xAI co-founders Jimmu Ba & Yuhuai Wu joins exodus from Elon Musks AI startup
Jimmy Ba, a key co-founder, has departed Elon Musk's AI venture xAI. This follows earlier exits from other technical leaders. Tensions are reportedly high due to demands for model improvements and a planned merger with SpaceX. Musk aims to create a powerful AI and space entity. The company faces challenges in meeting ambitious goals and user engagement expectations.
Russian Female Tourists Harassed At Goa's Baga Beach
Some Russian female tourists were allegedly harassed on Goa's Baga beach by some men.
Sachin invites PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi for Arjun-Saaniya wedding
Sachin Tendulkar met Rahul Gandhi and invited him, along with President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, to Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandoks wedding. Arjun, now with Lucknow Super Giants, has had a mixed IPL career and represents Goa domestically. Saaniya is from the Graviss Group family and a longtime friend of the Tendulkars.
Sawant to table full budget on first day of 14-day session on March 6
Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the finance portfolio, will present the annual budget for the financial year 2026-27 on March 6, the first day of the 14-day session of the Goa Legislative Assembly. The announcement was made by Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar on Tuesday while addressing the media in his chamber at Porvorim. []
Centre was in dark over Unity Mall protest, reveals LS reply
Union Min says Chimbel site not biodiversity hotspot Panaji: The Union government has said that the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has not received any communication opposing the proposed Pradhan Mantri Ekta (Unity) Mall in Goa and that the site identified in Chimbel village does not fall within a biodiversity hotspot. []
India should promote small, affordable cars to meet CAFE targets: Niti Aayog report
India should encourage the purchase of smaller, fuel-efficient cars. This strategy aligns with global trends and supports the nation's net-zero emission targets. The goal is to make cars more accessible for first-time buyers, reducing emissions and traffic congestion. A plan to phase out relaxations in fuel efficiency regulations is also proposed to ensure future readiness.
CM Seeks Irrigation Nods, Zero-Landfill Goal
Describing Polavaram as the lifeline project of Andhra Pradesh, the CM underlined the need for full reimbursement of the additional expenditure incurred due to the enhancement of the projects right and left main canals.
T20 WC: Told My Coach Ill Earn The POTM Award, Says Sahibzada Farhan After Match-winning 73 Vs USA
T20 World Cup: Opening batter Sahibzada Farhan credited his preparation, confidence, and clarity of role at the top of the order after powering Pakistan to a 32-run win over the USA in their Group A encounter of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Tuesday. Farhans explosive 73 off 41 balls laid the foundation for Pakistans imposing total of 190/9, a performance the opener said he anticipated during practice on the eve of the match. The way we practised yesterday, the ball was coming onto my bat really well in the nets. I had already told our batting coach (Hanif Malik) yesterday that I was getting a good feeling for todays match, he said during the post-match presentation. The right-hander said his self-belief entering the contest was unwavering, and he even predicted a Player of the Match performance. I was confident. I even said, I will finish the match in a way that earns me the Player of the Match award, he stated. Farhan added that individual milestones were part of his broader goals for the tournament, underscoring his commitment to consistency at the global stage as he said, Ive set a personal target for myself, to win at least two to three Player of the Match awards in this World Cup. Reflecting on the conditions at Colombo, Farhan felt the surface allowed stroke-makers to play with freedom, which suited Pakistans aggressive approach at the top. The 28-year-old explained that his natural attacking instincts aligned perfectly with the demands of T20 cricket, especially in the early overs. I felt this pitch was much better. The ball was coming nicely onto the bat. Opening alongside Saim Ayub, Farhan said the duos responsibility was clearly defined, particularly during the Power-play. As openers, the role for me and Saim Ayub is always to utilise the powerplay properly. I naturally play an attacking brand of cricket, he added. While Ayub provided early momentum before falling for 19, Farhan believed his partner was unfortunate not to build on the start and said his own approach remained unchanged, sticking to his strengths rather than curbing intent. He also credited the clarity provided by the team leadership, stressing that aggression in the Power-play was a tactical directive. Ayub got the start today but was a bit unlucky. My thinking was to continue playing my natural game because in T20 cricket, as an opener, you have to play that way. Thats the role given to us by the captain, to keep the attack on in the first six overs, he said. While Ayub provided early momentum before falling for 19, Farhan believed his partner was unfortunate not to build on the start and said his own approach remained unchanged, sticking to his strengths rather than curbing intent. He also credited the clarity provided by the team leadership, stressing that aggression in the Power-play was a tactical directive. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Well go in with the same mindset as we did in our previous matches against India, including the Asia Cup. Well try to stay positive and play attacking cricket, Farhan concluded. Article Source: IANS
Sachin Tendulkar invites PM Narendra Modi to Arjun TendulkarSaaniya Chandok wedding
Sachin Tendulkar personally invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his son Arjun Tendulkar's wedding to Saaniya Chandok. Arjun, who was recently traded to Lucknow Super Giants for the IPL, has had a developing career in the league and represents Goa in domestic cricket. Saaniya Chandok comes from a prominent business family and shares a close bond with the Tendulkar family.
Sachin Tendulkar Meets President Droupadi Murmu, Extends Invitation To Son Arjuns Wedding
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, along with his family and the family of his son's fiancee, Saaniya Chandhok, visited Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday to meet President Droupadi Murmu and formally invite her to Arjun Tendulkar's wedding, scheduled to take place in early March. Last February, Honble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji graciously hosted us at Rashtrapati Bhavan. We relived some of those cherished memories when we met the President today to invite her to Arjun and Saaniyas wedding. Thank you for your warm wishes, Honble President, Sachin wrote on X while sharing a picture from the familys visit. Sachin also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah and shared pictures with the two iconic leaders. Arjun, the son of the renowned former cricketer, plans to marry Saaniya Chandhok, a successful entrepreneur and trained veterinary technician. Their wedding festivities are scheduled to begin on March 3, with a private ceremony on March 5. The event will be attended only by close family and friends, and it will be a low-key celebration, sources had confirmed to IANS last month. The engagement took place in August last year in a similarly private affair, with only close relatives and friends present. Saaniya Chandhok is notably the granddaughter of Mumbai businessman Ravi Ghai, adding a prominent business lineage to the alliance. Arjun is developing a promising cricket career. As a fast bowler and useful lower-order batsman, he quickly made his mark in domestic cricket with a century on his Ranji Trophy debut for Goa in 2022. His talent has also been recognized in the Indian Premier League (IPL), initially joining the Mumbai Indians in 2021. The engagement took place in August last year in a similarly private affair, with only close relatives and friends present. Saaniya Chandhok is notably the granddaughter of Mumbai businessman Ravi Ghai, adding a prominent business lineage to the alliance. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ahead of the 2026 season, Arjun was traded to the Lucknow Super Giants. Article Source: IANS
India's net-zero drive to require $300 bn annual investment: StanChart
India will require annual investments of up to $300 billion from corporates to meet net-zero goals, even as most companies have adopted climate strategies, a Standard Chartered report said
India needs $14.23tn investment in power sector by 2070 to meet net-zero goal: Niti Aayog
India needs a massive $14.23 trillion investment in its power sector by 2070 for a net-zero future, with renewables dominating generation. Electricity's role in consumption will surge, requiring a 14-fold increase in installed capacity. Decarbonizing transport and securing critical mineral supplies are also vital for achieving climate goals.
