Sudharsan's Composure under Pressure Merits Recognition, Say Smith and Moody

Sudharsan's Composure under Pressure Merits Recognition, Say Smith and Moody B Sai Sudharsan broke away from the mould of anchor with a brilliantly crafted hundred against Chennai Super Kings, and the ''calm under pressure'' demeanour of the Gujarat Titans' opener has left stalwarts Graeme Smith and Tom Moody impressed. Till the match on Friday, Sudharsan struck runs at a moderate strike rate of 131.67 while coming at No. 3, but the promotion to the opener's slot seemed to have liberated him. Against CSK, the Tamil Nadu left-hander made 103 off 51 balls (5x4s, 7x6s) and his strike-rate read 201.96. Smith said Sudharsan should be given more opportunities. ''Sudharsan is so under the radar, he is the leading run-scorer for GT this season, the fastest Indian to a thousand IPL runs with a difference of six innings. He needs to start being spoken about a bit more,'' said Smith on JIO Cinema. Former Australian all-rounder and a revered coach Tom Moody praised Sudharsan for maintaining his composure in the match against a tough opponent. ''The way this young player goes about his business is a joy to watch. He seems so calm under pressure. He seems to have the right answers at the right time. ''He knows when to go big to look for that boundary to take pressure out of an over and he seems to be able to keep pace with the game,'' said Moody. Former South Africa skipper Smith lauded the partnership between Sudharsan and Shubman Gill that was worth 210 runs, joint highest for the opening wicket this season. ''The partnership was excellent, left-hand-right-hand combination, they ran between the wickets well; they picked their targets, and their matchups were just outstanding,'' he added. Moody also underscored the importance of the alliance between Gill and Sudharsan. ''The partnership was nothing short of extraordinary. They complemented each other exceptionally well, evident in their visible enjoyment on the field, as Gill expressed during the post-match presentation. ''This camaraderie is crucial for any backing and partnership,'' added Moody.

In Tribal-Influenced Ratlam, Congress Stalwart Bhuria Contests against BJP Minister's Spouse

In Tribal-Influenced Ratlam, Congress Stalwart Bhuria Contests against BJP Minister's Spouse The fight between Congress leader Kantilal Bhuria and Madhya Pradesh Forest Minister Nagar Singh Chauhan's wife Anita Chauhan is as much for the Ratlam Lok Sabha seat as it is for supremacy in the tribal-dominated region between their families. The two families are leaving nothing to chance. Bhuria's son Vikrant quit as Madhya Pradesh Youth Congress chief on April 8. In his resignation letter to Indian Youth Congress president Srinivas BV, he said he needed to devote maximum time in Ratlam to help his father. On the other hand, Nagar Singh Chauhan has taken most aspects of his wife's campaign into his own hands. The Ratlam Lok Sabha constituency, which has 20.94 lakh eligible voters, will go to polls on May 13. Bhil and Bhilala tribals play a decisive role in deciding the election results. Bhuria (73), who was a minister in the Congress-led UPA government, has won from Ratlam five times. He was, however, defeated in 2014 and 2019. Targeting the BJP, Bhuria told PTI, ''Forest Minister Nagar Singh Chauhan's wife Anita has no contribution to the development of the region. The BJP governments at the Centre and in the state have neglected Ratlam.'' ''Roads, ponds and dams in this tribal-dominated area were built during Congress rule,'' he said. ''Due to the lack of employment, tribals of the Ratlam region are still forced to go to Gujarat and Rajasthan for work,'' he said, adding that government recruitment has been stagnant for a long time. The Ratlam constituency has 1,014 women for every 1,000 men and this may have been the reason why the BJP chose to field Anita Chauhan, 39, who holds a master's degree in law and is the Alirajpur district panchayat president, in place of sitting MP Guman Singh Damor, according to political analysts. Anita Chauhan dismisses any challenge from Bhuria. ''Bhuria is not a challenge. We are talking to tribal labourers who have migrated from the Ratlam Lok Sabha constituency to other states to find out what kind of employment can be arranged in their home area. We will create new employment opportunities for them here after the elections,'' she said. With campaigning intensifying, the Bhuria and Chauhan families have been engaged in a war of words. ''Even though Anita Chauhan is the candidate, it is Forest Minister Nagar Singh Chauhan who is actually contesting. The BJP decries dynastic politics but then gives a minister's wife a Lok Sabha ticket,'' said Bhuria's son Vikrant. Hitting back, Nagar Singh Chauhan said, ''It is not right to think Anita has been given a BJP ticket just because she is my wife. She has been an active party worker for the last 20 years. It is the Congress that practices dynastic politics.'' The Ratlam Lok Sabha seat comprises eight assembly seats spread across Ratlam, Jhabua and Alirajpur districts. It is home to a large number of tribals, many of them living in 'falias' or scattered settlements in the valleys. Most of these places are remote and lack basic amenities like electricity, water and roads, forcing a large number of the tribals to migrate to neighbouring Gujarat and other states for livelihood. According to analysts, this is the reason why employment and basic amenities continue to be the main poll issues.

