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ST quota, forest rights if voted to power: Cong

The Times of India 5 May 2024 4:26 am

After poll promise, tribal groups back INDIA bloc

The Times of India 5 May 2024 4:26 am

Humid conditions in isolated areas, swell waves likely

The Times of India 5 May 2024 4:24 am

Vote for Modi, says Parsekar, hits out at state BJP chief

The Times of India 5 May 2024 4:24 am

BJP padayatras evoke huge response in Margao, Fatorda

Staff Reporter Margao Padayatras organised in Margao and Fatorda evoked huge response on Saturday in favour of BJP South Goa candidate Pallavi Dempo. BJP came all guns blazing on the penultimate day of the campaign with a roadshow and two public meetings in Cuncolim and Fatorda Saturday evening which werelargely attended. The BJP leaders commenced []

The Navhind Times 5 May 2024 2:42 am

Pallavi to get lead of over 15k votes in Sanvordem

Staff Reporter Curchorem BJP South Goa candidate Lok Sabha candidate Pallavi Dempo will get a lead of more than 15,000 votes in Sanvordem constituency, said former PWD minister Deepak Pauskar after joining BJP. The BJP has fielded Dempo as it has a policy to project women in politics. Dempo is a very good candidate as []

The Navhind Times 5 May 2024 2:41 am

LS polls: Goa innovates for inclusive participation

Staff Reporter Panaji To enhance accessibility, inclusivity, and participation in the electoral process for the May 7 Lok Sabha polls in the state, several initiatives have been taken by the office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Goa. A total of 1,725 polling stations have been set up across the state, with 863 in the []

The Navhind Times 5 May 2024 2:35 am

Opposition targets Modi over special status, mining, jobs

Staff Reporter Curchorem Alleging that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fooled Goans on giving special status, mining resumption, providing employment, and other issues, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Patkar said that if Viriato Fernandes is elected and INDIA forms the government at the Centre then mining will be resumed at the earliest. []

The Navhind Times 5 May 2024 2:35 am

ST leaders of various organisations extend support to INDIA bloc candidates

Staff Reporter Panaji Leaders of various Scheduled Tribe organisations have extended support to INDIA bloc candidates in Goa and resolved to defeat the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party for ditching the Gawada, Kunbi and Velip communities on the political reservation issue. Addressing a press conference on Saturday in Panaji, tribal leader Rama Kankonkar said Saturdays announcement []

The Navhind Times 5 May 2024 2:33 am

LS elections: High-pitched campaign to end today in Goa

Staff Reporter Panaji The high-pitched campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in Goa will come to an end at 5 pm on Sunday, paving the way for polling on May 7 to elect two members of Parliament from the state. Both Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA and Congress-led INDIA bloc have pulled out all the stops []

The Navhind Times 5 May 2024 2:27 am

Erling Haaland is back to business for Manchester City, says Pep Guardiola

Striker scores four in 5-1 win over Wolves The second and fourth were unbelievable Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland is back to business after his strikers four-goal haul in Manchester Citys 5-1 defeat of Wolves , with the manager urging the champions to win their final three games to ensure a record fourth consecutive title. Haaland scored a first-half hat-trick, including two penalties, and added his fourth following the break to take his Premier League tally to 25 at the Etihad Stadium. Victory kept City a single point behind Arsenal but Guardiolas side have a game in hand. If they beat Fulham next Saturday and Mikel Artetas side lose at Manchester United the following day, City can retain the championship by beating Tottenham on Tuesday week. Continue reading...

The Guardian 5 May 2024 1:35 am

The Indian heritage of democracy

If modern India has been a successful democracy, it is because there is an ancient tradition of the idea. Participatory decision-making started in the ancient village councils or panchayatsa testimony to the grassroots democracy that thrived in ancient India. The Rigveda and Atharvaveda refer to the elections of king, prime minister and parliament by the people and some Brahmanas mention kings losing their positions. The people elected the best person as rajan . The king who failed to protect was deposed. The sabha , samiti and sansad were participatory institutions. The Ramayana and Mahabharata mention the involvement of people in decision-making. Indian texts say that the authority to govern is earned through merit and consensus, not heredity. There are several instances of elected rulers and their committees. India is a successful working democracy because the Indian people, since Vedic times, participated in governancefrom the village to the state. Governments in ancient and medieval India werecentralised under a king, but also de-centralised by devolving powers to local bodies and village panchayats in administrative areas in order to safeguard public welfare. Indian philosophy and polity are based on dharma which, along with artha (material wealth) and kama (desire), is essential for social welfare and happiness. Dharma means the law of righteousness, justice and morality, which sustains and ensures social welfare and progress. Kama and artha , that are contrary to dharma , must be rejected.Sovereignty rests in dharma and the maintenance of this dharma is the work of the sabha (eminent senior citizens) and samiti (popular assembly). The janapadas were governed by the village headman, while the mahajanapadas were republics or monarchies. The 16 mahajanapadas were known for their rich cultural heritage, military and economic prosperity. Lichchhavi, capital of the Vajji mahajanapada, was ruled collectively by an elected ruler ( rajan ), deputy ruler ( uparajan ), general ( senapati ) and treasurer. The citizens had the right to vote, deliberate and contest for public office. Each post was elected either through consensus or through an election. The sabha would meet and discuss issues. An adult in each family was a member. The public could decide on issues of importance by majority. The final judgement for crime and punishment rested with the elected heads, and records were maintained. Women were equal partners in the labour force, army, agriculture and husbandry. A detailed description of the democratic system comes from Tamil Nadu. The king had two teams, aimperunkuzhu and enperayam , who were consulted on all matters relating to the state. The village assemblies had substantial powers to govern locally. The roots of the system went back to earlier times, when kingdoms were divided into smaller units. The village, being the smallest unit of administration, had its local self-government known as sabha or gana . The village assemblies were the sabha and the mahasabha , and its members were perumakkal . The members of the assembly looked after temple endowments, irrigation work, tank maintenance and justice. The variyams or sub-committees looked after rural administration, including construction and maintenance of tanks, irrigation channels, land endowments and roads. Particular works were entrusted to groups of committee members, identified with a prefix such eri-variyam , a committee in charge of water bodies. The 10 th century Uttiramerur inscription describes in detail the rules for contesting elections to the variyams . They were selected by lots ( kudavolai ). They held office for a fixed term and were not eligible for re-election. The sabha fixed the method of appointing members to its variyams . The village was divided into wards ( kudumbu ) and the members were nominated according to the rules and regulations of the sabha . The major criterions for contesting the election were age, education, conduct and the requirement that the aspirant should be a taxpayer. The tenure of a committee was for one year and a person who had served could not contest the election again for the next three years. The contestants had to own taxable land and a house. The names of all contestants from the wards were written on palm leaves and put inside a pot. The ballot pot was shown to the villagers, after which a young boy took a leaf out of the pot and the name was read out. By this process, committee members from all wards were chosen. The Manur inscription is also known for its description of local self-government. The committee members of the local bodies consisted of unpaid part-time workers, but there were paid officials who worked full-time. On important occasions, a royal official was present at the meetings of the assembly. Similarly, the tribes of India have an extremely democratic form of governance. The elders of the tribe form a committee to manage their affairs and choose their leader. The social structure of the tribes ensures equal access to and ownership of natural resources. Many tribes give women prominent and even superior positions. India also has a tradition of religious democracy or bhakti , which challenged the caste system and was led by saints who helped the masses comprehend philosophical teachings. This is a unique form of democracy by which spiritual development was attainable by common people. Each saint had a favourite god or preferred form of worship and the goal was to finally merge with the divinity. There are several ancient works of polity, including the Arthashastra and Nitisara , on the science of politics. The Indian Council of Historical Research has a publication, Mother of Democracy India , which is a mine of information on the countrys democratic traditions. It is election season and a time to remember our democratic past. (Views are personal) Nanditha Krishna Historian, environmentalist and writer based in Chennai

The New Indian Express 5 May 2024 1:10 am

Soccer-Ancelotti's tactical acumen leads Real to 36th LaLiga title

Soccer-Ancelotti's tactical acumen leads Real to 36th LaLiga title Real Madrid claimed a record-extending 36th LaLiga title on Saturday after Girona's 4-2 thrashing of local rivals Barcelona left Carlo Ancelotti's side with an unassailable lead in the standings. With four games left, Real Madrid moved to 87 points on top of the standings after their second-string players earned a 3-0 over relegation threatened Cadiz earlier on Saturday, 13 ahead of Girona in second and 14 clear of third-placed Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez's side were the only one left who could prevent their bitter rivals Real lifting the title, but their faint hopes were extinguished in Girona as they fell to their second league defeat in three matches. Real Madrid now can turn their attention to a LaLiga-Champions League double as they get ready to host Bayern Munich in the semi-final return leg on Wednesday after snatching a 2-2 draw in Germany last week. It's obviously a contained joy, because the most important game of the season (Bayern) is also very close, but we have to be happy, Ancelotti told Movistar Plus+ on Saturday, before knowing the Barca result. Those games (Cadiz) are difficult to prepare for, because you have Wednesday on your mind. But so far it's been spectacular, our team was steady, with hardly any mistakes. The advantage we have is well deserved. The LaLiga title crowned a remarkable domestic campaign despite major knee injuries sustained by keeper Thibaut Courtois and defenders Eder Militao and David Alaba early in the season, in addition to a big hole left up-front after forward Karim Benzema joined Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad. To overcome such obstacles, 64-year-old Ancelotti had to prove once again that he is much more than just a manager who knows how to bring out the best in his players, both the young and experienced. His tactical nous was instrumental in fixing Real's problems, including improvising midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as a centre back alongside Antonio Ruediger and changing the system to deploy Jude Bellingham as an attacking midfielder, with freedom to get forward and support Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo up front. Bellingham scored 15 goals in his first 16 games and he, Vinicius and Rodrygo have netted 41 of Real's 74 league goals. At the back, German international Ruediger had arguably enjoyed the best season of his career at age 31, leading a rock-solid Real Madrid defence which conceded only 22 goals in 34 league games, way ahead of LaLiga's second-best Athletic Bilbao with 33. A big part (of Real success) was achieved when we started to defend better, with a collective commitment, Ancelotti said. The effort put by the players up front was great, but the injuries early in the season helped us to realise that it wasn't about individuals but putting on a collective effort, and we did great. Ancelotti two years ago became the first manager to capture titles in each of Europes top five leagues and he has now added another trophy to cement his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in history.

devdiscourse 5 May 2024 12:22 am

Soccer-Bellingham crowns superb debut season at Real

Soccer-Bellingham crowns superb debut season at Real Jude Bellingham has taken Real Madrid by storm in a sparkling debut LaLiga campaign, exceeding sky-high expectations to help his team claim a record-extending 36th Spanish league title. It's Bellingham's league has become a common phrase among football fans and pundits in Spain and that is proof of his stunning start with the Spanish giants. The England midfielder's impact at the age of 20 after he was signed from Borussia Dortmund last June can be measured by a raft of individual awards. He was named LaLiga's player of the month in August and October, and is the only man to win the award more than once this season. Bellingham also picked up the 2023 Golden Boy and Kopa awards before becoming the first player to win the Breakthrough of the Year prize at this year's Laureus awards. After being named Bundesliga player of the year last season, Bellingham arrived at Real who were coming from a disappointing campaign marked by a humiliating loss at Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals. With the departure of Casemiro and ageing Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in the final year of their contracts, Bellingham was seen as a key part in revamping Real's midfield. Following the shock departure of forward Karim Benzema to Saudi Arabia, however, and Real's failure to sign Kylian Mbappe or Harry Kane, coach Carlo Ancelotti had to improvise and saw in Bellingham the potential to be much more than a goalmaker. The Italian coach changed his line-up from the traditional 4-3-3 formation he and Zinedine Zidane deployed to win five Champions League titles in eight years, giving Bellingham freedom to get forward and link up with Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo. That unleashed a hidden beast, with Bellingham scoring an astonishing 15 goals in his first 16 games, beating in December last season's tally of 14 in 42 matches and surpassing Real greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Alfredo Di Stefano who scored 13 goals in their first 15 games. Bellingham's goals also earned Real valuable points, including a brace at Barcelona and the winner at Santiago Bernabeu to give his side come-from-behind wins in both El Clasicos. He is the second-top scorer in LaLiga this season with 18 goals, two behind Girona's Artem Dovbyk and the only midfielder to score 10 or more times in Spain this campaign. Until Saturday, however, the only major silverware Bellingham had won was the German Cup and he now has the chance to add the Champions League and Euro 2024 crowns to complete a glorious campaign. For this season the aim is to win everything, that has to be the aim for the two biggest teams (Real and England), Bellingham told Reuters in October. Its important that we quit the talking and finally perform for our fans. LaLiga in the bag, he has two more to go to be as good as his word.

devdiscourse 5 May 2024 12:18 am

Four-star Haaland shines as Manchester City sink Wolves in title pursuit

Erling Haalands sixth Premier League hat-trick, completed in the opening 45 minutes and featuring two penalties, signalled the goal-scoring phenomenon is back in ruthless mood at the very best of times for Manchester City. After this crushing victory, in which Haaland added a peach of fourth following the interval, City can do what Arsenal have been doing to them: pile the pressure on in this tightest of title races by winning at Fulham next Saturday, move ahead two points, and make the Gunners think before kicking-off at Manchester United 24 hours later. Continue reading...

The Guardian 5 May 2024 12:07 am

Just too good: how Real Madrids depth ensured a canter to the title

Girona briefly promised the unlikeliest of triumphs but the sheer variety in Ancelottis side made them a cut above the rest Over two hours had passed since the final whistle went on Real Madrids 3-0 victory over Cadiz and some of their players were still inside inside the Santiago Bernabu watching on TV when they officially found out they were champions, but they had known for a long time. The title, eventually delivered by Gironas 4-2 victory over Barcelona 681 kilometres to the north-east and confirmed at 8.30pm on the 34th Saturday of the season, did not see them board an open-top bus down the Castellana to Cibeles, although fans did gather by the goddess of fertility. There was more to do Bayern Munich come on Wednesday night and, besides, this was already done. It had been for some time. Two weeks earlier, Jude Bellingham had scored a 94th-minute goal to win the clsico , their last remaining contenders eliminated, if you could truly call Barcelona that. Two months earlier they had put four past the nearest thing they had to genuine challengers, effectively eliminating Girona too: they were the most exciting , the most surprising team but they would not be champions. As for Atltico Madrid, the only team to defeat Real all season, they had eliminated themselves even sooner, gone by Christmas. This hadnt been a race; ultimately, it had been a parade. Continue reading...

The Guardian 5 May 2024 12:06 am

Haaland scores four as Man City thrash Wolves

Erling Haaland's first four-goal haul in the Premier League helps Manchester City hammer Wolves at Etihad Stadium.

BBC 4 May 2024 11:59 pm

Rs 54.43 lakh worth liquor seized in Nandyal

Kurnool: Nandyal police seized Goa-made liquor worth Rs 54,43,200 and apprehended two people along with a truck near the Gajulapalle check post on Friday. The arrested persons were identified as Jithendra Rajkumar Gidwani from Pune, Maharashtra, and Rajesh Meena from Nagada village in Ujjain district, Madhya Pradesh. During a raid at the Gajulapalle check post near Anjaneya Kottala village, police discovered 43,200 (180 ml) bottles of Royal Blue malt whisky from Goa. The liquor, packed in 900 boxes and concealed beneath cattle feed, was being transported in a truck from Goa to Vijayawada via Nandyal. The police seized the illegal liquor, the truck, two mobile phones, and arrested the two people. Nandyal DSP Ravindranath Reddy, Nandyal rural CI N. Sivakumar Reddy, sub-inspectors G. Nagendra Prasad, K. Mallikarjuna, Nagarjun Reddy, and others participated in the operation.

Deccan Chronicle 4 May 2024 11:41 pm

Surge Swell: Coastal States on Orange Alert

In an absolute contrast to the soaring mercury levels, a yellow alert is on the cards for the state for the next two days as minimum temperatures are likely to be in the range of 11 to 15 C for most of the districts, and a further drop with orange alert at districts like Adilabad, Kumaram Bheem, Mancherial in the coming week. (Representational Image) In an absolute contrast to the soaring mercury levels, a yellow alert is on the cards for the state for the next two days as minimum temperatures are likely to be in the range of 11 to 15 C for most of the districts, and a further drop with orange alert at districts like Adilabad, Kumaram Bheem, Mancherial in the coming week. (Representational Image) Hyderabad: The swell surge that began in the Atlantic Ocean has begun interacting with the Indian coast and the swell is expected to move northward for another 24 hours or so, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (Incois) said on Saturday. Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal on the eastern coast, and Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat on the west coast - were placed on an orange alert till the end of May 5 in view of the swell surge. Fishermen and coastal population were asked to be on the alert from Saturday evening to around Sunday midnight and be watchful for possible intermittent surging of waves in the nearshore/beach region, particularly in the low-lying areas and during high tide and spring tide phases. Incois said small boats and vessels may ply nearshore but with due caution. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as the Lakshadweep archipelago in southern Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, have already experienced the surge swell.