Sachin Tendulkar Meets PM Modi With Family, Invites Him To Son Arjuns Wedding
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, along with his family and the family of his sons fiance Saaniya Chandhok, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday and personally invited him to the wedding of Arjun Tendulkar. Sachin posted about the moment on social media, expressing that the family was honoured to invite the Prime Minister and thanking him for his blessings and wise advice for the young couple. The meeting occurred before the wedding celebrations, which are reportedly planned to take place in Mumbai. We were honoured to invite Honble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji to Arjun and Saaniyas wedding. Thank you, Modi ji, for your blessings and thoughtful advice for the young couple, Sachin wrote on Instagram while sharing pictures of the entire family posing with the Prime Minister, and also a photo of Arjun and Saaniya with him. Arjun, son of the legendary cricketer, is set to marry Saaniya Chandhok, an entrepreneur and qualified veterinary technician. Earlier, sources had confirmed to IANS that the wedding festivities will begin on March 3 and the marriage will be an intimate affair attended by close family members and friends on March 5. The couple reportedly got engaged in a private ceremony in August last year, with only close relatives and friends in attendance. Saaniya Chandhok is a successful entrepreneur and the granddaughter of prominent Mumbai businessman Ravi Ghai.` Arjun, a fast bowler and a useful lower-order batter, is an active cricketer in the domestic setup as well as in the Indian Premier League. He made his Ranji Trophy debut for Goa in 2022 and impressed by scoring a century in his maiden first-class match. In the IPL, he was first bought by the Mumbai Indians in 2021 at his base price of Rs. 20 lakh, though an injury ruled him out that season. The couple reportedly got engaged in a private ceremony in August last year, with only close relatives and friends in attendance. Saaniya Chandhok is a successful entrepreneur and the granddaughter of prominent Mumbai businessman Ravi Ghai.` Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ahead of the 2026 season, he was traded to the Lucknow Super Giants. Article Source: IANS
Toyota and Pony.ai start mass producing robotaxis for China
The first Pony.ai bZ4X robotaxi, made in partnership with Toyota, has just rolled off the production line and is ready to be deployed . Its the first of many, if the companies stick to their plan, which is to produce more than 1,000 bZ4X robotaxis this year. The bZ4X is one of the three autonomous vehicle models Pony.ai intends to use for commercial services in Tier 1 Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. The other two vehicles are already being used for Pony.ais ride-hailing service, while the bZ4X robotaxis will be gradually integrated into its fleet. Pony.ais goal is to operate 3,000 vehicles by the end of 2026. Toyota introduced the new bZ4X last year, and the non-autonomous versions are available for purchase to the public. Pony.ais version comes equipped with the companys Gen-7 autonomous driving system, which features Bluetooth-based automatic vehicle unlocking and in-cabin voice interaction. It also comes integrated with online music services and braking patterns that can help minimize motion sickness for passengers. Pony.ai was founded in 2016 and has been testing and operating self-driving vehicles since then. It received permission from Beijing to offer self-driving car services to the general public back in 2022. While Its a Chinese company, it has headquarters in Silicon Valley and filed for an IPO in the US in 2024. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/toyota-and-ponyai-start-mass-producing-robotaxis-for-china-130833065.html?src=rss
Won't promote Goa as a 'cheap' destination, says state tourism minister
While two wars killed Goas international tourist traffic, the rise of southeast Asian beach destinations is luring away local tourists too. Yet, Goa tourism is optimistic, and it wants to be seen as a luxury destination. 'We wouldnt want to be Thailand, very simple, says its tourism minister.
India will use more coal over the next 25 years: NITI Aayog
India's coal use is projected to more than double by mid-century. This surge will precede a significant decline as the nation embraces cleaner energy sources. Under current policies, coal demand will peak in 2050. However, with net-zero goals, consumption will plummet by 2070. Coal will remain vital for power generation and grid stability in the interim.
ISRO chief says Indian space programme rooted in international cooperation rather than competition
India's space journey began with international help, focusing on common people. Now a global leader, it partners with the US. Future plans include a space station by 2035 and crewed lunar missions by 2040. Indian industry plays a key role in hardware and software development for these ambitious goals.
Miguel Braganza February is the time when the Firecracker flower, Crossandra infundibuliformis, begins to bloom. We call it the Abolim. It is also the name of a hall at the International Centre, Goa, where more books will be released at GALF this weekend. Crossandra is a bushy, erectand evergreen plantgrowing about one metre tall. It []
Fuloi fuloi to a new Carnival track
CHRISTINE MACHADO NT BUZZ Noted Goan singer Genevieve Desouza has teamed with popular DJ and music producer Skeletron for a new Carnival tune Fuloi re fuloi go that is set to premiere on February 10. After over 20 years in the Goan music scene, singing the same staples like Brazil , Samba de Janeiro etc, []
Printed Clothes & Bollywood Actresses: Style Goals You Cant Ignore
India's ambitious target to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070 can be achieved without impacting its economic growth or its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, but will require an unprecedented restructuring of the country's energy system, industrial base and financing architecture, according to a comprehensive new scenarios study released by NITI Aayog. The study, Scenarios Towards Viksit Bharat and Net Zero, presents one of the most detailed modelling exercises undertaken so far on India's low-carbon transition.
The 14th edition of the Goa Arts and Literature Festival will witness book launches, discussions, poetry readings, a delegation from Singapore, and a Young GALF mini-festival NT BUZZ The Goa Arts and Literature Festival (GALF) is back in its 14th edition and will be held at the International Centre Goa from February 12 to 14. []
Ceigall India bags 220 MW solar project with BESS worth Rs 1,700 cr
Ceigall India has secured a significant Letter of Award for a 220 MW solar project. This project includes a battery energy storage system and is valued at Rs 1,700 crore. Awarded by Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd., it will be built within 24 months. The project will boost Madhya Pradesh's renewable energy and support India's clean energy goals.
A hilarious parody on hair loss becomes the most viral moment of the episode; watch the video and see why it feels so relatable.
Ceigall India secures 220 MW solar project with BESS worth 1,700 cr
The project is expected to contribute significantly to Madhya Pradesh's renewable energy capacity and support India's broader clean energy transition goals
Kylian Mbapp's scoring streak for Madrid: Could he overtake Cristiano Ronaldo?
Kylian Mbapp scored 59 goals in 2025 to equal Cristiano Ronaldos club-record tally in 2013
Maruti Suzuki records highest-ever rail dispatches in 2025
Maruti Suzuki achieved a record 5.85 lakh vehicle dispatches via railways in 2025, an 18% increase, now representing 26% of its outbound logistics. This shift significantly reduced carbon emissions and fuel consumption, aligning with the company's 'Circular Mobility' sustainability approach and its goal to reach 35% rail dispatches by FY2030-31.
Trump opposes Israeli annexation of occupied West Bank: White House
White House official says Trump sees stability in the Palestinian territory as a 'goal to achieve peace in the region'. Trump opposes Israeli annexation of occupied West Bank: White House
'Aashakal Aayiram' BO day 4: Jayaram film crosses 2 crore mark
Aashakal Aayiram follows a father and son who live with dreams, doubts, and small emotional gaps that grow over time. Jayaram plays the father. He works hard, cares deeply for his family, and hopes his son chooses a steady life. Kalidas Jayaram plays the son, a young man who loves cinema and wants to become an actor. His free spirit often clashes with his fathers careful views. Their story grows through daily moments. The son runs toward his dreams with full energy, while the father pulls back with fear and worry. Their different goals create distance between them, and both struggle to express their feelings. The film shows how this gap slowly shapes their bond. The writing by Jude and Aravind brings a clear look at a middle-class home. Their story moves through family talks, small fights, shared meals, and the silent weight of expectations. The humor comes from simple family moments that feel natural. Jayaram brings depth to a father who tries to guide his son with care. Kalidas brings spark and honesty to every scene. Their bond creates the heart of the story. Aashakal Aayiram follows their journey toward understanding, trust, and gentle healing.
Oil strategy guided by national interest: Foreign secretary Vikram Misri
India's oil sourcing strategy will prioritize national interest, avoiding dependence on any single country, stated Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Petroleum companies make purchasing decisions based on market conditions, availability, pricing, and risk assessment. The government's primary goal is to ensure adequate, reliable, and fairly priced energy for Indian consumers.
Schemes: Goa presses Centre for funding pattern of 90:10
Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said the state government has been pressing the Centre to consider Goa for the funding pattern of 90:10 like the northeastern and Himalayan states, under centrally sponsored schemes. Speaking during a talk and discussion on the Union Budget 2026-27 at social media influencers and intellectual meet in Panaji, []
Report: Human activities endangering states wetlands
Waterbody conversion, pollution and overfishing significantly intensifying ecological stress Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji: Stating that Goas wetlands are steadily losing their ecological resilience, the State of the Environment Report 2025 has warned that unchecked human activities and emerging environmental threats could irreversibly damage the vital ecosystems that sustain wildlife, fisheries and water security in the []
OpenAI starts testing ads in ChatGPT
Users on ChatGPT's free and Go plans in the US may now start to see ads as OpenAI has started testing them in the chatbot. The company announced plans to bring ads to ChatGPT. At the time, the company said it would display sponsored products and services that are relevant to the current conversations of logged-in users, though they can disable personalization and clear the data used for ads whenever they wish. Our goal is for ads to support broader access to more powerful ChatGPT features while maintaining the trust people place in ChatGPT for important and personal tasks, OpenAI wrote in a blog post . Were starting with a test to learn, listen and make sure we get the experience right. These ads will appear below at the bottom of chats. They're labeled and separated from ChatGPT's answers. Ads won't have an impact on ChatGPT's responses. Ads won't appear when users are conversing with ChatGPT about regulated or sensitive topics such as health, mental wellbeing or politics. Users aged under 18 won't see ads in ChatGPT during the tests either. Moreover, OpenAI says it won't share or sell users' conversations or data to advertisers. A source close to the company told CNBC that OpenAI expects ads to account for less than half of its revenue in the long run. Currently the company also takes a cut of items bought through its chatbot via the shopping integration feature. Also according to CNBC , OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told staff on Friday that the company will deploy an updated Chat model this week. The tests come on the heels of Anthropic running Super Bowl ads that poked fun at OpenAI for introducing advertising. Anthropic's spot asserted that while ads are coming to AI, they wont appear in its own chatbot, Claude . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-starts-testing-ads-in-chatgpt-191756493.html?src=rss
States told to finalise pacts to meet green energy purchase obligations
The Indian government is urging states to finalize power sale agreements for renewable energy projects. This initiative aims to help states meet their renewable purchase obligations. Around 43.9 GW of capacity awaits these agreements for quick implementation. Discussions are ongoing with about 15 states falling short of their targets. This move is crucial for India's ambitious 2030 renewable energy goals.
