IFFI 2024: Bhumi Pednekar, Ishaan Khatter, Madhur Bhandarkar, Jaideep Ahlawat Talk Cinema | WATCH

The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has kicked off in Goa, bringing the magic of cinema to life in the vibrant city of Panaji. This years festival promises a cinematic extravaganza, showcasing 19 world and international premieres, 43 Asian premieres, and an impressive 109 Indian premieres over its eight-day celebration.The opening day set the tone for a glamorous event, with stars like Bhumi Pednekar, Madhur Bhandarkar, Ishaan Khatter, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Shekhar Kapur gracing the red carpet. As they posed for the cameras, the stars shared heartfelt memories of IFFI and their enduring passion for cinema. Watch the video for more.

Buy Grasim, target price Rs 3,060: Motilal Oswal Financial Services

Motilal Oswal Financial Services maintains a buy call on Grasim Industries, setting a target price of Rs 3,060. They cite a recovery in Grasim's VSF business and anticipate margin improvement in the second half of FY25. The brokerage also highlights the company's growing paints business and its goal to capture a significant market share by FY25.

HR&CE to reclaim encroached temple land in Thoothukudi

THOOTHUKUDI: The Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department has decided to take possession of a 6.51-acre parcel of land belonging to the Sri Sankararameswarar Devasthanam, commonly known as the Sivan temple, in Thoothukudi district. The move comes in response to complaints alleging encroachment of the land located at Gomezpuram in Mapilaiyoorani panchayat. According to sources, the land was leased to Palanisamy, but was subsequently taken over by DMK supporters who established a commercial complex named ECR Market-Surya Angadi. The complex housed over 50 shops and a goat market. Activist Paramasivam filed a complaint with Collector K Elambahavath, alleging that the land allocation was not transparent and violated rules governing temple property leases, potentially favouring the ruling party. Another activist, SM Gandhi, also lodged a complaint with the collector, pointing out that the commercial establishment lacked necessary permissions from authorities such as the panchayat and fire and safety departments. An HR&CE official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the land was classified as punjai land, making the construction of a commercial complex illegal. The official added that the required procedures for converting the land for commercial use were not followed. Shopkeepers began removing their belongings and name boards from the complex on Tuesday. However, repeated attempts to reach HR&CE Commissioner P N Sridhar and Joint Commissioner Anbumani for comment were unsuccessful.

Motilal Oswal Maintains 'Buy' On Indian Hotel, Here's Why

The brokerage believes the company's financial discipline and operational agility position it to achieve its 2030 goals.

Argentina star equals Maradona's record, joins Messi in elite list

Lautaro Martinez equaled Diego Maradona's record of 32 goals for Argentina with a decisive goal against Peru in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His second-half volley secured a 1-0 victory for Argentina, solidifying their top position. Martinez's achievement marks him as one of Argentina's most prolific scorers, trailing only Lionel Messi in the all-time rankings.

JSW Steel shares fall by 1% on emerging preferred bidder for Codli mineral block XII in Goa

JSW Steel's shares dipped 1% after securing the Codli Mineral Block XII in Goa for 92.60% of the mineral value. The block holds an estimated 48.5 million tonnes of iron ore resources. This follows their Italian arm finalizing a 30 million release agreement with Metinvest Adria S.p.A.

The goal of India's industrial policy should be profits, not votes

India's manufacturing subsidies, particularly those benefiting Apple, have significantly boosted exports. The government has handled Apple the right way, giving the company a great deal of freedom. The temptation, though, is to seek not just economic but political dividends from state largesse.

Womens Asian Champions Trophy: Deepikas goal helps India beat China to defend title, claim their third crown overall

Womens Asian Champions Trophy: Deepikas goal helps India beat China to defend title, claim their third crown overall Rajgir (Bihar): India secured the Womens Asian Champions Trophy 2024 title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against China in the final here on Wednesday. Deepikas decisive back-handed strike in the third quarter proved to be the difference, [] The post Womens Asian Champions Trophy: Deepikas goal helps India beat China to defend title, claim their third crown overall appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Exposition has become sacred tradition in Goa, uniting people of all faiths

Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferro pens an exclusive message for The Navhind Times readers I am glad to send this Message for the readers of The Navhind Times, to be published on a special page dedicated to the Exposition. The decennial Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St. Francis Xavier has [] The post Exposition has become sacred tradition in Goa, uniting people of all faiths appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Goa Police pull out all stops for smooth conduct of decennial event

Panaji: Goa police on Wednesday said that elaborate security arrangements are in place for the 45-day decennial Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa, popularly known as Goencho Saib, which begins from November 21, 2024. Goa police is committed to ensuring a very good and safe event. Weve been working [] The post Goa Police pull out all stops for smooth conduct of decennial event appeared first on The Navhind Times .

IFFI 2024 gets off to a glittering start

Fest has taken Goa on global platform: CM Special Correspondent Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said that from 2004 to 2024, over the last 20 years, the International Film Festival of India has been celebrated in Goa, and both Goa and IFFI have become synonymous with each other. Former defence minister, late Manohar [] The post IFFI 2024 gets off to a glittering start appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Exposition at Old Goa to begin from today

Panaji: The 45-day-long decennial Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier at the UNESCO world heritage site in Old Goa begins on Thursday (today). The relics were lowered from the mausoleum in the Basilica of Bom Jesus on Wednesday evening in the presence of Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao. [] The post Exposition at Old Goa to begin from today appeared first on The Navhind Times .

First full draft on climate finance today

With the clock ticking at COP29 in Azerbaijan, negotiators remain locked in intense discussions over the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance, struggling to resolve disputes over the scale and structure of support needed to aid vulnerable nations in their fight against climate change. Developing countries are demanding $1.3 trillion annually to address loss and damage, adapt to climate impacts, and transition to clean energy systems. However, developed nations have so far offered proposals falling significantly short of this figure. The host presidency has promised to release the first full draft text on Thursday morning, but immediately clarified that it was not the final text but aiming to provide a starting point for resolution. Lead negotiator Yelchin Rafiyev expressed cautious optimism, describing the draft as a clear step forward, though substantial decisions remain unresolved. There are still issues where all parties need to keep working to find a common ground and deliver a balanced outcome. I want to clarify that this text is not final. Based on the inputs from the parties, there would be elements in the final text which are not there in the draft, he said and added that decisions taken in Baku will be essential to guide us from the first to the second decade of the Paris Agreement. Contention is on how much the total amount of finance is needed German climate envoy Jennifer Morgan said: The most critical currency right now is trust trust in the presidency and trust between and amongst parties. She noted that the success of the talks depends heavily on the options presented by the presidency and the willingness of negotiators to overcome entrenched positions. The primary points of contention revolve around three key questions. One, the total amount of finance to be mobilised, the balance between grants and loans, and the contributors to the fund. Proposals from developed nations range from $200 billion to $900 billionfigures developing countries argue are inadequate. Bolivian negotiator Diego Pacheco, who is also the spokesperson of the Like-Minded Developing Countries group criticised these offers, saying, developed countries whose legal obligation is to provide finance continue to shift their responsibility to developing countries. Adonia Ayebare, chair of the G77 plus China negotiating bloc, dismissed the lower figures, calling them a joke and said $1.3 trillion should be the headline target to reflect the scale of the climate crisis. Ali Mohamed, chair of the African Group of Negotiators, voiced concern over the lack of progress on a concrete figure, stating, There is a clear obligation for developed countries to support poorer countries, but up to now, we dont seem to have a figure.

Glam & glitz: 9-day-long celebration of cinematic heritage at IFFI begins

PANAJI: The nine-day celebration of Indias cultural and cinematic heritage International Film Festival of India (IFFI) kick-started with the Australian film Better Man directed by Michael Gracy, in Goa on Wednesday. Better Man, is a cinematic tribute to resilience, fame, and the extraordinary life of British pop legend Robbie Williams. The gala open ceremony was graced by noted filmmakers and actors, including festival director Shekhar Kapur, Subhash Ghai and Nagarjuna. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar were also present. In a video message played at the inauguration ceremony, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said that with the addition of technology and the development of the creator ecosystem, India can play a major role in the way the creator economy is shaping up. IFFI has become an important milestone in the development of the film industry in India. We in India, at this point of time, are very much focused on developing the content creators economy. We have a very vibrant creators economy where people come up with very innovative content showcasing some of the rich heritage, cuisines and the culture of India. Some of the gems of Indian language and literature are being presented by the content creators in very interesting ways, said Vaishnaw. The minister said that the event would facilitate young filmmakers to find new partnerships and develop new ideas. A significant segment of IFFI, Film Bazaar, which promises a dynamic platform for aspiring filmmakers and established industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and propel the future of cinema, also began on Wednesday.

EV tax break sparks hope; questions persist

HYDERABAD: The governments announcement of a 100% exemption on road tax and registration fees for electric vehicles (EVs) has evoked mixed reactions from stakeholders and experts. While the move to promote green mobility and environment-friendly vehicles has been widely welcomed, concerns are being raised about addressing existing challenges in manufacturing, battery technology and charging infrastructure. Speaking to TNIE, Venugopal Rao Nellutla, an electric mobility expert and independent consultant, called the tax exemption commendable for boosting consumer confidence by reducing EV costs. However, he urged the government to prevent unethical practices, such as the artificial inflation of ex-showroom prices by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or dealers of EVs. To safeguard consumer interests and maintain policy integrity, he suggested introducing a price monitoring mechanism. He recommended establishing a regulatory body to track and audit EV pricing trends before and after the exemptions implementation. Drawing parallels with the Gujarat Energy Development Agency model, Venugopal said the government should mandate transparency in pricing. OEMs and dealers must provide a detailed price breakup, including the manufacturer billing price, logistics, margins and taxes, to ensure consumers, particularly ill-informed buyers of three-wheeler EVs, are fully informed, he said, adding that penalties should be imposed on violators for manipulating prices. Focus on infra Alwala Devender Reddy, founder of Eride E-Mobility, highlighted the policys potential to reduce vehicular emissions and contribute to Indias goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2070. Speaking to TNIE, he noted improvements in battery safety following the introduction of the Automotive Research Association of India and International Centre for Automotive Technology standards. New software and awareness initiatives have mitigated battery-related incidents. Transitioning from lithium-ion to hydrogen batteries is the next step, he said. However, Devender highlighted the urgent need to expand charging infrastructure, especially along highways. He also advocated for a unified One Nation, One EV Policy to accelerate EV adoption, stressing that EVs and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles would need to coexist during the transition phase. Concerns of consumers Auto drivers expressed apprehensions about the policys impact on existing CNG, LPG and ICE-powered auto-rickshaws. We are awaiting detailed guidelines. The government must ensure support for non-EV rickshaws to prevent their marginalisation under the new policy, said Sathi Reddy, a member of the Joint Action Committee of the Auto Drivers Union. Consumers, while welcoming the tax exemption, flagged issues of range anxiety and inadequate charging stations as barriers to choosing EVs over ICE vehicles. Experts also acknowledged the issue of range anxiety among EV users, particularly car owners, and emphasised the need for further R&D in this area. Mahesh Kumar, a car rental business owner from Rangareddy, said, The incentives on road tax and registration fees sound profitable, but range and charging time challenges make me hesitant to switch to EVs immediately.

