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Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Techie misses girlfriend's birthday, misses dinner again for bug fix. His post on always-on work culture breaks hearts
In today's fast-paced corporate world, ambition is often rewarded — but not without a cost. One employee recently shared a deeply personal story online, shedding light on how his relentless dedication to work came at the expense of someone he dearly loved. His emotional revelation, posted anonymously on the subreddit Indian Workplace, revealed the unseen wounds that many professionals carry in silence — the price paid not in missed deadlines, but in missed moments with loved ones. A Night Meant for Celebration Turned Cold The employee had just achieved a significant milestone — a long-awaited promotion. His girlfriend, excited and proud, had planned a private dinner to celebrate. She cooked his favorite dishes — creamy dal makhani and perfectly charred tandoori rotis — and waited eagerly for his return. He had promised to be home by 8 PM. But as the evening approached, a familiar disruption occurred. At 7:30 PM, a message from his manager appeared on Slack: a last-minute, high-priority bug needed fixing before the end of the day. It was flagged as 'critical' for an important client in Mumbai. What should have been a time for joy quickly spiraled into another night tethered to his laptop and fueled by caffeine. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You won't believe what your old car is worth today Cars24 Book Now Undo Hours ticked by, and six cups of coffee later, he finally sent the confirmation message—'Done'—at'' 1:12 AM. The celebration never happened. The lights in his home were out. The food had grown cold. And the warm anticipation in his girlfriend's eyes had dissolved into silent disappointment. He entered the house, muttered a brief apology about having to finish work, and retreated to his room. The night ended not in happiness but in a heavy mix of guilt and exhaustion. Echoes of Support and Sadness Online The post struck a chord with many Reddit users who empathized with the emotional toll of constant work pressure. Fellow professionals rallied around the anonymous employee, urging him to reconsider his boundaries and prioritize his personal life . One user suggested developing subtle strategies to escape such unending demands — even using creative excuses like hospital visits to reclaim personal time. Others shared their frustration with the toxic work culture prevalent in many Indian offices, where staying past work hours is normalized and rarely questioned. 'Just feels sad reading these posts almost daily,' one commenter wrote. 'It's the sad reality of life in Indian workplaces. We are just cheap labour where our personal lives don't matter.' Yet, amidst the anger and frustration, there was also appreciation. One commenter noted that the fact the man felt remorse for disappointing his girlfriend showed that he truly valued her. They lamented that many partners go unappreciated despite juggling jobs and responsibilities. This post, they said, offered a glimmer of hope — proof that some still recognize and cherish their loved ones' efforts. A Wake-Up Call for Change The emotional outpouring from strangers highlighted not just one man's regret, but a deeper, systemic issue. The culture of urgency and constant availability may drive business forward, but it leaves emotional wreckage in its path. The message is clear — it's time for a collective shift. Because promotions might come and go, but lost moments with loved ones never return.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
How Emmanuel Macron met Brigitte and the scandals of France's first couple
Macron met Brigitte as a teen in her literature class French President Emmanuel Macron first met Brigitte Auzière in 1993 at La Providence, a Catholic high school in Amiens. He was 15 years old, the legal age of consent in France, and she was his 39-year-old literature and drama teacher. Brigitte was also married and a mother of three, including one daughter who was in Macron's class. The relationship began quietly but drew attention the following summer, when Brigitte's family reportedly caught the two sunbathing at her parents' home. The revelation led to outrage within the community. According to Maëlle Brun's biography Brigitte Macron: An Unfettered Woman , locals sent anonymous letters to the Auzière family's chocolate business and spat on Brigitte's front door. Friends and neighbors turned against her. Also read: Brigitte Macron net worth: From Chocolate Heiress to France's First Lady by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You won't believe what your old car is worth today Cars24 Book Now Undo Despite the backlash, Macron maintained his attachment. 'We spoke about everything. And I discovered we had always known one another,' he would later reflect in interviews. Brigitte, then still married to banker André-Louis Auzière, struggled privately, fearing the young Macron would eventually move on. 'My head was in a mess,' she told Paris Match . 