Month: September 2024

In today’s ever-changing job market, professionals are on the quest for an ideal workplace. While perceptions of an ideal work environment can vary greatly, a thorough analysis can reveal companies that genuinely foster employee growth. A LinkedIn survey named Top Companies 2024: The 50 Best Large Workplaces to Grow Your Career in the U.S, conducted in April 2024, has unveiled the list of companies that have performed really well on multiple parameters as employers.
This report evaluates organizations based on eight critical factors that contribute to employees’ career development: Advancement potential, skill enhancement, company stability, external opportunities, workplace culture, gender diversity, educational background, and employee presence. To be eligible, companies must have at least 5,000 global employees, including a minimum of 500 in the US as of December 31, 2023, with an attrition rate below 10%. Additionally, firms that have implemented layoffs of 10% or more since January 1, 2023, are excluded from consideration. The rankings focus solely on parent companies, integrating data from their subsidiaries, and rely on aggregated and anonymized LinkedIn data collected throughout 2023. Here are a few companies that have fared well in the LinkedIn study.

J.P. Morgan Chase

J.P. Morgan Chase, an American multinational finance company, has clinched the first rank in the LinkedIn report. It is one of the world’s leading financial services firms, operates in over 100 countries with a workforce of more than 260,000 employees.
Top U.S. Locations: J.P. Morgan Chase has a strong presence in major U.S. cities, including New York City, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Columbus, Ohio. These locations provide a range of opportunities in finance, business development, and engineering roles.
Secrets to Workplace Joy: J.P. Morgan promotes flexibility, with a portion of its workforce working in hybrid environments. This flexibility allows employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance while driving success in their careers. It also offers employee-friendly programmes such as Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides support for personal challenges, emotional concerns, substance abuse, and workplace conflicts.

Amazon

Amazon has been ranked at the second position in LinkedIn’s report. It is a global leader in e-commerce, technology, and innovation.
Top US Locations: Seattle, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area
Secrets to Workplace Joy: Amazon offers overtime pay for hours beyond 40 per week, and employees also receive time-and-a-half for working on holidays, adding significant value to their compensation. It also offers a program named Anytime Pay, through which employees can choose their payday, a rare benefit. It gives them control over their finances. This flexibility allows workers to access their earnings when they need them, rather than waiting for the traditional pay cycle.
Amazon offers a robust 401K savings plan, a retirement plan that lets you contribute annually up to a certain limit and invest those funds for your future after you retire. Additional benefits like estate planning and financial counselling ensure that employees can make informed decisions about their long-term financial health.

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo is a prominent financial services institution dedicated to meeting the needs of its clients specializing in commercial banking, capital markets, and debt collection. The company emphasizes skills-based hiring, with over 90% of its positions focussed on relevant skills rather than formal educational credentials. It has bagged the third rank in the LinkedIn survey.
Top US Locations: Charlotte, N.C., Minneapolis, New York City
Secrets to Workplace Joy: Along with providing a competitive remuneration structure, this global giant has several other attractive features. Wells Fargo provides tuition reimbursement of up to $5,000 each year and offers scholarships of up to $3,000 annually for dependent children of employees.

Alphabet

Alphabet Inc. is a multinational technology conglomerate based in Mountain View, California. Alphabet is the parent organization of several companies, including Google, YouTube, Fitbit, Verily, Waze, and more. It ranks as the second-largest technology company globally by revenue, following Apple, and is recognized as one of the most valuable companies in the world. The LinkedIn report has ranked it at the 10th position.
Top U.S. locations: San Francisco Bay Area; New York City, Seattle
Secrets to Workplace Joy: The company offers flexible work arrangements, allowing employees to balance their professional and personal lives effectively. There are also work opportunities available outside the United States, along with paid internships to gain valuable experience. Employees receive assistance in paying off their student loans and benefit from matching contributions to their 401(k) plans.

Bank of America

Bank of America serves as the parent organization for Merrill Lynch, U.S. Trust, and several other entities. It is the second-largest banking institution in the U.S. and ranks as the second-largest bank globally by market capitalization, following JPMorgan Chase. Bank of America is also recognized as one of the Big Four banks in the United States. The Bank of America has been ranked at the 12th position by LinkedIn.
Top U.S. locations: New York City; Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas-Fort Worth
Secrets to Workplace Joy: Eighty-five percent of Bank of America employees consider it a great workplace, significantly higher than the 57% average at typical U.S. companies according to a report issued by the Great Place to Work website. It fosters a positive work environment and numerous growth opportunities.