Deccan Chronicle 4 May 2024 10:57 pm

PM Modis 10 Years of Reign Has Laid a Strong Foundation for Viksit Bharat

Bhubaneswar: External affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Saturday said the past ten years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a phase of laying a strong foundation for making India a strong nation and the next five years will be dedicated to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat in the next 25 years which is now known as Amrit Kaal. In 2014, Narendra Modi sought five years for BJP to serve the nation. As Prime Minister he delivered on all fronts starting from salvaging the nation from an utter state of despair to hope and aspiration. People of all sections were taken up. Country made progress on all sectors and an economy boomed. People appreciated PM Modis performances and blessed him with another term in 2019. Now, after 10 years, peoples trust in him has doubled and they have reposed faith in his leadership to take the country on the path of progress to reach our goal of Viksit Bharat, he said during an interaction with editors of different newspapers and television channels. Speaking on the foreign policy of India, Jaishankar said India is playing the role of a peace-broker across the globe as the world leaders trust the country's leadership. Now, you see turmoil in different parts of the world. The Russia-Ukraine war, the tension in Gaza following the terrorist attack on Israel and the more recent Israel-Iran conflicts have created tensions in those regions, besides affecting the world order. However, during such critical times, whenever leaders of all these countries have looked to India to play its role to ease the tension, our country has obliged in the best possible manner, said the minister. Stating that Indias foreign policy was on the right track, Jaishankar said the country had succeeded in asserting itself in the global platform as one of the forward-looking countries. On the strained relationship with Canada, Jaishankar said, Our relationship with Canada and its Prime Minister is not the same as with other nations. You can see Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as an exception. Whats the reason? Some people who profess Khalistani ideology have made use of that democracy and formed a lobby and vote bank. Some parties in Canada, some parties in that country feel that if they maintain good relationships with these people, it will benefit. Its all about vote bank politics in Canada. Now, the matter is more serious because the Trudeau government lacks a majority in the parliament. The leaders of other political parties on whom Trudeau is dependent are pro-Khalistani. The minister said though India wrote to Canada for extradition of 25 Khalistani leaders, the latter did not take any action on that. To a query, Jaishankar said Odisha should have a BJP government to carry forward the development of the Narendra Modi government. I concur what Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said that Odisha has not progressed much in the past two decades despite it having huge mineral resources. We need to have a young person with a sharp outlook to lead the state, he observed. Jaishankar is currently on a two-day trip to Odisha to interact with the intellectuals, journalists and BJP party workers.

Deccan Chronicle 4 May 2024 10:17 pm

Mumbai FC's Comeback Triumphs over Mohun Bagan in ISL Final: Bipin Singh's Heroics Secure Second Championship

Mumbai FC's Comeback Triumphs over Mohun Bagan in ISL Final: Bipin Singh's Heroics Secure Second Championship Bipin Singh came to haunt Mohun Bagan once again as a gritty Mumbai City FC rode on the midfielder's strike to secure a stunning 3-1 comeback win and grab the ISL title for a second time in front of a partisan Salt Lake Stadium crowd here on Saturday. In front of 62,007-strong crowd, the home side roared into the lead with Jason Cummings (44th) strike at the stroke of half-time. But the Islanders levelled things up when Jorge Pereyra Diaz (53rd) silenced the crowd from Alberto Noguera's magnificent straight pass from the midfield. Their moment of reckoning came in the 81st minute as Bipin came off the bench to score the decisive second goal to help Mumbai snatch the lead. It was Bipin's 90th minute strike that had helped Mumbai City FC win their maiden title in 2020-21 when they overturned an identical 1-0 lead to down Mohun Bagan 2-1. Nine minutes were added to the second-half, and Mohun Bagan had enough time to bring on the equaliser but their forwards lacked the sting and the Islanders nailed the final nail in the coffin with a 90+7th minute strike by subsitute Jakub Vojtus. It also crushed Mohun Bagan's dream of becoming the first team to defend the ISL Cup and complete a rare double of winning the League Winners Shield and the title. Sergio Lobera-coached Mumbai City FC had achieved the rare feat in their memorable 2020-21 season. But it was not a day for Mohun Bagan's shrewd 66-year-old Spaniard tactician Antonio Lopez Habas who appeared in a record fourth ISL final. Three weeks after the Islanders failed to defend the Shield going down to the same team 1-2 at the same venue, the Petr Kratky-coached side dished out a much-improved show right from the start. They controlled the possession and initiated a flurry of attacks with Lallianzuala Chhangte in the thick of things, and also hit the post twice in the first half-an-hour's play. In the 30th minute, Chhangte whipped in a freekick from an angle as it sailed over a scrambling Vishal Kaith, only to hit the crossbar and bounce out. A couple of minutes later, Chhangte outpaced Subhasish Bose, receiving a through ball. Instead of shooting, he passed it back into the six-yard box, but there were no Mumbai men to tap the ball in. Kaith and the Subhasish Bose-led defence stayed under pressure, dealing with Mumbai's attacking threats. Suddenly, Mohun Bagan lifted the atmosphere by storming into the lead. Liston Colaco played a precise pass to Dimitri Petratos who unleashed a thunderous strike from 40 yards out as Lachenpa flapped it back into the six yard box in a sloppy goalkeeping effort. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, Mohun Bagan's chief marksman Jason Cummings sprang into action latching onto the loose ball and calmly chipped it over Phurba Lachenpa with his effortless left-footer. But the lead did not last long as Mumbai equalised soon after the break. A special mention should go to Spaniard Alberto Noguera for his pinpoint accuracy in delivering a sublime pass from the midfield straight into the box. The Mohun Bagan defence was caught off guard by it as the Argentine forward seized the opportunity, effortlessly bypassing Manvir Singh without Anwar Ali to contend with. With a deft left-footed touch, Diaz calmly slotted the ball past Kaith, who stretched out his left leg in a desperate attempt to save, but to no avail. Three years after he struck the winner in a close-door final at Margao, Bipin once again made the difference after he came on the field replacing Noguera in the 69th minute. Chhangte dodged past Joni Kauko and took a weak shot, but Bipin's second attempt deflected off Hector Yuste and into the net, securing the decisive goal. Jakub capitalised on Bipin's hold-up play, receiving the ball and calmly passing it to Vikram Pratap Singh, who then set up Bipin for a shot blocked by Anwar. However, Jakub pounced on the rebound and fired it past the fallen defender to seal the issue.

devdiscourse 4 May 2024 10:11 pm

Furuhashis double inspires win over Hearts and extends Celtics lead

Kyogo Furuhashi struck his first double of the season as Celtics 3-0 victory over Hearts maintained the prospect of a title party against Rangers. The Japan striker was on target twice in the first quarter and Matt ORiley converted a late penalty as the Premiership leaders moved six points and eight goals ahead of Rangers, who host Kilmarnock on Sunday. Continue reading...

The Guardian 4 May 2024 9:59 pm

Hudson-Odoi seals precious victory for Nottingham Forest at Sheffield United

Nottingham Forest took a significant step towards Premier League safety as two goals from Callum Hudson-Odoi and another from their captain, Ryan Yates, piled more misery on bottom-placed Sheffield United. The victory moved Forest three points clear of Luton Town with two games remaining. Forest fell behind early on to a Ben Brereton Daz penalty and, had it not been for a combination of some real profligacy in front of goal from the hosts and a string of great saves from Matz Sels, could have been further behind. But they recovered superbly, levelling through a wonderful strike from Hudson-Odoi. Continue reading...

The Guardian 4 May 2024 9:43 pm

South Dakota governor Kristi Noem continues to be plagued by book controversies

As she tries to limit the fallout from her dog- and goat-killing anecdotes, factual inaccuracies in her book are coming to light As she entered a second consecutive weekend trying to manage fallout from revelations in her upcoming memoir that she shot her dog to death, South Dakotas governor, Kristi Noem, had conceded that she would need to correct multiple factual inaccuracies in other parts of the book. Meanwhile, a Republican fundraiser which Noem was supposed to headline had to be canceled after threats against the event staff, hotel venue and governor, according to organizers. Continue reading...

The Guardian 4 May 2024 9:10 pm

Arsenal Bolsters Title Hopes with Convincing 3-0 Victory Against Bournemouth

Arsenal Bolsters Title Hopes with Convincing 3-0 Victory Against Bournemouth Arsenal maintained its pursuit of the Premier League title with a 3-0 win over Bournemouth that lifted Mikel Arteta's team four points clear of second-place Manchester City on Saturday. City can reduce the gap back to a point by beating Wolverhampton Wanderers later and still has another game in hand. Bukayo Saka converted a penalty in the 45th minute after a trip on Kai Havertz before Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice added second-half goals at Emirates Stadium to secure Arsenal's fourth straight victory in the league. Arsenal, seeking its first league title since 2004, has two matches still to play at Manchester United and home against Everton. Havertz won the penalty in the 42nd minute after running onto a through-ball and rounding Mark Travers, only for the goalkeeper to clip the Germany international's trailing leg. Saka made it six from six from the penalty spot this season with what was Arsenal's 16th shot of the match at that point. Bournemouth came into the game more in the second half but lost hope when Rice teed up Trossard, who curled in a low shot from inside the area in the 70th. Rice ran onto Gabriel Jesus' pass and scored in the seventh minute of stoppage time to wrap up the win. At 2-0, Ryan Christie had a goal for Bournemouth disallowed for a push on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya by Dominic Solanke in the buildup, with a VAR check not changing the decision of the on-field referee.

devdiscourse 4 May 2024 8:27 pm

Egypt media cite progress in truce talks as Israel downplays chances of end to war with Hamas

TEL AVIV, Israel: A delegation of the Palestinian militant group Hamas was in Cairo on Saturday as Egyptian state media reported noticeable progress in ongoing cease-fire talks with Israel while an Israeli official downplayed the prospects for a full end to the war. Pressure has been mounting to reach a deal Gazas humanitarian crisis is dramatically escalating while Israel insists it will launch an offensive into Rafah, the territorys southernmost city. The stakes are high to find a halt to the nearly seven-months-long war. More than 1 million Palestinians are sheltering in the city of Rafah, along the border with Egypt, many having fled northern Gaza where a top UN official says there is now a full-blown famine. Egyptian and American mediators have reported signs of compromise in recent days but chances for a cease-fire deal remain entangled with the key question of whether Israel will accept an end to the war without reaching its stated goal of destroying Hamas. Egyptian state Al-Qahera news said Saturday that a consensus has been reached over many of the disputed points but did not elaborate. Hamas has called for a complete end to the war and withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza. The war has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas local health officials, caused widespread destruction and plunged the territory into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The conflict erupted on Oct. 7, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, abducting about 250 people and killing around 1,200, mostly civilians. Israel says militants still hold around 100 hostages and the remains of more than 30 others. A senior Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing negotiations, played down the prospects for a full end to the war. The official said Israel was committed to the Rafah invasion and told The Associated Press that it will not agree in any circumstance to end the war as part of a deal to release hostages. Israeli strikes early Saturday on Gaza killed at least six people. Three bodies were recovered from the rubble of a building in Rafah and taken to Yousef Al Najjar hospital. A strike in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza also killed three people, according to hospital officials. In the last 24 hours, the bodies of 32 people killed by Israeli strikes have been brought to local hospitals, Gazas Health Ministry said Saturday. The ministry does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its tallies, but says that women and children make up around two-thirds of those killed. The Israeli military says it has killed 13,000 militants, without providing evidence to back up the claim. It has also conducted mass arrests during its raids inside Gaza. Gazas Health Ministry also on Saturday urged the International Criminal Court to investigate the death in Israeli custody of a Gaza surgeon. Adnan al-Borsh, 50, was working at al-Awda Hospital when Israeli troops stormed it, detaining him and others inside in December, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club. In related developments this week, Israel briefed Biden administration officials on plans to evacuate civilians ahead of the Rafah operation, according to US officials familiar with the talks. The United Nations has warned that hundreds of thousands would be at imminent risk of death if Israel moves forward into the densely packed city, which is also a critical entry point for humanitarian aid. The US director of the UN World Food Program, Cindy McCain, said Friday that trapped civilians in the north, the most cut-off part of Gaza, have plunged into famine. McCain said a cease-fire and a greatly increased flow of aid through land and sea routes was essential. Israel recently opened new crossings for aid into northern Gaza, but on Wednesday, Israeli settlers blocked the first convoy before it crossed into the besieged enclave. Once inside Gaza, the convoy was commandeered by Hamas militants, before UN officials reclaimed it. The proposal that Egyptian mediators had put to Hamas sets out a three-stage process that would bring an immediate, six-week cease-fire and partial release of Israeli hostages, and would include some sort of Israeli pullout. The initial stage would last for 40 days. Hamas would start by releasing female civilian hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Gershon Baskin, director for the Middle East at the International Communities Organization, said it appears that Hamas has agreed to the framework that Egypt proposed and Israel has already accepted. He said the negotiators are now hammering out the details and if Israel sends its top negotiators to Cairo after the Sabbath ends on Saturday evening, that would signify its very serious.

The New Indian Express 4 May 2024 8:07 pm

Production of next-gen offshore patrol vessel begins at Goa Shipyard

The contract for 11 NGOPV, signed with GSL and MDL under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category in March 2023, is worth 1,614.89 crore

The Hindu Businessline 4 May 2024 8:06 pm

Potential for accelerating Indias development goal still considerable, states report

The report adds that while cumulative social expenditure by Government has gone up in 2022-23, there is great scope for development across India

The Hindu 4 May 2024 8:01 pm

Ipswich Town Seal Promotion to Premier League With Win Over Huddersfield

Goals from Wes Burns and Omari Hutchinson ensured the Tractor Boys became just the fourth side in the Premier League era to go from the third to the top tier via consecutive promotions.

News18 4 May 2024 8:00 pm

Why cow cuddling, a social media rage, is under threat in US

In 2022, over 28,600 farms across the US engaged in agritourism, offering activities like goat yoga and sunflower picking, generating $1.26 billiona 32% increase from five years earlier, according to USDA data. This income is crucial as US farm earnings are predicted to suffer the sharpest drop in 18 years due to declining crop prices, with smaller farms particularly affected.

The Times of India 4 May 2024 7:34 pm

Giorgia Meloni and Ursula von der Leyen, the double act that is steering the EU ever rightwards | Simon Tisdall

As elections loom across the continent, Italys prime minister and the commissions president are in a dubious alliance Its rare that an Italian prime minister tops the table in Europe. But with Germanys Olaf Scholz and Frances Emmanuel Macron facing red cards at home, Spains Pedro Snchez briefly stretchered off, and relegated Rishi Sunak sulking on the bench like Liverpools Mo Salah, Giorgia Meloni post-fascist poster girl turned star centre-forward of the new right is shooting at an open goal. Its Melonis moment. In the words of one conservative commentator, she has become Europes essential leader . And her influence is set to expand next month when up to 450 million eligible voters in 27 countries pick a new EU parliament . Hard-right and far-right nationalist-populist parties, including Melonis Brothers of Italy, are poised for sweeping gains at the expense of the left and the greens. Continue reading...

The Guardian 4 May 2024 7:30 pm

Nandyal police seize liquor worth 54 lakh at Gajulapalle check-post amid elections

The liquor was being transported in a truck from Goa to Vijayawada, camouflaged with cattle fodder inside gunny bags, says the SP

The Hindu 4 May 2024 7:27 pm

Declan Rice drives Arsenal past Bournemouth to maintain title push

Mikel Arteta had wanted something less stressful than Arsenals previous home win over Bournemouth and he got his wish. In March of last year, his team had needed a 97 th -minute Reiss Nelson goal to complete a wild 3-2 victory from 2-0 down. Here there was glory in the general sense of comfort and control, Arsenal moving to 83 points, still asking the question of the defending champions, Manchester City, who kick-off against Wolves at 5.30pm. It was not entirely straightforward; it rarely is. Arsenal caught a break at 2-0 up when an Antoine Semenyo goal was disallowed on the advice of the VAR for a foul by Dominic Solanke on the goalkeeper, David Raya. Continue reading...

The Guardian 4 May 2024 7:23 pm

Premier League: Arsenal Rout Bournemouth 3-0 to Extend Lead at Top of Table

Bukayo Saka converted a penalty before Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice added second-half goals at Emirates Stadium to secure a four point lead for Arsenal in the league. Manchester City can reduce the gap back to one point by beating Wolverhampton later and still has another game in hand.

News18 4 May 2024 7:16 pm

Assam: Massive erosion by Subansiri affects thousands of villagers in Lakhimpur

North Lakhimpur: Unabated bank erosion by the Subansiri River in the downstream areas of the Subansiri Lower Hydro Electrical Plant dam has affected thousands of villagers in the Lakhimpur district. The river bank erosion has been widespread in Na-Ali, Baligaon, Ghagarmukh, No. 1 Morton Chapori, Migamchuk, Na-Dhola, Ghuliagaon, Dafalakata, Tameragaon, Echarikata and Goalbari villages of [] The post Assam: Massive erosion by Subansiri affects thousands of villagers in Lakhimpur appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 4 May 2024 7:12 pm

Burnley v Newcastle, Sheffield United v Nottingham Forest and more: Premier League clockwatch live

Updates from the 3pm BST Premier League games Live scoreboard | And feel free to mail Tom The Blues are in the third tier for the first time since Barry Fry took them up in 95 as a result of Plymouth, Blackburn and Wednesday winning, despite their own 1-0 win over Norwich. A penny for John Eustaces thoughts A sumptuous team goal makes absolutely sure for the Premier League leaders. Over to you, City. Continue reading...

