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India News Today Live Updates on December 24, 2024 : Vande Bharats to get a bullet boostGeneration Z is leading a significant shift in drinking habits . In fact, compared to preceding generations, Generation Z may be the soberest generation yet. Members of Gen Z consume about one-third less beer and wine than previous generations. They are also shifting toward alcohol-free beverages at a significantly higher rate . This trend, first observed in North America in the early 2000s, has since become a global phenomenon. Recent Gallup data shows a 10 per cent decline in alcohol use among U.S. adults aged 18 to 34 in the last decade. Across the Atlantic, a United Kingdom report found that consumers aged 20 to 24 are nearly half as likely to prioritize spending on alcoholic beverages for home consumption compared to those aged 75 and older. What sets Gen Z apart is that this change appears to be more than a passing trend. As researchers in consumer behaviour, we study the factors that influence and drive changes in consumer choices. Our expertise tells us that the rise of the “Lo/No” alcohol lifestyle reflects genuine change for Gen Z. Growing health and wellness consciousness, changing social patterns and evolving metacognition — an awareness of one’s own thought processes — have sparked their interest in the “sober curious ” movement. Sober curiosity: A movement away from alcohol. Health conscious and informed According to the World Health Organization, alcohol is linked to more than 200 health conditions , including cancer and liver disease. Historically, public awareness of such risks, specifically the links to cancer, has been low. A review of 32 studies across 16 countries found that awareness of alcohol as a cancer risk factor was generally low , with some variation across regions. Read more: The effects of binge drinking on teenagers' brain development Efforts to bridge this knowledge gap have gained momentum over the past few years. As a generation that has grown up in a digital age where health information is more accessible than ever, Gen Z appears to be more aware of the adverse effects of alcohol compared to older generations. Mental health awareness has also played an important role in magnifying this shift. Gen Z experiences higher rates of anxiety and depression than prior generations. However, along with millennials, they are also more likely than older generations to seek treatment or therapy from mental health professionals. Prioritizing mental health One of the most significant cultural changes among younger generations is the reduced stigma around mental health . This shift has been instrumental in encouraging open dialogue about the impact of alcohol on mental and emotional well-being. These open discussions have highlighted a growing recognition that alcohol often hinders, than than helps, in managing anxiety , getting quality sleep and staying emotionally resilient. Compared to preceding generations, Gen Z may be the soberest generation yet. (Shutterstock) Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have amplified this dialogue, with advocates openly discussing their sobriety journeys. By doing so, they further normalize prioritizing mental health over traditional drinking habits. Many young people today see drinking as counterproductive to their mental health goals. They’re not afraid of challenging the old “let loose” mentality if it means staying sharp and feeling good. The ‘sober curious’ movement One of the defining characteristics of Gen Z is its heightened sense of self-awareness. Movements like the sober curiosity movement — a term popularized by cultural commentator Ruby Warrington in her 2018 book — reflect this. The sober curiosity movement encourages people to make conscious efforts to evaluate their relationship with alcohol. It aligns with a broader cultural shift among younger generations toward mindfulness and intentional decision-making across all areas of life . American physician, author and television correspondent Jennifer Ashton reflects on giving up alcohol for a month. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are powerful drivers of Gen Z’s relationship with alcohol. These platforms provide spaces for sharing alcohol’s risks while celebrating alternatives. Social media platforms appear to be playing a significant role in normalizing “ intermittent sobriety ” — a term that describes a pattern where individuals abstain from consuming alcohol and/or other substances for a select period of time. Influencers have shared their experiences with “dry months” and the subsequent improved mental clarity and productivity, inspiring others to follow suit. Changing social dynamics As digital natives, Gen Z and millennials are acutely aware of the lasting impact of their digital footprints . Growing up under the constant gaze of social media, they understand that actions — especially those influenced by alcohol — can be immortalized online, so they are more cautious about engaging in behaviours they might later regret. Social media has also shifted the focus of social interaction. Historically, alcohol consumption has often been a centerpiece of social gatherings . But today, alternative activities like wellness retreats, sober-friendly events and even dry bars are becoming increasingly popular. Looking ahead, businesses need to rethink how they cater to a generation drinking less alcohol. Some businesses, like With Grace Marketplace — a bottle shop specializing in alcohol-free alternatives — are already doing this. Influencers and campaigns like #SoberLife and #SobrietyJourney promoting sober lifestyles have further normalized and celebrated alcohol-free living. Many younger people are redefining what it means to have fun without the need for alcohol. For younger generations, meaningful social experiences are less about following traditional scripts and more about creating inclusive and intentional environments. The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.magic ocean show okinawa 。

