 Tim Kuniskis, head of Dodge Brand talks about the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT concept that was unveiled, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022, in Pontiac, Mich. (AP Photo) Tom Krisher, The Associated Press: Thundering gas-powered muscle cars, for decades a fixture of American culture, will be closing in on their final Saturday-night cruises in the coming years as automakers begin replacing them with super-fast cars that run on batteries. Stellantis’ Dodge brand, long the performance flag-bearer of the company formerly known as Fiat Chrysler, is officially moving toward electricity. On Wednesday night, Dodge unveiled a battery-powered Charger Daytona SRT concept car, which is close to one that will be produced in 2024 as the sun sets on some petroleum models. Stellantis says it will stop making gasoline versions of the Dodge Challenger and Charger muscle cars and the Chrysler 300 large car by the end of next year. The Canadian factory that makes them will be converted to electric vehicles. Other automakers are moving — or have moved — in the same direction. General Motors has said it will build an all-electric Chevrolet Corvette. Tesla says its Model S Plaid version is the fastest production vehicle made, able to go from zero to 60 mph (97 kilometers per hour) in under 2 seconds. Audi, Mercedes, Porsche and other European automakers already have high-performance electric models on sale. And Polestar, an electric-performance spinoff from Volvo, just announced a new Polestar 6 roadster for 2026. One reason for the industry shift is that electric vehicles are simply faster off the starting line. Their handling is typically better, too, because their heavy batteries create a low center of gravity. Stricter government pollution requirements are another factor, too. As automakers in the U.S. face more stringent fuel-economy requirements adopted by the Biden administration and produce a broader range of EV vehicles, they will have to jettison some of their gas-fueled muscle-car models. Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Dodge brand, said the possibly of government fines for not meeting gas-mileage requirements hastened the shift to the electric Charger. “Compliance fines and things like that associated with a big cast-iron supercharged V8, yes, it’s tough,” he said. Still, it will take a few years for the gas-powered classics to go away. “Over the next several years, I think we’ll continue to have some internal combustion stuff, probably through most of the decade,” said Sam Abuelsamid, a research analyst at Guidehouse Insights. “But increasingly, the focus is going to be on the electric ones.” Under new gas-mileage standards that were unveiled in April, the fleet of new vehicles will have to average around 40 miles per gallon in 2026, up from 25.4 mpg now, the EPA says. The standards are likely to become even stronger in the future, a trend that will compel U.S.-based automakers to shed some gasoline muscle cars if they are to avoid fines. Of all major automakers, the EPA says, Stellantis had the lowest average fuel economy — 21.3 miles per gallon — and the highest average carbon dioxide emissions. So the company likely will have to eliminate some models to avoid fines. Its limited-edition Charger SRT Widebody, with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi Hellcat V-8, for instance, gets only 12 mpg in city driving and 21 mpg on the highway. To many gearheads, the thought of a muscle car without noise and smells is heresy. But Kuniskis says Dodge is working hard to make the electric experience match internal combustion. The Charger, he said, will generate its own air flow to make an exhaust noise that rivals gas performance cars. And the transmission will shift gears. When the electric Charger was driven through a garage door and entered a building Wednesday night at a racetrack in Pontiac, Michigan, it roared just like a gas muscle car. Electric vehicles, Kuniskis said, have the potential to perform better than gas muscle cars with fast acceleration. But he said they are kind of sterile. “It doesn’t have the emotion. It doesn’t have the drama. It doesn’t have the kind of dangerous feeling that ICE (an internal combustion engine) has when it’s loud and rumbling and shifting and moving the car around.” Kuniskis wouldn’t say how fast the electric Charger will go from zero to 60 mph, but said it would be faster than the company’s current petroleum performance cars. He also wouldn’t say the range-per-charge for the new Challenger, but added that range isn’t as important as making it a true muscle car. Rick Nelson, the owner of Musclecar Restoration & Design in Pleasant Plains, Illinois, near Springfield, cautioned that switching from loud fuel-burning engines to quiet electricity may be a hard sell to old-timers who grew up with the sounds and smells of racing. Nelson, 61, said he restored his first car while a teenager and spent hours at drag strips. He acknowledged that the switch to electricity is inevitable and is needed to attract a new generation that has become used to quiet speed. Still, he said, electric muscle cars won’t have manual shifters, and he’ll miss the smell of racing fuel at the track. Already, Nelson said, businesses are cropping up to put electric powertrains in classic muscle cars. He has been in touch with an engineer at Tesla about retrofitting batteries and electric motors into some classics.“Guys like me are just going to frown on it and laugh at it,” Nelson said of electric muscle cars. “But this isn’t about my generation.”Kuniskis says the shift to electricity doesn’t mean the end of the muscle car. It’s just a new era. “It’ s OK,” he said. “Let us show you what the future looks like.” Gas-powered muscle cars drive into the sunset & turns electric | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
