Latest news with #Amba
Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Self-confessed ‘benefits scrounger' details how ‘broken' UC system keeps people stuck but trolls say she's ‘entitled'
CLAIM SHAME Self-confessed 'benefits scrounger' details how 'broken' UC system keeps people stuck but trolls say she's 'entitled' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MOTHER and self-confessed 'benefits scrounger' has shared her honest thoughts on the 'broken' Universal Credit system. Amba Rose, a single mum from the UK, claimed that the system keeps recipients 'stuck' and means she can't earn a penny more than £1,600 a month. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A single mother has slammed the Universal Credit system as "broken" Credit: tiktok/@ambsrose24 2 Amba Rose claimed that the system keeps recipients 'stuck" - but she has since found herself on the receiving end of nasty abuse from mean trolls Credit: tiktok/@ambsrose24 Posting online, Amba, who works part-time in supported living, acknowledged that regardless of how many hours she works a month, she is limited to how much cash she takes home. As a result, the content creator is eager to 'ease the stigma' and believes the 'benefit system should be reviewed.' Not only this, but she shared her desire to 'grow,' 'progress' and 'do well' in her field of work, but claimed that she 'can't.' She thinks that the system doesn't support financial stability and claimed that she has even had to 'turn down' pay rises and often doesn't get paid for any additional meetings or training sessions she attends. Revealing all on her situation, Amba said: 'Benefits Britain, eat your heart out - I am a benefit scrounger and this is my take on the benefit system.' She then slammed: 'The benefit system is a shambles and it doesn't allow people to become financially independent - it keeps people stuck.' Getting candid on her situation, Amba acknowledged: 'I am a single parent household and I work as much as I can - I receive a Universal Credit top up and each month, regardless of what I work and regardless of my earnings, I will end up with the same money each month - and here's why I think it's flawed.' According to Amba, Universal Credit has a 'baseline of what they believe people can live off.' For her, that baseline is around £1,600 a month, which includes her earnings. She stressed that if she earned £1,400, Universal Credit would give her that top up of £200, and if she earned £1,000, they would give her a top up of £600. I lost 'everything' when UC stopped my £4.3k-month payment... now I've been sacked from my new job As a result, Amba, who has a five-year-old daughter, claimed to be 'stuck" in a hole. Amba, who typically works 24 hours a week, explained that she volunteers to work during the Christmas period, as it 'usually means a higher rate of pay.' How much Universal Credit can you get? TRYING to work out how much Universal Credit you can get can be overwhelming. There are so many different elements that can affect your claim and it makes the whole process even more complicated. There are several free calculators that you can use to help you get an estimate, such as Citizen's Advice, MoneySavingExpert, StepChange and Turn2Us. You will need: Details of all your income, such as existing benefits, tax credits, earnings from employment and your pensions, Details of your partner's income if you're married, in a civil partnership or living with someone as a couple. You will be assessed as a couple Information on any savings you have, How much you pay in council tax per year, and whether you get any discounts, reductions or exemptions, Details of your rent or mortgage payments, Employment and income information about anyone else living with you, such as grown-up children, Details about your carer's allowance if you receive it. You'll need to make sure that the information provided is as accurate as possible to get the truest estimate. But having said that, this isn't actually the case for this mother, as she acknowledged: 'Any extra I earn gets taken straight back off of me so that I'm at that base line of £1,600.' Not only this, but she then shared: 'As a society, I believe that this only creates a workforce that doesn't want to work - what is the incentive? What is the progression? There isn't one there and that's where the benefit system is flawed because you're keeping people in the same boat, keeping the rich rich and the poor poor.' Big divide The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ambsrose24, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 62,200 views, 2,635 likes and 569 comments in just three days. But social media users were left totally divided by Amba's claims and many rushed to the comments to share their thoughts. If you want more