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As 2024 approaches its close, many stories that created headlines this year remain unresolved, leaving concerns, hopes and doubts among both the government and business community. The Bangkok Post has selected five news stories that have generated heated debate this year and have had a significant impact on the financial, manufacturing, property, automotive and tourism sectors in the form of a year-end review. Whether it be the appointment of a new chairman of the Bank of Thailand board, the deluge of low cost imports from China, the reduction in headcounts among car manufacturers, changes to the country's land ownership laws, or targets for foreign tourist arrivals -- all these topics still require the close attention of the authorities and entrepreneurs. New BoT chair yet to be resolved The selection process for a new board chairman of the Bank of Thailand has been marked by delays and controversy. Scheduled meetings were postponed amid rising concerns over potential political interference after reports suggested the government intended to propose its own candidate to succeed Porametee Vimolsiri, whose term ends next October. Former commerce minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong is widely regarded as a leading contender for the position. Mr Kittiratt previously served as deputy leader and chief economic strategist for the Pheu Thai Party. He has been critical of the central bank’s interest rate policy and its regulatory independence. Mr Kittiratt was previously nominated as an advisor to former premier Srettha Thavisin. Several groups, including the Economics for Society Group — comprising 227 economists and four former Bank of Thailand governors (Pridiyathorn Devakula, Tarisa Watanagase, Prasarn Trairatvorakul, and Veerathai Santiprabhob) — in late October had expressed their opposition to Mr Kittiratt’s appointment. They argue that the board chairman of the central bank should remain independent of political influence. Protesters, including supporters of the late revered monk Luangta Maha Bua Yannasampanno, gathered in November outside the Bank of Thailand’s headquarters to submit letters opposing what they viewed as political interference in the central bank. The selection committee, chaired by Satit Limpongpan, had to postpone its meetings to choose the new chairman three times, starting on Oct 8. The process culminated in the final meeting on Nov 11, which ironically concluded without revealing the name of the selected candidate. Although the committee has not officially disclosed the name of the new chair, Mr Kittiratt remains highly likely to be appointed as expected. There were three candidates for the position. The Finance Ministry proposed Mr Kittiratt, while the central bank nominated Kulit Sombatsiri, a former energy permanent secretary, and Surapon Nitikraipot, president of the Thammasat University Council and an independent director of PTT Plc. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira recently said he had already received the list of candidates from the selection committee and insisted they were still being reviewed by the Finance Ministry for compliance with the qualifications. The review process adheres strictly to the criteria outlined in the regulations and does not consider public opinion, which may be against the nomination, said Mr Pichai. According to the 2008 regulations governing the selection process for qualified individuals to serve as the chairman or board members of the Bank of Thailand, Section 16 outlines eight prohibitive qualifications. These include: being incapacitated or quasi-incapacitated; being bankrupt or having been declared bankrupt; having been sentenced to prison by a final court decision (except for negligence or minor offences); and holding or having held a political position, unless they have been out of office for at least a year. New measures reshape property landscape The government’s proposal to extend land leases to 99 years and increase the foreign ownership quota in condos from 49% to 75% has emerged as one of the hottest issues in the real estate sector in 2024. This ambitious move is expected to have profound implications for the property market, foreign investment and the overall economic landscape, including resistance from many Thai people who are concerned that Thai citizens may no longer be able to afford property. Currently, foreigners are allowed to own only up to 49% of a condo building, with the rest reserved for Thai nationals. The proposed increase in the foreign ownership limit to 75% would significantly open up opportunities for foreign buyers. This change aims to attract international investment, which could draw much-needed capital into the real estate sector, where local demand remains weak due to the challenging economic conditions and difficulties in