The Guardian 4 May 2024 7:04 pm

The Cool Choice for Weight Loss: 10 Reasons to Sip on Sattu This Summer

As the scorching summer sun beats down, staying cool and maintaining a healthy weight become top priorities. In the quest for refreshing beverages that aid weight loss, Sattu emerges as a natural powerhouse. Derived from roasted gram flour, this traditional Indian drink packs a punch of nutrition and flavor. Here are 10 compelling reasons why you should make Sattu your go-to beverage this summer: Natural Cooler: Sattu is a natural coolant, making it the perfect antidote to sweltering summer days. Its inherent cooling properties help regulate body temperature, keeping you refreshed and rejuvenated. Low in Calories: If you're watching your weight, Sattu is your ally. With its low-calorie content, it's a guilt-free indulgence. Swap calorie-laden sodas and sugary drinks for a glass of nutritious Sattu to support your weight loss goals. High in Protein: Sattu is a protein powerhouse, making it an excellent choice for those looking to shed pounds while maintaining muscle mass. Protein-rich foods help keep you feeling full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating. Rich in Fiber: Fiber is essential for digestive health and weight management. Sattu is loaded with dietary fiber, which aids digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a feeling of fullness, helping you control your appetite. Balances Blood Sugar Levels: Unlike sugary beverages that cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, Sattu helps maintain stable blood glucose levels. This steadiness in blood sugar helps curb cravings and promotes sustainable weight loss. Boosts Metabolism: A sluggish metabolism can hinder weight loss efforts. Sattu contains nutrients that help rev up your metabolism, enabling your body to burn calories more efficiently, even at rest. Hydrating Properties: Proper hydration is key for weight loss and overall health. Sattu, when mixed with water or buttermilk, becomes a hydrating beverage that replenishes lost fluids and electrolytes, keeping you hydrated throughout the day. Nutrient Dense: Sattu is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and B-vitamins. These nutrients support overall health and vitality, ensuring you have the energy to stay active and motivated on your weight loss journey. Versatile and Delicious: Sattu can be enjoyed in various forms, such as savory drinks, sweet shakes, or as a nutritious addition to recipes like parathas or ladoos. Its versatility makes it easy to incorporate into your daily diet, ensuring you never get bored. Promotes Satiety: One of the biggest challenges of weight loss is battling hunger pangs. Sattu's combination of protein, fiber, and hydration promotes feelings of satiety, helping you stay on track with your calorie goals without feeling deprived. To sum up,Sattu stands out as a refreshing and nutritious beverage that supports weight loss goals during the hot summer months. By sipping on Sattu regularly, you can stay cool, hydrated, and on track towards achieving your desired weight while nourishing your body with essential nutrients. So, this summer, make the smart choice for your health and reach for a glass of Sattu. Neem Leaves: A Holistic Approach to Health and Beauty Breathing Easy: Controlling Asthma at Your Fingertips Hot Outside, Cool Inside: Essential Post-Heatwave Tips To Follow

News Track 4 May 2024 6:18 pm

Hamas Delegation in Cairo Discuss Cease-fire with Egyptian Mediators; Israeli Officials Cautious

Hamas Delegation in Cairo Discuss Cease-fire with Egyptian Mediators; Israeli Officials Cautious A delegation of the Palestinian militant group Hamas was in Cairo on Saturday as Egyptian state media reported noticeable progress in ongoing cease-fire talks with Israel while an Israeli official downplayed the prospects for a truce. Pressure has been mounting to reach a deal Gaza's humanitarian crisis is dramatically escalating while Israel insists it will launch an offensive into Rafah, the territory's southernmost city. The stakes are high to find a halt to the nearly seven-months-long war. More than 1 million Palestinians are sheltering in the city of Rafah, along the border with Egypt, many having fled northern Gaza where a top UN official says there is now a full-blown famine. Egyptian and American mediators have reported signs of compromise in recent days but chances for a cease-fire deal remain entangled with the key question of whether Israel will accept an end to the war without reaching its stated goal of destroying Hamas. Egyptian state Al-Qahera news said Saturday that a consensus has been reached over many of the disputed points but did not elaborate. Hamas has called for a complete end to the war and withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza. The war has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's local health officials, caused widespread destruction and plunged the territory into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The conflict erupted on October 7, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, abducting about 250 people and killing around 1,200, mostly civilians. Israel says militants still hold around 100 hostages and the remains of more than 30 others. A senior Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing negotiations, played down the prospects for an end to the war. The official told The Associated Press that Israel will not agree in any circumstance to end the war as part of a deal to release hostages. Israeli strikes early Saturday on Gaza killed at least six people. Three bodies were recovered from the rubble of a building in Rafah and taken to Yousef Al Najjar hospital. A strike in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza also killed three people, according to hospital officials. In the last 24 hours, the bodies of 32 people killed by Israeli strikes have been brought to local hospitals, Gaza's health ministry said Saturday. In related developments this week, Israel briefed Biden administration officials on plans to evacuate civilians ahead of the Rafah operation, according to US officials familiar with the talks. The United Nations has warned that hundreds of thousands would be at imminent risk of death if Israel moves forward into the densely packed city, which is also a critical entry point for humanitarian aid. The US director of the UN World Food Program, Cindy McCain, said Friday that trapped civilians in the north, the most cut-off part of Gaza, have plunged into famine. McCain said a cease-fire and a greatly increased flow of aid through land and sea routes was essential. Israel recently opened new crossings for aid into northern Gaza, but on Wednesday, Israeli settlers blocked the first convoy before it crossed into the besieged enclave. Once inside Gaza, the convoy was commandeered by Hamas militants, before UN officials reclaimed it. The proposal that Egyptian mediators had put to Hamas sets out a three-stage process that would bring an immediate, six-week cease-fire and partial release of Israeli hostages, and would include some sort of Israeli pullout. The initial stage would last for 40 days. Hamas would start by releasing female civilian hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Gershon Baskin, director for the Middle East at the International Communities Organization, said it appears that Hamas has agreed to the framework that Egypt proposed and Israel has already accepted. He said the negotiators are now hammering out the details and if Israel sends its top negotiators to Cairo after the Sabbath ends on Saturday evening, that would signify it's very serious.

devdiscourse 4 May 2024 5:25 pm

Can you name every player to score 10+ Premier League goals for Wolves?

Twelve names for you to get here. The post Can you name every player to score 10+ Premier League goals for Wolves? appeared first on Planet Football .

Planet Football 4 May 2024 4:24 pm

Can you name Barcelonas top 30 goalscorers of all time?

You'll know No.1, but what about the rest? The post Can you name Barcelonas top 30 goalscorers of all time? appeared first on Planet Football .

Planet Football 4 May 2024 4:24 pm

Green Tea vs Black Tea: Which One Helps Control Your Weight

In the realm of healthy beverages, green tea and black tea stand as two giants, each boasting a plethora of health benefits. Among the many claims attributed to these teas is their potential to aid in weight loss. But when it comes down to shedding those stubborn pounds, which brew reigns supreme? Let's delve into the nuances of green tea versus black tea in the quest for effective weight management. Understanding the Brews Before we jump into their weight loss potential, let's get acquainted with the basics of these teas. Green tea and black tea both originate from the Camellia sinensis plant, but their processing methods diverge significantly. Green Tea: Known for its delicate flavor and vibrant green hue, green tea undergoes minimal oxidation during processing. This preservation of its natural compounds, such as catechins and antioxidants, is believed to contribute to its health benefits. Black Tea: On the other hand, black tea undergoes full oxidation, resulting in its bold flavor and dark color. During oxidation, the catechins present in green tea are transformed into complex compounds like theaflavins and thearubigins, which impart unique health properties. The Weight Loss Connection Now, let's address the burning question: which tea is better for weight loss? Green Tea: Green tea has garnered widespread acclaim for its weight management properties, primarily attributed to its high catechin content, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG has been studied for its potential to boost metabolism and increase fat oxidation, thereby aiding in weight loss. Additionally, green tea is relatively low in calories, making it a suitable beverage choice for those aiming to shed excess weight. Black Tea: While black tea may not boast the same level of catechins as green tea, its unique composition offers distinct advantages. Research suggests that the polyphenols found in black tea, including theaflavins and thearubigins, may also contribute to weight loss by enhancing fat metabolism and reducing the absorption of fats from the diet. Furthermore, the caffeine content in black tea can provide a modest boost to metabolic rate, potentially aiding in calorie burning. Choosing the Right Brew When it comes to selecting between green tea and black tea for weight loss, personal preference plays a significant role. Some individuals may prefer the mild, grassy flavor of green tea, while others may opt for the robust taste of black tea. However, it's essential to keep in mind that neither tea is a magical solution for weight loss. While incorporating green tea or black tea into your daily routine may support your weight loss efforts, it's crucial to maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise regimen for optimal results. In the battle of green tea versus black tea for weight loss, both contenders have their strengths. Green tea shines with its high catechin content and potential to boost metabolism, while black tea offers its own array of polyphenols and a caffeine kick. Ultimately, the best choice comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. Whether you're sipping on a steaming cup of green tea or indulging in a comforting mug of black tea, both can be valuable allies on your journey to a healthier, happier you. So go ahead, brew a cup, and savor the goodness of tea while taking strides towards your weight loss goals. Rejuvenate Your Summer with Amla Juice: Health at Its Best Beware of These Menaces: Exploring Lesser-Known Mosquito-Transmitted Diseases How Women May Experience Side Effects of Birth Control Pills

News Track 4 May 2024 3:48 pm

FACTBOX-Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway at a glance

FACTBOX-Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway at a glance Tens of thousands of people descended on Omaha, Nebraska to attend the annual shareholder weekend for billionaire Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway. Buffett, 93, and Vice Chairman Greg Abel, 61, are expected to answer five hours of shareholder questions at Berkshire's annual meeting on Saturday. Vice Chairman Ajit Jain, 72, will join them in the first three hours. Abel is expected to succeed Buffett as chief executive. The meeting is the first since longtime Vice Chairman Charlie Munger died in November at age 99. It will be broadcast on CNBC and livestreamed on cnbc.com. Here are some facts about Buffett and Berkshire. FACTS ABOUT WARREN EDWARD BUFFETT Born: Aug. 30, 1930, in Omaha Education: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Columbia Business School Family: Buffett has been married to Astrid Menks since 2006. His first wife Susan Thompson Buffett died in 2004, and he had three children with her: Susan, Howard and Peter. Susan Buffett and Howard Buffett are Berkshire directors. Net worth: $132.5 billion as of May 2, ranking eighth worldwide. Bernard Arnault, who leads luxury goods company LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, and his family ranked first. (Source: Forbes) Berkshire ownership stake: 15.1% as of March 6 Berkshire voting power: 31.2% as of March 6 How Buffett took charge: In 1965, Buffett was a shareholder in Berkshire, then a struggling New England textile company. He agreed to sell back his shares for $11.50 each, but management provided a term sheet that showed $11.375. That angered Buffett, and he decided to buy all the shares he could. He won control of Berkshire on May 10, 1965. The textile business closed in 1985. Famous Buffett quotation: Lose money for the firm, and I will be understanding. Lose a shred of reputation for the firm, and I will be ruthless. - Sept. 4, 1991 congressional testimony about Salomon Inc, where Buffett became interim chairman to restore order after a Treasury auction bidding scandal. Philanthropy: Buffett has since 2006 donated about $39.3 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and $12.7 billion to four family charities. He has said 99%-plus of his fortune will go to philanthropy over about a decade after he dies. Home: Buffett has lived since 1958 in the same house on a well-trafficked Omaha street and does much of his work there. Built in 1921, the five-bedroom, 2-1/2-bath home on 0.72 acres was assessed at $1,224,500 in 2024, up from $1,003,500 in 2023. Annual taxes are $21,172. (Source: Douglas County, Nebraska) Diet: Buffett likes steaks and eats candies from See's, which Berkshire owns. He estimates that one-fourth of his calories come from Coca-Cola, a longtime Berkshire investment. Buffett on Berkshire's goal: We want to own either all or a portion of businesses that enjoy good economics that are fundamental and enduring.... We particularly favor the rare enterprise that can deploy additional capital at high returns in the future.... We also hope these favored businesses are run by able and trustworthy managers, though that is a more difficult judgment to make, however, and Berkshire has had its share of disappointments. (Shareholder letter, Feb. 24) FACTS ABOUT BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY Leadership: Warren Buffett, chairman and chief executive officer; Greg Abel and Ajit Jain, vice chairmen; Todd Combs and Ted Weschler, investment managers. 2023 net income: $96.22 billion, including $58.87 billion of investment gains 2023 operating income: $37.35 billion, up 21% from 2022 2023 revenue: $364.48 billion, up 21% from 2022 2023 share repurchases: $9.2 billion Stock price: $606,413.45 per Class A share as of May 2. Class B shares are worth about 1/1,500th as much. Market value: about $867 billion as of May 2, 2024, based on reported shares outstanding Compounded annual gain from 1965-2023: stock price: 19.8%; S&P 500 including dividends: 10.2% (pre-tax) Overall gain from 1965-2023: stock price: 4,384,748%; S&P 500 including dividends: 31,223% (pre-tax) Selected businesses: Alleghany, Benjamin Moore, Berkshire Hathaway Automotive, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, BNSF, Borsheims Fine Jewelry, Brooks, Business Wire, Clayton Homes, Duracell, Forest River, Fruit of the Loom, Geico, General Re, HomeServices of America, IMC International Metalworking, International Dairy Queen, Jazwares, Johns Manville, Lubrizol, Marmon, McLane, National Indemnity, Nebraska Furniture Mart, NetJets, Oriental Trading, Pampered Chef, Pilot Travel Centers, Precision Castparts, See's Candies, Shaw Industries Selected acquisitions: See's Candies, $25 million (1972); Geico, $2.3 billion (1996); Dairy Queen, $590 million (1998); General Re, $15.9 billion (1998); NetJets, $725 million (1998); Clayton Homes, $1.7 billion (2003); PacifiCorp, $5.1 billion (2006); Iscar, $6.1 billion (2006-2013); Marmon, $8.9 billion (2008-2014); Burlington Northern Santa Fe, $26.5 billion (2010); Lubrizol, $9 billion (2011); NV Energy, $5.6 billion (2013); H.J. Heinz, $12.1 billion (majority stake, 2013); Van Tuyl (now Berkshire Hathaway Automotive), $4.1 billion (2015); Precision Castparts, $32.1 billion (2016); Duracell, $2.9 billion (2016); Pilot Travel Centers, $13.6 billion (2017-2024); Alleghany, $11.5 billion (2022). (Sources: Barclays, Berkshire) Major stock investments: American Express, Apple, Bank of America, Chevron, Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz, Occidental Petroleum. Berkshire also has approximately 9% stakes in Japan's five largest trading houses. Employees: 396,440 Employees in main office: 26, including Buffett Annual meeting attendance: 12 (1965), about 24 (1979), 1,000 (1986), 4,100 (1995), 13,000 (2000), 21,000 (2005), 42,000 (2015, Buffett's 50th anniversary running Berkshire). (Sources: Omaha World-Herald, Berkshire, Reuters) FACTS ABOUT MANAGEMENT, OUTLOOK Succession: Buffett has not publicly signaled any plans to retire. Abel is expected to become CEO when Buffett retires, cannot continue or dies. Combs, who has also been Geico's chief executive since 2020, and Weschler may succeed Buffett as chief investment officer. Buffett's eldest son, Howard, is expected to become non-executive chairman. Management responsibilities: Abel and Jain have day-to-day oversight of Berkshire's non-insurance and insurance units, respectively. Combs and Weschler handle some stock investments. Buffett handles major capital allocations and investments. Buffett on managing risk: It's my job to think about risks that nobody else thinks about. (Interview with CNBC, April 12, 2023) Buffett on outlook for shareholders: Berkshire should do a bit better than the average American corporation and, more important, should also operate with materially less risk of permanent loss of capital. Anything beyond 'slightly better,' though, is wishful thinking. (Shareholder letter, Feb. 24) Abel on stock buybacks after Buffett's departure: We eally don't see that framework changing. When the opportunity presents itself, we'll want to be an active repurchaser of Berkshire shares. (Berkshire annual meeting, May 6, 2023) Jain on reinsurance exposure to a major Florida hurricane: We could lose, across all the units, as much as $15 billion. And if there isn't a loss, we'll make several billion dollars as profit.... Given that we have about a little less than $300 billion of capital, we think of that as a 5% exposure that we're willing to take on. (Berkshire annual meeting, May 6, 2023) (Compiled by Jonathan Stempel in Omaha, Nebraska; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)

devdiscourse 4 May 2024 3:33 pm

How bird flu could threaten cow cuddling. Yes, it is a thing.

