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Dubai puts self-driving artificial intelligence cars on the streets: Baidu, Uber’s Apollo Go goes online in the emirate of the United Arab Emirates

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Dubai puts self-driving artificial intelligence cars on the streets: Baidu, Uber’s Apollo Go goes online in the emirate of the United Arab Emirates

Dubai puts self-driving artificial intelligence cars on the streets: Baidu, Uber’s Apollo Go goes online in the emirate of the United Arab Emirates
Baidu and Uber Technologies partner with Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai’s robotaxis are coming: Are you ready to take a ride with artificial intelligence?

Dubai is taking a big step towards the next generation of mobility, with the city about to launch a fully autonomous ride-hailing service through a high-profile partnership between Baidu’s Apollo Go self-driving car platform and a Dubai-based company. Uber. This cutting-edge mobility option, supported by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), will soon begin operations in Dubai’s Jumeirah area, making it one of the first cities in the world to offer robo-taxi services at scale via a mainstream app.

What’s happening: Apollo Go meets Uber in Dubai

The deal brings Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous ride-hailing service to the Uber platform, allowing passengers in Dubai to book self-driving vehicles just like regular Uber rides. Riders will use the familiar Uber app to request a self-driving trip by selecting the “auto” option or booking through UberX or Uber Comfort and being matched with an Apollo Go vehicle.

This operational deployment represents a new phase in autonomous mobility: Once initial deployment is complete and final regulatory approvals are received, the vehicles are expected to be fully autonomous, eliminating the need for a human safety driver.

From testing to public roads: Dubai’s groundbreaking initiative

Baidu’s Apollo Go had laid the groundwork long before this launch. In late 2025, it received Dubai’s first fully driverless test license from the RTA and conducted open road trials with its fleet. The license marks the first time a company has been authorized to conduct fully driverless autonomous vehicle operations in the city.

Dubai also opened a dedicated autonomous vehicle operations center, Apollo Go’s first outside China, to support testing, maintenance, safety systems and fleet control. The plan is to expand the service over time and hopes to expand the self-driving fleet to more than 1,000 vehicles in the coming years as part of the city’s broader transportation vision.The new services launched in Dubai are not only novel, but are part of a strategic effort to modernize transport infrastructure and create a smarter, safer and more efficient urban transport ecosystem –

  • Intelligent transportation goals: The launch of the self-driving ride-hailing service is in line with Dubai’s ambition to have 25% of all trips autonomous by 2030, a goal that is incorporated into the city’s long-term transportation strategy.
  • Global technology leadership: Baidu’s Apollo Go platform has been operated in 22 cities around the world, with a cumulative autonomous driving mileage of hundreds of millions of kilometers and millions of autonomous driving completed. It is ready for large-scale public use.
  • RTA supports and innovates: The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority plays a key role in issuing licenses, conducting trials and creating a regulatory environment that supports this cutting-edge technology.

This deployment marks a compelling example of how cities are leveraging artificial intelligence, sensors, advanced decision-making systems and smart infrastructure to improve daily mobility for residents and visitors.

What to expect as a self-drive traveler in Dubai

Initially, autonomous vehicles will provide services in key areas such as the Jumeirah area, with coverage expanding as early operational data and regulatory frameworks develop. Over time, the project is expected to become more seamless, with autonomous vehicles operating in wider urban areas.Passengers will enjoy:

  • Book a driverless ride through the Uber app.
  • The same booking experience as traditional Uber service, but with autonomous AI-powered vehicles.
  • Autonomous driving combined with Dubai’s smart transportation network has the potential to reduce congestion and emissions.

The launch of the self-driving rides service comes after years of groundwork, including a safety driver pilot program and other self-driving car initiatives. Dubai is not the only city piloting such services, with many leading high-tech cities testing various versions of robotaxis, but integrating them into mainstream ride-hailing platforms at this level makes Dubai a global leader in real-world autonomous driving deployments.The plan also builds on the UAE’s broader progress, including other autonomous services and smart city innovation initiatives, which position the UAE as a global hub for future mobility and technology commercialization.

