, aspirants go through the below sections and start preparing for the examination.
Candidates are suggested to check the provided UPSC Chemist Syllabus to know the concepts of the UPSC Exam. Also, for the candidates who are looking for UPSC Geologist exam pattern, we are giving the exam pattern table below. So check the post wise exam pattern in the below section. The details like the number of questions, subjects, and duration of the UPSC exam are available in the exam pattern. So to achieve success in the UPSC Geo-Scientist exam, make a plan with the UPSC Geologist Syllabus and exam pattern and prepare well for the UPSC examination.
UPSC Geologist Exam Syllabus 2020 – Details
Description
Details
Name of the Organization
Union Public Service Commission
Name of the Examination
Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist Examination 2020
Name of the Posts
Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist, and Jr Hydrogeologist
Candidates who are applying for the Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist Examination 2020 will be selected based on the following criteria –
Selection Process:
Written Examination
Interview/ Personality Test
UPSC Geologist Exam Pattern 2020
The Public Service Commission issued the latest UPSC Geoscientist Notification 2020. Through this recruitment, the UPSC is going to recruit eligible candidates for the posts of Geologist, Chemist, Geophysicist, and Hydrogeologist. The total number of vacancies are 106 vacancies. Go through the below exam pattern –
UPSC Geologist Exam Pattern 2020
Sl.No
Paper
Subjects
Marks
Exam Duration
1.
I
General Studies (English)
100
02 Hours
2.
II
Geology
300
UPSC Geophysicist Exam Pattern 2020
Sl.No
Paper
Subjects
Marks
Exam Duration
1.
I
General Studies (English)
100
02 Hours
2.
II
Geophysics
300
UPSC Chemist Exam Pattern 2020
Sl.No
Papers
Subjects
No. of Marks
Duration
1.
I
General Studies (English)
100
02 Hours
2.
II
Chemistry
300
UPSC Jr Hydrogeologist Exam Pattern 2020
S.No
Paper
Subject
Marks
Duration
1.
I
General Studies (English)
100
02 Hours
2.
II
Hydrogeology
300
The written examination for all the subjects will be of Conventional (Essay) Type
The question papers will be set in English Only
The General English paper will be common for all
UPSC Combined Geoscientist and Geologist Examination Syllabus 2020
UPSC Syllabus 2020 – General English (Common for All)
Adverb
Verb
Tenses
Subject-Verb Agreement
Sentence Completion
Idioms & Phrases
Error Correction
Passage Completion
Grammar
Comprehension
Vocabulary
Word Formation
Articles
Theme detection
Synonyms
Antonyms
Conclusion
Fill in the Blanks
Unseen Passages
Sentence Rearrangement
UPSC Geologist Syllabus for Geology
Paper I
Geomorphology and Remote Sensing.
Structural Geology.
Geodynamics.
Stratigraphy.
Paleontology.
Paper-II
Mineralogy and Geochemistry & Isotope Geology.
Igneous Petrology.
Metamorphic Petrology & Processes.
Sedimentology.
Environmental Geology and Natural Hazards.
Paper III
Indian mineral deposits and mineral economics.
Ore genesis and Geophysics.
Mineral exploration.
Geology of fuels.
Engineering Geology.
UPSC Geophysicist Syllabus 2020
Paper I
Part A
Solid Earth Geophysics.
Earthquake and Engineering Seismology.
Mathematical methods in Geophysics.
Geophysical Inversion.
Part B
Mathematical Methods of Physics.
Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics.
Electrodynamics.
Introductory Atmospheric and Space Physics.
Paper-II
Part A
Geophysical Potential Fields (Gravity And Magnetic)
Electrical and Electromagnetic methods
Seismic Prospecting
Borehole Geophysics (Principles of Well Logging)
Part B
Atomic and Molecular Physics and Properties and Characterization of materials.
Nuclear and Particle Physics.
Electromagnetic Theory.
Classical Mechanics.
Paper III
Part A
Radiometric Exploration / Airborne Geophysical surveys for Geological Mapping.
Marine Geophysics.
Geophysical Signal Processing.
Remote Sensing and GIS applications.
Part B
Solid State Physics.
Laser systems.
Laser cavity modes.
Electronics and devices.
Digital electronics, Radar systems, Satellite communications.
Quantum Mechanics.
UPSC Chemistry Syllabus 2020
Paper I (Inorganic Chemistry)
Chemical Periodicity.
Chemical Bonding and structure.
Chemistry of coordination compounds.
Acid-Base Reactions.
Precipitation and Redox Reactions.
Organo-metallic compounds.
Nuclear chemistry.
s-Block Elements.
p-Block Elements.
Chemistry of d- and f- block elements
Paper-II (Physical Chemistry)
Kinetic theory and the gaseous state.
The Collision of gas molecules, Real gases.
Thermodynamics.
Application of the Second law of thermodynamics.
Thermodynamics and Equilibrium.
Acids-bases and solvents.
Solutions of non-electrolytes.
Chemical kinetics and catalysis.
Adsorption and Surface Chemistry.
Electrochemistry.
Photochemistry.
Quantum Chemistry.
Basic principles and application of spectroscopy.
UV Spectra.
PMR Spectra.
Paper III
Part-A (Analytical Chemistry)
The theoretical basis of Quantitative inorganic analysis.
Gravimetric Analysis.
Sampling and treatment of samples for chemical analysis.
Volumetric Analysis.
Acid-base titrations.
Redox Titrations.
Potentiometry.
Complexometric titrations.
Chromatographic methods of analysis.
UV-Visible Spectroscopy.
Flame photometry and Atomic absorption spectrometry.
X-ray methods of Analysis.
Inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy.
Analysis of Minerals, Ores, and Alloys.
Analysis of Petroleum and Petroleum products
Part-B (Inorganic Chemistry)
Basic Organic Chemistry
Organometallic compounds.
Bonding and physical properties.
Aldol and related reactions.
Mechanism of some reactions.
Electrocyclic Reactions.
Organic Reaction Mechanisms.
Organic Spectroscopy etc.
UPSC Hydrogeology Syllabus 2020
Section A: Origin, Occurrence, and Distribution of water.
Section B: Groundwater Hydraulics.
Section C: Groundwater Exploration and Water Well Construction.
Section D: Groundwater Quality
Section E: Groundwater Management
Download UPSC Geologist Syllabus Pdf 2020
Candidates can check here complete topics of UPSC Geologist Exam Syllabus 2020. For further more information about the UPSC Syllabus refer the www.upsc.gov.in official website. Click Here to Download UPSC Combined Geoscientist Syllabus Pdf.
Cochin Shipyard Admit Card 2019 for Junior Technical Assistant will be released in December 2019. Takedown the exam along with the hall ticket. Get the exam date and the admit card date from the official portal. The exam will be held in the month of December 2019. Hence, Download the Cochin Shipyard Admit Card from the below table.
Cochin Shipyard Admit Card 2019 – Cochin Shipyard is releasing the admit card for the post of Safety Assistants, Fireman, Sanitary-cum Health Inspector in the month of December 2019. Thus, the exam will also be held in the month of December 2019. Therefore, the Cochin Shipyard Hall Ticket will be available at the end of the section once the board issued on its official portal.
Cochin Shipyard Safety Assistant Hall Ticket 2019-20
Name of the Board
Cochin Shipyard Limited
Name of the Post
Safety Assistants, Fireman, Sanitary-cum Health Inspector
Cochin Shipyard Safety Assistant Hall Ticket 2019 – Download Here
Cochin Shipyard Admit Card in November 2019. Candidates can get the admit card for the post of Supervisory and Others from the official portal in the month of November 2019. Moreover, the board will also declare the exam date soon. Along with the admit card aspirants can get the exam details and other detailed instructions. The board has tentatively declared the exam date as November 2019.
Cochin Shipyard Admit Card 2019
The Cochin Shipyard has released the recruitment notification to recruit the Supervisory & Other posts. Thus, the board is mandated to issue the admit card for the above-said posts in November 2019. Hence, Candidates are suggested to download the Cochin Shipyard Hall Ticket within the last date. Make sure to get the Cochin Shipyard Admit Card without making mistakes.
Details on Cochin Shipyard Admit Card Download 2019
Check with the details in the hall ticket before downloading it. Candidates should fill the credentials in the admit card as in the application form. Make sure to get the Cochin Shipyard Admit Card before the exam date. All the aspirants must download the hall ticket via Online mode. Admit Card will not be sent through the post to any of the candidates.
Candidates Name
Name of the Candidate's Father
The venue of the Exam Centre
Date & Time of the Test
Reporting Time to the Exam Hall
Gender (Male/ Female)
Roll Number
Duration of the Online Test
Space for Invigilator's Signature
Registration Number
Name of the Test Centre
Category of the candidates
Space for Applicant's Signature
Name of the Exam Conducting Board
Photograph of the Candidate
Applicant's Date of Birth
Name of the Written Test
Important Guidelines for the Exam Takers
Full Name of the Applicant
Examination Centre Code
Signature of the Board Counselor
Cochin Shipyard Supervisory Exam 2019
The exact exam date will be announced later by the officials of the Cochin Shipyard Limited. The exam venue will be printed on the Cochin Shipyard Admit Card. Thus, Candidates can get the exam pattern from the upcoming page.
Cochin Shipyard Supervisory Exam Pattern:
Subjects
Total marks
General Knowledge
5 Marks
General English
5 Marks
Reasoning
5 Marks
Quantitative aptitude
5 Marks
Discipline related
50 Marks
Total
70 Marks
ID Proofs along with Cochin Shipyard Hall Ticket 2019
Carry any one of the original documents along with the Cochin Shipyard Admit Card 2019. Hence, Candidates are suggested to take down the exam with the required documents.
Original Photograph
Voter Card
Pan Card
Employee ID
College ID
PAN Card
Passport
Driving License
Any other ID proof issued by a Gazetted Officer
Bank Pass Book with the photograph
Cochin Shipyard Supervisory Admit Card 2019 – Important Links
LIC Housing Finance Syllabus 2019-20 Pdf is available here to download. Interested candidates can easily acquire the LIC HFL Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2019 on this page. With the help of the Life Insurance Corporation HFL Syllabus, you can clearly know which topics to read. You can also check LIC Housing Finance Limited Syllabus Pdf 2019 here or at lichousing.com to be clear about the LIC HFL Exam Pattern, Dates, and so on. Check the detailed LIC Housing Finance Syllabus and Test Pattern in the following section.
Total Number of Questions for LIC HFL Assistant Exam 200.
Each Question Carries One Mark, I.e., a total of 200 Marks.
The Exam Duration is 2 Hrs.
0.25 Marks will be deduced for wrongly answered questions.
NO Negative for Questions left Blank.
We believe that lots of applicants are applied for the LIC HFL Exam. And, those candidates are now waiting for the LIC Housing Finance Syllabus and Exam Pattern to decide how to prepare for the written exam. So, we have gathered the in-depth syllabus of the LIC Assistant and Assistant Managers Syllabus and Test Pattern 2019 and listed below. In the below-mentioned LIC Housing Finance Limited Syllabus, you can find the topics for every subject that comes for the written exam. Check the Life Insurance Corporation HFL Syllabus 2019 Pdf and read all those topics to attend the exam in a good manner. And, if you read this full page, you can get the exam pattern as well. Consider both the LIC HFL Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2019 before preparing for the written exam.
Selection Process:
The selection criteria for the Life Insurance Corporation HFL is as follows,
Everyone would like to pass the LIC HFL Exam 2019. In order to pass the exam, the candidates should read the Life Insurance Corporation LIC Housing Finance Syllabus mentioned in the below section thoroughly.
Numerical Ability
Probability
Problem on Ages
Number Series
Simplification/ Approximation
Time, Work & Wages
Simple & Compound Interest
Pipes and Cisterns
Quadratic Equations
Data Interpretation (Pie/ Line/ Bar/ Tabular)
Miscellaneous Problems including the following topics:
Averages
Ratio & Proportion
Data Sufficiency
Percentages
Profit, Loss & Discount
Mixture & Allegations
Boats & Streams
Speed, Time & Distance
Logical Reasoning
Puzzles
Syllogism
Order and Ranking
Alphanumeric Series
Coding-Decoding
Inequality
Input-Output
Seating Arrangement
Blood Relations
Distance and Direction
English Language
Fill in the blanks
Reading Comprehension
Sentence Improvement
Para jumbles
Sentence Connectors
Spotting Errors
Vocabulary (Synonyms/ Antonyms)
Cloze Test
Para completion
General Awareness
Basic GK
Indian Politics
Physics
The Indian Culture
Botany
Famous Books & Authors
Chemistry
Indian History
Geography
Zoology
Famous Days & Dates
Basic Computer
Indian Politics
Physics
History, Culture, Traditions & Festivals
Inventions in the World
Indian History
Inventions in the World
Famous Books & Authors
History, Culture, Traditions & Festivals
Indian Parliament
Indian Economy
Environment
Sports
Indian Parliament
The Indian Culture
Basic GK
Basic Computer
Environment
Sports
Botany
Chemistry
Geography
Zoology
Famous Days & Dates
A.) Current Affairs (National and International):
Major Financial / Economic News
Budget and Five Year Plans
Sports
Books and Authors
Awards and Honors
Abbreviations
Important Days
International and National Organizations are some related topics
In this section, you can easily find direct links to check the LIC Housing Finance Recruitment 2019 details. So, get all those stuff and attend the exam without any trouble.
Check out the Life Insurence Corporation, India Online Examination Previous Question Papers for Assistant Posts below. Also, download the LIC HFL Assistant Posts Previous Question Papers PDF from the link below. However, all the best for your LIC HFL Assistant Examination 2019.
The Exam Date for LIC HFL Assitant, Asst Manager & Associate is 6th & 7th September 2019. Hence, the LIC Assistant Admit Card will be available soon. However, download the LIC HFL Assistant Exam Call Letter from the link below when LIVE.