'I told myself that he would fall in love with someone his age. It didn't happen.' A decade-long affair ends in marriage The scandal grew as Macron left Amiens for a prestigious high school in Paris, yet the pair remained in contact. Every Friday, he would reportedly board a train after classes to see Brigitte. Over the years, her marriage deteriorated. The divorce was finalized nearly a decade after their affair began. Live Events In 2007, Emmanuel and Brigitte were married in Le Touquet, the beach town where her family kept a weekend home. Macron was 29. Brigitte was 54. Her three children attended the wedding, along with Macron's parents. At the wedding, Macron acknowledged the difficulties his new family had faced. 'Each and every one of you is a witness to these last 13 years,' he said. 'And you have accepted us.' Also read: Who is Brigitte Macron and why her relationship with French President a talking point? Explained After their marriage, Brigitte left her teaching job to support Macron's growing political career. When he became finance minister in 2014, she acted as his closest advisor. She remained prominent as he campaigned for president, often appearing at his side. Rumors, media scrutiny, and political ascent The couple's age gap and origin story continued to attract media coverage and public speculation. Some critics questioned the authenticity of their relationship, while others pushed unfounded rumors, including claims Macron was covering up a homosexual relationship. The president denied those rumors, but biographer Brun notes Brigitte was privately shaken. Despite this, the couple's image as a unified political team solidified. In 2017, Macron won the presidency at age 39, the youngest in French history, cementing Brigitte's role as an unconventional First Lady. She later addressed the scrutiny in an interview with Elle France : 'We have breakfast together, me with my wrinkles, him with his youth, but it's like that.' Viral Vietnam video renews public fascination In May 2025, renewed interest in the couple's relationship surfaced after a video showed Brigitte Macron appearing to shove her husband's face as they arrived in Vietnam. Macron dismissed the moment as playful, saying they were 'joking,' and urged observers to 'calm down.' Also read: Emmanuel Macron tries to keep cool but this one reaction exposed his anger over the viral face shove But with France also facing economic warnings and ongoing political uncertainty, including a December government collapse and recent drug rumor denial from the Elysée Palace, the resurfacing of their decades-old scandal has renewed public fascination with the origins of Macron's personal life, and its lasting influence on his political identity.
Geek Vibes Nation
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Geek Vibes Nation
Digital Disruption In Auto Sales: Why Tech-Driven Platforms Are The New Norm
The automotive industry, once firmly grounded in physical dealerships and face-to-face negotiations, is undergoing a monumental shift. As with many industries, the rise of technology has disrupted the conventional way of doing things—and in this case, it's transforming how cars are bought and sold. This evolution isn't just about convenience; it's redefining transparency, pricing, access, and even trust in the car-selling process. Across the globe, tech-driven platforms are reshaping the auto sales landscape. Companies like Carvana in the U.S., Cars24 in India, and many others have proven that consumers are not only ready but eager to transition to a more digitized experience. As digital car sales continue to rise, the era of visiting multiple dealerships and haggling over trade-in values is quickly being replaced with app-based listings, AI-driven valuations, and instant offers. The Traditional Car-Selling Experience Before the digital age, selling a car often meant navigating a complex and time-consuming process. Sellers needed to advertise their vehicle, respond to inquiries, schedule viewings, handle test drives, negotiate prices, and finalize paperwork—usually over the course of several days or weeks. Alternatively, they could trade the vehicle in at a dealership, often receiving a less-than-fair value due to limited transparency. The experience was rarely streamlined and often left sellers with doubts about whether they got the best deal. Additionally, buyers faced their own hurdles—limited selection, biased sales pitches, and opaque pricing models. How Digital Disruption Changed the Game The digital disruption of auto sales didn't happen overnight. Over the last decade, incremental innovations have paved the way for a new norm—one where technology plays the central role in how people sell and buy cars. A Growing Ecosystem of Online Auto Platforms Multiple digital-first platforms have emerged, offering comprehensive car sales solutions. These platforms leverage software and data to automate and optimize the process, providing services such as: Instant online car valuations Nationwide buyer networks Secure digital documentation Vehicle pickup and delivery logistics Integrated financing and insurance services This model reduces the time and effort required from both sellers and buyers, making car sales more accessible and appealing in a fast-paced world. Case Studies in Global Disruption Carvana (USA) : One of the most visible disruptors, Carvana allows users to buy, sell, or trade in vehicles entirely online. With a virtual showroom, home delivery, and a seven-day return policy, Carvana exemplifies customer-centric innovation. Cars24 (India) : A leader in the South Asian market, Cars24 facilitates online vehicle evaluations, sales, and loans. It enables