Alternative fuel vehicles approach dominance over gasoline models in India

Phirozabad, known worldwide for its glass bangles, produces not only these items but also various types of glass goods. These products are exported to over 100 countries, including major markets such as Europe, America, the Middle East, Germany, Russia, Japan, and Iran.

The Uttar Pradesh government has given new significance to the artistic glass industry of Phirozabad under the ODP (One District One Product) program. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, has bestowed a new status upon the unique heritage of fine engraving in Phirozabad.

When Phirozabad's products were included in the 'One District One Product' category, it not only provided global recognition to the industry but also created a promising source of future employment. Special attention was paid to increasing job opportunities for women, which halted the migration of workers who previously sought work outside the district.

The ODP system has provided substantial assistance to glass manufacturing enterprises in Phirozabad by enabling them to obtain loans and working capital for business development. Furthermore, product quality has been significantly improved through free training for artisans, both men and women. Until recently, the glass industry in Phirozabad was experiencing a decline, forcing workers to leave their homes in search of work.

Thanks to ODP, workers now have access to better employment and a stable source of income.

Over the last 12 years, the following indicators have been achieved in the Phirozabad district regarding beneficiary programs and disbursed amounts:

• ODOP Training Program: 1778 beneficiaries received payments totaling 46.21 lakh rupees.
• ODOP Nutrition Program: 626 beneficiaries received payments totaling 3677.91 lakh rupees.
• Vishwakarma Labor Respect Program: 5550 beneficiaries, with 168.3 lakh rupees disbursed.
• Minister's Youth Self-Sufficiency Program: 624 beneficiaries, with 1609 lakh rupees disbursed.
• Minister's Youth Entrepreneurship Program: 1996 beneficiaries, with 998 lakh rupees disbursed.
• Chief Minister's Job Creation Program: 627 beneficiaries, with 1638.89 lakh rupees disbursed.

Phirozabad, known as the city of happy brides, is famous for its colorful glass bangles, the making of which is renowned throughout the country and abroad. The products are made using the blowing method. Since Phirozabad's inclusion in the 'One District One Product' program, glass manufacturers and workers have experienced great satisfaction.

Rajiv Dixit, a leading exporter of glass products, noted that the biggest benefit was receiving subsidies from the government, which allowed them to open another production unit. The loan also enabled technical upgrades. He added that in the future, they will continue to implement innovations to produce in India what is valued internationally, thereby glorifying India worldwide.

Amit Gupta, a glass trader, stated that working with glass in Phirozabad is world-class. He emphasized that the benefits provided under ODP especially concern subsidies. He also reported that any trade worker needing a loan can be provided with an amount from 25 to 50 lakh rupees, which has benefited entrepreneurs.

Artisan Sneh Lata shared her opinion: 'We have benefited greatly. We enjoy working here, and we no longer have to leave. Previously, we had to travel to Noida and Delhi. Now, they pay very well here. Income has also increased compared to the previous level.'

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has received a significant blow from a court in New Mexico. The court ruled that Meta must pay 567 million US dollars (equivalent to approximately 500 billion rupees) to compensate for the harm caused to young people on its platforms.

This decision was made during the second phase of an important lawsuit, in which the social media company had already lost in March. In the ruling issued late Thursday evening, Judge Brian Bidshid stated that a large portion of this sum—420 million US dollars—will be allocated to cover the treatment costs for young people.

The remaining amount must be used over the next five years to fund awareness campaigns, prevention measures, screening services, and other expenses.

It is worth noting that in the first phase, the jury already imposed a fine of 375 million US dollars on Meta, which is separate from the current ruling. The jury found that the company intentionally harmed children's mental health and concealed information about child sexual exploitation on its platform.

In the second round of the legal proceedings, state attorneys demanded that the judge mandate fundamental changes at Meta. These changes were supposed to include banning addictive features, improving age verification procedures, and preventing child sexual exploitation by strengthening controls and setting default privacy settings.