JIPMER Recruitment 2019 – Apply Online | 107 Posts | Nursing Officer, Medical Laboratory Technologist & Other Vacancies. Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research decided to recruit 107 candidates to fill up vacancies of Nursing Officer, Medical Laboratory Technologist & Others in various departments. Interested and eligible can apply for the JIPMER Job Vacancy 2019 through Online. Online Registration of application closed on 20th January 2020.
Applications are invited by the Director, JIPMER, Puducherry from the eligible Indian nationals. The number of posts is tentative and may change based on the requirement of this Institute. Candidates can get the complete details of Recruitment for Various Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ Posts of JIPMER, Puducherry from the below sections. Get more details regarding JIPMER Nursing Officer Recruitment in this article.
JIPMER Nursing Officer Jobs 2020 – 107 Openings
Name of the Organisation
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER)
Eligibility Criteria for JIPMER Nursing Officer Jobs 2020 Notification
Educational Qualification:
Name of the Department
Academic Qualification
Group B Posts
Nursing Officer
Degree OR Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery or equivalent from a recognized University/Institution
Medical Laboratory Technologist
Bachelor‟s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science with 2 years relevant experience
Physical Instructor
10 +2 or equivalent from a recognized board or Degree in Physical Education (B.P.Ed.) from a recognized University or its equivalent
Psychiatric Nurse
Degree in Nursing or equivalent from a recognized University/Institution
Junior Engineer
Graduate in Mechanical Engineering from a recognized University
Electronics Assistant
Degree in Engineering in Electronics or Electrical from a recognized University/Institution or equivalent. (OR) Diploma in Engineering in Electronics or Electrical (3 years) from a recognized Institute
Group C Posts
EEG Technician
Degree in Neuro Technology from a recognized University/Institution or equivalent
Uro Technician
Diploma in Radiography/Radiographic Science (2 Years course) from a recognized Institution / University or equivalent
Dental Mechanic
Matriculation or it’s equivalent
Age Limit for JIPMER Jobs:
Name of the Department
Maximum Age Limit
Group B Posts
Nursing Officer
Up to 35 years
Medical Laboratory Technologist
Up to 30 years
Physical Instructor
Up to 30 years
Psychiatric Nurse
Up to 35 years
Junior Engineer
Up to 30 years
Electronics Assistant
Up to 35 years
Group C Posts
EEG Technician
Up to 30 years
Uro Technician
Up to 30 years
Dental Mechanic
Up to 30 years
Age Relaxation:
SC/ ST Category – 05 years
OBC Category – 03 years
Persons with Disabilities
General – 10 years
SC/ ST – 15 years
OBC – 13 years
Salary Details for JIPMER Vacancy:
Name of the Department
Pay Scale
Group B Posts
Nursing Officer
Pay of Rs.44,900/- in Level 7 of Pay Matrix of 7th CPC (pre-revised Rs.9300-34800 with GP of Rs.4600/-)
Medical Laboratory Technologist
Pay of Rs.35400/- in Level 6 of Pay Matrix of 7th CPC (pre-revised Rs.9300-34800 with GP of Rs.4200)
Physical Instructor
Pay of Rs.35400/- in Level 6 of Pay Matrix of 7th CPC (pre-revised Rs.9300-34800 with GP of Rs.4200)
Psychiatric Nurse
Pay of Rs.47600/- in the Level 8 of Pay Matrix of 7 th CPC (pre-revised Rs.9300-34800 with GP of Rs.4800)
Junior Engineer
Pay of Rs.35400/- in Level 6 of Pay Matrix of 7th CPC (pre-revised Rs.9300-34800 with GP of Rs.4200)
Electronics Assistant
Pay of Rs.35400/- in Level 6 of Pay Matrix of 7th CPC (pre-revised Rs.9300-34800 with GP of Rs.4200)
Group C Posts
EEG Technician
Pay of Rs.29200/- in Level 5 of Pay Matrix of 7th CPC (pre-revised Rs.5200-20200 with GP of Rs.2800)
Uro Technician
Pay of Rs.25500/- in Level 4 of Pay Matrix of 7th CPC (pre-revised Rs.5200-20200 with GP of Rs.2400)
Dental Mechanic
Pay of Rs.25500/- in Level 4 of Pay Matrix of 7th CPC (pre-revised Rs.5200-20200 with GP of Rs.2400)
Application Fee:
UR/OBC Candidates – Rs.1,500 + Transaction Charges as applicable
SC/ ST Candidates – Rs.1,200 + Transaction Charges as applicable
PWD Candidates – NIL
NOTE: Pay the JIPMER Recruitment Application fee through Online mode.
Selection Process – JIPMER Recruitment 2019-20:
Written Examination.
Interview.
How to Apply for JIPMER Recruitment 2019?
Download the Notification given below.
Read the given details and make sure you are eligible for the vacancy.
Click on the Apply Online link given below.
Fill the Online application form completely without any mistake.
Pay the application fee through Online mode.
Upload the documents mentioned below.
Take a Print out of the application form for further reference.
Essential Documents to be attached:
Age proof certificate (Birth certificate/10th/12th Mark sheet)
About Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER)
JIPMER is one among the not very many establishments in the nation which is giving educating from undergrad to super specialty and sub-claims to fame, directing way breaking exploration and giving forte care of the high request. The model of giving free claim to fame social insurance while keeping up quality and wellbeing makes JIPMER a remarkable model in the nation. JIPMER’s achievement in giving the best treatment even to the least reasonable in the general public makes it a model of claim to fame care conveyance of things to come.
JIPMER keeps on positioning among the top best five restorative schools in the nation. JIPMER is seeing the extension as new grounds like JIPMER Karaikkal, JIPMER effort focus at Yanam separated from the destined to be appointed screening OPD square and super specialty Extention square. Reasonable designs for Puducherry’s second grounds for the Institute of organ transplantation and the Institute of cutting edge injury and recovery were started during this period.
DSE Haryana Recruitment 2019: Apply Online for 34 Legal Assistant Job Vacancies Now!! Candidates who are eagerly waiting for Haryana Govt Job may note this advertisement and apply for the Legal Assistant Posts. Directorate of School Education invites the Online application for 34 Vacancies in Haryana Education Department. Interested and eligible candidates can apply for the Posts through Online Process. The last date to apply for these jobs is 31st December 2019. Read the entire article for detail on DS Haryana Vacancy 2019. All the important details are given below.
DSE Haryana Recruitment 2019-20
Applications are invited (only online) from suitable, qualified and dynamic professionals of Indian nationality. To check eligibility, we have given all the important details below. Candidates can read them and also refer to the official notification. A direct link to the official notification along with the online application form is given below. candidates can also visit the official website by clicking on the link below.
Eligibility Criteria for DSE Haryana Legal Assistant Posts
Applicants who are looking for the Haryana Govt Jobs can get the complete details of Education Department Haryana recruitment 2019 from the below sections.
Educational Qualification:
1st Division in 10th and 12th Mandatory
Law Graduate from Recognized University (English Medium)
Minimum 2 years experience of any court of Law.
10% Weightage of mark obtained in LLM shall be given to candidates who possess LLM qualification.
Age Limit for DSE Haryana Vacancy 2019:
Maximum Age Limit – 42 Years
Salary Details:
Post Name
Pay Scale
Legal Assistant
Rs. 23320/-
Application Fee:
Applicants can refer to the official notification for more information.
Department of School Education, Haryana (Hindi: विधालय शिक्षा विभाग, हरियाणा) is a unit of the Government of Haryana in India that looks after the school education in the state of Haryana. The department is responsible for hiring and employing the school teachers for the Government schools of the Government of Haryana. It also runs the Haryana Board of School Education that conducts the school-leaving examinations.
The 2018 Annual Survey of Education Report (ASER), released in January 2019, found that Haryana had 55.3% of the children living in rural Haryana were going to private schools in 2018 as compared to 55.8% in 2016, 6.8% girls in the 15-16 age group and 2.3% in the 11-14 age group were not enrolled in any school in the rural areas of the state, 58% children from Classes 3 to 5 were able to read the Class 2-level text, 84% in Haryana had a playground inside the school premises and playground was accessible in more than 90% of schools in Haryana.
Repco Bank Recruitment 2019-20 | Apply for 15 Sub Staff/ Peon Vacancies. The Repco Bank has recently announced a Job Notification for 15 Job Vacancies of Sub Staff/ Peon Posts. Applicants those who are eagerly waiting for the Banking Jobs can apply for the Post through Offline Process. Candidates can start downloading the Application form and send the duly filled application form for the Sub Staff/ Peon Jobs on or before the last date by 21st December 2019.
Repco Bank invites applications for the post of Sub Staff / Peon and the Vacancy position may vary depending on actual requirement at the time of the final process. Shortlisted candidates' will be on Contract basis Temporary/Casual basis) up to a period of two years which may be extended for a further period. The Bank has invited the applications from various States like State-wise vacancies. So, Candidates should be proficient in the local language of the state, from the State which the candidates have applied. Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply for the above Posts.
Repco Bank Job Vacancy 2019-20 | State-wise vacancies:
Sub Staff/ Peon – 15 Posts
Name of the State
No.of. Vacancies
Tamil Nadu
11
Karnataka
02
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
02
Total
15
Eligibility Criteria for Repco Bank Recruitment 2019
Applicants can check your Eligibility details from this page and get the complete information of Repco Bank Careers 2019-20. Along with the Eligibility Criteria we have provided some easy steps to download the Repco Bank Recruitment 2019 Notification from the following section.
Nationality:
Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply for the Repco Bank Jobs.
Educational Qualification:
Candidates who have passed in 10th Standard can apply for the Sub Staff/ Peon Vacancies.
Repco Bank Careers Age Limit:
Minimum Age Limit – 18 Years
Maximum Age Limit – 30 Years (as on 30/11/2019)
Age Relaxation:
SC/ST – 5 Years
OBC – 3 Years
Relaxation in upper age limit as per Govt. guidelines and Reservation as per Government Norms.
Application Fee for Repco Bank Recruitment 2019:
General / OBC / Others – Rs.150/-
SC / ST/ REPATRIATES – NILL
Non-refundable and inclusive of GST, Application without Demand Draft/Bank Pay order will not be considered.
The application fee must be paid upfront by means of Bank Pay Order or Bank Demand Draft issued by Scheduled Bank payable at Chennai and should be drawn in favor of "REPCO BANK RECRUITMENT CELL".
The applicant should write his name and address on the backside of the Demand Draft/Bank Pay Order.
Sub Staff / Peon – Rs.8000/- p.m.(Metro) and Rs.7500/- p.m.(Non-Metro)
Selection Process for Repco Bank Sub Staff/ Peon Recruitment 2019:
Written Examination
Eligible candidates alone will be called for Written Test to be held at CHENNAI. Date of Written examination will be intimated through Call letter for eligible Candidates.
General Instructions:
Must know cycling and have Two Wheeler License
SC/ST/OBC candidates should enclose Self-attested copies of Caste Certificate issued by Competent Authority, ie. Revenue Officer not below the rank of Tahsildar (Repatriate candidates should enclose attested copies of proof). In the absence of the certificates, they will be treated as general candidates
Candidates having Four Wheeler license, if found suitable for driving, may be considered for Peon-cum-Driver in the same cadre.
How to apply for Repco Bank Jobs 2019-20?
Initially, Download the Repco Bank Recruitment 2019 Notification Pdf given below.
Read the given details completely and ensure the eligibility level.
Download the Repco Bank Sub Staff/ Peon Recruitment Application form given below.
Candidates who satisfy the eligibility norms should submit their application
Application in the Bio-data form in English typed on thick A4 size sheet
Paste one recent passport size photograph affixed on the top right side corner of the application
Submit the application to the Registered Postal address before the last date.
NOTE:Applications Complete in all Respects should be sent in a Closed Envelope Superscribed “for the Post of Sub Staff/Peon” to the following Postal Address.
The General Manager (Admin), Repco Bank Ltd, P.B.No.1449, Repco Tower, No:33, North Usman Road, T.Nagar, Chennai – 600 017.
Important Dates for Repco Bank Sub Staff/ Peon Vacancies 2019
Starting Date to Submission of Application Form
Started
Last Date to Submission of Application Form
21st December 2019
Important Links for Repco Bank Recruitment 2019 Notification
Repco Bank (Repatriates Cooperative and Finance and Development Bank) is a cooperative bank established by the Government of India in 1969 to improve the financial needs of repatriates from Sri Lanka and Burma. It has been controlled by the Ministry of Home Affairs and operated only in the South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. As of 2014, the shares of the bank are the Government of India has 73.33%, repatriates have 21.28% and state governments Tamil Nadu has 2.91%, Andhra Pradesh has 1.73%, Kerala has 0.59% and Karanataka has 0.17%.
NIEPMD Recruitment 2019 – Apply Offline | 23 Assistant Professor, Lecturer & Other Vacancies. National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) has recently uploaded the Job Notification to fill 23 Assistant Professor Jobs. Candidates who are looking for the NIEPMD Assistant Professor Vacancy 2019 can apply for this Recruitment through Offline Process. Interested Aspirants can Start downloading the Application form and send the duly filled application form to the Registered Postal Address on or before the last date 26th December 2019.
Applications are invited from Indian Nationals eligible for engagement to the following temporary consultant positions on contract basis at Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (CRC), Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, established to serve as a resource center in disability rehabilitation for all categories. Details like eligibility criteria, the application process, pay scale and other NIEPMD Recruitment Notification details are mentioned in the below sections. However, you can also know more NIEPMD Careers @ niepmd.tn.nic.in.
Orientation & Mobility Instructor cum Special Educator
01
Special Educator
01
Vocational Instructor
01
Clinical Assistant
02
Assistant
01
Typist Clerk
01
Total
23
Eligibility Criteria for NIEPMD Career Notification 2019
Applicants can check your eligibility criteria for NIEPMD Assistant Professor, Administrative Officer, Accountant & Other Jobs. Along with this, we have provided Apply Offline Steps for NIEPMD Vacancy 2019.
Educational Qualification:
Assistant Professor (PMR) (Consultant)
Qualification – MBBS/ PG Degree/Diploma in PMR recognized by MCI/RCI and Registration with MCI.