Rahul Dravid Will Not Reapply For Post Of Team India's Head Coach: Reports

Rahul Dravid, the former batting stalwart, stepped into the role of head coach in November 2021, ushering in a new era of discipline, resilience, and a renewed commitment to excellence.

LS polls 2024: Stage set for high-stakes showdown in Telangana

HYDERABAD: The upcoming elections are literally a high-stakes showdown for all the three major political players in the fray, but more so for the BRS and BJP. While each party is vying for dominance by winning a majority of the 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana, the result will have immense ramification on its future. For the BRS, led by former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, these elections are of utmost importance in reaffirming the partys standing in the state. A strong showing in the Lok Sabha polls would not only bolster its credibility but also silence speculations about its waning influence following the defeat in the 2023 Assembly elections. While the aggressive campaigning by KCR along with party stalwarts T Harish Rao and KT Rama Rao has infused a sense of optimism among cadre and supporters, questions regarding the loyalty of certain MLAs remain. According to sources in the pink party, many of its MLAs are in touch with the Congress and are waiting for the Lok Sabha elections results. If the BRS performs well, they are likely to continue in the party, and if not, trouble may be brewing for KCR. The BRS also has to contend with concerns about poll management and electioneering by second-rung leaders. Meanwhile, the BJP has its eyes firmly set on coming to power in the state and is putting in all efforts to achieve this target. To make inroads in Telangana, the party knows that it not only has to retain the four Lok Sabha seats, but also win about six more seats to properly announce its arrival as a formidable political player in Telangana. The party has been aggressive in its campaign, banking heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modis charisma and Amit Shahs strategising. The results will not only indicate the BJPs trajectory in Telangana, but will also influence its long-term political strategy in the region. The Congress, led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, is treating the ongoing elections as a litmus test and a referendum on its governance. The partys top leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have been working hard to rally support from the public and win a majority of the seats on offer. Failure to achieve this target could spell trouble for the Revanth Reddy administration and questions would be raised about his ability to sustain the mandate given to him in 2023. Also, if the INDIA bloc goes on to form the government at the Centre, a good performance by the Congress in the state would mean improved chances for the party leaders to become members of the Union Cabinet. Much hinges on the results Aggressive campaigning by KCR, T Harish Rao and KTR has infused a sense of optimism among cadre Some BRS MLAs are in touch with the Congress and are waiting for the Lok Sabha elections results BJP has its eyes firmly set on coming to power in the state and is putting in all efforts to achieve this target Congress is treating the elections as referendum on its 100-days in power