The best laptop power banks for 2024

Smaller battery packs are great for refiling phones and tablets, but if you need to keep a laptop juiced up while youre far from an outlet, youll need something larger. For this guide, we tested portable chargers with at least a 20,000mAh (74Wh) capacity, but kept the upper limit below 27,000mAh (99Wh), since thats about the maximum size allowed by the TSA in carry-on luggage. Some laptop power banks sport extra features like wireless charging or an AC plug so you can power small devices such as a travel printer or an LED lamp. But what all of them have in common is a larger size and higher price tag than standard battery packs. So if you dont want to play a guessing game, these are the best laptop power banks we tested. Table of contents Best laptop power banks for 2024 What to look for in a laptop power bank How we test portable laptop chargers Laptop power bank FAQs Best laptop power banks for 2024 What to look for in a laptop power bank Capacity If you just need to keep a smartphone from dying before you can make it home, just about any power bank will do. But if you need to revive multiple devices or the substantial battery of a laptop, youll want something with a high milliamp-hour (mAh) capacity. A power bank capable of delivering enough power to a laptop will have a capacity between 20,000 and 27,000 mAh. Go higher than 27,000mAh and you wont be able to take it on an airplane, which is why most portable chargers top out around that number. Since the voltage for most portable power banks is around 3.7 volts, a 27,000mAh battery translates to 99.9 watt hours which is the maximum capacity the TSA will allow for carry-on luggage. (And note that these batteries cant be checked, regardless of size). If you want something even bigger than a laptop power bank, and dont need to fly with it, youll likely want to look into portable power stations. These can be the size of a car battery or larger and can potentially fuel an entire weekend away. Another thing to keep in mind is that the capacity listed in a power bank's specs is not what will be delivered to your devices. As I mentioned, the capacity of these banks is around 25,000mAh. Even the huge battery on a MacBook Pro has a mAh rating of around 5,000 - 6,000mAh, so you might think youd get five full charges but in reality, you only get about a single 70-percent charge. The voltage is different (typically 3.7V for the power bank and 11.4V for a laptop) which makes the watt-hours, or the amount of energy each battery can hold, different (working out to 92Wh for the battery and 72Wh for the laptop). On top of that, in order to feed a charge from a power bank to a laptop, a voltage conversion takes place and that dissipates a decent amount of energy. Without turning this into a physics lesson, this all means that a power bank with a 25,000mAh (or 92Wh) capacity will typically fill a 5,000mAh (or 72Wh) laptop battery to about 75 percent. In my tests, I averaged about a 60-percent efficiency rate between a power banks listed capacity and the actual charge delivered. Ports Every large power bank Ive tested has at least three USB ports, with a mix of USB-C and USB-A, which should cover nearly any portable device you need to recharge earbuds, phones, tablets, laptops, you name it. In addition to the different plug formats, some ports supply power at different wattages. For example, one USB-C port might be rated for 60 watts, while the one next to it is rated for 100 watts. So if youve got a device thats capable of 70W fast charging, such as the new MacBook Air, youd want to opt for the 100W port to get the best charging speeds possible. Note that devices with a smaller wattage draw wont be negatively affected by connecting to ports with high ratings. For example, a Galaxy S24 Ultra, capable of 45W super fast charging, can happily plug into the 100W port. A device will only draw what it can take, regardless of what a port can supply. Just remember that the port, device and cable need to be at or above the desired wattage rating to achieve maximum charging rates. Some of these larger batteries also have AC ports. It might seem like a natural fit to plug in your laptops power adapter for a recharge. But really, the AC port should only be for devices that cant use USB such as a lamp or a printer. Plugging a power adapter into the AC port only wastes energy through conversion. First, the battery converts its DC power to supply the port with AC power, then the power adapter converts that AC power back to DC so your laptop can take it in. And as youll remember from physics class, each time energy is converted, some is lost to heat and other dissipations. Better to cut out the middleman and just send that DC power straight from the battery to the device. Also, you can use more than one port at a time with these devices; just remember that the speed of whatever youre charging will likely go down, and of course, the battery is going to drain proportionally to what youre refilling. Wireless charging Just in the last year and a half that Ive been testing portable power banks, wireless charging capabilities have noticeably improved. The first few I tried were painfully slow and not worth recommending. Now the wireless pads built into power banks are impressively fast particularly, in my experience, when charging Samsung Galaxy phones (though the lack of a stabilizing magnetic connection like Apples MagSafe means they only work when rested flat on a pad). Most wireless charging connections can be used while other ports are also being employed, making them convenient for some mobile battlestation setups. Of course, wireless charging is always less efficient than wired, and recharging from an external battery is less efficient in general. If you want to waste as little energy as possible, youre better off sticking to wired connections. Design All power banks are designed to be portable, but theres a big difference between a pocket-friendly 5,000mAh battery and one of these laptop-compatible bruisers. Most of the latter weigh between a pound and a half to two pounds, which is a considerable addition to a backpack. Many of the options listed here have a display to tell you how much charge remains in the battery, which is helpful when youre trying to judiciously meet out charges to your devices. If a bank has a wireless connection, the pad is usually on the flat top and any available AC connection is usually at one end. Both may require you to engage those charging methods. Dont be like me and grumble loudly that you got a bum unit without pressing (and sometimes double pressing) all the buttons first. How we test portable laptop chargers For the past year and a half, Ive been testing and using dozens of portable batteries for our other battery guide. Some of those batteries include the higher-capacity power banks you see here. I also got a hold of a few extra banks just for this guide to make sure we covered whats available. I went for brands Im already familiar with, as well as battery packs from well-received manufacturers I hadnt tried before (like UGREEN and Lion Energy). I only considered banks with at least a 20,000mAh capacity and mostly stuck with those that rated 25,000mAh and higher. Heres everything we tested: Zendure Supertank Pro Mophie Powerstation Pro XL Mophie Powerstation Pro AC Lion Energy Eclipse Mag Lion Energy Trek Baseus Blade Laptop Anker Prime 27,650mAh Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC Due to shipping and travel issues, I wasnt able to test two of the batteries I had slated: the HyperJuice 245W and the UGREEN Power Bank 25,000mAh . Once Ive had a chance to see how these two perform as well as any new worthy contenders that hit the market Ill update this guide accordingly. I tested each power bank with an iPhone 15, a Galaxy S23 Ultra, an iPad Air (M1) and a 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip. Even though these banks can charge multiple devices at once, I refilled one at a time, to make side-by-side comparisons more straightforward. I drained the batteries of the phones and tablets to between zero and five percent and then didnt use any device as it refilled. For the MacBook, I let it run down to 10 percent before plugging in the power bank. That's when most laptops give display a connect to power warning, as draining any battery to empty will compromise the battery life. I then used it as one might in a mobile office, with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, while connected to Wi-Fi and a VPN. For each test, I noted how long a completely charged battery took to get a device back to full and how much of the batterys capacity was used up in one charge. I also noted things like portability, apparent durability, helpful features and overall design. For reference, here are the battery capacities of the devices I used: iPhone 15: 3,349mAh Galaxy S23 Ultra: 4,855mAh iPad Air (5th gen): 7,729mAh 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro: 27,027mAh Laptop power bank FAQs How do laptop power banks differ from phone power banks? The main difference is size. Phone power banks tend to have a capacity ranging from 5,000mAh to 20,000mAh and laptop powerbanks are typically rated between 20,000mAh and 27,000mAh. Theres no official definition, however. Laptop batteries are simply larger and need a bigger supply of power to give them a meaningful charge. How do you fast charge a power bank? You can charge a power bank exactly as fast as the power banks internal mechanisms will allow. Most batteries are limited in how quickly they can accept and deliver a charge to avoid dangerously overheating. But to make sure youre charging a bank as quickly as possible, make sure the wall adapter and the USB-C cable you are using have a high wattage rating using a 5W power brick and a 10W cable will take a lot longer to refill your bank than a 65W wall charger and a 100W cord. What size power bank do I need for a laptop? Look for a power bank with a rating of at least 20,000mAh. Slightly smaller batteries may work, but they wont deliver a significant charge to your laptop. How many mAh to charge a laptop? A milliamp hour (mAh) is how much a battery can hold, and most portable batteries list their capacity using mAh. If you get a battery rated at 20,000mAh or above, it should be able to charge your laptop. Using mAh to discuss laptop batteries can be confusing. Due to differing voltages, you cant directly compare the mAh ratings of a power bank battery to a laptop battery. Using watt-hours is a better gauge, as that calculation takes voltage into account. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-laptop-power-bank-120040388.html?src=rss

Luxury for less: Inflation-hit Bengaluru tourists wave goodbye to Goa - Deccan Herald

Luxury for less: Inflation-hit Bengaluru tourists wave goodbye to Goa Deccan Herald

Ukraine Slams Allies For Closing Embassies Over Russia Missile Threat, Putin 'Open' To Trump's Truce

On November 20, the US closed its Kyiv embassy due to a potential air attack, advising citizens to shelter and stock up on essentials. This followed Ukraine's use of US ATACMS missiles on Russian territory, granted by President Bidens administration. Russias recent missile and drone strikes damaged Ukraines power grid, killing seven. Meanwhile, Putin remains open to ceasefire talks with President-elect Trump but rejects territorial concessions, emphasizing Russia's goals and the need for Ukraine to abandon NATO ambitions.

Saint Francis Xavier, Apostle of the East

A LONG JOURNEY HOME

HOW SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER LIVES ON

From the Basilica to the ends of Goa: How St Francis Xavier's relics reached other chapels and churches

Give Suchana copy of her phone contacts: HC to childrens court

Coastal security has improved, but new threats are emerging, says Navy official

Asia must create narrative distinct from Hollywoods: Shekhar Kapur

Ponda to Bhoma highway expansion to cost Rs 410cr

1,300 cops deployed per day for two high-profile events

I-League: Title, and nothing less, for Churchill Bros

Data shows air quality was satisfactory over 72 hours

Iffi is inaugurated with long-drawn and lacklustre opening programme

COP29: Final 48 hours, finance COP face rocky finale

Developing and developed nations are clashing over a new climate finance goal at COP29, with just 48 hours left to bridge the divide. Developing countries demand trillions in annual funding, primarily from public sources, while developed nations propose a broader approach including private and emerging economy contributions.

New EFLU student union vows to tackle administrative issues and student concerns

Hyderabad: Students of the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) have elected a new student union on Wednesday, with key positions filled by representatives from diverse student organisations. However, the election process has sparked criticism due to procedural irregularities initiated by the administration, sidelining traditional democratic practices. Porika Vikas of the Democratic Students Front (DSF) was elected president, while Aardra A. from the Left Front secured the vice-president position. The general secretary post went to Deena Elsa George, also from the Left Front. Other elected representatives include Noora Maisoon (joint secretary, Students for Social Justice), Nella Soumya (cultural secretary, DSF), and Arbaz Aman (sports secretary, United Students Front). This years elections departed from established norms, as the administration skipped crucial steps such as dissolving the outgoing student union through a General Body Meeting. The student-run Election Commission of EFLUs democratic process, was also bypassed. Instead, the administration announced a faculty-run Election Commission and notified the election process at the last minute. The notification for both the faculty-run Election Commission and the elections at the eleventh hour was a denial of the student bodys rights. The student union elections are supposed to be a democratic, student-run process with very little interference from the administration. We will ensure that it stays this way from now on, said general secretary Deena Elsa George, expressing dissatisfaction with the administrative overreach. The Left Front, contesting as an independent panel, achieved significant victories, securing three major posts, including vice-president and general secretary, alongside the ICC PhD Representative position. All seven of their candidates for councillor positions across different schools were also elected. Reflecting on the campaign, George said, One of the biggest goals that me and my organisation had with the elections was to try to bring about a wider politicisation of the student community on campus, so we will be working forward on that front. The newly-elected union has pledged to prioritise several pressing issues, including the establishment of a Gender Sensitisation Committee Against Sexual Harassment (GS-CASH), a demand that remains unmet despite repeated calls from the student community. Past years have been turbulent with multiple issues with the administration. One of the student communitys demands was to set up a GS-CASH on campus, which has not happened yet. Therefore, there will be efforts towards bringing that change on campus with the support of the student body, George told Deccan Chronicle. The union also intends to address everyday challenges faced by students, ranging from academic issues to accommodation concerns. These are the bigger demands, but there are also ground-level issues of the students which need to be addressed, in terms of academics, accommodation, etc., which also well be working towards, George added.