Experience – Minimum 5 years of experience in teaching or research in a related field.
Desirable – Ph.D. in the field of rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities.
Assistant Professor (Clinical Psychology) (Consultant)
Qualification – M.Phil.in Clinical or Rehabilitation Psychology (Full-time course) recognized by RCI and Registration with MCI.
Experience – Minimum 5 years of experience in teaching/research in the field of rehabilitation.
Desirable – Ph.D. in a related field of rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities.
Administrative Officer (Consultant)
Qualification – Post Graduate Degree /MBA from a recognized University
Experience – Minimum 5 years experience in establishment/admin. matters in any Govt. Organization/ Autonomous Bodies / Public Sector Undertaking/Semi-Government / Quasi-Government.
Accountant (Consultant)
Qualification – Commerce graduate from a recognized University with hands-on knowledge of computer and Tally
Experience – Minimum 2 years experience in handling accounts/cash in Govt. or Semi Govt. Establishments / Autonomous Bodies / Public Sector Undertaking/Semi-Government / Quasi-Government.
Qualification – 10+2 or equivalent qualification, Diploma / Certificate in Prosthetics & Orthotics
Experience – Minimum 2 years of experience in the concerned area.
Assistant Professor (Speech & Hearing) (Consultant)
Qualification – Post Graduate Degree (Full-time course) in Speech and Hearing (Recognized by RCI).
Experience – Minimum 5 years of experience in teaching/research in the field of rehabilitation
Desirable – Ph.D. in a related field of rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities.
Lecturer (Physiotherapy) (Consultant)
Qualification – Master's in Physiotherapy with specialization in Orthopaedics / Neurology / Paediatrics /Dev. Disability from a recognized Institute (Full Time).
Experience – Minimum 3 years of experience in teaching/research in the field of rehabilitation.
Lecturer (Occupational Therapy) (Consultant)
Qualification – Master's in Occupational Therapy with specialization in Orthopaedics/ Paediatrics / Neurology/ Developmental Disorder/ Mental Health / Rehabilitation from a recognized Institute (Full Time)
Experience – Minimum 3 years of experience in teaching/research in the field of rehabilitation.
Desirable – Possessing any RCI recognized qualification.
Prosthetist & Orthotist (Consultant)
Qualification – Degree in Prosthetics & Orthotics registered with RCI
Experience – Minimum 2 years of relevant experience.
Age Limit for NIEPMD Jobs 2019:
No Upper Age Limit and post based reservation is prescribed for any post as the post being filled up on a Contractual basis for the short term.
NIEPMD Assistant Professor Salary Details:
Post Name
Pay Scale
Assistant Professor
Rs. 55000/-
Assistant Professor (PMR) (Consultant)
Rs. 60000/-
Administrative Officer
Rs. 40000/-
Accountant
Rs. 35000/-
Workshop Supervisor-cum-Store Keeper
Rs. 25000/-
Lecturer
Rs. 50000/-
Rehabilitation Officer
Rs. 35000/-
Prosthetist & Orthotist
Rs. 35000/-
Orientation & Mobility Instructor cum Special Educator
Rs. 35000/-
Special Educator
Rs. 35000/-
Vocational Instructor
Rs. 35000/-
Clinical Assistant
Rs. 32000/-
Assistant
Rs. 35000/-
Typist Clerk
Rs. 20000/-
Application Fee:
General – Rs. 500/- applicable for each post
SC/ST/PWD – exempted from payment of application fee.
Payment Mode – Offline mode of Demand Draft made in favor of Director, NIEPMD, payable at Chennai needs to be enclosed.
NIEPMD Career 2019 – Selection Process:
Interview
Apply Offline Steps for NIEPMD Vacancy 2019
Download the Official Notification given below, read the details and check the Eligibility details
Then download the application form from the below link
Fill the application form with the required details
Applicants should sign the application form and other required places
Attach self-attested photocopies of documents as mentioned in the form.
Write your name, post applied and mobile number on the backside of the Demand Draft
Recheck whether the details are properly filled in the application form.
Finally, Send the application form with all the required documents at the following Postal address on or before the last date.
NOTE: A separate application is to be submitted for each post. The envelope containing application should be superscribed "Application for the position of ————————"
Postal Address:
The Director, National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (Divyangjan), (NIEPMD) ECR – Muttukadu, Kovalam Post, Kancheepuram Dist. Tamil Nadu. Pin – 603 112
Important Dates for NIEPMD Assitant Professor, Admin Officer, Accountant Recruitment 2019
About the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD)
National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) is an Indian government agency providing services to persons with multiple disabilities. It was established by the Government of India under the aegis of the Department of Disability Affairs within the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment at Chennai. It runs HRD programs to train rehabilitation professionals.
The institute provides services such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychological intervention, vocational training, and special education. The institute is the first of its kind in Asia dedicated exclusively to persons with multiple disabilities.
UBTER Recruitment 2019 – Apply Online | 37 Class IV Group D Vacancies. Uttarakhand Board of Technical Education has announced Latest Job Notification regarding fill up 37 Vacancies. It is a golden opportunity for the candidates who are searching for Govt Jobs in Uttarakhand. Applicants who have interested in UBTER Group D Vacancy 2019 can apply through Online Process. The UBTER Online Application is available from 10th December 2019. Candidates who have passed 8th and having a residence in Uttarakhand can apply for the UBTER Recruitment 2019.
Before applying for the UBTER Recruitment process candidates must go through the Eligibility conditions. If you meet those requirements mentioned in the Notification then apply for Uttarakhand Board of Technical Education Class IV Jobs before the closing date 04th January 2020. Candidates should check the remaining details like Educational Qualification, age limit, important dates, the process to apply, pay scale, selections process.
Uttarakhand Board of Technical Education Group D Jobs 2019 – 37 Openings
Name of the Board
Uttarakhand Board of Technical Education Roorkee (UBTER)
About Uttarakhand Board of Technical Education Roorkee
Uttarakhand Board of Technical Education accommodates the foundation and constitution of the Board of Technical Education in Uttarakhand and for issues associated therewith or coincidental there too. The demonstration is authorized by state gathering in the multi-year of India. It will be esteemed to have come in to drive from the date of notice issued by the state government. It reaches out to the entire of Uttarakhand state. Training and such a warning might be set aside a few minutes after the initiation of this Act, despite the way that at least one of the seats of individuals are yet to be filled.
The Board may co-pick. from I.I.T, Degree level Engineering Colleges and specialists in the significant field from businesses, such people not surpassing three, as might be the specialists in subjects incorporated into the courses of study set somewhere around the Board. Name of the people co-selected and term of co-choice of each will be advised in the Gazette. The State Government may choose a reasonable up-and-comer by open choice from outside the branch of Technical Education or on an exchange or on assignment on a similar evaluation and pay scales officials from the branch of Specialized Education, such officials will exercise such powers and perform such obligations as might be recommended by this Act or state Government.
MUMBAI: The Registrar of Companies (RoC) is studying Wednesday's judgment by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on the Tata-Mistry dispute, and may soon change Tata Sons' classification to a 'public company' from a 'private company'.The NCLAT, in its 172-page order reinstating Cyrus Mistry as executive chairman of Tata Sons, had termed the conversion of Tata Sons into a private company 'illegal'.It had said that proper procedures — laid out in Section 14 of the Companies Act, 2013 — were not followed, and the permission of the National Company Law Tribunal had not been taken.Top officials in the corporate affairs ministry — which oversees the RoC — said the requisite documents are being sourced.Mistry's legal team is believed to be in touch with RoC officials to ensure the change happens quickly. "We don't see any reason why the RoC cannot make the change as fast as it did for Tata Sons," said a member of Mistry's team."The first task for the RoC would be to complete the conversion process and record Tata Sons as a 'public company'. There is a view to not defy the order as that would amount to contempt," said an official in the know. He sought anonymity. "The four-week stay granted by the NCLAT is on Cyrus Mistry assuming the office of executive chairman of Tata Sons. There is no stay on the RoC part of the verdict. So, there is a possibility that Tata Sons may move the Supreme Court against the part of the NCLAT order that termed the change in classification by RoC as illegal. The RoC is closely monitoring the same," official said.In September 2017, Tata Sons received shareholder approval to convert itself into a private entity. Mistry, whose family owns 18.4% stake in the Tata Group's holding company, had opposed the move saying it "would impact fund raising ability of the holding company and restrict the sale of stakes to outsiders".Mistry's lawyers had argued on similar lines before the NCLAT in August this year: "Just after the appeal was filed before this appellate tribunal, in the evening of August 6, 2018, the respondents (Tata Sons) hurriedly moved before the Registrar of Companies (RoC), Mumbai, who passed certificate converting the company as 'Tata Sons Private Limited'."The NCLAT had observed that the RoC had 'helped' the respondent, i.e.- Tata Sons. "…The aforesaid action on the part of the company, its board of directors to take action to hurriedly change the company ('Tata Sons Limited') from 'public company' to a 'private company' without following the procedure under law (Section 14), with the help of the Registrar of Companies just before filing of the appeal, suggests that the nominated members of 'Tata Trusts' who have affirmative voting rights over the majority decision of the board of directors and other directors/members, acted in a manner 'prejudicial' to the members, including minority members ('Shapoorji Pallonji Group') and others as also 'prejudicial' to the company ('Tata Sons Limited')," the order said. 72894651 'RESTORING STATUS KEY'Executives close to Mistry said they were taking a serious view of the change in classification. "Restoring the status is of utmost importance for corporate governance reasons. There is a huge responsibility on a public limited company to ensure that the highest standards of governance are followed. That is not possible if Tata Sons remains a private entity," an executive said.A Tata Sons spokesperson said the order terming the conversion into private company as 'illegal' is being studied and evaluated like all other points of the NCLAT judgment.The corporate affairs ministry, which is also studying the order, is yet to take a final call on another issue — whether to implead in the ongoing legal battle between the two corporate giants. Deliberations are underway on whether to seek a limited remedy on the NCLAT's order terming the conversion as 'illegal'.On the issue of impleading in the case in the apex court, sources said the final call will be taken by the corporate affairs secretary. "This cannot be done in haste, and therefore to implead or not will be a decision taken by the secretary. A section of the department feels that the part of the NCLAT order terming the RoC decision as illegal should be challenged on the ground that conversion was approved by the NCLT and, therefore, not illegal. The RoC had made the changes after the tribunal's order," said one of the persons."However, there is a contrarion view that the government should not get involved in this boardroom battle, since it will only lead to the two sides invoking the RoC for making their respective arguments while the government is left justifying itself," the person added.
Mumbai: The Goods and Services Tax compensation requirement of nine major states could be as much as Rs 70,000 crore in fiscal 2020, ratings firm ICRA has estimated.This would put significant pressure on the central government's accounts which are already under stress from the cut in corporate tax rate and other stimulus measures.Considering lower-than-expected GST collections — ICRA estimates this revenue to fall Rs 3.5 lakh crore short at the central level for this fiscal year compared with the July 2019 budget estimate of Rs 24.6 lakh crore — the total shortfall for all states could touch Rs 2.2 lakh crore in FY20. 72894573 Apart from this, the timing of the release of GST grants to state governments pose a key risk to the cash flows of the states, considering the size of the amount in question."The nine states that we have studied are likely to require a sizeable Rs 60,000-70,000 crore as grants for GST compensation in FY2020, twice as high as the compensation they received in FY2019. The timing of release of such grants by the GoI (Government of India) to the states would critically affect their cash flows and the pattern of fundraising in the rest of this fiscal," said ICRA's group head-corporate sector rating, Jayanta Roy.This further poses a two-part risk for the states. A shortfall in their revenue implies a revenue expenditure side risk on additional outgo towards welfare schemes, drought and flood relief, and salaries. On the other hand, ICRA estimates that states would increase issuances of state development loans to plug the gap, resulting in higher state fiscal deficits.The nine states that were covered in this study were Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. These have budgeted for an aggregate fiscal deficit of Rs 3 lakh crore in their respective FY20 budget estimates.These figures amount to around 2.5% of their gross state domestic product (GSDP), according to ICRA, which is below the 14th Finance Commission's threshold state fiscal deficit at 3% of GSDP.
By Harsh GoenkaAs corporate India meandered to the close of a rather forgettable 2019, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) threw a few crackers into the dying embers in the form of a verdict that took everyone by surprise. Most Tata-watchers had settled to a new life under Tata Sons chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran's leadership. The ship seemed to have steadied itself after the tumultuous months following Cyrus Mistry's ouster as Tata Group chairman in late 2016. Public memory is short. But court trials take their own course. Hence, when the NCLAT order finally came earlier this week, it was a bolt from the blue for the public at large, and an unexpected reversal for the Tata Group. The court has partially suspended the verdict for four weeks, considering the size of Tata Group, and the need for smooth functioning of business. It is a tense few weeks ahead, which have the potential to spiral into longer uncertainties. Nevertheless, Mistry is to be immediately reinstated on the board of Tata Sons and of the listed group companies. Lawyers will hold sway over the next few weeks, and while each side will pronounce their provincial superiority, the outcomes could possibly be far more removed from their two positions. In no particular order of significance, let us look at the scenarios that could unfold. One, if the Supreme Court admits the appeal with an interim stay on the operation of the NCLAT order. The result of this would be an extensive period of uncertainty for the Tata Group leadership. It is not an easy seat to occupy with that kind of ambiguity in the air. Chandrasekaran, being a thoroughbred professional, will probably be able to handle it better than most people. Yet, given the size and complexity of the Tata Group, every decision will have an added element of scrutiny, leading to delays and sometimes suboptimal decisions. U-Turn Ahead. Maybe Not Two, if the apex court gives a clear verdict overturning the NCLAT judgment. In this case, it's back to business as usual. It is, however, pertinent to note that the Supreme Court has, on a variety of occasions, reversed NCLAT's orders. Recent instances include the case of Jaypee Infra, Essar Steel & Reliance Communications. The most important issues that will decide this outcome are the allegations of oppression of minority stakeholdership, mismanagement and carrying out actions that were prejudicial to the interests of the company, which the NCLAT has repeatedly referred to in its judgment. NCLAT even went to the extent of saying it would have been a fit case for ordering a winding up of Tata Sons, had it not been for the economic implications of such an act.Three, the Supreme Court concurs with NCLAT, and Mistry is firmly back in management. This scenario will be totally different to Mistry's previous tenure in office, and will, perhaps, involve the biggest test of the Tata Group's character in how it accepts the prodigal son. Knowing the high standards that Tatas have set for themselves, it is possible that they will offer an olive branch to Mistry and welcome him back, although with some period of discomfort and awkwardness. Unfortunately, in the present Tata board, there have been several who have been critical of the Mistry scion, and it may be difficult for them to bridge the divide and continue. This may lead to a lot of upheaval and uncertainty. The fourth option is that Mistry — now that his stand is vindicated and that he has won a moral victory — decides to graciously bow out from getting reinstated as chairman of Tata Sons. Fifth, a reasonable solution in the long term for the Tata Group, and for Mistry, would be to arrive at a compromise settlement. No corporate wants any hurdles in its march ahead, neither does it want any tension in the boardroom. Moreover, Tata Sons has found an able and professional chairman in Chandrasekaran. Psst, Sale Ahead. Maybe Not On the other hand, the Shapoorji Pallonji Group is looking to raise funds to pare its debt. A stake sale can fetch it a handsome amount of money. The value of Shapoorji Pallonji's stake in Tata Sons may be settled in cash, or in stake sale of some of the Tata companies including, possibly, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Unlike in war, where there must always be a victor and a vanquished, resolution of corporate battles can be achieved on a win-win formula. The leaders involved in this particular case are highly capable of arriving at an endgame where the scoreline reads 1-1. So let's watch this space, shall we?The writer is chairman, RPG EnterprisesViews expressed are author's own.
NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is likely to extend the deadline for replacement of all old Pratt & Whitney engines on about 100 Indigo Airbus 320 (neos) from January-end to a later date reducing inconvenience to passengers and delivering a big respite to the airline."What we know by now is that it will take more time than envisaged in view of the involvement of various stakeholders and the mobilization time," DG Arun Kumar told ET on Wednesday."We will take a call on the extension of time after assessing the status in the middle of January. We are confident that we will accomplish it in a record time," he added."We are doing our best to ensure the change of unmodified engines with a modified one for the complete fleet," he added.The DGCA had asked the airline early November to replace older PW engines in all aircraft by the end of January after a spate of incidents on Indigo's Airbus 320 (neos), operated on PW engines.A deadline extension would mean that IndiGo would be able to complete the engine replacement without having to cancel flights, which would have caused huge inconvenience to the travelling public.Emails sent to IndiGo seeking details on engine replacement did not elicit any response till the time of going to print.72894789 GoAir also operates Airbus 320 (neos) fitted with PW engines but the aviation regulator did not ask for any change as the fleet size was low.According to the earlier plan, IndiGo had to change 120 engines scheduled over a period of one year ending December 2020. However, the aviation regulator insisted on an early deadline due to the rising number of incidents.The regulator had also asked IndiGo and GoAir to replace at least one engine on 29 aircraft operating with both old engines which has been done now.European safety agency EASA and US safety agency FAA have also issued similar engine replacement orders for Airbus 320 (neos) operating in the country."Other agencies also doing and it is a vindication of our stand," said a DGCA official, who did not want to be identified.The official added that three airlines in Asia, including in India, are the ones reporting the most number of incidents with Airbus 320 (neos), hence, the onus is on these aviation safety agencies to act and ensure safe operations. "We acted to ensure that travelling public does not suffer any inconvenience," the official added.Airbus 320 (neos), fitted with PW engines, are facing a lot of problems leading to IndiGo ordering the next batch of engines from CFM.
MUMBAI: Hyderabad-based Natco Pharma has launched a cut price version of ibrutinib, an anti-cancer drug, under its own brand name Ibrunat. The patent for the drug is held by Pharmacyclics for three to four more years in India. Pharmacyclics was globally acquired by US giant AbbVie in 2015 in a massive USD21 billion deal. In India, the marketing right for ibrutinib is held by Johnson & Johnson. Ibrutinib is used to treat patients with leukemia and similar other indications of cancer. A Natco official confirmed its launch but refused to divulge more details. It is learnt that the Indian drug maker has already dispatched the drug in distribution channels. The Natco drug will cost at approximately INR 38000 per month as opposed to INR 4 lakh course of the innovator. A patient is expected to take 4 tablets each day.Sources informed ET that Pharmacyclics had filed for an injunction petition in Delhi High Court but no clear decision was handed out. Natco was directed to maintain data for its inventory and stocks sold.Natco's latest move is consistent with its earlier launches and challenging the patents held on anti-cancer drugs by multinational drug companies. In July this year, the Delhi High Court had dismissed an injunction plea by Bayer to halt Natco from selling copies of its brand of regorafenib. Bayer's products in three versions, marketed since 2013 in India, were priced at INR36000 to INR40000 per bottle of 28 tablets, while Natco's product was made available at INR9000 per bottle.
Mumbai: The NCLT on Thursday directed the Committee of Creditors (CoC) of Jet Airways to expedite their decision on seeking fresh EoIs in view of new interest being shown for the grounded airline. "We direct the committee of creditors to take a decision to float expression of interest (EoIs). We direct them to expedite the process," the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) said. The resolution professional (RP) Ashish Chawcharia requested three weeks time to float the EoI. The RP on December 17 had told the tribunal that until now two investors have shown interest in the airline. The tribunal, comprising Bhaskara Pantula Mohan and Rajesh Sharma, also urged the South American Synergy Group, which has submitted an EoI, to expedite its decision on Jet Airways. The bench told the representative of the Synergy Group, who was present at the hearing, to expedite their due diligence as the 180 days' time period for submission of resolution plan already ended on December 16. "We expect the Synergy Group to do their due diligence at a faster pace. Once you have any positive decision put some earnest money deposit to show, which will show positive intention in reviving the defunct airline," the tribunal said. The representative of the Synergy Group said the company wants to comply with the tribunal's directions, but it also has to ensure that it takes the right decision on behalf of its stakeholders. "We understand the urgency of the matter. However, we will require a little bit more time to arrive at the conclusion that this is the right decision on behalf of the stakeholders," he added. He said the company sees a good opportunity in Jet Airways, given some issues are resolved. "Some of the criteria that needs to be resolved are that we are looking to float a new company free of all legacy liabilities of the erstwhile Jet Airways. We may want to look at partnering with an Indian partner. We also expect clarity on getting back Jet's airport slots, especially the domestic slots and seek further clarity on the Heathrow, London, slots," the Synergy Group representative told the tribunal. The tribunal fixed January 8 as the next date of hearing. After Jet Airways went bust in mid-April, the government temporarily allotted the hundreds of airport slots owned by it to other carriers, with an aim to contain soaring airfares in the peak holiday season.
Mumbai: Even as bankers rejoice over the recovery from large accounts like Essar Steel and Ruchi Soya this month, latest data from the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) show resolution in a majority of cases has been tough. More than half the cases taken to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) have been closed due to liquidation with banks recovering next to nothing from these accounts.Data from IBBI show that 56 per cent or 587 out of the 1,045 cases closed till now have gone into liquidation. Out of these cases, 24 have completed the liquidation process and an order of dissolution has been passed.However, the sale proceeds from these accounts have been less that Rs 16 crore versus the total amount of claims admitted being close to Rs 8,600 crore. In other words, banks have been unable to recover costs associated with taking these companies to the NCLT."This is the reality in the IBC beyond the big cases. If the liquidation does not yield money, then the expenses for the process like fees for the resolution professional, operating expenses and other administration costs associated with finding a resolution has to be recovered from committee of creditors. In other words, in some of these cases, banks may have to shell out money without any gains," said a senior banking executive working in the recovery division. 72895245 Among the 24 cases where the liquidation process has been completed, Ghotaringa Minerals with admitted claims of Rs 4,663 crore and Orchid Health Care with admitted claims of Rs 3,500 crore were the two big accounts. Both of these companies have yielded less than Rs 10 lakh in sale proceeds, IBBI data show."Logically speaking, the distribution of the proceeds happen only after the costs linked to the resolution process are taken care of. The committee of creditors will only get anything out of the process if there is some value coming out of the liquidation process," said Dina Wadia, partner at J Sagar Associates.All indicators are that the situation is going to become more acute as two more large accounts are under the process of liquidation.Lanco Infratech which owes creditors Rs 50,652 crore and ABG Shipyard which owes lenders Rs 17,000 crore are undergoing the liquidation process with uncertainty over the amount that can be recovered.
Be cautious as markets continue to move up without broader market participation, says Sandip Sabharwal, asksandipsabharwal.com. Excerpts from an interview with ETNOW. The Tata Group stocks seem to have recovered from the lows brought on by the NCLAT ruling. TCS is today the biggest gainer on the Nifty. How do you explain it?The market believes that even though Cyrus Mistry have won the case, he might not want to come back because it will obviously be a hostile environment. Let me put it this way, 82% of the shares of Tata Sons are not with him. He has rights and voice as a minority shareholder but technically you cannot run with only 18% voting right and you cannot be the Chairman of Tata Sons?That is why the market believes that he might not want to come back in that kind of a hostile environment. The Pallonji family always played a non-executive role at the Tata board. They had 18% ownership, but they were never involved in the executive decisions.Yes, so now that he has won, he might just step back and they might be some reproachment within the Parsi community, In any case, most of the Tata Group companies are professionally run. Every company has its own management. Unless he wants to come with the support of other directors and Tata Sons will have to start replacing whoever is heading other Tata Group companies, then it might be an odd scenario, which I do not think is the base case. That explains what is happening in the Tata Group because many of these are largecap companies. There is a fund flow from foreign investors. On an average, Rs 1,500-2,000 crore is coming in everyday. That mostly goes into largecaps in proportion to the index weightages and to that extent, ECS gets a fair share. Eicher Motors, M&M have started seeing movement though there are no major fundamental triggers. Is this the right time to relook at some of these names?Autos are in a recovery phase. Yesterday, there was some news that the auto companies have approached the Supreme Court for allowing BS-IV vehicles manufactured till 31st March to be sold later. The current chief justice of the Supreme Court seems to be concerned about the economy and the way things are. Even the coastal road project stay was removed and that reflects a concern about the economy and that overall companies should not suffer. So, if that relief comes through that manufacturing has to end by 31st March but the unsold stock can be sold after that, it will be a big relief for auto companies. One part of the auto stock movement today might be because of that and the other part could be because auto stocks went up and gave up some of their gains. So, some value buying is coming in again. It is not about what the Supreme Court will decide the challenge is. Whatever Supreme Court decides now for BS VI implementation, it is too late and too little. It is December and we are almost three months away from the deadline and I doubt that any auto company right now would have any BS IV components left in their assembly line. It would not confuse more because like you said, many of the components might not be there. I do not think most of these companies will go in for fresh manufacturing of BS-IV vehicles to sell them. Many of these companies actually expected that post the Diwali season, the uptick in sales could continue. That has not happened. We have not seen the uptick continue. The momentum that started then, has died out. The main concern among all the auto companies is that they have some BS IV components and equipment, and if they need to provide for that, I am not really sure for each company how much of a hit that will be. I guess Maruti started planning quite early so they might not have such a big hit but some of the other companies could. Are you still bearish or have you changed your view?There is so much dichotomy between the way markets are moving and the way economic data is. I do not like euphoria. Despair is something I can live with because that gives opportunity to buy. But given the kind of euphoric upmove, even as the US markets are at all-time high, I believe some loss of momentum is coming in. The global volatility is at year's low. When people become absolutely fearless, then we need to be a bit concerned. The possibility of a pullback becomes real. Now how big that pullback will be that we need to see as and when it plays out. Right now it makes sense to be cautious, especially about doing anything short term. If you are a long-term holder, then you could live with 10-15% draw down in particular stocks.How stringent are the BS-VI norms for two-wheelers? Bajaj has been claiming that we have implemented these norms long time ago. The challenge is with four-wheelers, not with two-wheelers?Yes, they are not so tough. For higher cc bikes, they were slightly tougher but Eicher has adapted that. In fact, why Eicher has not been performing has been a bit intriguing because whatever volume decline was happening, the worst seems to have got ebbed out a long time back. My guess is that among the auto companies, Eicher could be something which could actually do well. What is your view on the FMCG sector? A lot of FMCG players are saying that the slowdown may have been a hiccup, things will smooth over and we will see pricing power coming back. What is your stand?My stance is that interest rates came down and that did not really affect the consumption demand. In fact, I did some analysis historically of what happens when food inflation comes back and rural incomes improve. That is more beneficial to all these companies rather than the overall economy doing well. The way we have seen the food prices, vegetable and pulses prices come up, many of the other agri commodity prices (but not sugar) have come up, it will boost farm incomes, rural incomes and as they boost rural incomes, these FMCG companies should see volume growth coming back. On the flip side, we have to consider that many of these companies like HUL, especially on the soap side palm oil is a big ingredient. Now palm oil has gone to three-year highs globally and that will reduce some of the benefits on the input cost side could reduce and have an impact on margins. So how volume uptick combined with an increase in input cost prices balance out is something that we have to see.What is your outlook on how divestment pans out? What are some of the PSEs that have been abuzz of late?The strategic divestment is going to be a long haul as we have been discussing over the last few months, since BPCL was declared as a candidate. I do not think it has gone forward at all at this stage. I would think that it is more a next financial story. Right now, in any case, the focus of the government is on non-economic agenda. To that extent, the economic agenda is also on the back foot. It is a long haul and we should consider nearer to when these deals actually start happening. The initial run up in many of these stocks has already happened. What is your expectation from the New Year because everyone is waiting for earnings to catch up? Earnings catch-up will be tough and that is the reason why markets in the short run are delinked from the economic realities. It was a different case in July-August, when markets were at 10,600-10,700 and then the corporate tax cut also came which increased company valuations. After that from 10,600 till now, it has been a 15% move. A 15% up move is significant for an economy which has slowed down. I would think that the markets now need to consolidate and give up some of their gains before any upside can come. What can work against this view is that the government actually ends up doing something big bang like the corporate tax cut in the Budget on the individual taxation front also. If that happens, then we need to re-evaluate. Foreign funds are saying they are coming to India because of 15% growth and money safety is more important than return. There is a 6% growth at individual level, 8% growth at nominal level and 14-15% growth in good companies and that is more than what we are getting anywhere else?If they keep on pumping in money, it is good for all of us that markets keep on doing well. But that liquidity argument to predict future market movements is the most flawed one. Historically, 2007 was the best year for equity flows into India. In December 2007, every day we got Rs 3,000-4,000 crore inflows and January 2008 was the worst month. I would not predict future market movements looking at today's liquidity. I think we need to analyse it based on valuations, the real economic growth etc . I would be somewhat concerned at this stage the way the market is continuously moving up every day without the broader markets participating. Even today, the midcap index has not done anything great. It is a concentrated move. One should be cautious and if this view of being cautious is wrong and the markets sustain, then maybe some reasons will come out which we cannot see today which the markets can foresee.