Indias GenAI platform now in 98 languages

BENGALURU: Seetha Mahalaxmi (SML) India Private Limited and 3AI Holding Limited in Bengaluru on Friday announced the launch of Hanooman- Indias homegrown multilingual GenAI platform in 98 global languages, including 12 Indian languages, to build a GenAI ecosystem for India by leveraging the countrys diverse linguistic and cultural heritage. Hanooman has been developed by Bengaluru-based SML India in partnership with 3AI Holding and other leading technology stalwarts, including HP, NASSCOM and Yotta. The aim is to support AI startups, foster fintech innovation, engage with colleges, and participate in research programmes. They have also collaborated with the Government of Telangana to facilitate seamless translation between English and Telugu, enhancing accessibility and understanding of crucial documents like court orders. The 12 Indian languages that the web and app are currently available include Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada, Odia, Punjabi, Assamese, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Sindhi. The list of global languages includes English, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, and Korean, among others. The technology combines specialised Large Longwave Models (LLMs) built with a dynamic integration synthesis matrix to deliver clear, adaptive insights and transform complex data into actionable intelligence effortlessly. It is presently accessible in its free version, with the premium subscription plan to be launched later this year. Along with its exceptional translation capabilities, Hanooman can handle everything from a casual chat to offering professional advice, as well as perform complex technical tasks like coding and tutoring. The aim is also to cater to four sectors, including healthcare, governance, financial services, and education.

Babar Azam equals Virat Kohli's big record in T20I cricket

Babar Azam equalled India batting stalwart Virat Kohli's record of most fifty-plus scores in men's Twenty20 Internationals. Both Virat and Babar now have 38 fifty-plus scores in T20Is. While Virat has a hundred and 37 fifties to his name, Babar has 3 centuries and 35 half-centuries to his credit. The highly-anticipated T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled for June 9.

Apples big AI rollout at WWDC will reportedly focus on making Siri suck less

Apple will reportedly focus its first round of generative AI enhancements on beefing up Siris conversational chops. Sources speaking with The New York Times say company executives realized early last year that ChatGPT made Siri look antiquated. The company allegedly decided that the large language model (LLM) principles behind OpenAIs chatbot could give the iPhones virtual assistant a much-needed shot in the arm. So Apple will reportedly roll out a new version of Siri powered by generative AI at its WWDC keynote on June 10 . Apple Senior Vice Presidents Craig Federighi and John Giannandrea reportedly tested ChatGPT for weeks before the company realized that Siri looked outdated. (I would argue that the epiphany came about a decade late.) What followed was what The NYT describes as Apples most significant reorganization in more than a decade. The company sees generative AI as a once-in-a-decade tentpole area worth shifting heaps of resources to address. You may recall the company canceled its $10 billion Apple Car project earlier this year. Apple reportedly reassigned many of those engineers to work on generative AI. Apple executives allegedly fear AI models could eventually replace established software like iOS, turning the iPhone into a dumb brick by comparison. The clunky, awkward and overall unconvincing first wave of dedicated AI gadgets weve reviewed, like the Human AI Pin and Rabbit R1 , arent good enough to pose a threat. But that could change as software evolves, other smartphone makers incorporate more AI into their operating systems and other hardware makers have a chance to innovate. So, at least for now, it appears Apple isnt launching direct competitors to generative AI stalwarts like ChatGPT (words), Midjourney (images) or ElevenLabs (voices). Instead, it will start with a new Siri and updated iPhone models with expanded memory to better handle local processing. In addition, the company will reportedly add a text-summarizing feature to the Messages app. Apples M4 chip (shown next to VP John Ternus) could help process local Siri requests. Apple Apples first foray into generative AI, if The NYT s sources are correct, sounds like less of an immediate threat to creators than some had imagined. At its May iPad event , the company ran a video plugging the new iPad Pro that showed various creative tools crushed by a hydraulic press. The clip accidentally served as the perfect metaphor for the (legitimate) fears of artists, musicians and other creators, whose work AI models have trained on and who stand to be replaced by those same tools as they become more normalized for content creation. On Thursday, Apple apologized for the ad and said it canceled plans to run it on TV. Samsung and Google have already loaded their flagship phones with various generative AI features that go far beyond improving their virtual assistants. These include tools for editing photos, generating text and enhancing transcription (among other things). These features typically rely on cloud-based servers for processing, whereas Apples approach will allegedly prioritize privacy and handle requests locally. So Apple will apparently start with a more streamlined approach that sticks to improving whats already there, as well as keeping most or all processing on-device. The New York Times sources add that Apples culture of internal secrecy and privacy-focused marketing have stunted its AI progress. Former Siri engineer John Burkey told the paper that the companys tendency to silo off the information various divisions share with each other has been another primary culprit in Siris inability to evolve far past where the assistant was when it launched a day before Steve Jobs died in 2011. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-big-ai-rollout-at-wwdc-will-reportedly-focus-on-making-siri-suck-less-203035673.html?src=rss

