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8th Pay Commission: Employee Unions To Meet On February 25 To Finalise Pay Demands
Business

8th Pay Commission: Employee Unions To Meet On February 25 To Finalise Pay Demands

Central government employees and pensioners awaiting clarity on the 8th Pay Commission may soon see movement, with employee unions set to formally enter the consultation process as the commission gradually becomes operational. The office of the 8th Pay Commission has already been established in New Delhi, signalling the start of preparatory work for the next pay revision cycle. February 25 Meeting Marks First Coordinated Push A key meeting of central government employee and pensioner representatives has been scheduled for February 25, 2026, in New Delhi. The gathering aims to prepare joint demands on pay, pensions and service conditions. The meeting will be held under the National Council (Staff Side) of the Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM), the recognised platform representing central government employees in discussions with the Centre. Its primary objective is to draft a common memorandum that will eventually be submitted to the 8th Pay Commission. NC-JCM Letter Outlines Next Steps In a letter to members of the drafting committee, NC-JCM Secretary Shiva Gopal Mishra said that once the pay commission’s office becomes fully functional, the council is likely to be asked to submit its memorandum on service-related issues. The letter confirmed that the meeting will take place at 13-C, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi, beginning at 10.30 am on February 25, 2026. It also noted that members may need to remain in Delhi for about a week, as detailed deliberations are expected to finalise proposals across multiple issues. Wide Representation Across Departments According to The Economic Times, representatives from several major departments have been invited to the meeting, including employee and pensioner associations from the Railways, Defence, Posts, Income Tax and other central government services. The aim is to ensure that concerns across a broad spectrum of departments are reflected in the joint memorandum. Pay, Allowances And Service Conditions On Agenda Discussions will centre on pay revision and allied matters. Recognised employee and pensioner bodies have been asked to submit proposals, typically covering basic pay, the fitment factor, minimum wage, service conditions and various allowances. The review process may extend over several days, with the emphasis on arriving at a unified set of demands to be placed before the pay commission. What Happens After The Draft Is Finalised Once the NC-JCM completes the draft memorandum, the 8th Pay Commission is expected to formally begin consultations. As reported by The Economic Times, the commission will issue a notification inviting inputs from central government bodies, state governments and other stakeholders, setting a deadline for submissions. The NC-JCM will submit its final memorandum within that timeframe. Long Road Ahead For Final Recommendations After receiving representations, the pay commission will hold interviews with stakeholders, seeking detailed explanations and justifications for their demands. Given the large number of participating organisations nationwide, the process is expected to be time-consuming. While stakeholder inputs are considered, the commission conducts its own assessment before finalising recommendations. Why The Meeting Matters For lakhs of central government employees and pensioners, the February 25, 2026 meeting represents an early but significant milestone in the 8th Pay Commission process. Although actual pay revisions may still be some distance away, the meeting signals that formal discussions have begun and that employee concerns are entering the consultative framework.

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6 months ago
‘Dharmendra Ka Beta’: Sunny Deol’s Emotional Tribute To Father In Border 2 Goes Viral
Trending

‘Dharmendra Ka Beta’: Sunny Deol’s Emotional Tribute To Father In Border 2 Goes Viral

Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Border 2 hit theatres on Friday, January 23, and has been earning rave reviews from both fans and critics. Anurag Singh’s directorial and sequel to JP Dutta’s 1997 blockbuster Border has an emotional tribute to the “original He-Man” of Bollywood - Dharmendra. Although JP Dutta’s daughter, Nidhi Dutta, had earlier hinted that the film would feature a special tribute to Dharmendra, she chose not to reveal any details at the time. Now, after watching the much-anticipated film based on the 1971 Indo-Pak war, fans have taken to social media to share and discuss the emotional moment. Sunny Deol’s Tribute To Dharmendra Can you guess where the tribute appears? Is there a scene honouring him? Is there a dialogue in his voice? Does he feature in a special appearance? Here’s a gentle hint: it reveals itself in the very first moments of the film. By now, you may have guessed. Yes, it’s in the opening credits. Instead of simply “Sunny Deol,” the credit carries his name with the words “Dharmendra Ji Ka Beta” placed beneath it in brackets. And yes, it sends a quiet shiver down the spine. We felt it too. ‘What A Tribute To Dharmendra Ji’: Internet Praises Border 2 Team  Social media users were quick enough to talk about the special tribute. One person wrote, “Wow, what a tribute to the late Dharmendra Ji by Border2 team…,” before adding, “Some people can say isme kya wo beta hi to hai, but empathic people will understand the core of the emotion.” Another social media user claimed that the film opens with a title card for Dharmendra, which reads, “This is for Papa.” Veteran actor Dharmendra, known as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ and ‘Dharam Paaji’, breathed his last at the age of 89 on November 24, 2025. He died two weeks before his 90th birthday on December 8, and a month ahead of his upcoming film Ikkis’s release. 

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6 months ago
ABP Live Astro Analysis | Border 2 Release Day Panchang Predicts Sunny Deol’s Mega Hit, Will It Break Gadar 2 Records?
Lifestyle

ABP Live Astro Analysis | Border 2 Release Day Panchang Predicts Sunny Deol’s Mega Hit, Will It Break Gadar 2 Records?

In astrology, the success of any major artistic or financial venture is deeply linked to its muhurat. Border 2’s release day Panchang appears remarkably auspicious. The film releases on Shukla Paksha Panchami, a tithi known as Lakshmi Prada, associated with prosperity, commercial success, and sustained financial growth. This phase remains active till late night, indicating a steadily rising earnings trajectory rather than a short-lived opening. Until mid-afternoon, the Moon transits Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra, ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion and grandeur, ideal for large-scale cinema. Post that, Uttara Bhadrapada, ruled by Saturn, takes over. Saturn governs the masses, suggesting strong public acceptance and long-term audience engagement, particularly after the initial shows. Adding to this is Parigh Yog, active till late afternoon. Symbolically associated with removing obstacles, this yog aligns perfectly with the film’s war narrative, amplifying themes of victory and resistance against adversaries. ALSO READ: ABP Live Astro Analysis | Rahu–Venus Shadashtak Yog Explained: Modern Relationships And Live-In Trends Planetary Convergence And War Film Energy (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) A powerful planetary gathering forms in Capricorn, involving the Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Mars. For a war-based film, Mars, the planet of courage, warfare, and valour, plays a critical role. Its strength enhances the realism and intensity of battle sequences. The Sun adds authority and national pride, while Venus balances aggression with cinematic elegance and emotional appeal. This combination reflects a harmonious blend of patriotism, spectacle, and storytelling. Saturn’s placement further extends the film’s reach beyond urban centres, deep into India’s heartland. As the planet of the masses, Saturn suggests that Border 2’s popularity could remain intact for four to five weeks, sustaining its box office momentum. Muhurat Timing And Astrological Safeguards While the day included certain inauspicious intervals, the planetary timing worked decisively in the film’s favour. Key shows coincided with Abhijit Muhurat, widely regarded as a Victory Muhurat capable of neutralising negative influences. This timing is known to ensure success even under challenging astrological conditions. Although Rahu Kaal and Kulik Kaal prevailed during the morning hours, possibly reflecting mixed early reactions or minor technical issues—the situation improved significantly post-afternoon as lunar strength increased. Strong Chandra Bal for multiple zodiac signs ensured rising audience approval and positive word-of-mouth. Moon Transit And Emotional Impact Of The Film (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) The Moon’s transition from Aquarius to Pisces on release day holds deep emotional significance. Aquarius stabilises foundations, while Pisces heightens sensitivity and emotional resonance. Astrologically, this indicates that Border 2’s second half and climax are likely to strike a deep emotional chord with viewers. This emotional engagement could elevate the film beyond entertainment, transforming it into a shared national sentiment. Box Office Forecast Based On Astrology Astrological indicators point towards an extraordinary commercial run: The strong Mars influence suggests a Day 1 net collection between ₹38–42 crore. With Republic Day falling within the opening weekend, the film stands to benefit from the extended holiday window, potentially crossing ₹150 crore within the first four days. The presence of Bava and Balava Karan further strengthens predictions of long-term success, indicating that Border 2 could comfortably enter the ₹500 crore club, positioning itself as an all-time blockbuster. Regional Impact And Audience Support Directional astrology shows Disha Shool in the West, favouring exceptional performance in North and East India, including Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana. Southern regions are also expected to respond positively, driven by Sunny Deol’s legacy and Diljit Dosanjh’s strong fan base. Favourable Tara Bal across Purva and Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatras suggests sustained positive audience sentiment and organic publicity. Conclusion: Stars Align For A Historic Run From Panchang to planetary placements, every astrological sign points towards Border 2 enjoying exceptional fortune. Mars fuels bravery, Saturn ensures mass support, and Jupiter expands success. According to astrological analysis, Border 2 possesses all the cosmic ingredients needed to emerge as 2026’s biggest cinematic triumph. [Dislaimer: The content of this article is based solely on astrological predictions, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]