BENGALURU: Cisco will ramp up local data storage facilities for its Cloud solutions in India in line with the Personal Data Protection Bill, a senior executive said, as the technology and networking company eyes a bigger pie of the banking and government business.The $52 billion tech leader has been focusing on software-led revenue growth and subscription-based deals across global markets."The cloud market in India is growing very fast. So, a lot of our Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions play very well in the transition that you are seeing in the Indian market," Maria Martinez, executive vice president at Cisco, told ET in an interview."We are looking at ways in which we can make it aligned with the Data Protection Bill, while at the same time build potential in certain segments, like banking, where, you know, data protection is a critical component," she said.The Bill, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 11, will be examined by a joint parliamentary committee.Martinez said the company was "evaluating the process" of having local storage facilities for cloud and other SaaS solutions for the Indian market.After the RBI mandated last year that data of all payment banks should to be stored in servers locally, banks and payment service providers can no longer use SaaS or cloud-based solutions that do not ensure local storage of data. "So, that is an opportunity if we decide to bring in some of our cloud storage facilities locally," Martinez said.The company's government affairs team has been discussing issues related to the Bill and giving feedback, said Sameer Garde, president - India and Saarc, Cisco.Cisco said Europe's General Data Protection Regulation, which came into force in May last year, prompted the company to invest significantly in technology. The company would also make huge investment in technolgy in India.India is among the top three markets for Cisco globally, Martinez said. "From an ongoing growth, it is probably the top market, where we see the growth will continue year over year," said Martinez.
Take decision on Jet Airways soon: NCLT to Synergy Group The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Thursday told representatives of the Colombian Synergy Group to "take a decision early" on Jet Airways.
Airtel adds record 12 million 4G subscribers during Oct-Nov Bharti Airtel has added a record 12 million 4G subscribers during the October-November 2019 period, as the company looks to strengthen its position in this space where competitor Reliance Jio is the leader.
Care Ratings puts JSW Energy CPs on credit watch with negative implications Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Energy (JEL) said that Care Ratings has put its commercial papers (CPs), and those of JSW Energy (Barmer) and JSW Hydro Energy, on 'Credit watch with negative implications.'
Delta Air Lines to fill gaps in network with Mumbai-JFK flight, domestic pacts Delta Air Lines is looking to fill the gap in its international network with the new flights from Mumbai to New York, Jimmy Eichelgruen, director of sales for Africa, Middle East and India, Delta Airlines, said.
NCLAT verdict on Cyrus Mistry's removal is a severe indictment of the Tatas While the NCLAT ruling is not the last word and could well be overturned by the Supreme Court (SC), there is no doubt it comes as a big jolt for the Tatas.
Fixing higher education and rapid urbanisation critical A country that aspires to become a $5-trillion economy in a span of five years must understand that it can't get there with a chunk of its youth having only school-level education.
PDS for proteinaceous foods is a bad idea India already spends nearly 1% of its GDP—the food subsidy bill for FY20 is pegged at Rs. 1.84 lakh crore—and expanding the PDS list like this will add a massive sum to the government's outgo.
US-China trade deal: Time running out to woo FDI exiting China The brief period of uncertainty before it becomes clear if China will live up to its end of the bargain means India must urgently bring in WTO-Compliant export Schemes.
Mirzapur could wipe away India's onion tears The sandy loam of the Indo-Gangetic Plain is just right for onions as it drains well. A drive, thus, to encourage production in this belt could check onion price fluctuations.
India is making strides but has more ground to cover The year 2019 has been eventful. With two budgets being presented this year, India came out with decisive policies in the face of economic and trade uncertainty.
GST: Time for an operational change If the policymakers want to augment GST revenues they should focus on simplifying the operational part and work on improving the IT infrastructure to curb tax evasion.
Ghostery has launched a new tool called Midnight, which brings the company’s ad-blocking and privacy protection features to all your desktop applications.
When Ghostery first announced Midnight earlier this year, President Jeremy Tillman told me that the company (acquired by browser company Cliqz in 2017) created Midnight because desktop apps — particularly email clients — were starting to “use a lot of the same web tracking technologies outside the browser.”
So the company says Midnight will block ads and data trackers in email clients like Microsoft Outlook, entertainment services like Spotify and any other desktop app — including web browsers that don’t support the Ghostery extension. You’ll also be able to see which apps are trying to track you and customize which apps get blocked or whitelisted.
In addition, Midnight includes a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt and anonymize your online activity. Tillman said that many Ghostery users already use a VPN, but it made sense to build one for Midnight because “we want our entire ecosystem to be integrated.”
After a seven-day trial, Midnight will cost $14 per month.
And while Midnight is Ghostery’s most comprehensive product, Tillman said the team will continue to support the free browser extension, which he said is “is always going to be the tip of the spear” in bringing in new users.
We’ve been seeing reports on Twitter of Hulu streaming issues. It appears the issues have been ongoing for the last few hours. At this point, Hulu does not seem to have a clear idea of what’s going on.
Thanks for tweeting us, Kara — sorry for the hiccup! Please know that you're not alone as we've received similar reports regarding this issue. We've got all hands on deck working to resolve this, so we hope to have a fix in place soon. For now, we appreciate you bearing with us!
Somehow during all the partisan furor of the last few days, the Senate found a moment to vote some bipartisan legislation into law — presuming, of course, it survives the president’s desk. The TRACED act pushes carriers to kill robocalls before they ring, and gives the FCC some extra juice to pursue the wicked ones perpetrating them.
“We’re delighted the Senate acted quickly to pass this legislation to shutdown illegal robocalls,” wrote the bill’s co-sponsors in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, in a statement. “We’re working hard to help the American people get real relief from these relentless and illegal calls. We look forward to the President signing this overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation into law very soon.”
Unlike many things called bipartisan, this one really is. Two different versions of the bill originated in the House and Senate and were passed individually with overwhelming majorities. The pertinent committees put their heads together and created a unified version of the bill they could both live with. Amazingly, that was just last month, and now the bill is off to the White House for the Executive signature.
You can read a summary of what the bill does here, but I’ll summarize further:
Extends FCC’s statute of limitations on robocall offenses and increases potential fines
Requires an FCC rulemaking helping protect consumers from spam calls and texts (this is already underway)
Requires annual FCC report on robocall enforcement and allows for it to formally recommend legislation
Requires adoption on a reasonable timeline of the STIR/SHAKEN framework for preventing call spoofing
Prevents carriers from charging for the above service, and shields them from liability for reasonable mistakes
Requires the Attorney General to convene an interagency task force to look at prosecution of offenders
Opens the door to Justice Department prosecution of offenders
Establishes a handful of specific cutouts and studies to make sure the rules work and interested parties are giving feedback
Overall it seems like a good bill and quite focused on this specific issue — no weird pork attached. Here’s hoping the TRACED act is signed into law quickly.
India, the world's largest democracy, continues to normalize shutting down internet and suspending mobile communications for tens of millions of citizens in the country to thwart protests.
Days after Narendra Modi -led government shut down mobile communications in the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura (yet to be restored) — home to more than 36 million people — and then parts of Uttar Pradesh (yet to be restored), the most populated state in the country with more than 200 million people, New Delhi moved on Thursday to extend the suspension in parts of the Indian capital and city of Mangalore — together home to about 22 million people.
On Thursday morning, a trio of top three telecom networks — Reliance Jio, Vodafone and Airtel — began to cut mobile communications in parts of New Delhi. All three carriers said they were following government's direction.
By afternoon (local time), the services had been restored, users said. But hours later, the Indian government — which already has the worst track record among any nation for internet shutdowns — issued a similar direction for Mangalore, a major commercial center in the state of Karnataka.
The move comes as the Indian government attempts to silence tens of millions of people across the nation as they protest the introduction of a controversial new citizenship law that discriminates against Muslims.
New Delhi passed the bill last week, which creates a path to citizenship for immigrants of all the major religions except Islam. The new law is part of a series of actions the Modi government has taken this year that critics say erodes the country’s secular traditions.
A large number of people, most of whom were students, marched in the streets Thursday in parts of New Delhi, Mumbai, Mangalore and several others corners of India to urge the government to change its mind. At least two people were shot dead in Mangalore, according to local media reports.
Protesters with posters and placards during a demonstration against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) near Red fort on December 19, 2019 in New Delhi, India. (Photo by Mayank Makhija/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
In an op-ed piece, The New York Times criticized the government’s actions. “The not-so-hidden message [in the new law] is that the Muslim-majority countries abutting India persecute Hindus and other minorities, and that Muslims from such countries cannot be refugees — even people like the Rohingya, some of whom have reached India after fleeing to Bangladesh from brutal repression in Myanmar,” the article said.
“The law, as India's 200 million Muslims have correctly surmised, has nothing to do with helping migrants and everything to do with the campaign by Mr. Modi and his home minister, Amit Shah, to marginalize Muslims and turn India into a homeland for Hindus, who comprise about 80 percent of the population of 1.3 billion,” it added.
A number of local film stars and other public figures joined the protest Thursday, but a group that was nowhere to be found was the startup ecosystem. A prominent angel investor in India, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told TechCrunch that startup founders and venture capitalists in the country are unlikely to join the conversation as they do not want to risk upsetting government officials.
Tim Draper, one of the most influential venture capitalists in the world and who has been exploring India for sometime, however, had enough. "India choosing one religion over another makes me seriously concerned about my plans to fund businesses there," he tweeted.
Preventing people from a medium that enables them to stay in touch with one another, and access news and information, is becoming a common phenomenon in several nations, though none come close to India.
Access Now, a digital rights group, reported earlier this year that India alone had about 134 of 196 documented shutdowns in 2018. According to Internet Shutdowns, a service operated by New Delhi-based digital advocacy group Software Law and Freedom Centre, there have been about 95 documented cases of internet shutdowns in India this year, up from 91 last week.
The new wave of tough measures comes as New Delhi maintained an internet shutdown in parts of the state of Jammu and Kashmir for the 137th day on Thursday — the longest-ever imposed in a democracy. The internet shutdown in the Muslim-majority state was imposed on August 5, after the Indian government revoked Kashmir’s autonomy and statehood.
India’s move has won it at least one fan, though. Chinese state media said earlier this week that this practice in India, which America has seen as an example of democracy in Asia since the 1950s, means that “shutting down the internet in a state of emergency should be standard practice for sovereign countries.”
“India did not hesitate to shut down the internet in these two states to cope when there is a significant threat to national security. When China’s Xinjiang region faced a similar national security threat a few years ago, the Chinese government responded with a similar strategy. However, it attracted sharp criticism from mainstream media in Europe and the U.S.”
Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but it’s not a magic wand. Applying the technology requires thought and dedication, especially with legacy industries like law and insurance, which are being taken on in this way by Luminance and Omnius respectively. The companies’ founders, Emily Foges and Sofie Quidenus-Wahlforss, spoke with great insight on this on stage at Disrupt Berlin.
Luminance uses AI and natural language processing to help law firms process documents more quickly, not replacing the lawyer but providing additional intelligence and analysis of what may be hundreds or thousands of pages and saving time and money. Omnius applies AI not just to the text of insurance claims, but to the process of handling them, ensuring rapidity not only in documentation but in results like payouts.
Omnius has raised about $30 million in multiple small rounds and grants, while Luminance has raised some $23M mainly in its A and B rounds.
I’ve edited and contextualized our conversation here, but you can also watch the full panel below. I’ve made some slight changes for readability but left things mostly intact. Pull quotes belonging to Emily are on the left, Sofie’s are on the right.
The first thing I wanted to hear from the founders was why they chose these industries, and why now? After all, law and insurance are notoriously old-fashioned, some would even say backwards in many ways. How could they be sure this was an opportunity, and not a folly?
Emily Foges (Luminance): It had more to do with the capabilities of the technology, actually. We started with technology that can read a lot of language, and then we looked at what industry would benefit most from that. It was that way around.
I think the timing is 80 percent of the battle; The fact that the legal profession had got to a point of being ready to accept the use of that kind of technology was more luck than anything. But there’s been such an explosion in enterprise data that lawyers just can’t possibly cope with reading and all of the documentation that they need to — so the market was ready.
Sofie Quidenus-Wahlforss (Omnius): I think we come from a very similar background. We started on a horizontal level, with deep document understanding, and at some point we understood, if you really want to ship business value, you need to dive into one vertical.
We have different verticals to choose: manufacturing, legal, pharma… so then we were like, okay, which area is the biggest that is not transformed yet? And do we see decision makers aware of the of the need to do something? And do they have money?
The insuretech world is of course making a lot of pressure, all the new insurance companies like Lemonade, WeFox, Coya, because they claim to settle a claim in minutes. So the big guys like Alliance, they got nervous. And of course on the other hand you see, on the technology side, improvements in the areas of computing power, way more access to data, more flexible models. So we thought, the industry is ready, the technology’s ready, I was ready to build a big company. It’s my fourth company and I was like, this time I’ll build something huge. So everything fell into place.
