Thanksgiving holiday shopping, which is first celebrated not but its rather a financial crisis—more particularly, the collapse of the United states gold market on September 24, 1869—was the subject of the earliest recorded use of the phrase “Black Friday.”In order to drive the price of the nation’s gold as high as possible and sell it for astounding profits, two infamously cunning Wall Street financiers, Jim Fisk and Jay Gould, collaborated to buy up as much of it as they could.
When the plot eventually came to light on that September Friday, it bankrupted everyone—from Wall Street moguls to farmers—and sent the financial markets into a rapid slide. The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, has grown to be one of the biggest shopping occasions of the year in US. In order to draw customers into their locations, national chain stores typically provide a limited number of money-saving discounts on a selection of products while also providing comparable offers online.
Why is it called ‘Black Friday’? As two investors, Jay Gould and Jim Fisk, inflated the price of gold in order to precipitate a market crash in 1869, the phrase “Black Friday” was first used. As a consequence, the stock market fell 20%, foreign trade ceased, and farmers saw a sharp decline in the value of their maize and wheat crops. The phrase was revived much later and applied to the day among Thanksgiving and the Military game in Philadelphia in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Large throngs of visitors and shoppers would be attracted by the event, necessitating extra time from law enforcement to control traffic.
Black Friday History: The phrase “Black Friday” was first used by Philadelphia police officers to describe the confusion that occurred when a large number of suburban tourists arrived in the city to start their christmas shopping as well as, in some years, to attend the yearly basis Army-Navy football game on Saturday in the early 1960s. The large crowds caused the police to work longer shifts than normal as they handled with shoplifting, traffic bottlenecks, accidents, and other problems. Philadelphia quickly became well-known for the expression “Black Friday”. “Big Friday” is the name that is given to the day by city merchants in the effort to make it look alot better. Black Friday as a term for an increase in retail sales didn’t become widely used until late 1980s, when businesses began to promote the myth of red-to-black profits. According to reports, Black Friday is both the busiest shopping weekend in the US and the day when retail establishments start to earn a profit for year. In reality, the Saturday preceding Christmas was the busiest shopping day for the majority of retailers.
Several shopping holidays have popped up in more recent years to compete with Black Friday, such as Small Business Saturday and Monday, which encourage consumers to purchase online. Offering Tuesday has also become popular to encourage charitable giving.
In the past, Black Friday had a different connotation which had nothing to do with purchasing. Wall Street financiers Jay Gould & Jim Fisk attempted to corner the nation’s gold market in 1869 by buying quite so much gold as they can and at the New York Gold Exchange in an effort to raise prices. The scheme was foiled by President Ulysses S. Grant’s involvement on Friday, September 24. Immediately following the stock market collapse, hundreds of Americans declared bankruptcy.
Another story that gives the custom a particularly vile twist has recently come to light, according to which Southern plantation owners could purchase enslaved labor at a discount on the day following Thanksgiving in the 1800s. Although some have rightfully called for a boycotting of the commercial holiday in response to this story of Black Friday’s origins, this demand is unfounded.
The Evolution of Black Friday Black Friday has evolved over time from crowded streets and overcrowded stores to fevered crowds squabbling over parking spots and the newest must-have toy. How did Black Friday turn into the maddening, excessive shopping occasion that it is now? Black Friday was formally recognised as the busiest shopping weekend of the year for the 2000s, at that point. That honour had previously been reserved on the Saturday preceding Christmas. But when more stores began advertising “can’t miss” post-Thanksgiving specials, and as Black Friday deals got bigger and bigger, American shoppers were powerless to resist the allure of this major shopping day. In 2011, Walmart made the announcement that it would begin selling items on Thanksgiving night rather than opening the doors on Friday morning. Other big-box retailers went into a frenzy after that and rapidly imitated it. Black Friday has grown in size in modern times.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday On the Monday after Thanksgiving, a similar custom known as “Cyber Monday” has developed for internet shops. After the Thanksgiving long weekend, shoppers are expected to return to work eager to start shopping. To compete with the Black Friday deals at brick-and-mortar establishments, online companies frequently announce their promotions and specials before the actual day. Now a days, Cyber Monday has became a successful in terms of sales among consumers all around the world. Although Black Friday has since 2019 eclipsed Cyber Monday as the busiest internet shopping day of the year, Cyber Monday had previously held that title. For the first time, and over 100 million consumers made online purchases on Black Friday in 2020, and the proportion of internet-only buyers rose by 44% throughout the course of the holiday season. However, many stores stayed closed on Thanksgiving 2020 due to the COVID-19 epidemic and instead offered Black Friday specials online. According to the NRF, 127.8 million customers made online purchases in 2021 as opposed to 145.4 millions in 2020. Relative to 92.3 million shoppers in 2020, 104.9 million people made in-store purchases in 2021.