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6 months ago
ABP Live Budget Traveller | 6 Ways Cruises Are Becoming The Next Big Travel Trend In India
Lifestyle

ABP Live Budget Traveller | 6 Ways Cruises Are Becoming The Next Big Travel Trend In India

{By: Akansha Agarwal) India’s cruise tourism story is undergoing a sharp reset. As 2025 closed, the country’s cruise market was valued at USD 235 million, signalling a shift from niche indulgence to mainstream travel. Indian travellers are redefining how cruises are booked and experienced , prioritising comfort, shorter itineraries, and premium cabins over long-haul, extended voyages. With 66% choosing private balcony cabins, 12% opting for luxury suites, and metros like Delhi contributing over 30% of total cruise revenue, cruising is no longer aspirational but intentional. What’s driving this rapid adoption? Here are six key reasons cruises are fast rising to the top of the Indian traveller’s wish list. ALSO READ: ABP Live Budget Traveller | Meghalaya On A Budget: How To Explore The Abode Of Clouds Without Overspending Short Sailings, Big Appeal (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) Cruises out of Singapore, Dubai, and Mumbai, ranging between 2–5 nights, are seeing a surge in demand, especially from families and first-time cruisers. Their appeal lies in simple visa procedures, frequent flight connections, and year-round departures that make planning easier than ever. Meanwhile, 7-night sailings to Europe and Alaska are favourites among affinity groups and families looking for a deeper experience. More Ships, More Choice, More Demand The cruise industry is seeing an unprecedented expansion, and that includes routes catering to Indian travellers. New, bigger, larger ships are being launched as a result berths are increasing, and cruise lines are clearly eyeing India as a growth market. With this travellers have access to a wider range of itineraries, budgets, and experiences. From high-end luxury sailings to affordable family-focused voyages, the increase in inventory is not only meeting demand, it’s generating it. The logic is simple: more ships mean more options, and more options mean more travellers. The India Story: Economy, Access, And Aspiration The cruising curve in India is rising alongside its economy. With higher disposable incomes, a booming middle class, and increasing air connectivity, Indians are travelling more, and better. Digitisation has played a big role too. Platforms like Int2Cruises, Asia’s cruise-first OTA, have made cruise discovery easier through live pricing, real-time cabin availability, and bundled packages with flights, hotels, and visas. More importantly, Indian travellers are spending more: over 70% now opt for balcony cabins or suites, and 20% book premium onboard experiences in advance. From beverage plans to curated excursions, cruising is no longer viewed as basic transit, it’s an experiential lifestyle-led holiday choice. Celebrations At Sea (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) Cruises are quickly emerging as venues for some of life’s big moments worthy of celebration. Milestones like anniversaries, birthdays, and family reunions are increasingly being hosted onboard, where logistics are effortless and experiences are elevated. With everything from multi-cuisine dining and entertainment to spa therapies and kids’ clubs under one roof, the all-inclusive nature of cruises makes them an attractive proposition for celebratory travel. Special sailings during Indian festivals like Diwali or Holi are particularly gaining popularity, featuring Indian cuisine, Bollywood music, and cultural performances. These curated voyages blend the familiar with the spectacular, making them ideal for groups seeking memorable yet manageable travel experiences. Cruising Is Synonymous With Convenience One of the most appealing aspects of cruising is the lack of hassle. Unlike traditional land holidays that involve multiple hotel check-ins, transport arrangements, and daily logistics, cruises offer the comfort of a single check-in followed by uninterrupted exploration. Travellers wake up each day in a new destination, with meals, entertainment, and excursions seamlessly planned. The plethora of activities present onboard offers something for everyone. Moreover, cruises offer something for every demographic. From live shows to adventure zones, gourmet global cuisine, and relaxing spa experiences, cruises offer a wide variety of choices, catering to every type of traveller. Besides, they simplify the travel experience without compromising on variety or excitement. For travellers seeking rich, diverse experiences at roughly 30% lower cost than comparable land holidays, cruises present a compelling value proposition. What’s Next? Emerging Routes And Evolving Preferences With India’s own cruise infrastructure expanding under the Cruise Bharat Mission, domestic routes from Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Kochi, and Visakhapatnam are set to grow. Beyond traditional sailings, expedition cruises, to Antarctica, the Arctic, and even the Galapagos, are gaining interest among Indian adventurers. River cruises on the Ganges and Brahmaputra, and theme-based cruises (think wellness, cuisine, or music festivals) are shaping the future. Cruise+Land or Fly+Cruise packages are also making inroads into Tier 2 cities, making international cruise travel more accessible to a wider audience. Singapore–Malaysia–Thailand: Best for first-time cruisers Europe (Greece, Spain, Italy): The classic summer escape Alaska & Iceland: Breathtaking for nature lovers Antarctica & Arctic: For once-in-a-lifetime explorers Mumbai–Goa, Chennai–Sri Lanka: Coastal charm closer to home Ganges, Brahmaputra River Cruises: Culture meets comfort A New Wave Of Travel The tides have turned. Cruises are no longer aspirational, they're accessible. They’re not just about travelling to a destination, but about redefining how we travel. And as India’s cruising appetite grows, the question isn’t “Why cruise?”, but “Why haven’t you cruised yet?” The author, Akansha Agarwal, is Co-founder & Chief Marketing Officer, at Int2Cruises.

