Woman compares her life in Gujarat with cousin's in UK, asks if West is better
Despite both being the same age and sharing a close bond since childhood, their lives have taken starkly different paths."We have both been really close since childhood, as we are the same age and practically grew up together. We still talk to each other every week without fail. We both are studying engineering. She lives in Wales, and I live in Gujarat. We both are good students but not toppers by any means," she said.The woman explained that while both of them are pursuing engineering and aren't "toppers by any means," the difference in opportunities has been difficult to ignore.advertisementHer cousin, she said, is currently enrolled in a reputed aerospace engineering programme, travels frequently with friends, and has landed two well-paying internships that allow for a work-life balance. She also mentioned her cousin receiving an offer from ISRO.In contrast, she claimed she has been working a demanding 10-hour internship in India for a stipend of Rs 12,000, something she described as a daily struggle."I struggle to get good internships. At my last internship, I worked 10 hours a day and was paid 12k a month.(plus an hour commute) College workload is a lot, and I have to spend time completing useless files and assignments. Teachers aren't the best, and I get judged by everyone because I wasn't able to crack JEE. It's hard to find good jobs, and most pay really low, like some offer 15,000-20,000," she said.Her core question - "Is life in Western countries actually better than in India?" - resonated with several users."A lot of people tell me that living abroad is terrible and how it is getting really bad. But I think it is still better than India," she said as she concluded her post.Take a look at the viral post here: advertisementThe reactions were divided, but the post certainly hit a nerve. "Better air. Better water. Better food. High-trust society. People follow rules. People queue. Iteration with any government services is bribe-free and no-nonsense. Roads are good. Public parks are great," a user said."The cost to quality of life is very high in India. It is not exactly cheap. If you can immigrate, it would be to a higher quality of life for sure. You will add at least five years to your lifespan," another user said.However, not everyone agreed. "I can add some perspective to this, since I'm 1.5 generation, born in India but migrated to Belgium (EU) with my parents when I was little," a user said, adding, "It's not all perfect. Across the West, racism and fascism are on the rise. There's a lot of political uncertainty. In a lot of countries, your Indian diploma will not be easily recognised as equivalent to the Western one, so you may get downgraded. Studies are more expensive for people who are not citizens, and access to social aid is more complicated. Being a first-generation migrant will mean a lot of sacrifices.""This is going to sound strange and probably won't make sense now. No one is better than you, nor are you better than anyone else, either. You are comparing yourself to someone else is the root cause of the sinking feeling you have. You are who you feel you are. Let that sink in for a moment," one of the users said.advertisementTake a look at the comments here:While the internet debated over the pros and cons of East vs West, the woman's post served as an example that where you live can deeply shape your opportunities, but mindset and access also play a major role.
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Time of India
9 minutes ago
- Time of India
Timely, productive visit helped review & build India-Maldives cooperation: FS Misri on PM Modi's Malé visit
Prime Minister Modi's state visit to the Maldives strengthened bilateral ties through key agreements and discussions. A major highlight was the extension of a Rs 4,850 crore line of credit and restructuring of existing debt, significantly reducing the Maldives' repayment obligations. The visit also included MOUs across various sectors and the launch of joint initiatives. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing state visit to the Maldives saw high-level engagements and significant bilateral agreements, reaffirming India-Maldives ties and outlining a roadmap for future a special press briefing on Friday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted the importance of the visit, describing it as productive and timely. Accompanied by High Commissioner to Maldives G. Balasubramanian and Additional Secretary Puneet Agrawal, Misri provided a detailed account of the day's developments."As you would be aware, the Prime Minister is on a two-day state visit to the Maldives. You are all familiar with the fact that this is his third visit to the Maldives. He also happens to be the first head of government to be visiting the Maldives during the administration of President Muizzu," he saidReflecting the ceremonial importance of the occasion, Misri detailed that on arrival at the airport, the Prime Minister was warmly received by President Muizzu and members of his cabinet. "This was a very special gesture by the President. The Prime Minister was also corded a Ceremonial Guard of Honour and welcomed with a special cultural