Conceptual design completed for Japan's FAST fusion demo project (2025-12-11T10:56:00+05:30)
 (Image: Kyoto Fusioneering)The Fusion by Advanced Superconducting Tokamak project, designed to demonstrate fusion energy power generation in Japan in the 2030s, has reached its first key milestone, Starlight Engine and Kyoto Fusioneering have announced. The Conceptual Design Report has been put together in the year since the project's launch in November 2024, and involved the two companies and researchers and experts from a number of Japanese universities and public institutions, as well as support from a number of other Japanese companies. The Fusion by Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (FAST) device, to be sited in Japan, aims to generate and sustain a plasma of deuterium-tritium (D-T) reactions, demonstrating an integrated fusion energy system that combines energy conversion including electricity generation and fuel technologies. The project will employ a tokamak configuration, chosen for its well-established data and scalability. Targeting a power generation demonstration by the end of the 2030s, FAST will address remaining technical challenges en route to commercial fusion power plants. The FAST Project Office notes that power generation refers to producing energy from fusion reactions, but does not imply net positive power production where electricity output exceeds electricity consumption. The project team said the conceptual design work involved "designing the fusion energy plant for power generation demonstration, assessing technical and engineering feasibility, clarifying the project direction, conducting safety and economic evaluations, and defining the plant's fundamental design specifications". "With the completion of the conceptual design phase, the project will now shift to engineering design, accelerated engineering R&D, and will proceed with site selection, site preparation, regulatory approvals, and the procurement of long-lead items, with the aim of construction after 2028," it said. Kiyoshi Seko, CEO of Starlight Engine Ltd and President and COO of Kyoto Fusioneering Ltd, said: "Completing the conceptual design in just one year is a result of Japan's decades of research achievement. FAST is now moving into the engineering design phase. We will harness the strength of Japan's manufacturing industry and accelerate the project with a sense of urgency." Satoshi Konishi, co-founder and CEO of Kyoto Fusioneering, said: "First and foremost, it's a great achievement to complete the conceptual design activities within the planned one-year timeframe. We succeeded in creating an innovative design that incorporates new technologies essential for commercial plants, such as high-temperature superconducting magnets, liquid breeding blanket systems, and highly efficient tritium fuel cycle systems, by mobilising domestic experts. Preparations for safety design, regulatory approvals, and site selection are steadily progressing. In the next engineering design phase we expect to fully leverage our strengths in plant engineering and our broad network across diverse industries, including finance and construction." Kenzo Ibano, Assistant Professor, Osaka University, said: "Thanks to the power of industry-academia collaboration, we have successfully produced Japan’s first CDR for a power generation demonstration project. Working alongside researchers with decades of experience and private-sector partners in driving this project forward is both stimulating and rewarding, giving a strong sense of mission." The Conceptual Design Report is due to be presented at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Japan Society of Plasma Science and Nuclear Fusion Research being held from 1 December.Other academics and businesses participating in and supporting the FAST project include Professor Akira Ejiri, University of Tokyo and Professor Takaaki Fujita, Nagoya University, as well as Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Electric Power Development (J-Power), JGC JAPAN Corporation, Hitachi, Fujikura, Furukawa Electric, Marubeni Corporation, Kajima Corporation, Kyocera, Mitsui & Co., Mitsui Fudosan, and Mitsubishi Corporation. Conceptual design completed for Japan's FAST fusion demo project |
New book offers recipes for sleep, energy and immunity (2025-12-10T10:51:00+05:30)
 The book ‘Tea Book, from my Apothecary to your kettle’ authored by Moakala Magh. ‘Tea Book - From my Apothecary to your kettle’ by Moakala Magh released: Nothing beats the mulitfaceted purpose of tea, encompassing different blends of cultural tradition, social interaction, and wide array of potential physical and mental health benefits and astonishingly a concoction of herbs or spice can be blended into a tea. Sharing this aspiring concept, Moakala Magh has published her collection of tea compiled in a book, ‘Tea Book, from my Apothecary to your kettle.’ Magh, herself is the brain behind Senje Apothecary, a locally owned and operated skincare and wellness brand inspired by natural and holistic ingredients which has been consistent for more than. The tea Book has 40 recipes, each crafted with a purpose. For instance, there are tea for relaxation and sleep, for energizing, digestion and detox, immunity, healing among others. Carefully given each tea a name, the author has meticulously explained the differences of a herb and spice which are basic building blocks. “At first glance, herbs and spices may seem similar, both come from plants, both are dried and added to teas, but in truth, they are quite different in their origin, flavor profile, strength and purpose,” she explains. As such, for the author, a peppermint, lemongrass, holy basil, chamomile etc may be herbs but spices may be the cinnamon bark, ginger, clove, licorice etc. Speaking to the crafter, Magh explains her fascination of how “nature provides us with everything we need for wellness and balance.” “My