They don’t call them legacy industries for nothing, though. These domains, and some companies, that have existed for decades or even a century or more. That means legacy systems and legacy people, to put it kindly, that may not be amenable to change. Emily had some surprising stats on that, while Sofie advocated an AI-like approach to classifying and selecting clients.
Emily: Some of them are more ready than others, and I think the ones who aren’t ready need to really catch up, because we got to critical mass really quickly. We’re only three and a half years old, but we’ve got 185 law firms around the world signed up. The interesting thing was the most ready people were the law firms outside of the UK, outside of the US. It was European law firms, APAC-based law firms, South and Central American law firms who got on board first. They were more ready because to be honest, the commercial pressure was greater. And then the pressure on the US and UK law firms came from them.
This is something I can really recommend for every startup trying to transform an industry from scratch: classifying your customers. We had 16-17 criteria, how we defined the companies we really want to spend time with.
Sofie: We thought, cool, the transformation is happening already. But after a while, 2018, we were like, okay, this market is not moving as fast as we thought . We looked at our proof of concept, our pilots we did with insurance companies and were like, wow, every big insurance company in Europe wants to have an AI pilot project but who’s really ready to start with AI full production?
And this is something I can really recommend for every startup trying to transform an industry from scratch: classifying your customers. Who is a laggard, who is an early adopter, who is early mainstream, is an innovator? Then we decided together with the board, okay, we’ll only focus on innovators and early adopters, and the rest should wait, or we can both wait for each other — but we cannot waste our time.
TechCrunch Early Stage is a new event series for 2020 focused on early-stage founders. The idea is to provide access to advice and networking on the level of a great accelerator program, but with a smaller time commitment and a broader array of expert advisors.
The first of TechCrunch's three Early Stage events is in San Francisco on April 28 (the others will be in Paris and New York City), and we're pleased to announce our first four guest speakers. These experts will lead 45-minute breakout sessions, starting with a brief presentation followed by audience questions moderated by a TechCrunch editor.
There will be about 50+ breakout sessions at the show, and attendees will have an opportunity to attend at least seven. The sessions will cover all the core topics confronting early-stage founders — up through Series A — as they build a company, from raising capital to building a team to growth. Each breakout session will be led by notables in the startup world on par with the folks we've announced today.
But wait, there's more! Don't worry about missing a breakout session, because transcripts from each will be available to show attendees. And most of the folks leading the breakout sessions have agreed to hang at the show for at least half the day and participate in CrunchMatch, TechCrunch's great app to connect founders and investors based on shared interests.
Here's the fine print. Each of the 50+ breakout sessions is limited to around 100 attendees. We expect a lot more attendees, of course, so signups for each session are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Buy your ticket today and you can sign up for the breakouts we are announcing today. Pass holders will also receive 24-hour advance notice before we announce the next batch. (And yes, you can "drop" a breakout session in favor of a new one, in the event there is a schedule conflict.)
So get your TC Early Stage: San Francisco pass today, and get the inside track on the sessions we announced today, as well as the ones to be announced in the coming weeks.
Possible sponsor? We have some very nifty ways to bring sponsors in on the show flow, so please contact us here!
Welcome to TechCrunch's 2019 Holiday Gift Guide! Need help with gift ideas? We're here to help! We'll be rolling out gift guides from now through the end of December. You can find our other guides right here.
To those who are in it, gaming is more than just a hobby. It’s a way to connect with others, an outlet for competition and, for the most talented, a potential career path. But as far as hobbies (or more-than hobbies) go, it can become really expensive.
So this holiday season, surprise your beloved gamer with gear that will keep their wallet full and their fingers engaged.
Before you dive in, make sure to double check your recipient’s preferred gaming platform. While things like a massive USB hard drive will generally work regardless of whether they’re on PC or Xbox, even the best Xbox headset probably won’t work with PS4. We’ve got suggestions for each platform below, plus a few games for each.
This article contains links to affiliate partners where available. When you buy through these links, TechCrunch may earn an affiliate commission.
Logitech G502 Hero (or Lightspeed)
PC
If they’ve been gaming for years, your giftee might already have a mouse they love. If they’re just starting to get into gaming on a PC, though, upgrading to a really good mouse is a solid first step. You don’t have to worry too much about compatibility with their existing hardware, and it should last them years.
The Logitech G502 Hero and the Logitech G502 Lightspeed are great options here. The Hero, a wired and more budget-friendly version of the Lightspeed, comes with 11 customizable buttons, weight customization, LED lights and the namesake HERO sensor can scale between 100 and 16,000 DPI — allowing them to find their exact sensitivity comfort zone. The Lightspeed, meanwhile, adds two big features to the Hero with the Lightspeed wireless tech (super-low latency for a wireless mouse) and wireless charging via the optional $100 PowerPlay mouse pad.
Though this keyboard is on the pricey side, it’s worth it. The Huntsman Elite has super-fancy hybrid keys, using both mechanical and optical sensor inputs for super-consistent, ultra-fast key presses. The opto-mechanical switch gets rid of debounce and promises a much longer lifespan (100 million keystrokes) than much of the competition, so it’ll last. It has built-in storage for profiles, letting you quickly swap in customizations you’ve made for different games. It’s got a comfortable wrist rest, and, of course, RGB lighting.
Having a good headset can feel like cheating, and the Astro A50s are pretty damned great. With Dolby Headphone 7.1 Surround Sound, and 5GHZ wireless transmitter for low latency, I honestly feel like they make me a better player. The headset has controls for mixing voice chat and game sound, and the battery lasts up to 15 hours. It comes in two versions: one for Xbox/PC, and one for PS4/PC; sadly, no version works with all three platforms.
If dropping $300 on a headset seems a bit too much, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 will get the job done at less than half the price. It offers Lossless 2.4GHz wireless audio (low latency) and a fantastic Clearcast bidirectional mic. SteelSeries says it has up to 24 hours of battery life, though I’ll admit that I’d never have the stamina to test that.
As gaming gets more and more competitive, controller players have historically been at a bit of a disadvantage. While most console shooters have systems like aim assist to try and make up for the gap, console controllers inevitably have fewer inputs than a PC gamer with their full-blown keyboard/mouse setups.
The Astro C40, my personal go-to PS4 controller, helps counter that a bit. With re-mappable panels on the back, trigger stops and both wired and wireless capabilities, the C40 is a controller that can up your game. It also has a 12-hour battery life; I’ve never managed to actually kill this controller between charges.
(I have noticed a bit of aim drag on one of the joysticks from time to time. That said, the controller has a removable panel for changing out joysticks, and Astro sells the C40 with a six-month warranty.)
If your Xbox gamer isn’t happy with the included Xbox controller, a solid option is the Scuf Gaming Prestige controller for Xbox. It has four mappable paddles on the back, and is fully customizable. That means you can tailor the color, the length and shape of the joysticks, and the feel of the controller. One caveat: It’s worth noting that in my experience, Scuf controllers don’t stand up to a lot of wear and tear, especially considering the $160 price tag.
The game you’ve been dying to play is finally out… aaaaand now you’ve got to pick which of your existing games to delete to make it fit. Or you could just plug in a monster hard drive and forget about all that for a while.
The Seagate GameDrive 4TB will immediately bump up your console’s storage capacity, adding space for another 50+ games. It uses USB 3.0, which means it doesn’t need an extra power source and transfers at good speeds. It’s a spinning disc rather than solid state — the upside of which is that it keeps things cheap, the downside being that the read(/load) times tend to be a bit slower.
(Tip: Pretty much any USB 3.0 hard drive bigger than 256GB will work with PS4 or Xbox One, though you’ll need to wipe/format it for each console the first time you plug it in.)
As with the Xbox/PS4, most people will probably eventually want way more storage than the 32GB that comes built into the Nintendo Switch. Unlike the Xbox/PS4, however, the Switch taps microSD cards rather than external USB drives.
Fortunately, microSD cards have seen drastic price drops over the last few years. You can get cards as big as 512GB for less than $100 these days. Two things to be aware of: you’ll want a card that supports transfer speeds of at least 60-95 MB/s, and you probably want to buy from a brand you recognize from a retailer you trust. Bootleg cards with mislabeled capacities are a thing.
Giftee already got things covered on the hardware front? Get’ em some games! No game is one-size-fits-all, so here’s a smattering of choices across genres and platforms.
(Trying to figure out if a game seems right for someone? Look for “Let’s Play” videos on YouTube, or watch a Twitch stream. It’ll take a few more minutes than just watching a trailer, but they’re often much better representations of what a game is really like.)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
Shooter, PC + PS4 + Xbox
Call of Duty has been a staple in any gamer’s diet for the past decade. Though the franchise has had a bumpy few years, the community has been re-energized with the recent launch of Modern Warfare*, the sequel to one of the franchise’s most popular titles. This boots-on-the-ground FPS game should be a welcome gift to most gamers, as long as they don’t already have it!
(*Confusingly, this one is officially just called “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare,” without any number following it, despite it being the fourth CoD game to share the “Modern Warfare” name. Make sure you’re getting the one made in 2019, not 2007, 2009 or 2011.)
The upcoming release of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” makes this 2019 title an excellent option for your gamer, who may wish to continue on in a galaxy far, far away the moment they leave the theater. This action-adventure games follow the story of Cal Kestis, a Jedi Padawan, who is looking to finish his training and restore the Jedi Order, all while thwarting the Empire’s attempt to hunt him down. It’s a true Star Wars tale.
The Last of Us initially launched a few years ago, but the title has been remastered for PS4. The title follows Joel and Ellie, two survivors of a Zombie apocalypse as they try to survive warring factions, the military and the zombies themselves. It’s a cinematic adventure that your gamer could end up playing for hours without even noticing. And the affordable part 1 is a great way to prime for the 2020 release of part 2, which you can pre-order now.
The Outer Worlds is a first-person RPG that is sure to please classic sci-fi fans. The relatively complex game allows players to make decisions as they move to new worlds and meet new NPCs, all the while participating in combat situations with hostiles. The game is available on PC, PS4 and Xbox, with a Switch version set to launch in 2020.
Anyone interested in a super-lightweight, lean-back sort of game will appreciate the Goose Game. Essentially, the player is a very annoying goose, and completes tasks that make the lives of surrounding humans more difficult. It’s cute, it’s fun and it’s affordable.
The first original Pokémon game for Switch is a great jumping on point for those new to the franchise. The Pokémon company changed some key elements of gameplay to make repetitive actions less punishing, and created a great, engaging story. There are also dozens of new Pokémon to discover on the fastest-selling Switch game ever, and a thousand+ from past generations.
As with most main series Pokémon titles, there are two versions of this game — Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. They’re slightly different — each one has a handful of unique Pokémon you can’t get in the other, some visual differences, etc. — but there’s not really a wrong choice.
The road to the blockchain revolution has not always been smooth. Most tech experts agree that the potential for new businesses and applications built on distributed ledgers is sky-high, but we are still waiting for that breakthrough year when blockchain transitions from a tech-oriented focus to widespread adoption.
2020 is a new year and the start of a new decade.
I believe we are on the cusp of a blockbuster year for blockchain development and that 2020 will see this technology begin to take its biggest, most world-changing steps yet. As innovators continue to shape the competitive landscape, we will see more products in production and we will begin to see true blockchain-based solutions.
I've reached out to some creative and influential thought-leaders in the blockchain space for their predictions for the upcoming year. Their predictions – along with a few of my own — are below.
Products in production
"Those who have been quietly building during the crypto winter will begin to deliver beta and production versions of their platforms. There are many companies that are on the verge of launching their products for the mass market. Those who deliver products that are better than their centralized counterparts will see real adoption. Those that are more complicated for traditional users to implement will arrive, but not see the adoption their communities are hoping for." — Ben Golub, executive chairman and interim CEO, Storj Labs
"2020 will be the year when software tools (think Stripe, Plaid, Twilio) that exist in the traditional software development stack will be created and adopted in the decentralized software development stack." — Ben Lambert, principal, Pelion Venture Partners
"Open source projects that use Hyperledger fabric will stay in the lead, not because of resources being injected into it, but because of the volume of overall users and new integrations solving use cases as a proof of concept. In the commercial blockchain environment that does not rely on open source, companies will explore ways to introduce it into their product line while balancing permissions and privacy in a truly decentralized manner." — Luis Macias, CEO and founder, GrainChain
Regulation
"Between Xi Jinping recently declaring China needs to 'seize the opportunity of blockchain technology,' and the continued regulatory uncertainty in the U.S., China will broaden its lead in blockchain relative to the U.S. Until the SEC rolls out more clear guidelines related to cryptocurrencies and blockchain, the U.S. market will continue to stagnate." — Ben Golub
"SEC enforcement on scammy ICOs from 2017/2018 will continue in 2020 causing further chilling on altcoin trading and increased compliance with existing securities laws. The result: legitimate securities tokens will be a good way to raise capital for unique assets as the regulatory landscape catches up with the technology and a more liquid market for security tokens results." — Jonathan Johnson
Privacy and security
"Privacy and security will become a key differentiator for incumbents in the cloud. Since its data breach last year, and its Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook has become more sensitive to the privacy and security concerns of its users. Privacy and security are now becoming a key differentiator for businesses and it will cause companies in the cloud to start taking a serious look at their security strategies in 2020. It will take much longer than a year for them to solidify and fully deploy their strategies, but 2020 will be the year the conversation begins to shift." — Ben Golub
A company building a very high-tech glove has just gotten its hands on some new money.
HaptX is building a sensor-packed glove for VR and robotics applications that simulates haptic and resistance feedback for enterprise users.
The Seattle startup has raised $12 million in new funding from Mason Avenue Investments, Taylor Frigon Capital Partners, Upheaval Investments, Votiv Capital, Keiretsu Forum, Keiretsu Capital, NetEase and Amit Kapur of Dawn Patrol Ventures. HaptX has now raised $19 million to date.
The company says this funding will go toward the company’s next generation of glove hardware.
