Security researcher Santhosh Kumar of TraceX Labs discovered a critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in an IBM product, which was responsibly disclosed and later fixed, with the contribution acknowledged by IBM’s Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT).
Indian couple chooses Luxembourg over US for better quality of life despite lower salaries
Vartha Bharati | 05-09-2024 | 16:23:00 IST
Luxembourg: In 2020, Bengaluru-based couple Prateek Gupta and Neha Maheshwari made the decision to move to Luxembourg, opting for a better quality of life over the higher salaries they could have earned in the US or Dubai. In an interview with Live Mint, the couple shared their reasons for the move and how their life has changed since relocating to Europe.
Neha, who works in finance at a German real estate company, and Prateek, a senior analyst at Amazon, admitted that while staying in India or moving to countries like the US or Dubai would have provided them with greater financial opportunities, the lifestyle in Europe was more appealing. "Continuing in India or moving to the US would have given us more career and earning opportunities. But we wanted to experience the superior quality of life that Europe offers," Prateek explained.
One of the key factors behind their decision was the balance between income and the services available in Luxembourg. While the couple pays around 28% of their income in taxes, slightly lower than in India, they feel that the services they receive, including healthcare and social security, make it worthwhile. "We contribute 3% of our income to government-sponsored health insurance, which covers most medical needs, except dental treatment," Neha shared.
Another aspect of Luxembourg's tax system that appeals to the couple is the 2% unemployment fund contribution. "If someone loses their job, the government pays 80% of their last drawn salary for up to two years, or until they find new employment," Neha explained. This security, along with healthcare coverage, means they don’t need a separate emergency fund.
The couple also spoke about the affordability of luxury cars and travel in Europe. They purchased a Mercedes A-class for €43,000, which is far more affordable than in India, where a similar car would cost ₹55 lakh. "I wouldn’t easily buy a luxury car priced over ₹50 lakh in India, but in Luxembourg, it’s within my means due to my income in euros," Prateek noted.
Additionally, they find traveling around Europe to be more budget-friendly. Since they earn and spend in the same currency, they can enjoy holidays across Europe without worrying about exchange rates. "The proximity between countries also makes travel cheaper, as we can simply drive around," Prateek said.
Though the couple acknowledges that they could have earned more in other countries or stayed in India for bigger pay increments, the overall quality of life in Luxembourg has proven to be the deciding factor.
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Jewellery worth over Rs 2 cr stolen from Kowdiar Palace; probe launched
15-03-2026 ¦
15-03-2026 IST
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): A probe has been launched after jewellery worth over Rs two crore was allegedly stolen from Kowdiar Palace here, police said on Sunday.
Peroorkada police registered a case on Saturday following a complaint filed by senior royal family member Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Bhayi.
According to the FIR, the theft is suspected to have taken place between October and November 2025 from an almirah in Gouri’ Bhayi’s bedroom.
Police said around 12 pieces of jewellery, including chains and rings weighing over 40 sovereigns of gold and studded with precious stones, were missing.
The value of the ornaments is believed to be higher due to their antique nature, as they were inherited by members of the royal family, police said.
Officials said the palace authorities had conducted an internal probe after the ornaments were found missing, later confirmed the theft, and reported the matter to the police.
Police visited the palace on Saturday, recorded Gouri Bhayi’s statement and registered a case.
The case was registered under Section 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for theft.
A team led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police has begun the investigation.
Police are also examining CCTV footage from the palace and recording statements of employees as part of the probe, an officer said.
Kowdiar Palace is the official residence of the Travancore royal family, which ruled a vast portion of central and southern Kerala until Independence.
The royal family is yet to respond to the incident.