Aviation now needs a Tesla moment, like cars in the 2000s decarbonising demands disruptive new tech: Robert Miller

Robert Miller, Director of the Whittle Laboratory, highlights the need for disruptive technologies like cryogenic hydrogen fuel and hybrid electric flight to achieve net-zero aviation by 2050. He emphasizes four Sustainable Aviation Goals: mitigating contrail-induced cloud formation, enhancing system efficiency, scaling up sustainable aviation fuels, and investing in experimental technologies like hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Telangana: CM Revanth Defends Land Acquisition for Industries

Hyderabad : Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said that the Congress government was acquiring lands to establish industries and tackle the problem of unemployment by generating more jobs. Addressing a public meeting in Vemulawada on Wednesday, he said that land acquisition was essential for development and industrial growth. To support the affected landowners, the state government is offering significantly higher compensation tripling land values in areas where acquisitions are taking place, addressing the inadequacies of the current land acquisition act, which provides lower compensation, he maintained. The existing Land acquisition Act does not provide adequate compensation to farmers and landowners, who lose their lands for development projects, he said. To address this, I directed the chief secretary and district collectors to revise land values set by the state government. The revised compensation will be three times the existing value. For instance, a farmer receiving 10 lakh under the old Act will now receive Rs 30 lakh. These changes will encourage farmers to willingly hand over their lands for development projects, he said. The Chief Minister highlighted their approach, contrasting it with the policies of the BRS government. He accused the opposition of using owdy gangs to disrupt land acquisition efforts and creating hurdles for projects aimed at providing employment. Reddy alleged that the BRS government had forcibly acquired lakhs of acres for the Kaleshwaram project. This submerged 16 villages and the farmers were never adequately compensated. In stark contrast, the Congress government was acquiring only 1,100 acres of non-agricultural land across four villages in Kodangal for industrial development, he pointed out. I am not acquiring lakhs of acres like the BRS leaders did. My goal is to bring industries to my constituency and provide jobs to our youth. Why is the BRS opposing this he questioned. He accused the BRS government of mismanaging irrigation projects. He claimed that former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao prioritised personal and familial interests and constructed Kondapochamma sagar and Ranganayakasagar projects to benefit farmhouses owned by his family members. Rao spent over Rs 1.80 lakh crore on irrigation projects in 10 years but failed to provide any tangible irrigation facilities to farmers. Konda Pochamma sagar project was designed to supply water to his farmhouse, while Ranganayaka sagar project was earmarked for the farmhouse owned by his nephew Harish Rao, Revanth alleged. He took aim at Chandrashekar Raos family, particularly his son K.T. Rama Rao and newphew T. Harish Rao, for using inflammatory language against Congress leaders. Will he condone the language used by his son and nephew? Shouldnt we be setting up industries and providing jobs instead of obstructing development? he asked. Revanth Reddy accused Harish Rao of illegally transferring government-acquired lands for his personal use. He has a history of encroaching lands meant for public projects, including those under the Ranganayaka sagar project. Why is the opposition now showing hostility towards my constituency Kodangal, when I am trying to acquire lands to set up industries? he wondered. Our government is focused on balancing development with the rights of farmers and landowners, he said, promising transparency and accountability in all land acquisitions. The Chief Minister vowed to complete the Narayanpet-Kodangal lift irrigation project and push forward industrialisation initiatives despite opposition resistance.

Chinese AV startup Pony AI boosts its IPO goal to $260M

Pony AI, the Chinese autonomous vehicle startup thats looking to go public on the Nasdaq stock exchange, now wants to raise around $260 million, according to a new regulatory filing. Thats up from its previous target of around $224 million. To meet the goal, Pony will sell as many as 20 million American depository shares. [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Govt notifies traffic changes for Navelim feast

Blind Margao woman defrauded of Rs 8L, man held

Reflections on a transformative year as Ficci president

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) under the leadership of its outgoing president, collaborated with the Government of India on initiatives like 'Make in India', 'women-led development', 'farm prosperity', and 'sustainability' to achieve the 'Viksit Bharat' goal by 2027.

The best Christmas gifts in 2024 that everyone on your holiday list will love

This time of year has a lot of merry and bright things to be excited about, but it can be stressful if youre stumped on what to get your mom, dad, best friend, coworker or kids teacher as a holiday gift. Whether you enjoy or dread buying gifts for people, its safe to say we all want to give our loved ones things they will enjoy and appreciate. But theres a lot of noise, junk and bad deals disguised as good deals to sift through as we get closer and closer to the holidays. Allow us at Engadget to help you through it. Here, youll find all of our holiday gift guides collected in one place, so you can more easily find the best Christmas gifts you need this year. Are you looking for white elephant gift ideas? Are you struggling to come up with a good gift for the father figure in your life? Are you just looking for a good board game to pick up for your own family? Weve got you covered with gift ideas for all of those scenarios and more. We'll update this post as more of our gift guides hit the internet, so check back for even more gift ideas throughout the season. Table of contents Best white elephant gift ideas Best board game gifts Best gifts under $50 Gifts our editors want Best gifts for gamers Best retro gaming gifts Best gifts for coffee lovers Best gifts for tea lovers Best cooking gifts Best tech toys for kids Best gadgets for your pets Best travel gifts Best gifts for remote workers Best gifts for book lovers Best gifts for cyclists Best gifts for moms Best gifts for dads More coming soon! Best white elephant gift ideas According to legend, the King of Siam would give a white elephant to courtiers who had upset them. The recipient had no choice but to simply thank the king for such an opulent gift, knowing that they likely could not afford the upkeep for such an animal. It would inevitably lead them to financial ruin. This story is almost certainly untrue, but it has led to a modern holiday staple: the white elephant gift exchange. These gift ideas will not only get you a few chuckles, but will also make your recipient feel (slightly) burdened. Read more: The best white elephant gift ideas Best board game gifts We could all use more time away from screens of all types and sizes, and board games are a fun way to do that and bond with friends and family. You can find plenty of unique sets out there now, from word puzzles to whodunnits to calming playthroughs that showcase the beauty of the little things in life. From games with giant monsters to those with haunted mansions, were sure at least one of our suggestions will be a hit with you and your loved ones. Read more: The best board games to gift this season Best gifts under $50 We wouldnt blame you if you try to do all of your tech shopping around the holidays. Thats when you can typically get the best sales, both on relatively affordable gear and (more importantly) on big-ticket items. But it would be wrong to think that only the most expensive tech is worth gifting. Since we at Engadget test a plethora of gadgets every year, we know that there are some hidden (and not so hidden) tech gems at lower price ranges you just have to know where to find them. Read more: The best gifts under $50 that make great stocking stuffers Gifts our editors want We at Engadget spend a lot of time thinking about the best tech gifts for anyone and everyone in your life. But during that process, we often cant help but think about the things wed like to receive as gifts. Here, weve compiled a list of gadgets on our staffers wishlists with the hope that it may inspire you to splurge a bit on yourself this year. Read more: The best tech gifts on our editors' wishlists for the holiday season Best gifts for gamers This year may not go down as one of the best years in gaming like 2023 did, but that doesnt mean there werent a lot of great new releases. Between titles like Astro Bot and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth , there were plenty of games to keep even the most dedicated of gamers busy in 2024. And if youre shopping for one, especially as a non-gamer, it can be tricky to navigate whats worth buying. We've got you covered with these recommendations. Read more: The best gifts for gamers Best retro gaming gifts A million new video games seem to come out every week, but for some of us, nothing beats the classics. If you know someone who is way into retro gaming but dont feel like hunting through eBay and local shops for gear to add to their collection, were here to help. Weve rounded up a few of our favorite gift ideas for the nostalgic gamer in your life, from video upscalers for old consoles to retro-themed books and artwork. Read more: The best retro gaming gifts for the holidays Best gifts for coffee lovers When it comes to making a great cup at home, coffee nerds are constantly learning and love to try new things. Whether the person youre shopping for is a newly indoctrinated pour over lover or obsessive over every brewing parameter, weve compiled a list of the best gear for coffee geeks that you can get this holiday season. Read more: The best gifts for coffee lovers Best gifts for tea lovers Forget coffee for billions of people around the world, a freshly steeped cup of tea is the best part of waking up. But with so many varieties and methods of preparation out there, it can be difficult to find the right gift for the tea lover in your life. So to help you out, weve put together a list of our favorite products, from kettles to samplers. Read more: The best gifts to buy tea lovers Best cooking gifts There are few things more rewarding than making good food for your friends and family. But after a while, its easy to get bored with the same tried and true recipes. And what better way to inject some fun into your favorite home chefs routine than with a brand-new kitchen gadget? To help you find the right gift for the cook in your life, weve put together a list of our favorite kitchen gadgets across a wide range of prices and categories. Read more: The best cooking gifts Best tech toys for kids Were all having a bit of a budget crunch this year, but the good news is that when its time to bestow presents on the young ones (or young at heart), you dont have to break the bank. Our list of our favorite tech, science and design toys is stacked with items under $100, with plenty of reuse packed in so the fun can extend far beyond the holiday season. Read more: The best tech toys for kids Best gadgets for your pets In Engadgets Slack rooms, our pets are high on the list of stuff we chat about just behind work-adjacent tech stuff, insane current events, video games and food. Weve bought plenty of high- and low-tech stuff to keep our furry friends fed, occupied, safe and happy and weve put together the best of what we tried here. Perhaps youre shopping for your own very good boy or girl, or maybe you have a dutiful pet parent on your list either way, the gadgets gathered here will make great gifts, according to the enthusiastic tail wags (or aloof meows) of our own fur babies. Read more: The best gadgets for your pets Best travel gifts Since the dawn of humanity, we have traveled. Weve come a long way from on-foot journeys laden with animal hide satchels. But the goal of good travel gear is the same: Get you and your necessities to a destination in the highest level of comfort available. If you know someone who is always catching a flight, rides the train to work or is bravely embarking on a cruise, some new tech may just help them out. Read more: The best travel gifts Best gifts for remote workers There's a pretty good chance you know at least one person who works remotely in some fashion. While the WFH life has its perks nobody likes a long commute it comes with its own set of challenges, from lacking pro-level equipment to dealing with household disturbances. If youre looking to give a gift to someone who spends much of their time in their home office, weve rounded up a few techy gift ideas that should make their days a little more delightful, or at least easier to manage. Read more: The 19 best gift ideas for the remote worker in your life Best gifts for book lovers There are few things better in life than getting lost in a good book as any book lover will tell you. We have a few heavy readers on staff at Engadget and we all have opinions on the gadgets and subscriptions we think make the experience of reading even better. We've got gift ideas for those who prefer e-reading, as well as for the print-faithful and of course, some book recommendations, too. Read more: The best gifts for book lovers Best gifts for cyclists Other than a bike, helmet and a few emergency maintenance essentials, there arent many things a person needs to enjoy a bike ride outside. But having the right accessories can go a long way towards making the experience more fun, more safe and, ultimately, more rewarding. Our list of recommendations cover the gamut of things you can give to the cyclist in your life, from must-have safety accessories like bike lights, to more techie gadgets like bike computers. Read more: The best gifts for cyclists Best gifts for moms We dont speak for all moms, but a brief and unscientific survey has confirmed one gift most moms will love across the board: Time. Unspoken for, unstructured, zero-obligation time. While we couldnt find extra hours on sale anywhere online, we did find some gadgets and gizmos that help save time and others that make precious down time more enjoyable. Read more: The 13 best gifts for moms Best gifts for dads Many Dads arent known for being forthright about what exactly they want for the holidays. (No, peace and quiet is not an acceptable answer in this case.) If youre shopping for a father who likes gadgets but you arent sure what to get, let us help jog your brain with these gift ideas. Read more: The 15 best gifts for dads Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-christmas-gifts-in-2024-that-everyone-on-your-holiday-list-will-love-170018888.html?src=rss

Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350 Unveiled Ahead Of The Motoverse Launch

The Goan Classic 350 is a bobber with updated features set, lower seat height and a unique look

UP CM Yogi Adityanath launches Dekho Apna Desh - People's Choice 2024 campaign from Ayodhya

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the Dekho Apna Desh - People's Choice 2024 campaign, aiming to identify and promote the state's top tourist destinations. The campaign encourages public participation through voting and selfie uploads, with the goal of developing world-class tourist attractions based on public feedback.

Watch: Coach Harendra, team celebrate ACT triumph in style

The Indian women's hockey team, led by coach Harendra Singh, triumphed at the Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir, defeating China 1-0 in the final. Deepika, the tournament's top scorer, netted the winning goal, securing India's third ACT title. This victory marks a significant comeback for the team after their disappointment of failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

Deepika Stars With Solitary Goal, India Retain Womens ACT Hockey Title With Win Over China

Rajgir (Bihar), Nov 20: Young striker Deepika turned out to be the star once again with a fine reverse hit goal as India retained their womens Asian Champions Trophy title after edging past Olympic silver medallist China 1-0 in a pulsating final here Wednesday. Deepika scored the winner for India from a penalty corner in the 31st minute to finish as the tournaments highest goal getter with 11 strikes. India had earlier stunned China 3-0 in the league stages of [] The post Deepika Stars With Solitary Goal, India Retain Womens ACT Hockey Title With Win Over China appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Can you name every team Lionel Messi has scored 5+ goals against?

There are 40 names to get - & they're not all Spanish. The post Can you name every team Lionel Messi has scored 5+ goals against? appeared first on Planet Football .

Strinova's 2D Stringify mechanic breathes some new life into hero shooters

Strinova is a third-person hero shooter coming out this week, and its recent closed beta functioned more like an open beta despite the label. Its anime art style caught my eye, so I decided to register and try it out. While this hero shooter had much in common with others in the genre, I thoroughly enjoyed the new mechanics it introduced. This new third-person shooter from iDreamSky has elements players of Counter-Strike 2, Overwatch and Valorant will find familiar, such as game modes and Agent roles. However, the game sets itself apart by implementing a mechanic called Stringify, allowing Agents to turn from 3D into paper-thin 2D models. Stringify allows Agents to avoid gunfire, climb up walls and even glide through the air, but they cant shoot or use abilities while Stringified. This mechanic allows for possibilities like chambering sniper rifle rounds while minimizing ones hitbox and traversing walls mid-gunfight. It was incredibly entertaining to move around like this, but it isnt so over-the-top like how some Call of Duty games and Titanfall implement movement mechanics. Spamming glides or sprints wont do much good. Each Agent has unique abilities and primary weapons, while secondary weapons and grenades can be swapped out. You have many familiar roles like snipers, designated marksmen with semi-automatic rifles, mid-range assault units and close-quarters-focused brawlers armed with shotguns. The abilities range from defensive supports to lone-wolf offensive kits, though Strinova doesnt encourage engaging groups of enemies alone due to a longer time to kill. My favorite Agent from the open beta is Meredith (image below), a mid-range assault Agent who can glide in mid-air longer due to a time-slowing mechanic. Her gunplay feels almost inspired by Warframe s Zephyr, who also has extended airtime. Meredith also has area denial abilities that apply debuffs, most significantly with her Ultimate Skill that drains HP temporarily while limiting vision. Jeremy Gan for Engadget Another standout is Audrey, whose ability turns her into a stationary turret and lets her fire her machine gun without recoil or reloading. However, youll want to watch out for overheating. She has a limited shield that blocks some incoming fire while aiming down the sights but theres a catch. Despite being a bullet hose, shes vulnerable to a single sniper headshot, and a shotgun user can take her out quickly before she enters turret mode, which has a longer startup animation. There were four game modes in the open beta: team deathmatch, team arena, escort, and demolition. Escort is similar to what Overwatch offers, which has an attacking team escorting a payload to the goal. Demolition is basically competitive Counter-Strike. Team deathmatch has five teams of three fighting each other, while team arena has a 7v7 format. In the last two game modes, Ultimate Skills are disabled. Based on my experience, Strinova has a longer time to kill, which forces players to be more tactical, especially when everyone can use Stringify to move around. I was forced to ditch my highly aggressive playstyle and employ proper movement and peeking to ensure I survived gunfights. Since each Agent gets to turn 2D, glide and climb walls, there are plenty of ways to get the drop on opponents. Jeremy Gan for Engadget Strinova ran smoothly on my gaming laptop, reaching 120FPS easily and rarely dropping many frames. However, there was a glaring bug in which my A key was perceived as being held down. The only way to fix was to pause or unplug my keyboard. I usually had to perform the latter, and it was rather annoying to deal with, though hopefully its something that gets worked out by release. I definitely enjoyed playing the Strinova open beta, and the game is set to come out on November 21. There are plenty of other cool things in the game, but the combat absolutely stands out. I dont play that many hero shooters, but this one is like a diamond in the rough to me. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/strinovas-2d-stringify-mechanic-breathes-some-new-life-into-hero-shooters-140043155.html?src=rss

Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024: India beat China 1-0 in final to clinch record-equalling 3rd title

The match was intense and closely contested, with young striker Deepika scoring the winning goal for India from a penalty corner in the 31st minute.

India retain women's Asian Champions Trophy hockey title

India's women's hockey team clinched the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 title with a thrilling 1-0 victory over China. Young star Deepika emerged as the tournament's top scorer, netting the decisive goal in the 31st minute from a penalty corner. This win marks India's third ACT championship, equaling South Korea's record.

Prasar Bharti's OTT 'WAVES' launched

PANAJI: 'WAVES, the OTT platform of the public broadcaster Prasar Bharti was launched on Wednesday during the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Initially, 65 channels offering content in 10 languages including 40 live channels; news and entertainment networks, movies, TV shows, and games are available. We are planning to add programmes in in all Indian languages gradually, said chief executive officer (CEO), Prasar Bharti Gaurav Dwivedi. The platform will function on revenue-sharing model, as reported by this newspaper earlier this month. The application can be downloaded on Android and iOS. Besides fresh content and live streaming, services being offered by the Prasar Bharti including DD and All India Radio (AIR) and archival material of the publication and photo division have been integrated with the application. Besides consuming news and entertainment content, users will also be able shop for products like books through the application. The public technology initiative--Open Network for Digital Commerce-- (ONDC) launched by the Government to promote local business sectors has also been integrated with the WAVES. It will facilitate the consumers and sellers so that they can communicate for better experiences. When the viewers are consuming content digitally today, it was imperative for us to shift to this mode, Dwivedi to TNIE. In August, Prasar Bharti issued bids for Application-in-Application integration of OTT, gaming, educational or other applications on a revenue share model. As per the tender notice for on-boarding of linear satellite channels for streaming on broadcasters OTT service, only those channels which are permitted or licensed by the ministry for downlinking or distribution could apply. Preparations to introduce the digital service started last year as Prasar Bharti invited bids to design, develop, commission, operate and maintain its own OTT streaming platform.

India defend womens Asian Champions Trophy title, beat China 1-0 in final

Young striker Deepika scored the winner for India from a penalty corner in the 31st minute to finish as the tournaments highest goal getter with 11 strikes

Ven. Agnelo: an inspiration to experience Jesus in our mission, says Bishop Sebastio Mascarenhas

Ven. Agnelo: an inspiration to experience Jesus in our mission, says Bishop Sebastio Mascarenhas Ven. Agnelos 97th Death Anniversary Celebrated. PILAR (GOA): Venerable Agnelo was deeply filled with Jesus; he strengthened his relationship with Him and boldly proclaimed the Gospel. He serves as an inspiration for us to experience Jesus Said Bishop Sebastio Mascarenhas SFX, [] The post Ven. Agnelo: an inspiration to experience Jesus in our mission, says Bishop Sebastio Mascarenhas appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Women's ACT Live: India Eye Early Goals As Final Match Starts vs China

IND vs CHN Hockey LIVE Score, Asian Champions Trophy 2024: India face China in the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 final at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium, Bihar.

Adda247: One-Stop Solution for Government Exam Preparations

Adda247s track record is one of its most compelling features: about lakh students have achieved their career goals through the platforms resources

Woman sexually harassed on Goa-bound flight, 1 held

Police have arrested a 23-year-old man on charges of sexually harassing a woman co-passenger on a flight from Delhi to Goa, officials said on Wednesday.