Bunny throws his weight behind this MLA Candidate

As the countdown to the 2024 Andhra Pradesh elections continues, a fresh surge of influencers is making waves, utilizing their celebrity status to endorse their favored candidates. From the glitz of cinema to the digital domain, celebrities are sparing no effort to sway public sentiment and bolster voter participation. Primarily, numerous Hollywood figures are throwing their support behind the Pawan Kalyan Janasena Party. However, in a surprising twist, film actor Allu Arjun has thrown his weight behind the YSRCP candidate in Nandyal, pitting himself against Mr. Pawan Kalyans Jana Sena. Reports indicate that Icon Star Allu Arjun, accompanied by his wife Allu Sneha Reddy, will visit Nandyala tomorrow morning to offer their best wishes to their friend, Ravi Chandra Kishore Reddy, a contender for MLA in the upcoming elections. Notably, this support stems from their longstanding friendship. Yet, it's worth noting that Allu Arjun previously endorsed his uncle, actor-politician Pawan Kalyan, ahead of the Andhra Pradesh elections. Pawan Kalyan is vying for the Pithampuram Assembly seat under his party, Jana Sena. Allu Arjun conveyed his pride and support for his uncle in a heartfelt message shared on May 9th. Allu Arjun wrote, My heartfelt wishes to @PawanKalyan garu on your election journey. I have always been immensely proud of the path you've chosen, dedicating your life to service. As a family member, my love and support will always be with you. My best wishes for achieving all that you aspire for (sic). For those unfamiliar, Andhra Pradesh residents will cast their votes on May 13th. Previously, Tollywood stalwarts Chiranjeevi and Nani had lent their support to Powerstar Pawan Kalyan. The Jana Sena, allied with the NDA and the TDP (Telugu Desam Party), will contest from two Lok Sabha seats and 21 Assembly seats. The election outcomes are slated for declaration on June 4th.

Tables will turn in Medak LS seat, says Neelam Madhu

Supporters of Congress candidate from Patancheru Neelam Madhu Mudiraj staged a protest at Gandhi Bhavan on Wednesday after he was not issued the B-form even after announcement of his candidature. Madhu was among the 16 candidates whose name figured in the third list of candidates for Assembly polls released by the party on Monday. (Facebook) Supporters of Congress candidate from Patancheru Neelam Madhu Mudiraj staged a protest at Gandhi Bhavan on Wednesday after he was not issued the B-form even after announcement of his candidature. Madhu was among the 16 candidates whose name figured in the third list of candidates for Assembly polls released by the party on Monday. (Facebook) Hyderabad : Neelam Madhu Mudiraj, Congress candidate from the Medak Lok Sabha constituency, said it was the Congress, which uplifted grassroot level leaders, including sarpanches and he was fortunate to get a ticket to contest from Medak, which was earlier represented by stalwarts like Indira Gandhi. Popular leader Mogaligundla Baga Reddy, who started his political journey as a sarpanch, was elected to the Lok Sabha from Medak. I too started my political journey as a sarpanch and the Congress has encouraged grassroot level politicians like me by offering the ticket to contest from a prestigious constituency like Medak, he said in an interview with Deccan Chronicle. Excerpts: Q. How do you feel about contesting from Medak, which once elected Indira Gandhi and M. Baga Reddy? The credit must go to the Congress, which has been uplifting grassroot level leaders like me. I served as a sarpanch but the Congress high command and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has given me the Lok Sabha ticket. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for this opportunity. Q. For two decades, the Medak Lok Sabha constituency has been a BRS stronghold. What is your poll strategy to win this seat? Tables will turn, like in other Assembly segments in the constituency. We are the ruling party in the state. The people of Gajwel and Siddipet, especially the ones hailing from backward classes and Dalits, are with the Congress. Q. Granite mafia and Pharma pollution are major issues in Sangareddy and Patancheru. How do you plan to address these issues? Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has already initiated action. Some establishments have been sealed. As soon as I am elected, I will take up these issues and resolve them. Q. Several senior Congress leaders were denied a ticket to contest from Medak. How are their supporters working with you? The Congress cadre is the most obedient. They all are supporting me with all sincerity and commitment at their command.