Own drive Challenges and considerations for Dubai

Despite the enthusiasm, self-driving ride-hailing still faces obstacles –

  • Operational safety: Ensuring vehicles respond correctly in complex urban environments is critical, with real-time data and local safety protocols remaining key factors.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Continued expansion depends on ongoing regulatory oversight and updates to meet changing safety standards.
  • Public Adoption: Educating riders and building public confidence in self-driving technology will be key to widespread acceptance.

The Apollo Go autonomous ride-hailing service launched through Uber combines artificial intelligence-powered vehicles, strategic government support and world-class infrastructure and is a major milestone in the development of urban transportation. As the service transitions from pilot to public launch in 2026, it has the potential to redefine how people move around the city, reducing reliance on traditional drivers and turning Dubai’s smart city vision into reality.

Tensions affect PSL: Afghanistan players withdraw from Pakistan Super League after backlash Cricket News

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Tensions affect PSL: Afghanistan players withdraw from Pakistan Super League after backlash Cricket News

Tensions affect PSL: Afghanistan players pull out of Pakistan Super League auction after backlash
Afghanistan cricketers celebrate the dismissal of South Africa’s Marco Jansen during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Afghanistan and South Africa in Ahmedabad, India, Wednesday, February 11, 2026. (Associated Press)

Afghanistan cricketers withdraw from first players auction ahead of 11th edition of cricket tournament pakistan super league (PSL), amid tensions related to signing Rahmanullah Gurbaz and the broader diplomatic situation between the two countries.Players including Mujeeb ur Rehman, Seddiqullah Atal, Muhammad Nabi, Waqar Salamkheil and Fazal Haq Farooqi have signed up for the auction to be held in Lahore on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported.However, the players later withdrew their names after Peshawar Zalmi faced backlash over the outright signing of Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gulbaaz.PSL chief executive Salman Nasir said some Afghanistan players were part of the auction pool but were not selected by any team.“There were a few Afghan players in the auction but no franchises were awarded,” Nasir said, according to PTI.He added that tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan had an impact on the situation.“There was a serious backlash after Zalmi signed Gubaz and after Gubaz quit the PSL due to the breakdown in relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. So other players also decided to do better to avoid the backlash,” he said.Relations between the two countries have been tense since the Pakistani military launched airstrikes in parts of Afghanistan late last year, saying it was targeting militants.Several Afghan players criticized the Pakistani government on social media and received responses from Pakistani accounts.Gubaz has previously played for three PSL seasons. He represented Multan Sultans in the 2021 tournament and Islamabad United in the 2022 and 2023 tournaments. In 15 games, he scored 318 runs at a strike rate of 159.79, including a half-century. He also signed up for the 2026 IPL auction but remains unsold.

‘No abuse of anyone’: Priyanka Gandhi denies Rijiju’s claims that MPs misbehaved with Speaker India News

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‘No abuse of anyone’: Priyanka Gandhi denies Rijiju’s claims that MPs misbehaved with Speaker India News

'No abuse of anyone': Priyanka Gandhi denies Rijiju's claims that MPs misbehaved with Speaker

New Delhi: Member of Parliament Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Federal parliamentary affairs minister on Thursday flatly rejected Kieron RijijuClaiming that she encouraged MPs who allegedly misbehaved in Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s chamber, she called the allegation a “lie” and insisted that no abuse took place.She said accusations that she incited protesting MPs were “completely false”, adding, “We did not abuse anyone.” A day earlier, Rijiju claimed that 20 to 25 MPs entered the speaker’s chamber, abused him and threatened the prime minister, although senior leaders present did not intervene.“They (MPs) are egging them on. If our MPs behave inappropriately towards anyone, our leaders will stop them. But their (Congress) leaders are inciting the lawmakers to quarrel,” Rijiju said.On Thursday, the federal minister shared what he said was an “illegal video clip” taken by an MP showing members of the opposition in the speaker’s chamber last week. MPs went there to protest bjp MP Nisikant Dubey’s remarks against former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.“This is an illegal video shot by an MP when 20 to 25 MPs entered the Speaker’s Chamber, insulted him and threatened the Prime Minister. Our party believes in debate and discussion and never encourages physical threats by MPs,” Rijiju said in a post accompanying the video.“We did not abuse anyone. One or two MPs were agitated and they expressed this. He also said that I was encouraging them, which is a lie. I sat quietly. Finally, I calmly said a few words to the Speaker,” Press Trust of India reported. The exchange marked the latest flashpoint between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress party at a time of heightened tensions in parliament. (Based on input from each agency)