INTERVIEW|Kudankulam Plant expansion not an alternative to a new power plant in Kerala, says expert

INDORE: Nuclear scientist and Director of Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology Unmesh D Malshe said in an interview with TNIE, that the expansion of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant will not serve as an alternative to a potential new plant in Kerala. He also said that setting up a nuclear power plant could help address Kerala's power deficit and meet energy demands in neighbouring states. Excerpts from the interview: Recently, there have been discussions between NPCI and KSEB regarding the possibility of setting up a nuclear power plant in Kerala. Any update on this? The discussions are ongoing, but nothing has been sanctioned yet. Kerala is exploring the option, which is positive. I believe it's crucial to have as many locations as possible for nuclear plants across states, as this will contribute to the country's overall energy capacity. Currently, India's installed nuclear capacity is around 9 gigawatts, but we aim to reach 21 gigawatts by 2030, so expanding nuclear energy is definitely a priority. Reports suggest Athirapally and Cheemeni have been identified as potential sites. Can you comment on their feasibility? If these locations meet the safety criteria set by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), they could be viable. Site selection committees take into account factors like landslide risks and flooding. A site will only be cleared if it meets stringent guidelines, so there's a robust system in place to ensure safety. I can't comment on the specific sites, but I'm sure the committee has considered all the necessary aspects. There has also been discussion about expanding the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. Could this be a better alternative? Kudankulam already has plans for six units, each generating 1000 MW, so it's already playing a role in our nuclear capacity. While it's good to expand existing sites, there's no harm in developing more locations across the country. We need to significantly increase our nuclear capacity to meet future energy demands and to contribute to the goal of net-zero emissions. Kudankulam helps, but more plants are needed. What impact would a nuclear power plant in Kerala have on the state's power generation? A nuclear power plant in Kerala would meet the state's own energy needs and could potentially supply neighboring states like Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh. Nuclear plants provide baseload power, which is essential for consistent energy supply to both households and industries. With a nuclear plant, Kerala would not only ensure self-sufficiency but also contribute to the regional power grid. What are the factors to consider when setting up a nuclear power plant in place like Kerala? The most important factor is access to a reliable water source. Nuclear plants use water for cooling, so proximity to a large water body is ideal. While it's possible to build in landlocked areas using cooling towers, being near water is more efficient. Safety and stability of the site are also crucial, and nuclear plants won't be built in areas prone to earthquakes or other natural disasters. With an increasing population, how will power demands evolve, and why is nuclear energy important? By 2070, India's population is expected to exceed 1.5 billion, and power demand will grow exponentially. Currently, our per capita electricity consumption is far lower than in developed nations. To support economic growth and improve the Human Development Index, we need to double our current capacity. Nuclear power plants, being efficient and capable of providing baseload power, are essential to meet these future demands. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are being heavily promoted. Why should Kerala still consider nuclear power? While renewable energy is important, it's intermittent. Solar and wind aren't always available, especially during peak demand at night. Nuclear energy provides a consistent baseload power, which is crucial for industries that require a constant energy supply. Over time, as we phase out coal to meet environmental goals, nuclear energy will play a central role in filling the gap. Waste disposal is a major concern for nuclear power. How is nuclear waste currently being managed, and is it a risk? There's a lot of misconception about nuclear waste. Yes, it's hazardous, but when managed properly, it's safe. We follow a closed fuel cycle, where spent fuel is reprocessed and reused, minimising waste. The small amount of waste that's generated is stored in a solid, glassified form in secure facilities. Unlike other countries that adopt an open fuel cycle and dump waste, India is developing long-term solutions, including advanced reactor technologies to reduce waste further. What about the impact of nuclear plants on local communities, particularly in terms of displacement? Land displacement is always a concern, but nuclear plants are designed with an exclusion zone for safety, which isn't much larger than that required for coal plants. In many cases, these projects bring economic benefits to local communities through employment and development opportunities. It's important to approach displacement with sensitivity and to ensure that those affected benefit from the project. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on marine life. How significant is this issue? While heat dissipation into nearby water bodies does occur, the impact is generally localized and doesn't extend far beyond the plant. The sea is a vast resource, and the heat released is minimal in comparison to the volume of water. Studies show that this has a limited effect on marine ecosystems, and regulatory bodies ensure that safety standards are met to minimize any potential harm

Diplomatic channels to decide India-UK FTA talks resumption date: Govt

India and the UK are set to resume negotiations for a free trade agreement in early 2025. The two countries aim to build on previous progress and finalize the deal quickly. The UK is a key partner in India's goal of reaching $1 trillion in exports by 2030.

Karnataka inked MoUs bringing in Rs 46,375 crore investments

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said the state has prioritised economic development by signing 21 MoUs with various organisations, bringing in investments worth Rs 46,375 crore with potential to generate 27,170 new jobs, since his government assumed office last year.Speaking at the inauguration of the 78th Annual Technical Meet of the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM), he said Bengaluru stands as a symbol of technological and industrial progress. It is only fitting that we host this prestigious event, bringing together over 1,700 experts dedicated to shaping the future of metals and materials, he said. The Chief Minister said the theme, Transformational Technologies in Materials and Manufacturing, of the three-day conclave underscores the critical need to envision and implement pioneering solutions to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving world. The materials and manufacturing sectors are pillars of economic growth and national resilience. Their influence extends beyond industry, touching every sphere of our collective progress, he said. As part of our commitment to a greener future, Karnataka is prioritising the adoption of green technologies across various industries, including metals and materials manufacturing. This helps drive sustainable practices while maintaining competitiveness on a global scale, Siddaramaiah said. Highlighting that Karnataka's dedication to reducing carbon emissions aligns with India's overall goals to mitigate climate change, the Chief Minister said: Our carbon capture and utilisation programs are paving the way for a low-carbon future in metals and materials production. Siddaramaiah said Karnataka remains dedicated to becoming a global leader in advanced manufacturing. Our policies champion innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development, setting the stage for robust industry growth. A total of 669 investment projects have received approval from the state-level single-window committees, leading to a projected investment of Rs 90,027 crore and the creation of employment opportunities for approximately 1,73,741 people, he said. The Chief Minister said his Government continues to support research and innovation that drive sustainable advancements in the metals and materials sectors, reflecting our commitment to fostering a competitive, responsible, and globally recognised industry. Speaking at the event, IIM President and Chairman of JSW Group, Sajjan Jindal said that a conference such as IIM-ATM 2024 is vital for strengthening our ecosystem, fostering collaboration, exchanging ideas and recognising excellence. Karnataka has today emerged as a hub for high-tech industries, R&D centres and manufacturing, creating an ideal ecosystem for thriving businesses, he said. Jindal said JSW Steel's Vijayanagar plant, which celebrated 25 years of steelmaking last year, is a testament to Karnataka's industrial prowess. What began as a greenfield venture has grown into India's largest single-location steel plant, and we are committed to making it the largest single-site steel plant globally, he added.

Kalki 2898 AD, 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu in IFFI race

Interestingly, two contrasting Telugu films to compete in the Indian Panorama section in the upcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI) being organized between November 20 and 28 in Goa. While, 'Kalki 2898 AD,' is a big-budget and extravagant science fiction thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world and a group on a mission to save an unborn child, Kalki, the avatar of Hindu God Vishnu. In total contrast, another Telugu film 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu revolves around a young mother whose son is poor in academics and encourages its viewers to overcome setbacks in life These two films are as different as chalk and cheese and set to bring glory to Telugu cinema. However, they face stiff competition with 50-odd movies from Malayalam, Tamil, Assam, and Marathi. Punjabi and Hindi movies and quite a challenge ahead, says a member of the Telugu Film Producers Council and adds, Out of the feature films selected for Indian Panorama, up to three films will be identified by the Indian Panorama Jury for the Competition Section of 55th International Film Festival of India. The Indian Panorama films will be used for participation in various international film festivals, film weeks, Indian Panorama festivals, and other non-commercial screenings, within the country and abroad, he adds. He claims that international delegates and media personnel besides filmmakers from other states in India would be watching our films and going to judge them too. Moving to the competition section is considered special and our filmmakers are aiming to win loads of appreciation. While 'Kalki' is a blockbuster worldwide, other heartwarming films received loads of critical acclaim. Let us wait and watch, he concludes.

North Korea's Psychological Warfare Targets South Korea's Island

Ganghwa Island, located near South Korea's border with North Korea, is facing a nightly barrage of disturbing sounds, including gunshots, screams, and eerie laughter, as part of a new psychological warfare campaign by the North. Residents, who previously enjoyed the peaceful sounds of nature, now find themselves kept awake by the unsettling noise, which begins at 11 PM every night. This campaign, which started in July, includes broadcasts from loudspeakers positioned along the border, just a couple of kilometers from North Korea. The broadcasts feature distressing sound effects such as cries of people dying in battle, gunfire, and bomb explosions, along with chilling music that has been described as reminiscent of low-budget horror films. The goal of these broadcasts appears to be psychological torment rather than mere propaganda, with experts suggesting that it could be a form of oise torture aimed at unsettling residents without causing physical harm. Prolonged exposure to such noise can lead to sleep deprivation, anxiety, and other health issues, as reported by locals. Many residents, including An Mi-hee, a mother of two, have struggled with sleep disorders and physical symptoms like headaches and facial tremors. The situation has grown so dire that some residents, including An, have traveled to Seoul to plead for action from lawmakers. They express their deep concerns about the unpredictability of the situation, fearing that the noise could continue indefinitely or worsen. This disturbing campaign is seen as part of the broader escalation of tensions between the two Koreas, with North Korea ramping up missile tests and using psychological tactics to target the South. Experts believe that these sound broadcasts are less about masking South Korean broadcasts and more about inflicting pain and distress on those living in the border regions. The South Korean government has come under criticism for not doing enough to protect vulnerable civilians living in such a tense environment.

Multi-agency Sea Vigil exercise underway off Goa to assess security preparedness

A large-scale coastal security exercise, Sea Vigil, is underway off the Goa coast. The 36-hour operation, in its second phase, aims to assess and strengthen coastal defense mechanisms. Involving multiple agencies, the exercise simulates infiltration attempts and evaluates vulnerabilities at critical points like fish landing areas and police stations.

UK India Business Council Cheers UKs Move to Resume FTA Talks

New Delhi: India and the United Kingdom are set to resume talks for their proposed free trade agreement (FTA) early next year, aiming to bridge differences and finalize the deal swiftly, an official statement confirmed on Wednesday. Following a meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Brazil, Starmer announced that trade negotiations will restart in 2024. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the summit in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, after which Downing Street emphasized the UK's goal to forge a new strategic partnership with India, which would include a comprehensive trade agreement. Negotiations for the India-UK FTA began in January 2022 but faced a stall after the 14th round of talks as both nations entered their general election periods. We welcome the UK's decision to relaunch trade talks with India in the new year, the Indian commerce ministry said, adding that it was committed to working closely with the UK's negotiating team to resolve outstanding issues. The talks will aim to build on previous progress and address the remaining gaps to complete the deal as quickly as possible. Both countries are working on resolving issues in the goods and services sectors. India is seeking better access for skilled professionals from sectors like IT and healthcare in the UK, as well as zero-duty access for several goods. In contrast, the UK is pushing for a reduction in import duties on products like scotch whiskey, electric vehicles, lamb meat, chocolates, and other confectionery items. Additionally, the UK seeks greater opportunities for its services in India, including in telecommunications, legal, and financial sectors. Negotiations also include a bilateral investment treaty (BIT), with 26 chapters covering goods, services, investments, and intellectual property rights. In 2023-24, bilateral trade between India and the UK grew to USD 21.34 billion, up from USD 20.36 billion the previous year. India's exports to the UK saw a 12.38% rise in the first half of 2024, reaching USD 7.32 billion. The major exports to the UK include mineral fuels, machinery, precious stones, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, which account for nearly 69% of total exports. The UK remains a key partner in achieving India's ambitious USD 1 trillion export target by FY30, with exports expected to reach USD 30 billion by 2029-30, the ministry added. Britain to Re-launch Free Trade Talks with India in 2025, Seeking New Strategic Partnership