inspiration for writing the Tea Book came from a desire to reconnect people with natural remedies and everyday ingredients that have been used for centuries. I wanted to show that tea isn’t just a beverage—it’s a bridge between culture, health, and mindfulness. Writing the book was my way of sharing both the science and the stories behind herbs and spices in a way that anyone can enjoy and apply in daily life,” she shares. Having an indepth connection with tea, Magh is not just a person who loves to drink tea. Her passion extends to her inner physical and mental well-being. “Through research, experimentation, and conversations with herbalists and tea enthusiasts, I’ve learned how certain blends can help with relaxation, digestion, immunity, and focus. I’ve also experienced these benefits personally—drinking herbal and spiced teas became part of my daily routine for maintaining balance and mindfulness. Those personal experiences deeply shaped the insights I shared in my book,” Magh adds. When asked what was her purpose behind writing the book, she notes that it was to educate and inspire people to use natural ingredients for their health and well-being. “I wanted to bridge the gap between traditional herbal wisdom and modern lifestyles, showing that tea can be both enjoyable and therapeutic. The book serves as a practical guide for anyone who wants to understand how herbs and spices can support daily wellness in a simple, natural way.” In our culture, “tea” often means chai with milk and sugar, a comfort drink we all love. But globally, tea has many forms. The tea in my book reflect that wider tradition, they are herbal infusions made from leaves, roots, and spices, Magh substantiates more specifically. “They can energize, calm, or heal, depending on the blend. So yes, it’s a different kind of tea experience, one that’s rooted in both health and heritage,” further says. Speaking of the herbal tea ingredients, the author also says many of the herbs and spices I use like tulsi, ginger, cinnamon, or cardamom have been part of traditional healing practices for centuries. More interestingly, Magh days what she have done is adapt those age-old combinations into easy, modern recipes that suit today’s lifestyles. So, while the roots are traditional, the presentation and approach are contemporary and creative. Making the book more engaging, she also puts that she have categorized the teas in the book according to their purpose and ideal timing. “For example, there are blends for relaxation and sleep, others for digestion after meals, and some that energize and refresh during the day. So, readers can easily find what they need, it’s all clearly mentioned in the book.” To read more about tea and discover its greatness, interested people can buy the book and connect to her directly through Instagram @Senje Apothecary and WhatsApp. New book offers recipes for sleep, energy and immunity | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
The Third Eye: Importance of being well-informed (2025-12-08T13:49:00+05:30)
 File photo: IANS New Delhi, (IANS) There is a paradigm shift in what brings success- the need to know and know quickly is the key factor dominating professional and personal domains. This is because knowledge-based decision-making is a prerequisite for progress in any field. Instant communication of information across geographical boundaries -as soon as any of it comes in public domain- makes it important that one has a global mindset for withstanding competition since a competitor could spring up from anywhere in the world. Being well-informed is not a one-time event since as information was always coming in. Dow Jones News World Wide is as current as 30 seconds. ‘Innocence is a bliss no more’ and we are in an age where -as Frederik the Great said- ‘it is pardonable to be defeated but not to be surprised’. Information, by definition , is ‘ an intelligible data or fact that tells you what you did not know before’ and obviously in a given context someone else may turn out to be better informed, which would give the latter a competitive advantage-for whatever worth it might be. Right decision-making requires that one has the right information at the right time and that this information made a difference between a ‘decision’ and a ‘guess’ - and hence between success and possible failure. Knowledge-based decision making implies that right decisions cannot be attributed to personal ‘charisma’ of a leader or his or her ‘inheritance’. Those who are successful today are also likely to be information-savvy. They share some common characteristics. They do not shy away from new information, they like to categorise information as they go through it, they have curiosity born out of a spirit of inquiry, they have a healthy interest in human psychology and behaviour since all business is human activity and since even life is lived through human interactions and finally, they prefer an authoritative opinion to gossip. Such people have a certain ability to distinguish more useful information from the rest as they consciously or unconsciously follow Pareto’s principle that said-‘ there are a significant few among the insignificant many’. They are proactive about seeking information following the dictum ‘you must find information: information does not find you’ and tend to presume that information being sought was certainly available. They check out on what information was already there within the organisation and then logically proceed to find out where else to look for it pursuing the What?, Why? and Where? of it. In these times of social media being misused for producing misinformation and deepfakes, well- informed people liked to fact -check or seek corroboration of the information before acting on it. They do not get into the habit of collecting information for collection sake and like to swiftly act on information once its quantum was