Former Rockwell Collins Chief Kelly Ortberg Among Top Contenders for Boeing CEO Position

Kelly Ortberg, the former chief of Rockwell Collins, is reportedly in the running to become Boeing’s next CEO, according to a recent report by The Air Current. Ortberg, who led Rockwell Collins through significant mergers and restructuring before retiring in 2021, is one of several high-profile candidates being considered for the role.

Boeing has been looking for a new head after Dave Calhoun said in March he would step down by year-end.

Other candidates include Spirit AeroSystems CEO Pat Shanahan and Boeing’s own Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Pope. This list of potential leaders is also said to include Boeing board Chair Steve Mollenkopf. The company has been actively seeking a new CEO since Dave Calhoun announced his resignation earlier this year, following a major management overhaul prompted by a January incident involving a 737 MAX plane.

In recent developments, Boeing has announced plans to acquire Spirit AeroSystems, its former subsidiary, in a $4.7 billion stock deal. Rockwell Collins, under Ortberg’s leadership, was known for its advancements in aircraft communications, electronics, and aviation systems.

As Boeing searches for a new leader to navigate its future, Ortberg’s experience and industry expertise could make him a strong candidate for the position.

Turning Setbacks into Success: Strategies for JEE Main 2025 Aspirants

The JEE Main and Advanced exams are among the toughest tests, evaluating not only your knowledge but also your tenacity and fortitude. But how do you crack it next year? Check out these tips:

You can still succeed in JEE Main 2025 even if you don't meet your mark in JEE 2024. 

Subject-Wise Important Topics for JEE

Physics

• Optics
• Modern Physics
• Propagation of Electromagnetic Waves
• Properties of Matter and Fluid Mechanics
• Laws of Thermodynamics
• Current Electricity
• Atomic Structure in Modern Physics
• Electrostatics
• Frequency, Angular Velocity, Velocity Gradient
• Semiconductors and Communication System
• Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Current
• Ray Optics
• Magnetic Effects of Current
• Mechanical Energy
• Fluids
• Electromagnetism
• Ideal Gas Equation
• Angular Frequency
• Magnetic Flux
• Faraday’s Law of Induction
• Thermal Stress and Thermal Strain

Chemistry

• Electrochemistry
• Chemical Kinetics
• Atomic Structure and Alkanes
• Biomolecules and Polymers
• d and f Block Elements
• p-Block Elements
• Coordination Compounds
• Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
• s Block Elements (Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals)
• Hydrogen
• Alkenes and Alkynes (Hydrocarbons)

Mathematics

• Trigonometric Ratios
• Binomial Theorem
• Quadratic Equations
• Angle Measurement
• Functions and Identities
• Sequences and Series (Progressions)
• Circle
• Indefinite Integration
• Angle Between Two Lines
• Vector
• Permutation and Combination
• Statistics
• Parabola
• Definite Integration
• Equations for a Line in Space
• Limit of Algebraic Function
• Distance Between Two Points
• Shortest Distance Between Two Lines
• Sectional Formula
• Relation Between Set Notation and Truth Table

Understanding the Journey

JEE Main and Advanced are not just tests of knowledge but also of resilience. Thousands of students retake the exam each year with improved scores. Here’s how you can join their ranks:

Leverage Resources

Use online platforms, apps, YouTube channels, quality books, and study guides that cover the JEE syllabus comprehensively.

Reflect and Analyse

Objectively analyze your past performance. Identify weak areas and ineffective study methods. Reflect on what went wrong and plan accordingly.

Seek Guidance and Mentorship

Consult teachers, tutors, and successful peers for insights and strategies. Learn from their experiences to refine your approach.

Create a Revised Study Plan

Set realistic goals and break down the syllabus into manageable sections. Incorporate regular practice with previous years’ question papers and mock tests. Balance study with relaxation to avoid burnout.

Focus on High-Value Topics

Prioritize important and scoring topics. Start with the basics and then delve into more complex concepts. Strengthen your fundamentals for a strong foundation.

Stay Positive and Motivated

Maintain a positive mindset and use affirmations to boost your confidence. Visualize your success and the steps needed to achieve it.

Stay Updated and Informed

Keep track of changes in the exam pattern, syllabus, or important dates. Being well-informed aids in effective planning.

Practice Extensive Revision

Focus on both speed and accuracy. Use mock exams to simulate test conditions. Regularly revise each topic and work through a variety of problems to improve understanding and time management.

