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Amit Shah launches projects worth Rs 8,941 crore for Delhi Yamuna river cleaning
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated projects aimed at cleaning the Yamuna river, including a sewage treatment plant. The projects, worth Rs 8,941, also include decentralized sewage treatment plants and new sewer lines. Shah emphasized the importance of these initiatives for wastewater treatment and drinking water. He stated that more than 40% of the goal for cleaning the Yamuna has been achieved so far.
NDA accuses YSRCP of trying to stop Andhra local body polls through conspiracies
Digital Desk | Amaravati, Oct 22 (IANS) The ruling National Democratic Alliance in Andhra Pradesh said it respects the decision of the State Election Commission to pause the election process for Urban Local Bodies following the Supreme Court direction, but accused opposition YSR Congress Party of trying to stop local body elections through conspiracies. Top leaders of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Jana Sena Party (JSP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) issued a joint statement after the State Election Commission (SEC) decided to stop, forthwith, the election process in all 100 Urban Local Bodies. On a petition by the YSRCP, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the SEC to postpone the final list of candidates till October 25. The SEC will take a decision on Thursday on extending the last date of filing nominations in Urban Local Bodies, wherever it is of the view that candidates were unable to file their nominations due to the law and order situation. Chief Minister and TDP national president N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister and JSP president Pawan Kalyan and state BJP president P.V.N. Madhav said in the joint statement that the alliance government is committed to ensuring that elections are transparent, democratic and peaceful. We contested the 2024 elections with a promise to rebuild Andhra Pradesh. The people placed their trust in us and gave the alliance the responsibility to govern. For the past two years, we have focused on welfare, development and good governance. We have restored peoples confidence and created an environment where they can live peacefully, they said. Local body elections are now being held. We believe that strong local bodies are essential for the overall development of the state. Timely elections are also important for receiving funds from the 16th Finance Commission and the Central government. Our aim is to complete the elections within the prescribed time and take development forward through local self-government. They alleged that the YSR Congress Party has shown no responsibility towards public welfare or the states development. They accused the party of trying to stop local body elections from the very beginning. It has approached various courts 59 times in an attempt to halt the process. Now that the hurdles have been cleared and elections are underway, YSRCP has provoked violence in several places, attacked police personnel and dug up roads built for the public. It continues to look for ways to disrupt the elections, the NDA leaders said. At this point, people should also recall how local body elections were conducted during the YSRCP government. Violence and intimidation created fear across the State. Opposition candidates were prevented from even filing nominations. YSRCP then celebrated these forced outcomes as victories, reads the statement. Today, when local elections are being conducted lawfully, YSRCP is making every effort to obstruct them. This reflects its approach of intimidation and suppression, they alleged. The NDA leaders said the TDP, JSP and BJP have firm faith in democracy. We will extend our full cooperation to ensure that elections are conducted fairly, honestly and peacefully. We will respect any decision taken by the State Election Commission. Our goal is clear: elections must be held in accordance with the Constitution, people must be free to elect good leaders, and the benefits of development must reach every household, they added.
Cole Knuble Scores Twice In Front Of Father Mike Knuble As Philadelphia Flyers Beat Buffalo Sabres
Rookie Cole Knuble scored the first two goals of his NHL career on Wednesday night in Buffalo, with his father and former Flyer Mike Knuble watching from the stands, as Philadelphia won 3-1 for its third straight victory.
Timex Returns to India Beach Fashion Week, Celebrating Four Years of Fashion and Timekeeping
BusinessWire India Anjuna (Goa) [India], October 22: Timex Group India, one of India
Vinicius Jr's scoring drought hits 9 games after another blank for Madrid
Vinicius Junior's scoring slump continued in his return to the Real Madrid lineup in the Champions League. The Brazilian forward had an ineffective performance and couldn't find the net in Madrid's 4-1 win over Leipzig at home on Wednesday, reaching nine straight appearances without a goal for the Spanish club. It's actually a very good thing that he's sad because it means he really cares about the team and the fans, teammate Kylian Mbappe said. He needs to stay calm and be proud of who he is, because a great player always has to be proud of who he is, and regain his confidence, because he has the quality. There were some boos at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium when Vinicius made a mistake while trying to make a pass to Jude Bellingham about halfway through the first half. Bellingham immediately applauded, as if asking for the crowd to get behind Vinicius. Parts of the crowd also chanted his name at times. Living every moment, Vinicius posted on Instagram after the match. ...
10 and counting: Kane closes in on Ronaldo
Kane scored a second-half penalty against Arsenal, taking his tally to 16 goals in 23 matches against the Gunners. Bayern Munich drew 2
How to set financial goals in India: A 9-step money plan for 2027
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Captain Fernandes questions United's tactics after Como drubbing
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Best places to retire in India: 9 cities with great hospitals, mild weather and lower living costs
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Raj & DK wrap up Farzi 2 with Shahid Kapoor: He promptly breaks out of character
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 22 (IANS) Filmmaker duo Raj and DK have wrapped up the shoot of Farzi 2 starring Shahid Kapoor, whom they tagged as the artists. Mumbai, Oct 22 (IANS) Filmmaker duo Raj and DK have wrapped up the shoot of Farzi 2 starring Shahid Kapoor, whom they tagged as the artists. Sharing a behind-the-scenes moment from the sets on Instagram, the duo revealed that the actor promptly broke out of character after the shoot, while praising him for his work. Its a wrap on the Artist and he promptly breaks out of character! Fantastic job @shahidkapoor. We got some crazy s**t done this time! To the Fakers! It was on October 15 that Shahid spoke about his character Sunny as the shoot of his upcoming series Farzi 2 drew to a close. Shahid took to Instagram, where he shared a string of images of his looks from the sets of the second installment of Farzi and spoke about how he is reminded of how much his character lives in him. As the shoot on FARZI 2 is coming to a close. It only reminds me of how much Sunny lives in me. I am him and he is me. We both started as just a kid off the mumbai streets with a fire in his heart to tell the world. look at me. I AM AN ARTIST !! Shahid wrote as the caption. Farzi is a black comedy crime thriller television series created, produced and directed by Raj & DK. It stars Vijay Sethupathi, Shahid Kapoor, Kay Kay Menon, Raashii Khanna and Bhuvan Arora. The show was released in 2023 and follows the story of a disillusioned artist who decides to make counterfeit money. The series shares continuity with Raj & DK's spy series The Family Man. The eight-episode series was released on Amazon Prime Video on 10 February 2023. Raj and DK are noted for creating, directing, and producing the Hindi-language thriller series The Family Man, Farzi, and Citadel: Honey Bunny and Guns & Gulaabs. They have also directed the films 99, Shor in the City, Go Goa Gone, Happy Ending and A Gentleman.
Champions League: Rice rescues Arsenal draw as Bayern surrender late lead
Digital Desk | Munich, Oct 22 (IANS) Bayern Munich and Arsenal drew 2-2 in the Champions League after Declan Rice struck late to deny the German side victory. Arsenal dominated possession early but lost Bukayo Saka to injury inside 10 minutes, with Eberechi Eze replacing him. Bayern created the first clear opening when Serge Gnabry broke into the area on a counterattack, only for David Raya to save his low effort in the 21st minute, reports Xinhua. Arsenal went ahead shortly afterward. Martin Odegaard picked out Eze with a long pass, and the substitute beat Manuel Neuer to put the visitors in front. Harry Kane then created Bayern's equalizer in the 35th minute, releasing Alphonso Davies down the left with a precise pass. The defender raced clear and finished past Raya to bring the hosts level before halftime. Both goalkeepers were tested immediately after the restart. Neuer kept out Bruno Guimaraes' header before Raya denied Dayot Upamecano from close range. Ismael Saibari also sent an effort into the side netting. Bayern completed the turnaround after Jurrien Timber handled Kane's shot inside the penalty area. The England striker converted the resulting penalty in the 61st minute to put the hosts 2-1 ahead. Konrad Laimer missed a chance to extend the lead before Arsenal rallied. Substitute Viktor Gyokeres helped set up Rice, who finished from a tight angle in the 82nd minute to restore parity. Neuer then prevented Timber from snatching a stoppage-time winner for the visitors. We had the momentum after we took the lead but failed to kill the game. In these games it is about the little details, Kane said. The draw left Bayern 14th with five points from three matches, while Arsenal remained unbeaten in seventh with seven points after dropping points for the first time in the competition. Elsewhere, Aston Villa moved into second place with nine points after beating Viking 3-1, trailing Paris Saint-Germain on goal difference. Real Madrid also maintained its perfect start with a 4-1 victory over Leipzig to sit fourth. Como defeated Manchester United 4-1, while Galatasaray won 4-2 at Lille. Ten-man Inter edged Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0, Club Brugge beat Lens 3-0 and Real Betis overcame Feyenoord 1-0. LASK won 3-2 at Sporting CP.
As the mercury falls and the long harsh winter of Kashmir sets in, breathing becomes a greater challenge for thousands of people living with chronic obstructive airway disease. For patients living with COPD winter is more than a season of cold and snow, it can mean more symptoms, frequent exacerbations, hospital visits and in severe cases, respiratory failure and hospitalizations. COPD is a chronic lung disease marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as breathlessness, chronic cough and sputum production, usually associated with abnormalities of the airways and/or alveoli that result in persistent airflow limitation. The disease develops from the complex interaction between genetic susceptibility and environmental exposures. COPD is known as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is the third leading cause of death globally. Its burden is highest in populations exposed to tobacco smoke, biomass fuel, occupational dust and fumes, and other forms of air pollution. COPD in Kashmir The burden of COPD in the Kashmiri population has more than one cause. Tobacco smoking remains one of the most important established and modifiable risk factors for both the development and progression of COPD. But smoking is only part of the story. In low and middle income countries, a large share of COPD is also attributable to household air pollution and biomass fuel exposure.In many parts of Kashmir, particularly rural areas, the traditional use of wood and other biomass fuels for cooking and heating may expose individuals to smoke for prolonged periods. Poor ventilation can further increase the concentration of indoor pollutants. Other important risk factors include occupational exposure to dust, fumes and chemicals, childhood respiratory infections and impaired lung development, recurrent respiratory illnesses, outdoor air pollution and socioeconomic factors. These exposures may act independently or synergistically, particularly in individuals who smoke. So COPD in Kashmir cannot be put down to smoking alone. It arises from a mix of smoking, household air pollution, occupational exposure, environmental conditions, early-life respiratory insults and individual susceptibility. The burden in Kashmir Available epidemiological studies from Kashmir, including studies conducted through major tertiary-care institutions such as SKIMS , SMHS and in community have reported a substantial burden of COPD among adults, particularly those above 40 years of age. Some studies have reported prevalence estimates in the range of approximately 1420% or more in studied populations, although estimates vary depending upon the population studied, diagnostic criteria, methodology and geographical setting. These findings point to the need for greater awareness, early diagnosis and systematic respiratory care in the Valley. The problem gets worse in winter, when several risk factors come together. Why winter is difficult for a COPD patient For a person living with COPD, the Kashmiri winter can be especially hard. Cold air irritates the airways and increase bronchial reactivity, while prolonged exposure to cold may worsen cough, wheezing and breathlessness. Patients may also spend more time indoors, where exposure to wood smoke, coal smoke, biomass fuel and poorly ventilated heating systems can increase. Winter respiratory infections add to the burden. Viral and bacterial respiratory infections are important triggers of COPD exacerbations and can rapidly worsen symptoms in patients with limited respiratory reserve.Another concern is the quality of outdoor air during periods of stagnant atmospheric conditions. Temperature inversion can reduce dispersion of pollutants, allowing smoke and particulate matter to remain closer to ground level. In susceptible individuals, exposure to such polluted air may contribute to worsening respiratory symptoms. For a patient with advanced COPD, what begins as increased cough or breathlessness may progress to an acute exacerbation requiring emergency treatment or hospitalization. The practical challenges faced by patients The winter COPD problem in Kashmir goes beyond medicine. It has social, economic and logistical sides as well. Access to oxygen and electricity Patients with advanced COPD may require home oxygen therapy, nebulization or other respiratory support. During severe winter weather, power interruptions can become particularly problematic for those dependent on electrically powered oxygen concentrators or nebulizers. Ensuring reliable electricity and appropriate backup systems for vulnerable patients should therefore form part of winter preparedness. Difficulties reaching hospitals Heavy snowfall, poor road conditions and geographical isolation can delay access to healthcare, particularly for patients living in remote and mountainous areas. During an acute exacerbation, delays in reaching a healthcare facility can have serious consequences. Strengthening emergency transport and referral systems in remote areas is therefore essential. Financial burden COPD is a chronic disease requiring long-term treatment. The cost of inhalers, investigations, oxygen therapy, travel and repeated hospital admissions can place a considerable financial burden on families. For economically vulnerable patients, the cost of medicines may contribute to poor adherence and interruption of treatment, ultimately increasing the risk of exacerbations and hospitalization. Indoor smoke and traditional heating practices Traditional heating practices are deeply embedded in Kashmiri life and culture. However, the use of biomass, wood or coal in poorly ventilated spaces can significantly increase indoor air pollution. Advising patients to change their habits is not enough, safer, affordable and practical alternatives also have to be available. Vaccination: A simple but important preventive measure Respiratory infections can be especially dangerous for people living with COPD. Influenza and other respiratory infections can precipitate severe exacerbations and hospitalization. Seasonal influenza vaccination and appropriate pneumococcal vaccination should therefore be considered an important component of preventive respiratory care, according to current clinical recommendations and individual patient risk. Ideally, vaccination and winter preparedness should be addressed before the onset of the peak winter season, rather than waiting until respiratory infections begin to increase. Patient education is at the heart of COPD care Good COPD management extends beyond prescribing an inhaler. Patients need to understand what COPD is, why symptoms occur, how their medicines work and when they should seek medical attention. Correct inhaler technique and treatment adherence matter a great deal, as an apparently appropriate prescription may provide little benefit if the inhaler is not being used correctly. Patients and families should also be taught to recognize warning symptoms such as a sudden increase in breathlessness, increased or purulent sputum, fever, altered sensorium or rapidly worsening respiratory distress. A well-informed patient is often better equipped to recognize an exacerbation early and seek timely medical care. The family has an important role COPD affects the entire household, not just the individual patient. Family members can help ensure medication adherence, recognize deterioration in symptoms, arrange timely medical care and maintain a smoke-free home environment. For elderly or severely ill patients, family support can matter even more during prolonged periods of snowfall or when access to healthcare becomes difficult. Community-based patient-support initiatives can also help reduce social isolation and improve understanding of chronic respiratory disease. Looking Beyond the Winter COPD is not a winter disease alone. Winter just exposes patients whose lung reserve is already low. The real solution lies in addressing the disease throughout the year: preventing tobacco exposure, reducing household air pollution, identifying COPD early, improving access to inhaled therapy, ensuring vaccination, promoting pulmonary rehabilitation and strengthening primary respiratory care. Kashmirs environment and lifestyle call for respiratory-health strategies that fit local conditions. The answer cannot come from hospitals alone. Physicians, public-health authorities, policymakers, community organizations and families all have a role to play. The goal should be to ensure that COPD patients are prepared before winter arrives, rather than treated only after an exacerbation occurs. With early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, smoking cessation, reduction of indoor air pollution, vaccination, patient education and better access to healthcare, much of the winter burden of COPD can be reduced. For the people of Kashmir living with COPD, breathing freely through the winter should not be a privilege. It should be an achievable goal of good respiratory care and a shared responsibility of the healthcare system, the community and society. Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Assistant Professor, Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, SKIMS Soura.