Camaraderie is the warm feeling of belonging, trust, and mutual respect within a group, often forged through shared experiences and common goals. This spirit of friendly fellowship strengthens bonds in workplaces, teams, and communities, reminding individuals they are not alone during challenges. It's the invisible glue that unites people through solidarity and support.
Trump says China's Xi Jinping to visit US 'toward the end of the year'
Since returning to the White House a year ago, President Trump has introduced numerous tariffs. These levies have targeted specific industries, including steel and autos, and have also been used for broader policy goals. The administration has engaged in trade disputes with Beijing. However, a significant trade escalation with China last spring resulted in a broad truce.
Mars can wait: Elon Musk shifts focus to the Moon first. Heres what changed
Elon Musk now aims for the Moon first. He believes a lunar base offers quicker protection for life. Mars colonization remains a long-term goal. SpaceX will align with NASA's Artemis program. New business ventures like space-based data centers could fund these ambitious projects. The Moon is seen as a stepping stone to Mars and beyond.
'Absolutely Pathetic': Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Slams SpiceJet For Delayed Take Off, Airline Responds
Ambadas Danve criticized SpiceJet after Mumbai-Goa flight SG1082 passengers were stuck 90 minutes without AC. SpiceJet issued a clarification.
Apple still hasnt confirmed plans for a foldable iPhone, but the rumors around the so-called iPhone Fold keep getting louder. After years of speculation, multiple reports now suggest Apple could be aiming for a launch in the second half of 2026, with new details trickling out about the phones design, display tech and where it might sit in the iPhone lineup. As with any unannounced Apple product, nothing is locked in. Features can change, timelines can move and some ideas may never make it beyond internal testing. That said, recent reporting from supply-chain sources, analysts and leakers gives us a clearer picture of how Apple might approach its first foldable and how it could try to set itself apart from rivals like Samsung and Google. Below, weve rounded up the most credible iPhone Fold rumors so far, covering everything from possible release timing and form factor to display details, cameras and pricing. Well keep updating this post as new information emerges. When could the iPhone Fold launch? Rumors of a foldable iPhone date back as far as 2017, but more recent reporting suggests Apple has finally locked onto a realistic window. Most sources now point to fall 2026, likely alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. Mark Gurman has gone back and forth on timing, initially suggesting Apple could launch as early as 2026, before later writing that the device would ship at the end of 2026 and sell primarily in 2027 . Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also repeatedly cited the second half of 2026 as Apples target. Some reports still claim the project could slip into 2027 if Apple runs into manufacturing or durability issues, particularly around the hinge or display. Given Apples history of delaying products that it feels arent ready, that remains a real possibility. What will the iPhone Fold look like? Current consensus suggests Apple has settled on a book-style foldable design, similar to Samsungs Galaxy Z Fold series, rather than a clamshell flip phone . When unfolded, the iPhone Fold is expected to resemble a small tablet like the iPad mini (8.3 inches). Based on the rumor mill, though, the iPhone Fold may be a touch smaller, with an internal display measuring around 7.7 to 7.8 inches. When closed, it should function like a conventional smartphone, with an outer display in the 5.5-inch range. CAD leaks and alleged case-maker molds suggest the device may be shorter and wider than a standard iPhone when folded, creating a squarer footprint that better matches the aspect ratio of the inner display. Several reports have also pointed to the iPhone Air as a potential preview of Apples foldable design work, with its unusually thin chassis widely interpreted as a look at what one half of a future foldable iPhone could resemble. If that theory holds, it could help explain the Folds rumored dimensions. Thickness is expected to land between roughly 4.5 and 5.6mm when unfolded, putting it in a similar range to the iPhone Air, and just over 9 to 11mm when folded, depending on the final hinge design and internal layering. iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone Air Engadget Display and the crease question The display is arguably the biggest challenge for any foldable phone, and its an area where Apple appears to have invested years of development. Multiple reports say Apple will rely on Samsung Display as its primary supplier. At CES 2026, Samsung showcased a new crease-less foldable OLED panel , which several sources including Bloomberg suggested could be the same technology Apple plans to use. According to these reports, the panel combines a flexible OLED with a laser-drilled metal support plate that disperses stress when folding. The goal is a display with a nearly invisible crease, something Apple reportedly considers essential before entering the foldable market. If Apple does use this panel, it would mark a notable improvement over current foldables, which still show visible creasing under certain lighting conditions. Cameras and biometrics Camera rumors suggest Apple is planning a four-camera setup. That may include: Two rear cameras (main and ultra-wide, both rumored at 48MP) One punch-hole camera on the outer display One under-display camera on the inner screen Several sources claim Apple will avoid Face ID entirely on the iPhone Fold. Instead, its expected to rely on Touch ID built into the power button, similar to recent iPad models. This would allow Apple to keep both displays free of notches or Dynamic Island cutouts. Under-display camera technology has historically produced lower image quality, but a rumored 24MP sensor would be a significant step up compared to existing foldables, which typically use much lower-resolution sensors. iPhone Folds hinge and materials The hinge is another area where Apple may diverge from competitors. Multiple reports claim Apple will use Liquidmetal, which is a long-standing trade name for a metallic glass alloy the company has previously used in smaller components. While often referred to as liquid metal or Liquid Metal in reports, Liquidmetal is the branding Apple has historically associated with the material. Liquidmetal is said to be stronger and more resistant to deformation than titanium, while remaining relatively lightweight. If accurate, this could help improve long-term durability and reduce wear on the foldable display. Leaks from Jon Prosser also reference a metal plate beneath the display that works in tandem with the hinge to minimize creasing a claim that aligns with reporting from Korean and Chinese supply-chain sources. Battery and other components Battery life is another potential differentiator. According to Ming-Chi Kuo and multiple Asian supply-chain reports , Apple is testing high-density battery cells in the 5,000 to 5,800mAh range. That would make it the largest battery ever used in an iPhone, and competitive with (or larger than) batteries in current Android foldables. The device is also expected to use a future A-series chip and Apples in-house modem. Price None of this will come cheap, thats for certain. Nearly every report agrees that the iPhone Fold will be Apples most expensive iPhone ever. Estimates currently place the price between $2,000 and $2,500 in the US. Bloomberg has said the price will be at least $2,000, while other analysts have narrowed the likely range to around $2,100 and $2,300. That positions the iPhone Fold well above the iPhone Pro Max and closer to Apples high-end Macs and iPads. Despite years of rumors, theres still plenty that remains unclear. Apple hasnt confirmed the name iPhone Fold, final dimensions, software features or how iOS would adapt to a folding form factor. Durability, repairability and long-term reliability are also open questions. For now, the safest assumption is that Apple is taking its time and that many of these details could still change before launch. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/iphone-fold-rumors-everything-we-know-so-far-including-the-leaked-foldable-design-upgrades-price-and-more-130000217.html?src=rss
Dont chase social media, chase your goals: SP tells UPSC, KPSC aspirants
T20 WC: Canada Elect To Bowl Against South Africa
T20 World Cup: Canada won the toss and elected to bowl against South Africa in the ninth match of Group D of the T20 World Cup 2026, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa said, We will bowl first. The boys are excited rather than anxious. Were playing against South Africa, who were runners-up in the last World Cup, so its a big challenge. Everyone is very happy to play at this stadium and is really looking forward to a night game. It looks like a very good batting track. However, because of the conditions and the possibility of dew later on, we decided to bowl first. Lets see how it plays out. Our preparation has been good. Because of the weather back home in Canada, we couldnt get enough cricket there, but thanks to our board, we had a pre-tour in Sri Lanka. We played some very good practice matches there, including against Sri Lanka A, which helped us a lot going into the World Cup. Weve gone with a balanced attack - three fast bowlers and spin options. The seamers are Kaleem Sana and Dilon Heyliger, and in spin, we have Saad Bin Zafar as a left-arm spinner, Ansh Patel as a wrist-spinner, and myself. Its a great experience for our players. Many of them have already played in the GT20 league, where they got the chance to rub shoulders with big international players. But the World Cup is a much bigger stage, and its a great opportunity for them to showcase their talent to the world. South Africa captain Aiden Markram said, Looks a pretty good surface. Hopefully, we can get to a good start with the bat, get to a good score and continue with that momentum with the ball in hand. We have been blessed with the draw, I suppose. Looking forward to it. the wicket looks good. A fantastic stadium to play in. Looking to get to a good start in Ahmedabad and run away with it. It is a big help. People can say whatever they want to say about white ball wickets, but they do vary from continent to continent. It does not mean that they are bad wickets. They are good wickets, but they can be different. We are fortunate that we have played quite a lot of a cricket in the subcontinent in the recent times. That is the long term goal. But first we have to earn the right to play in the Super 8s and then the knockouts. But having a good group phase is where the focus is now. Tristan Stubbs plays at no. 6, that was one of the question marks. 4 seamers Lungi (Ngidi), KG (Rabada), Corbin Bosch and Marco (Jansen) and Kesh (Keshav Maharaj) as the spinner. Playing XIs : Tristan Stubbs plays at no. 6, that was one of the question marks. 4 seamers Lungi (Ngidi), KG (Rabada), Corbin Bosch and Marco (Jansen) and Kesh (Keshav Maharaj) as the spinner. Also Read: Live Cricket Score South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi Article Source: IANS
Indian Pharmaceutical Body Signs 3 Memorandums To Strengthen Drug Safety And Quality Standards
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission has signed memoranda with the Goa State Pharmacy Council, Quality Council of India, and HLL Infra Tech Services to strengthen drug safety, quality assurance and pharmacovigilance.