Even if JEE 2024 didn’t go as planned, you can still succeed in JEE 2025. Remember, success rarely comes on a straight path. With diligence, perseverance, a calculated strategy, and a positive outlook, you can achieve your desired rank. Get ready, accept the challenge, and give it your all for JEE 2025.

Paris 2024 Olympics: Nikhat Zareen Wins Opening Round; Manika and Sreeja Progress in Table Tennis

Nikhat Zareen Shines in Boxing Debut

Nikhat Zareen showcased her resilience and skill in her Olympic boxing debut. Despite a slow start and losing the first round on the judges’ scorecards 2–3, Zareen quickly found her rhythm. The 28-year-old Indian boxer, known for her mastery at maintaining range, initially struggled against Germany’s Maxi Carina. Carina’s aggressive forward charges left Zareen open to some crisp right hooks, making it a tough round for the judges to score.

Nikhat Zareen throws a punch during her bout against against Germany’s Maxi Carina, Manika Batra plays against Britain's Anna Hursey during a women's singles round of 64 table tennis game at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France.

However, Zareen turned the tide in the second round. She landed several clear hooks on Carina, using her range effectively to dominate the exchanges. The judges deducted a point from each for blows to the back of the head, but Zareen’s cleaner punches earned her unanimous approval from the judges for that round.

In the final round, Carina tried to tire Zareen out with clinching tactics. Despite this, Zareen managed to connect crucial shots, securing a 10–9 on all five judges’ cards. Zareen will face Yu, the current Women’s 50 kg World Champion, in her next bout on Thursday, marking a significant challenge ahead.

Table Tennis Success for Sreeja Akula and Manika Batra

Indian paddlers Sreeja Akula and Manika Batra advanced smoothly through their round of 64 matches in table tennis. Batra secured a 4–1 victory over Anna Hursey, while Akula impressed with a 4–0 win against Christina Kallberg. This marks the first time India has two players in the women’s singles round of 32 at the Olympics.

However, there was disappointment for veteran Achanta Sharath Kamal, who lost a hard-fought match against Slovenia’s Deni Kozul. Despite leading by six points in the sixth game, Sharath’s errors during the tiebreaks cost him the match, ending his singles campaign.

Archery Hopes Dashed

In archery, the Indian women’s team of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and Bhajan Kaur faced disappointment. Despite their potential, they lost 0–6 to the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. Inconsistent shooting, particularly from Ankita and Deepika, with Ankita even scoring a 4 at one point, led to their early exit.

Priyanka Gandhi’s Consistent Criticism of the Israeli Government: A Closer Look

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has consistently criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, highlighting her strong stance against the Netanyahu government. Her recent remarks denouncing the Israeli offensive as “barbaric” and calling for global condemnation reflect her deep concerns over the ongoing conflict.

Amid the rising death toll in Gaza, Priyanka Gandhi, in October last year, attacked Israel, accusing it of violating every international law.

During a recent address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized his goal of “total victory” against Hamas, describing the conflict as a “clash between barbarism and civilization.” Priyanka Gandhi countered this narrative, labeling Netanyahu's government as barbaric and condemning the widespread support it receives from the Western world. She urged the global community to speak out against the atrocities in Gaza and demanded an end to the violence.

Priyanka’s vocal stance comes as she prepares for her electoral debut in Wayanad, Kerala, a constituency with a significant Muslim population. Her continuous criticism of Israel contrasts with the more balanced approach of her party, the Congress. While Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has condemned both Hamas' attacks and Israel's military response, Priyanka has been unequivocal in her condemnation of the Israeli government’s actions.

Priyanka’s strong statements are rooted in her family’s historical ties with the Palestinian cause. The Nehru-Gandhi family had a close relationship with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who considered Indira Gandhi a sister and mourned publicly at her funeral. Sonia Gandhi has also been vocal about the Palestinian plight, criticizing Israel’s military actions in Gaza as disproportionate and brutal.

The Congress party, historically supportive of the Palestinian cause, has faced internal debates on its stance. Initially, the party refrained from naming Hamas or using the term "terror" to describe their attack on Israel, but later condemned the Hamas attack while also criticizing Israel’s military actions.