Tesla's Lowered Capex Target Fuels Doubt On AI, Robotics Goals
Tesla had been consistently short of the pace needed to hit its spending goal, particularly after a $4.73 billion outlay in the third quarter.
J&K woos global tour operators at ITB Asia 2026 in Singapore
Singapore, Oct 21: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo led a high-level delegation of Jammu and Kashmir at ITB Asia 2026 in Singapore to showcase J&Ks diverse tourism potential and invite global travel stakeholders to explore the regions rich tourism offerings. The Minister is accompanied by Director Tourism, Jammu Dr. Vikas Gupta; Special Secretary Tourism J&K, Suraj Parkash Rukwal; and Director Finance, Rashim Deepika. The Minister also jointly inaugurated the India Pavilion at ITB Asia 2026 alongside Minister for Tourism Goa, Rohan Khaunte; Minister for Tourism, Odhisa, Pravati Parida and Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, Dr. Shilpak Ambule, providing an important platform to promote Jammu and Kashmir as a premier destination for domestic and international tourists. During the opening day of the grand international travel trade event, the Minister and the delegation held a series of business-to-business (B2B) interactions and strategic meetings with international tour operators, travel trade associations, government representatives and other key stakeholders from the global tourism industry. The interactions focused on highlighting the diverse tourism experiences offered by Jammu and Kashmir, including its renowned leisure and pilgrimage destinations, adventure tourism circuits, winter sports, offbeat destinations and rich cultural and heritage attractions. The delegation also encouraged international travel operators and tourism partners to explore opportunities for collaboration and include Jammu and Kashmir in their travel packages and destination portfolios. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Sakeena Itoo said that Jammu and Kashmir offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, spiritual destinations and adventure experiences, making it an attractive destination for travellers with diverse interests. Jammu and Kashmir has immense tourism potential, and our endeavour is to showcase its diversity to the world. From its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultural traditions to pilgrimage tourism, adventure activities and winter sports, the Union Territory offers unique experiences for visitors throughout the year, the Minister said. She further stated that international tourism platforms such as ITB Asia provide valuable opportunities to connect with global stakeholders, strengthen partnerships and expand the reach of Jammu and Kashmirs tourism sector. Our participation at ITB Asia reflects J&K Governments commitment to promoting Jammu and Kashmir on the international tourism map. We invite tour operators, travel agencies, investors and tourism professionals from across the world to explore the opportunities available in Jammu and Kashmir and partner with us in promoting its tourism potential, she added. The Minister also emphasised the importance of strengthening tourism partnerships, improving destination visibility and encouraging sustainable tourism practices to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach local communities and contribute to economic growth and employment generation. On the occasion, the J&K delegation also highlighted the opportunities available for collaboration across various tourism segments and underscored the importance of developing customised travel experiences to cater to the evolving preferences of international visitors. Pertinently, the engagements at ITB Asia 2026 are aimed at fostering long-term partnerships with global travel companies, facilitating greater tourism exchanges and positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a preferred destination for leisure, adventure, pilgrimage and cultural tourism. The participation of the Jammu and Kashmir delegation at the international event is expected to further strengthen the Union Territorys tourism outreach and create new avenues for collaboration with stakeholders in the global travel and hospitality industry.
Strengthen peace, unity, security: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Oct 21:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday called the J&K Police force to strengthen peace, unity, and security. On the occasion of Police Commemoration Day, LG Sinha while paying solemn tribute to police personnel who were killed in the line of duty said that their service and sacrifice remain an enduring source of inspiration for Jammu and Kashmir and the nation. He thanked all slain police personnel and conveyed deep respect and sympathy to their families. The LG conveyed his prayers and best wishes for the health and well-being of their families. He said that while no recognition could compensate for the loss suffered by families, it was the responsibility of the nation to honour their sacrifice through meaningful support and care. I have always said that no honour or assistance can compensate a family for the pain of losing a loved one. Yet, it is the nations duty to honour their sacrifice not merely in words, but also through its conduct and responsibilities. I assure the entire Jammu Kashmir Police family that every possible effort will continue to be made to ensure a dignified life, welfare, and necessary support for the families of the martyrs, LG Sinha said. He acknowledged the contributions of the Jammu and Kashmir Police force, describing its history as one marked by courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to duty. The LG said that from maintaining law and order and combating terrorism to assisting citizens during emergencies and natural disasters, the J&K Police force had rendered distinguished service under challenging circumstances. Thousands of personnel of the J&K Police force have laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism. I believe J&K Police's courage is not confined to the borders of the Union Territory but it is a source of inspiration for the entire police system of the country. The nation will never forget the contribution of immortal martyrs, who dedicated everything to the honour, dignity and glory of the tricolour, he said. LG Sinha said that the police uniform symbolises service, responsibility, and sacrifice. He said that the true measure of policing lies in ensuring public safety, delivering justice to citizens and standing by society in times of need and crisis. In the 79 years since Independence, India has faced numerous challenges. The Jammu Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, and the Central Armed Police Forces have protected the nations security and integrity in difficult circumstances. Today, India is moving resolutely towards its goal of becoming a developed nation. In this journey, peace, stability, and progress in Jammu Kashmir are of special importance, and the major responsibility of ensuring them rests on the shoulders of the Police, army and CAPFs, the LG said. He reaffirmed the Government of India's commitment to strengthening peace and progress in J&K and called upon citizens to uphold unity, communal harmony and mutual trust, while remaining vigilant against forces seeking to disrupt peace and stability. Our goal is to identify and root out terrorism and every element associated with it in Jammu Kashmir. Today, we must resolve that we will not rest until this land is freed from separatist and terrorist elements. I warn those elements within Jammu Kashmir who support terrorism that your days are over. Even if you attempt to hide in Pataal, we will find you and ensure that you are punished under the law, LG Sinha said. He also stressed the need for continued efforts to protect women, children and vulnerable sections of society, strengthen measures against drug trafficking and firmly combat narco-terrorism and its support networks. The prevention of crimes against women and children, the protection of vulnerable sections and ensuring timely justice for victims must be among our highest priorities. It is necessary to continuously review the systems for monitoring and controlling such crimes and to make them more effective. Similarly, the commitment to a drug-free Jammu Kashmir must be our collective resolve. I commend all the officers and personnel of the Jammu Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, and the Central Armed Police Forces for their spirit of service, courage, and sense of duty. I wish success in every one of their missions, safety in their lives and a bright future for them, the LG said.
Amit Shah hails security personnel for restoring peace in J&K
New Delhi, Oct 21:Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Wednesday hailed the security personnel for restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Paying tribute to the police personnel, who were killed in the line of duty, at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day, Shah said, Significant success has been achieved in curbing terrorism in Kashmir. Addressing the ceremony, he said, We have assembled at the National Police Memorial to pay homage to the brave police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation from independence to the present day. The Home Minister said that nearly eight decades after independence, India stands today in a position of honour and respect in the world. The foundation of this achievement lies in the sacrifices of our brave personnel. No one can even imagine where we would stand today if these personnel had not made the supreme sacrifice to safeguard the countrys internal security and protect its borders, he said. Shah said that 2026 was an extremely significant year for the Indian police. On March 31, 2026, the country achieved freedom from Naxalism, which had plagued India for decades. From 1981 to March 2026, the country endured numerous hardships due to Naxalism. During this period, many brave security personnel and innocent civilians lost their lives. More than 3600 security personnel were killed, and nearly 13,700 innocent civilians also lost their lives, he said. The Home Minister said he wanted to convey to the families of the slain personnel that as the country moves forward on the path of development after overcoming this five-decade-old problem, the sacrifices of these 3600 personnel form the foundation of this progress. Addressing the families of the slain security personnel, he said that while their loss could never be compensated, the entire nation of 1.4 billion citizens remains grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of their families. Recalling the history of Police Commemoration Day, Shah said that on October 21, 1959, in the remote and inhospitable Hot Springs region of Ladakh, 10 CRPF personnel were killed while resisting an attack by Chinese troops. A study of the Hot Springs incident makes it clear that when the battle was decided in the high-altitude mountains, the outcome was almost certain. Yet, these immortal heroes remained steadfast in their resolve that not even an inch of the countrys land should fall into foreign hands, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Since then, October 21 has been observed every year as Police Commemoration Day, he said. The Home Minister said that the National Police Memorial, where they were gathered, was inaugurated in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in honour of police personnel who had lost lives in the line of duty. The objective behind establishing the memorial was to inspire future generations of police personnel to remain committed to their responsibilities and be prepared to make the supreme sacrifice while performing their duties, he said. Shah said that the memorial had also become a place of reverence for citizens from across the country. Grateful citizens visit the site to pay tribute to 36,852 police personnel and express the nation's gratitude for their service and sacrifice, he said. The Home Minister said that among all government services, police service was one of the most challenging. Every citizen in the country celebrates festivals such as Raksha Bandhan, Holi, Diwali, and Eid, but police personnel often have no holidays to celebrate these occasions, he said. Shah said that while people celebrate festivals with their families, police personnel remain on duty, safeguarding internal security, managing traffic and ensuring public safety. They devote the prime years of ones life to the nation while staying away from ones family is a great service to the country, he said. The Home Minister said that there were numerous examples across the country of police personnel demonstrating extraordinary patience, restraint, discipline, courage, and dedication, thereby strengthening the nations internal security. He said that police personnel constitute both the first and the last line of defence for internal security. Shah expressed his special gratitude to all personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed along the borders and entrusted with security responsibilities within the country. Staying away from their families, these personnel remain vigilant and strengthen the nations internal security on every occasion, whether during elections, festivals, protests or border security duties. They remain constantly on duty to ensure the smooth functioning of the country. Whether it is safeguarding democracy or ensuring the smooth conduct of democratic processes, it is impossible to imagine these tasks being accomplished without the Central Armed Police Forces, he said. The Home Minister said that India had succeeded in eliminating electoral violence in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, but electoral violence had continued in West Bengal for a long time. He said that during the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections, security personnel achieved a significant success by ensuring that the elections were completed without a single fatality. In doing so, the Central Armed Police Forces had established a new benchmark, Shah said. He said that the entire country now recognises that electoral violence had been brought to an end in the nation. The Home Minister said that over the past few years, the country had faced several challenges, three of which had persisted for decades. He said that peace had now been established in all three major hotspots Kashmir, the North-East, and the areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism. An environment conducive to development has emerged in these regions, and they are now ready to compete with the rest of the country in terms of development, Shah said. Following several agreements and the surrender of arms by thousands of people, the entire North-East has moved forward on the path of peace. He said that police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel had achieved a major breakthrough in completely eliminating the five-decade-old Naxal problem, which had spread across several states. The Home Minister specifically thanked the CRPF and its CoBRA Battalion for their contribution to the elimination of Naxalism and praised the bravery of the Chhattisgarh Police. He said that the country had not yet become completely free of problems and that several challenges remain. Shah said that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had set a target to free the country from the drug menace by December 31, 2029, through a concerted fight against drugs over the remaining part of 2026 and the next three years 2027, 2028 and 2029. He described this as a very important goal for the nation. The Home Minister said that drug abuse and trafficking undermine the future of coming generations, place an unnecessary burden on the economy, and often provide financial support to organisations with anti-national intentions. He called upon police forces across the country to wholeheartedly join the efforts to implement the roadmap for a Nasha Mukt Bharat, formulated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and work towards safeguarding future generations. On this occasion, Shah flagged off a nationwide motorcycle rally organised around the message 'Fight against Drugs.' It included around 90 riders from various states and Union Territories (Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi), Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF, CISF, BSF, SSB, ITBP and NSG), and certain central police organisations (RPF, NDRF and NIA). The rally is part of a nationwide campaign organised around the message 'Fight against Drugs', in which motorcycle riders from all states, Union Territories and Central Forces across the country will reach Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, to participate in the Ekta Parade-2026. The Police Commemoration Day ceremony was attended by Members of Parliament Krishna Prasad Tenneti and Rajiv Kumar; Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan; Director of the Intelligence Bureau Mahesh Dixit; Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Shatrujeet Kapoor; the Directors General of other Central Armed Police Forces; and several senior officers.