UAE central bank marks MBZUAIs five-year milestone with commemorative gold and silver coins
The Central Bank of the UAE has released limited edition gold and silver commemorative coins to celebrate five years of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. The coins, featuring university landmarks and national emblems, recognize MBZUAI's growth and its alignment with the UAE's AI and knowledge-driven economy goals.
Euler Motors ties up with Jio-bp to expand EV charging infra
Euler Motors and Jio-bp are joining forces. They will work together to build more electric vehicle charging stations. This initiative focuses on key areas for commercial electric vehicles across India. The goal is to make charging easier for fleet operators. This partnership aims to boost the adoption of electric commercial vehicles nationwide. It supports India's move towards cleaner transportation.
Reaffirming its position as a hub for globally aligned design education, ARCH College of Design & Business successfully concluded the five-day International Co-LIFE Pilot 2 Workshop from January 27–31, 2026, at its Jaipur campus. Conducted under the Erasmus+ programme funded by the European Union, the workshop reflected Co-LIFE’s vision of Impact-Focused Entrepreneurship, embedding sustainability, social responsibility, and real-world relevance into contemporary design curricula. The panel discussion at the ARCH campus with industry leaders, Co-LIFE international delegates, and school educators Rooted in the belief that design education must move beyond aesthetics towards purpose-led, socially responsive, and globally adaptable solutions, the Co-LIFE initiative aligns academic learning with industry needs, entrepreneurship, and societal impact. ARCH’s participation reinforces its long-standing commitment to delivering an internationally benchmarked curriculum that integrates design thinking, sustainability, and innovation with real-world applications. Industry leaders, Co-LIFE international delegates, and school educators came together for an insightful panel discussion at the ARCH campus Bringing together over 50 students, faculty members, and mentors from India, Finland, Belgium, and Denmark, the workshop became a vibrant platform for cross-cultural exchange and collaborative learning. The Co-LIFE initiative focuses on preparing design education aspirants for international careers, exposing them to diverse pedagogies, interdisciplinary perspectives, and applied learning rooted in local and global contexts. The workshop commenced with an inauguration by Archana Surana, Founder & Director of ARCH College, who welcomed delegates from partner institutions including LAB University of Applied Sciences and Laurea University (Finland), Aarhus University (Denmark), Thomas More University of Applied Sciences (Belgium), Goa Institute of Management, Indian School of Development Management, and École Intuit Lab. International delegates also participated in India’s Republic Day celebrations at the ARCH campus, marking a meaningful moment of cultural exchange alongside academic collaboration. Participants engaged in immersive sessions led by international and Indian experts. Taina Vuorela from Laurea University introduced Design Thinking frameworks and creative problem-solving methodologies, while Archana Surana led a session on Creative Competencies of the Future, connecting global education trends with sustainability, social innovation, and Jaipur’s rich craft and industry ecosystem. Learning extended beyond classrooms through curated industry visits to Jaipur Rugs, Neerja International, Kalpana Handmade Papers, and Jaipur Bloc, offering firsthand exposure to heritage-led enterprises, ethical production models, and sustainable entrepreneurship. Cultural immersion was further enriched through visits to the Gyan Museum and Jaipur’s historic sites, deepening international participants’ understanding of India’s artistic legacy. The workshop concluded with student case presentations and a panel discussion on “ Global Market Trends & Indian Heritage Crafts, ” featuring voices from academia and industry including Taina Vuorela (Laurea University), Rutvi Chaudhary (Jaipur Rugs), Leela Bordia (Neerja International), Archana Surana (ARCH College), Anna Pajari (LAB University of Applied Sciences), Maitrayee Mukerji (Indian School of Development Management), and Stephen Rufus (Gangotri). The dialogue highlighted the growing global relevance of craft, sustainability, and culturally rooted design narratives. On the fifth day, school teachers were specially invited to attend the panel discussion, extending the workshop’s impact beyond higher education. This engagement marked the beginning of a continued learning pathway, with ARCH planning to offer structured courses and workshops for school educators to strengthen their understanding of globally adaptable design education. Such initiatives reflect ARCH’s long-standing commitment to capacity building for educators, a practice the institution has actively pursued for several years. The Co-LIFE Pilot 2 Workshop underscored ARCH College’s vision of integrating international collaborations, impact-focused entrepreneurship, and future-ready curricula, positioning Jaipur as a meaningful intersection of global design dialogue and local knowledge systems. As ARCH College marks 25 years of shaping creative professionals, it continues to evolve as a space where global perspectives meet Indian craftsmanship—and education translates into impact-driven careers. Admissions are now open for the 2026–2027 batch.
Why this NRI couple in Norway doesn't mind paying half their income in taxes
Nearly nine years into their move, the familys finances have taken on a distinctly Scandinavian flavour high costs and high taxes offset by strong job security, predictable work hours, and a social safety that covers their long-term financial goals.
Thomas Cook India, SOTC tie up with Mauritius tourism body
Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have joined forces with Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority. This collaboration aims to increase awareness of Mauritius across India. The partnership will focus on developing new travel products and marketing efforts. The goal is to make Mauritius a top destination for Indian travelers. This includes reaching metro cities and emerging Tier 2 and 3 markets.
India's housing market strong, steady after crazy growth post COVID: Pirojsha Godrej
The Indian real estate landscape is vibrating with vitality, marked by ongoing sales and price increases. Godrej Properties expresses unwavering confidence in achieving its sales goals for the upcoming fiscal period. With strong momentum in collections, timely project completions, and strategic business growth, the sector appears poised for a prosperous future.
Self-growing city on Moon in 10 years? Why Elon Musks SpaceX may make Mars wait
SpaceX is now prioritizing a lunar settlement over Mars, according to Elon Musk, aiming for a self-sustaining city on the Moon within a decade. This strategic shift, driven by logistical advantages like more frequent launch windows, aligns with US lunar exploration goals. While Mars remains a long-term objective, the Moon offers faster progress for establishing a permanent human presence.
Lucknow is set to launch a luxury cruise on the Gomti River, accommodating up to 200 passengers. This new attraction, costing Rs 16 crore and expected to begin operations within five months, will feature a conference hall, VIP lounge, and an open-air restaurant. Passengers can enjoy a 30-45 minute ride for Rs 300, with options for dining.
Neil Armstrong, the first person to set foot on the Moon, once said you should shoot for the stars but if you happen to miss, you can shoot for the moon instead. The thought is a powerful reminder that you should always dream big and extraordinary. In case, you don't achieve your goals, you will still achieve something great along the way. You can apply this thought in real life too in personal and professional growth.
Why health insurance, contingency fund are must
Start small by saving a fixed amount each month, separate from other financial goals, and in a few years, youll have a solid buffer. Say you pick a mix of 50% in a debt/equity savings fund and the remaining 50% in aggressive hybrid funds.
Chase early retirement with step up SIP
The Portfolio Doctor analyses investor Sarika Sachdeva's fund portfolio, identifying a need to streamline her investments for early retirement. The advice includes reducing the number of equity funds, balancing NPS exposure, and increasing SIPs annually to meet her Rs 1 lakh monthly income goal by age 53. Health insurance is also recommended.