As the conflict continues, Priyanka Gandhi’s consistent and strong criticism of the Israeli government underscores her commitment to advocating for the rights of Palestinians and calling for international intervention to stop the violence. 

Raayan Box Office Collection Day 3: Dhanush’s 50th Film Caps Off Successful Opening Weekend with Rs 42.75 Crore

Dhanush’s milestone 50th film, Raayan, is proving to be a major hit at the box office. The film, which is only his second ‘A’ certified film since Vada Chennai, has been performing exceptionally well. According to Sacnilk, the Day 3 collection for Raayan was higher than Day 2, with early estimates putting Sunday’s earnings at Rs 14.75 crore. This brings the total domestic collection to an impressive Rs 42.75 crore.

Raayan Box office collection Day 3

Strong Performance in Tamil, Mixed Results Elsewhere

The Tamil version of Raayan has been the main driver of its success, contributing the largest share of the earnings. The Telugu version has also performed well, showing promising results. However, the Hindi version has struggled, which is attributed to the lack of extensive publicity in the Hindi-speaking regions. Additionally, competition from other films like Kalki 2898 AD, which made Rs 4 crore on its fifth Sunday, has impacted Raayan’s performance in those markets.

Impressive Occupancy Rates

Raayan has seen high occupancy rates, particularly for the Tamil version, which boasted an impressive 67.31% occupancy in key regions. The Telugu version showed a slight improvement, rising to 27.21% occupancy from 26.12% on Saturday.

Star-Studded Cast and Acclaimed Music

Directed by Dhanush himself, Raayan is his second directorial venture after Pa Paandi (2017) and is backed by Sun Pictures. The film features an ensemble cast including Dushara Vijayan, Kalidas Jayaram, Sundeep Kishan, and SJ Suryah. The music, composed by the legendary AR Rahman, has received rave reviews, adding to the film’s appeal. Cinematography by Om Prakash and editing by GK Prasanna have also been praised.

With its current trajectory, Raayan is well on its way to becoming one of Dhanush’s biggest successes, possibly crossing the Rs 50 crore mark soon. Fans and critics alike are celebrating this significant milestone in Dhanush’s career.

Top 500 Firms to Get ‘Quota’ for Interns Based on CSR Spend

The Indian government is set to introduce a new initiative that requires the top 500 companies to provide internships based on a “voluntary quota system” linked to their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure. This move, part of the employment package announced in the Budget 2024–25, aims to give marginalized individuals access to valuable work experience.

In the Union Budget for 2024-25 presented by the NDA government on Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Prime Minister’s Package for Employment and Skilling with an overall outlay of Rs 2 lakh crore.

What to Expect from the New Internship Quota System

Finance Secretary TV Somanathan revealed that the government plans to discuss and finalize the details of this quota system in collaboration with the industry. The concept is to have companies take on a certain number of interns proportional to their CSR spending. “We might perhaps have some kind of voluntary quota system, mutually agreed upon,” Somanathan explained. Additionally, companies will be allowed to utilize their supply chain for skilling purposes.

Focus on Marginalized Candidates

The internship program is designed to benefit those who typically miss out on traditional recruitment channels. “We won’t be giving them the type of people they would normally recruit because we don’t want to subsidize hires they would have made anyway,” Somanathan stated. To ensure this, a “negative list” will be implemented. This list will exclude candidates from prestigious institutions like IITs and IIMs, those already paying income tax, or individuals whose parents are government servants.

Interns will be selected based on “objective criteria” with the help of design challenges and open suggestions for improvement. The Finance Secretary is confident that the quality of internships will be high, given the reputations of the top 500 companies involved.

Prime Minister Modi’s Vision for Private Sector Involvement

The initiative to involve the private sector in skill development was driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to sources, Modi believed that the private sector’s role in skilling is crucial and that the government alone cannot handle it. This vision was reflected in the recent Union Budget, where Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Prime Minister’s Package for Employment and Skilling with an impressive outlay of Rs 2 lakh crore.

Key Details of the Internship Scheme

As part of this package, internships will be provided to 1 crore youth over the next five years by India’s top 500 companies. Interns will gain hands-on experience in real-world business environments across various professions. Each intern will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 and a one-time assistance of Rs 6,000. Companies will cover the training costs and contribute 10% of the internship costs from their CSR funds.

This initiative aims to create meaningful opportunities for those often overlooked in conventional hiring practices and ensure they gain valuable experience in their chosen fields.