Isn’t it wonderful to imagine that Earth was utterly different 400 million years ago! Before the time, when trees, oaks, and bristlecone pines began covering the Earth, towering, tree-like masses named ‘Prototaxites’ dominated Earth. For the unversed, Prototaxites refers to an extinct genus of terrestrial fungi. These mushroom giants could reach as much as 8 meters in height.
The ancient world of Prototaxites
About 400 million years ago, in the Silurian and Devonian periods, Earth’s landscape was not remotely anything like we see today.The land was generally barren because only small plants and invertebrates were just starting to colonize it at that time. In this primitive landscape, Prototaxites dominated as the tallest and most impressive of all living organisms. According to the National Geographic, “The ancient organism boasted trunks up to 24 feet (8 meters) high and as wide as three feet (one meter),” were, quite literally, giants of their time.Ecological role and importance
Prototaxites provided essential components for highly early ecosystems. According to the Smithsonian, they were decomposers, capable of breaking down organic matter, and recycling nutrients from dead material back into the soil, thus enriching the soil to make it more fertile for other species of plants to eventually evolve and spread. Most probably, giant fungi formed microhabitats that nurtured a wide variety of early life forms.
Fossil evidence and scientific debate
Fossils of Prototaxites had surfaced around the world, casting some light into this earlier, fungal-dominated world. Fossil remains have revealed the incredible complexity of the fungi’s anatomy, interwoven tubes that composed their giant trunks. Though it is extremely well-represented in the fossil record, its very nature was the subject of much debate for many years. Some scientists originally thought they might be a kind of lichen or even some incredibly primitive tree.
It was only in 2007 when a study of the carbon isotopes in Prototaxites fossils gave conclusive proof that these structures were, indeed, fungi. This clarifies the role of these fossils in ancient ecosystems and highlights its importance in the history of life on Earth.
The first fossils of Prototaxites were discovered along the shores of Gaspé Bay in Canada by Charles Dawson, a Canadian paleontologist, in 1859. Since then, additional fossils have been found in various parts of the world. These fossils have also been found in Saudi Arabia, which helped scientists further understand the global distribution and significance of Prototaxites.

Archana Puran Singh recently gave fans a sneak peek into her fun travel experience with The Kapil Sharma Show team, including Kapil Sharma, Kiku Sharda, Krushna Abhishek, and Rajiv Thakur. In a lighthearted video, Archana shared that while Kapil was awake, the rest of the team was fast asleep.
She humorously captioned the video with a disclaimer: “Video posted with full permission from the team!” Archana’s son, Ayushmaan, joined the banter, playfully commenting, “Maybe I should record you sleeping next…”

The amusing clip has delighted fans, showcasing the camaraderie among the cast members of The Kapil Sharma Show, which premiered its latest season this past Saturday.The video not only highlights their behind-the-scenes bond but also adds to the excitement surrounding the much-awaited return of the beloved comedy show.

Archana Puran Singh openly discussed the fun banter between her and Kapil Sharma, especially the jokes he makes about her. During an exclusive conversation with ETimes TV, while promoting The Great Indian Kapil Show, Archana explained that it’s all in good humour and part of their on-screen dynamic, which fans have grown to love on the show.

She said, “A lot of people take it seriously but I always mention that I don’t take these jokes cracked on me seriously then why you all are getting affected? Personal life mein Kapil thodi Na mere upar jokes crack karta hai. In personal life he’s very respectful, loving and we have a lot of affection for each other.”

The first episode saw Alia Bhatt, Karan Johar, Vasan Bala and Vedang Raina. They came to promote their film Jigra. It was a fun-filled premiere episode of the second season. Sunil Grover impressed all as the jealous ex-lover of Ranbir Kapoor and impersonated Shah Rukh Khan from Dear Zindagi. On the other hand, Krushna Abhishek and Kiku Sharda played Alia’s roles as Safina and Gangubai from her films Gully Boy and Gangubai Kathiawadi.