LS campaigning in BJP stronghold Indore marred by lackluster efforts from all parties, NOTA emerges as potential wildcard

LS campaigning in BJP stronghold Indore marred by lackluster efforts from all parties, NOTA emerges as potential wildcard The Congress' absence from the Lok Sabha poll fray in Madhya Pradesh's commercial capital Indore has made the campaigning lacklustre and subdued, dealing a blow to those selling party flags and banners, but all eyes are now on whether 'NOTA' could create a record on May 13. While the ruling BJP has fielded sitting MP Shankar Lalwani, the Congress' Akshay Kanti Bam withdrew his nomination on the last day of the process, throwing the opposition party out of the race. The Congress has been asking voters to press 'NOTA (none of the above) to teach the BJP a lesson and has been organising torch rallies, meetings and also holding discussions with people on social media. Despite being MP's biggest Lok Sabha constituency with 25.13 lakh voters, the BJP has not organised meetings of any of the top party stalwarts, though state party spokesperson Alok Dubey said its current strategy was enough to garner a ''victory with overwhelming majority''. Ruing the turn of events that has made Indore Lok Sabha poll a one-horse race, Girdharilal Joshi, who has been selling flags and banners in the Rajwada area of the city for years, said, ''I have never seen such a dull Lok Sabha election campaign before. There is no enthusiasm among the local people about the polls.'' ''Candidates and supporters are not buying flags and banners. Moreover, business is also hit as most of the campaigns are being carried out on social media,'' Joshi told PTI. Another flag and banner vendor Prakash Vishwakarma said his stock of Rs 10 lakh was lying unsold, since no one was keen to spend on publicity materials when the result is a foregone conclusion. Indore has been with the BJP since 1989 and with just 14 candidates in the fray, nine of whom are independents, the ruling party is claiming its victory margin will be more than eight lakh votes. Indore Press Club President Arvind Tiwari said, ''The current election atmosphere and especially the reactions of senior citizens and intellectuals suggest NOTA can create a new record here this time.'' In the 2019 LS polls, Indore had recorded a voter turnout of 69 per cent, with the NOTA figure being 5,045. The BJP has been attacking the Congress' support for NOTA with several leaders calling it part of the opposition party's ''negative politics'' and an ''attack on democracy''. Lalwani, meanwhile, is active on social media and is taking part in campaign events across the constituency with an eye on the victory margin. Asked why the BJP has not organised meetings of top leaders of the party, MP BJP spokesperson Alok Dubey said, ''We have programmes of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and state unit chief Vishnu Dutt Sharma here as part of our strategy. These are enough to ensure poll victory with an overwhelming majority.'' Indore will go to polls on May 13 in the fourth phase.

Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 15 review

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Internal battery Protective case More efficient than a wireless power bank Slimmer than rival battery cases Cons Battery offers less power than rivals More expensive than rivals Our Verdict The Mophie Juice Pack battery case provides 50% back-up power and protection for the iPhone 15. The internal 2,400mAh battery is one of the lowest-capacity options but the benefit of this is a much-reduced hump at the back of the slim case, in comparison to bulkier 5000mAh capacity battery cases. Price When Reviewed $99.95 Best Prices Today: Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 15 Retailer Price Zagg $99.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Battery casesphone cases that host a small battery so you can recharge a fading phone on the moveused to be a must-have option for iPhone users but are now quite rare. Apple made a great battery case, the Apple Smart Battery Case , that was initially laughed at for its humped back but was a cherished phone-power savior for many of us. Apple stopped making them when it released the iPhone 12. Back in those days, the most well-known and trusted battery case brand was Mophie, now owned by accessory maker Zagg, with its ultra-popular Juice Pack range. However, the last Mophie Juice Pack release was in 2019, for the iPhone 11 series. Owners of the iPhone 12, 13 and 14 had no Apple or Mophie battery cases to choose from. Battery cases still existed for these phones, but mostly from little-known Chinese makers. We tested a lot of these and our favorite iPhone battery case maker has been long-running Newdery (also Chinese), which we have trusted for power, safety and protection. But there was no real competition from better-known brands. It was therefore with excitement that we heard that Mophie was back in the game with a new Juice Pack battery case, with models for each of the iPhone 15 family except the 15 Plus. Power The main point of a battery case is to provide backup power when your iPhone needs it mostusually when you are on the move, away from a handy wall charger. The Juice Packs for iPhone 15 and 15 Pro each contain a 2,400mAh internal battery, while the more needy iPhone 15 Pro Maxs Juice Pack gets a meatier 3,000mAh battery. We tested the Mophie Juice Pack with an iPhone 15 Pro, and it gave us an average of 56% extra battery life, which should be enough to get you through the day until you can charge the iPhone up again via a cable and wall charger or a dedicated MagSafe iPhone charger. Check out our roundups of the best iPhone chargers and best MagSafe chargers . The competition comes from battery case stalwart Newdery, which makes battery cases for the iPhone 15, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max in two much larger capacities: 5000mAh and 10000mAh. Our test iPhone 15 Pro was charged close to full (95%) using the Newdery 5000mAh battery case and 168% using the bulkier 10000mAh case. Read our Newdery Battery Case for iPhone 15 review . Thats a significant difference in charging power compared to the Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 15 Pro, and there are compromises on both sides, mainly based around the battery case design. The Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 15 Pro (right) is a two-part case, compared to the one-part Newdery battery case (left). The Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 15 Pro (right) is a two-part case, compared to the one-part Newdery battery case (left). Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry The Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 15 Pro (right) is a two-part case, compared to the one-part Newdery battery case (left). Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Design A battery case should offer robust protection like any phone case, with bumpers on all four sides and a tough back. The phones front should be protected from drops by a raised bezel that means the screen doesnt contact the floor when it lands, inevitably, face down. The Mophie Juice Pack fulfils these criteria, and we feel confident that it protects the phone from everyday knocks, drops and scrapes. Mophie claims that it offers 6 feet of drop protection. Its tough external plastic case is made of sustainable PCR materialswith up to 50% post-consumer recycled plastics. Its a classic Mophie two-part design that is different from one-piece designs where you flex back the top part of the case before sliding in the phone. With the Juice Pack, the top quarter of the case needs to be pulled off before putting the phone inside or taking it out. This makes phone insertion less prone to potential breaks as the phone is more nimbly fed on to the USB-C connector at the base. However, having two parts does introduce more points of failure if you are frequently taking the case part. As users keep their phone inside the vase most of the time, this shouldnt be a problem. The USB-C connector feels solid and is less bendable than the flimsier Lightning connector that older iPhones used. There are physical buttons on the sides and front cut-outs for the iPhones bottom speakers and microphone. When you need the extra power from the cases internal battery you just push the button at the back and charging commences. Four LEDs indicate the current battery level and charge status of the case. Youll still need to check the iPhone itself for its remaining battery power. You can give your iPhone a quick burst or just flood the iPhones battery with everything the case can offer. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Battery case vs power bank A battery case is more convenient than a separate power bank as it should always be with you, where it is easy to forget to pack a charged power bank. It also offers protection for your phone, which a power bank is not able to do. We always recommend you always protect your phone in a casewe have tested the best iPhone 15 cases and having the back-up power in a battery case is a great bonus function. Being charged via the cases USB-C connector, they charge faster than via a wireless power bank. A power bank, on the other hand, is a more flexible solution. You get a wider choice of battery capacitiesup to 27000mAhand they arent obsolete when you change your phone for a newer model. Power banks are used only when you need them, so dont add permanent bulk to your phone during the day. Read our roundup of the best iPhone power banks . The choice depends on whether you dont mind a little extra bulk on your phone. The Mophie Juice Pack is noticeably slimmer than most rival battery cases, but it is chunkier than your average phone case. The Mophie Juice Pack, bottom, is noticeably slimmer than the Newdery battery case for iPhone 15 on top. The Mophie Juice Pack, bottom, is noticeably slimmer than the Newdery battery case for iPhone 15 on top. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry The Mophie Juice Pack, bottom, is noticeably slimmer than the Newdery battery case for iPhone 15 on top. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Price The Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 15, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max is priced at $99.95 / 99.95 . While high, thats a reasonable price for the functionality and protection on offer. The Apple Smart Battery Case used to cost $129 / 129. That said, the 5000mAh Newdery Battery Case for iPhone 15/15 Pro and for iPhone 15 Plus/Pro Max cost $29.99 / 26.99 . The 10000mAh Newdery Battery Case costs $49.99 / 52.99 . The Mophie Juice Pack is a better build and didnt once turn off its charge while sitting in my pocket, as the Newdery battery case did on occasion. It is slimmer and lighter (98g) than the Newdery alternative (132g). I recommend the Mophie Juice Pack over the Newdery Battery Case, but a lot of people will be swayed by that price difference. Verdict The Mophie Juice Pack battery case provides 50% backup power and protection for the iPhone 15. The internal 2,400mAh battery is one of the lowest-capacity options but the benefit of this is a much-reduced hump at the back of the slim case, in comparison to larger 5000mAh capacity battery cases that offer a full recharge but are bulkier and heavier. It is undeniably more expensive than the Chinese competition, but it has a superior build, and even at the higher price is a great solution for people who find their phone fading during the day or who need to use their phone for long periods away from their wall charger. Mobile Phone Accessories, Mobile Phone Cases and Covers, Mobile Phone Chargers, Power