Ex-SC judge Oka rallies behind Enough is Enough movement
Panaji: Goas citizens movement Enough is Enough spearheaded by the former chief justice of the Allahabad High Court and former legislator Justice (Retd) Ferdino Rebello received a shot in the arm as the former judge of the Supreme Court Justice (Retd) Abhay Oka extended his support to the campaign on Sunday. The support comes on []
Impact of climate change unfolding in Goa: Report
Land-use change intensifying consequences Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji : Climate change is no longer a distant concern for Goa: the State of the Environment Report 2025, drawing on assessments under the Goa State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC), has warned that rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and land-use pressures are pushing Goa towards heightened ecological []
AIIA-Goa helps those battling substance abuse
Programme blends ayurveda, psychiatry, yoga, diet and rehabilitative therapies New Delhi/Panaji: A de-addiction and mental health programme at the All India Institute of Ayurveda in Goa is blending ayurveda, psychiatry, yoga, diet and rehabilitative therapies to help those struggling with alcohol and tobacco dependence besides mental health issues. Operational for the past three years at []
Blue economy gets push as CM pledges support to ramponkars
Margao: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has assured traditional fishermen of Benaulim that space would be made available for parking boats, repairing nets and selling fish at the defunct prawn hatchery. The assurance was given at the first-ever Rampon Day celebrations held on Benaulim beach, where the chief minister also stressed the need to strengthen Goas []
Purvaja (166*), Shreya (3/35) script their 51-run triumph Ranchi: A scintillating century by Purvaja Verlekar anchored Goa to a convincing 51-run victory over Mighty Hyderabad in an Elite Group Womens List-A match of the Senior Womens One Day Trophy at the JSCA Oval Ground at Ranchi, On Sunday. Electing to bat first, Goa stumbled early []
Kerala: Goa have been set a challenging target of 364 runs for victory by Kerala in the Colonel C.K. Nayudu Elite Cricket Tournament match at the St. Xaviers KCA Cricket Academy ground in Thiruvananthapuram, kerala on Sunday. At stumps on the third day, Goa were 63 for three in 27 overs in their second innings []
Data law spurs hotel contract resets on guest privacy
Hotel owners are actively revising contracts with international operators and booking platforms. This proactive step aims to clarify data protection duties under the new Digital Personal Data Protection Act. The goal is to strengthen measures against guest data breaches. Hoteliers are increasingly concerned about liability exposure in an industry with multiple data stakeholders.
Carnival is a very ethnic Goan festival: King Momo
This years King Momo, Cedric da Costa has seen Carnival from his childhood in Margao and while it has changed over time, his main aim as the leader of the festival is to bring people together in the festive, joyful and colourful season DIANA FERNANDES As a child growing up in Aquem, Margao, Cedric da []
Thieves abandon SUV, flee as goat theft attempt fails
During a festive wedding in Sheohar district, would-be thieves trying to swipe goats met their match when vigilant villagers stepped in. The culprits, speeding away in an SUV, found their plans foiled as their vehicle became mired in a muddy pit. Local authorities arrived, confiscated the SUV, and successfully rescued the goats.
Absolute nonsense...: Piyush Goyal rejects sovereignty concerns, defends India-US interim agreement
India and the United States have reached an interim trade agreement framework. Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated the deal is beneficial for India's development goals. The agreement will create opportunities for youth, farmers, and MSMEs. India will reduce tariffs on US goods, while the US will impose tariffs on select Indian products. Both nations aim for a broader trade pact.
T20 WC: 'The Sea Is Rough, Just Sail Through' How Jatinder Overcame Injury To Become Omans Captain
ACC Emerging Teams Men: Jatinder Singh arrived in Sri Lanka on January 23 as the captain of Omans squad, hungry to rewrite their narrative in the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026. With Oman set to open their Group B campaign against Zimbabwe in Colombo, Jatinder was in a reflective mood on his cricketing journey that could have ended prematurely due to a career-threatening sciatic nerve issue in his back. Jatinder, who has scored 507 runs in 20 T20Is since the World Cup was last played in 2024, is the most by any Omani batter in that period. Life since the 2024 edition was rough for Jatinder, who wasn't even in the main squad for that tournament. An eight-month injury rehabilitation, loss of central contract in between, and crushing self-doubt had pushed him to the brink of retirement. Now he prepares himself to captain Oman at cricket's biggest stage in the shortest format. I would say this is a bit emotional for me because I was left out in the previous World Cup, and now, I am captaining the side. It is a great honour, and I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunity. It's just that one step at a time, and I never thought I would be captaining the side and get a chance to captain in the World Cup, which is the epitome of white-ball and T20 cricket. I feel really honoured and grateful for this opportunity. More than that, I feel our team is really very skilful, with a talented bunch of cricketers, and we are looking forward to it, Jatinder told IANS in an exclusive conversation facilitated by SportCell ahead of the mega event. Oman's preparation began on January 22 when the squad departed Muscat and reached Colombo to get acclimatised to the conditions. Unofficial warm-up fixtures against the United States and Canada provided crucial match practice, while official warm-up victories over Sri Lanka A and Zimbabwe have lifted spirits in the Omani camp. The presence of long-time Oman head coach Duleep Mendis, a legendary Sri Lankan player, adds significant value, particularly with the side playing their games in his homeland. He is the one who loves the sport the most. He is a legendary guy here, and cricket runs in his blood. Of course, homecoming for him as we are playing the World Cup here. What more can you ask for? said Jatinder, Oman's all-time leading T20I run-scorer with 1,605 runs. Omans win record in the T20 World Cup has been sparse - the memorable 2016 victory over Ireland and another against Papua New Guinea in 2021. He is really overjoyed and excited because this is the fourth World Cup Oman is playing. We have had dry World Cups for a long time, and I feel everybody is hungry and we are all looking forward to having an impactful tournament, added Jatinder. Jatinder's captaincy approach focuses on creating an environment where players can express themselves freely. I try to think too far ahead, as they are not in your control. I try to keep the mood in the dressing room very light. I like everyone to open up, have a good rapport with each other, maintain good relationships, and appreciate each other. I think I have played that role in bringing everyone together on the same page and working towards one goal - towards the victory and betterment of the team. I think I have been successful, and the boys have been really cooperative, and you can see the result, he said. Apart from Zimbabwe and Ireland, Omans Group B opponents include previous winners Sri Lanka and Australia -- teams with significantly more resources and international experience. Jatinder felt they could give them a scare due to T20's unpredictability, favouring the fearless. T20 is a game where I don't think anyone can take any team lightly because in a very short span of time, a game can slip away. If you are zoned out, the game can slip away in an hour or so. There is hardly any time for the team to come back in the game, as I believe T20 requires a lot of intensity and game awareness. I think they should be fearing us, not us, because they have a long history. They have been playing very competitive cricket, and we don't get to play a lot of competitive cricket. So, I think they should be fearing us, not us, he said. It is this mentality that sums up Omans mission go beyond mere participation. To the team, what we have been saying is that we are not coming and participating in the World Cup. We just have to have an impactful tournament, and we want to play competitive cricket. We want to make an impact because we keep on telling them that even for us, we had a really dry World Cup. This time, we really have to have an impactful performance so that we can show the world that Oman is also on the cricketing map. Jatinder has witnessed Oman cricket's remarkable transformation first-hand. When Oman qualified for their first World Cup in 2016, they were the only team from ICC Division 5 to reach the tournament. Infrastructure improvements and quality coaching have accelerated development, thus keeping the sports growth on the right track. Beyond Singh, only four players - Aamir Kaleem, Shakeel Ahmed, Sufyan Mehmood, and Muhammad Nadeem - have previous World Cup experience. This means the rest of the 11 players are absolute newbies in the T20 World Cup. For those 11 players who are playing the World Cup for the very first time for Oman, they are really hungry. They want to showcase their talent to the world, and this is the golden opportunity for them, he said. With Sri Lankan pitches favouring spinners, Omans spin attack is well-suited to exploit the conditions. I have been to different platforms where I have said that it is a spin-dominating side. So, we will be banking a lot on the spinners. Of course, the pitches are going to help the spinners in Sri Lanka, and we are looking forward to it. Jatinder's path to leading Oman in this World Cup began with catastrophe. During a 2023 tournament in Zimbabwe, a persistent back injury worsened due to the workload. He continued playing through pain until it became unbearable. When one of his teammates, wicketkeeper-batter Suraj Kumar, recommended that Jatinder should contact Dr. Gaurav Sharma, Gujarat Titans' physiotherapist based in Chandigarh, he initially expected a quick fix. He said he is really good with rehab, physiotherapy, and treatment. I got in touch with him and was under the impression that it might take about 15-20 days for me to get the injury sorted. I travelled to India, and he did the assessment and everything. Then, I asked him about the timeline. He said that this will take about 3-4 months for you to get back to normal because there are a lot of posture issues to be sorted out. The diagnosis revealed deeper structural problems caused by playing through injury. He said, 'You have been playing with the injury, and that has become your routine regimen now. So, you have to get rid of it slowly, slowly.' Then, I moved there and stayed in Kharad, which was about a 20-25-minute drive from his rehab centre. I was there for about 100-104 days. Then, I got back to Oman and still had sort of niggles. In my mind, I was thinking, I have come back a bit early, and I should have stayed a bit more and gotten myself treated 100 per cent, he recalled. With some issues persisting after rehab, things became worse for Jatinder when he was dropped from the squad and lost his central contract. It took him eight months to get back to normalcy in his life, but the turmoil persisted. I got a