The heinous rape-murder at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital that occurred on August 9 has enraged the mass of Bengal and pushed them to come out their comfort zone and take to the streets raising their voices demanding justice. Artists and technicians from the Bengali entertainment industry have come forward and joined in various protest rallies.However, that is not the end of it at all. The RG Kar rape-murder incident has opened a can of worms and artists and technicians from Tollywood have come forward with their encounter of harassment that have been brushed under the carpet for so long. A well-known hairdresser from Tollywood recently set herself on fire and attempted suicide after being deprived of work for months. She was saved by her daughter and was admitted to a hospital for medical attention. The hairdresser has sustained a number of serious burn injuries and is currently under recovery. She has been discharged from the hospital. However, National Award winning actor and acting coach Sudipta Chakraborty informed via social media that the hairdresser has been advised to go through regular counselling for her mental trauma.
Sudipta Chakraborty took to social media and revealed that the hairdresser poured kerosene all over herself in order to end her life. Sudipta wrote, “She wanted to kill herself by writing a suicide note and pouring kerosene oil on herself. Somehow it was prevented. She was saved. She had messaged me that evening and asked for my help. I was in class. I couldn’t answer in time. I’m unable to forgive myself.” Sudipta added, “The extent to which workplace harassment can go is a glaring example right before my eyes right now. I will see the end of this, I promise.”
Sudipta reminisced about her association with the sad hairdresser and wrote, “Year 2002… She started working in film/TV industry as my shooting attendant. Then learnt hairdressing, became a professional hairdresser with a hairdresser’s guild card. I’ve known her for 22 years. Her husband has been sick for a long time. She pulls the family alone by doing her job. I will be by her side, no matter what.” Sudipta also revealed that the hairdresser has been associated with her stage act ‘Binodini Opera’, which is slated for September 23. She wrote, “There is a show of Binodini Opera tomorrow (Sep 23). She is supposed to work there too. I don’t know if she can make it. Get well soon. I am still shivering thinking what could have happened. I will protest against this injustice. No one can stop me.”
Sudipta also shared an update regarding the recovery of the hairdresser, saying, “She has been discharged from the hospital. But I think it will take some time for her to recover from the trauma of the past three/four months and the trauma she suffered from the incident. The hospital also advised regular counselling for the trauma.” Keeping her financial situation in mind, the ‘Binodini Opera’ actress added, “Many have expressed their desire to help her financially. As far as I know her, she is not a girl who would take money just like that. However, I will try to talk to her about it when she is a bit better. Now I just wish her a speedy recovery and back to work. Let her earn by working and pay off all the debts gradually. We are all with her.”

NEW DELHI: Hungarian Grandmaster Richard Rapport, one of the few to secure a draw against the relentless D Gukesh in the Chess Olympiad, admires India’s remarkable chess growth.
He, however, refrained from naming the young talent as a clear favorite for the world title.
The caution stems from the unique challenge posed by the highly anticipated match in November-December, and Gukesh’s experienced opponent, Ding Liren.
Presently, 18-year-old Gukesh is reveling in India’s first-ever Olympiad gold in Budapest. He was the campaign star, finishing unbeaten with eight wins and two draws.
Rapport, who first halted Gukesh in his dominant run, praised the youngest world title challenger while speaking to news agency PTI. They are likely to meet again next month in the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League (GCL) in London.
In the previous GCL season, Rapport defeated Gukesh when they faced each other.
“When I played him in GCL last season, he was a different player, may be not a different player but in different form. I didn’t play a particularly interesting game against him in the Olympiad. I played a very straight game,” said Rapport, who became Hungary’s youngest GM when he achieved the title at 13 years of age after taking up chess to improve his grades in mathematics.
“I didn’t really push him to his limits (in the Olympiad) but others have done that and he stood his ground. That’s super impressive. I am very much looking forward to playing him (in GCL).
“I like to be challenged by the strongest players on the planet even though it’s going to get more difficult with this young Indian generation coming up. But I am not entirely depressed,” he quipped.
Gukesh and Rapport drew their sixth-round game in the Olympiad after 44 moves. Uzbekistan’s Abdusattorov Nodirbek was the only other player to draw against Gukesh.
Rapport, like many in the chess community, eagerly anticipates the world championship. Last year, he supported Ding Liren as his second when the Chinese GM won the title by defeating Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi.
According to the Hungarian, Gukesh faces a tough challenge in the November 20 to December 15 match due to Liren’s significant experience.
“…if you look at the last event (the Olympiad), Gukesh is supposed to be favourite but that match is very different and Ding has experience and I think may be there would a new champion. But I would not put the numbers in favour of anybody. It’s way too difficult than any tournament ever.
“Experience is a huge advantage for anyone. I expect a very close (match) and I expect a big fight. I hope to see some good ideas, worthy of a world championship, which I think the last match definitely delivered,” he said.
Rapport also commended the Indian women’s team, which won gold at the Olympiad, making it a clean sweep for India.
“The ladies team was actually surprising. We are all focussing on the Open team but in that team you had two players (Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi) who were playing just unbelievably. If you have (even) one player, you have a very good chance of winning a tournament but you had two,” he pointed out.
“But in the ladies team, it was very tight competition. They stood their ground and played really well, that’s really impressive. I mean, look at Kazakhstan, they had a very strong ladies team but, I don’t want to insult anyone, an unremarkable team in the men’s section. I mean decent players but not top players,” he said.
“…(but) your country is up there when it comes to chess.”
Rapport, who briefly switched allegiance to Romania due to feeling ignored by his home country, returned to play for Hungary before the Olympiad after feeling more valued by the national chess body.
At the GCL, his teammates will include Norwegian ace Magnus Carlsen and Indian prodigy R Praggnanandhaa.
“For me, if I was not playing, this league would be something that I would be watching. In a way it kind of succeeded in that regard,” he said of the league that starts on October 3.