Germany, Netherlands draw as Nations League group stage ends

PARIS: Germany rounded off their Nations League group stage campaign with a 1-1 draw in Hungary after a Dominik Szoboszlai penalty in the 99th minute rescued a point for the hosts, while the Netherlands were held to the same scoreline by Bosnia and Hercegovina. There was little to play for in Group A3 going into the final day. The Germans had already wrapped up top spot. The Dutch were secure in second and Hungary sat four points ahead of the already-relegated Bosnia. With a win, we would've gone into the break with a nicer feeling but we can still be very satisfied about what we achieved in 2024 and can kick things off again in March, said German midfielder Robert Andrich. In Group B4, a 4-1 victory for Wales against Iceland ensured automatic promotion to the top division at the expense of Turkey, who went down 3-1 in Montenegro. Czech Republic booked the top spot in Group B1 with a 2-1 win over Georgia. Ukraine leapfrogged the Georgians into second place by downing Albania. In Budapest, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann rang the changes with his team having confirmed top spot last week with a 7-0 thumping of Bosnia. Felix Nmecha broke a goalless stalemate when he prodded home from inside the six-yard box with 14 minutes remaining. Hungary's Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates after scoring his side's first goal from the penalty spot during the Nations League soccer match between Hungary and Germany at the Puskas Arena stadium in Budapest, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2024. Germany seemed set to close out their fifth win in six outings until the seventh minute of injury time. VAR decided that Robin Koch had committed a handball in the box and Hungarian captain Szoboszlai stepped up two minutes later to dink home from 12 yards. It's been a real rollercoaster of a year, but I believe that with this match we can go into 2025 in good spirits, said Szoboszlai. Netherlands finished five points behind their historic rivals as they were held to a draw in Zenica. Brian Brobbey headed in the opener for Ronald Koeman's side midway through the first period but despite dominating the rest of the half the Dutch were unable to double their lead. The Oranje were made to pay in the 67th minute when Hamburg-born Bosnian attacker Ermedin Demirovic adjusted his body magnificently to nod a rebound over goalkeeper Mark Flekken. I'm not satisfied with a point. I think we had to win, said Koeman. 'Really happy' Wales bounced back from an early Andri Gudjohnsen goal in Cardiff to put four past Iceland and jump to first place in their group. It's something we set out to do, Wales' Liam Cullen told Sgorio. We knew we couldn't control what was going on in the Turkey game, but we really wanted to put our stamp on this game and win convincingly, so really happy that we've done that. Cullen scored a double to put the hosts in front by half-time, before Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson put the seal on the match inside the final half-hour. Wales needed victory to have any chance of obtaining automatic promotion to League A, but they needed Montenegro's upset of Turkey to claim that spot with a one-point buffer. Nikola Krstovic's hat-trick in Niksic condemned Turkey to the play-off spot as Montenegro picked up their first points of the campaign after five consecutive defeats. Two 2-1 wins flipped Group B1 on its head after three points had separated the four teams going into the final matchday. Ukraine were fourth before their trip to Tirana but two goals in the first 10 minutes from Oleksandr Zinchenko and Roman Yaremchuk gave them the perfect start. Zinchenko celebrated his opener by holding up a shirt printed 1000, marking one thousand days since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A Nedim Bajrami penalty gave Albania hope in the last quarter of an hour but the Ukrainians held on to claim second spot. The Czechs had sat top of the group on eight points and consolidated top spot when first-half strikes by Pavel Sulc and Adam Hlozek were enough to give them a 2-1 home win over Georgia. In League C, Sweden showcased their striking prowess with a 6-0 thumping of Azerbaijan as they emphatically topped their group. Much-heralded 26-year-old striker Viktor Gyokeres netted four goals in the rout, with Dejan Kulusevski grabbing a brace.

Sara Ali Khan turns wellness coach with this Airbnb Experience

Meditate, and practise yoga with Sara Ali Khan and try out her favourite health food at this two-night three-day retreat in Goa

Something Special About Voting Day!

It is that one day in our life as citizens that truly brings us together, regardless of who we vote for. It is that day when we stand alongside, help each other and be a community of shared goals and hopes for a better future.

FBI now issues wanted posters of Pannun murder plot accused Vikas Yadav in Punjabi, Hindi

The FBI has issued wanted posters in Punjabi and Hindi for Vikash Yadav, who is accused in a plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Yadav is currently out on bail in India for an unrelated robbery charge. His lawyer maintains his innocence, claiming Yadav is a scapegoat and fears for his life due to the allegations.

Man held for sexually harassing co-passenger on Goa-bound flight

Panaji: Police have arrested a 23-year-old man on charges of sexually harassing a woman co-passenger on a flight from Delhi to Goa, officials said on Wednesday. The alleged incident took place between 11 am and 1.20 pm on Tuesday on board the Air India flight, as per the FIR. The 28-year-old woman, resident of Janakpuri in New Delhi, told the police that when the plane was airborne, the man, who was sitting on the seat next to her, pulled over a blanket and allegedly started indulging in objectionable acts. The man purposely kept the blanket open at the side of the victim during the act, as per the FIR. The woman filed a police complaint against the man after the flight landed at the Goa International Airport at Dabolim in South Goa on Tuesday. The Dabolim airport police later arrested the man, identified as Jitender Jangian, hailing from Panipat in Haryana, a senior police official said. A case was registered against the accused under sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (actions intended to insult a woman's modesty, including verbal insults, inappropriate gestures or objects, and privacy invasion) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the police added.

Maximise Your Investment Using Step-up SIP: Raising Rs 5,000/month contribution by 10% annually can make a huge difference; see example

Boost your wealth with SIP top-ups! Incremental increases in your SIP contributions can align investments with income growth, helping you achieve financial goals faster and maximize long-term returns.

Messi Equals Donovan's Assist Record as Argentina Close in on FIFA World Cup Spot

Argentina legend Lionel Messi equalled Landon Donovans record for most number of assists in international football as Argentina defeated Peru 1-0 in the South American World Cup qualifying match. Messi and Donovan have 58 assists to their names. Argentinas win against Peru helped them inch closer towards the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal of the match in the 55th minute assisted by Messi, marking his 58th assist. With the goal, Martinez equalled legendary footballer Diego Maradona on 32 goals for Argentina. Argentina topped the South American qualifiers points table with 25 points from 12 matches. Peru is in the last position with the loss against the Albiceleste. Uruguay stands second in the table whereas five time World Cup winners Brazil is in the fifth position. The next round of South American World Cup qualifying will be played in March 2025.

Iraq launches first national census in nearly four decades

Baghdad: Iraq began its first nationwide population census in decades Wednesday, a step aimed at modernizing data collection and planning in a country long impacted by conflict and political divisions. The act of counting the population is also contentious. The census is expected to have profound implications for Iraqs resource distribution, budget allocations and development planning. Minority groups fear that a documented decline in their numbers will bring decreased political influence and fewer economic benefits in the countrys sectarian power-sharing system. The count in territories such as Kirkuk, Diyala and Mosul -- where control is disputed between the central government in Baghdad and the semi-autonomous Kurdish regional government in the north -- has drawn intense scrutiny. Ali Arian Saleh, the executive director of the census at the Ministry of Planning, said agreements on how to conduct the count in the disputed areas were reached in meetings involving Iraqs prime minister, president and senior officials from the Kurdish region. Researchers from all major ethnic groups Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, and Christians will conduct the census in these areas to ensure fairness, he said. The last nationwide census in Iraq was held in 1987. Another one held in 1997 excluded the Kurdish region. The new census charts a developmental map for the future and sends a message of stability, Planning Minister Mohammed Tamim said in a televised address. The census will be the first to employ advanced technologies for gathering and analyzing data, providing a comprehensive picture of Iraqs demographic, social, and economic landscape, offiials say. Some 120,000 census workers will survey households across the country, covering approximately 160 housing units each over two days. The Interior Ministry announced a nationwide curfew during the census period, restricting movement of citizens, vehicles and trains between cities, districts and rural areas, with exceptions for humanitarian cases. The count will be carried out using the de jure method, in which people are counted in their usual area of residence, Saleh said. That means that people internally displaced by years of war will be counted in the areas where they have since settled, not in their original communities. The census will not include Iraqis residing abroad or those forcibly displaced to other countries. Saleh estimated Iraqs population at 44.5 million and said the Kurdish regions share of the national budget currently 12% is based on an estimated population of 6 million. The census will also clarify the number of public employees in the region. By order of Iraqs federal court, the census excluded questions about ethnicity and sectarian affiliation, focusing solely on broad religious categories such as Muslim and Christian. This approach is intended to prevent tensions and ensure the census serves developmental rather than divisive goals, Saleh said. The census will be monitored by international observers who will travel across Iraqs provinces to assess the data quality, he said. Hogr Chato, director of the Irbil-based Public Aid Organization, said the census will reshape the map of political thinking and future decision making. Even though some leaders deny it, the data will inevitably have political and economic implications, he said. Its also fair to allocate budgets based on population numbers, as areas with larger populations or those impacted by war need more resources. Chato said he believes the delays in conducting the census were not only due to security concerns but also political considerations. There was data they didnt want to make public, such as poverty levels in each governorate, he said. Ahead of the census, leaders in Iraqs various communities urged people to be counted. In Baghdads Adhamiyah district, Abdul Wahhab al-Samarrai, preacher at Imam Abu Hanifa Mosque, urged citizens to cooperate with the census. This is a duty for every Muslim to ensure the rights of future generations, he said in a Friday sermon the week before the count.

COP29 climate talks enter final stretch: What happens next?

Marathon climate talks in Azerbaijan entered their final stage, with officials working to finalize agreements on climate finance, fossil fuels, and carbon markets. A key goal is to set a new funding target for developing nations, with debates ongoing about the amount and contributors. The summit, scheduled to end Friday, may extend as negotiators seek consensus on a final agreement.

Argentina beat Peru as Uruguay hold Brazil

MONTEVIDEO: A magnificent volley from Lautaro Martinez was enough to give world champions Argentina a 1-0 win over Peru while Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Uruguay in South American World Cup qualifying on Tuesday. Argentina remain on top of the CONMEBOL standings with their qualification for the 2026 tournament surely just a matter of time. It was far from a vintage performance from Lionel Scaloni's team, but a moment of magic from Inter Milan's Martinez proved decisive at the 'Bombonera' stadium in Buenos Aires. Lionel Messi floated in a cross from the left and Martinez leapt into the air, leaning back as he cracked a thundering left-footed volley past Pedro Gallese. Argentina's eighth win from 12 games leaves them on 25 points at the top of the table, five points ahead of Uruguay who earned a valuable point at Brazil. Five-times World Cup winners Brazil laboured for long stretches of the game in Salvador and fell behind to a fine finish from Uruguay's Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde in the 55th minute. But seven minutes later Brazil equalised when a headed clearance fell kindly to Gerson who smashed home a perfectly-struck volley. Gabriel Martinelli went close to a winner when he showed a deft touch to switch feet before a volley which brought a fine save out of Sergio Rochet. The draw leaves Brazil in fifth on 18 points, a point behind fourth-placed Colombia who suffered an upset 1-0 home defeat to Ecuador in Barranquilla. Brazil's midfielder #15 Gerson celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Brazil and Uruguay at the Arena Fonte Nova stadium in Salvador, Brazil, on November 19, 2024. Paraguay held, Chile win Veteran striker Enner Valencia stunned the home crowd with an outstanding solo effort in the seventh minute, the former West Ham United forward breaking away from three Colombian defenders and powering into the box before slotting home. Colombia forward Jhon Cordoba then missed a golden opportunity to level the score, stumbling off balance and missing from point blank range after being set up by James Rodriguez. Cordoba was central to the 34th minute incident that left Ecuador short-handed for the rest of the game. The gangly striker raced clear and rounded Ecuador keeper Hernan Galindez before going down as Piero Hincapie closed in on him. The referee ruled that Hincapie had tripped the forward and despite lengthy appeals and a VAR review the decision stood. Galindez was then alert to keep out the resulting free-kick from Rodriguez and the keeper then had a busy end to the half as Colombia peppered his goal. Liverpool winger Luis Diaz headed a Daniel Munoz cross against the post and Galindez did well to smother Cordoba at close range. Colombia grew increasingly frustrated as Ecuador's defence held firm in the second half with Galindez parrying to keep out substitute Jhon Duran and the unfortunate Cordoba blasted the loose ball high and wide from a tight angle. Elsewhere Tuesday, Paraguay earned a 2-2 draw at Bolivia with the home side going ahead in the 15th minute with a confident strike from Ervin Vaca. Newcastle United forward Miguel Almiron levelled for Paraguay in the 71st minute with a clinical finish after a smart passing move across the box. Bolivia restored their lead nine minutes later with a Miguel Terceros penalty after Gustavo Gomez brought down Lucas Chavez in the box. Both benches got involved in protests and Bolivian sub Adalid Terrazas and Paraguay's Diego Gomez, who had been substituted, were both shown red cards. Paraguay grabbed a point in stoppage time in some style with a magnificent solo effort from Julio Enciso who dribbled from deep before unleashing a thundering drive from 20 yards out. Ninth-placed Chile have a lot of work to do if they are to make one of the six automatic qualifcation spots but boosted their faint hopes with a 4-2 thrashing of Venzeula.