performance."This ceremonial welcome set the stage for substantive discussions and on Friday afteroon the Prime Minister and President Muizzu held restricted and delegation-level talks. "This gave both leaders the opportunity to review the entire gamut of issues in the bilateral relationship. They renewed various aspects of India-Maldives relations and in particular reflected on the progress made since October 2024, when President Muizzu had visited India on a state visit and when both countries had adopted the Joint Vision for India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership," he talks were followed by the signing of key agreements. "You would already be familiar with; you would have seen the ceremony for exchange of memoranda of understanding and agreements between the two sides. Let me just review the key agreements and MOUs that have been signed. We have signed an MOU related to the extension of a fresh line of credit of Rs 4,850 crore to the Maldives. This is the first LOC extended to the Maldives that is denominated in Indian rupees. The LOC represents a continuation of the tradition of assistance to the development needs of the Maldives and we expect that several infrastructure projects will be carried out as a result of this LOC agreement benefiting the lives of citizens here in the Maldives."He elaborated on financial restructuring aimed at easing the Maldives' economic burden. "Together with this, the two sides also signed an amendatory agreement that amended the existing dollar line of credit between India and the Maldives. I would like to in particular point to the fact that with the signature of this amendatory agreement, the annual debt repayment obligations of the Maldives will reduce by a sharp 40% from nearly US$51 million annually to about US$29 million."Misri further outlined the range of MOUs signed, covering diverse sectors. "The other understandings signed today include an MOU on cooperation in the field of fisheries and aquaculture, an MOU between the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology of the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Maldives Meteorological Services in the Ministry of Tourism and Environment; an MOU on cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions that have been implemented at population scale for digital transformation between the Ministry of Electronics and IT of India and the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology of the Maldives."He added, "There was also an MOU on the recognition of Indian pharmacopoeia in the Maldives, which will reinforce the availability and sourcing of high-quality medicines in the Maldives; and a network-to-network agreement between India's NPCI, the National Payments Corporation of India International Limited, and the Maldives Monetary Authority. This is intended to take forward the work on implementing the Unified Payments Interface that will greatly benefit tourism between the two countries."Marking key milestones, Misri spoke about symbolic and development-oriented initiatives. "In addition to that, there were a number of announcements and events that took place during the course of the day. The two countries have agreed to launch negotiations on an India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two sides issued commemorative stamps."The Foreign Secretary continued, "The Prime Minister also handed over 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale that were built under the Indian Buyer's Credit Scheme. The two leaders also together inaugurated the Roads and Drainage System Project in Addu City, six high-impact community development projects. And just now, a short while ago, the Ministry of Defence building in Male. The Prime Minister also handed over 72 vehicles and other equipment that will be used by the MNDF for various purposes."Environmental and health initiatives also featured in the day's agenda. "The two leaders were together for a tree plantation event, which is being carried out under the initiative taken by Prime Minister Modi in India, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Plant for Mother. In the same place, the Prime Minister also handed over two BHISHM Health Cubes that will be of great relevance in medical emergencies, especially in remote parts of the country."Modi's visit will continue with important engagements on Satruday where the Prime Minister will be the Guest of Honour at the Independence Day celebrations at Republic Square."He will also be meeting with a few political leaders of the country, interact with the Indian diaspora residing in the Maldives, including also ITEC alumni from the Maldives," Misri up the significance of the visit, Misri emphasized its strategic outcomes. "This very, very timely and productive visit has provided an opportunity to both countries and both leaders to review our very close cooperation and to continue to build further on it. The two sides, as I said in the beginning, reviewed the joint vision for the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, and as a result of the discussions today, arrived at the conclusion that we should continue to implement various elements of this vision, and explore newer avenues to collaborate further between the two sides."
Time of India
9 minutes ago
- Time of India
Chandigarh MC buildings set to get rooftop solar panels under rent-a-roof model
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News18
32 minutes ago
- News18
GNG Electronics IPO GMP Today: How To Check Allotment Status Online? A Step-By-Step Guide
Last Updated: GNG Electronics IPO GMP: The grey market premium remains unchanged at 42.19%, indicating strong listing gains for investors. Here's how to check allotment status. GNG Electronics IPO Allotment Date: The initial public offering of GNG Electronics Ltd, which refurbishes laptops and desktops, has received a 150.21 times subscription on the final day of bidding on Friday. Now, the IPO investors are awaiting the allotment, which will be finalised on Monday, July 28. However, they can check their IPO allotment status on the websites of the BSE and the NSE, as well as registrar Bigshare Services Pvt Ltd. The IPO's grey market premium on Saturday remained unchanged at 42.19%, indicating strong listing gains for investors. 1. Visit Bigshare's website at 2. Select company name 'GNG Electronics' from the drop-down list. 3. Under 'Select Selection Type', choose application ID, beneficiary ID or PAN number. 4. Enter Captcha and hit 'Search' button. Your allotment status will be displayed now. Alternatively, the investors can also check the GNG Electronics IPO allotment on the websites of the BSE and NSE. Visit the BSE IPO Page: Go to Select Issue Type: Choose 'Equity' as the issue type. Select IPO: From the dropdown menu, select 'GNG Electronics Limited'. Enter Details: Provide your Application Number or PAN. Complete CAPTCHA: Tick the 'I'm not a robot" CAPTCHA and click 'Search" to view your allotment status. Via NSE's Website The allotment status can also be checked on the NSE's website at GNG Electronics IPO Allotment & Listing Dates The share allotment of the GNG Electronics IPO is expected to be finalised on July 28 (Monday), and the company is expected to be listed on both BSE and NSE on July 30 (Wednesday). The IPO was opened for subscription between July 23, 2025, and July 25, 2025. GNG Electronics IPO GMP Today According to market observers, unlisted shares of GNG Electronics Ltd are currently trading at Rs 337 against the upper IPO price of Rs 237. It means a grey market premium or GMP of Rs 100, which is 42.19% over its issue price, indicating a strong listing. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing. 'Grey market premium' indicates investors' readiness to pay more than the issue price. On the final day of bidding on Friday, the issue received a 150.21 times subscription, garnering bids for 2,08,39,60,116 shares as against the 1,38,73,595 shares on offer. The retail and NII participation stood at 47.36x and 226.44x, respectively. The QIB category has received a 266.21x subscription. The IPO is a combination of a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating to Rs 400 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of 25.5 lakh equity shares by promoters worth Rs 60.43 crore at the upper-end of the price band. This takes the total issue size to Rs 460.43 crore. Proceeds of the fresh issue will be utilised for the debt payment, funding working capital requirements and for general corporate purposes. Half of the issue size has been reserved for qualified institutional buyers, 35 per cent for retail investors and the remaining 15 per cent for non-institutional investors. Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors, IIFL Capital Services, and JM Financial are the book-running lead managers to the issue. The company is expected to list on the bourses on July 30. About GNG Electronics GNG Electronics is one of the leading refurbisher of laptops and desktops with significant presence across India, the US, Europe, Africa, and the UAE. The company operates under the brand 'Electronics Bazaar', with presence across the full refurbishment value chain from sourcing to refurbishment to sales, to after-sale services and providing warranty. The company's comprehensive process of refurbishment of ICT devices such as laptops, desktops, tablets, servers, premium smartphones, mobile workstations, and accessories ensures that such devices are similar to new in terms of both performance and aesthetics. Besides, the company is able to offer laptops at one-third price of new devices and other devices like desktops, tablets, servers, premium smart phones, mobile workstations and accessories at 35-50 per cent price of new devices. Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates—only on News18. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : initial public offering (IPO) IPO view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 09:05 IST News business » ipo GNG Electronics IPO GMP Today: How To Check Allotment Status Online? A Step-By-Step Guide Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
