Finance With Doug

  Automotive safety has always been a critical aspect of car manufacturing. Over the decades, safety features have evolved from simple seat belts to a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), fundamentally changing how we view vehicle safety and accident prevention. This evolution reflects not just technological advancement, but also an increased focus on saving lives and reducing injuries worldwide. The Basics: Seat Belts and Airbags The first major leap in automotive safety was the introduction of the seat belt in the 1960s. A simple yet effective mechanism, seat belts dramatically reduced fatalities caused by ejection in car crashes. Soon after, the adoption of airbags added a crucial layer of protection, cushioning passengers during collisions and preventing direct impact with hard surfaces inside the vehicle. Structural Improvements Improved car structure has also been fundamental to safety. Crumple zones—parts of the car designed to deform during impact—absorb ...

  The global transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs) is more than a trend—it is a revolution currently taking root in India. Driven by concerns over pollution, fluctuating fuel prices, and the desire for technological self-reliance, India’s automotive landscape is experiencing profound changes. What does the future hold for electric vehicles in the nation, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead? Government Push and Policy Support One of the key reasons behind the surge in EV adoption in India is the strong government support. Initiatives such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme have made EVs more attractive through subsidies, tax breaks, and charging infrastructure rollout. The ambitious target to have 30% of vehicles be electric by 2030 frames policy decisions for both central and state governments, spurring action from automakers and consumers alike. Shifting Consumer Mindset Histor...

  TL;DR: The Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Award spotlights individuals forging real change in Maharashtra. Recent winners span business innovation, community upliftment, and cultural influence. Their achievements demonstrate that leadership and impact come in many forms. Every year, the Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Award recognizes extraordinary contributions shaping Maharashtra’s future. This prestigious accolade honors a diverse group—entrepreneurs breaking barriers, philanthropists uplifting communities, and artists inspiring millions. The recent recipients exemplify how varied forms of leadership power transformation across the state. Peyush Bansal (2022): Redefining Eyewear in India Peyush Bansal’s trailblazing path with Lenskart completely reinvented the eyewear market in India. Identifying huge gaps in affordability and accessibility, Bansal introduced technology-driven solutions and a direct-to-consumer model that democratized vision care. His efforts mean that mill...

 Sustainable engineering is a rapidly growing field that focuses on creating solutions that minimize environmental impacts while improving the quality of life. With the world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, engineers are increasingly turning to sustainable practices to address issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and pollution. What is Sustainable Engineering? Sustainable engineering refers to the practice of designing and implementing systems and technologies that are environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially responsible. It involves the use of renewable resources, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable materials to ensure that the infrastructure and technologies of today do not compromise the needs of future generations. Key Areas of Sustainable Engineering: Renewable Energy: Solar, wind, and hydropower are becoming more common sources of energy, replacing fossil fuels. Engineers are working on making renewable energy ...

The Maharashtrian of the Year awards by Lokmat Times is a prestigious recognition given to individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Over the years, the award has celebrated achievers who have not only excelled in their professions but also left an indelible impact on society. In 2024, this recognition continued to honour individuals who have demonstrated leadership, resilience, and dedication to their work. Let's take a look at the recent winners who were honored for their remarkable contributions to Maharashtra and beyond. 1. Peyush Bansal – Revolutionizing Eyewear Retail (2022) Peyush Bansal, co-founder of Lenskart, has been recognized for his monumental role in revolutionizing the eyewear retail industry in India. In 2022, Bansal’s vision to make eyewear more accessible to the masses led to the establishment of a company that now has a strong online presence, making quality eyewear available at affordable prices. Through Lenskart, he introd...

Organised crime has been a persistent challenge across the world, influencing economies, politics, and local communities. Unlike petty or opportunistic crimes, organised crime involves structured groups working together to carry out illegal activities on a large scale. Understanding how these groups operate helps governments, businesses, and citizens protect themselves and strengthen the rule of law. What Organised Crime Means Organised crime refers to criminal activities coordinated by structured groups or networks. These groups often have a hierarchy, shared resources, and a division of roles. They may engage in smuggling, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, extortion, counterfeit goods, or human trafficking. Unlike small-scale crime, organised crime operates like a business with planning, funding, and long-term goals. Characteristics of Organised Crime Groups Such groups tend to be secretive, disciplined, and driven by profit. They exploit gaps in law enforcement and take advant...

Maharashtra is known as a powerhouse for finance, business, and policy in India. The state has produced some of the country’s most dynamic Chartered Accountants, individuals whose skills extend far beyond balance sheets. They’ve become pioneers in innovation, governance, and public service. This article profiles five such leaders—Abhay Bhutada, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Shailesh Haribhakti, Nirmal Jain, and Suresh Prabhu—and how their achievements have influenced India’s economy and inspired professionals nationwide. Abhay Bhutada: Innovating Financial Access and Education Abhay Bhutada has emerged as one of India’s most prominent champions of digital lending. By using technology to improve financial access for individuals and small businesses, he has redefined how credit is delivered in the country. A stellar performance has taken Abhay Bhutada’s net worth over 1000 crore rupees. His approach focuses on streamlining processes, reducing barriers, and reaching underserved segments of the ...

 Living in a city does not mean you have to give up on greenery. A balcony garden can bring nature into your home, improve air quality and lift your mood. With a few simple steps, you can turn even a small space into a thriving garden. This article explains how to start a balcony garden that suits Indian urban lifestyles. Assessing Your Space Begin by checking the size and sunlight of your balcony. Note how many hours of direct or indirect sunlight it receives. This will help you choose the right plants. Even small balconies can hold a surprising number of pots if you plan well. Use corners, railings and vertical space to maximise the area. Choosing the Right Plants Select plants based on your balcony’s sunlight. For bright balconies, go for hibiscus, marigold or basil. For shaded areas, choose ferns, money plants or snake plants. Herbs such as coriander, mint and curry leaves thrive in containers and are useful for cooking. In her book Urban Gardening Made Easy , Shweta Sinha ...

  India’s regulatory framework around responsible and transparent development has grown stronger since SEBI introduced the 2021 ESG Standards. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation, established with a mission to uplift underserved communities, has embedded these principles into its everyday work. By focusing on governance, education, environmental awareness and community support, the Foundation reflects how a non-profit can comply with ESG guidelines while also driving measurable social impact. Strengthening Governance and Accountability Good governance is the foundation of effective philanthropy. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation ensures that every contribution and grant is documented, monitored and reported transparently. This commitment to accountability fulfils SEBI’s emphasis on disclosure and fund allocation. Through structured oversight, the Foundation minimises wastage of resources, ensures funds reach their intended beneficiaries and builds confidence among stakeholders. This governanc...