found adequate for decision -making. If information is basic to success, then it is necessary to have some idea of how to enhance one’s knowledge and make it complete-looking. It is essential to know that knowledge comes in ‘integral packages’ and its components must all be understood well. A teacher of children should know not only about the curriculum but should also be well up on child psychology if she wants to be successful. An employer engaging men and women should- in addition to the knowledge of the business establishment- be familiar with legal obligations about providing work-place safety to women. Secondly, an organisation should be able to garner the ‘tacit knowledge’ that today’s employees carried with them. Appropriately called ‘knowledge workers’ they should be encouraged to provide a feed-back on the job for which a systemic arrangement should be made by the leadership- the latter should be aware that ‘nobody knows everything but everybody knows something’. Further, orientation programmes should be held to sharpen observation capacity of the members as good observation is a knowledge enhancer. Albert Einstein’s famous dictum, ‘ imagination is more important than knowledge,’ should always be remembered as it referred to the ability to see the big picture behind the facts presented and not to ‘miss the wood for the trees’. The 9/11 Commission in the US was said to have found fault with CIA’s lack of imagination in the context of the available information that the hijackers were interested in getting trained on ‘take off’ procedures paying no attention to ‘touch down’ part of the exercise. Prof. Walter Anders of Alabama University, writing on The Political Economy of Terrorism, held the view that Americans could not understand the phenomenon of ‘suicide bombing’ - wondering how ‘rational agents could carefully prepare and execute a plan that called for their own demise’. Also, flawless communications could be proactively used for knowledge enhancement. The format for the feedback from the employees should be intelligently prepared - keeping the requirement of ‘clarity’ of communication in view. On reaching a level of knowledge adequacy there should be a determination of where information collection would stop and decision-making would be done. Knowledge helps the decision-maker to transit from a state of uncertainty to a state of certainty. In the fast pace of all transactions, ‘time’ has emerged as a new ‘resource’ comparable to money, manpower, and equipment because faster delivery brings in competitive advantage. Elimination of ‘time stealers’ like the gap between a decision and its communication to implementers or the gap between the communicated decision and its execution, adds to productivity and hence profitability. Knowledge of the competitive environment, including the strengths and weaknesses of rivals is particularly important for businesses and it spans across political, legal,economic, socio-cultural and technology-related matters. Artificial Intelligence (AI ) applications are fast coming into use for introducing cost-effectiveness through automation and improving corporate governance on the whole. It is becoming clear that an early insight into the needs, environmental forces and trends that others had not noticed is what puts an organisation in the lead. Reliable information that helps to know ‘what lies ahead’ indicating the risks and opportunities that were there, is called Intelligence. Crucial business decisions often require Intelligence, not open information available to everyone else. It can be seen that ‘all Intelligence is information, but all information is not Intelligence’. Leading business houses have an Intelligence Analysis division under the name of ‘Strategic Planning’ or ‘Market Analysis’ to churn out Intelligence through analysis of information. AI-based Data Analytics was aiding that process. ‘Knowledge Workers’ are becoming ‘Intelligence Innovators’ who were using AI Agents for developing new lines of businesses, enhancing customer outreach and improving inventory and supply chain management.Since Intelligence is ‘exclusive’ information available only to the owning organisation, it is to be handled on a note of confidentiality to preserve the competitive edge. This has made the ‘information security’ realm increasingly important for the Corporate world. There is a convergence of the functions of Vigilance and Security in so far as ‘insider threat management’ was concerned, as this was based on the presumption that a corrupt employee was also vulnerable to the machinations of the adversary. Moreover, at a conceptual level these functions were now being considered as a part of the organisational mainstream - not a stand-alone duty as was the case earlier. The Chief Vigilance- cum -Security Officer had to have knowledge of the processes, functional divisions, and personnel of the organisation to perform his or her tasks, and this put the individual among the best-informed members in regard to the corporate body concerned. The Third Eye: Importance of being well-informed | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
Play-based learning can set your child up for success at school and beyond (2025-12-04T12:15:00+05:30)