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6 months ago
Investor Focus Shifts To ZKP Crypto’s Decentralised Data Marketplace As XRP Slips Toward $2.00
Business

Investor Focus Shifts To ZKP Crypto’s Decentralised Data Marketplace As XRP Slips Toward $2.00

XRP entered mid-January under renewed pressure, extending losses for a third consecutive session as the price edged closer to the $2.00 level. The decline unfolded alongside broader market weakness, with Bitcoin and Ethereum also trading defensively. Despite steady inflows into spot XRP ETFs, price action has remained subdued, highlighting the gap between institutional interest and short-term market dynamics. Meanwhile, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is being evaluated through a different lens. Rather than reacting to price volatility or flow data, attention is shifting toward its decentralised data marketplace, a privacy-first framework designed to enable secure, verifiable sharing and monetisation of AI data. This contrast is shaping how market participants reassess what the best crypto to buy now looks like in 2026. XRP Price Weakens as Supply Shifts Toward Exchanges XRP’s recent decline is being reinforced by on-chain signals that point to rising sell-side pressure. Key developments include: XRP trading near $2.06, with downside pressure toward the $2.00 support zone Exchange reserves increasing to 2.7 billion XRP, up from 2.67 billion earlier in the week A steady rise in tokens held on exchanges since late December, signalling intent to sell According to on-chain data, rising exchange balances often indicate that holders are positioning for distribution rather than accumulation. ETF Inflows Hold Up, But Market Response Remains Muted Institutional sentiment toward XRP remains relatively constructive, though it has not translated into price strength. Recent ETF-related data shows: Approximately $17 million in daily inflows into U.S.-listed spot XRP ETFs $1.27 billion in cumulative inflows Net assets stand at $1.51 billion At the same time, derivatives participation has softened. Futures open interest declined to $3.98 billion, down from a yearly high of $4.55 billion earlier in January. This combination suggests that while long-term exposure remains intact, short-term conviction has weakened. What Is Zero Knowledge Proof? ZKP is a privacy-first blockchain designed for verifiable computation and data exchange without exposing sensitive information. Using zero-knowledge cryptography within a Substrate-based execution environment, ZKP enables private verification across computation, access, and data transactions, aligning system design with confidentiality and correctness requirements. Why ZKP’s Decentralised Data Marketplace is Gaining Attention? Zero Knowledge Proof approaches data exchange through a decentralised data marketplace designed to support private, verifiable sharing and monetisation of AI datasets and models. At the core of this system: Users can securely share proprietary data and AI models Transactions are executed through Substrate’s assets pallet Zero-knowledge proofs are used to verify transactions without exposing the underlying data This architecture allows participants to prove that a data transaction is valid while keeping the data itself private, protecting intellectual property and sensitive information by design. Privacy and Verifiability Matter for AI Data Markets As AI development accelerates, access to high-quality data becomes increasingly valuable. However, centralised platforms often concentrate economic benefits and expose contributors to misuse or loss of control. ZKP’s marketplace is designed to address these challenges by: Ensuring data