Over 2,300 ration shops set up in the past four years, says Tamil Nadu government
An official release that listed the achievements in the Public Distribution System (PDS) since 2021, recalled the distribution of assistance to people during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters such torrential rain and floods, among others. The government distributed Pongal gift hampers to over 2.15 crore rice ration card holders in 2022, and the beneficiaries numbered over 2.19 crore in 2023. While 2.19 crore beneficiaries received the gift hampers in 2024, 1.94 crore received them in 2025, it said.
Following Cyclone Fengal, which left behind a trail of destruction in Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, and Villupuram districts, in November 2024, the State government provided dry rations to affected families, the release said. After Chennai, Thoothukudi, and Tirunelveli districts were affected by torrential rain, the State government provided financial assistance and relief materials, it added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
US GDP: Economy rebounds with 3% growth in Q2; trade swings, tariffs raise caution
AI image The US economy bounced back in the second quarter of 2025, growing at an annualised rate of 3.0 per cent, reversing a 0.5 per cent contraction seen in the first three months of the year, according to data from the US department of commerce. The stronger-than-expected growth figure was largely driven by a sharp drop in imports, and came amid continued uncertainty over trade policy and its impact on consumer and business behaviour. Following the GDP announcement, US President Donald Trump intensified calls for interest rate cuts. Posting on Truth Social, he wrote: '2Q GDP just out : 3 per cent, way better than expected! 'Too Late' Must now lower the rate. No Inflation! Let people buy, and refinance, their homes!' Trump's push for rate cuts came just hours before the Federal Reserve was scheduled to announce its interest rate decision. He also blamed the Fed Chair, saying Jerome Powell 'must now lower the rate.' Economists say the headline figure masks underlying weaknesses. The commerce department noted that the GDP increase was 'primarily reflected by a decrease in imports,' which added more than 5 percentage points to growth. As per news agency AP, this was the largest drop in imports since the Covid-19 pandemic and followed a rush by companies earlier this year to stockpile goods ahead of Trump's proposed tariff hikes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Only Classless Women Wear these Over a Certain Age Learn More Undo According to Goldman Sachs, the surge in imports during the first quarter had created the biggest drag from net exports on GDP in recorded history. Now, that effect has reversed, but analysts caution it may not be sustainable. While the topline GDP figure painted a strong picture, a core measure that excludes volatile components such as exports, inventories, and government spending slowed to just 1.2 per cent in Q2 from 1.9 per cent in Q1, as per news agency AFP. This marks the weakest underlying growth rate since late 2022. According to AP, nationwide chief economist Kathy Bostjancic said, 'Headline numbers are hiding the economy's true performance, which is slowing as tariffs take a bite out of activity.' She noted that consumer and business spending rose only moderately, as households frontloaded purchases earlier and businesses postponed investments amid policy uncertainty. Private investment plunged at a 15.6 per cent annual rate, the steepest fall since the pandemic, while business inventory levels fell sharply, shaving 3.2 percentage points off the GDP growth. 'Companies do not want to invest in equipment, buildings or hiring with this much uncertainty,' said Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, as per AFP. Federal spending also declined for a second straight quarter, dropping 3.7 per cent, after a 4.6 per cent fall in Q1. Trump's approach of using tariffs to restructure trade continues to polarise economists. He has imposed wide-ranging duties, including 10 per cent levies on many trade partners, and higher tariffs on steel, aluminium, and automobiles. These also targeted countries like Canada, Mexico, and China. Both Washington and Beijing retaliated with tit-for-tat measures, leading to steep duties on each other's goods. However, following fresh talks in Stockholm this week, negotiators hinted at a possible truce extension, though the final decision rests with Trump. While Trump argues tariffs protect American jobs and industry, critics point out that tariffs raise costs for US importers and potentially stoke inflation. Still, inflationary pressures have eased. The core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index rose 2.5 per cent in Q2, down from 3.5 per cent in Q1, reported AP. As per AFP, Bernard Yaros of Oxford Economics noted the economy is 'switching to a lower gear but not going in reverse.' He believes the Fed can afford to wait before adjusting interest rates, assessing inflation data over the next few months. 'Consumers are slowing their spending but not heading for the bunkers outright,' he added. With payroll data showing 104,000 new jobs added in July, analysts suggest that while a recession is not imminent, clarity on trade policy is essential to restore long-term confidence. 'There's no recession in sight, but certainty is needed to get the economy fully back on track,' said Long. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . Discover stories of India's leading eco-innovators at Ecopreneur Honours 2025
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
7 hours ago
- First Post
Does self-pleasure boost productivity? Swedish firm offers 30-minute masturbation breaks to employees
Erica Lust, the founder of a Swedish adult entertainment company, said she started offering 30-minute masturbation breaks to her employees during Covid-19 as a means to reduce stress. The experiment soon received a positive response, with employees feeling 'less aggression' and 'more productive', prompting the firm to make the policy permanent. So, how does self-pleasure impact your productivity? read more Erika Lust, the Barcelona‑based owner of an adult entertainment company, now gives her employees a daily 30-minute masturbation break to cope with stress at work. AI generated Image for Representation. Pixabay Coffee breaks, smoke breaks and even quick bathroom runs have long given employees a moment to recharge during busy workdays. But one boss has taken workplace timeouts to a completely new level. Erika Lust, the Barcelona‑based owner of an adult entertainment company, now gives her employees a daily 30-minute masturbation break dedicated entirely to 'self‑pleasure.' The idea began as an experiment during the Covid‑19 lockdowns, when Lust noticed rising anxiety among her staff. But within a year, the results were clear: employees reported feeling 'less aggression' and 'more productive' after their daily breaks, prompting Lust to make the policy permanent. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But does masturbation really come with health benefits? And can it genuinely help reduce stress? Here's what we know. Inside Erika Lust's 'masturbation station' experiment What started as a bold idea to fight workplace stress during the pandemic has now become one of the most talked‑about company policies in the world. In 2021, Lust launched a trial scheme giving employees a daily 30‑minute masturbation break and even set up a private room in her office for it. Lust said the room, nicknamed the 'masturbation station,' gave staff a safe, comfortable space to unwind, and it has been so well received that sex toy manufacturers have even supplied the company with tools to help get the job done. 'I value my employees and I know that when they feel good, we do good work. There is nothing more harmful to a successful work environment than stress,' Lust told The News Movement. Erika Lust set up a masturbation station" in her office that gave staff a safe, comfortable space to unwind. Image courtesy: WIkimedia Commons But the policy, she explained, was about more than just helping her team cope with lockdown anxiety. 'I also wanted to do something to normalise masturbation on a broader scale. Sexual wellbeing is deeply intertwined with your overall mental health and physical health and should be treated with the same respect and resources,' Lust said. Erika told The News Movement that her staff swears by the re-worked version of the famous 'An apple a day' proverb. 'We always laugh at, 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away…as an orgasm a day..' Is masturbation really healthy? Experts agree that masturbation, when done in moderation, offers a range of physical and mental health benefits. According to the Cleveland Clinic, self‑pleasure triggers the release of hormones such as dopamine, oxytocin, prolactin and endorphins, which can lift mood, reduce stress levels and even promote better sleep. Sex therapists say it can be an effective way to relax and release pent‑up tension. 'Masturbation is healthy. Masturbation is typical, normal… sometimes to relax, sometimes to experience pleasure, sometimes to relieve anxiety or self‑medicate against some kind of difficult mood or emotion,' explained Ian Kerner, a sex therapist and author, in an interview with InsideHook. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Self‑pleasure triggers the release of hormones such as dopamine, oxytocin, prolactin and endorphins, which can lift mood, reduce stress levels and even promote better sleep. Image for Representation Medical studies have also linked masturbation to improved blood circulation to the genital area, which may benefit prostate health in men and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections by flushing out bacteria. It can also support better sexual function. For women, orgasms from sex or masturbation can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, a group of muscles in the lower abdomen that support the bladder, bowel and uterus. This, in turn, can help combat leakage and incontinence, an issue that affects about one in three women at some point in their lives. Masturbation can also boost self‑esteem and give people a stronger sense of self‑knowledge and control over their bodies. All of these things are good for your self‑image, well‑being and ability to withstand life's stresses, notes Verywell Mind. But while the health benefits of masturbation are clear, whether the workplace is the right place for it remains a topic of debate. What are your thoughts? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With input from agencies
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Central govt sanctions Rs 821 crore for Delhi's development
New Delhi: Central govt has sanctioned Rs 821 crore as special assistance to accelerate the transformation of the national capital into a 'developed Delhi', chief minister Rekha Gupta said on Wednesday. Gupta said 66% of the sanctioned amount under the Special Assistance to States/UTs for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme 2025-26 was already released as the first instalment, enabling the "immediate commencement" of key projects. The funds will be utilised for critical public service sectors, including health, education, housing, drinking water, electricity and transport. While Rs 716 crore has been earmarked for 33 major infrastructure projects, the remaining Rs 105 crore will be used for the priority corridor of MRTS Phase-IV. The chief minister was informed about the scheme by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman when the former called on her earlier this month. Govt subsequently sent a proposal in compliance with all procedures, and seamless coordination with the Union ministry of finance ensured expeditious approval. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi The SASCI scheme was launched in 2020–21 for economic revival, required after the Covid-19 pandemic. The states and union territories are provided with interest-free loans for 50 years to support capital expenditure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Mosquito Bracelet Is a Canadian Best-Seller Techno Info Gadget Undo The scheme promotes infrastructure development, employment generation and sustainable growth. Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and Sitharaman, Gupta said the allocation of funds would help in laying a strong foundation for realising the vision of a 'developed Delhi', aligned with the Centre's goal of a 'developed India'. She added that Delhi govt would continue to seek additional allocations to ensure the comprehensive development of the capital. The chief minister stated that these projects would strengthen essential public services, urban mobility and civic amenities while also generating employment and boosting economic activity. Gupta said that her govt would ensure the implementation of all projects in a "time-bound, transparent and quality-driven manner" to deliver direct benefits to the citizens of Delhi.