India set to meet 2030 green goals, but UN issues a global warning
India is expected to meet its 2030 and 2035 climate targets due to ambitious renewable energy initiatives. The UN report highlights the global emissions gap, which needs urgent addressing to limit warming. Current policies may lead to a temperature rise of 2.8 degrees Celsius, indicating insufficient global commitment. However, India's actions stand out, with projects such as the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme showing promise.
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Mbappe, Diomande on target as Real rout Leipzig to continue perfect European start
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Rafale Marine trials begin in Goa for INS Vikrant operations
Trials of the Rafale Marine fighter aircraft are being carried out in Goa by the Indian Navy. The trials are for the modifications to the aircraft required for carrying out operations from the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, Defence officials said on Wednesday.
Govt pitches tourism potential to global players
Singapore, Oct 21: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo led a high-level delegation of Jammu and Kashmir at ITB Asia 2026 in Singapore to showcase J&Ks diverse tourism potential and invite global travel stakeholders to explore the regions rich tourism offerings. The Minister is accompanied by Director Tourism, Jammu Dr. Vikas Gupta; Special Secretary Tourism J&K, Suraj Parkash Rukwal; and Director Finance, Rashim Deepika. The Minister also jointly inaugurated the India Pavilion at ITB Asia 2026 alongside Minister for Tourism Goa, Rohan Khaunte; Minister for Tourism, Odhisa, Pravati Parida and Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, Dr. Shilpak Ambule, providing an important platform to promote Jammu and Kashmir as a premier destination for domestic and international tourists. During the opening day of the grand international travel trade event, the Minister and the delegation held a series of business-to-business (B2B) interactions and strategic meetings with international tour operators, travel trade associations, government representatives and other key stakeholders from the global tourism industry. The interactions focused on highlighting the diverse tourism experiences offered by Jammu and Kashmir, including its renowned leisure and pilgrimage destinations, adventure tourism circuits, winter sports, offbeat destinations and rich cultural and heritage attractions. The delegation also encouraged international travel operators and tourism partners to explore opportunities for collaboration and include Jammu and Kashmir in their travel packages and destination portfolios. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Sakeena Itoo said that Jammu and Kashmir offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, spiritual destinations and adventure experiences, making it an attractive destination for travellers with diverse interests. Jammu and Kashmir has immense tourism potential, and our endeavour is to showcase its diversity to the world. From its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultural traditions to pilgrimage tourism, adventure activities and winter sports, the Union Territory offers unique experiences for visitors throughout the year, the Minister said. She further stated that international tourism platforms such as ITB Asia provide valuable opportunities to connect with global stakeholders, strengthen partnerships and expand the reach of Jammu and Kashmirs tourism sector. Our participation at ITB Asia reflects J&K Governments commitment to promoting Jammu and Kashmir on the international tourism map. We invite tour operators, travel agencies, investors and tourism professionals from across the world to explore the opportunities available in Jammu and Kashmir and partner with us in promoting its tourism potential, she added. The Minister also emphasised the importance of strengthening tourism partnerships, improving destination visibility and encouraging sustainable tourism practices to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach local communities and contribute to economic growth and employment generation. On the occasion, the J&K delegation also highlighted the opportunities available for collaboration across various tourism segments and underscored the importance of developing customised travel experiences to cater to the evolving preferences of international visitors. Pertinently, the engagements at ITB Asia 2026 are aimed at fostering long-term partnerships with global travel companies, facilitating greater tourism exchanges and positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a preferred destination for leisure, adventure, pilgrimage and cultural tourism. The participation of the Jammu and Kashmir delegation at the international event is expected to further strengthen the Union Territorys tourism outreach and create new avenues for collaboration with stakeholders in the global travel and hospitality industry.
HC directs ban on parking to ease traffic jams at casino point
NT Reporter Panaji To decongest vehicular traffic in Panaji, particularly near the casino point along the Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, the High Court of Bombay at Goa on Wednesday directed the authorities to notify the road stretch from the petrol pump near Panaji Residency to the Panaji Church as a no-parking zone. Vehicles linked to offshore []
Rat bite suffered by GMC patient is human rights violation: Panel
NT Reporter Panaji Holding that a rat bite suffered by a patient at Goa Medical College (GMC), Bambolim, amounted to a serious human rights violation, the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has recommended sweeping measures to improve hospital sanitation, strengthen rodent control and prevent waste accumulation in wards. The commission, in its inquiry report dated []
Goan transplant recipient strikes gold at HK event
Naresh S Panaji Nearly 11 years after an emergency liver transplant saved his life, Goan athlete Umesh N Dhavalikar won four gold medals and a silver at the 6th Hong Kong Transplant and Dialysis Games, held from October 16 to 19. He won gold in the 100m, 200m, 3km race walk and ball throw, besides []
Using Andhra model, ICAR plans mud crab farming in khazan lands
Shahin Bepari Lambe Panaji The ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI) at Old Goa plans to develop mud crab farming methods suited to Goa, drawing on a successful model from Andhra Pradesh, institute scientist Trivesh Mayekar said. The project will examine ways to improve crab survival rates, ensure a reliable supply of juvenile crabs, and []
Fabindia looks beyond its 'heritage' to revive growth and cash flow
Fabindia's managing director William Bissell highlighted the need for continuous relevance to attract customers. The retailer's revenue grew by 6.3% in the latest fiscal year while net profit fell significantly. Changes are being implemented, including expanding into Western wear and revising operations. The company is also reviewing store performance and making necessary adjustments to its outlets. The goal is to become more agile and responsive without losing core values.
2 subterranean fish species discovered in Assams Goalpara
UP defeats Goa by 68 runs in Ranji Trophy match played at Green Park Stadium
Indian Navy carries out trials of Rafale Marine in Goa for INS Vikrant
The Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) is a fighter jet designed to operate from aircraft carriers at sea. It is built by Dassault Aviation of France and is already being used by the French Navy.
Rafale Marine trials underway in Goa for INS Vikrant operations
Indian Navy is conducting trials of the Rafale Marine fighter aircraft in Goa for modifications needed for INS Vikrant. These trials will ensure the aircraft can operate with the carrier's ski-jump launch and recovery systems. The Indian Navy has placed an order for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft, set for delivery by the end of 2028. Rafale M aircraft serves various missions, enhancing the Navy's combat capabilities.
Travis Kelce explained on New Heights why Arrowhead Stadium feels different after the Chiefs beat the Chargers 22-6. He pointed to the crowd noise that forced a Justin Herbert delay of game penalty near the goal line.
Premier League Stars Dominate Ballon d'Or Nominations After Record-Breaking Seasons
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland reached 100 Premier League goals in December 2025, achieving the milestone in just 111 appearances.
Premier League Stars Dominate Ballon d'Or Nominations After Historic Seasons
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland reached 100 Premier League goals in December 2025, achieving the milestone in just 111 appearances.
Two Subterranean Fish Species Discovered In Assam
Guwahati, Oct 21: Two previously unknown subterranean fish species have been discovered in wells in Assams Goalpara district, according to state Environment and Forests Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah. Scientists have identified Gitchak nakana, a small, transparent, blind loach, and Rakthamichthys anchi, a transparent, eel-like fish. The discovery marks a notable addition to biodiversity research, highlighting... The post Two Subterranean Fish Species Discovered In Assams Goalpara District first appeared on Northeast Today .
IHCL reports revenue from operations of Rs 2484 cr for Q2, PAT at Rs 380 cr
Indian Hotels Company Limited has announced a revenue of Rs 2484 crore for the second quarter. The company expects to surpass its goal of a 700-hotel portfolio under the Accelerate 2030 initiative. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization stood at Rs 788 crore, showcasing a strong performance. IHCL plans to open 30 new hotels in the fiscal year's second half, adding to its existing portfolio.
Taapsee Pannu on wanting producers to back films on her name: Its been relentless work
Taapsee Pannu has spoken about her long-term goal of reaching a stage in her career where producers see her presence as a reason to invest in a film. Reflecting on her journey since Pink, the actress explained that building this position has required consistent effort and a conscious attempt to move beyond being dependent on luck or the decisions of male co-stars. Her latest release, Gandhari, has brought renewed attention to her work in female-led stories. The film trended as the No. 1 non-English film on Netflix in 17 countries, adding to Taapsees experience of headlining projects. Speaking about whether the films success feels like a culmination of the journey she began with Pink, and the satisfaction of reaching a point where audiences are willing to watch a film because she is leading it, the actress discussed the work that has gone into pursuing that goal. Well, its been a long journey. Its been relentless work being put in it to reach this stage, because for how long you want to be at the mercy of luck only? It cant be the only factor deciding which film I get. I cannot be at the mercy of my heroes to feel okay to let me be in a film. And thats been my quest since Pink, because I tasted blood way too early in my career of what happens when you lead a film, or, you know, when youre not a secondary character in a film. My vision became very clear from there onwards that eventually I do want to achieve a position where the producers think and believe that if shes there in a film, then its worth putting our money in it, the actress said. Taapsees comments underline her focus on building a career in which she can lead projects and have a greater say in the kind of stories she takes on. For the actress, the objective is not simply to feature in successful films, but to establish the kind of credibility that encourages producers to back a project with her at its centre. The journey she refers to began to take shape with Pink, the 2016 courtroom drama directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury. Starring Amitabh Bachchan alongside Taapsee, Kirti Kulhari and Andrea Tariang, the film explored consent and the social scrutiny faced by women. Taapsees role as Minal Arora placed her at the heart of the story, giving her an opportunity to lead a narrative that dealt with a larger social issue. As she now reflects on her career through the lens of Gandhari, Pink remains a significant reference point in her pursuit of opportunities where her performance and presence can help drive a film. Also Read: Taapsee Pannu calls herself the dark horse of Hindi Cinema amid global success of Gandhari: At times, I feel bad that I have to prove myself so many times
Though obtaining an MBA from an Indian Institute of Management is a goal for many, Megha Sarayan opted for an alternate route. The University of Calcutta economics alumnus turned down an offer from IIM Kozhikode after successfully passing the entrance exam and intensive interviews. Instead, she concentrated on expanding her baking business, which now allegedly earns more than Rs 2 crore each year.