A German startup is offering a futuristic service that could change how we think about life and death. Tomorrow Bio, a company based in Germany, is providing cryopreservation services that allow dead bodies to be frozen and potentially revived in the future. This bold claim comes with a hefty price tag- $200,000 to preserve a full body, and $81,000 for just the brain.
So, how does it work? The process is called cryopreservation, and it involves cooling the body to minus 198 degrees Celsius, which puts the person’s body into a state of “biostasis.” This means that all biological processes stop completely, freezing the body in time. According to Tomorrow Bio, this could allow for future revival when technology is advanced enough to treat the cause of death and restore life.
Tomorrow Bio has already preserved six people and five pets. Over 650 individuals have signed up and paid for this service, hoping that one day they will be brought back to life. The company’s vision is to create a world where people can choose how long they want to live, no matter who they are, where they come from, or their financial situation.
To ensure the preservation process starts as soon as possible after death, Tomorrow Bio has teams on standby in several European cities, including Berlin, Amsterdam, and Zurich. They use specialized ambulances to transport the bodies to the main facility in Switzerland. Once there, the body is placed in an isolated steel container filled with liquid nitrogen. It’s kept at a chilling minus 198 degrees Celsius for ten days, achieving the preservation temperature needed for the process to work.
The co-founder of Tomorrow Bio, Fernando Azevedo Pinheir, believes that in our lifetime, we may see the safe cryopreservation and reanimation of complex organisms. While it sounds like something out of science fiction, the idea is gaining attention, and the startup has already made significant progress in this unique field.
This process, though futuristic, raises interesting questions about the future of life extension and how far science and technology might go in giving people the option to live longer-or come back later. Whether or not you’d choose to sign up for such a service, Tomorrow Bio’s venture is definitely one to watch as it pushes the boundaries of life and death.
On Thursday morning, an explosion near a PVR cinema in the Prashant Vihar area of Rohini, Delhi, caused concern among locals. The incident comes just over a month after a similar blast in the same area had caused widespread alarm.
#WATCH | Delhi | Teams of the Delhi Police Crime Branch, Special Cell and Bomb Disposal Squad are present on the spot, where an explosion occurred in the Prashant Vihar area today. The area has been cordoned off. pic.twitter.com/GincnzmAJ9
According to the Delhi Police, the explosion occurred around 11:48 am. A call was made to the Delhi Fire Service, and fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the site. Specialized teams, including the Delhi Police Crime Branch, Special Cell, and Bomb Disposal Squad, also reached the location to secure the area and start their investigation.
One person suffered minor injuries in the explosion. Fortunately, they were treated and discharged from the hospital soon after. For now, police officials say there are no suspects, and the cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
What We Know So Far
Delhi Police PRO and Additional Commissioner of Police Sanjay Kumar Tyagi stated that the blast scene is being carefully examined. Forensic teams and other specialized units are collecting evidence. The area around the explosion has been cordoned off to ensure public safety and to allow investigators to work without interference.
A Similar Incident Last Month
This isn’t the first time such an incident has occurred in the Prashant Vihar area. In October, a powerful explosion damaged a wall of the CRPF school nearby. That blast caused significant property damage, including shattered shop windows and damaged parked cars. The loud explosion was reportedly heard hundreds of meters away.
At first, investigators suspected the use of a crude bomb. However, further investigation revealed an unexpected cause — a cigarette butt discarded in a garbage dump had interacted with industrial waste, triggering the explosion.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the October incident, but it prompted a high alert across the city. Major investigative agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and National Security Guard (NSG), had inspected the site to gather evidence.
Current Situation
The latest explosion has raised fresh concerns among residents and authorities alike. While this time only minor injuries were reported, the recurrence of such incidents in the same area is alarming.
