Team JGJ

New Delhi: In response to an increase in advertisements and endorsements for betting and gambling, India’s consumer watchdog has issued an advisory warning celebrities about promoting such activities. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), in a circular on Wednesday, said any violation of its guidelines would be met with strict legal action, which could mean penalties for all those involved—from manufacturers and advertisers to social media platforms and even the celebrities themselves—while also referring to multiple notifications issued by it in 2022 and 2023. “It has come to our attention that betting platforms are employing celebrities and influencers to endorse and promote their betting activities. Consequently, endorsement by celebrities gives an impression that indulging in such activity is acceptable. Engaging in the promotion or advertisement of online gambling and betting, given its unlawful status in the majority of the states, renders one equally liable for participating in an illegal activity. Hence, celebrities and influencers are advised to refrain from endorsing and promoting illegal betting and gambling activities,” the CCPA said in its advisory. The agency, which comes under the nodal ministry of consumer affairs, reiterated that promoting or advertising any illegal activities in itself is also illegal. “It is hereby cautioned that any advertisement or endorsement, whether directly or indirectly, of activities which are otherwise prohibited by law, including but not limited to betting or gambling, through advertisements or promotions, shall be subject to rigorous scrutiny,” it added. Mint had earlier reported that more than a dozen celebrities including cricketers, commentators and Bollywood stars were continuing to endorse betting platforms. These included Sanjay Manjrekar and Aakash Chopra, who had been appearing in online gambling ad campaigns for offshore companies like Parimatch News and Betway. However, many of the celebrity endorsements did not stop despite multiple warnings issued by the authorities. Mar 07,2024 Source: Mint

NEET-UG: The registration window for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2024 examination has been extended till March 16, the National Testing Agency announced on Monday. The exam will be held on May 5, 2024, from 2 pm to 5.20 PM in India and in 14 cities outside the country in pen & paper (offline) mode. The registration process for NEET (UG) 2024 online application forms began on February 9 and is still ongoing. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has received feedback from various stakeholders regarding the changes in NEET (UG) 2024 and the need for an extension of the registration window. In response to these concerns, the NTA has announced that the last date for NEET 2024 registration has been extended. However, it is important to note that this extension is a one-time opportunity, and no further chances will be given for applying for NEET (UG)-2024. If any candidate faces any difficulties during the application process, they can contact 011-40759000 for assistance. The NTA also advises candidates to regularly visit their official website (www.nta.ac.in) for the latest updates. Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the number of students registering for NEET. In 2022, 1,872,339 students registered for the exam, followed by 2,087,462 registrations in 2023. This surge in registrations indicates a rise in competition among aspiring candidates. In 2022, 993,069 candidates qualified for the exam, with a qualifying rate of 56.21 percent. Similarly, in 2023, 1,145,976 candidates qualified, with a qualifying rate of 56.27 percent. This trend of increasing registrations and competition is expected to continue in NEET 2024, with approximately 22 lakh applications anticipated this year. Mar 11,2024 Source: Economic Times

New Delhi: According to a recent analysis by BloombergNEF, electric vehicles (EVs) in India offer lower lifetime costs compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) models in most vehicle segments. This makes them a more economical choice, especially for high-mileage applications such as urban deliveries, ride-hailing, and intra-city transit. The study found that small passenger electric vehicles are already more cost-effective than their gasoline counterparts in terms of total cost of ownership (TCO). By 2027, it is projected that EVs will become the least expensive option in the small car segment. However, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles currently have a 6% lower TCO for 2024, posing competition to small EVs in the ride-hailing segment. The report highlights that CNG vehicles are preferred due to their lower upfront costs and well-established refueling infrastructure. When it comes to inter-city routes, electric buses have a distinct economic advantage. They outperform diesel and CNG buses in terms of lower refueling and maintenance expenses. The TCO of an e-bus is 26% lower than a diesel variant for a daily run of 250 kilometers, increasing to 31% for 300 kilometers. This highlights the potential savings and efficiency of using electric buses for long-distance travel, provided there is sufficient fast-charging infrastructure. However, the adoption of electric three-wheelers may require further support. While sales in the low-speed segment benefit from the TCO advantage, the high-speed segment faces challenges due to higher upfront costs and the scarcity of affordable vehicle financing options. The analysis also indicates that the heavy trucking sector’s shift towards EVs will become economically viable post-2030. Urban and regional light-duty commercial use already favors electric options due to decreasing battery costs and the inefficiency of diesel trucks in urban traffic. Despite the favorable TCO of EVs in most vehicle segments, the report identifies significant barriers to widespread adoption. Concerns over resale value, charging infrastructure, and accessible financing are major factors hindering the shift towards electric mobility in India. The report further added that focused interventions are needed to address these consumer hesitations and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. Mar 10,2024 Source: Economic Times