South Korea says Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter positioned as heir

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South Korea says Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter positioned as heir

韩国称金正恩十几岁的女儿被定位为继承人

File photo: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (center left) and his daughter (Photo source: Associated Press)

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has assessed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter is actually being positioned as his successor, lawmakers said on Thursday, signaling a possible fourth generation of the Kim family dynasty.The review comes ahead of a key Workers’ Party congress in North Korea later this month, where Kim is expected to outline his main policy goals for the next five years and further solidify his grip on power.Lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun said the National Intelligence Service told lawmakers in a closed parliamentary briefing that Kim Jong Un’s daughter – widely believed to be named Kim Joo-ae and about 13 years old – had reached what the agency called “the successor designation stage.” “In the past, (the National Intelligence Service) described Kim Joo-ae as undergoing ‘successor training.’ Today it is worth noting that they used the term ‘successor designation stage,’ which is a fairly significant shift,” Lee said as quoted by the Associated Press.

Public role becomes increasingly prominent

Kim Joo-ae made her first public appearance during a long-range missile test in November 2022 and has since accompanied her father to a series of high-profile events, including weapons launches, military parades, factory tours and a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing last September.Her popularity has fueled speculation about her future role. In January, she traveled with her parents to pay their respects at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the mausoleum that houses the embalmed bodies of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. North Korea’s state media called her a “beloved child” and “great guide,” a term that traditionally refers to the supreme leader and his successors, AFP reported.The National Intelligence Service told lawmakers that Kim Joo-ae’s increased presence at key military events, her participation in Kumsusan visits and signs that Kim Jong-un had begun seeking her advice on certain policy issues were factors behind the reassessment.

Party congress may mark formalization

A Workers’ Party congress expected in late February could provide a stage for Kim to formalize his succession plan. Some analysts have suggested that she may be appointed first secretary of the Central Committee and first secretary of the party. 2 position, despite party rules requiring party members to be over 18 years old.The National Intelligence Service said it will pay close attention to whether Kim Joo-ae attends the conference and the degree of courtesy given to her.Chung Sang-chang of South Korea’s Sejong Institute said her visit to Kumsusan Palace, an important symbol of the Kim family’s rule, should be seen as a deliberate attempt to project her image as an heir to the legacy of her grandfather and father.Others warned that any formal move would likely be subtle. The Associated Press quoted Ko Yoo-hwan, former director of South Korea’s Institute for National Unification, as saying those signals could come in the form of intra-party messages praising North Korea for “successfully inheriting the revolution.”He said, “If you see comments like this, there is reason to think that Joo Ae has been confirmed as the heir.”

Limited information, dynasty legacy

Despite her growing public profile, North Korean state media has never officially confirmed her name, referring to her only as Kim Jong Un’s “respected” or “most beloved” child.It is believed her name is Kim Joo-ae, after former NBA star Dennis Rodman said he was holding Kim Joo-ae’s young daughter during a 2013 visit to Pyongyang.South Korea’s intelligence service has previously told lawmakers that Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol Ju may have an eldest son and a third child of unknown gender.Since its founding in 1948, North Korea has been ruled exclusively by male members of the Kim family – first Kim Il-sung, then Kim Jong-il and now Kim Jong-un. Kim Jong Un himself was officially named heir apparent in 2010, when he was 26, two years after his father suffered a stroke, and suddenly took power after Kim Jong Il’s death in 2011.Analysts believe Kim Jong Un’s decision to introduce his daughter early may reflect his own experience of rising quickly to leadership with limited preparation.If confirmed, her appointment would mark a historic shift in the insular country’s predominantly male leadership structure, although observers say much will depend on her standing at the upcoming party congress.