Coal plants to miss pollution goal as smog chokes Delhi

The Ministry of Power is preparing to seek a third extension of the deadline, as well as an exemption for plants that have fewer than 10 years to run, according to sources.

Argentina beats Peru to close in on World Cup spot from South American qualifying

Rio De Janeiro: Lautaro Martnez's goal gave Argentina a 1-0 win over Peru on Tuesday in a South American World Cup qualifying match in Buenos Aires. The victory nearly secures Lionel Messi's team a spot in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Messi crossed the ball in the penalty area in the 55th minute to give Martnez one of the few clear opportunities of the match. Argentina leads South American qualifying with 25 points from 12 matches. The loss left Peru in the 10th and last position in the round-robin competition with seven points. Until Martnez scored, Argentina's best chance was in the 21st minute, when striker Julin Alvarez hit the Peruvian goalkeeper's right post. Messi once again had a modest performance, as he did in his team's 2-1 defeat at Paraguay on Thursday. Also on Tuesday, Ecuador won 1-0 at Colombia with a goal by Enner Valencia in the seventh minute, in which he dribbled through three players before scoring. Ecuador lost defender Piero Hincapi to a red card in the 34th minute but held on for the win. Bolivia and Paraguay drew 2-2 in a match between teams that could end up fighting for the seventh position in the region's qualifying, which secures a berth in an international playoff. Chile, one of the worst performing teams in the region this year, showed some fighting spirit and beat Venezuela 4-2. The hosts scored with Eduardo Vargas (20), Toms Rincn (own goal, 29), and Lucas Cepeda (38 and 47). Venezuela's goals were scored by Jefferson Savarino (13) and Ruben Ramirez (22). Brazil hosted Uruguay in a late match. The next round of South American World Cup qualifying will be played in March.

Watch: Lionel Messi Assists As Lautaro Martinez Pulls Off Stunning Goal In World Cup Qualifier

In a moment of magic, Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez combined to fire Argentia to 1-0 win over Peru in a world cup qualifier.

Education qualifications of Keerthy Suresh's husband-to-be Antony Thattil. His business ventures and their love story

South Indian actress Keerthy Suresh is preparing to marry her longtime friend, Kochi-based businessman Antony Thattil. The private ceremony will reportedly occur in Goa, with a possible reception in Thiruvananthapuram. The couple, who have known each other since school, are keeping the exact date under wraps as Keerthy gets ready for her Bollywood debut.

20 Lakh Jobs, Focus On Women: What Karnataka's New Industrial Policy Has In Store

With the goal of making Karnataka a $1 trillion economy, the state is finalising its new industrial policy for 2024-2029, which is expected to be unveiled ahead of the Invest Karnataka summit in January-February 2025.

Zara owner Inditex boosts fast fashion flights from India to avoid shipping delays

Zara's parent company, Inditex, has significantly ramped up its use of air freight to transport clothing from Indian factories to Spain, aiming to circumvent shipping delays. While this strategy mitigates logistical challenges, it raises concerns about the environmental impact, potentially hindering Inditex's goal of halving its indirect emissions by 2030.

Odisha is ready to lead Indias growth story: CM Mohan Charan Majhi

BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday made a strong pitch for Odisha as Indias premier investment destination and urged Singapore-based business houses to invest in the state. Addressing a gathering of business leaders at his first investment roadshow in Singapore, he presented Odisha as a land of opportunities and said, the states focus on sustainable development, industry-ready infrastructure, and ease of doing business makes it the best investment destination in the country. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Purvodaya Mission, we are focused on revitalising eastern India. With its rich resources, world-class infrastructure and skilled workforce, Odisha is ready to lead Indias growth story, he said and invited them to attend Utkarsh Odisha: Make-in-Odisha Conclave 2025. Majhi assured investors of government support through streamlined processes, incentives and fast-track approvals to ensure a smooth journey from concept to implementation. Over the past three days, we have engaged with industry leaders, visited advanced ports and industrial complexes, and gained valuable insights to enhance Odishas development, he said. The roadshow marked the beginning of the states global outreach under Majhis leadership. Accompanied by Industries minister Sampad Chandra Swain, the CM engaged in high-level G2G discussions with Singapores Minister of Transport Chee Hong Tat on Odishas goal of developing integrated multimodal logistics solutions, drawing inspiration from the latters advanced transportation systems as well as digital freight management and coastal shipping. The delegation participated in a round-table meeting organised by Enterprise Singapore and FICCI, where opportunities in key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and IT were discussed. The delegation visited the Port of Singapore Authority, a global leader in port operations, and discussed strategies that can be implemented in Odisha to enhance the efficiency of its own ports. One-on-one meetings were held with global leaders including Linde, Vena Energy, CapitalLand, Everstone Group, Vopak, Indorama, Micron, and MAS Holdings among others. The delegation also visited Institute of Technical Education and Education Services (ITEES), which has been an active partner of the state in skill development. They discussed further strengthening of the skilling landscape through new initiatives. Key companies like Agrocorp International, Aurionpro Payment Solutions, Eastcom, Elixir Technology, Environsens, Evervolt Green Energy, Graymatics, ITE Education Services, Oneberry Technologies, Surbana Jurong, and Yongnam Engineering Pte Ltd attended the round-table.

Why being climate positive is the buzzy new goal of green building

These structures, often featuring distinctive tilted roofs for solar energy capture, aim to offset the substantial carbon emissions associated with construction.

Moving Mountains

KOCHI: Climbing peaks is akin to a marathon up a rock wall with a bag of bricks on your back, battling freezing winds, dizzying heights, and pushing ones limits. Shaikh Hassan Khan, a state secretariat employee with a passion for adventure, loves doing that. His dream was to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents. And, a few days ago, he became the first person from Kerala to achieve this feat. My love for the mountains began in 2015 when I was posted in Delhi for work. Thats when I started sneaking off for trips to the hills whenever I could, says Shaikh. On one such journey, I ended up at the Himalayan Institute of Mountaineering in Darjeeling. I felt a spark, and alongside my civil service training, I took a 28-day basic mountaineering course at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. By the end of the course, I was completely hooked. Not long after, I climbed Mount Satopanth, a 7,000-metre peak, and that was just the beginning of my journey. The Thiruvananthapuram native scaled his first summit, Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341ft) in Tanzania, in February 2021. At 3pm on November 10 this year, by waving the Tricolour atop Mt Kosciuszko, the highest peak in Australia, Shaikh completed the Seven Summits challenge. I cant put into words how jubilant I felt as I stood atop Mt Kosciuszko with the Indian flag, wearing the mundu in the cold just to add a bit of Kerala vibe, Shaikh smiles. His earlier conquests include Mt Vinson in Antarctica, Mt Everest in Asia, Mt Denali in North America, Mt Elbrus in Europe, and Mt Aconcagua in South America. Shaikh also holds a world record for unfolding the largest Tricolour atop Mt Everest, a feat that he achieved on the 75th anniversary of Indias Independence. I carried a 30x20ft flag. It was heavy, but its symbolism outweighed its physical weight, he says. On his return from the Everest Eco Expedition, Shaikh carried back more than just memories; he lugged down over 100kg of junk. About challenges of mountaineering, Shaikh concedes that there have been moments of doubt when giving up seemed tempting, but his passion pummelled through those blocks. Solitude can be daunting, but its also a space for self-reflection, he adds. I use solitude to connect with my inner self. During expeditions, I also rely on mindfulness techniques, journaling, and reminding myself of the people who believe in me. What about physical fuel? I take calorie-dense foods like nuts, energy bars, and dried fruits for quick energy boosts, he says. I consume complex carbohydrates like oats and rice for sustained energy, and ensure adequate protein intake through dehydrated meal packs. I also carry electrolyte tablets to replenish myself. Most importantly, we need to listen to our bodies and eat regularly, even when our appetite is low. Reflecting on his three-year Seven Summit journey, Shaikh recalls the most memorable moments that deepened his appreciation for nature and reaffirmed his commitment to environmental conservation. Climbing Mt Vinson in Antarctica, the sheer purity of the place humbled m making me realise how small we are compared with nature, he says. And when I stood on the rim of Mt Kilimanjaro at sunrise, watching the golden light spread across the savannah, I felt like the world had paused. It was a powerful reminder of why I climb to experience natures raw beauty. For Shaikh, conquering the Seven Summits is just the beginning. At 37, he now aims to become the first person in the world to scale the highest peak in every country over the next five years. However, securing sponsorships for a less popular sport like mountaineering remains a challenge. I often find myself knocking on 100 doors to get one to open, he says. For my Everest expedition, I had to take loans and faced a lot of struggles. But for my trips to Antarctica, Russia, and Kangchenjunga, Al Muqtadir jewellery stepped in as sponsor. My alma mater, Musaliar College of Engineering, supported my American expedition. I didnt have any sponsor for the Australian one, but my friends raised the funds to make it happen. Shaikh rues that the governments efforts to promote sports in Kerala are minimal. I dont expect much, he says. My goal is to inspire others through my Seven Summits journey and attract sponsors for my next challenge covering 195 countries. I remain hopeful that someone will see the value in my effort and offer support. Going beyond the thrill factor, Shaikh says he has been raising awareness about climate change and world peace. I have seen the effects of climate change up close, he says, suddenly turning grim. The ice on the peaks is melting, and theres more rainfall in North America than ever. Everywhere I go, I try to spread the message about whats happening to our planet and share it through my social media. Shaikh is also planning a project focused on cleaning the beaches in Kerala, believing that to inspire others to take action, one must lead by example. He asserts that every human has infinite potential within. Standing atop the peaks, I realised that the summit is not just a physical goal but a metaphor for life itself. The unexpected revelation was the power of resilience within me an ability to push beyond limits, he says. The journey taught me that every small step matters, and that great achievements often require one to go through solitude, discomfort, and uncertainty.