transactions are private and verifiable Protecting ownership of proprietary datasets and models Enabling collaboration without requiring trust in centralised intermediaries Reducing economic imbalances common in centralised data platforms By embedding verification into the transaction process, the system allows value exchange without forcing disclosure. ZKP’s Key structural aspects drawing attention include: Privacy is enforced through cryptographic verification Data monetisation without loss of control System-level support for AI-driven workflows The Bottom Line XRP’s current setup highlights the tension between institutional interest and near-term selling pressure. Rising exchange reserves and soft derivatives demand continue to weigh on price, even as ETF inflows remain steady. Meanwhile, Zero Knowledge Proof represents a stark contrast. By designing a decentralised data marketplace that allows private, verifiable sharing and monetisation of AI data, ZKP shifts focus away from short-term market noise and toward infrastructure aligned with long-term demand. As data ownership, privacy, and verification become more central to blockchain utility, this architecture is increasingly relevant in defining the best crypto to buy now. Explore Zero Knowledge Proof: Website: https://zkp.com/ Auction: http://buy.zkp.com/ X: https://x.com/ZKPofficial Telegram: https://t.me/ZKPofficial Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article. ABP Network Pvt. Ltd. and/or ABP Live do not endorse/subscribe to its contents and/or views expressed herein. Crypto products and NFTs are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions. Cryptocurrency is not a legal tender and is subject to market risks. Readers are advised to seek expert advice and read offer document(s) along with related important literature on the subject carefully before making any kind of investment whatsoever. Cryptocurrency market predictions are speculative and any investment made shall be at the sole cost and risk of the readers.

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6 months ago
Stock Markets End Lower As Sensex Closes At 81,537, Nifty Tests 25,000
Business

Stock Markets End Lower As Sensex Closes At 81,537, Nifty Tests 25,000

Indian equity benchmarks ended lower on January 23, with the Sensex falling 769.67 points, or 0.94 per cent, to 81,537.70 and the Nifty slipping 241.25 points, or 0.95 per cent, to close below 25,100 at 25,048.65. In the 30-share BSE Sensex, among the top gainers were stocks such as Hindustan Unilever, TechMahindra, Infosys, Asian Paints and TCS. Meanwhile, the laggards included stocks like HCLTech, Sun Pharmaceuticals, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and ITC. In the broader markets, the Nifty Microcap 250 declined 2.14 per cent as volatility remained high. Sectorally, the Nifty Realty index tumbled 3.34 per cent. Need For Balance Amid Market Consolidation Indian equities are trading close to multi-cycle relative lows when compared with gold and silver, and historically such gaps between financial and real assets have tended to coincide with periods when diversification beyond equities has helped investors protect capital and manage volatility more effectively, a report said on Friday. The report, released by PL Asset Management, the asset management arm of PL Capital Group (Prabhudas Lilladher), stressed that this trend does not indicate a long-term move away from equities, but underscores the need for portfolio balance during transitional stages of the market cycle. It added that domestic equity markets are currently in a consolidation phase, shaped by global uncertainty, uneven market participation and cautious investor sentiment.   