Investigators are leaving no stone unturned. Evidence is being collected from the site, and forensic teams are trying to determine if the explosion was caused by human negligence, a chemical reaction, or something more deliberate.
What’s Next?
Authorities are urging people to stay calm and avoid spreading rumors. For now, the priority is understanding the root cause of the explosion to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Local residents hope for a swift resolution. The presence of specialized teams like the Crime Branch and Bomb Disposal Squad reflects the seriousness of the investigation. Whether it was an accident or something more sinister, the truth will hopefully come to light soon.
Final Thoughts
While minor injuries and property damage were the extent of Thursday’s explosion, the incident is a wake-up call for better safety measures. Both October’s and this week’s blasts underline the importance of investigating and managing industrial and chemical waste more carefully. For now, Delhi waits for answers as the investigation unfolds.
The government has taken a big step to modernize how taxpayers manage their information with the launch of the PAN 2.0 Project. Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, this initiative aims to upgrade the existing PAN (Permanent Account Number) system, making it more secure, efficient, and user-friendly. With an investment of ₹1,435 crore, PAN 2.0 is set to bring a lot of improvements to the current system without creating any extra hassle for citizens.
What Is PAN 2.0?
PAN 2.0 is a revamped version of the current PAN system. It’s designed to serve as a common business identifier, especially for business activities across specified sectors. According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, this upgrade is part of an effort to strengthen India’s digital infrastructure and make financial processes smoother and safer for everyone.
Here’s what PAN 2.0 promises:
System Upgrades: The new system will enhance the way taxpayer data is managed and accessed.
Unified Portal: A single online platform will be introduced for all PAN-related services.
Better Security: Stronger cybersecurity measures will protect taxpayer data.
Mandatory Data Vault System: Any organization using PAN information must store it securely using a data vault system.
Grievance Redressal: A modern, technology-driven system will make resolving issues faster and easier.
Will You Need to Apply for a New PAN Card?
No need to worry! If you already have a PAN card, you don’t need to reapply. Your existing PAN will remain valid, and you’ll automatically receive the upgraded benefits. The government has also confirmed that there will be no additional cost for these improvements.
What’s changing? The upgraded PAN cards will include QR codes to enhance security and usability. These updates will not affect the current 78 crore PAN cardholders.
How Does PAN 2.0 Help Businesses?
One of the standout features of PAN 2.0 is its focus on making the PAN card a common business identifier. This means businesses across various sectors can use PAN as their primary identification number for compliance and other purposes.
The unified portal will simplify business operations by reducing paperwork and providing an easy, digital way to manage PAN and TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) services.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
PAN is a crucial part of financial and tax-related activities in India. For individuals, it helps with filing taxes, opening bank accounts, and more. For businesses, it’s essential for transactions, compliance, and government dealings. With PAN 2.0, the government aims to:
Improve the user experience for both individuals and businesses.
Strengthen data protection to prevent unauthorized use.
Create a streamlined, paperless process for all PAN-related activities.
The initiative also aligns with India’s larger push toward e-governance, ensuring that processes are digital, secure, and efficient.
In Summary
The PAN 2.0 Project is a much-needed upgrade to India’s taxpayer identification system. It brings advanced technology, stronger security, and a user-friendly approach to something that’s already a cornerstone of financial life in the country.
If you’re a taxpayer or a business owner, there’s no action needed on your part. Just look forward to an enhanced system that works better for you. With these changes, PAN 2.0 promises to make managing your financial and tax details easier and more secure than ever.
Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief, has made a bold statement: the world is already in the early stages of a third World War. According to Zaluzhny, this conflict is no longer limited to Ukraine and Russia—it now involves major global powers like the United States, North Korea, Iran, and potentially China.
Speaking at the UP100 award ceremony organized by Ukrainska Pravda, Zaluzhny described how the Ukraine-Russia conflict has escalated far beyond its origins. “In 2024, we can absolutely believe that the Third World War has begun,” he said, pointing to mounting evidence of external involvement in the war.
Signs of Global Involvement
Zaluzhny highlighted several troubling developments. North Korean troops have reportedly joined Russian forces, while weapons from countries like Iran and China are potentially being deployed on the battlefield. These claims, although difficult to verify independently, suggest an alarming expansion of the war.