How bird flu could threaten cow cuddling. Yes, it is a thing. Farmer Luz Klotz straightened the brightly striped hair bow on Reba, a 1,600-pound heifer lounging on the ground under twinkling fairy lights. Teenager Joey Pachl, hoping to impress his girlfriend with an invitation to the high school prom, had paid $75 for an hour-long cow cuddling session at the farm. Pachl successfully wowed animal loving girlfriend Emma. For Luz and husband Dan Klotz, such visitors have become key to covering the feed bills and keeping their small farm running. Paying farmers to snuggle up with half-ton heifers is all the rage in the United States thanks to social media. For visitors, cuddling dairy or beef cattle can be therapeutic, or simply an adventure for city dwellers looking for good old country fun. But this practice of opening the barn door to the public is facing a new risk, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed bird flu in dairy herds in nine states. Scientists have said the outbreak is likely more widespread across the nation's more than 26,000 licensed dairy farms based on findings of H5N1 particles in about 20% of milk samples. One Texas dairy worker tested positive for the virus, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have monitored more than 100 people who have been exposed. Government officials say the risk of human infection is low. But state and federal government officials are urging cattle and dairy farmers to limit outside visitors as much as possible. In Michigan, where one dairy herd has tested positive, the head of the state's agriculture department this week signed an emergency response order with new sanitation measures and access limitations to dairy and commercial poultry farms starting May 8. The order does not expressly prohibit cow cuddling. But Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development director Tim Boring told Reuters, From a human to animal health standpoint, now is not a good time to cuddle cows. This is to protect the cows and people. Any restrictions could pose economic trouble for small family farms that rely on cow-cuddling and other agritourism practices to provide a financial lifeline. Cow cuddling sessions at the De Vor Dairy Farm and Creamery in northern Michigan book up weeks in advance and cover the farm's insurance bill. I'm not worried about bird flu, because the farm is already open to the public and we already have safety measures in place, said farmer Henk De Vor. Luz and Dan Klotz in Illinois, who own Luz Farms, also have protective measures in place to ensure the safety of their visitors and to keep their farm operating. One hour of cow cuddling pays for one bale of hay - enough to keep their small herd fed for a week. It helps a lot, Dan Klotz said. Weekend sessions at Clarksville Cow Cuddling, at Mary's Land Farm in Maryland, are booked for the next two months. Demand also is high at The Cuddle Corral in Arizona, the Texas Gaushala farm in Texas and the Sunset View Creamery in New York, farmers said. From yoga classes with baby goats and feeding baby piglets, to corn mazes and you-pick sunflower fields, more than 28,600 U.S. farms offered agritourism or recreational services of some sort on their land in 2022 generating $1.26 billion in income, 32% more than 5 years earlier, USDA data shows. Such revenue streams are key right now: U.S. farm incomes are expected to take the biggest plunge in 18 years as crop prices slump, USDA data shows, and small farms are especially hurting. Agritourism is a real economic driver for small farmers who have found a niche, said Curt Covington, senior director of institution credit at AgAmerica Lending. SHE MEANT YES Bird flu has spread from migratory birds to dozens of species globally, concerning public health experts. USDA believes the virus is spreading among cattle primarily through contact with raw milk, Rosemary Sifford, the agency's chief veterinary officer said on a media call. While USDA has not publicly named the dairies where cows tested positive, the agency told Reuters the size of affected dairy farms ranges from 300 to 23,000 head. Regardless of the size of operation, all dairy producers should re-double biosecurity efforts and be vigilant about monitoring for and controlling disease in their herds, a spokesperson for USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said in a statement. Cow-cuddling hosts say they take steps to ensure the safety of visitors and their animals. It was Linda Pachl, Joey's mom, who first saw a post about Luz Farms' cow snuggle sessions on Facebook and suggested the idea to her son. Joey asked the farmers if they could make up a banner in Emma's school colors that said, Prom? A week later, as country music crooned over the barn's battered radio, the banner was slung over the body of Yogi, a calf on the farm. Pachl nudged girlfriend Emma Maiers' shoulder. Well? he asked. I love cows! squealed Maiers, 16. Pachl grinned. Not exactly the answer he was expecting, but he figured she meant yes. (Additional reporting by Tom Polansek in Chicago and Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; Editing by Caroline Stauffer and Diane Craft)

devdiscourse 4 May 2024 3:30 pm

Bombay High Court disposes of PIL alleging felling of trees undertaken without permission under Goa Preservation of Trees Act

The Bombay High Court at Goa disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed alleging that trees have been cut without any permissions under the Goa Preservation of Trees Act, 1984. The Advocate General clarified before the High Court that no trees have been cut without any permissions under the Goa Preservation of Trees Act, []

indialegallive 4 May 2024 3:14 pm

Soccer-England's Kirby to leave Chelsea at end of season

Soccer-England's Kirby to leave Chelsea at end of season England forward Fran Kirby is to leave Chelsea at the end of season after nine years at the Women's Super League club, she said on Saturday. Kirby, who joined Chelsea in 2015, won the WSL title six times and the FA Cup on five occasions with the London side, scoring 107 goals in 192 appearances. To leave with the trophies that I have won, with the team mates I've played with some of the world's best players it has been one of the biggest privileges of my life, the 30-year-old Kirby said in a statement. WSL champions Chelsea are second in the standings with 46 points from 19 games, six behind leaders Manchester City who have played one more match.

devdiscourse 4 May 2024 3:06 pm

International Election Observers to Witness India's Electoral Process

International Election Observers to Witness India's Electoral Process Representatives of election management bodies from 23 countries, including Australia, Russia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, are here to observe the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. Seventy-five delegates will visit six states in small groups to witness the elections and preparations related to it in various constituencies. The Election Commission (EC) on Saturday described the visit of the foreign delegates as a first in terms of scale and magnitude of participation. Beginning Saturday, the programme seeks to familiarise them with the nuances of India's electoral system as well as the best practices being used. Election management bodies of Bhutan, Mongolia, Australia, Madagascar, Fiji, the Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Moldova, Tunisia, Seychelles, Cambodia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Chile, Uzbekistan, Maldives, Papua New Guinea and Namibia are participating in the programme. Members of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and media teams from Bhutan and Israel will also participate. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar along with election commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu will address the delegates on Sunday. The delegates will visit Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to observe the polls. Members of international poll bodies are invited to witness elections in the country. Similarly, representatives of the EC are also invited by other countries during polls there.

devdiscourse 4 May 2024 2:59 pm

Rejuvenate Your Summer with Amla Juice: Health at Its Best

As the sun casts its golden rays and the temperatures soar, it's essential to keep your health in check amidst the scorching summer heat. While there are many ways to stay cool and hydrated, one often overlooked elixir stands out for its remarkable health benefits Amla juice. Renowned for its rejuvenating properties and rich nutritional content, Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, emerges as the ultimate summer health tonic. Let's delve into the plethora of benefits that a daily dose of Amla juice can offer during the hot summer months. Hydration Powerhouse: Staying adequately hydrated is crucial during summer to combat dehydration and its adverse effects on health. Amla juice comes to the rescue with its high water content, helping replenish lost fluids and keeping you hydrated throughout the day. Additionally, its tangy taste adds a refreshing twist, making it a delightful alternative to plain water. Boosts Immunity: With the mercury rising, the body's immune system may take a hit, leaving you vulnerable to various infections and illnesses. Amla juice acts as a natural immunity booster, thanks to its rich vitamin C content. Consuming Amla juice regularly strengthens the immune system, helping your body ward off common summer ailments like colds, flu, and heat-related illnesses. Skin Saviour: Excessive sun exposure during summer can wreak havoc on your skin, leading to sunburn, premature aging, and pigmentation. Amla juice, packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, works wonders for your skin health. Its potent antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals, preventing sun damage and promoting youthful, radiant skin. Regular consumption of Amla juice may also aid in reducing blemishes and improving skin texture, giving you a natural summer glow. Digestive Aid: Indulging in summer delights often means overindulging in spicy and oily foods, which can upset your digestive system. Amla juice acts as a gentle digestive tonic, promoting better digestion and assimilation of nutrients. It helps alleviate common digestive issues like acidity, bloating, and constipation, ensuring your gut stays happy and healthy throughout the summer season. Cooling Effect: Feeling hot and bothered? Reach out for a glass of chilled Amla juice to experience instant relief. Amla possesses inherent cooling properties that help regulate body temperature and provide a soothing sensation, making it an ideal beverage to beat the summer heat. Its cooling effect extends beyond just physical comfort, contributing to overall relaxation and well-being. Detoxifies the Body: Summer festivities often involve indulging in rich foods and beverages, leading to toxin buildup in the body. Amla juice acts as a natural detoxifier, aiding in the elimination of toxins and impurities from the body. Its cleansing properties help purify the blood, liver, and other vital organs, promoting optimal functioning and overall detoxification. Weight Management: With beach season around the corner, many strive to achieve their summer body goals. Incorporating Amla juice into your diet can support your weight management efforts. Low in calories and rich in fiber, Amla juice helps keep you feeling full for longer, reducing cravings and overeating. Its metabolism-boosting properties further aid in burning fat and maintaining a healthy weight. As the mercury climbs and summer vibes take over, make Amla juice your go-to summer health companion. From boosting immunity to promoting glowing skin and aiding digestion, the benefits of Amla juice are plentiful. So, sip on this golden elixir daily and revel in a season of health, vitality, and refreshment. Cheers to a summer filled with the goodness of Amla! How Women May Experience Side Effects of Birth Control Pills Unlocking the Secret: Know These 7 Effective Benefits of Aloe Vera for Your Hair

News Track 4 May 2024 2:38 pm

Youre going to call me a Holocaust denier now, are you?: George Monbiot comes face to face with his local conspiracy theorist

Covid vaccines, chemtrails, the Great Reset Why do people invent false conspiracies when there are so many real ones to worry about? Theres only one way to find out: ask a believer I am a conspiracy theorist. I believe that groups of people conspire secretly against our interests to line their pockets, cover their backs or achieve political goals. By this definition I suspect you are, too. We see evidence of these conspiracies every day. We see them in the Horizon scandal , in which the Post Office kept prosecuting innocent operators. We see them in the governments use of a VIP lane for procuring PPE from friends and donors at extortionate prices. We see them in the Windrush scandal , in which people were denied their legal rights and unlawfully deported by the UK government. In the Cambridge Analytica scandal : a secretive micro-targeting campaign likely to have influenced the Brexit vote. In the Panama Papers and the Pandora Papers , showing how the ultra-rich hide their money from taxes and legal scrutiny. All these are conspiracies in the true sense: hidden machinations that advance particular interests while causing harm to others. A theory is a rational explanation, subject to disproof. If you accept these scandals are the result of hidden machinations, which they evidently are, you are a conspiracy theorist. Continue reading...

The Guardian 4 May 2024 2:30 pm

75 International delegates from 23 countries arrive to watch worlds largest elections unfold

Hyderabad: As a beacon of electoral integrity and transparency, the Election Commission of India (ECI) exemplifies its commitment to conduct general elections of the highest standards, offering a golden bridge for global Election Management Bodies (EMBs) to witness democratic excellence first-hand. The ECI continues fostering international cooperation by organising the Election Visitors Programme (IEVP) during the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The event will be a first in terms of the scale and magnitude of participation. 75 delegates representing various EMBs and organisations from 23 countries namely - Bhutan, Mongolia, Australia, Madagascar, Fiji, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Moldova, Tunisia, Seychelles, Cambodia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Chile, Uzbekistan, Maldives, Papua New Guinea and Namibia will take part in the event. Members from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), and media teams from Bhutan and Israel will also participate. Beginning May 4, the program seeks to familiarise foreign Election Management Bodies (EMBs) with the nuances of Indias electoral system as well as the best practices used by the largest democracy in the world. After addressing them by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, the delegates will embark on visits to six statesMaharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradeshin small groups to observe polls and related preparedness in various constituencies. The programme will end on May 9, 2024, according to Anuj Chandak, Joint Director, ECI.

Deccan Chronicle 4 May 2024 2:28 pm

Making friends with unknown girls has become very easy, this dating app launched an amazing feature

In the dynamic world of dating apps, connecting with new people has become increasingly effortless, with platforms continually evolving to enhance user experiences. Recently, one dating app has unveiled a groundbreaking feature that simplifies the process of making friends, particularly with unknown girls. This innovative addition has sparked excitement and curiosity among users, promising new avenues for meaningful connections and friendships. The Evolution of Dating Apps Dating apps have revolutionized the way people meet and interact, offering a convenient platform to connect with individuals who share similar interests, preferences, and goals. Initially designed for romantic pursuits, these apps have gradually expanded their scope to accommodate diverse relationship dynamics, including friendships and networking. Challenges in Making Friends Online While dating apps have streamlined the process of meeting potential romantic partners, making friends online, especially with unknown girls, has presented certain challenges. Users often hesitate to initiate conversations with strangers, apprehensive about the intentions and compatibility of the other person. This hesitancy can hinder genuine connections and limit opportunities for meaningful friendships. Introducing a Game-Changing Feature Recognizing the need to facilitate platonic connections and foster a sense of community, [Dating App Name] has introduced an innovative feature designed to make befriending unknown girls easier than ever before. This feature leverages advanced algorithms and user preferences to match individuals based on shared interests, hobbies, and mutual connections. How It Works The new feature operates seamlessly within the existing framework of the dating app, offering users the option to specify their intention of seeking friendships. Upon selecting this preference, users are presented with a curated list of potential friends, including unknown girls who align with their interests and personality traits. Key Benefits and Advantages Enhanced Accessibility: By prioritizing friendships, the app fosters a more inclusive and welcoming environment, encouraging users to engage with a diverse range of individuals. Increased Confidence: The feature alleviates the apprehension associated with initiating conversations with unknown girls, empowering users to approach interactions with confidence and authenticity. Broader Social Circle: Users have the opportunity to expand their social circle and cultivate meaningful connections with individuals they may not have encountered otherwise. Ensuring Safety and Security Incorporating robust safety measures and privacy settings is paramount to the success of this feature. [Dating App Name] has implemented stringent verification processes and moderation protocols to safeguard users against unwanted interactions and ensure a positive experience for all members. User Feedback and Reception Since its launch, the new feature has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from users, who praise its simplicity and effectiveness in facilitating new friendships. Many have shared stories of connecting with like-minded individuals and forming genuine bonds, underscoring the value of such a feature in today's digital landscape. The Future of Online Connections As technology continues to reshape the way we communicate and forge relationships, the evolution of dating apps remains a testament to our innate desire for connection and companionship. With innovative features like the one introduced by [Dating App Name], the journey of making friends with unknown girls is poised to become even more accessible, enjoyable, and enriching. In conclusion, the launch of this pioneering feature marks a significant milestone in the realm of dating apps, heralding a new era of inclusivity, empowerment, and meaningful connections. By prioritizing friendships and simplifying the process of making friends with unknown girls, [Dating App Name] has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering genuine human connections in an increasingly digital world. Char Dham Yatra 2024 Set to Begin on May 10th: Check Helicopter Booking Costs and Helpline Info, and More Couple romantic activities happen in Manali, plan to go with your girlfriend soon Where do trains with rotating seats, glass windows and unique coaches run?

News Track 4 May 2024 2:05 pm

Arrival of Delegates from 23 Countries to Observe Lok Sabha Elections in India

India's Election Commission has extended invitations to 75 guests from election management bodies (EMBs) across 23 nations to witness the unfolding of the world's largest elections. This initiative, unprecedented in scale, aims to showcase the democratic process to a global audience. Representatives from Bhutan, Mongolia, Australia, Madagascar, Fiji, and more will participate, alongside members of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and media teams from Bhutan and Israel. The Election Commission of India views this as a testament to its commitment to conducting elections of the highest caliber. They describe it as an opportunity for international observers to experience India's democratic practices firsthand. The Election Visitors' Programme (IEVP) commenced on May 4, intending to familiarize foreign delegates with India's electoral system and best practices. Notable figures such as Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar will address the guests during the program. Delegates will visit various constituencies in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and other states to observe the election process firsthand. The program will conclude on May 9. The arrival of delegates marks a significant moment in India's electoral history, showcasing the nation's commitment to transparency and openness in its democratic process. As these international observers immerse themselves in the intricacies of India's election system and witness firsthand the vibrant democracy in action, it underscores the importance of global cooperation in fostering democratic values worldwide. The Lok Sabha elections, spanning seven phases, began on April 19 and will end on June 1, with vote counting slated for June 4. Read More Election news: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Big Names Face Critical Tests BJP's Post-Election Strategy: Focus Shifts to West Bengal Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mega Campaigning in Ayodhya: All You Need to Know

News Track 4 May 2024 2:05 pm

Is your partner cheating? Identify with these signs

Infidelity can be a painful experience in any relationship. If you suspect your partner of cheating, it's crucial to look out for signs that may indicate their unfaithfulness. While no single behavior guarantees infidelity, a combination of these signs might raise red flags. Sudden Change in Routine One of the most common signs of infidelity is a sudden change in your partner's routine. This could include working late frequently, making unexplained trips, or spending more time away from home without a valid reason. Lack of Communication If your partner becomes secretive about their phone calls, texts, or emails, it could be a sign of cheating. They may also avoid discussing certain topics or become defensive when questioned about their whereabouts. Emotional Distance Infidelity often leads to emotional disconnection in a relationship. Your partner may seem distant, uninterested in spending time with you, or unwilling to engage in meaningful conversations. H4: Unexplained Expenses Another sign to watch out for is unexplained expenses. Your partner may start spending money on gifts, hotel rooms, or dinners out without a reasonable explanation. Changes in Appearance When someone is cheating, they often make an effort to improve their appearance to impress their new partner. Your partner may suddenly start dressing differently, hitting the gym more frequently, or paying more attention to their grooming habits. Decreased Intimacy A decrease in physical intimacy can be a sign of infidelity. If your partner shows little interest in being intimate with you or seems disengaged during intimate moments, it could indicate that they are getting their needs met elsewhere. Defensive Behavior Cheating partners may become defensive when questioned about their behavior or whereabouts. They may overreact to innocent inquiries or try to deflect blame onto you to avoid discussing the issue. Gut Feeling Sometimes, your intuition can be a powerful indicator of infidelity. If you have a gut feeling that something is not right in your relationship, it's essential to trust your instincts and investigate further. Changes in Social Circle A cheating partner may start spending more time with new friends or coworkers. They may also become secretive about their social plans or hesitant to introduce you to their new acquaintances. Lack of Trust Infidelity can erode trust in a relationship. If you find yourself constantly questioning your partner's honesty or feeling paranoid about their actions, it may be a sign that they are being unfaithful. Blame Shifting Cheating partners often try to shift the blame onto their significant other to justify their actions. They may accuse you of being too controlling, insecure, or neglectful to deflect attention away from their infidelity. Changes in Sleep Patterns If your partner's sleep patterns suddenly change, it could be a sign of infidelity. They may stay up late texting or talking to their lover, or they may come home at odd hours, disrupting your sleep routine. Lack of Interest in Future Plans A cheating partner may lose interest in making plans for the future with you. They may avoid discussing long-term goals or commitments, indicating that they see their future without you in it. Secrecy About Technology If your partner suddenly becomes secretive about their devices, such as password protecting their phone or clearing their browser history, it could be a sign that they are hiding something from you. Changes in Sexual Behavior Infidelity can lead to changes in sexual behavior within a relationship. Your partner may show a sudden increase or decrease in sexual desire, or they may introduce new techniques or preferences that they learned from someone else. Gaslighting Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic used by cheating partners to make their significant other doubt their own perceptions and sanity. They may deny or minimize their actions, making you feel like you're overreacting or imagining things. Lack of Remorse If your partner shows little to no remorse for their actions when confronted about infidelity, it may indicate that they have checked out of the relationship emotionally and are not invested in repairing the damage they've caused. If you notice any of these signs in your relationship, it's essential to address them openly and honestly with your partner. While none of these behaviors conclusively prove infidelity, they may indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed for the health of your relationship. Leave Shimla-Manali! Everyone has failed in front of this hidden place of Himachal! Where do trains with revolving seats, glass windows and unique coaches run? This is the best place to visit in Delhi

News Track 4 May 2024 2:02 pm

Delhi excise policy scam: ED seeks 4-day remand of Vinod Chauhan, accused of transferring bribe money from South Group to AAP

Vinod Chauhan was arrested by the ED from Goa on Friday for allegedly transferring bribe money in Delhi excise scam to AAP

OpIndia 4 May 2024 1:50 pm

Moving from darkness into democracy, rehabilitated sex workers get voting right

Jhilmil's journey from exploitation to empowerment symbolizes hope for marginalized individuals. After years of silence, she prepares to cast her first vote, a step towards reclaiming her rights and dignity.