Natalie Robertson, Deakin University; Anne-Marie Morrissey, Deakin University, and Elizabeth Rouse, Deakin UniversityAs the new school year begins, many families are deciding where to enrol their child in preschool or school. Preschools and schools offer various approaches to early education, all promoting the benefits of their particular programs. One approach gaining momentum in the early years of primary school curriculum is play-based learning. Research shows play-based learning enhances children’s academic and developmental learning outcomes. It can also set your child up for success in the 21st century by teaching them relevant skills. What is play-based learning?Children are naturally motivated to play. A play-based program builds on this motivation, using play as a context for learning. In this context, children can explore, experiment, discover and solve problems in imaginative and playful ways. A play-based approach involves both child-initiated and teacher-supported learning. The teacher encourages children’s learning and inquiry through interactions that aim to stretch their thinking to higher levels. For example, while children are playing with blocks, a teacher can pose questions that encourage problem solving, prediction and hypothesising. The teacher can also bring the child’s awareness towards mathematics, science and literacy concepts, allowing them to engage with such concepts through hands-on learning. While further evidence is needed on cause and effect relationships between play and learning, research findings generally support the value of good quality play-based early years programs. How does it compare to direct instruction?Play-based learning has traditionally been the educational approach implemented by teachers in Australian preschool programs. It underpins state and national government early learning frameworks. Research has shown the long-term benefits of high-quality play-based kindergarten programs, where children are exposed to learning and problem solving through self-initiated activities and teacher guidance. In contrast to play-based learning are teacher-centred approaches focused on instructing young children in basic academic skills. Although this more structured teaching and learning style is the traditional approach to primary school programs, research is emerging that play-based learning is more effective in primary school programs. In these recent studies, children’s learning outcomes are shown to be higher in a play-based program compared to children’s learning outcomes in direct-instruction approaches. Research has also identified young children in direct-instruction programs can experience negative effects. These include stress, decreased motivation for learning, and behaviour problems. This is particularly so for children who are not yet ready for more formal academic instruction. What can be gained through play-based programs?As with traditional approaches, play-based early years programs are focused on teaching and learning. In such programs, play can be in the form of free play (activity that is spontaneous and directed by the child), and guided play (also child-directed, but the teacher is involved in the activity as a co-player) with intentional teaching. Both have benefits for children’s learning. To capitalise on these benefits, an optimum play-based program will provide opportunities for both free play and guided play. Play also supports positive attitudes to learning. These include imagination, curiosity, enthusiasm, and persistence. The type of learning processes and skills fostered in play cannot be replicated through rote learning, where there is an emphasis on remembering facts. The inquiry-based nature of play is supported through the social interactions of teachers and children. Teachers take an active role in guiding children’s interactions in the play. Children are supported in developing social skills such as cooperation, sharing and responding to ideas, negotiating, and resolving conflicts. Teachers can also use children’s motivation and interest to explore concepts and ideas. In this way, children acquire and practice important academic skills and learning in a playful context. For example, research indicates the increased complexity of language and learning processes used by children in play-based programs is linked to important literacy skills. These include understanding the structure of words and the meanings of words. Another study found children’s vocabulary and ability to tell a story was higher in a play-based classroom than a traditional classroom. Research shows play-based programs for young children can provide a strong basis for later success at school. They support the development of socially competent learners, able to face challenges and create solutions. Natalie Robertson, Lecturer in Early Childhood Education, Deakin University; Anne-Marie Morrissey, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education, Deakin University, and Elizabeth Rouse, Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood Education, Deakin University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. |
Australian students spend more time learning to write on paper than computers – does this need to change? (2025-12-01T11:41:00+05:30)
 Vlad Deep/ Unsplash
Anabela Malpique, Edith Cowan University and Deborah Pino Pasternak, University of Canberra
Writing using computers is a vital life skill. We are constantly texting, posting, blogging and emailing. This is a huge change for schools when it comes to teaching writing. For students, learning how to write on a computer is crucial. National literacy tests are now administered online in many countries, including Australia’s NAPLAN. The rise of AI tools such as ChatGPT still require students to become expert writers so they can prompt the technology and judge the quality of its products. However, despite its importance, our new research shows typing and word processing skills are often not explicitly taught in primary schools. Why is it so important to learn how to write on a computer?Research suggests teaching typing and word processing skills should start in primary school, much like writing with pen and paper. There is no evidence-based recommendation for specific ages to start, but it should also be taught as schools introduce students to computers. This is crucial to avoid incorrect key locations and hand and finger positions, which are difficult to correct later. This is not necessarily a skill children will pick up naturally. Research shows children