I got a chance to demo the company’s glove last year and there are certainly some bizarre experiences that are enabled by the product, which uses an external pneumatic box to expand and contract air pockets inside a glove form factor to make it feel like the virtual object you’re holding onto in VR is actually in your hand.
Needless to say at this point, the virtual reality industry’s consumer ambitions haven’t quite panned out as expected. The enterprise space has found slightly more enduring success, though much of the enterprise use hasn’t expanded too far beyond “internal innovation hubs” and pilot programs. HaptX seems to have zeroed in on the same enterprise customer base as other VR startups, with a lot of its customers using the gloves in design and visualization processes. HaptX has moved away from marketing itself as a VR-only company and has expanded into robotics, reshaping its offering into a solution framed by real-world input and real-world output.
Alongside the funding announcement, HaptX is sharing that it has partnered with Advanced Input Systems to collaborate on “product development, manufacturing, and go-to-market.”
The company is focused on enterprise and unfortunately doesn’t seem to be building a mech suit for Jeff Bezos, although they sent me a great gif of him demoing the technology earlier this year at a conference.
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Facebook is building out its gaming business — earlier this year, the company added its Gaming hub to the main navigation menu. And last month, it agreed to buy Beat Games, developer of popular virtual reality title Beat Saber.
PlayGiga, meanwhile has been working with telcos to create streaming game technology for 5G. It also developed a gaming-as-a-service platform, using Intel's Visual Cloud platform, that will enable telcos and communication service providers to offer streaming games to their customers.
Earlier this year, TiVo said it was preparing to split itself into two — a product and IP business — in order to make itself more attractive to buyers. Today, the company announced those plans have been put on hold as it has instead merged with technology licensor Xperi Corporation, in a $3 billion deal.
Tastebuds (discovered by reverse engineering master Jane Manchun Wong) is designed to let users explore the music taste profiles of their friends. It will live as a navigation option alongside your Library and Home/Browse sections.
In Germany, Uber's ride-hailing business works exclusively with professional and licensed private-hire vehicle companies — so the court ban essentially outlaws Uber's current model in the country.
Sending people Snackpass rewards became a new way to flirt or show gratitude at Yale. And through the Venmo-esque Snackpass social feed, users could keep up with a fresh form of gossip while discovering restaurants.
Though China's payment market today is led by local players, including eWallet providers like AliPay and WeChat Pay, there's room for PayPal to grow in a market where digital payments per year are counted in the trillions, not billions, of dollars.
A little over a year after sparking a legal firestorm for musing that he would take Tesla private for $420, Elon Musk is probably glad he didn't. (Extra Crunch membership required.)
Apple has released an open-source version of the HomeKit Accessory Development Kit. You can now fork it on GitHub and play around with it to integrate smart home devices in the Home app and beyond.
Today's news is related to the Connected Home over IP effort, an industry-wide effort to build an open-source standard for the internet of things. Essentially, Apple, Amazon, Google, the Zigbee Alliance and smart home manufacturers want to work together so that accessories work everywhere.
HomeKit is lagging behind, although Apple arrived early in the connected home space. A ton of accessories now work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but you can control very few accessories with Siri, as HomeKit adoption has been slow.
By open-sourcing HomeKit, Apple hopes that more smart home manufacturers will try to integrate HomeKit in their prototypes. Everything has been released under the Apache 2.0 license.
As Next INpact noticed, if you want to release a HomeKit-compatible accessory, you still have to work with Apple to get a certification. And of course, manufacturers that work with Apple directly could potentially access unreleased features before they're unveiled at WWDC.
Developers have already reverse-engineered HomeKit to add HomeKit compatibility to more devices with the Homebridge project. Now let's see if it leads to more cool projects to make it easier to control your connected objects from your iPhone, iPad and other Apple devices.
A security researcher has found on the dark web 1,562 unique email addresses and passwords associated with Ring doorbell passwords.
The list of passwords was uploaded on Tuesday to an anonymous dark web text-sharing site, commonly used to share stolen passwords and illicit materials. A security researcher found the cache of email addresses and passwords, which can be used to log in to and access the cameras, as well as their time zone and the doorbell’s location, such as “driveway” or “front door.”
The researcher reported the findings to Amazon — which owns the Ring brand — but Amazon asked that the researcher not discuss their findings publicly.
At the time of writing, the dark web listing is still accessible.
It’s the second reported leak of Ring credentials today. Earlier on Thursday, BuzzFeed News reported that a similar cache of data on more than 3,600 Ring doorbells was posted online. The data appears to be a similar-looking data set to that which BuzzFeed obtained. Anyone with a working email address and password can log into a Ring account and obtain the Ring customer’s address, phone number and some payment information. The credentials also give the user access to the Ring devices in that home, including access to historical video data if the setting is enabled.
It’s not known how the data was exposed.
The dark web listing (Image: TechCrunch)
TechCrunch contacted a dozen individuals whose information was found on the dark web listing. We provided each person with their password. Of those who responded, all confirmed that it was their password.
On our advice, all changed their passwords, and some enabled two-factor authentication on their accounts.
Nearly all of the passwords we reviewed were relatively simple and potentially easy to guess. It’s possible that the passwords were obtained by password spraying, a technique hackers use to guess passwords, or credential stuffing, where hackers take existing sets of exposed or breached usernames and passwords matched against different websites to access accounts.
Ring spokesperson Yassi Shahmiri did not respond to a request for comment prior to publication but in an email after we posted denied a data breach.
“We've notified customers whose accounts we have identified as exposed and have reset their passwords. In addition, we are continuing to monitor for and block potentially unauthorized login attempts into Ring accounts,” the spokesperson said.
However, of those we spoke to none had been contacted by Ring — contrary to the company’s claim.
It’s the latest security lapse involving Ring security cameras in the past week. News reports emerged last week of how hackers were breaking into Ring cameras around the U.S. Some crime forums are sharing tools to break into Ring accounts. Then earlier this week, Motherboard confirmed that Ring cameras have shoddy security measures — such as not telling users when other people log in, when the cameras are being actively watched and by using a weak form of two-factor authentication. Ring put much of the blame on the users for not using “best practices.” But others panned the response for failing to put in “basic security measures” to protect users.
Ring has also come under fire by lawmakers for its close relationship with law enforcement agencies around the U.S.
It’s not known how many sets of exposed Ring account credentials are floating around the dark web. Users should protect their accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
Your expanding global business is leaving money on the table if its systems aren't compatible with web addresses that have extensions such as .世界 or .ОНЛАЙН (.world and .online in Chinese and Russian, respectively). This missed opportunity has been growing for some time; a 2017 study concluded that an ecommerce market worth nearly $10 billion dollars annually is up for grabs — and that is a conservative estimate.
To understand why, consider these two facts:
First, the version of the Latin alphabet you are reading now is used by just more than a third of the world population. That number is dwarfed by the billions of people who read and write every day in Chinese, Arabic, Cyrillic, Devanagari or other scripts. These are being used in regions where population growth, economic growth and internet adoption all outpace global averages.
Second, recent innovations in how we navigate the internet have made domain names in diverse alphabets available to the majority of the world who use them. In 2012, there were only 22 so-called generic domain names (with familiar extensions like .com or .edu). That number now stands at more than 1,500. Such innovation effectively brings an end to the era in which, say, a Japanese web surfer needs to toggle their keyboard to type a "www" or ".com," because the entire domain name can now be written in Japanese.
This change is a big deal across rapidly growing markets worldwide, but particularly in Asia, where multilingualism is not widespread and new users on smartphones are key drivers of digital and economic growth. Even today, only a tiny percentage of all web addresses are expressed in Chinese characters, though Mandarin Chinese speakers make up nearly one-fifth of the world's internet user population.
Even more relevant for the next wave of online consumers is that along with new domain names come email addresses in different scripts. A growing online population is using these addresses to sign up for services or sign into platforms.
This is why smart, global companies — and companies with global aspirations — are taking action to eliminate a major blind spot. Many software developers and corporate leaders reside in the English speaking or "Latin alphabet" parts of the world and the internet works pretty smoothly for them; therefore, they have not taken the important step of upgrading their software applications to accept all domain names equally. This step is a best practice referred to as "Universal Acceptance" of domain names and email addresses.
When systems are not Universal Acceptance ready, people using domain names or email addresses in different scripts cannot successfully use these systems, because the domain names and email addresses are not recognized as "valid." This means lost business opportunities. Code libraries already exist in programming languages like Java and Python, often making this task the equivalent of a "bug fix;" however, it is a fix with huge implications.
To get a sense of the importance of Universal Acceptance, consider India. It has one of the fastest growing internet user populations on the planet and provides an illuminating case study.
As fast as internet adoption may be in India, in rural India it is faster still. The internet user base in India recently exceeded 500 million and is likely to reach 627 million by 2020. Two-fifths of users are located in rural areas. Consider also that India has 22 official languages and most users are on mobile devices.
In the Indian state of Rajasthan, the state government recently offered each of its 69 million residents free email addresses in both Hindi and English, while directing online public services to be Universal Acceptance ready (i.e. 100% available in Hindi). This required an intensive, 30-day push by developers to be compliant, and now residents can use their same Hindi email addresses to access an array of online platforms and services. Are some of these residents of Rajastan your future customers?
Microsoft is among the companies in the forefront of such compatibility. Last year it announced Email Address Internationalization (EAI) across most of its email platforms in an impressive 15 languages spoken across India. As Meetul Patel, COO of Microsoft India said:
"Ensuring that language is not a barrier to the adoption of technology is key for digital inclusion and growth. Making email addresses available in 15 languages is an exciting step to making modern communications and collaboration tools more accessible and easier to use for all – something we have been relentlessly working towards. We're making technology use the language of people, and not requiring people to first learn the traditional language of technology."
Despite such advantages, there is still a lot of work ahead. A recent review of the top 1,000 websites around the world found that only about five percent accepted all of the email address variations now in use.
Bringing systems up to date with Universal Acceptance is an easy way to make the internet more accessible for the billions of people whose languages are written in different scripts, making it a treasured cause of digital inclusion advocates. However, for any business seeking new global markets, it is a key competitive differentiator in an era of global online platforms, from direct e-commerce to the sharing economy. This is one first-mover advantage that may be worth billions.
Hello and welcome back to our regular morning look at private companies, public markets and the grey space in between.
Today, we’re digging into a host of data concerning the East Coast venture capital scene, specifically looking into the performance of its two key startup markets.
It’s 12 degrees Fahrenheit as I write this in my office situated between Boston and New York City — a perfect vantage point for studying these vibrant tech ecosystems. Let’s see what the data tells us.
The information we’re examining today comes from White Star Capital (often via CBInsights), a venture capital firm that describes itself as “transatlantic” and takes part in seed, Series A and Series B rounds around the globe. The group last raised a $180 million fundthat TechCrunch covered here, noting at the time that capital pool was “oversubscribed from an initial target of $140 million” and would be invested into “around 20 new companies from the new fund, writing opening cheques of between $1 million and $6 million.”
With boots on the ground in New York, White Star cares about the East Coast, so the fund’s put dossier on the region isn’t unexpected. What it includes, however, is.
We’ll start with NYC and its surprising 2019 before turning to Boston, digging into its super-giant venture totals and hearing from Founder Collective’sEric Paley on the state of things in urban Massachusetts.
New York City
White Star’s report details record-breaking figures for NYC’s current year. Off of effectively flat deal volume (New York City sees around 775 venture deals per year at the moment, or a little more than two per day), the overgrown town should set record venture dollar volume in 2019.
Observe the following, astounding chart detailing the abnormality of 2019 from a comparative venture dollar perspective:
By smashing 2017’s local maximum, 2019 appears set to crush the city’s record — and rich — venture investment totals. The graphic also manages to point out (somewhat embarrassingly) that Gotham will manage to best a number of European countries’ aggregate venture dollar investments by itself this year.
That’s is a useful bit of context as in the United States, New York City is always Number Two to Silicon Valley. But, this chart argues, being number two in the number-one market is still a hell of a lot of capital.
Putting New York City’s venture into even sharper comparative perspective, observe the following table:
MeWe, the subscription-based social network that emphasizes privacy and bills itself as the anti-Facebook, is launching a premium tier of its service and spinning up a business-focused product to take on enterprise networking and communication tools like Slack.
Founded by Mark Weinstein, a gregarious serial entrepreneur who credits himself with being an early developer of the social media concept, MeWe has amassed several million users in its drive to be the alternative to Facebook.
Launching after Ello, Weinstein says the challenges he witnessed that company going through provided some invaluable lessons for how he wanted to build out his own challenge to Facebook’s social media dominance.
“We were engineering when Ello had their shot at the moon and then crashed back to earth. They may have motivated 21 million people, but their servers couldn't handle it, they were desktop only and the project was too soon,” Weinstein said.
The company operates under a freemium model, where its newsfeed, custom camera, ephemeral content, 8 gigs of storage, life voice and video and custom stickers are all free. Businesses can pay for additional features for $1.99 per month.
“Social media wasn’t invented for surveillance capitalism,” says Weinstein. And while MeWe is relatively permissive when it comes to speech, Weinstein says it has rules around posting hate speech, inciting violence and bullying. That said, “we’re not going to censor you because you’re talking about a political view we do or don’t agree with.”
Alongside the premium MeWe product for social networking, the company is also launching a separate business line for enterprise collaboration.
Weinstein says there are already several thousand users on the enterprise toolkit, which is out of beta and includes end-to-end encrypted chat, integrations with Windows 360 and features for tagging, polls, a custom camera and voice and video conferencing embedded in its suite of services.
MeWe’s premium tier will cost $4.99 per month and the company’s professional service has a two-tiered approach, with a $3.99 and $7.99 price point.
Google seems to be shopping for game studios as it courts consumer interest for its Stadia game-streaming platform, announcing Thursday that they had acquired Montreal-based Typhoon Studios.
The young studio with 26 employees hasn’t released its first title yet, after being founded nearly three years ago, but their upcoming game “Journey to the Savage Planet” will be released in late January. The title is being developed for “multiple platforms,” so for those looking forward to the title, it seems it will not be morphing into a Stadia exclusive at the last second.