chance to play in the UAE A team tour to Oman. I scored some runs in those games, and we were touring Canada just after the tournament. I was part of that L2 series in 2024, but then, things started to fall apart. I made up my mind that I am not enjoying the sport anymore, and I want to just give up. But I had a lot of sleepless nights because of thinking about what I am going to do if I don't play the sport. Teammates also suggested his batting style wouldn't facilitate a comeback to his normal self, but his wife Ramandeep Kaur became his lifeline. It was my wife who basically inspired me to fall in love with the sport again. She was the one who said, 'Just keep going. Things are not in your favour, but the sea is rough, and you just sail through. He confided in Mehmood about losing passion for cricket, but got encouragement from him. I spoke to Sufiyan also about this and said, 'I am not getting the joy I used to get. I have to get to the ground; I have to do this and that, and I am not getting that kick to play.' He was also telling me the same thing - 'No problem, things will be alright soon. But you just hang in there. Things are tough. You just hold tight. Everything will be sorted soon.' The turning point came during the 2024 ACC Emerging Teams Mens Asia Cup, where Singh captained Oman against India, Pakistan, and the UAE. Though winless, he played in all games, as Oman's competitive performances earned widespread praise. Ten days later, Oman achieved an unprecedented home whitewash - winning all four matches against the Netherlands and UAE in the Cricket World Cup League 2 series. He confided in Mehmood about losing passion for cricket, but got encouragement from him. I spoke to Sufiyan also about this and said, 'I am not getting the joy I used to get. I have to get to the ground; I have to do this and that, and I am not getting that kick to play.' He was also telling me the same thing - 'No problem, things will be alright soon. But you just hang in there. Things are tough. You just hold tight. Everything will be sorted soon.' Also Read: Live Cricket Score I had made up my mind that my playing days were over. That's it, and my cricket is over. But God had different plans, and it is absolutely God's plan that now I am leading the team in this T20 World Cup, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Smaller cities outpace metros in hiring growth post labour codes: Report
Among smaller markets, Kolhapur recorded the strongest increase, with job postings climbing 56.3%, followed closely by Udaipur at 55.3%. Goa registered a 23.6% rise, Vijayawada 20.2%, Kochi 17.7%, Coimbatore 14.1%, and Raipur 13.9%.
Goal is to transform rural areas into tourism hubs: A.P. Tourism Minister
Kandula Durgesh says 110 videos shot by social media influencers have reached over 9 million people across the country, leading to over 1,000 booking inquiries made in the past one month alone
No trust deficit between India and US: Piyush Goyal
India and the United States have finalized an interim trade agreement. Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that bilateral ties remain strong. The agreement will further cement long-term strategic goals. India will reduce tariffs on US industrial and agricultural products. The US will impose an 18 percent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods.
T20 WC: Oman's Homegrown Star Sufyan Mehmood Is Keen To Make Big Impact In The Showpiece Event
T20 World Cup: Sufyan Mehmood has seen cricket in Oman evolve from sand pitches and cement wickets to having two world-class stadiums. Now, as the only homegrown player in Oman's squad for the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, Mehmood is keen to make an impact on the grandest stage in the shortest format. Seam-bowling all-rounder Mehmood has picked 19 wickets in 16 T20Is since the last T20 World Cup -- making Oman's second-highest wicket-taker in that period behind Shakeel Ahmed's 22. Having arrived early in Sri Lanka to acclimatise to the climate, weather, and conditions, Omans Group B fixtures against Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, and Zimbabwe represent both a challenge and an opportunity for a team determined to move beyond mere participation. Yes, it's a challenging group, plus if you look at the other side, it can give us a lot of experience moving forward. This time, we want to create an impact in this World Cup. So we are looking forward to it, and we are positive about it, said Mehmood in an exclusive conversation with IANS ahead of the mega event. Mehmood's path to playing for Oman began at 17, built on self-education through television and phone videos rather than formal coaching. He progressed through Oman's age-group system before earning his senior debut in a T20 against Hong Kong in 2015. Well, it has been a long journey now. I started playing when I was 17 years old, and now I am 33. Over the years, it has been a good journey in terms of learning about myself and the sport. I've learnt a lot playing major tournaments and alongside major good players. So definitely it's been a long journey, which I cannot obviously tell you in a short brief. I can write a book on it, actually. It's actually really nice and in all, I feel really good that I've got another chance to play in this World Cup and hopefully I can create some impact here, he said. His cricket education came through observation rather than the traditional route. I just used to watch television, and of course videos on my phone, and that's how I learnt. I did not have any particular coach. Over time, we had different coaches who had different tenures with the national team. But if you say like any player who comes from a young age having one particular coach, I never had one such coach. That's how I learnt - I just used to watch and play. Then, when you start playing, you gain experience, and with that experience, you learn more, he said. This marks Mehmood's third World Cup appearance, though Oman has participated in four editions. He was part of the 2016 squad that qualified for India and the 2021 tournament when Oman co-hosted the first round, before being in the reserves for the 2024 edition. Definitely, that was a time when I was a little bit disappointed. But I had the passion and never gave up. I always tried to do my best, and I believe that whenever you work hard, you will always get it back, and this is the time when I am getting it back. 2025 was good for me, and now 2026 has started well. So, hopefully it goes well, he said. Having a head coach in Sri Lanka, great Duleep Mendis, provides a significant advantage for Oman. Definitely, he is a legend over here, obviously, and worldwide. He knows the conditions really well. He keeps guiding us on how to adjust to these conditions very quickly. Of course, coming here to his home country, it's an advantage to have him with us. With his guidance and coaching, of course, we can achieve more than expected, Inshallah, added Mehmood. Oman's World Cup win record stands at two so far - against Ireland in 2016 and outclassing Papua New Guinea in 2021 and Mehmood was candid about the team's shift in ambition. We have participated in four World Cups, but we have only one win against Ireland in 2016. This time, we at least want to win most of the games that we have in our group as much as we can, and not just participate, but create an impact also in this tournament. Participation was something which we used to have in mind before. But now it's something different. Now we have participated for the fourth time. Now we want to create the impact. Omans narrow defeat to India in last years Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi, where they exhibited good fight against the Suryakumar Yadav-led side, has proved to be a psychological boost. That was a game that brought a lot of confidence to our boys, and we will remember it for a long time. It's because India is a world champion team and giving them a good fight like that - definitely, that is something which the boys will remember for a long time, because if you can perform against the top side, then what else do you need? So that's something which we will keep in our minds and move forward with that confidence. During the 2024 World Cup, Mehmood absorbed good advice from Suryakumar. We got a lot of advice from them. But one that stuck was that you just need to stick to your basics and focus on what you are doing at that particular time. Instead of thinking too much about the future and too much about the past. If you stay in that moment and try to perform, that is something that will help you move forward. That was the best advice that I got from Surya bhai. Also, when we were over there, the next tournament that we were going to have was the World Cup qualifiers. He told us right over there that you guys will qualify for the World Cup, and thats what happened. Mehmood's career has mirrored Oman cricket's infrastructure evolution. The contrast between his early days and current facilities is stark. If you talk about the facilities, when I started playing in Oman, we used to play on sand grounds, mud grounds, and cement wickets. But right now we have two beautiful stadiums and grounds with good wickets, good outfields, top facilities, and world-class. All thanks to Oman cricket and everyone involved in it, he said. The improved infrastructure has accelerated player development, too. Definitely, with such infrastructure and a structure for domestic cricket, you do develop good players. That is the reason we have been doing well over the years. We have been getting good players because of our infrastructure and domestic structure. If a country has a good domestic infrastructure, definitely you get good players out of it. India is a good example, and we have tried our best to get better and better and get more players out of our domestic structure who can do well for the national team, he said. Mehmood's advice to aspiring Omani cricketers reflects the patience required to succeed in associate cricket. If you have the passion to play cricket, you have to continue. There will be a lot of hardships and tough times because cricket is such a game where you have good times and bad times. You have to stay consistent in what you are doing, and that is the way you get your goals. You really need to keep working hard on your skills and stay patient, and definitely you will achieve your goal. Family support proved crucial, though it came with conditions - Mehmood completed his university studies alongside pursuing cricket. That is something that I can say that every player needs, as it's the most important thing. From my side, I have got good support from my entire family. I cannot say in words how I can thank them for always supporting me. But the good thing is that I never compromised on my studies. I did and completed my studies. That's why my parents told me that if you want to play cricket, make sure that you do your studies also. Family support proved crucial, though it came with conditions - Mehmood completed his university studies alongside pursuing cricket. That is something that I can say that every player needs, as it's the most important thing. From my side, I have got good support from my entire family. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The way we are working hard, I think we can at least give them a good time. If we manage to do that, it will be a good inspiration for all the youngsters who are going to watch us, concluded Mehmood. Article Source: IANS
UAE Green Visa vs Golden Visa: Which long-term residency option suits you best?