The Times of India 4 May 2024 1:45 pm

Should I have a one night stand?

In today's dynamic social landscape, the question of whether to engage in a one-night stand is one that many individuals grapple with. It's a topic fraught with both excitement and uncertainty, with personal desires often conflicting with societal norms and individual values. Before delving into the decision-making process, it's essential to understand what a one-night stand entails and the potential implications it carries. Understanding One-Night Stands What is a One-Night Stand? A one-night stand typically refers to a sexual encounter between two individuals with no expectation of pursuing a long-term relationship or further contact afterward. It is often spontaneous, fueled by attraction and desire in the moment, without the commitment or emotional investment associated with traditional relationships. The Allure of One-Night Stands Exploring Sexual Freedom One of the primary appeals of a one-night stand is the freedom it offers to explore one's sexuality without the constraints of commitment. It allows individuals to satisfy their physical desires without the emotional complexities that can accompany romantic relationships. Adventure and Excitement For some, the thrill of spontaneity and the unknown adds an element of excitement to the experience. The prospect of meeting someone new and indulging in a fleeting connection can be exhilarating and invigorating. Potential Risks and Considerations Emotional Consequences While the idea of a casual encounter may seem appealing on the surface, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential emotional ramifications. Engaging in a one-night stand can leave individuals feeling empty or unfulfilled, particularly if they were seeking more than just physical intimacy. Risk of STIs and Pregnancy Practicing safe sex is paramount, but even with precautions, there is always a risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy. Condoms can reduce the risk, but they are not foolproof, underscoring the importance of careful consideration before engaging in sexual activity. Impact on Self-Esteem For some individuals, participating in a one-night stand can lead to feelings of regret or shame afterward, particularly if it conflicts with their personal values or beliefs. It's essential to consider how such an experience may affect one's self-esteem and emotional well-being. Navigating Consent and Communication Clear Communication Open and honest communication is essential in any sexual encounter, including one-night stands. Both parties should clearly express their boundaries, desires, and expectations to ensure a mutually respectful and consensual experience. Respecting Boundaries Respecting the boundaries of others is crucial. If someone expresses hesitation or discomfort, it's important to listen and honor their feelings rather than pressuring them into something they're not comfortable with. The Decision-Making Process Reflecting on Personal Values Before deciding whether to pursue a one-night stand, individuals should reflect on their personal values, desires, and boundaries. What are their motivations for seeking this experience, and how does it align with their long-term goals and aspirations? Assessing Potential Consequences Consideration should also be given to the potential consequences, both positive and negative, of engaging in a one-night stand. Is the temporary pleasure worth the potential risks to physical and emotional well-being? Seeking Support and Guidance If unsure about whether to proceed, seeking guidance from trusted friends, family members, or healthcare professionals can provide valuable perspective and support. Ultimately, the decision to have a one-night stand is a deeply personal one that depends on individual circumstances, values, and desires. While it can offer temporary gratification and excitement, it also carries risks and potential emotional consequences that should not be overlooked. By carefully considering one's motivations, boundaries, and the potential impact on both oneself and others, individuals can make an informed decision that aligns with their values and goals. Leave Shimla-Manali! Everyone has failed in front of this hidden place of Himachal! Where do trains with revolving seats, glass windows and unique coaches run? This is the best place to visit in Delhi

News Track 4 May 2024 1:43 pm

Safeguard the interests of fisherfolk when you become MP: Fisheries union to candidates

All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union urges candidates to safeguard fishermen's rights post-election victory. MPs should engage with Union govt to exclude six rivers from National Waterways Act, 2017.

The Times of India 4 May 2024 1:42 pm

Crorepati goals: SIPs in small caps, flexi caps can help you reach Rs 2 crore at retirement. Here's how

Experts suggest to build a corpus for retirement, it is important to increase the amount invested in the SIP as per growth in income.

Business Today 4 May 2024 1:38 pm

High Court orders removal of mobile ad vehicles from public spaces

High court in Goa directs removal of vehicles with advertising billboards and digital screens from roads, footpaths, junctions by May 10. Compliance report required. Transport dept to address permanent parking issue and registration regulations.

The Times of India 4 May 2024 1:30 pm

Taimur, Jeh Ali Khan Are Pure Sibling Goals And This Picture Is Proof

Underlining Taimur and Jehs love for cricket, Saba Ali Khans story featured a collage of the Pataudi siblings.

News18 4 May 2024 1:24 pm

Rohit Kumar to lead Indian junior men's hockey team for Europe tour

Rohit Kumar to lead Indian junior men's hockey team for Europe tour Defender Rohit has been named captain of the Indian junior men's hockey team, with Shardanand Tiwari as his deputy in a 20-member squad which will tour Europe from May 20-29. India will play five matches across three nations -- Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands -- during the tour, as part of Hockey Indias initiative to help the team gain exposure and experience. ''We have been training hard at our camp and have developed an understanding of each others gameplay,'' said captain Rohit in a Hockey India release. ''It will be wonderful to play together against teams from other nations to help us build on our game and get better through this kind of exposure.'' India will play their first match on May 20 against Belgium in Antwerp, before playing the same opponents in Breda, Netherlands on May 22. India will then play the Netherlands Club team Bredase Hockey Vereniging Push in Breda on May 23, followed by a game against Germany on May 28 in Germany. They will then return to Breda to play Germany once again on 29th May in their final match of the tour. India vice-captain Shardanand Tiwari said, ''This will be a wonderful experience and will go a long way in evaluating where we stand as a team and as individual players. ''It will be a great way to figure out our strengths and what areas we would need to touch upon.'' Squad: Goalkeepers -- Prince Deep Singh, Bikramjit Singh. Defenders -- Shardanand Tiwari, Yogember Rawat, Anmol Ekka, Rohit, Manoj Yadav, Talem Priyo Barta. Midfielders -- Ankit Pal, Roshan Kujur, Bipin Billavara Ravi, Mukesh Toppo, Manmeet Singh, Vachan H A Forwards -- Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Arshdeep Singh, Gurjot Singh, Mohd. Konain Dad, Dilraj Singh, Gursewak Singh.

devdiscourse 4 May 2024 1:23 pm

Vehicle scrapping facility in 6 months at Marcaim

Goa gears up for a Vehicle Scrapping Facility under Pravimal Abhishek's supervision. Private entities empowered by ministry guidelines. One individual secures licence and land for vehicles over 15 years. Stakeholders anticipate a streamlined retirement process.

The Times of India 4 May 2024 1:21 pm

Dual citizenship needs expansive view, Congress will take issue to LS: Shashi Tharoor

Tharoor emphasizes dual citizenship, Indian passport abroad. Criticizes BJP, notes indifference in Hindi-speaking states. Condemns weaponization of investigating agencies and delays in disqualification petitions against MLAs.

The Times of India 4 May 2024 1:18 pm

Despite High Court rap, new noise action plan still has landline numbers

Goa govt criticized for using landline numbers in noise pollution complaints, despite Bombay High Court's disapproval. Amended noise action plan designates officials and police officers for enforcement, compliance, and permissions, with the district magistrate as the appellate authority.

The Times of India 4 May 2024 1:13 pm

Delicious ways to include mushrooms in breakfast

Mushrooms, often celebrated for their rich umami flavor and diverse nutritional benefits, can be a delightful addition to your morning meal. Whether you're a fan of earthy flavors or simply looking to boost the nutritional profile of your breakfast, incorporating mushrooms into your morning routine is a fantastic idea. Here are some creative and delicious ways to enjoy mushrooms for breakfast. 1. Mushroom Omelette Start your day with a protein-packed mushroom omelette. Saut sliced mushrooms with onions, garlic, and your favorite herbs until tender. Pour beaten eggs over the mushroom mixture and cook until set. Fold the omelette over, and you have a hearty and satisfying breakfast. 2. Mushroom Breakfast Burrito Wrap up sauted mushrooms, scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa in a warm tortilla for a flavorful mushroom breakfast burrito. Add some avocado slices or diced tomatoes for extra freshness and flavor. 3. Mushroom and Spinach Frittata Combine mushrooms and spinach in a fluffy frittata for a nutritious breakfast option. Saut the mushrooms and spinach until wilted, then pour beaten eggs over the mixture. Bake until set, and enjoy a slice of this savory frittata to start your day right. 4. Mushroom Breakfast Hash Create a hearty breakfast hash by combining diced potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Saut everything until golden brown and crispy, then top with a fried or poached egg for a satisfying morning meal. 5. Mushroom Breakfast Sandwich Assemble a mouthwatering breakfast sandwich with sauted mushrooms, a fried egg, cheese, and your favorite condiments between two slices of toasted bread or an English muffin. It's a convenient and delicious way to enjoy mushrooms in the morning. 6. Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tart Indulge in a sophisticated breakfast with a mushroom and goat cheese tart. Spread a mixture of sauted mushrooms and creamy goat cheese over puff pastry and bake until golden brown. It's a luxurious way to savor mushrooms for breakfast. 7. Mushroom Breakfast Skillet Combine mushrooms, diced potatoes, onions, and cooked sausage or bacon in a skillet for a hearty breakfast dish. Top with shredded cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. Serve with toast or crusty bread for a fulfilling morning meal. 8. Mushroom and Bacon Quiche Whip up a classic quiche filled with mushrooms, crispy bacon, and cheese. Pour the savory egg custard over the mushroom and bacon mixture in a pre-baked pie crust, then bake until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. 9. Mushroom Breakfast Pizza Get creative with breakfast by making a mushroom breakfast pizza. Top a pre-made pizza crust with sauted mushrooms, scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast toppings. Bake until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted for a delightful morning treat. 10. Mushroom Breakfast Bowl Assemble a nutritious breakfast bowl with cooked quinoa or brown rice, sauted mushrooms, steamed greens, avocado slices, and a poached egg. Drizzle with your favorite sauce or dressing for added flavor. Incorporating mushrooms into your breakfast repertoire not only adds depth of flavor but also provides a nutritional boost to start your day on the right foot. Experiment with these delicious ideas to discover new and exciting ways to enjoy mushrooms in the morning. Leave Shimla-Manali! Everyone has failed in front of this hidden place of Himachal! Where do trains with revolving seats, glass windows and unique coaches run? This is the best place to visit in Delhi

News Track 4 May 2024 1:13 pm

UP man held for stabbing two in Panaji

The Times of India 4 May 2024 1:10 pm

Malaysia Teams Up with MWL to Host Big Religious Conference in Asia

Get ready for an important event happening soon in Kuala Lumpur! Malaysia, along with the Muslim World League (MWL) from Mekkah, is getting set to hold the biggest conference for religious leaders across Asia. The conference, titled Promoting Harmony Among Followers of Religions, is expected to see around 2,000 religious and intellectual figures from a whopping 57 countries coming together. Dato' Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, and MWL Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa will be leading this event. The main focus of the conference will be on themes like pluralism, tolerance, moderation, education, building bridges, and finding common ground among different faiths. The goal here is to show how religion can play a crucial role in bringing about peace worldwide, uniting people, and finding ways to work together as civilizations. Plus, there will be new initiatives launched based on the Makkah Declaration and efforts to promote important religious values. During the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, share experiences, and learn from each other's perspectives. The event aims to foster understanding and cooperation among diverse religious communities, paving the way for greater harmony and mutual respect across Asia and beyond. By bringing together leaders and thinkers from different backgrounds, the conference hopes to inspire positive change and contribute to building a more inclusive and peaceful world. New Framework for Global Regulation of Generative AI Unveiled by Japan PM

News Track 4 May 2024 12:55 pm

New Framework for Global Regulation of Generative AI Unveiled by Japan PM

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has put forward a new plan for managing and controlling generative AI worldwide. This move adds to the ongoing global efforts to regulate this rapidly evolving technology. Kishida shared his proposal during a speech at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris. Generative AI holds immense potential to enhance our world, Kishida stated. However, he also emphasized the need to address its potential negative impacts, such as the spread of misinformation. Last year, when Japan led the Group of Seven nations, it initiated the Hiroshima AI process. This initiative aimed to establish international guidelines and a code of conduct for developers working with AI. Kishida mentioned that 49 countries and regions have already joined the voluntary framework, known as the Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group, although he did not specify which ones. These participants will collaborate on implementing the established principles and code of conduct. Their goal is to mitigate the risks associated with generative AI and ensure global cooperation in utilizing AI that is safe, secure, and reliable. Countries like the European Union, the United States, China, and others are also actively working on regulations and oversight for AI. Additionally, international organizations like the United Nations are grappling with how best to supervise this technology. AI-Powered F-16 Completes Successful Test Flight with Air Force Secretary Aboard New AI Chatbot CLAUDE Hits iPhones: Here's How to Get Started

News Track 4 May 2024 12:34 pm

Reflecting on one year after Manipur violence: People seeking healing and justice Goa Chronicle

Reflecting on one year after Manipur violence: People seeking healing and justiceGoa Chronicle

Manipur 4 May 2024 12:10 pm

Tharoor: United Opposition Will Back INDIA Bloc Candidate, No Single Leader

Tharoor: United Opposition Will Back INDIA Bloc Candidate, No Single Leader Opposition parties, campaigning together or against each other, will join hands after the Lok Sabha polls, says Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, asserting that the people will get a prime minister who is first among equals and listens to others with an INDIA bloc coalition government. Including the Trinamool Congress in his argument on opposition parties getting together after the day of reckoning on June 4, Tharoor said in an interaction with PTI editors at the news agency's headquarters that a coalition government is nothing to be afraid of. The growth performance of the Indian economy has been better under such dispensations than under single party governments, he said. In his view, this is an election for ''change'' and as of now the BJP has ''lost its grip'' on the narrative. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) member also defended the party's decision to not attend the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying it was right to turn down the invitation as it was ''essentially a political platform for the greater glorification of Prime Minister Narendra Modi''. ''It would have been a mistake in my view had we done it. As a purely political decision, it was the right one,'' he said during the freewheeling interaction. Tharoor said it is true a coalition government functions very differently from a monolithic one-party government. ''Given Mr Modi's style, the personality cult built around him, and the way the BJP has been ruling, I think it is fair to say that it (an INDIA bloc government) would be very unlike what we have seen in the last 10 years,'' he said, confident that the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will form the next government. The record and experience of the Indian public with coalition governments has been rather good, the former Union minister said. ''So, in many ways the advantage of a coalition is that there won't be any sort of autocratic tendencies whoever becomes prime minister... they will have to take into account the others. Frankly, it is the classic political theory of parliamentary systems of governance. Right now we are seeing a parliamentary system being run presidentially which is the worst of both the worlds,'' Tharoor argued. ''If you have a coalition government of the INDIA bloc, you are going to see, for the first time in a long while, a PM who is first among equals, who has to listen to others, take their point of view into account and who would have to be a good manager,'' he said. ''Mr (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee is considered in many ways an excellent example of that kind of consensus builder. He did not have a majority, far from it he had 26 parties in his coalition but his government was able to deliver effective results and at the same time reassure Indians that they had a functioning government,'' Tharoor said. The author-politician also hailed former prime minister Manmohan Singh's style of governance, saying he was able to pursue ''very relentlessly'' his economic goal and preside over the best growth period India has ever seen. Noting that the coalition of UPA-1 broke and the Left quit the government and was not part of UPA-2, Tharoor said there is always the issue on which a prime minister may have to draw the line for one or more of his coalition partners. ''So my own view is let us be reassured that our history in operating the system in the Constitution we have has by and large safeguarded the interest of the people. There have been many periods when people have been absolutely doomsaying about our country and we have come through all those periods,'' he said. ''I would say... coalition government is nothing to be afraid of and certainly when I speak to most voters they are thinking in terms of who is the candidate 'I am voting for', what values does he or she represent, who do they bring to power in Delhi and how is that power going to be exercised,'' Tharoor said. Asked about contradictions in the INDIA bloc as seen in bitter exchanges between the Congress and the Left in Kerala and whether that would be an impediment in the formation of a cohesive government, Tharoor pointed out that the UPA and the Vajpayee-led NDA before that came together after the elections. ''So the truth is that in our country coalitions come after the polling...This is an unusual case where a serious attempt was made to bring people together before voting even took place. It was very clear to all of us that the coalition will work on a state by state basis,'' he said. Citing the example of Kerala, Tharoor said it was unthinkable that the Congress which leads the UDF and the Communists who lead the LDF would ever be partners in the state. ''We have been fighting each other and at loggerheads for the last 55 years and alternating in power until the last election, so there was no question of that even being feasible. Having said that, right next door in Tamil Nadu, the same party, CPI(M), CPI, the Congress, our ally Muslim League and the DMK are all partners, have been partners and continue to be partners, there is no issue,'' he said. ''Finally when it comes to the day of reckoning on June 4 (when results are declared), I have no doubt that all these parties whether or not they are campaigning together or against each other, including the Trinamool Congress, when we have the numbers to prevent the BJP coming to power, we will come together,'' Tharoor asserted. Tharoor said he has friends in parties that are not allied with the Congress who have been telling him that after June 4 ''we will work together''. According to him, the hubristic narrative before the first phase is over. I don't think we are going to hear people say 'abki baar 400 paar' again for some time to come,'' the Congress leader said.

devdiscourse 4 May 2024 12:03 pm

IPL 2024: Mitchell Starc feels Impact Player rule changes...

Mitchell Starc reflects on IPL's impact player rule, highlighting potential effects on T20 World Cup strategies. Emphasizes current focus on KKR's success over long-term international cricket goals, utilizing IPL for World Cup readiness. Teams have been batting with greater boldness and fearlessness since the impact player rule was introduced last year, which has resulted in totals that routinely surpass 200.

