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Astronomers have discovered an enormous water reservoir orbiting the quasar APM 08279+5255, located over 12 billion light-years away, a distance that places it in the early universe shortly after its formation. This reservoir contains an estimated 140 trillion times the volume of Earth's oceans and is situated near a supermassive black hole, which is about 20 billion times more massive than the sun. The quasar emits energy equivalent to a thousand trillion suns, and its environment is unique, producing vast amounts of water vapor that spans hundreds of light-years. Despite being thin, the gas is unusually warm and dense compared to similar regions in our Milky Way. The presence of water vapor indicates that the quasar is emitting radiation that keeps the surrounding gas warm, suggesting that the building blocks of life have existed throughout cosmic history, influencing star and galaxy formation as the universe evolved. 
Published: Dec 23 2024, 12 pmeznews.inA 39-year-old software engineer in Bengaluru has fallen victim to a "digital arrest" scam, losing Rs 11.8 crore over several transactions from November 25 to December 12. The fraud began with a call from someone posing as a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) officer, who claimed the victim's Aadhaar card was linked to illegal activities. Subsequent calls from individuals impersonating police officers escalated the situation, threatening arrest unless the victim cooperated with a supposed investigation. The scammers even conducted a video call, further convincing him of their legitimacy. They cited fake Reserve Bank of India guidelines, coercing him to transfer funds for "verification purposes." Eventually realizing he had been deceived, the victim reported the incident to the police. Authorities have registered a case under the IT Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with investigations currently ongoing.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 5 pmeznews.inThe Indian government's recent decision to impose varying Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on popcorn based on its ingredients has ignited significant debate and criticism. Announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the new tax structure sets rates at 5% for non-branded popcorn with salt and spices, 12% for pre-packaged branded popcorn, and 18% for caramel popcorn, classified as sugar confectionery. This move aims to clarify previous inconsistencies in taxation across states but has drawn backlash from former economic advisers, including K V Subramanian, who described the complexity as a "bureaucrat's delight and citizens' nightmare." Critics argue that this approach complicates the tax system, which was intended to be straightforward. The controversy has also spurred social media reactions, highlighting the absurdity of multiple tax slabs for a single product. The GST system has faced similar criticisms in the past for its inconsistent classifications.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 5 pmeznews.inThe Delhi High Court has denied anticipatory bail to former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar, who is accused of committing fraud to clear the UPSC exam by allegedly lying about disabilities and forging documents. The court described her actions as part of a "larger conspiracy" aimed at deceiving authorities and deemed her "unfit for appointment." Khedkar's claims of physical disability were dismissed by the court, which noted that her conduct constituted a serious offense against the public. The investigation may expand to include potential collusion with powerful individuals. Khedkar, who was dismissed from the IAS and had her selection canceled by the UPSC, argued that her name change was minor and that her identity had been verified by biometric data. The UPSC and police opposed her bail plea, arguing that her custody is essential to uncover the extent of the alleged conspiracy.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 3 pmeznews.inAn Indian entrepreneur has sparked controversy by urging "high-salaried individuals" to "leave India," citing a stifling environment for innovation. After returning to India in 2018 to establish a successful startup, he shared his frustrations on Reddit, claiming weekly experiences of "regional hate" and criticizing the country's low work ethics and bureaucratic hurdles. Despite running a well-funded business with 30 employees, he lamented that appearance dictates treatment, and he recounted a troubling incident where police allegedly demanded bribes related to a fraudulent case against his app. He also expressed discontent over high taxes without adequate government services, referencing a recent GST rule imposing an 18% tax on popcorn. The entrepreneur warned of a looming economic collapse and encouraged innovators to consider relocating to more supportive environments like the UAE or Thailand. His post has since been removed from Reddit.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 3 pmeznews.inIn a significant ruling, the Calcutta High Court has granted a divorce to a husband, citing "cruelty" stemming from his wife's imposition of her friend and family on him, along with a false accusation of matrimonial cruelty. The division bench, led by Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya, overturned a trial court's earlier dismissal of the divorce petition, stating that the husband's claim of mental cruelty was substantiated. The court noted the wife's persistent presence of her friend and family at the husband's residence against his wishes, which constituted cruelty. Additionally, the wife's refusal to engage in conjugal life and the long separation indicated a breakdown of the marriage. The husband had filed for divorce in 2008, while the wife subsequently lodged a complaint against him, which resulted in his acquittal. The court deemed her allegations unfounded and an act of cruelty in itself, justifying the divorce.