Candace Owens: ‘Go get Erica Kirk…’: Candace Owens faces growing criticism for comments about Charlie Kirk’s widow News of the World

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Candace Owens: ‘Go get Erica Kirk…’: Candace Owens faces growing criticism for comments about Charlie Kirk’s widow News of the World

'Go find Erica Kirk...': Candace Owens faces growing criticism for comments about Charlie Kirk's widow
Frank McCormick publicly warned Candace Owens that her comments about Erica Kirk could put her in danger, writing that “it has to stop now.” Prior to Owens’ post, Owens claimed that Erica should be taken in for police questioning, which she called “shocking confirmation.” The exchange highlights growing concerns about the rhetoric, liability and potential real-world impact of online accusations.

Tensions over Candace Owens’ comments about Erika Kirk have reached new flashpoints, and their impact is growing by the day. What started as tough questions on the podcast have now prompted public warnings from critics who worry the rhetoric goes too far. Debates are no longer limited to political differences. It has turned into concerns about safety and liability.Frank McCormick added fuel to the fire by being outspoken on X, arguing that the consequences of making the accusation public could be dangerous. His post described the situation as urgent and deeply disturbing, drawing attention to the real-world impact words can have in a tense atmosphere.

Candace drops ‘secret’ TPUSA tape: Erica Kirk heard laughing days after Charlie Kirk was killed

Why are critics warning Candace Owens’ comments about Erica Kirk could have serious consequences?

McCormick doesn’t mince words. When one of Candace Owens’ deranged cult members decides to seek justice for Charlie, she sets out to murder Erica Kirk. I’m not kidding. This must stop now. ” His warning was accompanied by a screenshot of Owens’ own post, which read: “On September 10th, we received shocking confirmation about Erica Kirk’s inner circle. If we had a justice system, Erica would be taken in by the police for questioning at this point.“These remarks were at the center of the storm. Owens repeatedly questioned the events surrounding him Charlie Kirk‘s assassination, suggesting there are inconsistencies that deserve closer scrutiny. Her critics argue that publicly calling for Erika Kirk’s questioning is overstepping the mark, especially since law enforcement has yet to announce such action.Timing is important. Owens shared her comments after claiming to have received new information about Erica Kirk’s “inner circle.” McCormick was quick to respond, expressing concern that the fiery language could inspire unstable supporters to take action on their own. His concern is not about political differences. It’s about the risk of escalating an already emotional situation.Public discourse has become sharper, more personal, and sometimes unstable. In high-profile cases, speculation can spread faster than proven facts. For some observers, this is the heart of the matter. They argue that when influential voices treat accusations as almost certain, the ripple effects can be unpredictable.Owens hasn’t given up on questioning questions she believes remain unanswered. Critics like McCormick say tone and meaning are as important as the issue itself. The fight is part of a larger battle over who is responsible for what in digital media, where words travel quickly and reactions can do the same.

‘No CM talk at AICC, leadership will take call as and when deemed appropriate’: DK Shivakumar | India News

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‘No CM talk at AICC, leadership will take call as and when deemed appropriate’: DK Shivakumar | India News

'No CM talk at AICC, leadership will take call as and when deemed appropriate': DK Shivakumar

NEW DELHI: Seeking to quell speculations about a leadership change in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said there was no discussion on the chief minister’s post during the All India Congress Committee meeting with the Congress leadership.Addressing reporters in the national capital, Shivakumar said the party leadership will take a decision in due course and the focus remains on the broader vision and goals of the organisation. “We will not have any discussion on this. The party has a vision and goals. The success of the party is important. The senior leaders are there and they will take the call whenever they think it is in the interest of Karnataka and the country,” he said.