“Ukraine is no longer just fighting Russia,” Zaluzhny explained. “North Korean soldiers are in front of us, and Iranian Shahed drones are openly killing Ukrainian civilians.”
Western media reports suggest that Russia may deploy as many as 50,000 North Korean troops alongside Russian forces for a counter-offensive in Kursk Oblast, a region where Ukraine has gained some control.
Urging Western Allies for Support
Zaluzhny expressed frustration with Ukraine’s Western allies, accusing them of not fully grasping the global stakes. He called for increased aid to prevent the war from spreading further.
“It is still possible to stop this war here, on the territory of Ukraine,” he said. “But for some reason, our partners refuse to understand this.”
His plea underscores the growing urgency for external support as Ukraine faces escalating threats on multiple fronts.
A Controversial Figure
Zaluzhny’s comments come months after his dismissal as commander-in-chief by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Officially, the move was part of a military shake-up. However, reports suggest disagreements over war strategy and speculation about his growing popularity as a threat to Zelensky’s leadership.
Since then, Zaluzhny has been serving as Ukraine’s envoy to the United Kingdom, a role that keeps him engaged in the ongoing geopolitical struggle.
The Bigger Picture
The Ukraine war has already caused immense devastation and upheaval, but Zaluzhny’s remarks highlight an even graver possibility: a global conflict involving superpowers. His warnings about North Korean troops and advanced weapons from countries like Iran add to fears of a broader escalation.
While claims like these are difficult to verify independently, they shed light on the war’s growing complexity. Zaluzhny’s plea for increased support reminds the world that the stakes in Ukraine are higher than ever.
As the war continues, the question remains: Is this the beginning of a third World War? Only time will tell, but the situation demands close attention and swift action to prevent further escalation.
Zomato is tackling food waste with its new feature, Food Rescue. It’s a simple idea with a big goal: reduce wasted food while offering affordable meals. The feature lets restaurants and food businesses sell canceled orders at a discounted price to customers nearby.
Food Rescue first launched as a mandatory program in September 2024. But many restaurant owners weren’t happy about being forced into it. So, Zomato made changes and reintroduced it in November as a voluntary option. Now, businesses can decide if they want to take part.
Here’s how it works. When an order is canceled, the food is still fresh and packed. Instead of throwing it away, the restaurant lists it on the app. Customers near the delivery route can buy it at a lower price. This saves food from being wasted and gives people a chance to enjoy meals for less.
Zomato’s CEO, Deepinder Goyal, says the company handles over 400,000 canceled orders every month. That’s a huge amount of food going to waste. This initiative aims to change that.
We don't encourage order cancellation at Zomato, because it leads to a tremendous amount of food wastage.
Inspite of stringent policies, and and a no-refund policy for cancellations, more than 4 lakh perfectly good orders get canceled on Zomato, for various reasons by customers.… pic.twitter.com/fGFQQNgzGJ
Not everyone is on board, though. Some restaurant owners worry about food quality and how it might affect their brand. “If food is rerouted, it’s still my name on the dish,” said one owner. Others fear logistical challenges, like managing these orders alongside regular ones.
But some see the benefits. Joy Singh from Yeti – The Himalayan Kitchen says the idea is good for reducing waste and could even bring in new customers. Ritika Sharma of Litchi Bistro agrees but stresses the need for transparency. She believes the program could enhance a restaurant’s reputation if done right.
To address concerns, Zomato has made a few changes. Restaurants won’t have to pay extra fees for listing canceled orders. The payment for these orders is shared between the restaurant and the original customer, with Zomato taking only taxes. Delivery workers also get paid for the extra trip.
Debaditya Chaudhury, who runs Chowman and Oudh 1590, thinks the initiative has potential. It could appeal to younger, budget-conscious customers while cutting down on waste. Still, he points out that the program needs smooth operations to succeed.
Food Rescue is a step in the right direction for sustainability. It could save thousands of meals each month and help restaurants recover some costs from cancellations. But for it to truly work, Zomato needs to address the worries of restaurant owners and ensure the process is easy and reliable.
If done well, Food Rescue could set an example for how businesses can fight waste while creating value for everyone involved. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s a promising start.
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