money you'll have to work full time 40 hours a week, unfortunately that's life TikTok user One user sympathised: 'How extremely frustrating and upsetting for people like yourself that are working and trying your best to provide for your child.' A second chimed in: 'Yep. I had the exact same experience. There is zero incentive to work more. I worked this out quite quickly, and just worked the minimum I had to, and spent the extra time with my kids.' Am I entitled to Universal Credit? According to the GOV website, if you're on a low income or need help with your living costs, then you could be entitled to Universal Credit. To claim, you must live in the UK, be aged 18 or over (with some exceptions if you're 15 to 17), be under State Pension age, and have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments. Other circumstances are if you are out of work, or unable to work, for example because of a health condition. Whilst someone else wrote: 'Absolutely agree!! As someone who has lived on both sides of the line, it's horrendous!!' One person said: 'This is what's wrong with this country … let me get this right … you want work and keep all your benefits … how entitled are you … other people have to work their socks off to pay their bills with no Universal Credit top up.' Another added: 'Try working all week plus overtime to lose 40% of it to tax.' Meanwhile, a third snapped: 'If you want more money you'll have to work full time 40 hours a week, unfortunately that's life.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Self-confessed ‘benefits scrounger' details how ‘broken' UC system keeps people stuck but trolls say she's ‘entitled'
A MOTHER and self-confessed 'benefits scrounger' has shared her honest thoughts on the 'broken' Universal Credit system. Amba Rose, a single mum from the UK, claimed that the system keeps recipients 'stuck' and means she can't earn a penny more than £1,600 a month. Advertisement 2 A single mother has slammed the Universal Credit system as "broken" Credit: tiktok/@ambsrose24 2 Amba Rose claimed that the system keeps recipients 'stuck" - but she has since found herself on the receiving end of nasty abuse from mean trolls Credit: tiktok/@ambsrose24 Posting online, Amba, who works part-time in supported living, acknowledged that regardless of how many hours she works a month, she is limited to how much cash she takes home. As a result, the content creator is eager to 'ease the stigma' and believes the ' Not only this, but she shared her desire to 'grow,' 'progress' and 'do well' in her field of work, but claimed that she 'can't.' She thinks that the system doesn't support financial stability and claimed that she has even had to 'turn down' pay rises and often doesn't get paid for any additional meetings or training sessions she attends. Advertisement Read more real life stories Revealing all on her situation, Amba said: 'Benefits Britain, eat your heart out - I am a She then slammed: 'The Getting candid on her situation, Amba acknowledged: 'I am a single parent household and I work as much as I can - I receive a Universal Credit top up and each month, regardless of what I work and regardless of my earnings, I will end up with the same money each month - and here's why I think it's flawed.' According to Amba, Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Comment For her, that baseline is around £1,600 a month, which includes her earnings. She stressed that if she earned £1,400, Universal Credit would give her that top up of £200, and if she earned £1,000, they would give her a top up of £600. I lost 'everything' when UC stopped my £4.3k-month payment... now I've been sacked from my new job As a result, Amba, who has a five-year-old daughter, claimed to be 'stuck" in a hole. Amba, who typically works 24 hours a week, explained that she volunteers to work during the Christmas period, as it 'usually means a higher rate of pay.' Advertisement How much Universal Credit can you get? TRYING to work out how much Universal Credit you can get can be overwhelming. There are so many different elements that can affect your claim and it makes the whole process even more complicated. There are several free calculators that you can use to help you get an estimate, such as You will need: Details of all your income, such as existing benefits, tax credits, earnings from employment and your pensions, Details of your partner's income if you're married, in a civil partnership or living with someone as a couple. You will be assessed as a couple Information on any savings you have, How much you pay in council tax per year, and whether you get any discounts, reductions or exemptions, Details of your rent or mortgage payments, Employment and income information about anyone else living with you, such as grown-up