Today in Politics: Key Highlights and Events

PM Modi in Kargil for Vijay Diwas Anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Kargil today to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Vijay Diwas. He will visit the Kargil War Memorial to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation. In addition, PM Modi will virtually initiate the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel Project. This ambitious project involves the construction of a 4.1-km-long twin-tube tunnel at an altitude of approximately 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha road, ensuring all-weather connectivity to Leh. Once completed, this will be the highest tunnel in the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Kargil War Memorial on Friday.

Rahul Gandhi to Appear in UP Court for Defamation Case

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to appear before the MP-MLA court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, today. The defamation case, filed by BJP leader Vijay Mishra in August 2018, stems from alleged objectionable remarks made by Gandhi against then BJP president and current Home Minister Amit Shah. Gandhi was granted bail in this case in February 2020. He will arrive at Lucknow airport at 9 AM before proceeding to Sultanpur for the hearing.

Jharkhand Assembly Session Begins

The final session of the fifth Jharkhand Assembly starts today. The session is expected to be intense, with the Opposition BJP planning to confront the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led government on issues such as corruption, law and order, and infiltration. This session, approved by Governor CP Radhakrishnan, will last until August 2, with six working days. The ruling alliance is likely to use this opportunity to highlight their achievements ahead of the upcoming state elections.

Bengal BJP Protests Against Power Bill Hike

In West Bengal, the BJP will hold a rally today to protest against the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) following a recent High Court ruling. The Calcutta High Court allowed the rally with a maximum of 1,000 participants, provided it adheres to noise pollution regulations and does not inconvenience the public. This rally comes in response to the BJP’s claims of increased electricity bills, despite the state government’s counsel arguing that there has been no hike in charges by the CESC.

Vinesh Phogat at Paris Olympics: Who Will Be Her Top Challengers?

Vinesh Phogat’s journey to the Paris Olympics has been anything but smooth. Despite the challenges, she has secured her place and is now preparing for the competition in the 50 kg weight category. As she aims for an Olympic medal, here’s a look at some of her top challengers.

Vinesh Phogat will be competing in her third Olympics. 

The Road to Paris

Over the past 18 months, Vinesh Phogat has faced numerous battles off the mat. She has been a vocal critic of former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment. This led her to protests, legal battles, and even returning her national awards. Despite these challenges, she made a strong comeback in April, securing a quota place for the Paris Olympics without conceding a single point in her three bouts.

Unseeded and Unpredictable

As an unseeded wrestler, Vinesh won’t know her opponents until the day before her competition begins. This unpredictability adds an extra layer of difficulty to her quest for a podium finish. Having already competed in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, Vinesh is now aiming for her third consecutive Olympic appearance.

Top Challengers

Yui Susaki (Japan) Yui Susaki is a formidable opponent, being a four-time World Champion and the reigning Olympic champion. She won the gold medal in Tokyo without conceding a point and has only lost three times since 2015, all to compatriot Yuki Irie. Vinesh might face Susaki in the opening round, a daunting prospect.

Otgonjargal Dolgorjav (Mongolia) Another strong contender is Otgonjargal Dolgorjav, a two-time World silver medalist. At just 22 years old, Dolgorjav has the speed and skill to trouble Vinesh on the mat.

Sarah Hildebrandt (USA) Sarah Hildebrandt is another potential early-round opponent. Competing in her second Olympics, Hildebrandt won bronze in the women’s 50 kg division in Tokyo. Since 2021, she has an impressive record of 31–4, making her a tough challenger.

As Vinesh Phogat prepares for the Paris Olympics, she faces a tough road ahead with formidable opponents in her path. However, her resilience and determination have proven that she can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how she performs on the grand stage.

Riddhima Kapoor Shares Heartwarming Insights About Niece Raha Kapoor

Raha Kapoor, the adorable daughter of Bollywood stars Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, has been winning hearts since her first family photo. Recently, her aunt, Riddhima Kapoor, shared some delightful anecdotes about her, revealing that Raha resembles both her mother Alia and her late grandfather Rishi Kapoor.

Ranbir Kapoor's sister Riddhima says raha looks like Alia and Rishi Kapoor. 

Riddhima Kapoor, a fashion designer and socialite, will soon appear in the third season of Netflix’s "Fabulous Lives Of Bollywood Wives." In an interview with UK-based radio jockey Anushka Arora, Riddhima opened up about the joy Raha has brought to their family.