BMR calculator for men: How it works alongside a BMI weight calculator
Do you know how many calories your body requires each day, even when you are resting? Or whether your current weight falls within a healthy range for your height? These are two different questions and answering them can assist you in understanding your body better. A Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) calculator for men figures out the energy your body uses at rest, while a Body Mass Index (BMI) weight calculator uses your height and weight to evaluate your body mass index. Both tools can be useful when you are setting health or fitness goals. Let's look at how they function together and what their outcomes tell you. 1. What is a BMR calculator for men? Your body needs energy to perform important functions, i.e., breathing, circulating blood, maintaining body temperature and repairing cells. The calories your body utilises to support these basic functions at rest are known as your BMR. A BMR calculator for men figures out this daily energy requirement using details, i.e., your age, height, weight and sex. For instance, if your estimated BMR is 1,700 calories a day, your body needs roughly that amount of energy to maintain basic functions under resting conditions. It does not include the additional calories you burn while walking, exercising, working or doing household chores. So, should you eat exactly your BMR in calories every day? Not necessarily. Your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) also involves physical activity and digestion. This is why BMR is best used as a beginning point rather than a complete daily calorie target. 2. What does a BMI weight calculator tell you? While BMR concentrates on energy utilisation, a BMI weight calculator assists you in understanding how your weight compares with your height. BMI is computed using your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared. For example, if you are 1.75 metres tall and weigh 75 kg, your BMI would be: BMI = 75 (1.75 1.75) = 24.5 For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 falls within the standard healthy-weight range. A BMI below 18.5 is classified as underweight. However, 25 or above falls into the overweight or higher categories under standard international adult classifications. However, BMI does not directly measure body fat. If you are muscular, you might have a higher BMI without having excess body fat. It even does not show where fat is stored or account for every difference in body composition. Utilise the result as a general screening measure and not a diagnosis of your health. 3. How do BMR and BMI work together? Here is where things get interesting. Your BMR and BMI measure different things. However, looking out both measures can provide you a broader picture of your health goals. BMR assists in estimating energy requirements: It gives you an idea of how many calories your body utilises at rest. BMI assists in assessing weight in relation to height: It provides a general indication of whether your weight falls within a standard range. Clubbed together, they support planning: You can utilise both outcomes as beginning points when considering your eating habits, activity levels as well as weight goals. Imagine two men who weigh 80 kg and have the same height. One might have more muscle, while the other might have a higher proportion of body fat. Their BMI could be identical; however their body composition and energy requirement might vary. This is why you must not depend on just one number. Your age, muscle mass, activity level, medical past record and habits matter, too. 4. Understand the limitations of these calculators Calculators make health information easier to understand, but they cannot tell you everything about your body. A BMR calculator provides an estimate rather than a direct measurement of your metabolism. Factors, i.e., muscle mass, genetics and health conditions can influence your actual energy requirements. Likewise, a BMI weight calculator does not distinguish between muscle and fat. A person with a high BMI might have considerable muscle mass. However, someone with a BMI in the standard healthy range might still have health risks that BMI does not reveal. Neither tool can independently determine whether you are healthy or prescribe the correct diet and exercise routine for you. 5. How to use both calculators for your fitness goals Want to lose weight, maintain your current weight or build muscle? Begin by understanding what each calculator can tell you. Step no. 1: Compute your BMR. Input your age, height, weight as well as sex into a suitable calculator. Utilise the estimate to figure out your resting energy requirements. Step no. 2: Check out your BMI. Enter your height and weight into a BMI weight calculator. Assess the outcome alongside other indicators, such as waist circumference as well as body composition, where appropriate. Step no. 3: Consider your activity level. Your daily calorie requirements will usually be higher than your BMR because you move around and perform day-to-day activities. Your activity level assists in estimating your total energy expenditure. Step no. 4: Set a realistic goal. If weight management is your aim, focus on sustainable eating habits, regular physical activity as well as sufficient sleep rather than going after a particular number. Step no. 5: Review your progress. Reassess your measurements as your weight, activity level or fitness goals change. Note that calculator results are estimates, and individual requirements differ. If you are not sure how to interpret your outcomes, a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian can assist you in developing a suitable plan. Make the numbers work for you A BMR calculator for men can assist you in understanding your body's resting energy needs. However, a BMI weight calculator offers a beginning point for assessing weight in relation to height. Used together, they can assist you in asking better questions about your health and fitness. Do not get too caught up in a single reading. Pay complete attention to how you feel, build habits you can maintain and look at the bigger picture. After all, the goal is not just to reach a number on a calculator. It is to develop a healthier routine that works for your body and your everyday life.
Want to further develop business ties, continue political cooperation with India: Estonian envoy
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 21 (IANS) Estonia's Ambassador to India, Kristi Karelsohn, said on Wednesday that ties between both nations are in a good shape as everyone is eagerly looking forward to the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU). Estonia, said Karelsohn, wants to further develop business ties and political cooperation with India in multilateral forums. In an interview with IANS, Karelsohn described the business sector as the main priority for strengthening ties between India and Estonia. The two nations also exchange views on different geopolitical developments. I've been in India working as Estonian Ambassador for around seven weeks now and to my understanding these relations are really good. They are in really good shape, and particularly I think we have this new momentum now and a very exciting time because of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement that hopefully will be signed by the end of this year... For many countries, and also for Estonia, the main priority in India is business. It's a large market and of course I want to further develop our business relations. But besides that, I think it's also very important to continue talking to each other about political cooperation and our engagement in the multilateral forum and exchange our views on different geopolitical developments, the diplomat mentioned. Karelsohn emphasised that India and Estonia believe in preserving multilateralism and the rules-based international order. She also mentioned how India followed a long-term policy of non-alignment, while it is important for Estonia to remain part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). One of my priorities would definitely be also sharing our views on different geopolitical developments. What I see Estonia and India are like-minded in or we are sharing the view of preserving multilateralism and the rules-based international order and the background for that thinking may be quite different. For, India it has been this long-term policy of non-alignment, belonging to any political blocks. For Estonia, it's been different. For us, it's been extremely important to become a member of the transatlantic alliance, NATO, and also the European Union and all that. But, for us it's very, very important to see that those rules that have been commonly agreed upon are implemented and followed by all the countries in the world and especially now seeing one country, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, violating that rule and attacking its smaller neighbour is something that is very concerning for us. So, for example, I see the opportunity here to work together to support each other's goals and work together in that domain, she added. Highlighting the strengthening ties between India and Estonia in the past six months, Kristi Karelsohn also spoke about the high-level visits between both nations. Then-Estonian President Alar Karis visited New Delhi for the AI Impact Summit in February this year, during which, he met Indian leaders. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal's recent visit to Estonia with a huge business delegation, has also been described as highly successful. The Estonian Minister for Justice and Digitalisation also visited India for the Mobile Congress.
SLMG Beverages eyes Rs 20,000 cr turnover in 5 yrs, IPO in 3-4 years
SLMG Beverages, a major Coca-Cola bottler in India, is targeting a turnover of Rs 20,000 crore in five years. The company has plans to list on stock exchanges before reaching its turnover goal. Currently, SLMG Beverages has a gross turnover of approximately Rs 9,000 crore and aims to increase that significantly. Investments in new bottling facilities and chilling equipment are underway to meet rising demand.
GMC Assistant Professor Recruitment 2026
Public Health Department (Goa Medical College) (GMC) has released Notification No. 10 Year 2026 for the post of Assistant Professor in Surgical Gastroenterology. Eligible candidates can apply online from 09 October 2026 to 23 October 2026.
Europe Wants Data Centers. Its Climate Goals Are Getting in The Way
A plan to funnel the heat given off by data centers into nearby homes has run aground in Germany. Across Europe, policymakers are weighing AI ambition... Europe Wants Data Centers. Its Climate Goals Are Getting in The Way
Valour of martyrs inspires us to strengthen peace: LG Sinha on Police Commemoration Day
Srinagar, October 21: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha paid solemn tribute to police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day. Remembering the courage, dedication and patriotism of the brave martyrs, the Lieutenant Governor said that their service and sacrifice remain an enduring source of inspiration for Jammu Kashmir and the nation. In his message, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to all police martyrs and conveyed deep respect and sympathy to their families. The Lieutenant Governor conveyed his prayers and best wishes for the health and well-being of the families of the brave personnel. He also emphasized that while no recognition can compensate for the loss suffered by families, it is the responsibility of the nation to honour their sacrifice through meaningful support and care. I have always said that no honour or assistance can compensate a family for the pain of losing a loved one. Yet, it is the nations duty to honour their sacrifice not merely in words, but also through its conduct and responsibilities. I assure the entire Jammu Kashmir Police family that every possible effort will continue to be made to ensure a dignified life, welfare, and necessary support for the families of the martyrs, he said. The Lieutenant Governor acknowledged the contributions of the Jammu Kashmir Police force, describing its history as one marked by courage, discipline and an unwavering commitment to duty. He noted that from maintaining law and order and combating terrorism to assisting citizens during emergencies and natural disasters, the Jammu Kashmir Police force has rendered distinguished service under challenging circumstances. Thousands of personnel of the Jammu Kashmir Police force have laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism. I believe Jammu Kashmir Police's courage is not confined to the borders of the Union Territory but it is a source of inspiration for the entire police system of the country. The nation will never forget the contribution of immortal martyrs, who dedicated everything to the honour, dignity and glory of the Tricolour, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also observed that the police uniform symbolises service, responsibility and sacrifice. He stated that the true measure of policing lies in ensuring public safety, delivering justice to citizens and standing by society in times of need and crisis. In the 79 years since Independence, India has faced numerous challenges. The Jammu Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, and the Central Armed Police Forces have protected the nations security and integrity in difficult circumstances. Today, India is moving resolutely towards its goal of becoming a developed nation. In this journey, peace, stability, and progress in Jammu Kashmir are of special importance, and the major responsibility of ensuring them rests on the shoulders of the Police, army and CAPFs, he said. The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed the Government of India's commitment to strengthening peace and progress in Jammu Kashmir and called upon citizens to uphold unity, communal harmony and mutual trust, while remaining vigilant against forces seeking to disrupt peace and stability. Our goal is to identify and root out terrorism and every element associated with it in Jammu Kashmir. Today, we must resolve that we will not rest until this land is freed from separatist and terrorist elements. I warn those elements within Jammu Kashmir who support terrorism that your days are over. Even if you attempt to hide in Pataal, we will find you and ensure that you are punished under the law, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the need for continued efforts to protect women, children and vulnerable sections of society, strengthen measures against drug trafficking and firmly combat narco-terrorism and its support networks. The prevention of crimes against women and children, the protection of vulnerable sections and ensuring timely justice for victims must be among our highest priorities. It is necessary to continuously review the systems for monitoring and controlling such crimes and to make them more effective. Similarly, the commitment to a drug-free Jammu Kashmir must be our collective resolve. I commend all the officers and personnel of the Jammu Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, and the Central Armed Police Forces for their spirit of service, courage, and sense of duty. I wish success in every one of their missions, safety in their lives and a bright future for them, the Lieutenant Governor said.
LG Sinha Pays Tribute to Martyred Police Personnel on Police Commemoration Day
Srinagar, October 21: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha paid solemn tribute to police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day. Remembering the courage, dedication and patriotism of the brave martyrs, the Lieutenant Governor said that their service and sacrifice remain an enduring source of inspiration for Jammu Kashmir and the nation. In his message, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to all police martyrs and conveyed deep respect and sympathy to their families. The Lieutenant Governor conveyed his prayers and best wishes for the health and well-being of the families of the brave personnel. He also emphasized that while no recognition can compensate for the loss suffered by families, it is the responsibility of the nation to honour their sacrifice through meaningful support and care. I have always said that no honour or assistance can compensate a family for the pain of losing a loved one. Yet, it is the nations duty to honour their sacrifice not merely in words, but also through its conduct and responsibilities. I assure the entire Jammu Kashmir Police family that every possible effort will continue to be made to ensure a dignified life, welfare, and necessary support for the families of the martyrs, he said. The Lieutenant Governor acknowledged the contributions of the Jammu Kashmir Police force, describing its history as one marked by courage, discipline and an unwavering commitment to duty. He noted that from maintaining law and order and combating terrorism to assisting citizens during emergencies and natural disasters, the Jammu Kashmir Police force has rendered distinguished service under challenging circumstances. Thousands of personnel of the Jammu Kashmir Police force have laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism. I believe Jammu Kashmir Police's courage is not confined to the borders of the Union Territory but it is a source of inspiration for the entire police system of the country. The nation will never forget the contribution of immortal martyrs, who dedicated everything to the honour, dignity and glory of the Tricolour, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also observed that the police uniform symbolises service, responsibility and sacrifice. He stated that the true measure of policing lies in ensuring public safety, delivering justice to citizens and standing by society in times of need and crisis. In the 79 years since Independence, India has faced numerous challenges. The Jammu Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, and the Central Armed Police Forces have protected the nations security and integrity in difficult circumstances. Today, India is moving resolutely towards its goal of becoming a developed nation. In this journey, peace, stability, and progress in Jammu Kashmir are of special importance, and the major responsibility of ensuring them rests on the shoulders of the Police, army and CAPFs, he said. The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed the Government of India's commitment to strengthening peace and progress in Jammu Kashmir and called upon citizens to uphold unity, communal harmony and mutual trust, while remaining vigilant against forces seeking to disrupt peace and stability. Our goal is to identify and root out terrorism and every element associated with it in Jammu Kashmir. Today, we must resolve that we will not rest until this land is freed from separatist and terrorist elements. I warn those elements within Jammu Kashmir who support terrorism that your days are over. Even if you attempt to hide in Pataal, we will find you and ensure that you are punished under the law, he said. The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the need for continued efforts to protect women, children and vulnerable sections of society, strengthen measures against drug trafficking and firmly combat narco-terrorism and its support networks. The prevention of crimes against women and children, the protection of vulnerable sections and ensuring timely justice for victims must be among our highest priorities. It is necessary to continuously review the systems for monitoring and controlling such crimes and to make them more effective. Similarly, the commitment to a drug-free Jammu Kashmir must be our collective resolve. I commend all the officers and personnel of the Jammu Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, and the Central Armed Police Forces for their spirit of service, courage, and sense of duty. I wish success in every one of their missions, safety in their lives and a bright future for them, the Lieutenant Governor said.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 21: OPPO has announced the launch of the OPPO F35 Series 5G, bringing its Group Selfie Expert camera experience, everyday-use features and festive purchase benefits to consumers across Pune, South Maharashtra and Goa.