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6 months ago
Myths vs Facts About Blood Donation: Doctors Bust The Biggest Fears Holding Donors Back
Health

Myths vs Facts About Blood Donation: Doctors Bust The Biggest Fears Holding Donors Back

Blood donation is often called the “gift of life,” yet for a country that needs blood every single day, hesitation and misinformation still hold many people back. From fears of weakness to confusion around eligibility, myths continue to overshadow medical facts. To clear the air, two transfusion medicine experts from Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, explain what really happens when you donate blood, and why most healthy adults are far more eligible than they think. ALSO READ: Cervical Health Awareness Month 2026: What Every Mother Should Know About Cervical Health Myth 1: Donating Blood Makes You Weak Or Anaemic (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) One of the most common fears among first-time donors is the belief that giving blood will leave them weak. According to Dr. Sheenam Thakkar, Consultant, Transfusion Medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, this concern is largely unfounded when donation is done under regulated guidelines. “The scientific evidence based answer is NO, provided you are an eligible donor screened under standard guidelines laid down by the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC).” She explains that donors are not accepted casually. Every individual undergoes haemoglobin testing, weight checks, and vital sign assessments before a single drop is collected. “For whole blood donation, the minimum haemoglobin required is 12.5 g/dL, ensuring that people who are already anemic or borderline are not allowed to donate.” Donation frequency is also carefully planned to allow the body enough time to recover. “Men can donate once in 90 days, and women once in 120 days, giving the body enough time to rebuild red cells and replenish iron stores.” When weakness does occur, Dr. Thakkar points out, it is usually due to avoidable factors like donating on an empty stomach, lack of sleep, or anxiety, not the blood loss itself. Myth 2: Tattoos, Diabetes, Or Asthma Mean You’re Automatically Ineligible (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) Another widespread misconception is that tattoos or common health conditions permanently disqualify someone from donating blood. Dr. Thakkar says the truth is far more encouraging. “National donor guidelines focus on the real risk of transfusion transmitted infections and on the donor’s current clinical stability, not on labels or stigma.” Tattoos and piercings are viewed mainly through the lens of infection safety. “The concern is the window period during which infections like hepatitis B or C may not yet be detectable… The goal is not to punish tattooed donors, but to ensure that blood given to patients is as safe as possible.” She adds that many conditions people assume are disqualifiers are actually acceptable under controlled circumstances. “Individuals with thalassemia trait may donate if their haemoglobin is within the acceptable range. People with well controlled diabetes on oral medication… can also be accepted.” Even asthma doesn’t automatically rule someone out, provided it is stable and well managed. Myth 3: Being Rejected Once Means You Can Never Donate Again (Image Source: ABPLIVE AI) One of the least understood aspects of blood donation is the concept of temporary deferral. Being turned away doesn’t always mean a permanent “no.” “Being told ‘you cannot donate today’ is often a temporary safety decision, not a permanent judgment,” says Dr. Thakkar. Many common conditions only require short waiting periods. “A person who has had measles can donate two weeks after full recovery… after viral illnesses such as dengue or chikungunya, donors can return six months after complete recovery.” Permanent deferrals, she explains, are reserved for serious conditions that pose long-term risks to either the donor or the recipient. “Permanent deferrals are reserved for serious and high risk conditions like hepatitis B or C infection, HIV infection, malignant cancers, and severe chronic organ diseases.” Understanding this difference can prevent potential donors from giving up altogether after a single rejection. How Often Is It Safe To Donate Blood? Dr. Ruhi Mehra, Consultant, Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics and Transfusion Medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, talks about donor safety that is just as important as patient survival. “As transfusion medicine specialists, we hold a dual responsibility: safeguarding the health of our donors and ensuring the recovery of patients battling for their lives.” According to the latest NBTC guidelines: “Individuals between 18 and 60 years may donate, while regular donors can continue until age 65, men may donate every three months, while women may donate every four months.” Each donor also undergoes a medical assessment every time. “Being deemed eligible is, in itself, a testament that your body is healthy enough to become a lifeline for someone else.” Do Smoking, Alcohol, Or Diet Affect Your Donation? Lifestyle choices play a crucial role in donation safety, for both donor and recipient. “We advise abstaining from smoking for 2–3 hours before and after donation,” says Dr. Mehra, explaining that nicotine can increase dizziness and affect oxygen delivery. Alcohol rules are stricter. “There must be a 24-hour gap between consumption and donation, even residual amounts in the blood can be life-threatening for infants or patients with severe liver disease.” Diet, too, matters more than people realise. “Maintaining a haemoglobin level of 12.5 g/dl is crucial, vegetarian donors can achieve this by embracing iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, jaggery, and dates.” The Myth Doctors Hear Most Often From First-Time Donors Fear remains the biggest barrier, and it’s usually driven by misinformation. “Many first-time donors worry that giving blood will weaken their immunity or leave them permanently exhausted,” says Dr. Mehra. In reality, the body recovers remarkably fast. “Your plasma is replenished within 24–48 hours, and red blood cells are naturally restored over the following weeks.” Concerns about infection are also misplaced. “Modern blood collection utilises only sterile, single-use, disposable equipment. The risk of infection is non-existent.” Why Honesty And Awareness Save Lives Behind every unit of blood is a chain of trust, between donor, doctor, and patient. “Questions about medical history are not meant to embarrass; they are there to protect the blindly trusting patient,” Dr. Thakkar explains. When myths are replaced with facts, the donor pool grows, and so does the number of lives saved. “Blood donation is one of the few acts where a short visit can translate directly into lives saved,” she says. In a system built on science, safety, and compassion, the real question isn’t “Will this make me weak?" but “When am I next eligible to donate?” [Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is shared by experts and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