securing home loans. The proposed 99-year land lease extension is another significant shift in policy. Under the current law, land in Thailand can be leased for a maximum period of 30 years, with the possible renewal for an additional term of 30 years. This limitation has long been a barrier for both Thai and foreign investors, especially those looking to build long-term investments, such as residential and commercial properties. By extending the lease period to 99 years, the government is aiming to provide greater security to investors, particularly from overseas, and encourage long-term investments in the country. The proposal is seen as a direct response to changing dynamics in the global economy. Geopolitical shifts and tensions between several countries have prompted foreign investors to seek safer alternatives in Southeast Asia, with Thailand emerging as an attractive option due to its appeal. By allowing greater foreign involvement in the real estate sector, the government anticipates to bolster the economy and position Thailand as a leading destination for international investors. For the Thai property market, these measures could drive demand, particularly in prime locations in cities like Bangkok and Phuket, which are already experiencing strong foreign interest. The potential increase in foreign investment could stimulate growth in both residential and commercial properties, leading to job creation and infrastructure development. However, critics of the proposal have raised concerns about the potential impact on local buyers, fearing that an influx of foreign buyers could drive up property prices. The government will need to carefully balance the interests of both local and foreign investors to ensure sustainable growth in the real estate sector. In 2024, these proposed changes have generated intense debate, with both real estate professionals and the public closely watching the government’s next move. If approved, these reforms could reshape the Thai property market for years to come. Tourism revenue misses target despite state initiatives Despite being regarded as a key driver for economic growth, in 2024 the tourism industry missed its target with weaker revenue than projected. The “Ignite Thailand Tourism” campaign was the government’s flagship policy this year, but Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong admitted that Thailand will likely miss the 3-trillion-baht target. The government started many initiatives to facilitate tourist flows, notably the visa-free scheme for visitors from 93 countries, launching a Destination Thailand Visa, and exempting the use of TM6 forms at land borders. The administration also pledged to attract more festivals, extending the Songkran celebration to a month, before closing the year with the Winter Festival, a series of celebrations during November and December. Unfortunately, such efforts were not enough to fully resume travel sentiment as tourism expenditure was severely hit by numerous factors, particularly among domestic tourists and key markets like China and Japan. The flow of tourists was also disrupted by the Northern floods in September and the recent Southern floods, which started in late November. Chamnan Srisawat, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), said the sluggish economy and high household debt had impacted domestic travel, while those with sufficient funds had preferred to take overseas trips instead, especially to Japan and China, which offer visa-free entry for Thais. Meanwhile, inconsistent politics, as witnessed by cabinet changes under two prime ministers and three tourism ministers, also hampered the economic sentiment. Mr Chamnan said the government’s desire to boost tourism in second-tier cities has not yet been successful, as most of them are promoted via seasonal events without new manmade and facilities development to sustain the growth in the long run. On the supply side, foreign nominees reaping the benefits of tourism growth and illegal accommodation have also been an ongoing problem, preventing the local economy from prospering. TCT hopes the situation will improve next year, thanks to more economic stimulus schemes, increasing numbers of flights, and the anticipated We Travel Together scheme that could boost domestic tourism. Mr Chamnan also urged the government to fulfil its promise to develop and upgrade tourism supply, starting construction of new attractions and entertainment complexes, and not only holding world-class festivals. Producers struggle as Chinese goods flood the market Thailand not only faced severe flooding in 2024, but was also flooded with cheap imports, leaving many local manufacturers struggling to keep their businesses afloat. The Office of Industrial Economics attributed the tougher competition to foreign sellers who increasingly gained market share in the country. Combined with weak consumer purchasing power and high household debt, this resulted in a dip in the 2024 Manufacturing Production Index (MPI). Officials estimated the MPI would contract by 1.6% this year, with GDP growth in the industrial sector at -1%. Many people bought cheap imported products rather than locally made items in 2024. The private sector said these low-cost imports mainly come from Chinese entrepreneurs who often sell the items via online platforms. The influx of Chinese products into Southeast Asia is harming Thailand’s trade, reducing its market share in the region and leading to a