who are explicitly taught typing and word processing together write longer and better computer-based texts than those who have not been taught. Our studyDespite computers being introduced to classrooms in the 1990s, there is little information about how typing and word processing are being taught in Australian schools. In the first national study of its kind, we surveyed 340 Australian primary teachers from government, Catholic and private sectors across all states and territories about computer-based writing. There’s no recommended amount for teaching computer-based writing. However, recommendations for teaching writing overall are to spend at least one hour per day on writing skills. Similar to previous overseas studies, teachers in our study spent significantly more time teaching paper-based writing than computer-based writing skills. Overall, students spent an average of 143 minutes per week writing texts using paper and pen or pencil. They spent an average of 57 minutes per week writing using a digital device. The explicit teaching of keyboard use received an average of nine minutes per week, compared to 31 minutes for handwriting. Teaching computer-based writing skills was less frequent among teachers of years 1 to 3, when compared with years 4 to 6. What are the barriers?We also asked teachers whether they thought it was important to teach computer-based writing skills. More than 98% agreed it was important to teach keyboarding and word-processing skills. About 40% of respondents said specialised lab assistants should be available to help teach students in the junior primary years. But teachers reported there were no official programs to teach typing and computer-based writing in their schools. As one told us:
Teachers also reported a lack of access to keyboards to teach computer-based writing skills. Only 17% said their students had access to devices with external keyboards (keyboards separate to the screen) in the classroom. When asked about their confidence to teach computer-based writing skills, most teachers (74%) said they had not been adequately prepared during their teacher education. Most (84%) reported they had little confidence teaching their students how to create texts using digital devices. As one teacher said:
What now?Our research suggests we need three key changes to better support young Australian students to learn how to type and write on a keyboard.
We know writing supports thinking and learning. It is also one of the key skills students learn at school. Primary students must be supported to develop computer-based writing skills so they can be skilful writers in our increasingly digital world. Anabela Malpique, Senior Lecturer in Literacy, Edith Cowan University and Deborah Pino Pasternak, Professor in Early Childhood Education and Community, University of Canberra This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. |
The Concept of Saving Money (2025-11-21T12:34:00+05:30)
 Motsuthung Yanthan: The term "money" is what we always use in association with politics and corruption in Nagaland. But today we will be discussing about it purely on economic perspective in this article. According to general observation, handling of money in most Naga households revolves only around keeping it in savings accounts or inside the steel almirah or using it as a medium of exchange- which is what money is for- to buy consumer and "eventual-perishable" goods. This is normal for the majority of us. Now, our spending habit, which is a major topic of discussion in itself, is not the matter of concern today. Today, it's about our savings. Whether it's for weddings, child education, retirement or vacation, we are always saving money. We save money with the intention of keeping it for later use. But are we really keeping it? If my grandfather kept Rs 50,000 in 1970 in order to build a massive house today, could he have built it? He could've then, but not today. This is what we call inflation. As a result of inflation, the value of money is always decreasing, and more so for an idle one. In India, the inflation rate fluctuates at around 5-7% which means the cost of products are increasing at that rate, and it also means the value of money is decreasing at that percentage. That's right. The money that you are saving is depreciating by 6-7% each year. The most that our dearly beloved SBI bank gives its savings account holders is not even 3%. Meaning that your money in savings account is still depreciating by 3-4% each year. The next best option is Fixed Deposits account. It has it's disadvantages. But the most it gives is also about 5-6%, which is relatively better yet is still below or about the line of depreciating your hard earned money. The impact of these depreciations are not felt immediately. But 30 years or 40 years down the line, if your bare savings of say Rs 50 lakhs can't make you your dream house, you can only regret. Now, inflation is not the one to be blamed here. In fact, inflation is inevitable and a certain amount of it is also needed to keep the economy running. RBI announced that 4% (+/- 2%) is ideal for India. While most developed countries keep it at 2-3%. So, the question is not how to suppress it but how to get one up in the game of keeping your money. And the answer is to let your money multiply itself. There are several ways to do it and it's all up to each person how to do it. In general it is called "investment". And in particular, some of them are stocks, bonds, commodities, real estate, mutual funds, loans, etc. Most Nagas, especially the elders, are reserved on these subjects. And they are not wrong. The money you earned came with the price of your labour. Likewise, the money that is to be multiplied comes with the price of a risk of partially losing it. But everything is a give-and-take in this world. If what you give in investment is your knowledge and time, the risk of giving your