people across India to access a unified digital ecosystem for auto transactions. Cazoo (UK) : Another example of tech innovation in Europe, offering end-to-end online purchasing and home delivery of used cars. These success stories have catalyzed a global trend: consumers are more comfortable and confident transacting high-value assets online. Why Tech-Driven Car Sales Are Becoming the Norm 1. Time Efficiency One of the most compelling reasons for the digital shift is time. Online platforms reduce the average time to sell a car from weeks to days—or even hours. Sellers can receive a quote almost instantly, and in many cases, complete the sale without ever leaving their home. 2. Transparency in Pricing Perhaps the biggest pain point in traditional auto sales has been unclear pricing. Sellers often received inconsistent trade-in offers with little to no justification. Tech platforms solve this by using real-time data and algorithms to provide clear, competitive valuations. Many now feature a car valuation tool that uses vehicle specs, mileage, market demand, and location to calculate fair value. This allows sellers to make informed decisions based on transparent and traceable data. 3. Wider Market Reach Online platforms remove geographic barriers. Instead of relying on local buyers or dealerships, sellers gain access to a national or even global pool of potential buyers. This broader reach not only accelerates the selling process but also often results in better offers. 4. Trust Through Technology With verified buyer networks, secure payment systems, and trackable digital documents, trust is built into the online sales process. Blockchain and digital signature technology are increasingly being explored to further improve transparency and security. 5. Consumer Behavior is Driving Innovation Today's consumers expect a seamless, Amazon-like experience even for high-ticket items like cars. They prefer mobile apps over phone calls, instant updates over delayed confirmations, and data-backed insights over guesswork. This demand is influencing even traditional dealerships to modernize by offering online portals, virtual vehicle tours, and instant trade-in offers. The Role of Accurate Car Valuations in the Digital Shift A major pillar of the digital transformation in auto sales is the use of automated valuation tools. These car valuation systems analyze thousands of data points from similar vehicle listings to historical sales to provide instant, unbiased appraisals. This not only levels the playing field for private sellers but also builds trust with buyers who want to know they're paying a fair price. Key benefits of using a valuation tool include: Real-time pricing data Reduction in underpricing or overpricing Increased confidence for both buyers and sellers Faster transaction closures Technological Innovations Powering This Shift Several technological breakthroughs are at the heart of this evolution: AI and Machine Learning : Used for personalized buyer matching, pricing optimization, and fraud detection. Big Data Analytics : Fuels real-time pricing and inventory management. Blockchain : Being explored for transparent vehicle histories and secure transactions. Augmented Reality (AR) : Enables virtual vehicle inspections. These innovations not only make the transaction smoother but also create a user experience that's significantly better than traditional methods. Environmental and Economic Impact Digital car sales may also contribute to more sustainable outcomes: Reduced carbon footprint by limiting in-person dealership visits and unnecessary test drives. More efficient use of pre-owned vehicles , which helps reduce waste and manufacturing emissions. Support for a circular economy , where vehicles are reused and resold with greater ease. Challenges and Considerations While the benefits are clear, the digital shift is not without its challenges: Regulatory compliance : Online sales must meet evolving local and international regulations. Digital literacy : Some demographics may still prefer traditional interactions. Fraud risks : As with all digital ecosystems, security remains a top priority. Despite these hurdles, the momentum continues to build, with innovations addressing many of these concerns in real-time. What the Future Holds The future of auto sales is one of continued digital integration. Over the next 5–10 years, expect to see: Fully virtual car purchases , including test drives through AR/VR. AI agents negotiating prices on behalf of buyers and sellers. Instant digital financing approvals with embedded credit scoring. Decentralized vehicle ownership models enabled by blockchain. The transformation is still unfolding, but the direction is clear: digital platforms are setting new expectations for how car sales should work. Digital disruption in auto sales is not a temporary trend—it's the new standard. The benefits of speed, convenience, transparency, and reach are simply too significant to ignore. As platforms continue to evolve, powered by intelligent valuation tools and seamless transaction ecosystems, they're reshaping the experience from end to end. Whether you're a private seller, a buyer, or just someone exploring your options, using tools like a car valuation estimator can provide the insight and confidence needed in today's tech-first auto marketplace. Welcome to the new norm of car selling faster, fairer, and fully digital.