Riddhima fondly mentioned that Raha calls her "Boo," much like how Ranbir is affectionately called "RK" by his niece Samara. “She’s too cute. We all FaceTime because I am in Delhi, and she is in Mumbai. She FaceTimes us every now and then, and she loves my dog. I have the most adorable Shih Tzu at home, named Kilian. Poor thing can’t say Kilian, so she says, ‘Kili Boo, Kili Boo.’ That’s so cute, my heart melts,” she shared.

Riddhima noted that Raha bears a striking resemblance to various family members. “She looks a little bit like all of us in the family. At times, she looks like Samara, which is strange because Samara looks a lot like my brother. Actually, she’s a mix between my brother, my husband, my father, and my mum. She doesn’t look like me at all. Raha looks a lot like Alia and my dad. She is so cute, and she is a good baby,” Riddhima concluded.

The Kapoor family continues to cherish these precious moments, with little Raha bringing immense joy and love into their lives.

Mankind Pharma Acquires Bharat Serums and Vaccines for Rs 13,630 Crore

In a significant move within the pharmaceutical industry, Mankind Pharma Limited has announced its acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited (BSV) from Advent International. The deal, valued at Rs 13,630 crore, represents a complete buyout, marking a major milestone for Mankind Pharma.

Mankind Pharma, which has a market capitalisation of Rs 85,892 crore, reported a revenue of Rs 9,264 crore and a net profit of Rs 1,823 crore for FY24. The company’s shares closed 1.81 per cent higher at Rs 2,143.90 on the BSE on Thursday.

Deal Details and Expectations

The acquisition, which is set to conclude within the next 3–4 months, is pending regulatory approvals and the fulfillment of certain conditions. BSV, a Mumbai-based company, was initially promoted by the Daftary family and has since grown under the stewardship of Advent International.

A Strategic Leap

Advent International had previously acquired a 74% stake in BSV in February 2020, providing exits to private equity investors OrbiMed Asia and Kotak PE, along with a partial exit to the Daftary family. Subsequently, Advent secured the remaining 26% stake from the Daftary family following approval from the Department of Pharmaceuticals.

This strategic acquisition propels Mankind Pharma into a leadership position within the Indian women’s health and fertility drug market. It also grants access to high-entry barrier products in critical care, supported by BSV’s established complex R&D tech platforms.

Financial Performance and Market Impact

BSV has demonstrated impressive financial growth, reporting revenues of Rs 1,723 crore in FY24, reflecting a 20% year-on-year growth with adjusted EBITDA margins of 28%. Over the last three years, BSV has achieved a revenue CAGR of 21%.

Mankind Pharma, with a market capitalization of Rs 85,892 crore, reported a revenue of Rs 9,264 crore and a net profit of Rs 1,823 crore for FY24. The company’s shares saw a 1.81% increase, closing at Rs 2,143.90 on the BSE following the announcement.

BSV’s Business and Global Reach

BSV is engaged in the research, development, licensing, manufacturing, importing, exporting, marketing, and distribution of pharmaceutical formulations, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), biotech and biological formulations, food and health supplements, medical devices, and ayurvedic medicines. Their focus spans therapeutic areas such as gynecology, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), critical care, and emergency medicines.

With six subsidiaries in India, the Philippines, Germany, the USA, and Malaysia, BSV operates in over 50 countries worldwide.

Leadership Insights

Mankind Pharma’s Vice-Chairman and MD, Rajeev Juneja, highlighted the acquisition as a pivotal milestone, positioning Mankind Pharma as a leader in the Indian women’s health and fertility segment. He emphasized the global growth opportunities in women’s health and fertility, driven by structural tailwinds.

Juneja also expressed excitement about welcoming BSV’s 2,500+ members to the Mankind family, envisioning significant achievements and positive impacts on women’s health globally.

Shweta Jalan, Managing Partner and Head of Advent India, praised Mankind Pharma’s investment in BSV, underscoring Advent’s strategy of identifying and nurturing unique businesses. She expressed confidence in the combined efforts of Mankind Pharma and BSV’s management to build one of India’s largest pharmaceutical companies.

This acquisition marks a transformative step for Mankind Pharma, poised to expand its footprint in high-entry barrier portfolios and enhance its impact on global healthcare.