‘All 140 MLAs are mine’: DK Shivakumar amid Karnataka CM speculation; Siddaramaiah responds

Shivakumar also refused to reveal details of his meetings during the visit, claiming that internal political discussions were not suitable for public airing. “I don’t think I need to disclose who I met inside Janpath No. 10. We are not ready to discuss politics on the streets. We met our high command and discussed what needs to be discussed,” he said, adding that the visit was “to discuss political issues, not just to breathe air”.Speculations over power-sharing arrangements in Karnataka have persisted since November last year, when the Congress government passed halfway through its five-year term. The debate has been fueled by statements from some party MLAs. Earlier this week, Congress MP Iqbal Hussain claimed that 80-90 MPs had expressed their preference for Shivakumar to the high command, while urging party colleagues to maintain discipline and avoid public statements that could embarrass the leadership. However, when Shivakumar was asked about the matter in Delhi, he said he had the support of all 136 MLAs.Meanwhile, the opposition has seized on the opportunity of internal unrest. R Ashok, leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party and leader of the Karnataka Assembly, said the repeated discussions over the chief minister’s post reflected a deeper struggle within the Congress party. “The same issues have been coming up over the past two years. We heard about the 50-50 government and 2.5 years later, that date has also passed. It’s a fight between the old and new Congress,” he said.

IRS Alert: Warning to People Claiming 2 Specific Tax Credits – What to Know

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IRS Alert: Warning to People Claiming 2 Specific Tax Credits – What to Know

this IRS A stark warning has been issued about tax credits. It’s worth noting that points work differently than deductions. The credit reduces the tax due but does not reduce your taxable income.

IRS Alert: Warning for People Claiming 2 Specific Tax Credits (Pexel - Representative Image)
IRS Alert: Warning for People Claiming 2 Specific Tax Credits (Pexel – Representative Image)

For example, consider an individual who receives a $2,000 tax credit. If they owe $5,000 in taxes, their $2,000 credit means they only owe $3,000.

However, if they receive a $2,000 deduction, it will only lower their taxable income. Therefore, if their income is $50,000, they will only pay $48,000 in taxes.

Learn more | Why PayPal, Venmo and Cash App payments could affect your 2025 taxes

Their $2,000 line of credit saved them $2,000. However, if they were in the 22% tax bracket, the $2,000 deduction could save them $440.

Anyone eligible for credits must always claim them. However, those claiming two of the most popular tax credits will receive a warning from the IRS.

IRS warning

The IRS says If a person claims two specific tax credits, their refund will come much later than other filers. These two taxes include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit.

submitted by tax return Refunds are usually available within 21 days of filing electronically. According to the IRS. However, those who applied for these credits will have to wait until at least March 2 to receive their refunds.

It’s worth noting that refunds will arrive early only if the filer chooses direct depositand there were no other issues with their returns.

Learn more | February 11 Social Security Contributions: What to know about eligibility, schedules, special circumstances, and more

The reason for delaying tax refund is PATH Act of 2015A law that prohibits the Internal Revenue Service from issuing Earned Income Tax Credit refunds or Additional Child Tax Credit refunds until mid-February, regardless of how early in the tax filing year a taxpayer files their tax return.

The extra time allows the IRS to take additional steps to combat fraud. The IRS verifies an individual’s income and whether you qualify for the credit they claim.

“By law, we cannot issue EITC or ACTC refunds before mid-February. This includes your entire refund, not just the portion related to the credit you claimed on your tax return,” the IRS website states. “If you claim the EITC or ACTC, we may need more information from you on your tax return. We will send you a letter if required.”

Elon Musk tops list of ‘America’s greatest innovators’: See where Sam Altman and Jensen Huang rank | World News

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Elon Musk tops list of ‘America’s greatest innovators’: See where Sam Altman and Jensen Huang rank | World News

Elon Musk tops 'America's greatest innovators' list: See where Sam Altman and Jensen Huang rank

Breakthrough innovative ideas in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and enterprise platforms help drive economic growth. Not surprisingly, the Forbes 250 Elon Musk Ranked number one among America’s greatest innovators. Musk is reportedly the only person to have founded five companies valued at billions of dollars in different industries. The Forbes 250 list identifies the greatest innovators who have brought breakthroughs to markets, transformed industries, and created industries. The list selects the top ten U.S. innovators who have made significant contributions to economic growth based on creativity, breadth, engagement and business impact.