Can Europe Build Data Centers Without Giving Up Its Climate Goals?
A plan to funnel the heat given off by data centers into nearby homes has run aground in Germany. Across Europe, policymakers are weighing AI ambitions against climate objectives.
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has invited online applications for 40 vacancies across various posts. Applications can be submitted at goashipyard.in from 23 October 2026 to 22 November 2026. The recruitment drive includes Chief General Manager, Additional General Manager / Deputy General Manager, Additional General Manager, Manager, and other positions.
Little 'shocked' With Jayawardenes Exit From MI, Pollard Can Be A Successor, Says Pamment
Former Mumbai Indians: Former Mumbai Indians fielding coach James Pamment said he was a little bit shocked over Mahela Jayawardene stepping down as the franchise's head coach and backed Kieron Pollard to take over the role. Last week, Jayawardene stepped down as MI head coach, which ended his second stint in charge of the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, after having guided them to three titles during his first spell from 2017 to 2022. Pamment, who worked alongside Jayawardene at MI while being there for eight years, said he had not seen this development coming. I was a little bit shocked actually when I saw at the weekend that Mahela had decided to step down. I enjoyed a lot of years working alongside Mahela. So passionate about Mumbai Indians, so passionate about the performance of the team as well. He was so passionate about helping develop the players, especially the Indian players to go on and be significant players to play for India as well, which a number of those guys are now when coming on this trip to New Zealand. So, I was surprised. I'm sort of out of the loop now. So, I'm not sure what the inner workings are - so let's see, Pamment told IANS in an exclusive conversation. He also felt Pollard, the big-hitting batter who began his IPL playing career at MI and began his coaching career as the franchises batting coach, does stand out among the potential candidates. Really, other than Kieron Pollard, I'm not sure who could take over. There's been lots of names mentioned, but for me, if Kieron feels he's ready to take it on, he'd be the man I'd give the job to. But I've heard about (Mike) Hussey, or this, that and the other people But there's a guy there who bleeds blue and gold. He started his coaching career there and once again, if he can put the good people around him, I think he's a guy who would have respect from the players. He's definitely got the knowledge about playing T20 cricket, especially in the IPL. But let's see - the owners might have something else in mind, added Pamment. MI have less than a month to appoint a new head coach before the retention deadline for IPL 2027 arrives ahead of the mini auction happening in Goa on December 16. Zaheer, who worked with Jayawardene as director of cricket operations at MI, has begun his role at the helm of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming left. It is the former India fast bowler's first head coach role and Pamment felt the timing will help Zaheer have a key say in shaping the squad retention and auction picks. It's going to be an interesting time for Zaheer here with Chennai. So, I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes. Retentions and squad building is something that is really important. I guess it's your foundation for your season ahead. So, if they feel they need to make changes and they need to have some additions, then this is a really important time to try and get the players on board that you feel that you need. It is the former India fast bowler's first head coach role and Pamment felt the timing will help Zaheer have a key say in shaping the squad retention and auction picks. It's going to be an interesting time for Zaheer here with Chennai. So, I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Rising Emissions and Temperatures: The Cost of Trump's Climate Retreat
For over a decade, scientists have warned the world must limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) to avoid the most severe consequences of climate change. That goal is no longer within reach. Decades of insufficient action
Kaley Cuoco's 40-acre California ranch is now a refuge for rescued animals
In 2017, The Big Bang Theorystar Kaley Cuoco purchased a 40-acre ranch in California for $4.99 million. Nine years later, the property has become a refuge for rescued horses, cows, goats, pigs, donkeys and birds. Cuoco has transformed the ranch into a home for animals, including older ones rescued from difficult conditions, while also making it an important part of her family life.
DHS Goa Tutor Recruitment 2026
Public Health Department (Directorate of Health Services) (DHS Goa) has released Notification No. 10 Year 2026 for the recruitment of 25 Tutor posts. Eligible candidates can apply online from 09 October 2026 to 23 October 2026.
Climate change: UN warns world is falling short of Paris Agreement goals
The UN warns global temperatures could rise 2.6C by 2100 even if countries meet their climate pledges, while current policies could lead to 2.8C warming. With emissions near record levels, the report urges urgent cuts ahead of COP31 to limit worsening climate impacts
Directorate of Vigilance Goa Technical Examiner Recruitment 2026
Directorate of Vigilance Goa has released the notification for 2 Technical Examiner posts. Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications from 09 October 2026 to 23 November 2026.
World falling 'dangerously short' on climate action, warns UN
Global commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are insufficient, threatening to push temperatures up to 2.6C by 2100. The UN warns that current climate pledges will not meet the agreed Paris goals, with dire consequences expected. Major emitters must take immediate action to significantly lower emissions, as a leadership gap remains evident. Climate impacts are already being felt worldwide, affecting all countries, including the United States.
UCL 2026: PSG sink Barcelona 4-2; Liverpool recover late to secure 4-3 win
Paris Saint-Germain was too powerful for even Lamine Yamal's magic as it ended Barcelona's 11-game winning run to top the Champions League table. A thrilling end to the game with four goals in the last 20 minutes delivered a statement win for PSG, which is joined Liverpool as the only teams with three victories after Alexis Mac Allister led a rousing 4-3 comeback triumph over Villarreal on Tuesday. Yamal had just displayed stunning skill to level the score at 2-2 from a narrow angle when PSG took the lead again through Vitinha, before Fabian Ruiz added another for a 4-2 victory. We never feel like we're powerless, or that we're beaten in any way, PSG forward Desire Doue said. We always know there's an opportunity as long as the final whistle hasn't gone, Injuries to stars Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia took some of the shine off the win for PSG, which could now face having to cope without two of its biggest difference-makers in attack. Barcelona needs to bounce back
Pakistan has set a target of landing on the Moon by 2035 as it expands its space programme through cooperation with China. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced that Pakistans first astronaut is scheduled to embark on a space mission from China on November 25. The partnership also includes a lunar rover project, while India is pursuing its own human spaceflight and Moon exploration goals.
6 goals, 4 injuries: PSG outscore Barca in frenetic Champions League clash
6 goals, 4 injuries: PSG outscore Barca in frenetic Champions League clash
Assam: Two new subterranean fish species discovered in Goalpara wells
Monish Upadhyay A decade ago, Wimarithy K. Marak, a resident of Assams Goalpara district, often used to encounter a small pink creature in her neighbourhoods wells. She simply thought of it as a worm infesting her locality. In 2021, after she became a researcher, she stumbled upon the creature again while drawing water from a [] The post Assam: Two new subterranean fish species discovered in Goalpara wells appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Amit Shah sets three-year target to make India drug-free by December 31, 2029
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday announced to make drug-free India by December 31, 2029, calling for a united fight against narcotics over the remaining part of 2026 and the next three years. Shah made the announcement while addressing the Police Commemoration Day at the National Police Memorial here in the national capital, mentioning that the drug menace is a serious challenge for the whole country. We have set a target to eliminate the drug menace from India by December 31, 2029, Shah said on the occasion. To achieve the goal, the Home Minister called for a united fight against narcotics over the remaining part of 2026 and the next three years, according to a statement. He urged police forces across the country to work with full commitment towards the roadmap for a drug-free India, in line with the goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and to safeguard future generations from the harmful effects of drugs. Shah said the drug menace is a serious challenge as it damages...
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PSG overcome Barca in six-goal clash to stay top of Champions League
Digital Desk | Berlin, Oct 21 (IANS) Paris Saint-Germain beat Barcelona 4-2 in the UEFA Champions League with Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz scoring late to settle a contest in which the visitors twice equalised. The defending champion started aggressively, forcing Barcelona into mistakes near its own penalty area. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck the post after two minutes, while Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue also threatened early on. Barcelona gradually created opportunities of its own, but PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov denied Raphinha and Gordon in quick succession. Both sides suffered first-half injuries, with Dembele and Dani Olmo forced off, reports Xinhua. PSG regained control and broke through in the 38th minute. Barcelona failed to close down Doue outside the area, allowing the forward to score from distance. Safonov then kept out Fermin's effort as the visitors sought an immediate response. Barcelona improved after halftime and drew level in the 55th minute when Fermin released Xavi Espart, who finished for his first Champions League goal. The hosts restored their advantage after Ferran Torres struck the post. Lucas Hernandez rose above Gordon to head in from the resulting corner in the 72nd minute. Lamine Yamal equalised seven minutes later, beating substitute Warren Zaire-Emery before scoring from a tight angle. PSG responded almost immediately, with Vitinha driving home from outside the box in the 81st minute after Barcelona failed to clear Achraf Hakimi's cross. Fabian Ruiz added a fourth five minutes later, arriving at the far post to finish and end Barcelona's hopes of another comeback. We were hoping for a win or at least a draw, but now we have to see what the coach tells us we need to improve, Barcelona captain Raphinha said. The victory kept PSG top of the league-phase standings with nine points from three matches. Barcelona remained on six points in fifth place after suffering its first defeat of the season.
New Delhi, Oct 20:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the ideals of Lord Shri Ram remained a benchmark for good governance, stressing that the purpose of power was not to rule but to ensure public welfare. Addressing Vijayadashami celebrations at the Indraprastha Ramleela Ground in Delhi, PM Modi said Ram Rajya represented a system in which nobody faced discrimination, everyone received justice and all had equal opportunities. Ram Rajya means a system of governance where no one is discriminated against, everyone receives justice, everyone has equal opportunities, and the purpose of power is not merely to rule, but to serve the welfare of the people, he said, as reported by PTI. The Prime Minister said Lord Ram faced numerous difficulties but never abandoned the path of truth and righteousness. He also recalled Rams respect for Nishadraj and Mata Shabari, saying his life set examples of compassion, kindness, love and social harmony. PM Modi said Vijayadashami celebrated the victory of good over evil and reminded people of the enduring strength of truth and righteousness. No matter how powerful the enemy is, when we stand with truth and humanity, victory will ultimately be ours, he said. He also called for greater self-reliance, saying Lord Ram had taught people to find solutions to problems using their own resources. Our goal is to make India fully self-reliant as that is how a country can progress, PM Modi said, adding that even a major crisis should not prevent people from moving forward or leave them dependent on others. The Prime Minister said the welfare of the poor and deprived sections remained a government priority. He also warned against forces that harm the country's interests, divide society or show hostility towards India's culture, describing them as enemies of the nation. PM Modi said the ideals of Lord Ram continued to offer guidance on good governance, social harmony and the responsibility of those in power to work for the welfare of the people.