A screenshot from the studio’s upcoming title
The studio will be joining a Stadia team in Canada led by former Ubisoft exec Sébastien Puel.
Google has been pretty vocal about its internal development efforts, including Stadia Studios led by former EA exec Jade Raymond. In an interview with Gamesindustry.biz, the exec detailed that Google was hoping to build out multiple first-party studios to release content on the platform.
“We have a plan that includes building out a few different first-party studios, and also building up the publishing org to ship exclusive content created by indie devs and other external partners,” Raymond told the publication.
Scott Wolfe, chief executive officer of Levelset, the New Orleans-based money management and payment startup for contractors in the construction industry, always thought he’d be in the grocery business.
His family owned a number of grocery stores around New Orleans and he was readying himself to go into the family business when Hurricane Katrina hit.
As the family business faced significant losses in their stores, the construction and contracting service they’d built to develop the land the stores were on had a tremendous opportunity. Within the span of a year, Wolfe had pivoted the family’s operations to focus on renovations and restorations and launched fully into construction.
It was during that time that Wolfe saw the need for some sort of software service that could manage cash flow and payment for the tens to hundreds of small business contractors involved in getting a project done.
Now the company has closed on $30 million in financing from Horizons Ventures, the investment firm backed by Li Ka-shing, who is one of the world’s wealthiest billionaire property developers.
When Bart Swanson, an advisor to Horizons, met Levelset through a mutual friend who did some investing around the New Orleans-based Tulane University ecosystem, he immediately felt it was an opportunity that the Horizons investment committee would understand.
“This is a global issue,” says Swanson. “Sixty-four percent of construction businesses fail in their first five years because they have nowhere to turn for help,” when it comes to ensuring payment.
For now, Levelset is focused on digitizing billing and payments and providing insights into who is actually on a job site and the responsibilities that those workers have on site, according to Wolfe.
“There’s a ton of investment that has gone into the field,” says Wolfe. “What has seen a lack of as prolific an investment are things behind the scenes outside of the field that happen in the office. This is the accountants and administrative workers who have to take the information that’s in the field and turn it into money.”
For developers like Cheung Kong Holdings, Li’s development business, the promise of Levelset’s software is a huge boon. The construction industry runs on small businesses that lack software and services to process payments quickly. The time it takes to deal with paperwork can delay a project and ultimately cost developers money.
Horizons was joined in the new round by S3 Ventures, Operating Venture Capital, Altos Ventures and Darren Bechtel of Brick & Mortar Ventures. As a result of the investment, Swanson will take a seat on the company’s board.
In arecent survey of contractors by Levelset and T-Sheets by Quickbooks, more than half of contractors stated they were not paid on time and had significant cash flow challenges, and more than 75% craved more transparency in the payment process. This is no surprise, givenPWC's working capital studies in the past decade demonstrating that construction industry payment speeds are the slowest of all (83+ days).
"The effort required to get paid, and the cash stress put on contractors is unbelievable," said Wolfe, in a statement. "The world’s biggest industry is full of small and medium businesses who are the fabric of our economy. It’s crucial that they can do their work without worrying about cash."
Leapfin, a startup selling corporate finance tooling, announced a $4.5 million round this morning. The funding event was led by Bowery Capital, and included dollars from a number of former technology executives.
Before its newly announced investment, the company had raised just a small seed round. The small capital amounts may seem inconsequential, but they’re more strategic than anything. According to Leapfin CEO Raymond Lau, the company is running lean and keeping an eye on profitability.
After being founded in 2015 and starting commercialization of its product in 2018, the company is stepping a bit further out of the shadows this morning. Let’s talk about what it does, and why both its product and business philosophy are neat.
What it does
Leapfin helps companies track their revenue and cost of revenue expenses.
In more human terms, Leapfin helps companies track sales, and how much it costs to create and distribute its goods and services to customers. “Cost of revenue,” also known (roughly) as “cost of goods sold,” may sound like a jargony accounting term, but in reality it’s a bedrock business concept that anyone involved with startups needs to understand.
Let’s explain why. Once you deduct costs of revenue from revenue itself, you’re left with gross profit. That’s what businesses use to cover their operating costs. And, crucially, the larger a company’s gross profit is in relation to its revenue, the higher margin its revenue is; investors love high gross margin revenue.
In part, their high gross margins are why software startups are worth so much.
Back to Leapfin, its product is a shot at making business a more limpid process. In a call with TechCrunch, Leapfin’s Lau explained that many companies only have “one-in-thirty” visibility into their operations; that business owners only manage to fully collate their revenue and cost of revenue results monthly, meaning that the rest of the time they are flying at least partially blind.
The goal of Leapfin, according to Lau, is to provide a “single source of truth” for ongoing business results, using “robotic process automation” to help companies cut down on repetitive work. So Lepafin does two things: helps companies know where they stand financially, and saves them time on rote tasks that tend to come with accounting.
The company is pretty happy with its ability to sell its product so far. Lau told TechCrunch that it has found “very, very strong product market fit,” for example. Asked to describe when he felt that Leapfin had gelled with the market, Lau explained that in his view, product market fit is more “process” than a “tipping point,” but that he was confident in Leapfin’s product-market harmony when its customers began referring other companies (to a product that costs six-figures annually), and its sales cycle tightened.
Why the company is cool
Leapfin is run a bit differently from most SaaS companies that we cover. Instead of raising lots to invest in blow-out sales and marketing expenses, Leapfin is running pretty lean.
TechCrunch asked Lau why he only raised $4.5 million in the new round, which, given the product progress his company has made, felt modest. He said that the Leapfin staff “are outsiders in a way,” and that while his “peers are raising tens of millions,” his company could be profitable by the third quarter of next year. So Leapfin doesn’t need more money, and selling shares ahead of growth is an expensive way to raise capital.
Lau also said, however, that his company’s small raise “doesn’t mean that [it] won’t raise more down the road.” Another check in 2020 to ward off any downturn fears would make some sense. But Leapfin probably won’t sweat a crash too much, as the company keeps profitability and cash flow positivity “in sight,” according to its CEO.
Despite that, the company expects to hire quickly, expanding from around 20 people today to 50 by the end of next year. What we need next from Leapfin is an ARR number so we can vet just how much product market fit it really has.
Amazon’s Ring is partnering with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) in the U.S. to publish missing child posters directly in the Neighbors app by Ring. The free app is used by local communities to share news about local crime and other safety incidents and is accessible to everyone, not just people who own a Ring video doorbell or camera.
NCMEC today works to recover missing children in the U.S. by operating a 24-hour hotline (1-800-THE-LOST) and it shares information about missing kids through AMBER Alerts and social media posts. The new partnership with Ring will expand NCMEC’s reach to the app’s community, which includes millions of people in the U.S. That community, of course, includes Ring video doorbell and security camera owners — people who may have critical information to share with NCMEC.
Ring notes it recently helped reunite a family with a missing child in Albuquerque, N.M. This particular case, however, didn’t involve an abduction. Instead, the missing 14-year-old boy had been waiting for his dad to pick him up at the wrong gas station after a football game. The child didn’t have a working phone or his parents’ numbers, so had no way to phone for help when dad didn’t show. And he didn’t ask for help. The family contacted the police and posted a notice to the Ring Neighbors app. Another app user had seen the child and alerted his parents to his whereabouts.
With the new partnership, NCMEC looks to formalize this same sort of information-sharing that already takes place in Ring’s Neighbors app, as users reshare with community members notices and alerts they saw elsewhere, or post for help about their own missing kids, as in the above case.
Ring says the NCMEC’s missing kids posters will become visible to all users whose neighborhoods fall within the area of interest. The posts will also prompt users to contact the authorities if they have any information that could help the search.
According to the FBI, there were 424,066 cases of missing kids reported to law enforcement in 2018, Ring adds.
The partnership comes at a time when Ring’s public image is in need of rehab.
Despite these serious concerns, Ring has an active and growing user base for its Neighbors app. To date, Neighbors has been installed 7 million times in the U.S., according to Sensor Tower. More than 10 million Ring doorbells, meanwhile, have been installed worldwide.
Facebook doesn’t want its hardware like Oculus or its augmented reality glasses to be at the mercy of Google because they rely on its Android operating system. That’s why Facebook has tasked Mark Lucovsky, a co-author of Microsoft’s Windows NT, with building the social network an operating system from scratch, according to The Information’s Alex Heath. To be clear, Facebook’s smartphone apps will remain available on Android.
"We really want to make sure the next generation has space for us,” says Facebook’s VP of Hardware, Andrew ‘Boz’ Bosworth. "We don't think we can trust the marketplace or competitors to ensure that's the case. And so we're gonna do it ourselves."
Eye OS
By moving to its own OS, Facebook could have more freedom to bake social interaction — and hopefully privacy — deeper into its devices. It could also prevent a disagreement between Google and Facebook from derailing the roadmaps of its gadgets. Facebook tells TechCrunch the focus of this work is on what's needed for AR glasses. It’s exploring all the options right now, including potentially partnering with other companies or building a custom OS specifically for augmented reality.
One added bonus of moving to a Facebook-owned operating system? It could make it tougher to force Facebook to spin out some of its acquisitions, especially if Facebook goes with Instagram branding for its future augmented reality glasses.
Facebook has always been sore about not owning an operating system and having to depend on the courtesy of some of its biggest rivals. Those include Apple, whose CEO Tim Cook has repeatedly thrown jabs at Facebook and its chief Mark Zuckerberg over privacy and data collection. In a previous hedge against the power of the mobile operating systems, Facebook worked on a secret project codenamed Oxygen circa 2013 that would help it distribute Android apps from outside the Google Play store if necessary, Vox’s Kurt Wagner reported.
That said, its last attempt to wrestle more control of mobile away from the OS giants in 2013 went down in flames. The Facebook phone, built with HTC hardware, ran a forked version of Android and the Facebook Home user interface. But drowning the experience in friends’ photos and Messenger chat bubbles proved wildly unpopular, and both the HTC First and Facebook Home were shelved.
Investing in tomorrow tech
Now Facebook is hoping to learn from past mistakes as it ramps up its hardware efforts with a new office for the AR/VR team in Burlingame, 15 miles north of the company’s headquarters. The 770,000-square-foot space is designed to house roughly 4,000 employees. Facebook tells TechCrunch the team will move there in the second half of 2020 to make use of its labs, prototype space and testing areas. The AR/VR team will still have members at other offices across California, Washington, New York and abroad.
TechCrunch asked for more info about the space, and Facebook revealed that it’s planning to open a public-facing, experiential space — possibly the first Facebook-branded permanent location that anyone can visit. There, people will be able to come play with its augmented reality and virtual reality products. Those could range from the Oculus Quest headsets and Facebook Portal smart displays it currently sells to potential future products like the camera glasses it’s reportedly building with Ray Ban-maker Luxottica and eventually its full-fledged AR eyewear.
A rendering of Facebook’s under-construction new space in Burlingame, Calif.
Facebook says it’s considering building true retail space into the Burlingame office to let people try and then buy its hardware products. This would be a significant first step toward self-branded Facebook retail spaces in the vein of Apple and Microsoft’s stores.
Interested in potentially controlling more of the hardware stack, Facebook held acquisition talks with $4.5 billion market cap semiconductor company Cirrus Logic, which makes audio chips for Apple and more, The Information reports. That deal never happened, and it’s unclear how far the talks went given tech giants constantly keep their M&A teams open to discussions. But it shows how serious Facebook is taking hardware, even if Portal and Oculus sales have been slow to date. Facebook declined to comment on the matter.
That could start to change next year, though, as flagship virtual reality experiences hit the market. I got a press preview of the upcoming Medal of Honor first-person shooter that will launch on the Oculus Quest in 2020. An hour of playing the World War II game flew by, and it was one of the first VR games that felt like you could enjoy it week after week rather than being just a tech demo. Medal of Honor could prove to be the killer app that convinces gamers they have to get a Quest.
Social hardware
Facebook has also been working on hardware experiences for the enterprise. Facebook Workplace video calls can now run on Portal, with its smart camera auto-zooming to keep everyone in the board room in frame or focused on the action. The Information reports Facebook is also prototyping a VR videoconferencing system that Boz has been testing with his team. Facebook tells TechCrunch that Boz hosted two internal events where he videoconferenced through VR to about 100 of his team leaders using virtual Q&A software Facebook is prototyping internally. It’s hoping to learn what would be necessary to consistently hold meetings in VR.
The hardware initiatives, meanwhile, feed back into Facebook’s core ad business. It’s now using some data about what people do on their Oculus or Portal to target them with ads. From playing certain games to accessing kid-focused experiences to virtually teleporting to vacation destinations, there’s plenty of lucrative data for Facebook to potentially mine.
Facebook tells TechCrunch that Portal currently takes data — like if you log in, make calls or use certain features — to inform ad targeting. For example, it could show you ads related to video calling if you do that a lot. With Oculus, if you connect your Facebook account, then data about apps you use or events you join could be used to tune its algorithms or target ads.
Facebook even wants to know what’s on our mind before we act on it. The Information reports that Facebook’s brain-computer interface hardware for controlling interfaces by employing sensors to recognize a word a user is thinking has been shrunk down. It’s gone from the size of a refrigerator to something hand-held, but is still far from ready for integration into a phone. Facebook tells TechCrunch it’s making progress, improving the word error rate significantly up the state-of-the-art research and expanding the dictionary of words that can be recognized. Facebook can now decode brain activity in real time, and it’s working on an intermediary system for identifying single words as it pushes toward 100 words-per-minute brain typing.
Selling Oculus headsets, Portal screens and mind-readers might never generate the billions in profits Facebook earns from its efficient ads business, but they could ensure the social network isn’t locked out of the next waves of computing. Whether those are fully immersive like virtual reality, convenient complements to our phones like smart displays or minimally invasive sensors, Facebook wants them to be social. If it can bring your friends along to your new gadgets, Facebook will find some way to squeeze out revenue while keeping these devices from making us more isolated and less human.
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Ring notes it recently helped reunite a family with a missing child in Albuquerque, N.M. This particular case, however, 