The Times of India 4 May 2024 11:51 am

Truth be retold: On archaeology, Indian history and more

The Earth is the library of mankind. For centuries, an obsessive, inquisitive and courageous tribe has been trying to excavate the extensive hoard of knowledge hidden beneath its layers of soil and sand, oceans, forests, rivers and ruinsa tribe called archaeologists. Their purpose is to exhume the debris of millennia, to understand the evolution of man, the rise and fall of civilisations and empires and, in the process, find a common thread between the past and present, and explain why we are as we are now. Their discoveries keep changing previous beliefs about religion, architecture, governance, ecology, tools, science, wars, gender and politics. Finding a piece of stone, a jawbone or molar that existed thousands of millennia ago can be a marker of mankinds peregrinations, answering the fundamental questions of creation. Who are we really? Where are we from? How did we come to become what we are? What next? They are, at the core, disruptors whose new findings are causing seismic shocks in established circles. The Great Migration didnt start from Africa, it was the reverse: proto-hominins, who lived in parts of Greece and Europe, moved to Africa first. Ancient Egyptian tombs may have been used to store radioactive nuclear waste. Arabia was a verdant expanse that supported all kinds of life 4,00,000 years ago. The poor Indian politician, who didnt see his ancestors change from apes to humans, was probably right; he couldnt have, even if he had lived 3,00,000 years ago in Africa. Humans did not evolve in a linear way. The famous monkey-to-man illustration published by Time-Life in 1965, known as the March of Progress, did much to embed this perception for generations. Archaeologists have contradicted this theory by analysing bone fragments found recently in digging sites. These conjure up a Frankensteins monster: different body parts evolving in different timelines and dimensional scales. the fossils of an ape, found to have lived in Greece between Eight-nine million years ago, possibly belonged to a male from a new species that foretold the arrival of man. Its DNA analysis suggests that humans evolved first in Europe, before moving to Africa, and then divided into two migratory streams Remains of Australopithecus sedibait walked like a humanwhich lived around 98 million years ago in South Africa, had a human hand attached to an ape-like arm and an advanced ankle bone connected to a primitive heel. Pre-human hominids (hominids are modern humans, extinct human species and all our immediate ancestors), however, were not as primitive as we think: researchers reconstructed a 4,76,000-year-old log building in Zambia, built more than 2,00,000 years before the Homo sapiens appeared on earth. FOLLOW THE TRAIL A new mind-boggling discovery in Greece is challenging the African migration theory. A team led by Canadian archaeologist David Begun recently concluded that the fossils of an ape, which lived in Greece eight-nine million years ago, possibly belonged to a male from a new species. Its DNA analysis suggested that human ancestors may have evolved first in Europe before moving to Africa, and then divided into two migratory streams. The result shatters the classical Darwinian theory; in 1871, he had suggested that all hominins are descended from a gene pool in Africa; or even Europe. To trace the Homo sapiens journey, scientists study two categories: Hominins and Hominids (modern humans, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans, plus all their immediate ancestors). This is a debate that has been ongoing for a long time. There are potentially a lot of places where the modern human could have developed from. There are believed to be at least 21 hominid species before Homo sapiens walked the earth. Whether they originated all out of Africa or in other corners of the world is a larger debate, says Shriya Gautam, Founder and Director of Research at Speaking Archaeologically, an archaeological education group. PREHISTORIC WARS ETCHED IN BONE Home sapiens is probably the only species that settles debates often with violence. Mans most primitive instinct to wage war was evident even then; archaeologists have plenty of evidence of brutality between humans and Neanderthals, who hunted big animals with clubs and spears. The longest war on earth lasted for 10,000 years between Neanderthals, who were physically powerful with larger brains and stronger arms, and the less stronger humans. Fossils of both species show signs of battle: traumas to the skull caused by clubs, parry fracture of the lower arm caused by warding off blows and spears plunged into chests. The warfare was prolonged, and through skirmishes, guerrilla-style raids and ambushes. Ashes to ashes The vulcanised city of Pompeii is proof that social inequality was ever present. Archaeologists identified ruins of a prison bakery where prisoners were locked up with donkeys, and forced to grind grain for bread. This suggested an organised justice system in a society that supported prison labour Our species kept losing for thousands of years because the enemy, which had superior strength and numbers, knew the terrain intimately. We dont know how or why they were beaten in the end. Humans had built weapons with longer range like bows, spear-throwers and throwing clubs, which allowed them to massacre Neanderthals from far away. Their new hunting and gathering techniques with such weapons encouraged population growth, which created larger tribes whose bigger numbers overpowered Neanderthals. Mysteries are the lifeblood of archaeology. Scientists are still trying to figure who the Giants of Lovelockthe massive 10-ft-tall skeletons discovered in and around Nevada caves in the last centurywere. By analysing their bone fragments using radiocarbon dating, it was found they lived between 2030 BC and 1218 BC. Native American legends speak about gigantic humans who inhabited the Lovelock area thousands of years ago: savage, redheaded, pale-skinned seafaring giants who attacked the local tribes. After years of war, they were cornered in a cave and massacred, according to indigenous lore. The human instinct to inflict pain, and kill predates Cain. The madness hasnt changed, only the methods have. Recently, archaeologists working in France found Stone Age remains of two women who were tortured and sacrificed in an Italian Mafia-style killing: the ligature binding their ankles to their necks would have resulted in self-strangulationa practice known as incaprettamento; the kind of revenge the Italian Mafia reserves for traitors. The first woman would have died gasping for breath with the weight of the second woman pushing down on her neck, and preventing her from breathing, leading to cardiac arrest. The study says homicidal ligature strangulation was an important part of ceremonies at ritual sites in the late Stone Age. There is speculation that these women were sacrificial victims. The second woman had two pieces of grindstone placed horizontally on her back. Grindstones are associated with agriculture. Researchers found more such instances of similar ritualistic murders of men and children too. Human sacrifices were common in the ancient world; prehistoric skeletons of men, women and children bearing signs of ritual killing have been dug up all across the earth. There was honour in burial too: women warriors in Mongolia and Scandinavia were interred in formal burial mounds with their horses and armour. Archaeology repeatedly proves that inequality and injustice has survived along with civilisation for millennia. In Pompeii, a city destroyed by a volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, earth detectives identified the ruins of a prison bakery where prisoners were locked up with donkeys and forced to grind grain to bake bread, which suggested an organised justice system that supported prison labour. Foreign slaves were imprisoned for even small crimes. Excavators recently discovered a completely preserved fifth-century Mayan city built exclusively for the elite, demonstrating a strict distinction between the ruling classes and commoners. As wealth became hierarchical, powerful lords and rulers, Mayans and Egyptian kings and nobles were interred with their wives, servants and favourite animals like dogs and horses to accompany their masters into the afterlife. INDIAS AGE There is strong racial bias in archaeology. Conscious or not, most funding goes to digs examining Caucasian DNA of people of European descent. A new study showed that modern Japanese people descend from three ancestral groups, with the second being an unknown species. India too gets little funding for genomic research, despite its population of more than 1.4 billion, with more than 4,500 anthropologically well-defined populations, including castes, tribes and religious groups. The story of India starts 2.6 million years ago. The history of India starts 2,700 years ago. For over 99 per cent of the human past in the Indian subcontinent all you have is archaeology, says archaeologist and historian Kurush F Dalal. For over a century, British colonialists pushed the fraudulent Aryan migration theory as a superior racial trope. Now, fresh evidence released in early March suggests that Indians, like other races, travelled out from Africa around 50,000 years ago and possess Iranian ancestry. The examination of DNA of people in 18 Indian states concluded that most of us are descended from ancient Iranian farmers, Eurasian steppe herders and South Asian hunter-gatherers; not Aryan invaders, who thundered across the Indus to decimate and conquer. Gautam is circumspect. More research into it will be able to prove things in better light. Using present-day DNA to determine what has happened in the past can be useful but we cant rely on it 100 per cent, she says. Dalal has another take. Aryan is a linguistic term. There was never an Aryan invasion. There is zero evidence for this on the ground, she says. Last December, archaeologists established that human remains discovered in Rakhigarhi village, Haryana, are 8,000 years old. This debunks the Aryan invasion theory, which is supposed to have happened between 1,800 and 1,500 years ago. American archaeologist and Egyptologist Sarah Parcak is collaborating with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to use remote sensing to map archaeological sites; a new science called satellite archaeology and satellite remote sensing. Parcak says that over 90 per cent of Indian heritage is buried in the earth. The Indian Culture Ministry will spend Rs 27,000 crore on reconstruction of historic sites; funding for archaeology has gone up by seven times. In January, archaeologists discovered remains of an 800-year-old human settlement in Prime Minister Narendra Modis native village Vadnagar in Gujarat: The oldest living city within a fortification ever to be unearthed in India. In July 2023, in Benisagar, Jharkhand, archaeologists found a village with a strong Hindu ethos; continuously inhabited by humans from the 5th century AD to 16-17th century AD. Benisagar was a thriving Hindu centre as its sculptural remains of temple complexes, images of Surya, Bhairava, Lakulisha, Agni and Kuber attest. A stone seal inscribed with Priyangu Dheyam Chatuvidya (Chaturvidya), indicated that a Vedic scholar named Priyangu lived in Benisagar. Dispelling current concepts of social morality, the frescoes of copulation in Benisagar also point at liberal sexual mores and sex education extant during that period. pyramid puzzle Egypt has been the focus of all things pyramidal, but thats not the half of it. There could be up to 138 of these structures in Egypt, but Sudan has far more: about 255, making it the country with the most of these mysteries The North-South political divide in India often rears its ugly head in archaeology. Excavations by the Tamil Nadu government has led Chief Minister MK Stalin to suggest that Indian history should be rewritten from the Dravidian point of view after finding 2,600-3,200-year-old objects in Keeladi. More money is needed to explore Indias vast subterranean heritage. The ASIs Adopt a Heritage 2.0 programme is meant to safeguard the countrys diverse cultural heritage with corporate stakeholders opening their wallets for the upkeep of more than 3,600 monuments. PEELING THE LAYERS Archaeology is the search to confirm that a common worldwide human imagination has existed on earth for millennia. For example, that pyramids are not confined to Egypt but also exist in Latin America and Cambodia. A study that spanned 20 years found that Amazonites had a strong urban culture, as proved by a vast network of interconnected cities in the heart of the rainforest. Social customs and class distinctions have become less crude, but have remained the same. Viking teeth showed that apart from tattoos, filed teeth and elongated skulls were signs of prestige. Researchers Matthias Toplak and Lukas Kerk think they might be members of a merchant guild. They told Newsweek magazine, This theory also implies that larger, organised communities of merchants existed already in the Viking Age, before the existence of formalised guilds. A 5,000-year-old mummy of an obese Anatolian farmer, nicknamed the Iceman, bore 61 ritualistic tattoos made with either a piece of bone or a copper awl. The worlds oldest-known pearl-fishing city found in the UAE revealed a flourishing ocean trade in precious things. Roman artefacts being discovered in Coimbatore to England to China showed the power and reach of the 1,000-year-old Empire. Many rulers were enlightened; at one time, the Persian Empire was one of the worlds oldest open societies. Unlike Irans Ayatollahs, Persian rulers welcomed outside craftsmen from Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Afghanistan and other distant lands to build their capital city, Persepolis. Archaeological evidence of imperial ambition is widely available; the Cholas took Sri Lanka and Indonesia, while Kashmiri rulers raided Afghanistan and Xinjiang in China. The Nanda Empire of 345 BC had conquered Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan while the Mauryan Empire ruled over Myanmar, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Tajikistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan in 322 BC. The study of power is the study of humanity, as archaeology amply proves. The recent excavation of a Mayan pyramid in Guatemala showed charred royal remains like a greenstone mask, usually placed in royal tombs with the dead king. Using historical coordinates and carbon dating, the team concluded that the citizenry had taken out the bones of the former ruler and burned it in public, signifying the arrival of a new monarch, likely Papmalil, who took over the Mayan kingdom of Kanwitznal then. LOST SCIENCES? Mythology is often derived from foggy historical images. In all ancient mythologies, fearsome weapons, in the form of thunderbolts and spears, can destroy mankind abound. A recent study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, suggests that nuclear waste has been found in Egyptian tombs that emit high radiation levels. The researchers think the ancient Egyptians were conversant with uranium-based technology. Studying ancient Egyptian literature in texts from 2,300-2,100 BC has revealed references to transformative processes and substances that resemble uranium-based materials, suggesting a high-level of technological sophistication in ancient Egypt that has gone unnoticed so far. Many superstitions arise from millennial prototypes, and it may be an error to dismiss ancient cultural symbols like the famous Chinese dragon as mythological nonsense. Excavators found a perfectly preserved fossil of an aquatic reptile resembling a Chinese dragon with snake-like features and elongated neck in the Year of the Dragon. It belonged to a Dinocephalosaurus orientalis, a 240-million-year-old reptile that lived or died in the Triassic period in southern China. Meanwhile, excavators digging inside a lignite mine in Kutch, Gujarat have discovered the bones of one of the most mammoth snakes ever known, dubbed Vasuki, which was 49-ft-long. FURY OF FAITH Where and when does God come into all this? A poignant discovery of religion, if not ritualism, came to light in 2016 when excavators found the 40,000-year-old body of a two-three-year-old child buried in a Spanish cave near Madrid. Named the Loyoza Child, its body was surrounded by hearths where bones, antlers and a rhino skull had been burned in a ceremonial cremation. Though evidence of organised religion doesnt appear till the Middle Paleolithic Age3,00,000 to 50,000 years ago when the Neanderthals were still around, and modern humans were yet to appearproof of religion was found in detailed cave paintings by Paleolithic artists 50,000 years ago. Where there is religion, superstition cannot be far behind. Fear of zombies and vampires rising from their graves are primal fears. Inside a late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age grave excavated in Germany, a large stone was found placed on a mans legs, pinning him down. Similarly, a 400-year-old grave of a child vampire, with a padlocked foot to prevent it from rising and drinking human blood was excavated in Poland last year. The Paleolithic Period, around 2.5 million years ago, has the first evidence of religion among Homo sapiens. In the Upper Paleolithic Period35,000 to 10,000 years agoappeared fertility goddesses (Venus statuettes). The loss of ancient languages mean the first religion must remain nameless, though the excavation of 92,000-year-old human remains found in the Qafzeh Cave, Israel, may be the earliest proof of faith. Archaeologists unearthed bones coloured with red ochre, accompanied by painted sea shells and flint artifacts; red ochre represents blood in religious rituals and reincarnation. The patterns of the earliest burial practices suggest a belief in life after death. Later findings show the existence of an ancestral skull cult 7,000 years ago in Palestine, where skulls with plaster moulds were kept in separate rooms. Science is truly the philosophy of opposites. One part goes into space to discover other civilisations while another searches inside the earth for lost ones. In the end, both are the same. Unravelling the mysteries of life and death, and the oldest enigma that ever existed: Time. A Brief History of Archaeology 6th century BC: The title of the worlds first archaeologist goes to the ancient Mesopotamian king, Nabonidus of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, who discovered and analysed the foundation deposit of the Akkadian Empire ruler Naram-Sin (2200 BC) 14th-15th century: Grave robbers from France, Britain and Denmark dug up ancient art objects to be sold as drawing room art showpieces. They travelled to the colonised Near-East and Egypt, where they looted pyramids and stole immense riches of the kings of ancient Egypt, Babylon and Persia from their tombs. This serendipitously led to the development of classical archaeology Classical Archaeology: In the 1400s, Cyriacus of Ancona collected and copied books and documents about archaeological monuments in Greece and the Mediterranean for 25 years. In the 18th century, people started to become aware of ancient civilisations Antiquarian studies: In the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, art collectors appear in England, France and Scandinavia, which promoted antiquarian studies among scientifically adventurous people. British and European colonialism in Asia, Africa, America and Australia made it possible for collectors to bring home antiquities of great historical value and study. European museums were suddenly stocked with objects, and knowledge about arcane ancient Eastern and Western cults spread The Beginning of Scientific Archaeology: In 1814, a French customs official, Boucher de Perthes, discovered stone tools in the valley of the Somme in France, along with the fossils of prehistoric animals. In 1863, Sir Charles Lyell published the geological antiquity of man. In 1857, the fossil of prehistoric Stone Age man was discovered in a stone cave at Neanderthal in Germany. He was named the Neanderthal man. Archaeology was accepted as a science by the mid-19th century The Birth of Modern Archaeology: Charles Darwins Origin of Species further encouraged the study of mans antiquity and his evolution from an animal species from a remote time. Heinrich Schliemann conducted the first archaeological excavation in Greece to discover the city of Troy. Radiocarbon dating was invented in mid-20th century to reconstruct the unrecorded prehistory of man The India story 18th Century: Systematic research into the sub-continents history was first undertaken by the Asiatic Society founded by the British Indologist Sir William Jones in 1784 Enter ASI: British Army engineer Alexander Cunningham realised the need for a permanent body, and founded the Archaeological Survey of India in 1861. Shortly after, the body was suspended due to lack of funds. It was revived in 1871, and Cunningham was appointed its first Director-General. In fact, almost two decades later, another fund crunch led to the suspension of the Director-General post until 1902 Age of Discovery: Fear of the ASI being shut down prevailed until the discovery of the Nigali Sagar, an archeological site in Nepal containing the remains of Asokas pillar. In 1896, another related discovery was madethe Lumbini pillar inscription The Curzon era: The organisation truly came into its own from 1901 under the Director-Generalship of John Marshall, who encouraged epigraphical studies. Under his leadership, the excavations of Taxila began in 1913 and lasted for 21 years. The Indus Valley Civilisation at Harappa and Mohenjodaro were duly discovered in 1921 Independent India: The National Museum was inaugurated in Delhi on August 15, 1949 to house excavated artefacts. Excavations of Indus Valley sites at Kalibangan, Lothal and Dholavira were made in 1968 Present Day: Today the ASI administers close to 4,000 monuments and sites. The latest discoveries have been at Rakhigarhi, an Indus Valley Civilisation site in Haryana OLD TRADE, NEW TOOLS GPS It helps archaeologists locate and accurately map locations of sites across landscapes Satellite imaging Use of high-resolution satellites with thermal and infrared capabilities to pinpoint potential sites of interest in the earth 3D modelling It helps archaeologists reconstruct site models for research and academic purposes. It comprises techniques such as Structure for Motion and Building Information Modelling, which ensure efficient and accurate representation LiDAR Light Detection and Ranging is the process of detecting distant objects and determining their position, velocity, volume or other characteristics by analysing pulsed laser light reflected from their surfaces

The New Indian Express 4 May 2024 10:52 am

Energy Transition: Renewables Surge to 71% in India's All-New Power Capacity Additions in FY 2023-24

The share of coal/lignite in Indias total installed capacity fell below 50 per cent for the first time. This is also in line with Indias long-term goal to achieve 50 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030

News18 4 May 2024 10:40 am

Andrej Kramaric Snatches Late Draw for Hoffenheim Against RB Leipzig

Leipzig spent most of the match in front after Benjamin Sesko's 38th-minute header from a cross from Germany winger David Raum gave him a goal for the fifth match in a row.