Ella - Official Trailer

Watch the Official Trailer from Hindi movie 'Ella' starring Makarand Deshpande, Isha Talwar, Saranya Sharma, Shivangi Mehra, Riya Chanda, Kishor Kumar, Vikram Shetty, Jainish Mehta, Thammana Shetty, Shakeel Sayni, Mahil Singh, Manish Sharma, Sharan Bhat, Joy Bhattacharya and Barkha Saxena. 'Ella' movie is directed by Roshan Fernandes. To know more about 'Ella' Trailer watch the video. Check out the latest Hindi Trailers, new movie Trailers, trending Hindi movie Trailers and more at ETimes - Times of India Entertainment.

'Opposition wants to bury me alive, but people are my security shield', asserts Modi

Nandurbar (Maharashtra): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said some in the opposition want to bury him alive, but people of the country are his security shield and they won't let any harm come to him. Lashing out at the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) headed by former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, the BJP stalwart asserted the akli (fake) Shiv Sena abuses him in such a way that it pleases its favourite vote-bank. The nakli Shiv Sena wants to bury me alive. They abuse me in such a way that it is liked by their favourite vote-bank. They also take a bomb blast accused for election campaigning, Modi said while addressing a campaign rally in north Maharashtra's Nandurbar in support of BJP candidate Hina Gavit. The BJP on Thursday claimed 1993 serial bomb blasts accused Iqbal Musa alias Baba Chauhan was seen in a Lok Sabha campaign rally of Shiv Sena (UBT) Mumbai North West candidate Amol Kirtikar. The allegations were denied by Musa as well as Kirtikar, both of whom claimed they did not know each other. He maintained the opposition has lost people's support and trust, and that is why their political space is shrinking. People of India are my security cover. They can't bury me alive or dead, the PM told the crowd. He was apparently referring to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut's alleged comments about burying him (Modi) in Maharashtra just like Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The Congress says 'Modi teri kabar khudegi' (Modi, your grave will be dug). While abusing me they keep in mind voter appeasement. (Shiv Sena founder) Balasaheb Thackeray must be very sad, averred the BJP's star campaigner. The Congress is an ally of the Shiv Sena (UBT) in Maharashtra. Nandurbar is among 11 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra that will go to polls in the fourth phase on May 13.