Mint
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
EV resale boost? Maharashtra mandates battery health passports for buyers
Seeking to combat consumer hesitancy over resale value and battery longevity, the Maharashtra government has announced a policy that will introduce digital "battery passports" for all new electric vehicles (EVs), a first for the country. As part of the state's recently-released EV policy, the digital battery passport will be used to track the health, usage and manufacturing details of an EV battery, a critical component which accounts for over half of an EV's value. 'The State shall introduce a digital battery passport to track key parameters such as manufacturing details, real-time health status, usage history, and end-of-life diagnostics,' Maharashtra's EV policy, notified on 23 May, said. Currently, customers have to rely on the seller to know the real health of the battery. Based on previous pilots of such a passport in Europe, customers may get to scan the batteries through a QR code to know the health and the relevant manufacturing details of the battery installed in their purchased vehicle. While the Maharashtra government has introduced the battery passport in its policy, the details of how they will be issued and what role will companies play in issuing them remain unclear. To be sure, Maharashtra is the second-largest electric vehicle market in the country, with 241,941 EVs sold in 2024. Uttar Pradesh led the EV market, with 369,102 EVs sold during the year. Deloitte's 2025 Global Automotive Consumer study said that at least one in five car buyers flag uncertain resale value as one of the reasons for holding back on EV purchase. The health of the battery becomes important, as it is responsible for the depreciation in an EV's value. Resellers and insurers also complain that the lack of a standard document to know the health of batteries makes things uncertain about the pricing of a vehicle. Data from used car marketplace players Spinny and Cars24 showed that EVs lose value faster than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. CARS24 noted that three-to-five year-old popular ICE car models can retain more than 50% of their original value, unlike EVs. Spinny's data suggested that on average, EVs resale value lags ICE vehicles' resale value by 3%. This means that the price of a 2023 EV model would have fallen by 23% if sold today, as compared to a 20% depreciation for a similar specification ICE vehicle. The gap can increase to as high as 6% the older the model gets. 'A digital battery passport brings transparency to the EV market, giving consumers clear information about the health and history of their vehicle's battery,' Nikhil Dhaka, policy lead at Primus Partner, said. Dhaka noted that pilot projects in Europe have shown that a battery passport can provide a digital ID for each battery, sharing details about its performance and manufacturing history. Presence of a standard document issued by an authority can help consumers trust the resale value as the exact status of the battery installed in the vehicle would then be known. 'For resellers, a battery passport provides objective data that builds confidence and justifies pricing in the used EV market. It reduces disputes and makes the valuation process more transparent,' Dhaka added. The country's EV insurance industry also expects that the introduction of digital battery passports can help them standardize the process which will be key in deciding premiums for such insurance policies. The country's EV insurance market is projected to reach $8.61 billion by financial year 2032 from $1.02 billion in 2024. 'From an insurance perspective, digital battery passports are a game-changer. They provide insurers with comprehensive data on battery health, lifecycle, and sourcing, enabling more accurate risk assessments and tailored pricing models,' Sandeep Dadia, chief executive and country head at Lockton India, said. 'This transparency reduces uncertainties, ensuring fair premiums for customers while enhancing trust among insurers, OEMs, dealers and end-users,' he added. The introduction of such a document also comes at a time when the overall electric sales in the country are growing at a rapid pace. In 2024, electric two-wheeler, three-wheeler and four-wheeler sales in the country grew 27% to 1.94 million units. Globally, the use of digital battery passports remains limited as of now. However, in 2023, the European Union introduced regulations which require all EV batteries over 2kWh to have the document from 1 February 2027.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘No role in party or family, his public behavior contradicts our moral values': Lalu Prasad's 'parting' words on Tej Pratap
Lalu Prasad Yadav, RJD president, expelled Tej Pratap Yadav, his elder son, from the party for six years. This action followed a social media post by Tej Pratap. The post claimed a relationship with a young woman. PATNA: RJD president Lalu Prasad on Sunday expelled his elder son and former minister Tej Pratap Yadav from the party for six years, a day after the latter, in a post on the social media platform, declared that he was "in a relationship" with a young woman. The RJD supremo has also distanced Tej Pratap from the family. 'Now, Tej Pratap will have no role in either the party or the family,' Lalu said on X on Sunday. The RJD chief, in a post on social media platform X, said, 'Disregarding moral values in personal life weakens our collective struggle for social justice. The actions, public conduct, and irresponsible behavior of my elder son do not align with our family values and traditions. Therefore, under these circumstances, I am distancing him from the party and family. From now on, he will have no role in the party or family. He is being expelled from the party for 6 years.' 'He (Tej Pratap) is capable of making assessment of the good and bad, virtues and faults of his own personal life. Those who choose to associate with him should make their decisions based on their own judgment. I have always been an advocate for public decency in society. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Car owners are shocked by this instant price tool Cars24 Book Now Undo The obedient members of the family have adopted and followed this principle in public life. Thank you,' Lalu said in the post written in Hindi. Earlier on Saturday, Tej Pratap, in a Facebook post, was seen with a woman and the caption read, "The one seen in this picture is Anushka Yadav. We have known each other for the last 12 years. We are in love and have been in a relationship for 12 years". Later in the late night on Saturday, the said Facebook post was deleted and Tej Pratap claimed that his Facebook page had been "hacked". The elder son of RJD president, whose Facebook post has since been deleted, wrote on X on Saturday night that there was an attempt to "defame and harass" him and his family members. "My social media platform was hacked, and my photographs were edited wrongfully," Yadav said, referring to the post that had gone viral and was taken note of by media outlets. The Facebook post drew flak from social media users, many of whom reminded the 37-year-old politician of his marriage that took place with much fanfare in 2018. Tej Pratap had tied the knot with Aishwarya, the granddaughter of former Bihar CM Daroga Prasad Rai. However, within a few months, Aishwarya left his house, alleging that she was driven out by her husband and in-laws. Aishwarya and Tej Pratap are now fighting a divorce case in a Patna court.