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6 months ago
Amazon’s Next Layoff Round Could Start January 27, Putting 16,000 Jobs At Risk
Business

Amazon’s Next Layoff Round Could Start January 27, Putting 16,000 Jobs At Risk

Amazon is once again in the news for job cuts. Reports say the company is preparing a fresh round of layoffs starting January 27, 2026. Around 16,000 employees may lose their jobs, taking the total cuts in recent months close to 30,000. While Amazon has not officially confirmed this, employees on platforms like Blind and Reddit claim internal hints are already being shared. Earlier this month, about 1,000 to 2,000 workers reportedly received WARN notices in the US.  The new cuts are expected to hit high-paying corporate roles and could impact teams worldwide, including India. Amazon Layoffs January 27: Which Teams May Be Hit Unlike earlier pandemic-era cuts that focused on warehouses and retail, this time the focus is on corporate jobs. Reports suggest Amazon’s People Experience and Technology (PXT) team, which handles HR and internal operations, may see deep reductions. The reason is simple. Amazon is moving fast toward automation. Many HR tasks like hiring, reviews, and internal tracking are now handled by AI tools. This means fewer people are needed for admin work. Even Amazon Web Services (AWS) may not be spared. AWS is still growing, but its pace has slowed compared to rivals. So Amazon is trimming older support and program roles inside AWS. The money saved is likely to go into AI products and new data centres. Amazon Layoffs January 27 Linked To AI Push CEO Andy Jassy has been clear about his vision. He wants fewer layers of management and faster decisions. Over the last year, teams have been merged, roles removed, and workloads increased. AI is a big part of this change. Tools now handle tasks that once needed full teams. From hiring to performance reviews, software is doing more of the work. Employees say those on performance improvement plans may be informed early. Others may hear closer to the date. For now, Amazon has not made any public statement. But if these reports are true, January 27 could mark one of the company’s biggest layoff waves yet. For workers, especially in corporate and tech roles, the coming weeks may be full of uncertainty.