money is reduced. By investing your money somewhere you have confidence on, you can keep the principal amount and make it churn out profits, which we here call it multiplying. Even within the realm of investments, there are risk intensities depending on a person's expectations of return. For example, giving out loan to someone in Nagaland, which is a whopping 8-10% of interest returns per month, is highly profitable yet highly risky. And in real estate sector, renting out houses demands high investment cost and slow returns, yet has minimal risk. Likewise, even in stock market, a retail investor carries more risk and high rate of return compared to the one investing through mutual funds, even if they are both trading on equity.The word "risk" is what we don't play with in Nagaland. Whereas, there are billions out there that have already stepped in the field. While it is entirely up to an individual whether to step into smart investment or not, I'm just here to point out that the money you are saving is being lost one rupee after another. The point of true saving is only when the inevitable depreciation is balanced by a calculated multiplication. The Concept of Saving Money | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
How happiness improves business results (2025-11-19T11:34:00+05:30)
Petrina Coventry, University of AdelaideIn business the concept of happiness is likely to make some groan, roll their eyes or be dismissive. But increasingly we can’t ignore the evidence that it helps business. Modern science is measuring the positive effects of happiness on the mind and body more effectively, so businesses are becoming more interested in how it can be achieved and help optimise what they do. In the age where creativity and innovation are required for a competitive edge, you need a workplace which encourages idea-generation along with a high rate of productivity and a healthy bottom line. Here’s how happiness makes that happen. It broadens your focus and expands your thinking. The positive brain is 31% more productive than the brain in a negative, neutral or stressed state. As your mind opens up there’s greater curiosity, free flow of ideas and productivity. Engagement is a measure of this. Surveys from the American management consulting company Gallup continue to find that only 13% of employees are actively engaged at work. In the US alone, this could mean a cost of up to US$550 billion in lost productivity annually. A 700-person study by economists at the University of Warwick found that happy employees were 20% above the control group in terms of productivity. The same study found unhappy workers were 10% less productive than the control. It shows individuals who are happier tend to:
The pursuit of happiness for employeesHaving a great company culture that encourages happiness can generate better solutions and innovation that might not have come to light in a more oppressive environment. Two theories link culture and happiness: Maslow’s needs theory and comparison theory. Before you can be motivated to improve yourself, basic needs such as food, water, safety, belonging and esteem must be taken care of. Maslow’s hierarchy can be easily used to show correlation between what needs are to be satisfied at an organisational level for an employee to grow. When a workplace is designed and managed to create meaning for its workers they tend to be healthier and happy. Comparison theory indicates that human happiness depends on comparisons between actual standards of quality of life and perceived life circumstances, called benchmarking. Using benchmarking we can see growing examples of organisations that are successful in meeting their employees needs, allowing employees to grow and self actualise. Examples of where employee growth is being realised can include creativity and pursuit of knowledge. That takes time and the ability to reflect. 3M adopted a program in 1948 that allowed employees to use work time to follow their passion and hatch ideas. The concept is called “15 Percent Time”. The scientist Art Fry invented the Post-It Note through the use of this program. More recently, Google introduced a program they call “innovation time off” or 20% time, where they give the employees the opportunity to not “work” for eight hours of their week to complete side projects that drive creative and innovative ideas for the company. This resulted in the creations of Gmail, Google Earth, and Google Talk. Hewlett-Packard Labs gives employees personal creative time during which new products have been created, such as clear bandages and optical films that reflect light. There is an exceptionally strong case to show that if you build a company culture to generate greater levels of happiness, purpose and engagement you will reap the rewards, employees can self actualise, innovate, and produce better results for the company. Petrina Coventry, Professor, University of Adelaide This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. |
Language matters in science and mathematics - here’s why (2025-11-18T12:23:00+05:30)
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Hyundai, Kia unveil new EVs, concept models (2025-11-14T13:03:00+05:30)