UAE now offers two long-term residency paths: the Green Visa for skilled professionals, freelancers, and mid-level investors, and the Golden Visa for high-value investors, top talent, and entrepreneurs. Both provide independence from employer sponsorship, with distinct eligibility and benefits, catering to diverse long-term settlement goals in the Emirates.
US trade deal boosts India's target of $250 billion engineering exports by 2030
The interim US-India trade deal framework has strengthened India's push to achieve $120 billion in engineering exports in FY2025-26 and its longer-term goal of $250 billion by 2030, according to the Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC). The deal includes reduced US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent and preferential tariff rate quotas for automotive parts, improving market access and competitiveness for Indian exporters, particularly MSMEs.
ONGC opens 4,000-seat convention centre in Goa, eyes Filmfare-scale events
State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has an Advanced Training Institute (ATI) at Betul in South Goa for training its personnel in safety and HSE practices
Kim expected to issue major policy goals at North Korea party congress in late February
North Korea's ruling Workers' Party will convene a major conference in late February, where leader Kim Jong Un is expected to unveil his domestic and foreign policies for the next five years. This gathering follows years of accelerated weapons development and deepening ties with Russia, signaling a continued adversarial stance towards the U.S. and South Korea.
The State Department is scrubbing its X accounts of all posts from before Trump's second term
The State Department is wiping the post history of its X accounts and making it so you'll have to file a Freedom of Information Act request if you want to access any of the content it removed, according to NPR . The publication reports that the State Department is removing all posts from before President Trump's current term a move that affects several accounts associated with the department, including those for US embassies, and posts from the Biden and Obama administrations. Posts from Trump's first term will be taken down too. Unlike how past administrations have handled the removal of social media content and the transition of accounts, these posts won't be kept in a public archive. A spokesperson for the State Department confirmed this to NPR, and said the move is meant to limit confusion on U.S government policy and to speak with one voice to advance the President, Secretary, and Administration's goals and messaging. It will preserve history while promoting the present. The spokesperson also called the X accounts one of our most powerful tools for advancing the America First goals. The Trump administration has been purging information from government websites since he took office last year. Just this week, the CIA unexpectedly took down its World Factbook, a global reference guide that's been available on the internet since 1997. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/the-state-department-is-scrubbing-its-x-accounts-of-all-posts-from-before-trumps-second-term-205515745.html?src=rss
A colourful, coffee-table book on the Church in Goa
Frederick Noronha With its gilt-edged pages, this large-sized coffee-table book looks at The Archdiocese of Goa and its Governors. In the coffee-table format, the 236-page book printed on superior paper is all-colour and priced at Rs 2,000. Even before one reaches the main section of the book, the end-papers (or end-sheets) draw your attention with []
Centre assures support for women, child welfare in Goa
Special Correspondent Panaji Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi on Saturday said that her ministry will extend all assistance for the welfare of local adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mothers, as also Anganwadi children. I have met the Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant and discussed these issues, including quality nutrition for children and []
Govt misleading Goans on Unity Mall, Prashasan Stambh: Chimbel villagers
NT Reporter Panaji Villagers of Chimbel on Saturday accused the state government of misleading the people of Goa over the proposed Unity Mall and Prashasan Stambh projects, despite official announcements that both projects have been shifted out of the village. Addressing the media on the 42nd day of an ongoing chain hunger strike at the []
Article 371-IA needed to save Goas identity, says Congress
NT Reporter Panaji/Vasco The Congress has stepped up its campaign seeking special constitutional protection for Goa, warning that unchecked development, environmental degradation and large-scale land conversions are pushing the state towards an irreversible crisis. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Saturday, party leaders said Goa was facing an existential threat to its land, []
HC seeks review of extra bus services on Anjuna-Mapusa route
NT Reporter Panaji The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the petitioner, Radhakrishna Salgaonkar, in a matter concerning overcrowding of buses on the Anjuna-Assagao-Mapusa route, to examine the impact of additional bus services, if provided, and to make further submissions on the next date of hearing. The directions were issued in a public []
Barcelona secure four-point La Liga lead as Yamal and Lewandowski deliver
Barcelona extended their La Liga lead to four points with a dominant 3-0 win over Mallorca. Lamine Yamal starred, scoring a spectacular long-range goal after an earlier miss, while Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring and Marc Bernal sealed the victory with his first senior goal. The result provides a significant boost to Barcelona's title aspirations.
CM Siddaramaiah targets Rs 10,000 crore chit fund transactions via MSIL, ensures secure investments
In Kerala, transactions in this sector amount to Rs 47,000 crore. In Karnataka, only Rs 500 crore of business is happening, and the institution has a goal to increase this amount to Rs 10,000 crore in the coming days, CM Siddaramaiah stated.
'Our target is to win 200 constituencies': CM MK Stalin sets goal ahead of TN assembly elections
How to track your sleep and view your sleep data in Apple Health
Apple Health brings sleep tracking, scheduling and long-term analysis into one place, with your iPhone acting as the hub and the Apple Watch doing the overnight monitoring. Once everything is set up, Apple Health can show how long you slept each night, how consistent your sleep schedule is and how much time you spend in different sleep stages. Here is how to get started, track your sleep and review your data. Sleep tracking in Apple Health relies on two things: You need to set up Sleep in the Health app on your iPhone, and you need a compatible Apple Watch to wear to bed. While you can set sleep schedules without a watch, detailed sleep data including sleep stages requires an Apple Watch. How to set up Sleep in Apple Health Sleep tracking is available on all watchOS 8 (or later) models and setup starts in the Health app on your iPhone. Open Health , tap Browse and then tap Sleep . If this is your first time setting it up, you will see an option to get started. Apple Health will guide you through choosing a sleep goal, setting a bedtime and wake-up time and deciding whether you want one sleep schedule for every day or different schedules for weekdays and weekends. During setup, you can also enable sleep reminders and a wind-down period. Wind Down reduces distractions before bedtime by activating features like Focus mode and dimming notifications at a set time before sleep. These settings are optional but they help keep your schedule consistent, which improves the quality of the data Apple Health collects over time. Once Sleep is configured, Apple Health automatically syncs those settings to your Apple Watch. You can adjust your sleep schedule later by returning to the Sleep section in Health and tapping Full Schedule and Options. Any changes you make here update on both your iPhone and Apple Watch. How to prepare your Apple Watch for sleep tracking To track sleep, your Apple Watch needs to be worn overnight and have enough battery to last until morning. If the battery drops below 30 percent before bedtime, your watch will prompt you to charge it first. Sleep tracking also relies on Sleep Focus which activates automatically based on your sleep schedule. Once Sleep Focus has been set, open the Settings app on your Apple Watch, tap Sleep and ensure that Track Sleep with Apple Watch is turned on. With both features enabled your watch can monitor sleep automatically without any manual start or stop each night. Comfort matters when wearing a watch to bed, so many people prefer a softer band for sleep. As long as the watch fits securely and stays in contact with your wrist, it can track sleep without issue. The Apple Watch Series 11 on a person's wrist, showing a ring with three segmented arcs encircling a Sleep Score of 53 and the description OK in the bottom left. Cherlynn Low for Engadget How Apple Watch tracks your sleep When Sleep Focus is active, the Apple Watch uses its accelerometer and heart rate sensor to detect when you are asleep and awake. Newer models also track sleep stages, including time spent in REM, core and deep sleep. Apple Health combines this information into a single overnight record that appears in the Sleep section the next morning. You do not need to start or stop sleep tracking manually. As long as you follow your sleep schedule or enable Sleep Focus before bed, the Apple Watch automatically does everything else. If you wake up early or go to bed later than planned, Apple Health adjusts the data based on actual movement and heart rate rather than just your scheduled times. In addition, some Apple Watch models (SE 3 or higher) support on-device Siri, enabling you to ask questions such as how much sleep did I have last night? for a more immediate response. How to view your sleep data in Apple Health To see your sleep data, open the Health app on your iPhone and tap Browse , then Sleep . At the top of the screen, you will see a chart showing how long you slept the previous night. Tapping this chart reveals a detailed breakdown, including time asleep, time in bed and sleep stages (if available). Scrolling down shows trends over longer periods. You can switch between daily, weekly, monthly and six-month views to see patterns in your sleep duration and consistency. Apple Health also highlights whether you are meeting your sleep goal and how regular your schedule has been. Under Highlights, Apple Health may surface insights such as changes in average sleep time, variations in sleep stages or your nightly sleep score. Sleep scores provide a simplified summary of how well you slept, and is based on factors such as duration, consistency and restfulness. These summaries update automatically as more data is collected over time. Understanding sleep stages and trends If your Apple Watch supports sleep stages, Apple Health displays how much time you spent in REM, core and deep sleep. These stages give context to your overall sleep quality, though Apple emphasizes trends over individual nights. Occasional short nights or unusual stage distributions are normal. Over time, Apple Health makes it easier to spot patterns. Consistently short sleep durations, irregular bedtimes or frequent awakenings become clearer when viewing weekly or monthly summaries. This makes the Sleep section useful not just for nightly check-ins but for understanding longer-term habits. Editing and managing sleep data Apple Health allows you to add or edit sleep data if needed manually. In the Sleep section, tap Add Data to log sleep that was not recorded automatically. This can be useful if you forget to wear your watch or take a nap without it. You can also manage which devices contribute sleep data by scrolling to the bottom of the Sleep screen and tapping Data Sources and Access . This is helpful if you use third-party sleep apps or multiple devices. Once set up, sleep tracking in Apple Health runs quietly in the background. With a consistent schedule and a charged Apple Watch, your sleep data builds into a clear picture of your nightly rest, all stored securely within Apples health platform. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-track-your-sleep-and-view-your-sleep-data-in-apple-health-130000023.html?src=rss
Happy Propose Day 2026 Valentine Week: Top 5 destinations for an unforgettable proposal in India
Happy propose day 2026: Planning a proposal in India? Udaipur's romantic lakes, Goa's serene beaches, Agra's iconic Taj Mahal, Nainital's scenic hills, and Lonavala's lush landscapes offer unforgettable backdrops. These destinations blend natural beauty with magical settings, perfect for creating cherished memories as you pop the question. Discover the ideal spot to make your commitment truly special.