From the Fear of the File to the Fear of the FIR
Good governance is not just about changing laws. It is about changing how a citizen feels when dealing with the state. A shopkeeper, a young entrepreneur or a small manufacturer should be able to earn an honest living without being worn down by paperwork or worried about a knock on the door over a minor mistake. That is why the Omar Abdullah-led government deserves credit for bringing two important measures before the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly: the Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026, and the Bill to amend certain enactments for decriminalising and rationalising offences for ease of living and ease of doing business, 2026. The two Bills do different jobs, but they aim at the same thing: a government that is responsive, predictable and easier to deal with. The first tackles the administrative side. Entrepreneurs should not have to chase several offices for decisions that ought to be simple. The second tackles the legal side by decriminalising and rationalising certain offences. Both start from the same understanding: a system that is too complicated, or too quick to punish, discourages enterprise. Anyone who has started a business knows that time and certainty matter most. Every extra trip to a government office costs money. Every unexplained delay disrupts planning, investment and jobs. In Jammu and Kashmir, where we badly need more economic opportunity and private investment, compliance must be simple, transparent and predictable. That means clear requirements, easily available information, decisions within fixed timelines, services that actually work online, and accountability when deadlines are missed. A single-window system is worth having only if it is truly a single point of access, and not one more layer to get through. The same goes for digitisation. If it simply moves a complicated process onto a screen, nothing has improved. The real test is simple. Can an entrepreneur in Srinagar, a small manufacturer in Jammu or a young person starting a local venture finish the formalities without running from department to department? The second Bill raises a basic question about the purpose of regulation and the role of punishment. There is a difference between deliberate wrongdoing and an honest procedural mistake. Fraud, exploitation, wilful violations and conduct that endangers public safety should face firm and effective penalties. But a minor technical lapse, or a deficiency that can be corrected, should not automatically lead to criminal prosecution when a proportionate civil or administrative remedy would do. For a small trader, even the possibility of criminal proceedings over a minor violation is frightening. Legal fees, lost time and sheer uncertainty can do real damage, even when the lapse was easy to fix. A modern regulatory system should tell intentional misconduct apart from genuine error. It should give people a fair chance to correct small deficiencies, set penalties that fit the offence, and keep criminal prosecution for cases that truly warrant it. This is not about weakening the law. It is about making the law fairer and more effective. A good government is firm with deliberate wrongdoing and fair with honest mistakes. Two Bills, one purpose The real strength of these measures lies in how they complement each other. One makes the system easier to navigate. The other makes enforcement more proportionate. Put simply, Bill 11 should reduce the fear of the file, and Bill 16 should reduce the fear of the FIR. But a law on paper changes nothing by itself. What matters is how departments interpret it, how officials use their powers, and how consistently the new framework is applied on the ground. So the reforms need clear rules, simple compliance requirements, transparent procedures and a grievance system that works. Citizens and businesses should know what is expected of them, which authority is responsible, how long a decision will take, and where to turn when the process fails. Where deemed approvals or time-bound mechanisms are provided, they must work in practice. Where offences are decriminalised, departments need precise guidance, so that people are not treated just as harshly under a different reading of the law. Public interest must stay protected as well. Simplification should not become an excuse for negligence, and decriminalisation should not weaken safeguards for public health, worker safety, the environment or consumer rights. The goal is not less accountability. It is smarter, fairer and more proportionate accountability. A citizen-friendly government does not judge itself by the number of notices issued, inspections carried out or penalties imposed. It judges itself by whether people understand their obligations, whether businesses can operate within a clear legal framework, and whether real violations are dealt with fairly and promptly. That calls for a change in administrative culture. Officials should be encouraged to facilitate lawful economic activity, while still being held accountable for negligence, corruption and misuse of authority. Citizens, for their part, should be helped to understand their responsibilities through clear guidelines and simpler procedures. I would suggest that the government publish a single, public guide that lists which offences have been decriminalised, which penalties still apply, how deficiencies can be corrected and what timelines departments must follow. This would help the smallest shopkeeper benefit as much as the largest investor. Regular reviews should also ask practical questions. Have approval times come down? Has the cost of compliance fallen? Are grievances being resolved? Do businesses actually feel the difference? These measures show results, which counting amended laws does not. Jammu and Kashmir needs a climate where young people are encouraged to start businesses, small enterprises can grow without needless obstacles, and investors can decide with confidence. With jobs and economic opportunity still among our biggest public concerns, this matters even more. The two Bills are a real chance to move in that direction, and they deserve support. At the same time, their implementation must stay open to scrutiny, feedback and constant improvement. The next step is to take these reforms out of government offices and into peoples daily lives. Business associations, traders, entrepreneurs and ordinary residents should be able to report problems and get meaningful responses. That feedback can then be used to weed out outdated requirements, remove duplication and simplify compliance further. Ease of doing business and ease of living are not separate goals. They are two sides of the same commitment to good governance. Tanvir Sadiq is an MLA, J&K Assembly.
The AI doom scenario you may never have heard of may be hardest to stop
It seems that almost daily, a big tech company releases a new AI-driven digital assistant. Muse by Meta, Gemini by Google, dots by OpenAI. By the time this article is published, a new one from [insert tech company here] will probably have a press release touting its ability to manage your work and life to take things off your plate, automate your processes, speed up your tedious tasks. It sounds helpful and, to lower the bar, harmless. But some researchers say this is the beginning of a treacherous path for humankind, one where bots take more and more off our plate until all that's left is an empty vessel, and we human users become nothing more than thoughtless approvers. It's not just a threat to jobs . They warn that allowing our skills and knowledge to deteriorate, and surrendering our critical thinking to AI, poses an existential danger to humanity. One term for this path is gradual disempowerment a scenario where AI displaces human labor in the economy, replaces human decision-making in all key societal concerns, erodes human creativity, and degrades human cognition along the way. And though the word gradual is in the name, that does not mean the problem is something to worry about far in the future, according to experts. I put gradual disempowerment on the very top of my list, said Jay Chooi, the founder and CEO of Robocurve, a company that tracks and measures AI-driven robotics capabilities. Chooi believes gradual disempowerment is just as worrisome as the threat of engineered pandemics and more destructive cyberattacks , which could be accelerated by capable AI. It's a civilization-scale problem, Chooi said of gradual disempowerment. A lot of people feel very powerless, because it requires a lot of effort and a whole-of-society approach to solve it. What is gradual disempowerment and how could AI cause it? The term gradual disempowerment stems from a paper published in early 2025. At the heart of the gradual disempowerment scenario is AI technology continuing to advance in capabilities, as it has rapidly since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022. AI models may soon be better at nearly all cognitive tasks than humans solving frontier math problems , doing hard science, coding, writing and creating art and music, to name a few of the areas where AI increasingly excels. At the same time, advances in robotics could lead to AI-powered robots performing better than humans at physical labor like packing boxes, constructing homes, building cars, painting murals, mining for rare minerals, and even building IKEA furniture . We like to think that in an ideal world, the best applicant generally gets the job, and they are paid based on the level of demand for their skills. But imagine if a human is never the best person for the job. That's a world that some AI prognosticators and whistleblowers expect. It's a world where an AI agent or AI-enabled robot is better at every task and sub-task that it takes to do my job and your job. They move faster than us, think deeper, have more patience and stamina. They more cordially answer phones, do more thorough research, and more dexterously wield a scalpel or a nail file. Plus, they never need to sleep or take sick days, they never show up hungover or moody, and they never threaten to leave for a better job. To picture gradual disempowerment more clearly, here's a scenario: Let's say you run Hammer Co., a company that manufactures hammers. You have line workers who shape the steel heads and wooden handles and then fit them together, and managers who keep the factory running smoothly. You have people who maintain your supply chain and teams to handle marketing, sales, accounting, and all the other functions that help your business thrive. But then a tech company comes out with AI-powered Hammer Bots. The robot workers can make hammers far faster than your human workers, while AI agents can run the business side with little oversight. They'll work all night, never make mistakes, and cost far less than your happy, well-paid staff. You don't want to fire your human workers. You see them around town and have known their families for years, after all. But your competitor gets the Hammer Bots. Most customers just want the cheapest hammers they don't care who or what makes them. As CEO of Hammer Co. you either compete or die. So you fire all your humans and get Hammer Bots to replace them. Now, try to envision this is the case for every company, and every job. With normal free-market incentives, the company that stays loyal to its human employees will be outcompeted by the company that gets AI to do the work instead. Here's where gradual disempowerment comes into play. The fewer humans that participate in labor, and the more work that's outsourced to AI agents, the more humanity becomes dependent on AI for decision-making and the more human skills deteriorate. How long until the finer points of hammer-making will be forgotten? With AI making all our complex decisions for us, humans become less capable of understanding and overseeing those decisions or of pushing back against them. If people aren't actually practicing the skills that the agents are doing for them, they lose the ability to have that skill, and so now you become reliant, said Margaret Mitchell, an AI research scientist at Hugging Face and co-author of another recent paper on the importance of keeping humans in the loop in an AI world. What happens when something goes wrong? There's no human you can point to who can fix it. So now you've become fully dependent on these systems to fix themselves, and what if that's not possible? A risk to democratic governance It's not just economics and labor at risk. Take the military , for example. All or most decisions in war involve humans today, even if AI contributes to the process, but the balance is likely to shift as the technology becomes more capable. If the United States uses AI to make decisions in battle , its enemies across the field will be pressured to do the same. The side that leans more heavily on humans will be slower and less efficient. Human soldiers need food and rest. Robot soldiers will not. Human decision-makers are limited in the scenarios they can conceive and plan for; AIs can take into account all of human knowledge. The states need citizens. They need us because we pay taxes and we fight for the states in the military, said Jan Kulveit, a co-author of the gradual disempowerment paper and co-founder of ACS Research Group. States also use people to enforce laws. But what if law enforcement is all automated in the future? If, or when, existing states don't need their citizens, they're less likely to be democratic, said Kulveit. Kulveit compares theoretical future countries that are mostly run by AI to oil states today. He said the oil states tend to be authoritarian because they don't rely on most of their citizens to pay taxes and don't need citizens' votes to rule. States that rely on AI to run the economy and military could have similar outcomes, said Kulveit. If that is the case, and citizens no longer are the backbone of labor or warfare in a world of gradual disempowerment, then humans lose perhaps their greatest leverage against those in power. A lot of people are talking about rogue AI hacking into data centers and taking over the world, but it is not in the mainstream consciousness that like AI could literally take over the world just by continuing to do what it's supposed to do, which is automating everything, said Jay Chooi of Robocurve. Organizations are all going to have a very strong economic pressure, and political pressure, to phase out humans and move work more and more into robots or AI. How does humanity avoid gradual disempowerment? Humans ceding control to AI, say the gradual disempowerment authors, is almost a natural transition once very advanced AI is here. Gradual disempowerment does not need to emerge from a deliberate scheme or powergrab by AI systems, wrote Kulveit and his colleagues. In the short-term, it is being incentivized by the perceived value that AI systems can bring to economic, cultural and state functions. We can't be in the situation where we are competing with the machines, said Kulveit. Because if we are just competing with the machines, we will probably lose. The gradual disempowerment authors believe stopping our disempowerment may be a heavy lift for humanity, since it involves complex systems that feed into each other government, culture, and the economy. This may be a bigger challenge than merely preventing AI systems from pursuing overtly harmful goals, they write. One first step in slowing disempowerment is keeping indicators of how much work is being ceded to AI, and of what kind of specific jobs AI systems are capable of handling. If thousands of workers are being displaced by AI in, say, call center jobs , it helps to know that in granular detail. But measurement isn't enough without action, Mitchell said. She argues that removing humans from the loop in AI processes both worsens oversight and degrades the skills of the human overseer. Therefore, companies and leadership in all fields must take proactive steps to keep humans engaged. This general practice within tech is we want our systems to be frictionless, said Mitchell, referring to the idea that everything should move fast and without obstacles. There's this sense that the less friction the better, but there's been a push within the more ethical AI community that strategic friction can be good because it can draw people's attention to critical issues that otherwise they might overlook. Mitchell argues that strategic friction keeping humans in the work loop at predetermined steps can be done both by developers of AI, companies like OpenAI and Anthropic and Google, and by companies and organizations that deploy AI. Thoughtful and purposeful design of AI can benefit society as a whole, and the individuals who use it. Kulveit agrees that AI should be thoughtfully designed to add value to humans, not necessarily replace our every task. You want to carve out places where we agree that we will not allow competitive pressures to remove humans from the loop, he said. It would be nice if the companies train the AIs to be more complementary to humans. Currently, the AIs are implicitly trained to be a replacement for humans. But you can imagine training the AIs so they are better at explaining to us what's happening. Kulveit is describing AI that doesn't just spew out the answers to whatever question you ask it, at the very least in sectors where it is critical to include human expertise and decision-making, like war. Quick and easy answers can be helpful, but they can also make you dependent and credulous, believing anything the chatbot tells you, whether right or wrong . But AI can be more than that. It can help you not just by doing the work for you, but by educating you along the way. That way the human worker continues to learn while using AI as a partner, not a substitute. There has been such a singular focus on capability or functionality of these systems to the detriment of people, to the detriment of users, said Mitchell. If your only goal is to get a high score on a benchmark, then you are not going to be taking into account cognitive support design. But if your goal is to make a system that works really well for people like if the race is for a utility as opposed to benchmark score then you end up designing fundamentally different systems. If gradual disempowerment really is a large-scale risk, compared to more talked-about doom scenarios like AI helping to design bioweapons or chemical weapons it may suffer from a relative lack of vividness. We know what it means for a robot to take over the world. We know what it means for countries to nuke each other, said Chooi. AI taking over the world is very legible in the human consciousness. But gradual disempowerment? No one has made a movie about gradual disempowerment. But to Chooi, gradual disempowerment is very easy to picture. All the organizations have the incentives to adopt it and phase out humans, he said. This is a very logical conclusion. It's not very hard to see it. This article originally appeared on CBS News at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ai-doom-scenario-gradual-disempowerment/
Apple Seeks 6G Modem Engineers as It Plans for Post-5G iPhones
Apple is continuing to work on 6G, the successor to 5G that's on track to be ready sometime around 2030. Apple has been preparing for the eventual launch of the 6G standard since at least 2020. Apple is hiring a 6G Cellular Modem Systems Engineer who will define and build the next generation of cellular technology as the company transitions to 6G. Apple designs its own modems now, so it will need to be ready when 6G rolls out. 6G is still under development. Spectrum bands haven't been established, and official performance requirements won't be formally approved until later this year. 6G goals include faster data upload speeds, lower latency, and better power efficiency. 5G is already used for home internet, and that will likely expand with 6G. Companies like Apple, Qualcomm, Nokia, Samsung, and Ericsson are doing 6G research. Apple is a founding member of the Next G Alliance, an industry group established by the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) to advance 6G in North America. Tag: 6G This article, Apple Seeks 6G Modem Engineers as It Plans for Post-5G iPhones first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
No jeopardy but loads of fun - Champions League sets new goals record
It was goals galore again in the Champions League on Tuesday, with the competition setting a new record this season.