children, Details about your carer's allowance if you receive it. You'll need to make sure that the information provided is as accurate as possible to get the truest estimate. But having said that, this isn't actually the case for this mother, as she acknowledged: 'Any extra I earn gets taken straight back off of me so that I'm at that base line of £1,600.' Not only this, but she then shared: 'As a society, I believe that this only creates a workforce that doesn't want to work - what is the incentive? What is the progression? There isn't one there and that's where the Big divide The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ But social media users were left totally divided by Amba's claims and many rushed to the comments to share their thoughts. Advertisement If you want more money you'll have to work full time 40 hours a week, unfortunately that's life TikTok user One user sympathised: 'How extremely frustrating and upsetting for people like yourself that are working and trying your best to provide for your child.' A second chimed in: 'Yep. I had the exact same experience. There is zero incentive to work more. I worked this out quite quickly, and just worked the minimum I had to, and spent the extra time with my kids.' Am I entitled to Universal Credit? According to the To claim, you must live in the UK, be aged 18 or over (with some exceptions if you're 15 to 17), be under State Pension age, and have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments. Other circumstances are if you are out of work, or unable to work, for example because of a health condition. Whilst someone else wrote: 'Absolutely agree!! As someone who has lived on both sides of the line, it's horrendous!!' One person said: 'This is what's wrong with this country … let me get this right … you want work and keep all your benefits … how entitled are you … other people have to work their socks off to pay their bills with no Advertisement Another added: 'Try working all week plus overtime to lose 40% of it to tax.' Meanwhile, a third snapped: 'If you want more money you'll have to work full time 40 hours a week, unfortunately that's life.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
India.com
28-06-2025
- India.com
Pack Now! The Best Road Trips From Ahmedabad That Turn Monsoon Into Adventure
The dynamic cultural and economic heart of Gujarat named Ahmedabad functions both as a base for exploring historic sites and providing access to multiple outstanding Indian scenic destinations. During monsoon season the arid areas surrounding Ahmedabad become verdant scenic locations which creates perfect conditions for driving journeys. The rain months provide ideal circumstances for you to discover these gorgeous drives that lead from Ahmedabad toward different types of attractions. The seven road trip locations near Ahmedabad reveal their peak monsoon beauty which make them essential stops for travelers. 1. Polo Forest – A Historical Escape Amidst Nature Polo Forest exists as a secret attraction within the Sabarkantha district where travelers find it 90 kilometers from Ahmedabad while it stands enveloped by thick forests with old temples and quiet lakes. Monsoon transforms the landscape into a green masterpiece which reveals spectacular scenes of water moving down rocky hills. The prehistoric town of Polvada from the 10th century still exists within the forest grounds. Polo Forest stands out as a distinctive travel spot since it combines historical sites with beautiful landscapes which attract visitors who want peaceful experiences alongside adventures. Visitors to this location can partake in forest trekking activities alongside birdwatching and they can spend time peacefully resting at the river banks. The route meanders through open countryside because fields in rural Gujarat become emerald green during the rains. 2. Ambaji Temple – Spiritual Bliss Amidst Rolling Hills Ambaji rests approximately 165 kilometers from Ahmedabad as one of the fifteen main Shakti Peethas revered across India. Ambaji attains an extra magical appearance during the rainy season because mist and green plants wrap around the Aravalli Range foothills. Thousands of worshippers along with visitors come to visit the temple complex that honors Goddess Amba. The path to Ambaji Temple leads through villages with pretty landscapes and turns around attractive plant species. Travelers going by can find panoramic valley views throughout the route from Gabbar Hill viewpoint. Ambaji gives spiritual seekers and nature lovers an excellent opportunity to find inner peace while experiencing the cool breezes of monsoon season. 