AIIA Goa Combines Oncology With Ayurveda And Yoga For Cancer Patient Care
The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, is combining modern oncology with ayurveda and yoga to help cancer patients tackle everyday challenges posed by the disease.
1st South Asian Agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests Congress Concludes in Delhi
Two-day Congress TREESCAPES 2026 Reimagined Agroforestry in South Asia Deliberations by Foreign Agri Ministers, experts on agroforestry’s contribution to climate resiliency, farmers’ livelihood, tree-based entrepreneurship and economic growth The Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), successfully concluded TREESCAPES 2026, the 1st South Asian Agroforestry & Trees Outside Forests (AF-TOF) Congress, held from 5th to 7th February 2026 at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), Pusa Campus, New Delhi . The three-day regional congress aims to emerge as a landmark platform for collective deliberation on strengthening tree-based agriculture and trees outside forest systems to enhance climate resilience, restore landscapes, and improve agricultural livelihoods across South Asia and was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Dr Madan Prasad Pariyar, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Government of Nepal; and Mr Ahmed Hassan Didi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Republic of Maldives; along with senior officials from India and other South Asian countries. Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR and Mr. Manoj Dabas, India Country Director, CIFOR-ICRAF, during TREESCAPES 2026 Speaking on the occasion Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR), stated, “Asia is home to some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable agricultural systems, yet it also holds immense potential to lead in nature-based economic transformation. Recent regional studies show that agroforestry has helped reduce deforestation and avoid tens of millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually while supporting rural livelihoods. TREESCAPES demonstrates that scaling success will depend on unlocking green finance, empowering local institutions, and integrating youth and women into extension and entrepreneurship models. For South Asia, tree-based agriculture is not just about restoring landscapes - it is about future-proofing rural economies.” Mr. Manoj Dabas, India Country Director, CIFOR-ICRAF further stated, “India’s tree-based systems already account for nearly 20 percent of national carbon stocks, yet the country continues to import over USD 7 billion worth of wood and wood-based products annually, growing at double-digit rates. This contradiction highlights a massive missed opportunity. TREESCAPES has brought together evidence showing that tree-based agriculture can reduce import dependence, strengthen rural incomes for India’s 86 percent marginal farmers, and deliver measurable climate outcomes. The next phase of growth will depend on aligning carbon markets, digital traceability, and private-sector procurement with farmer realities. Agroforestry must be positioned not as an environmental add-on, but as core rural infrastructure.” The two-day Congress brought together policymakers, senior government officials, researchers, industry leaders, financial institutions, civil society organizations, farmers, and youth from across South Asia, with discussions focussing on strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks, expanding forest certification with greater smallholder integration, and leveraging agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests (TOF) for climate resilience and ecosystem services among others. In addition to featuring high-level thematic sessions focused on digital and geospatial innovations for agroforestry, water-secure and multifunctional landscapes, capacity building and extension systems, and enhancing trees in urban landscapes, the Congress also included four plenaries and a dedicated ministerial hour, underscoring strong political commitment to mainstreaming agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests across South Asia. With India’s push towards a green economy in sync with its 2070 net-zero goals, TREESCAPES 2026 highlighted the need for stronger institutional collaboration and PPP partnerships to address implementation opportunities and scale agroforestry sustainably in India by positioning itself as a pivotal platform in encouraging further effective implementation of agroforestry as a means of increasing tree cover and improving farmers’ incomes and livelihoods as we move towards a more climate-resilient future. About Treescapes TREESCAPES 2026 is being organised jointly by CIFOR-ICRAF and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), with the ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute (CAFRI), Jhansi, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, as Organising Partners. The Thematic Partners for TREESCAPES 2026 include GIZ, Haryana Forest Development Corporation, ITC Limited, The Nature Conservancy, Intellecap, International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Indian Society of Agroforestry, and IORA Ecological Solutions. The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS) are the Knowledge Partners in the Congress. With India’s push towards a green economy in sync with its 2070 net-zero goals buoyed by the country’s reforestation drive (recently driven by Gujarat), TREESCAPES 2026 positions itself as a pivotal platform in encouraging further effective implementation of agroforestry as a means of increasing tree cover and improving farmers’ incomes and livelihoods as we move towards a more climate-resilient future About CIFOR-ICRAF CIFOR-ICRAF The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry ( www.cifor-icraf.org ), harnesses the power of trees, forests and agroforestry landscapes to address the most pressing global challenges of our time - biodiversity loss, climate change, food security, livelihoods and inequality. CIFOR and ICRAF are CGIAR Research Centers. CIFOR-ICRAF delivers demand-driven evidence of the ways trees can revitalize both landscapes and livelihoods. Born of the merger of the most trusted research organizations on forests, trees and agroforestry - the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) - CIFOR-ICRAF harnesses a combined 70 years of expertise and extensive partnership networks across Africa, Asia and Latin America. www.cifor-icraf.org/event/treescapes-2026 .
Planning to save Rs 25,000 monthly? Here is how much you will generate in 25 years
A monthly SIP of Rs 25,000 invested over 25 years can help investors build a substantial corpus through disciplined investing. This analysis explains how investment horizon, expected returns and regular contributions shape long-term wealth creation, while highlighting the importance of goal-based planning before starting a SIP.
Celebrate Valentine's with Dubstep's Love on Loop--Win a Trip for Two to Goa and More
Gurugram (Haryana) [India], February 7: This Valentine's season, Dubstep, the fast-fashion consumer tech brand from the Nu Republic Universe, has launched its special Valentine's Day campaign -- Love on Loop -- alongside the launch of the Dubstep Buzz X12 Wireless Earbuds - Love Edition.
US Aims For Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal In March: Report
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed an ambitious March goal for Russia and Ukraine to agree on a peace deal, though that timeline is likely to slip given a lack of agreement on the key issue of territory.
Terror ecosystem almost crippled in J&K due to concerted efforts of Modi Govt: Shah
Calls upon security agencies to work in coordinated mode Strengthen border security through modern tools: HM Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 6: Union Home Minister Amit Shah today reviewed security situation in Jammu and Kashmir at a high-level meeting and reiterated the Narendra Modi Governments commitment to attain the goal of terror-free Jammu and Kashmir. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The meeting discussed innovative measures to further reinforce the watertight security cordon in the UT. Earlier in the day, [] The post Terror ecosystem almost crippled in J&K due to concerted efforts of Modi Govt: Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