PSG crush Barca in 6-goal thriller; Liverpool, Man City win
Paris St Germain defeated Barcelona 4-2 in a Champions League clash on Tuesday, ending Barcelona's perfect season record. Liverpool also secured a 4-3 comeback win against Villarreal, while Manchester City thrashed AEK Athens 5-1.
No Haaland, no problem - can Foden be Man City's alternative goalscorer?
Phil Foden's magnificent man-of-the-match display in Manchester City's Champions League win against AEK Athens serves as a reminder of his talent and ability to influence games.
Liverpool strike back to beat Villarreal in seven-goal thriller
Liverpool stormed back from a two-goal deficit to beat Villarreal 4-3 at Anfield and maintain a perfect start to their Champions League campaign on Tuesday.
Soccer-PSG sink Barcelona in six-goal thriller, Liverpool and Man City win
Paris St Germain underlined
There was a time when people could sit for hours watching a movie, reading a book or listening to someone talk without feeling the need to do anything else. A good story could keep us interested for hours. We would wait for our favourite television programme, read a newspaper slowly and sometimes spend an entire evening talking to friends. Today, things seem to have changed. We want everything quickly, and if something does not catch our attention within a few seconds, we move on to something else. The biggest reason behind this change is the growing habit of watching short videos on social media platforms. Reels, shorts and similar content have become a part of our daily lives. We open our phones for a few minutes, but those few minutes often turn into an hour or more. One video leads to another, and before we realise it, a considerable part of our day has passed without us doing anything meaningful. There is nothing wrong with watching short videos once in a while. They can be entertaining, informative and even useful. The problem begins when we become so accustomed to short content that we start losing interest in anything that requires more time and attention. Today, many people find it difficult to watch a full movie without checking their phones in between. Some start a film and, within ten minutes, begin scrolling through reels. Others watch a video while eating, check their phones while talking to someone and feel uncomfortable when they have nothing to look at on a screen. Even a few minutes of silence can make us restless. This raises an important question: have we really become so busy, or have we simply lost the patience to give our attention to one thing at a time? The problem is not limited to entertainment. It is slowly affecting the way we read, study, work and communicate. A student who is used to watching thirty-second videos may find it difficult to sit with a chapter for an hour. A person who wants to learn a new skill may lose interest when the process becomes difficult, or progress is slow. We want quick results, but we often forget that most worthwhile things in life require time, effort and consistency. Even reading has started to feel like a burden for some people. A long article seems boring, a detailed explanation feels tiring, and anything that requires concentration is often postponed. We prefer a short summary over a complete explanation, a few lines over a detailed discussion and instant entertainment over something that asks us to think. Gradually, we may begin to lose the habit of thinking deeply. We see a headline and form an opinion without reading the complete story. We watch a short clip and believe we understand the entire situation. We hear one side of an argument and immediately decide who is right and who is wrong. The time required to understand something properly is replaced by the desire to react quickly. Every time we scroll, there is another video waiting for us. Modern technology has become so advanced that algorithms learn our interests, moods and viewing habits, suggesting content based on what we watch and how we react. If we watch something funny, more comedy appears; if something makes us angry or emotional, similar videos follow. There is always something designed to hold our attention for a few more seconds. Before we realise it, those seconds turn into an hour. The difficult part is that we believe we are choosing what to watch, while technology keeps deciding what to show us next. Our phones may be in our hands, but are we really in control of our time? Another thing that seems to be disappearing is our ability to tolerate boredom. Earlier, especially in Kashmir, when people had nothing to do, they would sit outside, observe their surroundings, think about their lives or simply let their minds wander or gossip with neighbors/friends to relieve stress and burden. Children would find ways to entertain themselves. People could travel without constantly looking at a screen. Waiting for someone or standing in a queue was not always an excuse to take out a phone. Now, the moment we have nothing to do, our hands automatically reach for our phones. We check notifications even when there is nothing important to check. We open social media without any particular reason, scroll for a while and close it, only to open it again a few minutes late. Perhaps we have become uncomfortable with our own thoughts. We no longer give ourselves enough time to sit quietly, reflect on our decisions or think about what is happening around us. Every empty moment must be filled with something. And most of the time, that something is another video. Patience is not only about watching a movie or reading a book. It is an important part of almost everything we do in life. Building a career takes years. Preparing for an examination requires months of discipline. Learning a skill involves making mistakes and trying again. None of these things can be achieved simply by swiping a screen. But when we become used to getting entertainment within seconds, ordinary life can start feeling slow. We want success without the struggle, results without the waiting and happiness without having to deal with discomfort. The moment something becomes difficult, we look for an easier alternative. Sometimes, a person is sharing something important, but the listener is looking at the screen. A friend is talking, but we are thinking about the next notification. Family members sit together at the dinner table, yet each person is occupied with a different digital world. We may be more connected through technology than ever before, but that does not necessarily mean we are giving each other more attention. There is also a difference between being informed and being constantly entertained. Social media can expose us to new ideas, current affairs and useful knowledge. But endlessly scrolling from one random video to another does not always leave us wiser. We may spend hours consuming content and still struggle to remember what we watched. Our eyes remain busy, our minds keep receiving information, but very little of it stays with us Of course, short videos are not the only reason behind our declining attention. Stress, lack of sleep, work pressure and other distractions also play a role. Technology itself is not the enemy. The real concern is whether we are using it according to our needs or allowing it to control our habits. The answer does not lie in abandoning smartphones or social media completely. That would neither be practical nor necessary. What we need is a little more control over how we use them. We can put our phones aside while eating, listen properly when someone speaks, read a few pages every day and watch a movie without constantly checking notifications. We can also make an effort to do one thing at a time instead of dividing our attention between several things. These may appear to be small changes, but habits are built through small actions repeated every day. We should also remember that not everything valuable in life is designed to entertain us immediately. A good book may take time to become interesting. A difficult subject may require several readings before it makes sense. A meaningful conversation may not be exciting every second. And a worthwhile goal may demand months or years of hard work before we see any result. If we abandon everything the moment it stops entertaining us, we may miss some of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. Perhaps we will realise the importance of patience only when we need it most. A career cannot be built by watching motivational videos alone. An examination cannot be cleared simply by saving study tips, and a problem cannot always be solved by searching for the quickest answer. Real progress often happens quietly, without excitement or immediate results. There are days when we must keep working even when nothing seems to be changing. If we become accustomed to instant rewards in everything we do, how will we learn to continue when life offers us no immediate reward at all? Perhaps the greatest loss is not that we are watching too many reels. It is that we are slowly becoming less comfortable with things that require patience. We are learning to skip, swipe and move on, but life does not always work that way. We cannot expect everything to happen at the speed of a short video. Real life has its own pace, and learning to accept that pace is an important part of growing up. The next time we pick up our phone to watch one more reel, perhaps we should ask ourselves a simple question: am I watching this because I genuinely want to, or because I have forgotten how to spend a few minutes without it? The answer may tell us more than we expect. Technology has made entertainment faster and information easier to access. But we should be careful not to confuse speed with progress or constant stimulation with happiness. A mind that is always occupied does not necessarily become a mind that understands more. We do not need to stop enjoying short videos. We simply need to make sure that we do not lose the ability to enjoy the longer things in life. Because a good movie still deserves our attention, a good book still deserves our time, and the people sitting beside us deserve more than a distracted glance. Perhaps the real challenge of this generation is not learning how to scroll faster, but learning how to slow down again. (The Authors can be reached at: junaidmwani110@gmail.com )
The Child Who Knew the Answer but Not the Question
In a Class VI classroom somewhere in Kashmir, a teacher asks, What is photosynthesis? A girl rises and recites the definition flawlessly, word for word. The teacher nods, satisfied. Minutes later, the same girl glances at the walnut tree outside the window and wonders why its leaves turn yellow in October. She does not ask. She is unsure whether the question belongs in a science class, and she fears being wrong in front of her peers. She knows the answer. She has no idea she is standing in front of the question. This small moment holds a large contradiction. Are we educating children to understand the world, or training them primarily to reproduce what they have been told? Can we transform education by changing curricula, textbooks, assessment patterns, and administrative instructions if the mindsets shaping everyday schooling remain unchanged? Policy Vision and Classroom Experience The National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 are, at their core, a call to think differently about children. They speak of the holistic development of learners, of conceptual understanding in place of rote memorisation, of competency-based, experiential, and inquiry-based learning, and of assessment that supports learning rather than merely classifying learners. They emphasise critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, constitutional values, and responsible citizenship. They also recognise that children come to school with diverse languages, cultures, and experiences, and that this diversity is a resource for learning, not a problem to be managed. The vision is compelling. Yet anyone who has spent time in schools knows how stubbornly everyday practice resists it. Syllabus completion, examination results, record-keeping, and familiar routines can quietly outrank the question of whether children are actually learning. Why do reforms so often change the language of schooling faster than its experience? Perhaps because we have treated reform as a matter of documents rather than of beliefs. A new vocabulary of competencies and learning outcomes can be adopted in a week. A belief about what a child is, and how a child learns, takes years to change. Teachers, parents, leaders, and administrators carry assumptions about authority, discipline, intelligence, and success that no circular can rewrite. The task is not to abandon schooling as we know it. Schools hold immense value: they provide structure, continuity, shared knowledge, and a community of peers. The task is to question those practices that prevent schooling from fulfilling its educational purpose. The Child as Active Learner For generations, the dominant image has been of the child as a vessel waiting to be filled. Yet any parent who has watched a toddler dismantle a toy knows better. Children observe, question, explore, imagine, and construct understanding from their experiences. They arrive at school as thinkers. The difference between remembering and understanding is visible everywhere. A child may memorise the formula for the area of a rectangle yet be unable to work out how much carpet a room needs. Another may reproduce the definition of evaporation without being able to explain why wet clothes dry faster in the summer sun than in a damp Srinagar winter. Real learning happens when children connect new ideas with what they already know, test their thinking, meet different perspectives, and gradually refine their understanding. This does not mean the adult should step back. Child-centred education is not education without guidance. Children need knowledgeable teachers who can explain difficult concepts, provide scaffolding, correct misconceptions, and introduce them to bodies of knowledge they could never rediscover alone. A child cannot invent algebra or the periodic table through curiosity alone. The aim is to build children's capacity to think, not merely their ability to repeat what others have thought. The Teacher's Changing Question At the heart of the change lies a simple shift in the question a teacher asks at the end of the day. From Have I taught this chapter? to What have my students understood? The first measures coverage. The second measures learning. With this shift come others. A question from a student becomes a starting point for inquiry rather than an interruption of the lesson. A mistake becomes evidence of developing understanding rather than a failure to be punished. Silence and obedience are no longer the only signs of a good student; thoughtful participation matters as well. Teachers begin to notice that children differ in pace, language, experience, and need, and that teaching every child in precisely the same way is not equality but oversight. Assessment turns from a final verdict into continuous feedback. We must be honest about the conditions in which teachers work. Prescribed curricula, large classes, limited resources, examination pressure, and administrative demands are real. A teacher in a remote school with multi-grade classes, or one posted in a high-altitude area where the school year is cut short by snow, cannot be blamed for choosing efficiency over experiment. Teachers are not the obstacle to reform; they are its most important agents, and they need support worthy of that role. Teacher development must be sustained, reflective, and rooted in real classroom problems. Teachers need time to examine children's work together, to learn from colleagues, to try something new and discuss what happened, and to exercise professional judgment within the curriculum. Nor does purposeful facilitation replace explicit instruction. The skill of good teaching lies in knowing when to explain, when to demonstrate, when to question, when to guide, and when to step back and let children explore. Curriculum and Life The curriculum is humanity's accumulated knowledge, offered to the young. Its purpose is not merely to be completed but to equip children with concepts, skills, values, and intellectual tools for understanding life. It becomes powerful when children can use it to interpret the world around them. Consider what Jammu and Kashmir offers. A local market is a classroom for arithmetic, measurement, economic exchange, language, and social relationships. An apple orchard invites questions about plant growth, seasonal change, estimation, biodiversity, agricultural practice, and sustainability. A stream or lake raises questions about ecosystems, pollution, public responsibility, and scientific evidence. Traditional crafts such as papier-mch, carpet weaving, and woodwork connect geometry, design, material science, history, and the dignity of work. Concerns such as waste management, road safety, and water conservation can become age-appropriate projects. This is the movement from problems to projects: children identify a question, gather information, examine evidence, work together, propose solutions, and reflect on what they have found. But let us be clear. Contextual learning must complement, not replace, systematic teaching. Mathematics, science, languages, and the social sciences demand