trade deficit with China, according to the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB). During the first half of 2024, imports of Chinese products increased by 7.12% year-on-year, with a value of US$37.5 billion, leading to a trade deficit of $19.9 billion, a year-on-year increase of 15.6%. In Southeast Asia, the market share of Thai electrical appliances fell to 11.5% in the first quarter of 2024, down from 12.7% year-on-year, while the market share of Thai-made cars fell to 18.7% for the period, dipping from 20.9%. Without government measures to protect Thailand against Chinese products, many local firms are likely to shut down, warned Payong Srivanich, chairman of the Thai Bankers’ Association, a key JSCCIB member. Various state agencies, led by the Commerce Ministry, are addressing the issue. They plan to sign a memorandum of understanding with e-commerce platforms by early 2025 to remove substandard imported products from their platforms. The Customs Department offered help by imposing the 7% value-added tax on imports valued at less than 1,500 baht to slow their sales, while the Thai Industrial Standard Institute increased the monthly inspection of products listed on online platforms. Workforce shrinks amid slump in sales Employment in Thailand’s automotive industry is on the decline, with key automakers announcing plans to reduce their headcounts this year amid sluggish domestic car sales. In November, Japanese manufacturer Nissan Motor said it would cut or transfer 1,000 jobs in the country under a plan to scale down production in Southeast Asia, according to media reports. The Yokohama-based firm needs to improve its work structure for greater efficiency, said Toshihiro Fujiki, president of Nissan Motor (Thailand). Likewise, Suzuki Motor Corporation announced in June it would close its car manufacturing base in Rayong by the end of 2025, opting to import electric cars instead as part of a plan to review the company’s global production structure. The move would reduce the company’s headcount by roughly 1,000 employees, said Wallop Treererkngam, executive vice-president of Suzuki Motor (Thailand). He said more layoffs in the automotive industry are possible if stagnant domestic sales persist. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) attributed the significant drop in car sales to banks and finance firms’ stricter criteria in the granting of auto loans for fear of non-performing loans amid concerns over the high level of household debt in the country. Though the Bank of Thailand said total household debt represented 89.8% of GDP in the second quarter of this year, down from 90.8% in the first quarter, the debt-to-GDP ratio remains high. There are 700,000 to 800,000 workers in the automotive, auto parts and electronic component supply chain in Thailand, according to the FTI. In addition to the debt issue, changes in automotive technology are also affecting employment. The shift away from internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered vehicles to electric vehicles has had a negative impact on auto parts manufacturers that are already accustomed to components produced for ICE cars, said Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice-chairman of the FTI and spokesman for the club.QB Daniel Jones disagrees with the Giants' decision to bench him and says he wants to play

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Blame it on the food and drink?Homemade bullet trains may belt down specialised railway corridors in the not-too-distant-future. According to two people aware of developments, the Centre is mulling an upgradation of its existing semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trains to high-speed status for the next round of its bullet train project. These trains could be used in future corridors of the bullet train project or even used on the existing Railway network, the first person quoted above said on condition of anonymity. “Following the success of Vande Bharat, under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Indian Railways has now taken up designing and manufacturing of high-speed train sets," the second person cited above said, adding that Integrated Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, and BEML are collaborating to design and manufacture these train sets, which will have a design speed of 280 kmph. Currently, Vande Bharat trains have a maximum speed of 180 kmph. Also read | “The manufacturing cost of this is around 28 crore per car (excluding taxes), which is highly competitive compared with other high-speed train sets and almost half the price of Japanese rolling stock that may be used for the MAHSR project," the second person said, also wishing to remain anonymous. MAHSR refers to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail, India’s first bullet train corridor being developed by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL). A joint venture between the government of India and the state governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra, NHSRCL has also identified seven other HSR corridors. DPRs (detailed project reports) for four of these seven HSR corridors—Delhi-Varanasi, Delhi-Ahmedabad, Nagpur-Mumbai, and Mumbai-Hyderabad—were submitted to the Railway Board in 2023-24. One DPR (for Delhi-Amritsar HSR corridor) has been submitted in July 2024. The remaining two DPRs—for Chennai-Mysore and Varanasi-Howrah HSR corridors—are expected to be submitted in the