WWE is one of the most happening places in the world of professional wrestling, and everyday something or the other takes place. From wrestlers joining to health updates about existing wrestlers on the roster, there’s a lot that fans get to catch up on.
So, here’s a quick roundup of some of the major happenings in WWE over the past few days, including health updates, contract statuses and more.

Everything that happened in the WWE last week

1) Charlotte Flair return delayed

WWE Superstar Charlotte injured herself badly in December 2023 with a torn ACL, MCL and Meniscus and has been out of action since then. Despite showing promise in terms of recovery, the wrestler has still not been cleared to return to the ring, and will be out of action for even longer duration. While it’s unclear when she’ll be returning to the ring, fans remain hopeful and have been praying for her speedy recovery.
Also read:WWE Women’s Superstar Charlotte Flair’s Return Delayed: Latest Status Update

2) WWE files new trademark related to Stone Cold

Stone Cold Steve Austin was one of the most celebrated wrestlers in the Stamford-based promotion. Recently, the company filed a new trademark for the phrase Austin 3:16, something that has been associated with Stone Cold Steve Austin ever since he’s been associated with the company. Following this trademark, there are rumors that Stone Cold might be making a comeback to the promotion, but that’s just speculation for now.
Also read:WWE Files New Trademark Related to Stone Cold Steve Austin

3) Jimmy Uso’s health update

Jimmy Uso has been absent from WWE programming for a while now, after being ousted from the Bloodline unceremoniously, after Solo Sikoa took over the throne of the Tribal Chief from Roman Reigns. Last week, Rikishi sparked an outrage after he asked everyone to pray for Jimmy. While Sean Ross of Fightful Select confirmed that the wrestler was hale and hearty, it did send the entire wrestling community into a frenzy.
Also read: Is Jimmy Uso returning during WWE Bad Blood?

4) Lucha Bros sign multi-year WWE deal

Lucha Bros have been a prominent face in the AEW and have contributed to some of the most popular matches in the promotion. However, the tag-team has finally made his way to the WWE and will be seen in the ring shortly. Although there’s no set date for their debut yet, the two of them have signed a multi-year contract with the Stamford-based promotion and will be wrestling here for the coming years.
Also read:Lucha Brothers Reportedly Sign Multi-Year WWE Deal, Preparations for Debut Underway

5) Kevin Owens left speechless over Rhodes-Reigns alliance

Kevin Owens has had immense history with both Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns over the years, and ever since the Bloodline has been feuding with the American Nightmare, K.O. has been constantly at Rhodes’ side. However, last week, Rhodes and Reigns formed an alliance, which has significantly affected the Canadian wrestler. There’s a chance that he’d be turning heel either on or after Bad Blood 2024, but it’ll be making up for a wonderful storyline for sure.
Also read:Bad news for K.O. fans as heartbreaking update on the Canadian grappler surfaces

Till a few years back, the idea of Chinese automakers leading the charge in automotive technology would have seemed like science fiction. Yet, today, the reality is strikingly different. Two Chinese electric vehicle (EV) companies, Nio and XPeng, have secured prominent positions in Gartner Digital Automaker Index 2024. The study claims to have evaluated 22 automakers across nine categories, analyzing a vast dataset of 13,919 data points.
The latest ranking of auto groups’ digital performance shows only three legacy carmakers — Ford, General Motors and BMW — in the top 10 while the rest are dominated by Nio, Xpeng and BYD from China and US start-ups including Tesla, Rivian and Lucid.
The Shanghai-based EV maker Nio and XPeng follow Tesla with 71.2 percent and 66.8 percent respectively, both improving from last year. Among the top ten, BYD, Rivian and XPeng reportedly saw the biggest increases.
General Motors registered the biggest drop (13.3 per cent) and the 9th place in the ranking. Volkswagen registered the sharpest decline and saw its score fall 18 per cent to 35.2 per cent. Toyota rests third from the bottom, down 7 percent from 2023.
While Tesla maintained its top spot, Nio and XPeng registered significant growth, outpacing many established global automakers

Source: Gartner Digital Automaker Index 2024

US ahead, but China catching up fast

In terms of geography, China’s EV revolution is evident in the rapid rise of Nio and XPeng. Both companies have made substantial strides in areas such as connectivity, software, and overall digital capabilities.
The Gartner index illustrated that US automakers are still ahead of Chinese automakers in the race for software supremacy. However, the margin between the two countries is decreasing fast. China is catching up — and very fast.
As per rankings, Europe is a distant third with South Korea right behind. Japan’s performance, meanwhile, has gone down.