‘Not a vassal of Trump and Elon Musk’: Spain’s deputy prime minister completely quits from ‘land of hate’ X

America’s Ten Greatest Innovators

rank Name company
#1 Elon Musk Tesla, SpaceX, xAI, Neuralink, Boring Company, etc.
#2 Jeff Bezos Amazon, Blue Origin
#3 bill gates Microsoft
#4 george lucas Lucasfilm Ltd.
#5 Jen-Hsun Huang NVIDIA
#6 Sam Altman open artificial intelligence
#7 Phil Knight nike inc.
#8 Martina Rothblatt United Therapeutics
#9 Ted Turner Turner Broadcasting System
#10 Vinod Khosla Sun Microsystems

Source: Forbes

great american innovator

Elon Musk

Elon Musk runs or founded companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, xAI, and The Boring Company. Tesla made electric cars popular around the world. SpaceX reduces the cost of sending rockets into space by reusing them. Other companies focus on brain technology, artificial intelligence and tunnel transportation.

Jeff Bezos

Jeff Bezos started Amazon as an online bookstore. It slowly grew into the largest online retailer in the world. Nowadays, people can order almost anything with just a few clicks. Amazon Web Services is the part of the company that many people don’t see, and it powers websites and businesses with cloud computing. Bezos is now focused on Blue Origin, a space company aiming to support future space missions.

bill gates

Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft and helped popularize personal computers in homes and offices. Programs like Word and Excel became everyday tools. Later, he gave up his day-to-day affairs to focus on charity work. Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he supports health programs around the world, including efforts to help eliminate polio in India.

george lucas

George Lucas created Star Wars and changed the film industry. He showed that movies could make huge revenue from toys and merchandise, not just movie tickets. He also founded companies such as Industrial Light and Magic, which improved the special effects of movies.

Jen-Hsun Huang

Jensen Huang leads Nvidia, a company that once focused primarily on video game graphics cards. Over time, Nvidia’s chips have become increasingly important for artificial intelligence and data centers. Today, many artificial intelligence systems rely on Nvidia technology. His early focus on advanced computing helped the company become a centerpiece of the artificial intelligence industry.

Sam Altman

Sam Altman is the CEO of OpenAI. His company develops artificial intelligence tools used by businesses, students and governments. Artificial intelligence is developing rapidly, and Ultraman often talks about its benefits and risks. At only 40 years old, he is one of the leaders in the field of artificial intelligence.

Phil Knight

Phil Knight is the co-founder of Nike. The company doesn’t just sell sneakers; It has built a strong global brand. By partnering with famous athletes and focusing on strong marketing, Nike has become one of the most recognized sports companies in the world.

Martina Rothblatt

Martine Rothblatt first helped create SiriusXM satellite radio. Later, she founded the biotech company United Therapeutics. The company develops drugs and is researching the use of genetically modified animals for organ transplants.

Ted Turner

Ted Turner creates CNN, the first 24-hour news channel. Many were skeptical of the idea at first. It went on to become a global news source. Turner also established media networks such as TBS and helped promote classic films through Turner Classic Movies.

Vinod Khosla

Vinod Khosla was the co-founder of Sun Microsystems and later became a venture capitalist. He made early investments in companies such as Square, DoorDash and OpenAI. His approach focuses on supporting risky but promising technology ideas.

Elon Musk’s mother reacts quickly after announcement

Shortly after the news broke, Meyer Musk retweeted the Forbes cover on X and added just two words: “Proud Mom.” This simple message said a lot, and followers were quick to react. Someone congratulated her. Others praised the family’s journey. Amid all the headlines, the moment felt personal, almost quiet.