conceptual depth, deliberate practice, and academic rigour. Connecting learning with life is meant to make knowledge more meaningful, not less demanding. From Fear to Feedback Nothing shapes classroom culture as powerfully as assessment. When marks become the dominant measure of achievement, teachers feel compelled to teach to the test, parents begin to equate marks with intelligence, and children learn to associate learning with fear. A child who is afraid of being wrong will not ask the question that matters. Good assessment gives a clearer picture of what children know, understand, can do, and still need help with. Questioning, observation, portfolios, project work, rubrics, peer interaction, and constructive feedback all contribute to that picture, and they align with the competency-based and holistic vision of NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. This does not mean abandoning examinations or lowering expectations. It means ensuring that examinations measure worthwhile learning and lead to improvement. Assessment must serve the learner's progress; it must never become an instrument of humiliation, comparison, or exclusion. From Pressure to Partnership Children's relationship with learning is formed long before they reach a classroom, and it continues to be shaped at home. Many parents sincerely want their children to succeed, and many are responding to genuine anxieties about examinations, jobs, and the future. Yet anxiety travels. It reaches children through constant instruction, comparison with cousins and neighbours, sarcasm, and approval that depends almost entirely on performance. There is a vital distinction between unconditional respect for a child and accountability for a child's actions. Parents can set boundaries, insist on responsibility, and correct wrong behaviour without making a child's dignity or sense of belonging conditional on marks. Listen before instructing. Welcome questions, even when the answers are not at hand. Offer age-appropriate choices and responsibilities. Respond to mistakes with reflection rather than ridicule. Resist comparisons that turn learning into a contest for adult approval. Talk about friendships, experiences, and interests, not only homework. Children need emotional security as much as academic guidance. When parents and teachers work as partners rather than as rival authorities, children gain curiosity, resilience, and a healthy relationship with learning. The Community and the Learning Space Education cannot remain the sole responsibility of schools and families. Communities hold knowledge that no textbook contains: the farmer who understands soil and weather, the artisan whose hands carry generations of skill, the health worker, the writer, the local entrepreneur. Such people should be more than occasional chief guests at annual functions. Children should learn with them and from them, understanding livelihoods, local history, environmental challenges, and civic responsibility. Community knowledge deserves respect, and it also deserves examination through evidence, critical thinking, and ethical reflection. The regions of Jammu and Kashmir each offer their own languages, landscapes, and traditions, and the aim is to engage that diversity thoughtfully, not to reduce it to postcard stereotypes. The spaces in which children learn speak just as clearly. A classroom communicates a philosophy through its seating, displays, resources, and routines. If children are only expected to listen, copy, and reproduce, the room reinforces passivity. If they are invited to investigate, discuss, create, and question, the room supports thinking. Flexible seating where feasible, walls that display children's questions and developing work, accessible books, and purposeful use of libraries, playgrounds, school gardens, and the neighbourhood do not require expensive infrastructure. They require imagination and the willingness to see ordinary spaces as sites of learning, which is exactly the experiential vision of NCF-SE 2023. From Compliance to Enabling Change None of this will endure if the system around schools continues to reward only compliance. Teachers cannot be expected to nurture curiosity if the system measures only procedural conformity. Parents cannot be expected to value deep learning if public measures of success are marks and ranks. Schools cannot sustain innovation if every departure from routine is viewed with suspicion. Several directions follow. Teacher education should be aligned with the classroom practices NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023 envision. Professional learning communities and peer observation should become regular features of school life. School-based projects should connect curricular goals with local contexts. Academic monitoring should become supportive and reflective, focused on children's learning rather than on the neatness of registers. Teachers should enjoy reasonable professional autonomy within curricular requirements. Educational progress should be judged through multiple forms of evidence, not records of compliance alone. And parents and communities should be drawn into honest conversations about what schooling is for. Mindset change cannot compensate for teacher shortages, poor infrastructure, or excessive workloads. Sustainable transformation needs both changed attitudes and enabling conditions. Small Steps, Larger Purpose Where might we begin? A teacher can choose one meaningful question or local problem and design a structured learning experience around it. A parent can replace some routine instructions with attentive listening and give a child a decision to make. A school head can create time for teachers to discuss classroom experiences and examine student work together. An administrator can encourage responsible experimentation, reduce avoidable procedural burdens, and make monitoring about the quality of learning. A community can offer its knowledge and invite children into real concerns. These are starting points, not substitutes for policy support, professional development, adequate resources, or accountability. The Girl and the Walnut Tree Return to the girl in Class VI. Imagine her teacher pausing after the definition and asking, Where have you seen this happening? Imagine her question about the yellowing leaves being welcomed, tested, and followed through a small investigation in the school garden. Imagine her parents asking at dinner, What did you wonder about today? rather than How many marks did you get? Imagine a local orchardist visiting to explain what he observes in autumn, a classroom whose walls display her questions, and a school leader who trusts her teacher to teach this way. She would not know less. She would know more, and know it more deeply, because her knowledge would be connected to the tree outside her window. Transformation begins when adults reconsider not only what children must learn, but how they learn, what they are capable of becoming, and what a society expects its schools to achieve. A child's mind is not a container to be filled but a flame to be tended. And flames, as every Kashmiri who has sat by a kangri in winter knows, are kept alive not by commanding them, but by caring for them. (The Author is a Senior Academician, Content Creator and a Teacher Educator writing on educational research, policy, and reform. He can be mailed at: sheikhgulzar1970@gmail.com)
India eyes nuclear energy expansion by 2047
New Delhi, Oct 20: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said India's nuclear programme is dedicated to peaceful purposes and not warfare, stressing that nuclear energy will play a crucial role in meeting the country's growing electricity requirements, particularly those driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres. Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg on the sidelines of the Bloomberg Economy Forum 2026, Singh said India's nuclear programme has remained committed to peaceful applications and national development since its inception. Recalling the vision of Dr Homi Bhabha, regarded as the architect of India's nuclear programme, the minister said the country would continue to pursue nuclear technology for developmental purposes. Singh said India aims to achieve 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047 as part of its long-term energy strategy, alongside its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. He said nuclear power would complement other energy sources by providing a continuous and reliable supply of electricity, particularly as emerging technologies increase power consumption. Referring to the rapid expansion of AI and data centres, Singh said these sectors require uninterrupted electricity supplies and nuclear energy could help meet their growing demand. The minister also spoke about the expanding applications of artificial intelligence across sectors, including space research, life sciences and other scientific fields. One has to be intelligent enough to use Artificial Intelligence, he said, emphasising that human judgement remains essential for the responsible application of emerging technologies. Singh said AI offers considerable benefits but preventing its misuse remains a challenge. He stressed that regulations alone would not be sufficient without individual and institutional responsibility. The minister also highlighted the government's decision to allow greater private sector participation in strategic and technologically sensitive sectors, saying the move had opened new opportunities for innovation and industrial development. He said reliable energy infrastructure, responsible adoption of emerging technologies and wider industry participation would be important for India's development goals in the coming decades.
Scrub typhus spreading its tentacles in Goa
Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji A study has found that scrub typhus, an under-recognised rickettsial re-emerging infectious disease with the potential to cause life-threatening complications, is circulating across Goa, with nearly three in every 10 samples tested at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) testing positive over one year. The new study has identified Tiswadi and []
Assembly elections: CM saysBJP-MGP talks at early stage
NT Reporter Panaji/Ponda Discussions between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) over a possible alliance for the 2027 Goa Assembly elections are at a preliminary stage, with the final decision resting with the central leadership, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the []
Chiki fires Gaurs past Fortis FC
Agencies Hawally Chiki struck an 85th-minute winner as FC Goa overcame a spirited Fortis FC fightback to secure a 2-1 victory in their AFC Challenge League 2026-27 Group C encounter here on Tuesday. Having lost their opening fixture, Goa made an aggressive start and took the lead in the sixth minute when Udanta Singhs cross []
NT Reporter Panaji Goa suffered a 68-run defeat against Uttar Pradesh despite a fighting 72 from Suyash Prabhudessai and an impressive 10-wicket match haul by Yash Kasvankar in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A encounter. Chasing a target of 236, Goa were bowled out for 167 in 46 overs after losing their last five wickets []
NT Reporter Navelim Ambelim Sports Club clinched the 2nd Anil Kamat Memorial Trophy after defeating United Boys of Ambaulim 1-0 in the final on October 19. After a goalless first half, Asfin Pinto broke the deadlock in the second period, scoring the decisive goal to secure the title for Ambelim. Pinto also received the First []
NT Reporter Panaji Goa were on the verge of securing a substantial first-innings lead after a late batting collapse left Bihar reeling at 194 for nine, still trailing by 101 runs on the second day of their Col CK Nayudu Trophy Elite Under-23 encounter. Replying to Goas first-innings total of 295, Bihar were comfortably placed []
NT Reporter Curtorim Raia Sporting Club clinched the 34th Curtorim Panchayat Cup inter-village football tournament after defeating Fr Agnelo YSC Paroda 3-1 in the final at St Alex Church ground, Curtorim, on Tuesday. Sanjiro Pango struck a brace for Raia, while Sidney Gaunkar added the third goal to seal the title in front of over []
Indians travel more despite costly flights, hotel rates to jump 27% post-Diwali
Travel bookings are on the rise for the festive season, with significant demand reported by various companies. Average hotel rates are expected to spike substantially during this timeframe, particularly in popular destinations. As a result, Goa is projected to experience the largest increase in accommodation prices. International bookings are also surging, especially to destinations like Maldives and Thailand for the festive period.
Fortis suffer narrow defeat to FC Goa
Fortis FC suffered their second defeat in as many matches in the AFC Challenge League 2026/27, losing 2-1 to India
Are You Healthy or Just Undiagnosed? The Science of Healthy Ageing | Prof. John Beard
What if you could improve your health before a disease even appears?Most of us think we are healthy until a doctor tells us otherwise. But according to Professor John Beard, who helped develop the World Health Organizations framework for healthy ageing, we need to rethink how we measure health as we grow older.In this insightful conversation with Shimona Kanwar, Professor Beard explains intrinsic capacitya holistic approach to understanding how well we think, move, sense the world, maintain psychological well-being, and preserve our vitality throughout life.Rather than waiting for illness to appear, this approach focuses on tracking changes in our health and identifying opportunities to intervene earlier.In this episode, we explore:* What intrinsic capacity means and why it matters for healthy ageing* The five pillars of intrinsic capacity: cognition, locomotion, sensory function, psychological capacity, and vitality* How memory, walking speed, balance, vision, hearing, and grip strength can help assess health* Why hearing loss and cognitive decline can be interconnected* How wearable devices and smartphones may help monitor changes in health* The role of exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle in maintaining health and independence* How personalised medicine may help identify individual health risks* Why waiting for a disease diagnosis could mean missing opportunities for early intervention* Can we slow the decline associated with ageing?* Why it is never too late to work on your health and well-beingProfessor Beard challenges one of the biggest myths about ageing: that it is too late to make a difference.The goal is not simply to live longer, but to preserve the ability to think clearly, move independently, stay connected, and do the things that make life meaningful.Watch until the end to understand how a different approach to healthy ageing could change the way we think about health at every stage of life.
Football: Guruzeta ruled out for season as Athletic struggles for goals
Digital Desk | Madrid, Oct 20 (IANS) Athletic Club Bilbao striker Gorka Guruzeta will miss the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury, leaving coach Edin Terzic with further attacking problems ahead of Wednesday's rescheduled La Liga match away to Levante. Guruzeta ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Saturday's 0-0 draw at Valencia, adding to an injury list that already includes Spain international winger Nico Williams and attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet. The doctor approached me during the match and told me it didn't look good, Terzic said at Tuesday's pre-match press conference. Guru had already suffered a similar injury in his other leg [in 2019], so he immediately felt that something was wrong, he added. Terzic praised the 30-year-old striker's attitude despite the setback. His optimism is on another level. Our duty now is to support him so that when he is ready to return, he steps back into a highly successful team. Athletic has drawn its last three La Liga matches, scoring just once, and Terzic acknowledged that improving the team's attacking effectiveness would take time. It's true that we are currently struggling to score, but our opponents also find it very difficult to score against us, he said. Being more dangerous and clinical in the penalty area is a process; it isn't solved in a single training session. Today, we look for instant solutions to everything with technology, but we work with human beings, not automated response buttons. You can't just go to Google or ChatGPT for answers. Terzic confirmed that Sancet would miss Wednesday's match but said Williams could return, stressing the importance of making smart, long-term decisions over injured players. The match was originally scheduled for September 16 but was postponed after torrential rain flooded the pitch at Levante's Ciutat de Valencia Stadium. On Monday, Athletic Bilbao defender Dani Vivian addressed the groin problem that sidelined him for the first seven games of the season and cost him a place at last summer's World Cup. The 27-year-old returned to full training last week after months of rehabilitation for an adductor insertion injury that first troubled him in January. Rather than stop playing when the problem emerged, Vivian said he carried on to help his club during a difficult run of results.