News18 4 May 2024 10:17 am

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Big Names Face Critical Tests

The Lok Sabha elections for 2024 are in full swing, with Phase 3 set to take place on May 7th. This phase encompasses 95 seats across 12 states and Union Territories. Among the contenders are notable figures such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah, rebel BJP leader KS Eshwarappa, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Dimple Yadav, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Supriya Sule. The key players in Phase 3 hail from prominent political parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Congress, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), among others. Let's take a closer look at some of the top contenders: Amit Shah: Union Minister Amit Shah seeks re-election from Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat. He faces competition from Congress' Sonal Patel. The BJP has maintained a stronghold on this seat since 1989, with Shah securing victory in 2019 by a significant margin. Dimple Yadav: SP candidate Dimple Yadav is contesting from the 'Mainpuri' constituency in Uttar Pradesh, a stronghold of her party. Following the passing of SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, Dimple Yadav won the seat in a bypoll. She now faces BJP candidate Jaiveer Singh in a bid to uphold Mulayam's legacy. Jyotiraditya Scindia: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia represents the BJP in the Guna Lok Sabha constituency of Madhya Pradesh. He goes head-to-head with Rao Yadvendra Singh of the Congress, aiming to reverse his defeat in the 2019 polls. Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the BJP's candidate from Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency. Chouhan, a five-time MP from Vidisha, competes against Pratap Bhanu Sharma of the Congress. Supriya Sule: NCP leader Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar, contests from the Baramati seat in Maharashtra. Her candidacy sparks interest as she faces Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar, who recently joined the BJP-led NDA. The constituencies participating in Phase 3 cover a wide geographical spread across India, including states like Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, along with Union Territories like Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu. The Election Commission reports a total of 1,351 candidates vying for seats in this phase, with Gujarat and Maharashtra leading in the number of nominations. Notably, Osmanabad constituency in Maharashtra and Bilaspur seat in Chhattisgarh witness significant participation, indicating the intense competition characterizing Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. BJP's Post-Election Strategy: Focus Shifts to West Bengal Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mega Campaigning in Ayodhya: All You Need to Know PM Modi Vows Justice for Victims of the West Bengal Teacher Recruitment Scam

News Track 4 May 2024 10:05 am

Insufficient Carbon Removal Plans Jeopardize Paris Agreement Ambitions: Study

Insufficient Carbon Removal Plans Jeopardize Paris Agreement Ambitions: Study The current carbon removal plans of countries around the world will fall short in limiting the warming of the planet to 1.5 degrees Celsius, set out under the Paris Agreement, new research has suggested. The researchers pointed out that climate policy regarding removal of carbon dioxide (CO2), the most important greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere ''needs more ambition''. However, if the global energy demand could ''significantly'' reduce, the current carbon removal plans might be closer to achieving net-zero emissions, they found. ''Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) methods have a small but vital role to play in achieving net zero (target) and limiting the impacts of climate change,'' said Naomi Vaughan of the University of East Anglia, UK, and co-author of the study published in the journal Nature Climate Change. ''Our analysis shows that countries need more awareness, ambition and action on scaling up CDR methods together with deep emissions reductions to achieve the aspirations of the Paris Agreement,'' said Vaughan. The international team, led by Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC), Germany, analysed reports of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) taking yearly measurements since 2010 of the emissions gap -- the difference between what countries pledge versus what is needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The researchers found that if national targets were fully implemented, the yearly amount of carbon removed by humans could increase by 0.5 gigatonnes (a gigatonne is a billion tonnes) of CO2 by 2030, and by 1.9 gigatonnes by 2050. This, however, contrasts with the 5.1 gigatonne increase in the amount of carbon required to be removed in a 'focus scenario', according to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment report, the researchers said. The 'focus scenario' is when CO2 emissions are severely cut down to meet net-zero goals by or after 2050, achieving the temperature targets of arresting global warming to within 1.5 degrees Celsius, as laid out in the Paris Agreement, or at least below 2 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the emissions gap for the year 2050 is at least 3.2 gigatonnes of CO2, according to the researchers. They also assessed an alternative 'focus scenario' which assumes a significant reduction in global energy demand. Also derived from the IPCC, the reduced demand is considered to be driven by politically-initiated behavioural changes as the core of climate protection strategy. The team found that in 2050, this scenario could increase the carbon removed by a more modest amount - 2.5 gigatonnes. In this scenario, full implementation of the current carbon removal plans of countries would be almost sufficient, with a gap of 0.4 gigatonnes in 2050, the authors found. ''The most ambitious proposals for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) are close to levels in a low-energy demand scenario with the most-limited CDR scaling and aggressive near-term emissions reductions,'' the authors wrote. The team acknowledged that sustainability issues, such as increased land demand limit the scaling up of carbon removals. Nevertheless, there is still plenty of room for designing fair and sustainable land management policies, they said.

devdiscourse 4 May 2024 10:03 am

China's new Moon mission is about to launch, and it's a rare example of countries working together

China's Chang'e 6 mission, with international collaboration and advanced research goals, signifies a significant leap in lunar exploration, emphasizing the importance of shared scientific endeavors in a geopolitically complex world.

The Economic Times 4 May 2024 9:56 am

Biden and Trump Clash in Historic 2024 Matchup: Divergent Visions on Key Issues

Biden and Trump Clash in Historic 2024 Matchup: Divergent Visions on Key Issues Joe Biden and Donald Trump are two presidents with unfinished business and an itch to get it done. Their track records and plans on abortion, immigration, taxes, wars abroad you name it leave no doubt that the man voters choose in November will seek to shape the landscape of American life in ways wholly distinct from the other. The choices, if the winner gets his way, are sharply defined. The onward march of regulation and incentives to restrain climate change, or a slow walk if not an about-face. Higher taxes on the super rich, or not. Abortion rights reaffirmed, or left to states to restrict or allow as each decides. Another attempt to legislate border security and orderly entry into the country, or massive deportations. A commitment to stand with Ukraine or let go. At no time in living memory have two presidents, current and former, competed for the office. Not since Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, both Republicans, in 1912, and that didn't work out for either of them Democrat Woodrow Wilson won that three-way race. More than a century later, voters again get to judge two presidents on their records alongside their promises for the next four years. Here's where they stand on 10 of the top issues: ABORTION BIDEN: The president has called for Congress to send him legislation that would codify in federal law the right to an abortion, which stood for nearly 50 years before being overturned by the Supreme Court. He has also criticized statewide bans on abortion in Republican states and says he will veto any potential nationwide ban should one come to his desk. In the absence of legislation, his administration has taken narrower actions, such as proposals that would protect women who travel to obtain abortions and limit how law enforcement collects medical records. TRUMP: The former president often brags about appointing the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, ending the constitutional right to an abortion. After dodging questions about when in pregnancy he believes the procedure should be restricted, Trump announced in April that decisions on access and cutoffs should be left to the states. He said he would not sign a national abortion ban into law. But he's declined to say whether he would try to limit access to the abortion pill mifepristone. He told Time magazine in recent interviews that it should also be left up to states to determine whether to prosecute women for abortions or to monitor their pregnancies. CLIMATE/ENERGY BIDEN: In a second term, Biden could be expected to continue his focus on implementing the climate provisions of his Inflation Reduction Act, which provided nearly $375 billion for things like financial incentives for electric cars and clean energy projects. Biden is also enlisting more than 20,000 young people in a national Climate Corps, a Peace Corps-like program to promote conservation through tasks such as weatherizing homes and repairing wetlands. Biden wants to triple the group's size this decade. Despite all this, it's unlikely that the U.S. will be on track to meet Biden's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030. TRUMP: His mantra for one of his top priorities: DRILL, BABY, DRILL.'' Trump, who in the past cast climate change as a hoax and harbors a particular disdain for wind power, says it's his goal for the U.S. to have the cheapest energy and electricity in the world. He'd increase oil drilling on public lands, offer tax breaks to oil, gas and coal producers, speed the approval of natural gas pipelines and roll back the Biden administration's aggressive efforts to get people to switch to electric cars, which he argues have a place but shouldn't be forced on consumers. He has also pledged to re-exit the Paris Climate Accords, end wind subsidies and eliminate regulations imposed and proposed by the Biden administration targeting energy-inefficient kinds of lightbulbs, stoves, dishwashers and shower heads. DEMOCRACY/RULE OF LAW BIDEN: Protecting democracy has been the raison d'etre behind Biden's decision to run for reelection. In a symbolic nod to the Revolutionary War, Biden delivered his first campaign speech of 2024 near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where he spoke of George Washington's decision to step down as the leader of the Continental Army after American independence was won. During the Jan. 5 speech, Biden said this year's presidential contest is all about whether U.S. democracy will survive and he regularly condemns Trump's denial that he lost the 2020 general election. Biden has called the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol a day that we nearly lost America lost it all. TRUMP: The former president, who famously refused to accept his loss to Biden in 2020, has not committed to accepting the results this time. If everything's honest, I'll gladly accept the results,'' Trump recently told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. If it's not, you have to fight for the right of the country. He has said he will pardon the Jan. 6 defendants jailed for assaulting police officers and other crimes during the attack on the Capitol. He vows to overhaul the Justice Department and FBI from the ground up,'' aggrieved by the criminal charges the department has brought against him. He also promises to deploy the National Guard to cities such as Chicago that are struggling with violent crime, and in response to protests, and has also vowed to appoint a special prosecutor to go after Biden. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BIDEN: The Biden administration is already taking steps to make it harder for any mass firings of civil servants to occur. In April, the Office of Personnel Management issued a new rule that would ban federal workers from being reclassified as political appointees or other at-will employees, which makes them easier to dismiss. That was in response to Schedule F, a 2020 executive order from Trump that reclassified tens of thousands of federal workers so they could be fired more easily. TRUMP: The former president vows an overhaul of the federal bureaucracy, which he has long blamed for stymying his first term agenda: I will totally obliterate the deep state. He plans to reissue the Schedule F order stripping civil service protections. He'd then move to fire rogue bureaucrats, including those who weaponized our justice system, and the warmongers and America-Last globalists in the Deep State, the Pentagon, the State Department, and the national security industrial complex. He's pledged to terminate the Education Department and wants to curtail the independence of regulatory agencies like the Federal Communications Commission. IMMIGRATION BIDEN: The president continues to advocate for the comprehensive immigration bill he introduced on his first day in office, which would grant an eight-year pathway to citizenship for immigrants in the U.S. without legal status, with a faster track for young immigrants living in the country illegally who were brought here as children. That legislation went nowhere in Congress. This year, the president backed a Senate compromise that included tougher asylum standards and billions more in federal dollars to hire more border agents, immigration judges and asylum officers. That deal collapsed on Capitol Hill due to Trump's opposition. Biden is currently considering executive action on the border, particularly if the number of illegal crossings increases later this year. TRUMP: The former president promises to mount the largest domestic deportation in U.S. history an operation that could include detention camps and the National Guard. He'd bring back policies he put in place during his first term, like the Remain in Mexico program and Title 42, which placed curbs on migrants on public health grounds. And he'd revive and expand the travel ban that originally targeted citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries. After the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, he pledged new ideological screening for immigrants to bar dangerous lunatics, haters, bigots, and maniacs. He'd also try to deport people who are in the U.S. legally but harbor jihadist sympathies.'' He'd seek to end birthright citizenship for people born in the U.S. whose parents are both in the country illegally. ISRAEL/GAZA BIDEN: The war in Gaza, far more so than other national security considerations, has defined Biden's foreign policy this year, with significant political implications. He has offered full-throated support for Israel since Hamas militants launched a surprise deadly assault on Oct. 7. But as the death toll in Gaza continues to climb, Biden has faced massive backlash at home. His administration is working to broker a temporary ceasefire that would release some hostages held by Hamas, which would also allow for more humanitarian aid to enter the war-torn region. Biden also calls for a two-state solution, which would have Israel existing alongside an independent Palestinian state. TRUMP: The former president has expressed support for Israel's efforts to destroy Hamas but he's also been critical of some of Israel's tactics. He says the country must finish the job quickly and get back to peace. He has called for more aggressive responses to pro-Palestinian protests at college campuses and applauded police efforts to clear encampments. Trump also proposes to revoke the student visas of those who espouse antisemitic or anti-American views. LGBTQ ISSUES BIDEN: The president and White House officials regularly denounce discrimination and attacks against the LGBTQ community. Shortly after he took office, Biden reversed an executive order from Trump that had largely banned transgender people from military service, and his Education Department completed a rule in April that says Title IX, the 1972 law that was passed to protect women's rights, also bars discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The new rule was silent on the issue of transgender athletes. TRUMP: The former president has pledged to keep transgender men out of women's sports and says he will ask Congress to pass a bill establishing that only two genders, as determined at birth, are recognized by the United States. He promises to ''defeat the toxic poison of gender ideology. As part of his crackdown on gender-affirming care, he would declare that any health care provider that participates in the chemical or physical mutilation of minor youth no longer meets federal health and safety standards and won't get federal money. He'd take similarly punitive steps in schools against any teacher or school official who suggests to a child that they could be trapped in the wrong body. Trump would support a national prohibition of hormonal or surgical intervention for transgender minors and bar transgendered people from military service. NATO/UKRAINE BIDEN: The president has spent much of his time rebuilding alliances unraveled by Trump, particularly NATO, a critical bulwark against Russian aggression. Since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Biden has pledged unceasing support to Kyiv and he made an unannounced visit there in February 2023 in a show of solidarity. His administration and Congress have sent tens of billions of dollars in military and other aid to Ukraine. The latest tranche of aid totaled $61 billion in weapons, ammunition and other assistance and is expected to last through this year. Continued U.S. assistance is critical, Biden says, because he argues that Russian leader Vladimir Putin will not stop at invading Ukraine. TRUMP: The former president has repeatedly taken issue with U.S. aid to Ukraine and says he will continue to fundamentally reevaluate the mission and purpose of the NATO alliance if he returns to office. He has claimed, without explanation, that he will be able to end the war before his inauguration by bringing both sides to the negotiating table. (His approach seems to hinge on Ukraine giving up at least some of its Russian-occupied territory in exchange for a cease-fire.) On NATO, he has assailed member nations for years for failing to hit agreed-upon military spending targets. Trump drew alarms this year when he said that, as president, he had warned leaders that he would not only refuse to defend nations that don't hit those targets, but would encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want to countries that are delinquent. TARIFFS/TRADE BIDEN: This is where Biden and his protectionist tendencies in a continued appeal to working-class voters have some similarities with Trump. Biden is calling for a tripling of tariffs on Chinese steel, a move that would shield U.S. producers from cheaper imports. The current tariff rate is 7.5% for both steel and aluminum but Biden wants that to go to 25%. Biden has also said he opposes the proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel, because it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated. TRUMP: The former president wants a dramatic expansion of tariffs, proposing a levy of perhaps 10% on nearly all imported foreign goods. Penalties would increase if trade partners manipulate their currencies or engage in other unfair trading practices. He would also urge Congress to pass legislation giving the president authority to impose a reciprocal tariff on any country that imposes one on the U.S. Much of his trade agenda has focused on China. Trump has proposed phasing out Chinese imports of essential goods including electronics, steel and pharmaceuticals and wants to ban Chinese companies from owning U.S. infrastructure in sectors such as energy, technology and farmland. Whether higher tariffs come from a Biden administration or a Trump one, they are likely to raise prices for consumers who have already faced higher costs from inflation. TAXES BIDEN: In his State of the Union address, Biden proposed raising the corporate tax rate to 28% and the corporate minimum tax to 21% as a matter of fundamental fairness that will bring in more money to invest in Americans. The current corporate rate is 21% and the corporate minimum, raised under the Inflation Reduction Act, is at 15% for companies making more than $1 billion a year. Biden also wants to require billionaires to pay at least 25% of their income in taxes and to restore the child tax credit that was enacted under his 2021 COVID-19 relief package, but has since expired. TRUMP: The former president has promised to extend the tax cuts he signed into law in 2017 and that are due to sunset at the end of 2025. That package cut the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and roughly doubled the standard deduction and child tax credit.

devdiscourse 4 May 2024 9:51 am

Opinion: Opinion | Biden And His Awkward Jugglery With Domestic Politics, Foreign Goals

Student protests have been galvanised by perceptions that the US is not doing enough to end Israel's action in Gaza. The US, on the other hand, has reiterated its ironclad guarantee for Israel's security and has not conditioned any of its continued

NDTV 4 May 2024 9:46 am

Keep these things in mind while decorating children's room, the room will look special