Mobile theatre company Picturetime to screen RRR, Rockstar at IFFI

New Delhi, Nov 19: Imtiaz Alis Rockstar, SS Rajamoulis RRR and Mani Ratnams Ponniyin Selvan are some of the movies that will be shown at two inflatable theatres during the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). These films and many others will also be shown across north and south goa through Picturetime Digiplex, a []

India accelerating towards more ambitious goals to fight climate change: PM Modi

India accelerating towards more ambitious goals to fight climate change: PM Modi Rio de Janeiro: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is accelerating its goals for fighting climate change and sharing its initiatives with the Global South. Speaking at the G20 Summit here, he said that guided by its cultural values, [] The post India accelerating towards more ambitious goals to fight climate change: PM Modi appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

India: Set new finance goal on climate justice

With COP29 negotiations reaching a critical stage, India on Tuesday demanded clear answers from developed countries on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance. Delivering the national statement, Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, said all NCQG decisions for climate finance must reflect the principles of climate justice and equity. He called for ambitious and unambiguous outcomes that address the evolving needs of developing countries, including adaptation, mitigation, and loss-and-damage funding. Singh reminded developed nations of their responsibility under the Paris Agreement to provide sufficient financial resources to enable the Global South to meet its development goals while addressing climate challenges. The next round of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) is due in 2025. Take onus for historical emissions, provide support, rich nations told Kirti Vardhan Singh asked countries to lead by advancing their net-zero targets and ensuring enough carbon space for the development needs of nations like India. Referring to Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), Singh urged developed nations to take responsibility for their historical emissions and provide the necessary financial and technological support to developing countries. He reminded the global community that the high-emission development pathways of the Global North have left limited carbon space for the Global South, which now faces the dual challenge of addressing climate impacts and pursuing sustainable development. Despite this, Singh noted that developing nations, including India, are taking significant climate actions, often at the cost of their development priorities. Indias achievements in climate action were highlighted as an example of ambition and commitment. Singh pointed to the countrys early achievement of its 2015 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets on emission intensity reduction and non-fossil-based electricity generation. Indias renewable energy capacity has nearly tripled since 2014, and the country is on track to meet its 500 GW target by 2030, he said.However, Singh said that raising global climate ambition must be accompanied by a significant scaling up of climate finance and free access to green technologies.

Andhra Pradesh leads the way in tackling anaemia

VIJAYAWADA: The State has achieved remarkable progress in its fight against anaemia by distributing 99.9% of adolescents (aged 1019 years) with four Blue Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) tablets in schools and 106.8% of pregnant women with 180 Red IFA tablets during 202324. These efforts have earned Andhra Pradesh the first place in anaemia prevention among adolescents and the second place for IFA supplementation in 202324, as reported in the recently released Socio-Economic Survey 202324. This recognition underscores the States commitment to reducing anaemia prevalence and achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The State government, following the Anaemia Mukti Bharat (AMB) strategy, has implemented six key interventions, including regular anaemia testing and treatment. Data from screenings show anaemia prevalence rates of 34% among pregnant women and 50.47% among adolescent girls. Under the Family Doctor Programme, medical officers visit village health clinics every 15 days to monitor pregnant women with moderate to severe anaemia. Treatments such as iron sucrose injections and blood transfusions are provided, and referral cases are supported by the free Thalli Bidda Express transportation service. Adolescent girls, both school-going and non-school-going, undergo quarterly anaemia testing. Their nutritional data is shared with the education department to ensure dietary support, while school teachers supervise the daily consumption of IFA tablets for three months following mid-day meals. For children aged 659 months, 83.7% received IFA syrup, while 94.9% of children aged 59 years were covered under the Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) Junior programme. IFA supplementation for lactating mothers also improved significantly, with coverage reaching 91.6% in 202324. The government has intensified awareness campaigns, conducted biannual deworming drives, and addressed non-nutritional causes of anaemia such as malaria, hemoglobinopathies, and fluorosis. Nutritional supplementation through Anganwadi centres, fortified rice, and enriched foods has further strengthened these efforts. The biannual deworming programme covers children aged 219 years, and pregnant women receive a single 400 mg Albendazole tablet during their second trimester. A total of 2,42,87,153 Albendazole tablets were distributed in 202324. Behavior Change Communication (BCC) campaigns are carried out year-round by field staff, including ANMs, and Anganwadi centres. A line list of anaemic pregnant women is shared with the Women and Child Development (WCD) department, enabling Anganwadi centres to provide nutritional supplements under Sampoorna Poshana Plus. Schools contribute by distributing fortified rice, chikkis, ragi malt, and other nutritious foods through the mid-day meal programme. In endemic pockets, the State addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia and ensures prophylactic iron and folic acid supplementation at various intervals for pregnant women and adolescent girls.

25% increase in delegates as IFFI begins today

PANAJI: More than 6,500 delegates have registered themselves for this years International Film Festival of India (IFFI) marking an increase of 25 per cent over the last year, National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) managing director Prithul Kumar said on Tuesday, a day ahead of the inauguration of the festival in Goa. Six more screens have been made available for this edition of IFFI to make the festival more accessible to the film enthusiasts, Kumar said. NFDC, the host of the event, is making all-out efforts to ensure the festival reaches new heights this year in terms of peoples participation and quality of overall experience, he said. NFDC officials said the IFFI 2024 focuses on young filmmakers and has received a record 1,032 entries for the Creative Minds of Tomorrow section as compared to 550 last year. This initiative was launched to identify and showcase young Indian cinematic talent, recognise cinematic excellence across filmmaking disciplines, and encourage forward-thinking narratives, an official said. The Creative Minds of Tomorrow initiative has been expanded to support 100 young talents, up from 75 in previous edition, with young film students from across the country invited to participate, the official said. More than 24 masterclasses and panel discussions are planned for the upcoming filmmakers. Sessions will be led by industry luminaries such as AR Rahman, Prasoon Joshi, Shabana Azmi, Mani Ratnam, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and international guests like Philip Noyce and John Seale. Attendees will gain insights into sound design, acting in the digital age, and the future of filmmaking, said officials. There will be a special segment on Goan Films, where 14 films will be screened, celebrating local talent and culture. The festival will be graced by film actors, directors and other personalities such as Vidhu Vinod Chopra, AE Rahman, Vikrant Massey, R. Madhavan, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Kirti Kulhari, Arjun Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, Rakul Preet Singh, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Sanya Malhotra, Ileana DCruz, Boman Irani, Pankaj Kapur, Aparshakti Khurana, Manasi Parekh, Pratik Gandhi, Sai Tamhankar, Vishnu Manchu, Prabhudeva, Kajal Aggarwal, and Saurabh Shukla. According to secretary of the ministry of information and broadcasting Sanjay Jaju, curated live performances, immersive exhibitions including the one on the journey of Indian cinema and carnival parade, being held for the first time, are the highlights of 55th edition of the festival. He said IFFIESTA, an entertainment extravaganza, will be held this year to bring communities together through the magic of films, food, art, and interactive experiences. At the week-long event, 11 traditional dance troupes will perform.

70% dip in J&K, NE & Naxal violence in 10 yrs, says Shah

AHMEDABAD: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the BJP-led government at the Centre has brought down violence in Jammu and Kashmir, North-east and Naxalite-hit areas by 70% in the last 10 years. Speaking at the inaugural session of the 50th All India Police Science Conference at Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar, Shah highlighted the governments efforts in bringing stability to the historically volatile regions. Over the years, Kashmir, North-east, and Naxalism-affected areas were labelled as highly disturbed. However, we have achieved significant progress in these areas. A comparative analysis of the last 10 years versus the previous decade reveals a remarkable 70% reduction in violence, he said. The efforts of numerous individuals have been instrumental in achieving the governments goal of bringing peace to these regions, he added. Sharing statistics on the fight against drug trafficking, Shah said, In the last decade, over 5,45,000 kilograms of drugs, valued at more than Rs 35,000 crore, have been seized. This figure is six times higher than the previous ten years. It doesnt indicate an increase in drug consumption but reflects the success of our scientifically enhanced seizure methods developed over the past ten years. Highlighting the Narendra Modi governments commitment to justice, he said, We have implemented nearly 60 provisions to ensure courts, prosecution, and police complete their tasks within strict timeframes. He emphasised the systemic overhaul aimed at expediting justice delivery. These measures hold all stakeholders accountable, ensuring efficiency in the judicial process. We have instructed jail officials to initiate bail proceedings if a trial is delayed, except in cases involving serious crimes, he said. Our mission is clearbefore Constitution Day, no prisoner who has served one-third of their sentence should be denied justice. Strengthening the police and holding them accountable have been key to this initiative, he said. Global challenges Underscoring the need to tackle global challenges, Amit Shah said, By leveraging modern technology, from securing borders and tackling narcotics to combating the misuse of drones and the darknet, we are committed to effective solutions.

Thai boxing gold medallist feted

Uyok Chingya Club on Tuesday organised a felicitation function in honour of 17 year old W Devraj Singh, who clinched the gold medal at the 2024 Asian Thai Boxing Championship, in Under 17 53 kg weight The championship held in Goa from November 15 to 17, was organised by Thai Boxing India Federation TBIF Devraj, s o W Inaoba Singh and Romabati Devi, demonstrated exceptional skills and determination to outshine competitors from across Asia His achievement highlighted the potentials and dedication of young athletes from the region Source Chronicle News Service

AM Tata wins awards for achieving EV Retail target, highest sales ever

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 19: AM Tata Jammu has made history by winning two prestigious awards from TATA Motors in the month of October. The dealership won the award for achieving the Highest EV Retail Target and the Highest Sales Ever, a testament to their outstanding performance and commitment to excellence. The awards were presented at the Regional Dealer Meet held in Goa, which was attended by Sanjay Mahajan, Managing Director, Ankur Mahajan, Tarun Malhotra, Akshay Mahajan and Aryan Mahajan [] The post AM Tata wins awards for achieving EV Retail target, highest sales ever appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Parveen wins Silver in World Karate Cship

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 19: Parveen Singh, son of the soil has brought laurels to Jammu and Kashmir by winning Silver Medal in World Karate Championship. Parveen, son of Subash Singh, resident of Kundanpur (Birpur) showed his strength at World Cup Karate Championship which was held at Peddam Sports Complex Kareswada Mapusa in Goa from November 7 to 10, 2024. A total of 30 countries had participated in the championship under the organisation of Hanshi Hassan Ismail. The post Parveen wins Silver in World Karate Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Mizoram explores partnership with World Bank for sports-driven development

AIZAWL, Nov 19: Mizoram Minister of State for Sports and Youth Services Lalnghinglova Hmar held discussions with the HCL Foundation and the World Bank on Tuesday to explore collaborative initiatives aimed at enhancing sports development in the north eastern state and integrating it with broader goals such as tourism, urban planning and youth empowerment. The Sports Minister, currently in New Delhi, met HCL Foundation officials, including Col. Gopal Karunakaran, CEO of Shiv Nadar School, at the HCL Campus in Noida, [] The post Mizoram explores partnership with World Bank for sports-driven development appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Extensive security arrangements in place for Exposition: Sawant

Old Goa : Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday announced that the state government has prioritised the safety and security of pilgrims attending the 18th Decennial Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier. Sawant said that the 46-day event will be monitored via CCTV surveillance. 98 per cent of the infrastructural works have been [] The post Extensive security arrangements in place for Exposition: Sawant appeared first on The Navhind Times .