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 2 pmeznews.inIn a recent fallout within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), leader Chhagan Bhujbal expressed discontent after being excluded from the new Maharashtra cabinet, prompting a response from party chief Ajit Pawar. In his first public remarks, Pawar emphasized the need to give new individuals opportunities, indirectly addressing Bhujbal's grievances. He hinted at a potential role for Bhujbal in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet, suggesting a shift towards accommodating senior leaders at the central level. Bhujbal, who previously held significant ministerial responsibilities, criticized Pawar and fellow NCP leader Praful Patel for failing to communicate regarding his cabinet aspirations, asserting he is not “a toy in their hands.” The situation has garnered attention from various OBC groups supporting Bhujbal, and the opposition, including former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, has expressed sympathy towards him amid speculation about his future political moves.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 2 pmeznews.inA Delta Airlines passenger expressed frustration on Reddit after being downgraded from his first-class seat to accommodate a service dog. User @ben_bob recounted that he was upgraded to first class, only to be reassigned to a less desirable seat 15 minutes later, later discovering that his original seat was occupied by a service dog. Despite his disappointment, Delta support informed him that such relocations for service animals are standard practice. The passenger criticized the airline, questioning the value of his loyalty after experiencing what he deemed an "absolute joke." Delta acknowledged the complaint and stated they were investigating the incident, emphasizing that service animals are usually accommodated without affecting customer seat assignments. Reactions from Reddit users were mixed, with some supporting the passenger's frustration while others defended the rights of individuals with disabilities and their service animals.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 2 pmeznews.inVeteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has suggested that the Congress party should be prepared to step back from the leadership of the INDIA opposition bloc, emphasizing that it will still remain a significant force within the alliance. In an interview, Aiyar acknowledged the capabilities of other leaders, particularly Mamata Banerjee, indicating that the Congress does not need to be the sole leader to maintain its influence. His comments come amid ongoing discussions about leadership dynamics within the bloc, which was formed to counter the BJP's electoral strength. Despite Congress's recent electoral gains, it has faced challenges in state elections, prompting Banerjee to assert that unity is essential for the alliance's success. Support for her leadership has also emerged from other prominent opposition figures, including Lalu Prasad Yadav and Sharad Pawar, who endorsed her capability to lead the coalition effectively.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 1 pmeznews.inRohan Mirchandani, the co-founder and CEO of Epigamia, passed away on December 21 at the age of 41 due to cardiac arrest. An alumnus of Bergen Catholic High School in New Jersey, Mirchandani earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and International Business from NYU Stern and an MBA from The Wharton School. He began his career at Duff & Phelps and later served as a Board Member at The Ross Group before co-founding Drums Food International in 2013, which launched Epigamia, India's first Greek yoghurt brand. Under his leadership, the company expanded its product range to include healthy snacks and aimed to reach Rs 250 crore in revenue this fiscal year. Epigamia, backed by actress Deepika Padukone, plans to enter the Middle East market by 2025-26. Mirchandani held a significant stake in the $160 million startup, which is a major player in its sector.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 1 pmeznews.inA tragic collision between a Navy boat and a passenger ferry off Mumbai's coast on December 18 resulted in 15 fatalities, with investigations suggesting a technical malfunction in the Navy vessel's steering and throttle systems as the likely cause. The Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), which was undergoing high-speed engine trials, collided with the ferry Neel Kamal, which was carrying over 100 passengers to Elephanta Island. Footage from the incident shows attempts to steer away from the ferry, but the Navy boat failed to avoid the crash, leading to the ferry sinking. Among the 113 individuals on both vessels, 98 were rescued, including two injured, while only two of the six crew members on the Navy craft survived. The Maharashtra Maritime Board has revoked the ferry's license for being overloaded and initiated an investigation, while police have filed charges against the Navy boat's driver for negligence and endangering public safety.
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