3. Dakor – A Serene Pilgrimage Town About 95 kilometers separate Ahmedabad from the town of Dakor where people visit the well-known Vaishnavite shrine at Radha Damodar Temple. The temple town becomes exceptionally attractive during monsoon months when colorful umbrellas decorate the neat streets while vibrant markets thrive. During rainy seasons the Chandrabhaga Lake transforms into a reflective pool showing the temples as if they are standing in its waters. Traversing the Dakor road route reveals typical Gujarati rural areas and rural villages spread across the agricultural fields. The route provides benefits to tourists who want to connect with both faith and nature. 4. Kankaria Lake – Urban Oasis in Ahmedabad You can find Kankaria Lake to be a suitable and accessible destination which serves as a local excursion point near Ahmedabad. Throughout the monsoon the small natural lake situated inside city boundaries creates an atmosphere that feels like an independent world. The site becomes a tranquil oasis for families together with couples who need urban stress relief through its combination of green areas and pathways. Travelers find joy in cruising the wet Kankaria Lake waters. The Bal Vatika amusement park together with toy train rides guarantee children will find entertainment at this location. It is essential to witness the Musical Fountain Show which illuminates during evening hours. 5. Adalaj Stepwell – Architectural Marvel in the Rain From the center of Ahmedabad, visitors can find the magnificent Indo-Islamic architectural masterpiece at Adalaj Stepwell set just 18 kilometers to the north. The five-story construction of this stepwell reaches its peak magnetism during the monsoon season because rainwater fills up the lower depths and creates an awe-inspiring sight. Inside the cool monument stands the intricate carvings which protect visitors from the hot temperatures. Travelers can reach Adalaj after a brief drive that enables them to visit Sarkhej Roza and Science City before arriving at their destination. Visitors must experience the Adalaj Stepwell during the rainy period because it brings together historical sites with artistic and natural elements. Conclusion The time during monsoon represents the perfect season for traveling by road in the vicinity of Ahmedabad because the district's arid terrain becomes enchanted. Each place around Polo Forest and Ambaji along with Dakor exists as its own distinctive offering for travelers. The short journeys to Kankaria Lake together with Adalaj Stepwell allow quick escapes but driving to Sadhu Edna Falls or Champaner-Pavagadh guarantees lasting memories. The seven surrounding locations of Ahmedabad provide distinctive monsoon destination opportunities within their few-hour driving distance to the city. You should bundle your things together and activate your photographic tools because discovering Gujarat's monsoon enchantment awaits through driving adventures.
India Today
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Range Rover SV Masara Edition launched at Rs 4.99 crore, limited to just 12 units
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has launched the Range Rover SV Masara Edition, a limited-edition model made specifically for India. Priced at Rs 4.99 crore (ex-showroom), only 12 units of this luxury SUV will be produced, making it a rare collector's item. advertisementRange Rover SV Masara Edition exterior designThe Masara Edition draws its name from Sanskrit, reflecting its deep connection to Indian culture. Inspired by the rare blue sapphires of the Himalayan region, the SUV features a stunning deep satin blue exterior, exclusive to this edition. Complemented by a bespoke finish pack with silver chrome and warm Corinthian Bronze accents. The bronze treatment extends to the Range Rover lettering on the bonnet and tailgate, as well as the roof and mirror caps. The vehicle rides on 23-inch Oblivion 1077 diamond-turned wheels with a gloss dark grey contrast and black Rover SV Masara Edition interior The cabin features a striking dual-tone theme, blending luxurious Liberty Blue leather on the front seats with lighter Perlino leather on the rear, creating a visually captivating contrast. Noble chrome accents and white ceramic details add a touch of elegance, while light cream ash burr veneer introduces natural texture and radiance. advertisement Designed as a four-seater, the Masara Edition offers the exclusive SV Signature Suite for rear passengers, featuring fully reclinable seats, a powered club table, deployable cupholders, and a refrigerated compartment with SV-etched glassware. Personalised touches include unique embroidered seats, bespoke scatter cushions, and SV Bespoke-branded tread plates inscribed with Masara Edition. The SUV is equipped with a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital driver's display, four-zone climate control, a premium Meridian sound system, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, and a powered tailgate. Safety features include multiple airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a 360-degree camera, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).Power and PerformanceUnder the hood, the Range Rover SV Masra Edition is powered by a formidable 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol engine, producing 615bhp and 750Nm of peak torque. Paired with an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission, it delivers power to all four Amba, Managing Director, JLR India, stated, 'The ultra luxury segment remains our constant focus, drawing exceptional response from discerning clients in India. In line with this, we are excited to introduce the Range Rover SV Masra Edition, a thoughtful tribute to India's rich culture. Inspired by the majestic beauty of the Himalayas and precious rare sapphires from that region, this ultra-luxury edition is limited to just 12 examples, showcasing our deep understanding of Indian connoisseurs' refined taste for exclusivity, bespoke craftsmanship, and unparalleled luxury. With this launch, we further deepen our commitment to offer the 'most desirable and exclusive' vehicles.'Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Luxe just another car, big auto ups bling with Limited Editions
Luxury carmakers in India are sharpening their focus on exclusivity and personalisation to deepen their engagement with the lucrative and burgeoning pool of affluent buyers. By rolling out limited-edition variants and high-performance versions of core models, these automakers are not just seeking to unleash excitement and burnish brand prestige but also moving to unlock new, high-margin revenue streams in an intensely competitive marketplace. Overall, luxury cars-models priced at more than '50 lakh-scaled a record high of 51,500 units in FY25, according to industry estimates. However, at a 3.3% rise, it marked the slowest pace of growth in at least three years, largely due to economic uncertainties and stock market volatility. Sales had seen 16.7% growth in FY24 and 55.3% in the year before. With wealthy customers increasingly seeking cars that symbolise their identity and status, automakers such as Mercedes-Benz , BMW, Jaguar Land Rover ( JLR ), and MINI are responding with a flurry of special editions and hyper-customised versions of existing models. Mercedes-Benz leads the luxury car segment with a more than 45% share, followed by BMW, JLR and Audi. These innovations are spurred by the readiness of top-end customers to pay a premium for exclusivity. This March, Tata Motors-owned JLR unveiled Defender Octa - a special edition version of the standard Defender. Priced at ₹2.59 crore-nearly 50% more than the equivalent regular model-the Octa offers exclusive paint shades, tailored interiors, and performance upgrades. "These models combine high performance with finely crafted, bespoke interiors," said Rajan Amba, MD, JLR India. "These vehicles act as halo products that elevate the entire brand," Amba told ET. "The strategy of launching limited and special edition models is a win-win for both the company as well as customers," said Puneet Gupta, director at S&P Global Mobility. While it helps companies stretch the name plate lifecycle, buyers, on their part, retain that exclusivity - be it in terms of the overall look and feel, interiors or performance, he noted. "The high margins with minimal investments ensure that the cash registers keep ringing at the companies," said Gupta. Luxury brands are also enthused by India's expanding base of high-net-worth individuals-those with over $10 million in assets. The number of HNIs increased 6% to 85,698 last year, according to Knight Frank. At Mercedes-Benz India , personalisation is fast becoming a core differentiator. "Hyper personalisation is an emerging trend among our top-end luxury customers and collectors," said Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India. "Our MANUFAKTUR range and special editions are witnessing unprecedented demand." All 25 units of the AMG G 63 Grand Edition, priced at ₹4 crore, sold out within minutes of launch, while the ₹4.2 crore Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series launched on March 17 this year, was fully booked the same evening it was announced. Later this month, the company is debuting an 'India Inspired' AMG G 63 'Collector's Edition.' BMW India is also leveraging limited editions to build emotional resonance with customers. "Limited editions fulfil bespoke aspirations perfectly. They celebrate heritage, milestones, and exclusivity," said Vikram Pawah, president and CEO, BMW Group India. "The BMW XM Label was limited to 500 units globally, with only one allocated to India-sold out on the day of launch," he said.