Congress’s ‘alone’ gamble in West Bengal: Why the decision to ditch the Left might be the right one India News

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Congress's 'alone' gamble in West Bengal: Why the decision to ditch the Left might have been the right one

New Delhi: Yes congress Is the decision to go it alone in West Bengal a bold political move considering the long-term interests of the party? Or is the move fraught with political risk in a state where the great old party has been virtually wiped out? The Congress party, facing an existential crisis in the state, has broken its alliance with the Left and declared to win all 294 seats alone in the upcoming assembly elections. Now, consider the following facts:

  • In the 2021 parliamentary elections, the Congress party could not get even a single seat in the 294-member parliament
  • Congressional vote share plummeted to 3.03% in the 2021 assembly elections, the lowest ever in the state
  • In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress won only one seat.

In both elections, the Congress aligned with the Left against a common enemy – the ruling Trinamool Congress and its leaders. Mamata Banerjee. The Congress party’s electoral strategy and political campaign centered on a very strong anti-Mamata theme, led by the then party president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a staunch and outspoken critic of the Trinamool chairman.

Rahul Gandhi faces motion in Lok Sabha, BJP MP seeks dismissal from Parliament and life ban

Interestingly, when the Congress and the Left fired hard at Mamata, the ruthless bjp Make progress and occupy your opponent’s space. The story of the 2021 Assembly elections in West Bengal is the rise of the BJP as the main opposition party and the simultaneous crushing defeat of the Congress and the Left in state politics.Therefore, while the Congress party’s vote share in the Assembly fell from 44 votes in 2016 to 0 votes in 2021, the BJP’s score increased from 3 votes in 2016 to 77 votes in 2021. In terms of vote share, the pattern is even more worrying. The Congress party’s support fell from 12.25% to 3.03%, while the BJP’s support jumped from 10.16% to 37.97%.The Congress’s decision to contest alone may signal the party’s determination to embark on a long and difficult road to revival, but it may overlook the stark reality of the party’s waning presence and influence in West Bengal. Has the party had enough time to make its presence felt among voters? All the more so when its main rivals – the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party – have made strides in wooing voters.Mamata goes all out to win fourth termMamata Banerjee and her Trinamool have launched an all-out offensive against the Election Commission…from the streets of Kolkata to the Supreme Court in the national capital. Mamata also announced many welfare-driven measures in the interim budget to set the electoral narrative ahead of the high-stakes polls.Some important announcements include:

  • Women’s ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme increases by Rs 500 per month
  • Proposal to create new portal to extend social security benefits to gig workers
  • The state government will launch a scheme called ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’ to provide a monthly stipend of Rs 1,500 to unemployed people in the age group of 21 to 40 years until they find a job or for a period of up to five years. The program will be launched from April
  • Anganwadi workers, helpers’ allowance increased by Rs 1,000 each
  • ASHA workers will get additional Rs 1,000 per month
  • Citizen volunteers and Green Police personnel get Rs 1,000 monthly salary increase
  • Allowances for government employees increased by 4%

BJP in overdrive The BJP is also in overdrive as it once again attempts to wrest power from the Trinamool Congress. Top BJP leaders in Bengal and Delhi have been mercilessly attacking Mamata Banerjee, linking almost every incident in the state to the Trinamool government’s failure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have addressed many political rallies in the voting state. BJP president Nitin Nabin has been holding meetings with all stakeholders to motivate the party cadre.Here are some of the key initiatives the BJP has taken:

  • Designated assembly leader for all 294 seats
  • Announced to take charge of key seats like Nandigram, Siliguri, Darjeeling, Malda, Asansol Dakshin, Asansol Uttar, Kolkata Port etc.
  • Sankalpa Patra State Committee formed with 11 members

