U.K for  electric  vehicles     

         The UK has decided to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 as part of a £12billion green agenda.  This includes £1.3 billion to put in place charging points for electric vehicles(EVs) in homes, streets, and highways.  Another £582 million in grants for those buying zero or ulta-low emission vehicles.  Nearly £500 million will be spent in the next four years for the development and production of  Electrical Vehicle batteries.  The UK plan offers subsidies to incentive the transition to EVs and invests in the infrastructure required. 

The other country that is taking EVs seriously is China, basing this on its sheer dominance of the global electric batteries market.  This ought to have spurred the US to join the EV race.

                                      Saudi  to relax foreign workers terms                     

          Saudi Arabia announced new plans to ease foreign workers' contractual restrictions, improving a  controversial seven-decade-old sponsorship system known as KEFALA. The plan aims to make the Saudi labour market more attractive by granting foreign workers the right to change jobs and leave the country without employers permission. Through the initiative, the government aim to improve the working environment. Saudi Arabia seeking to boost its private sector, part of their plan to diversify its oil-dependent economy. This move will attract high –skilled workers.  The currently kefala system generally binds a migrant worker to one employer rights groups have said the system leaves workers vulnerable to abuses.  Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 reform plan is a package of economic and social policies designed to free the Kingdom from out side groups.

       Cryptography  for  cyber security  

          The only way to effectively deal with cyber threats is to adopt robust cryptographic techniques.  Cryptography is the science of using mathematical techniques for securing digital information and communication.  Cryptography offers solutions to everyday problems like social media privacy breaches, cyber-bullying banking frauds, and online identity theft.

During II SC open day, I encourage my students to create puzzles derived from crypto concepts.  I see high school students get totally fascinated by them.  It would be a good idea to give students a small dose of crypto in 11th and 12th standard.  A good understanding of math is crucial for anyone interested in this field.  Modern cryptographic protocols rely on mathematical principles from areas such as discrete mathematics, linear algebra and coding theory.                                                                                                               Arpitha pathra, Professor computer science, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. 

                                   Ornamental  masks new trend                                         

          Bejeweled masks, studded with gold, silver, and platinum are giving stiff competition to traditional jewellery across the world.  A shop in Surat India is selling masks studded with real diamonds for Rs.1.5 to 4 lakh.  Designer Kajal Khurrana from Delhi says, “Women are increasingly buying masks studded with rhinestone and sequins and even sapphire, diamonds and emeralds, though one has to ensure that they are up to safety standards. “Instead of regular jhumukkas, matha pattis and naths, blinky masks can redefine your festive look."  These luxury masks push ornament merchants.