remaining part of fiscal 2024-25. The second person quoted above said that approval for these corridors may be taken based on indigenous bullet trains that may come up from concept stage to development stage in the next few years. Queries sent to the railways ministry remained unanswered till press time. In an emailed reply to a Mint query, NHSRCL said it is discussing rolling stock required for the MAHSR project with Japanese companies, and tenders are likely to be finalised soon. It added that currently there was no plan by the organisation to use indigenous rolling stock or global tender for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. It was expected that NHSRCL may negotiate pricing for Japanese bullet trains before issuing tender for rolling stock to ensure that cost of these trains is not prohibitively high. The first person aware of the development said that the price of each train set of Japanese E5 series Shinkansen bullet trains (eight cars) is around 400 crore. Also read | “Every country which wants to have a world class rail transport system should get into manufacturing high-speed trains," said M.K. Gupta, former member engineering, Railway Board. “Indian Railways has shown before its prowess to make best-in-class locos, coaches, wagons and even semi high-speed Vande Bharat trains at much lower cost than globally available technologies." Gupta added that in the case of bullet trains, too, domestic manufacturing either on its own or in partnership with a technology provider will help the Railways develop a system that is best suited for India and comes at an economical price that would allow these high-tech products to expand the domestic railway network and also be exported. While separately developing high-speed trains in the country using technology available globally, Indian Railways plans to scale up its own domestic high-speed train manufacturing by gradually increasing and testing higher speed versions of its Vande Bharat trains. These trains currently have been tested for speeds up to 180 kmph under stage 2 of the program. The Vande Bharat versions 3 and 4 would run at speeds of about 220 kmph and 260 kmph, respectively, and finally move further up to 280-300 kmph. Also read | The graph for Vande Bharat train speeds would be similar to Japan’s own bullet train project, which started in 1959 with a maximum speed of 163kmph. This went up to 210kmph in 1964 and further to 270kmph in 1992. In 1997, Shinkansen speeds rose to 300kmph before reaching the current speed of 320kmph in 2013. Meanwhile, the country’s first bullet train corridor, the MAHSR, is moving at a swift pace. The total length of the project is 508 km (Gujarat: 352 km, Maharashtra: 156 km). There are 12 stations planned: (Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand/Nadiad, Ahmedabad, Sabarmati). Considering the highest level of safety and associated maintenance protocols, the project has been designed with the support of Japan’s railways and customized for Indian requirements and climatic conditions. Also read | The entire land (1389.5 Ha) for the project has been acquired. All civil tenders and depot tenders for Project and Track tender for the Gujarat portion have been awarded. Viaduct construction is in full swing. Till now, 352 km of pier foundation, 340 km of pier construction, 260 km of girder casting, and 225 km of girder launching have been completed. The work of the undersea tunnel (approximately 21 km) has also started. The MAHSR project is expected to begin operations in Gujarat by the end of 2027, and then extend to Maharashtra. The entire section leading up to Mumbai is expected to open by the end of 2028.

Rio Tinto (ASX, NYSE: RIO) has entered into a partnership agreement with Swedish investment company Vargas, Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation, and other international and local industry partners to study a low-carbon aluminum greenfield opportunity in Finland. As the strategic industrial partner, Rio Tinto will provide the Arctial partnership with access to its AP60 technology and assist in what would be the first AP60 deployment in an aluminum smelter outside Quebec, Canada. Developed by Rio Tinto, AP60 is amongst the most efficient aluminum smelting technologies currently available at commercial scale. The project, if successful, would be the first primary aluminum development in continental Europe for over 30 years As a first step, Arctial will oversee a feasibility study and environmental impact assessment for a potential greenfield aluminum project in Kokkola. The project, if successful, would be the first primary aluminum development in continental Europe for over 30 years. Together with Fortum, a carbon-free energy provider in the Nordics, the project will assess sourcing competitive low-carbon energy from existing and new production assets. Other local and industry partners include the Finnish Industry Investment (TESI) and international technology firms. “We aim at being a significant investor and off-taker in this partnership, which is aligned with our strategy to strengthen our global leadership in low-carbon aluminum, Rio Tinto Aluminum chief executive Jérôme Pécresse said in the statement . “Combining our AP60 technology with electricity not based on fossil fuels presents an attractive opportunity to provide low-carbon aluminum, which will boost Europe’s industrial base and support the manufacturing capabilities required for the energy transition.”