Congress acts in absentia Unfortunately, amidst all this political hubbub, Congress has so far failed to act. After the debacle in the past elections, the Congress leadership appears to have taken few practical steps beyond a leadership change in the state. In September 2024, Shubhankar Sarkar succeeded Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as the Congress Party president in West Bengal. Since Adil is a staunch critic of Mamata Banerjee and the biggest obstacle to an alliance with the Trinamool, the change of guard was interpreted as a change in the party’s attitude towards the Trinamool chief. However, once it became clear that Mamata was not interested in any cooperation, the Congress had no choice but to go it alone in the assembly polls. Given the Congress’ stake in Kerala, where the CPM-led LDF is its main rival, continuing in alliance with the Left is not an option.After taking office, Shubhankar Sarkar said that the 2026 parliamentary elections and strengthening the organization are his two current tasks. However, with the 2026 election battle just months away, he appears far removed from achieving any of those goals. Is “going solo” the best way forward?Over the years, the Congress party has lost political prominence to regional parties in states. Many regional parties have grown in states at the expense of Congress. Any attempt by the big party to regain political space will be met with resistance from these national parties, leading to friction. This contradiction has been at the heart of the Congress’ troubled alliance with regional parties. It is against this backdrop that the party’s decision to go it alone in West Bengal should be analyzed. The Congress party, which has been silent in the state assembly for the past five years, has nothing to lose. If the leadership can inspire party cadres to start fresh on the ground, Bengal could become a template for the Congress in other states facing similar challenges. One wonders what is stopping the Congress leadership from adopting this course correction after the debacle in the 2021 elections and even in the Lok Sabha in 2024. Well, better late than never!

A Mumbai woman quit her Rs 7 LPA job in India to study in the United States. Now earning over Rs 1 Crore

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A Mumbai woman quit her Rs 7 LPA job in India to study in the United States. Now earning over Rs 1 Crore

A journey from a busy street mumbai For Samruddhi Mistry, breaking into a US corporate office was a path paved through hard work and strategic education. leave one $After working as an LPA in India for 7 years, she pursued a master’s degree in business analytics to unlock new opportunities, eventually landing a senior business analyst position at Boost Mobile at Dish Network. Today, she earns $115,000 (approx. $1 Crore) and have a structured financial life. In an interview with HT.com, she spoke about her “NRI experience” and the monthly living expenses in the US with her husband.

The Mumbai woman has now built a life in the US with her husband. (Samrudy Mistry)
The Mumbai woman has now built a life in the US with her husband. (Samrudy Mistry)

Why did she move to the United States?

Samruddhi Mistry from Mumbai worked as a financial analyst at ADP and earned $7 LPA When she made the brave decision to leave her “steady job” and move to USA For higher education. In 2022, she began her journey and eventually completed her Masters in Business Analytics.

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Her bold decision and hard work paid off, and she now works as a Senior Business Analyst at Boost Mobile, a subsidiary of Dish Network. “I make $115,000 a year,” she told HT.com.

What are her monthly expenses?

She lives with her husband and shares monthly expenses, including rent. A large portion of your monthly budget goes toward housing and home maintenance. Samruddhi and her husband split the rent nearly $2,35,381, approx. $1,17,685 per person. To keep their home tidy, they hire a cleaning service once or twice a month for $15,000 people per visit. The rest of the time, the couple handles household chores themselves to maintain a balance between convenience and cost savings.

When it comes to day-to-day life, Mistry prioritizes home-cooked meals, which keeps the “eating out” budget manageable $45,000 per month. However, grocery costs remain a major item, averaging approx. $90,000 per month, although this number occasionally fluctuates. Additionally, she and her husband have a unique approach to health care costs, spending approx. $1 lakh every three months to keep the stock of over-the-counter medicines adequate.

Financial discipline is a core part of her lifestyle, and 10% of her gross income is automatically saved into an emergency fund. In addition to her life in the United States, Samruddhi maintains strong financial ties to her roots, spending approx. $80,000 “Indian expenses” per month. After counting the other one $Miscellaneous expenses are approximately $50,000, and her financial plan remains focused on achieving long-term independence and early retirement.

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She told HT.com, “I am planning to become financially independent and possibly retire early. I continue to invest in a diversified stock portfolio, contribute to retirement accounts, and focus on increasing my earning power. My goal is not just to retire early, but to build enough assets to make working optional.”

How is her life in the United States?

Mistry shared, “Something more about me: I love traveling, creating content, listening to podcasts, and reading. I’m passionate about helping people achieve their dreams and giving back to the community, whether that’s through education, financial support, or other meaningful initiatives.”

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