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6 months ago
Fortuner Rival On Cards As JSW Motors Plans Premium India Entry: What We Know So Far
Technology

Fortuner Rival On Cards As JSW Motors Plans Premium India Entry: What We Know So Far

JSW Motors will roll out its first car for India, and unlike JSW MG, where it launched the more affordable Windsor, its first car here is a premium SUV, which will take on the likes of the Fortuner. The Rs 30-50 lakh space has less competition, with manufacturers fighting for the lower segment with their numerous products. A Top-Down Entry Now, JSW Motors, with its first car, will come with a premium product to establish itself with a top-down approach. Their first car will most likely be based on the Jetour T2, which is Chinese, being part of the Chery group. Jetour is an SUV-only brand which has been successful in our markets, while with the T2, their first SUV will take aim at the Fortuner. The T2 would be sold as a plug-in hybrid, as we expect, and at first, it would be locally assembled. The T2 i-DM is the plug-in hybrid version, and it will come with that variant first since the market does not have any such variant in terms of hybrids. What To Expect From The India-Spec Version JSW Motors will tweak and change the car to suit Indian markets, and the design will be changed, along with a different logo, of course. More details will be revealed soon, as for now, the JSW Motors first car promises to be something different and exciting. The T2-based SUV would be the start, as we can expect more such volume products in the future, with segments below the first launch. We have driven the T2 and have liked the car with its tough design and the cabin.

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6 months ago
SBI Outage: UPI Services Hit By Technical Glitch, Bank Gives Timeline On Restoration
Business

SBI Outage: UPI Services Hit By Technical Glitch, Bank Gives Timeline On Restoration

SBI Outage: State Bank of India (SBI) on Friday said it was facing intermittent technical issues affecting its UPI services, leading to temporary transaction declines for some customers. The country’s largest public sector bank shared the update through a post on X, acknowledging the disruption and assuring users that the issue was being addressed. According to SBI, the technical problem is expected to be resolved by 12:45 pm IST on January 23, 2026. The bank apologised for the inconvenience caused to customers during the outage. SBI Advises Use of UPI Lite In its statement, SBI advised customers to continue using UPI Lite services to ensure uninterrupted transactions while the issue persists. The bank said this alternative option would help users avoid disruption until normal services are fully restored. Bank Issues Apology to Customers SBI expressed regret over the inconvenience and reiterated that teams were working to fix the problem within the stipulated time. The bank did not provide further details on the cause of the technical issue. SBI Servers Down As Per Downdetector According to Downdetector, more than 500 users have reported issues with SBI services. People are facing problems with online banking, mobile banking, and fund transfers. The outage seems to be spread across many cities. Major impact is being seen in Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jaipur, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and several other parts of the country. Users say they are unable to complete UPI payments or access their accounts. For many, daily tasks like paying for groceries, fuel, or bills have come to a halt. Downdetector’s live map shows heavy red spots in metro cities, clearly pointing to a large-scale disruption in SBI’s digital services. X Fueled With Anger Post On SBI Outage X (formerly Twitter) is now filled with posts about the SBI outage. Some users are angry, some are sarcastic, and many are questioning SBI’s system reliability. The frustration is visible in every scroll. A user named kanagaraj wrote, "SBI UPI is completely down and payments are failing everywhere. How long are customers supposed to suffer? Resolve this SOON." Seriously @TheOfficialSBI? 😡SBI UPI is completely down and payments are failing everywhere.How long are customers supposed to suffer? Resolve this SOON.@TheOfficialSBI — kanagaraj (@kanagarajsk1024) January 23, 2026 Another user, Ziya Javed, shared a more personal worry, saying, "sbi please do something urgently upi is down I am traveling with my kid's... really need the money to pay for fuel + food" Many others are simply confused, asking, "UPI down?" UPI down ? #SBI — Summer... (@justparimal) January 23, 2026 Overall, the outage has created chaos among SBI users. Social media has become the main place for people to vent, seek help, and share their problems caused by the sudden service failure.

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