 IANS PhotoSeoul, (IANS) Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia said on Friday they have unveiled their latest electric vehicle (EV) units and concept models under way at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show as the companies strengthen their electric portfolios. Hyundai debuted the Ioniq 5 N, the first high-performance EV model of the company's N brand aimed at the North American market. The Ioniq 5 N is equipped with a high-performance all-wheel-drive system and a high-output 84 kilowatt-hour battery, providing a combined output of 448 kilowatts, reports Yonhap news agency. Hyundai also showcased its all-new 2024 Santa Fe SUV model. The company emphasized the unit's robust and sturdy exterior design, along with its large tailgate and interior space. Kia said it held a prelaunch press event Thursday (local time) and unveiled two concept models -- the EV3 and EV4. The EV3 is characterized by the implementation of Kia's new digital Tiger Face design for the company's EVs. It conveys a sturdy and technologically advanced impression through a compact and robust design language. Kia said the EV4 embodies the company's innovative attempt toward the future under its design philosophy, named "Opposite United," which encapsulates the direction Kia is pursuing for the next-generation electric sedan., Kia Hyundai, Kia unveil new EVs, concept models | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
Useful and unsafe revolutions (2025-11-04T11:33:00+05:30)
 THE TERM "revolution" is usually associated with protests, violence, downfall of regimes and/or progress. From the 18th century to the 20th century, countries as France, Haiti, Cuba, Russia and the United States experienced revolutions. However, this was no guarantee of stability and prosperity. In 2025, democracy and progress are not enjoyed by all citizens of these countries. Revolutionary leaders often boast of successful revolutions, but these are romanticised. This is evident from the inequality, social problems and undemocratic incidents as jailing of opposition voices. A revolution could intensify racial and religious tensions as well as class polarisation. Revolutions are sometimes exaggerated and do not benefit supporters. And there is often regression with counter-revolutions. Frantz Fanon, a psychiatrist, supporter of the Algerian revolution against France and author of The Wretched of the Earth, believed, “At the individual level, violence is a cleansing force. It rids the colonized of their inferiority complex, of their passive and despairing attitude. It emboldens them, and restores their self-confidence.” Walter Rodney, in 1969, in The Groundings with my Brothers, contended, “Violence aimed at the recovery of human dignity and at equality cannot be judged by the same yardstick as violence aimed at maintenance of discrimination and oppression.” In 2025, the world does not need anyone to justify the use of violence or any ideologue espousing violence. Today, revolutions need to be peaceful and useful with positive effects. A genuine and comprehensive revolutionary movement that uplifts the citizenry is urgently needed. Maybe the masses should push for a literacy revolution, a clean water and air revolution, a healthy eating revolution, a kindness revolution or a recycling revolution. In 2022, there was an article in the New Scientist, titled “The happiness revolution.” The author spoke of the need to create a happy society. Yes! Citizens need to change their lifestyles, mentality and focus on an intellectual uprising, where people would become more empowered, happy, harmonised, educated and where equality would reign supreme. Citizens should focus on an empowerment where the term "uprising" means reduction of discrimination and people would focus on issues that are more meaningful. In retrospect, to begin any beneficial revolution there must be wise leadership. Unfortunately, many are not ready to follow someone or some group with unorthodox ideas and radical thinking. Such a movement cannot materialise with frustrated, marching people chanting slogans or demanding justice. A comprehensive revolution means maturity among citizens, a paradigm shift in interacting with others and more concern for the less fortunate and differently abled. Some countries have too much of a fete mentality. It is unfortunate that in TT many of us are mesmerised by artistes who tell us to wave our flags or drink rum. This shallow level of energy cannot sustain any tangible revolution. Some people would not want a revolution if it means disrupting their comfortable lifestyle of attending parties and fetes. Do developing countries have all the ideal conditions for a revolution? Maybe not. The instigators need to be wary of initiating any incident that becomes uncontrollable. Should a revolution occur, then there is also the possibility that conditions could be worsened and progress reversed. Not only a country’s reputation is tarnished but the socio-economic and political progress will be eliminated. The sporadic outburst of protests across the globe is evidence that we live in an era of combustible societies. Developed nations are susceptible to these eruptions and it’s largely due to imperfections of society and disguised dictators. There will be no existence of meaningful revolutions if politicians refuse to embrace such concepts as "consensus democracy" and "politics of inclusion." Furthermore, there is instability when a change in government reduces the smooth running of the economy. The victorious political party decides to discontinue treaties, agreements and projects. Cheddi Jagan in The Caribbean Revolution (1979) advised to never “underestimate the strength and aggressiveness of imperialism” and its “many disguises.” This ominous warning is relevant today as we witness the US military intrusion in the Caribbean and Latin America. Maybe a revolution is needed if citizens live in fear and there is a division between gated and ghetto communities. If Caribbean citizens are interested in successfully implementing economic and political models, then a suitable environment must be crafted.Sadly, there is feeble or no resistance when governments deliberately ignore qualifications and experience when making appointments. Maybe now is the time for a merit revolution to stop appointments and promotions based on ethnicity, religion, family relations and political affiliation. And a continuous revolution is needed to end corruption and wastage of taxpayers’ monies. Useful and unsafe revolutions - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday |