BMW F 450 GS To Get Semi-Automatic Gearbox Option; Check Details
The powertrain of the BMW F 450 GS consists of a new 450 cc parallel twin-cylinder engine kicking out 47 hp of power. With this, the bike will likely weigh 175 kg. All of it is aimed at bringing the 'GS Experience' to a wider variety of audiences in a smaller package. To achieve this, the bike will be like its elder siblings in terms of technology and features.
The Bavarian brand is going to offer various riding modes, and there will be an option of a quickshifter, among multiple other things. Carrying forward the DNA of its bigger family members, the bike will get a 19-inch and 17-inch wheel combination.
The bike will be manufactured by TVS Motors in India. Later on, the platform will also be used to spawn other motorcycles with a TVS badge. Once launched, the bike will enter the arena with rivals like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, KTM 390 Adventure, and 400 cc bikes from Triumph. This will make the 450 GS a crucial product for the brand, as this segment has been recently gaining popularity among consumers. It will be interesting to see how the brand will price the model in a segment with the aforementioned rivals. Especially for the semi-automatic variant.
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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Chinese Social Media Hashtag Signals Growing Frustration With Job Market
Chinese social media buzzwords can offer insight when official data is unreliable. One hashtag making the rounds shows mounting frustration among jobseekers, signaling that efforts to boost employment are falling short. The phrase 'beauty in the time of economic upturns' has been trending on Chinese sites for months, a nostalgic reference to the 2000s-2010s when it was common for fresh graduates to field multiple job offers. China's youth nowadays aren't as fortunate. The private sector can't accommodate millions of young people entering the labor market each year, forcing many to accept positions that don't deliver on dreams of fat paychecks and job security. Many compete to join the ruling communist party to lock down a job in its vast bureaucracy. This year's trade war with the U.S. has added to the sense of uncertainty about the future. Hitting the official 5% economic growth target looks like a stretch, consumer confidence is weak, deflationary pressure is entrenched and there's no end in sight for the property sector's slump. 'We see continued signs of deterioration in the labor market,' Barclays economists said in a recent note, pointing to employment subindexes in recent purchasing manager surveys showing that angst surrounding U.S. tariff is slowing hiring. Economists look at PMIs and other indicators due to the unreliability of official job market figures. China's statistics bureau paused the release of youth unemployment data for a few months after the rate hit a record high in June 2023, and started posting them again after making changes to how it calculates the number. Goldman Sachs's wage tracker suggests the pay growth has been trending down since the first quarter of 2023 when China ended its zero-Covid policy. Despite economic growth in the most recent quarter, sluggish pay increases could weigh on consumption through the rest of this year, GS said in a recent note. Beijing's stepped-up efforts to bolster employment don't seem to be bearing fruit yet, even though its introduced tax incentives for companies and more vocational training for job seekers. Barclays's gauge of private-sector indicators, plus anecdotal evidence across industries and regions, point to scant improvement in the labor market. Instead, there have been more reports of pay cuts and layoffs, the economists said. A poll by Beijing-based Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business shows that hiring has been much weaker than average for the past two years, said Ernan Cui at Gavekal Dragonomics. Those who do get hired are making less and less, indicators suggest. Chinese wages fell sharply across multiple sectors last year, eclipsing the rout seen during the pandemic in 2020, to mark the worst outcome on record, she said. The tech sector has been the worst-hit in the private sphere, but public-sector employers have also cut wages, reflecting local governments' fiscal stress, Cui said. That's feeding into low consumer confidence, Cui said. 'Many people sense that their job and income prospects are precarious, and are thus unwilling to spend.' Policymakers will need to strengthen the social safety net and encourage private sector growth to boost the availability of high-quality jobs, economists say. Until things improve, 'beauty in the time of economic upturns' could continue to trend on Chinese social media. As one blogger on lifestyle app RedNote put it: What people are reminiscing about is when income growth and appreciating housing prices were a certainty, 'and there was a sense that entrepreneurial spirit will be rewarded, things that were never questioned during better economic times.' Write to Singapore editors at singaporeeditors@
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 2: Questions on Vice‑President's office and BRICS grouping (Week 112)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-2 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Discuss how the BRICS grouping challenges the Western-led liberal international order through efforts such as de‑dollarisation and the establishment of parallel financial and developmental institutions. When the Vice‑President's office is vacant, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha presides over the Upper House. Discuss how this provision safeguards legislative continuity and the balance of power within Parliament. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: Discuss how the BRICS grouping challenges the Western-led liberal international order through efforts such as de‑dollarisation and the establishment of parallel financial and developmental institutions. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The BRICS originated as a group dedicated to contesting the norms that drive multilateral economic institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. BRICS provided another avenue for India's aspirations for global leadership, as it, along with Brazil, China, and Russia, negotiated a larger share of quotas and votes in these institutions. — In recent years, as BRICS membership has grown, it has undoubtedly given India with another platform to strengthen ties with countries in the Global South. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The BRICS are quietly altering some of the rules of international politics. From de-dollarization to alternative development models, it is rapidly posing a challenge to the Western-led liberal international order. — Following World War II, this system gave way to the Western-led liberal international order. The United States, along with its allies, established a network of institutions that represented its beliefs and interests, including the IMF, World Bank, and WTO. This order was based on free markets, democracy, and, most importantly, the US dollar's dominance in global finance. — One of the most prominent messages from the BRICS summit in Brazil was about de-dollarisation. It may sound technical, but it is extremely political. This concept has been gaining traction for several years, but recent developments, particularly the weaponization of financial systems through sanctions, have pushed it to the forefront. — The difficulty is that the majority of global trade and finance is based on the US dollar. When India buys oil from Russia, it usually pays in dollars. Brazil typically takes out loans in dollars. When China invests abroad, the transactions are often routed through dollar-based networks such as SWIFT. This offers the US not only financial but also political clout. — At the Brazil summit, governments revived the notion of a BRICS currency, but as a symbol of intent rather than an imminent undertaking. In the meantime, they encourage trade in local currencies. Russia and China already transact more than 80% of their trade in roubles and yuan. India has started using rupees in some transactions with Iran and Sri Lanka. India and the UAE have begun to settle some oil transactions in rupees and dirhams. — To avoid dollar exposure, the BRICS-created New Development Bank now issues loans in local currencies. This isn't only about lowering transaction costs. It is about breaking out from a system that many in the Global South regard as biased against them. Conclusion: — BRICS promises to provide a platform for countries who did not have a seat at the table when the postwar international order was created. The group positions itself as a voice for the Global South. — This initiative to create new platforms and organisations reflects a common frustration that the rules of the global system are frequently established by people who do not confront the same issues as those in the Global South. Together, the BRICS are attempting to shift not only policy but also the narrative about what kind of development is legitimate and who should lead. (Source: How BRICS is chipping away at the Western order) ints to Ponder Read more aboutBRICS members Read about New Development Bank Related Previous Year Questions 'Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO' In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. (2023) How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India's position in global politics? (2022) QUESTION 2: When the Vice‑President's office is vacant, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha presides over the Upper House. Discuss how this provision safeguards legislative continuity and the balance of power within Parliament. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college made up of members from both Houses of Parliament — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha — including nominated members. — Voting is held in Parliament House by secret ballot, using the system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote. Each MP casts a vote by ranking candidates in order of preference. All votes carry equal value. — To be declared elected, a candidate must reach a required minimum number of votes — called the quota. This is calculated by dividing the total number of valid votes by two and adding one (fractions, if any, are ignored). If no candidate crosses the quota in the first round, the one with the fewest first-preference votes is eliminated, and their votes are transferred to the remaining candidates based on second preferences. The process continues until one candidate crosses the quota. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The Constitution does not provide for an acting Vice President. However, because the Vice-President is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Deputy Chairman shall preside over the House in his absence. — In the case of the President, the Constitution requires that vacancies be filled within six months. However, there is no specified timeframe for a Vice-Presidential vacancy. The only prerequisite is that the election take place 'as soon as possible' after the office becomes vacant. — The poll is held under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act of 1952. According to protocol, the Secretary General of either House of Parliament serves as the Returning Officer in rotation. — The Presiding Officers of Rajya Sabha have the responsibility to conduct the proceedings of the House. The Vice-President of India is ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Rajya Sabha also chooses from amongst its members, a Deputy Chairman. There is also a Panel of Vice-Chairmen in Rajya Sabha, who are nominated by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha from the amongst the members of Rajya Sabha. In the absence of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, a member from the Panel of Vice-Chairmen presides over the proceedings of the House. Conclusion: — A person contesting for the post of Vice-President must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years old, qualified to be elected to the Rajya Sabha, and registered as an elector in any parliamentary constituency. They must not hold any office of profit under the central or state governments, except positions like President, Governor, or Minister. (Source: What happens when the Vice-President resigns mid-term, Points to Ponder Read more about Vice-President of India – Functions and Powers Read about Chairman and Panel of Vice-Chairmen in Rajya Sabha Related Previous Year Question Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. (2022) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 112) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 111) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 111) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 111) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
NDTV
20-07-2025
- NDTV
Norton Drops Teaser For Its Upcoming Motorcycle Ahead Of November 4 Debut
Norton is gearing up to step into the Indian market quite soon with its range of middle-weight motorcycles. However, the UK-based motorcycle maker is not alone in its Indian journey, as it has partnered with TVS Motors for its operation in the country. Now, Norton has shared the teaser for its soon-to-be-launched motorcycle in India. However, we need to wait for a few months as the brand is hoping to unveil the bike on EICMA 2025, dated 4th November. While the teaser video hides many of the details of the bike, it just gives us a glimpse of the sharp and sporty taillight. It must be noted that the brand is planning to introduce a 400cc-450cc and a 650cc machine in the Indian market. However, it is not yet clear whether the bikes will feature a single-cylinder or a dual-cylinder unit. As of now, all we know is Norton will bring an all-new motorcycle to the country in November based on a new platform, which will open the windows for more motorcycles in the future. Also, a few reports claim that TVS, along with Norton, is working on a 300cc motorcycle that will rival Royal Enfield and Triumph in the Indian market. Norton India TVS Motor Company acquired Norton Motorcycles, the iconic British brand, in 2020. This marks a significant milestone in TVS's multi-year strategy to revive and globalise the heritage motorcycle marque. Since acquiring Norton for Rs. 153 crore, TVS has invested over Rs. 1,000 crore into the brand, focusing on product development, R&D, and establishing a new manufacturing facility in Solihull, UK, with a capacity to manufacture around 8,000 motorcycles annually. The company plans to introduce six new models globally by 2027, emphasising "Design, Dynamism, and Detail" as core principles.