When it comes to decorating a children's room, the goal is to create a space that not only looks visually appealing but also fosters creativity, imagination, and a sense of security. By considering various aspects such as colors, themes, organization, and functionality, you can transform a simple room into a magical haven where your child can thrive and feel truly special. 1. Choose a Theme that Sparks Imagination Why: A cohesive theme sets the tone for the entire room and provides a canvas for other design elements to come together harmoniously. How: Consider your child's interests, whether it's outer space, dinosaurs, princesses, or superheroes. Choose a theme that resonates with them and inspires their imagination. 2. Incorporate Vibrant Colors Why: Bright and cheerful colors can stimulate a child's senses and contribute to a lively atmosphere. How: Opt for a color scheme that complements the chosen theme while avoiding overwhelming the space. Use colorful accents such as bedding, rugs, and wall art to add pops of color throughout the room. 3. Prioritize Safety Why: Safety should always be a top priority when decorating a child's room to prevent accidents and injuries. How: Ensure that furniture is securely anchored to the wall to prevent tipping. Choose child-safe materials for furnishings and decorations, avoiding sharp edges and small parts that could pose choking hazards. 4. Create Functional Zones Why: A well-organized room with designated zones for sleeping, playing, and studying promotes efficiency and encourages independence. How: Arrange furniture to delineate different areas of the room, such as a cozy reading nook with a bean bag chair, a play corner with toy storage bins, and a study area with a desk and chair. 5. Personalize with Personal Touches Why: Adding personalized touches makes the room feel uniquely theirs and fosters a sense of ownership and belonging. How: Display your child's artwork, photographs, and crafts to showcase their creativity. Incorporate items that reflect their interests and personality, such as favorite books, sports memorabilia, or musical instruments. 6. Maximize Storage Solutions Why: Adequate storage helps keep the room organized and clutter-free, making it easier for children to find and put away their belongings. How: Utilize a combination of open shelving, bins, baskets, and closet organizers to store toys, clothes, books, and other essentials. Consider multifunctional furniture with built-in storage, such as beds with drawers underneath or ottomans that double as toy chests. 7. Create a Cozy Retreat for Sleep Why: A comfortable and soothing sleep environment is essential for a child's physical and emotional well-being. How: Choose a quality mattress and bedding that provide adequate support and comfort. Use blackout curtains or blinds to block out light and create a conducive sleep environment. Incorporate soft lighting, such as a nightlight or bedside lamp, for a calming ambiance. 8. Encourage Creativity and Play Why: Play is crucial for a child's cognitive, emotional, and social development, and the room should be designed to inspire creativity and exploration. How: Include ample space for imaginative play, such as a dress-up area, puppet theater, or building block station. Provide art supplies, easels, and a designated art corner where your child can unleash their creativity without worrying about making a mess. 9. Embrace Flexibility for Growth Why: Children's interests and preferences evolve over time, and a flexible room design allows for easy updates and adaptations as they grow. How: Choose versatile furniture and decor items that can be repurposed or easily swapped out to accommodate changing tastes and needs. Consider investing in modular furniture or adjustable shelving systems that can adapt to different configurations. 10. Foster a Sense of Wonder Why: Above all, the goal of decorating a children's room is to create a space that sparks joy, wonder, and a sense of magic. How: Incorporate elements of whimsy and imagination, such as fairy lights, themed wall decals, or a ceiling adorned with glow-in-the-dark stars. Encourage storytelling and make-believe adventures to ignite your child's imagination and make their room truly special. In conclusion, decorating a children's room involves more than just choosing paint colors and arranging furniture. It's about creating a nurturing and inspiring environment where your child can grow, learn, and dream. By following these tips and infusing the space with love and creativity, you can design a room that will be cherished by your little one for years to come. Leave Shimla-Manali! Everyone has failed in front of this hidden place of Himachal! Where do trains with revolving seats, glass windows and unique coaches run? This is the best place to visit in Delhi

News Track 4 May 2024 9:32 am

Mambazhakaalam

KOCHI: As I eyed the golden Alphonso in the market, I was taken back to my home where in the backyard mango trees would start blooming way before the summer holidays set in. Come the holidays, my house would have a daily feast with mango mojitos, curries, pickles, and desserts for every meal. It was only as I grew older did I realise the different names of the variants. The golden mangoes were Alphonso or Aapus as my grandmother would say, and the long raw mangoes, I used to have with salt and chilli powder, were Totapuri or Kilimooku. Sometimes, identifying mangoes is something you can do but not explain, says Ranganathan, a vendor in the market as he explain the history of certain mangoes. This was a common statement I heard during my quest to learn how to identify different mangoes. Baiju S Chittilappilly, who owns a farm in Kerala, explains that mango cultivators can often identify, through experience, the different mango trees based on the shape of their leaves. Alphonsos leaves are longer than a lot of other varieties, he says. Alphonso, especially the one from Maharashtra, holds tightly to its title of King of Mangoes and sustains the publics choice award. With a slight sparkle, it stands out in a cart due to its almost perfect roundness and clean golden-yellow skin. A good Alphonso mango will weigh up to 250 grams and will not have any blemishes or spots on its smooth skin, points out Baiju as he speaks of this variants high demand. With dark yellow flesh almost comparable to turmeric, Alphonso is widely available in nearly every market. And another one known for its hue is Sinshoora. Being one of the firstborns of the mango season, it is Sindhoora that often welcomes the public to a very sweet and fruitful season. While comparatively easier to identify, with its reddish shade, the fruit weighs nearly 250 grams per mango. There are not a lot of distinct reddish mangoes I have seen, and Sindhoora is a combination of red, green, and a bit of yellow, says Sameer, a fruit seller from Bihar. As I walked more into the lanes of markets, I stumbled upon a public favourite Imam Pasand. With its origin in Urdu stories to the possibility of it having been Emperor Humayuns favourite, it is one of the sweetest mangoes available. Very much in competition with Alphonso for the grand title, Imam Pasand has thin, tasty skin and is being bought a lot this season. On the other hand, Banganapalli is the middle child of the season and is a bit more pale than others. Often distinctly larger than many varieties, Banganapalli is one of the most affordable lots in the family. Another variety, Jawaad can be sweeter than Banganapalli sometimes. However, most people cannot afford those, so Banganapalli is bought a lot, Sameer adds. Malgoa, with a smaller seed and more flesh, will be available well into May. With a thick skin, it is seen and described as being more round and curvy with a dip near its stem. With a pale flesh, Malgoa is sweet even before ripening, unlike mangoes like Sindhoora or even Neelam, says Baiju. Neelam, a latecomer to the mango season, mainly comes from Andhra Pradesh. With a particularly small round shape, it can be seen when the monsoon rains start, he adds. While the markets are full of different variants, isnt it a wonder that our states can grow so many of them right in time for the season? Baiju tells me that with various grafting and budding techniques becoming popular among mango cultivators, growing multiple varieties of mangoes together is a cakewalk. Grafting is a practical method. Multi-budding, where you can grow multiple mango types on one tree, is very useful. The only main factor that affects is the climate, and some trees have close to 25 mango types growing together, says Baiju. And thats how our markets get filled with mangoes from all over the country. Though the season of varieties like Moovandan and other umpteen local variants are almost over, the mango season is not close to an end as more and more varieties from other states enter the market. Aam Dal/Toker Dal by Joyadrita Ragavendran Chatterjee Ingredients Red masoor dal: 1.5 cups Raw mango (cut into long, thick strips): 1 Salt and sugar to taste Turmeric powder Mustard oil Mustard seeds for tempering Red chilli: 1 Method Boil the red masoor dal with a couple of pieces of mango, salt, and turmeric powder. Keep the other mango slices aside. Heat mustard oil with the mustard seeds and red chilli in a wok temper. Add the remaining mango slices and let it soften. Next, pour the boiled dal. Adjust salt. Add sugar. The final dal should taste sweet and sour. Prawns Raw Mango Curry by Sheeba La Fleur Ingredients Prawns: half cup Green chillies: 4 nos Ginger paste: 1/4 tsp Garlic paste: 1/4 tsp Salt to taste Raw mango: 1 diced Tomato: 1 small Section 2 Grated coconut: 1cup Shallots: 6 nos Tamarind a small ball Red chilly powder: 2tbsp Corriander powder: 2tsp Fennel powder: 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp Ginger a small piece Garlic: 2 nos Water: 1/4 cup For tadka Coconut oil: 2tbsp Mustard seeds: 1/2 tsp Sliced Shallots: 2 nos Curry leaves: few Dried red chilli: 3 Method Add prawns, green chilly, ginger and garlic paste with half a cup of water and cook for two minutes. Now add diced tomatoes and raw mangoes to it and cook for another two minutes. Make a fine paste with ingredients from section two. Add the paste to the prawns and cook for another 3 minutes. Heat oil add mustard and other tadka ingredients and pour it into the curry. You can serve it with rice or puttu. MANGO CHEESECAKE by Arun Vijayan, consultant chef Ingredients Crushed biscuits: 500gm Melted butter : 150gm Cream cheese : 350gm Whipping cream : 250gm Cornflour : 50gm Mango puree : 250gm Condensed milk: 300gm Method In a blender, add biscuits and process them until fully crushed. Now add melted butter and blend again. Transfer the biscuit crumbs into a 7-inch springform pan and press down evenly. Set it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. In another bowl, add cream cheese, heavy cream, condensed milk, mango pureeand cornflour. Mix until the batter is fully combined. Now transfer this on top of the biscuit base. Seal the bottom of the springform pan with two layers of aluminium foil so nothing leaks out. Now add the batter to a cheesecake tin and place it in a preheated oven at 160 Celsius for about 40-45 mins. Once baked fully run a knife around the edges while the cheesecake is still warm. Transfer the cheesecake to the fridge to cool for about 7-8hours. Garnish it with mango puree. Sticky Mango Rice by Sheeba La Fleur Ingredients Uncooked sticky rice: 1 cup Full-fat coconut milk: 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 g) Sugar: 1/4 cup Salt: 1/2 tsp Cornstarch (Optional): 2 tsp Mangoes (peeled and sliced): 3 ripe Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (Optional) Method Rinse the sticky rice with water and gently stir it with your hands. Drain the water to remove the excess starch. Then add cold water. Soak the sticky rice for a minimum of 1 hour, or up to overnight in the fridge. Once soaked, rinse again and drain the water. Transfer the rice to a heatproof bowl, add about 2.5 cups of water to your steamer (not into the rice), place the heatproof rice bowl on the steaming rack placed in the steamer, and cover the steamer. Turn to medium-high heat to bring the water to a boil. When the steam starts to come out of the pot, turn to medium heat. Steam for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is cooked through, with no hard raw bits in the middle. Remove the pot from the stove. Let sit, covered, while you prepare the other ingredients. Make the sauce when the rice is cooking. Combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat or medium-low heat until the sugar is melted. Do not bring the coconut sauce to a boil. Carefully remove the bowl of sticky rice from the steamer. Pour 1 cup of the sauce into the bowl. Stir to mix well until the sauce is fully absorbed. The mango sticky rice is ready to serve when the rice mixture and the sauce cool to room temperature or lukewarm. For that extra garnish, you can also pour a few spoonfuls of extra coconut sauce on top of the rice or also top with some toasted sesame seeds. Creamy Mango Curry by Arun Vijayan, Consultant chef Ingredients Tender mango wedges: 300gm Finely chopped onions: 30gm Finely chopped garlic : 10gm Finely chopped ginger: 10gm Tomato pure : 20gm Cumin powder: 5gm Salt to taste Turmeric powder: 8gm Fresh cream : 30ml Butter : 10gm Sunflower oil : 50ml Method Heat oil in a pan and add onion, ginger and garlic. Saut it until brown. Add the seasonings and tomato pure. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes in slow heat until the tomato gets mashed. Then add little hot water and mango wedges to it. Reduce the flame and finish with fresh cream and butter. The curry can be served with bread or white rice. Mango margarita by BLND Restobar, Thiruvananthapuram Ingredients Fresh mango: 75 gm Lime juice: 30ml Chilli: 1/2 chilli Ice cube: one big scoop Method Blend all the above ingredients in a blender and serve it in a margarita glass with chilli salt on its rim. Garnish with a chilli. Mango Rasam by Mala Sekar Ingredients Raw mango: 1, medium size Toor dal: 1 small cup Tomato: 1 Pepper: 1 spoon Cumin seeds: 1 spoon Green or red chillies: 2 Crushed ginger: a small piece Coriander leaves Method Pressure cook toor dal and raw mango with a pinch of turmeric on medium flame until two whistles. Once its done, blend it into a smooth paste and add water if its too thick. Add oil to a pan and add mustard, chilies, ginger, a pinch of asafoetida, and turmeric for tadka. Chop the tomato and add it to the tadka along with salt. After this is done, add the toor dal and raw mango paste. Once it comes to a boil, add pepper and cumin powder Garnish with coriander generously.

The New Indian Express 4 May 2024 9:15 am

It is difficult to fill Kharges shoes; goal is to win Gulbarga

Radhakrishna, Gulbarga nominee, strategically campaigns to reclaim the lost seat, emphasizing continuing Kharge's projects and addressing the failures of the incumbent MP. His focus is on party victory, not personal rivalries or family legacies.

The Times of India 4 May 2024 9:12 am

It is difficult to fill Kharges shoes; goal is to win Gulbarga - The Times of India

It is difficult to fill Kharges shoes; goal is to win Gulbarga The Times of India

Google News 4 May 2024 9:12 am

Adventure of a Lifetime

BENGALURU: Hit first, hit hard, and keep hitting victory will be yours. These words of his father kept ringing in Colonel Jangvir Lambas head as he took the uphill task of participating in the 38th edition of the Marathon des Sables, known as the toughest race on Earth. The race, covering 253.5 km done in various stages in Morocco, deep within the Sahara Desert, saw 52-year-old Lamba emerge victorious. Despite the sheer difficulty level associated with the ultramarathon extreme temperatures of 46-52 degrees Celsius, blisters on the feet, resurfacing of old injuries, dropping salt levels, and a general sense of fatigue Lamba never doubted he would finish the race. He completed the six-stage race in 67 hours and seven minutes, competing against 900 athletes from 60 countries. The race took place in April. At no point did the thought of not finishing the race even cross my mind. Its all about mental resilience that is associated with the endurance sport, he explains. This mindset likely stems from early advicefrom hisfather, advice he adheres to even now.He recallsa time in sixth grade when his father asked him to dopush-ups andhe could barely manage five or six. My father then took charge and over the next few years trained us. By the time I was in Class 11-12, I was doing 500 of them. As I trained, my father would always say one more. To this day any time Im pushing myself, I keep telling myself those two golden words, says the fourth-generation Army officer, currently posted at the ASC Centre and College in Bengaluru. PiC: Nagaraja Gadekal Previously a bodybuilder, Lamba suddenly found his aspirations crushed when he started developing spinal issues in 2019 and was advised to reduce his weight, as his condition could worsen. At that point, he decidedto switchto cardio exercises and took on the Ironman (a gruelling race consisting of a 3.9km swim, 180.2 km bike ride, and a 42.2km run) completing three (Cairns, Australia; Langkawi, Malaysia; and Goa) within just 12 months. Then, while browsing the internet, he discovered the Marathon des Sables and immediately signed up. The training itself wasnt as intense since I had previously been training for the Ironman for which I would start at2.30am, he says, adding, For Marathon des Sables, I only ran 10k every day, sometimes 21 km, with a 10 kg vest as weight. Drawing an analogy between lifes challenges andthe intenserace, Lamba reflects, There is so much pain one endures during the race but its hard to share during that point since everyone is going through their own. Its the same with life, isnt it? You cant always share what youre going through. This wasnt just a race, it was a test of endurance and a culmination of training and dedication. So, what lies next? Definitelyno race under 100 km! he signs off.

The New Indian Express 4 May 2024 8:46 am

Lightning kills woman, 48 goats near Bengaluru

BENGALURU: A woman died on the spot when lightning struck her at Ganagalu village near Hoskote on the outskirts of Bengaluru on Friday. Bengaluru and its surrounding areas received moderate rain accompanied by thunder and gusty winds in the afternoon. The deceased has been identified as Rathnamma, 55, of Ganagalu. She was grazing her goats when lightning struck her around 2pm. In all, 48 goats died in the incident. Tirumalashetty Halli police have registered a case of unnatural death. Rathnamma is survived by her husband and two sons. Bengaluru Rural district administration has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 6 lakh to Rathnammas family. Of the amount, Rs 4 lakh will be given on Saturday, according to a police officer. According to Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), Nayandahalli recorded 29.50mm rain, RR Nagar 29mm, Maruthi Mandir 26.50mm, Bilekahalli 24mm and Horamavu 17.50 mm. Meanwhile, officials of the India Meteorological Department have forecast light to moderate rain in the city for the next two days.

The New Indian Express 4 May 2024 8:30 am

Kerala: 816g MDMA seized in 48 hours; surge in drug haul anticipated after LS poll

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The enforcement agencies have seized a large quantity of synthetic drugs from two locations in the state within a span of 48 hours, indicating that the drug menace is going to intensify further in the state after the Lok Sabha polls. About 616g of MDMA was seized by the excise from Kozhikode rural on Thursday, while 200g were seized from Angamaly by the police on Friday. The seized contraband could fetch more than Rs 25 lakh in the open market, said an excise source. As per the excise sources, the smuggling of narcotics to the state had reduced since March third week due to the heavy deployment of police, excise and other paramilitary forces in the inter-state borders owing to the Lok Sabha polls. Since the poll date was announced on March 16, the state and central agencies had intensified the scrutiny of vehicles on the inter-state borders of Kerala. Apart from the police and excise, officers from the Income Tax department, SGST division, Directorate of Enforcement, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), and the Narcotics Control Bureau were involved in inspections at the state border and within the state. A senior excise officer told TNIE that seizure of commercial quantity of MDMA rarely happened in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls. MDMA weighing more than 10g is considered as a commercial quantity, as per the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS). Because of the strict surveillance on border points and multi-layered screening of vehicles done within the state and outside, it was almost impossible to smuggle in contraband during the Lok Sabha poll campaign period. Now, that the polls are over in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, we are expecting a surge in smuggling attempts. More seizures are also expected in the coming days, he said. The synthetic drugs reach Kerala from Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Goa, while cannabis is sourced from plantations located in the hinterlands in Andhra-Odisha border. Since the Lok Sabha poll date was announced, heavy deployment of law enforcement officers made movement of the narcotics a risky affair. Now that the vigilance has been scaled down, the rackets having inter-state connections would be eying to push in the drugs, the excise officer added.

The New Indian Express 4 May 2024 8:29 am