'Opposition wants to bury me alive, but people are my security shield', asserts PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said some in the opposition want to bury him alive, but people of the country are his security shield and they won't let any harm come to him. Lashing out at the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) headed by former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, the BJP stalwart asserted the akli (fake) Shiv Sena abuses him in such a way that it pleases its favourite vote-bank.

Ali Fazal on board for 'Thug Life'

KOCHI: Actor Ali Fazal will be making his Tamil film debut with 'Thug Life'. Headlined by Kamal Haasan, the filmis helmedby Mani Ratnam. While the details of Alis character arebeing keptunder wraps, the actor expressed hiselationat being a part of the venture. I am truly thrilled to be a part of Mani sirs vision for 'Thug Life', he said, adding, I can only hope I bring something of significance to this canvas. Its also an honour to work alongside Kamal Haasan sir and share notes with himon this. The opportunity to collaborate with two stalwarts of Indian cinema has been humbling. 'Thug Life', billed as a gangster film, reunites Mani Ratnam and KamalHaasan,after 37 years since 'Nayakan'.Announced last year, the film is a co-production between Udhayanidhis Red Giant Movies, Kamals Raaj Kamal Film International, and Mani Ratnams Madras Talkies. It has cinematography by Ravi K Chandran, music by AR Rahman, editing by Sreekar Prasad, and stunts by Anbariv. Meanwhile, Ali Fazal is awaiting the release of Anurag Basus long-delayed film 'Metro....InDino',scheduled to hit cinemas onNovember 29.Hewas last seenin Vishal Baradwajs'Khufiya',alongside Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi.

Arnob unplugged: Candid insights into his artistic journey

The musician is renowned for his exceptional lyricism and musical arrangements and has been a stalwart in the Bengali music scene for decades. Amidst his bustling studio life, he finds solace in the tranquillity of Shantiniketan, where his musical journey began as a disciple.

Putin Proposes Continuity: Mishustin to Remain as Russian Prime Minister

Vladimir Putin's proposal to reappoint Mikhail Mishustin as Russia's Prime Minister indicates a desire for continuity and stability within the government. Mishustin, known for his technocratic approach and lack of political ambition, has been instrumental in navigating Russia through various challenges, including the conflict in Ukraine and economic sanctions imposed by Western nations. The approval of Mishustin's reappointment by the Duma is virtually assured, given the lack of significant opposition in parliament, which has consistently supported Putin's decisions, including the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The retention of key figures like Sergei Shoigu and Sergei Lavrov further reinforces the message of stability and Putin's satisfaction with the current government's performance. Mishustin's background as a career bureaucrat, particularly his decade-long tenure as the head of the federal tax service, has been notable for his success in doubling revenues and implementing measures to support the economy amidst sanctions. His recent initiatives to simplify procedures for investment from select countries reflect efforts to mitigate the impact of sanctions and attract foreign capital. During critical moments, such as the abortive mutiny in Ukraine last year, Mishustin has emphasized the importance of national unity and rallying around Putin as the country's leader. His upcoming address to the Duma will likely focus on addressing Putin's priorities, including economic development, regional stability, and defense capabilities. Overall, Mishustin's reappointment underscores Putin's preference for continuity and his confidence in Mishustin's ability to navigate Russia through ongoing challenges both domestically and internationally. Vladimir Putin's proposal to retain Mikhail Mishustin as Russia's Prime Minister underscores a strategic move towards maintaining stability amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic challenges. Mishustin's technocratic expertise and track record of navigating Russia through turbulent times have positioned him as a trusted figure within Putin's government. With the Duma's expected approval reflecting the lack of substantial opposition, Putin's leadership style, characterized by centralized decision-making, remains unchallenged. This continuity in government composition, with stalwarts like Sergei Shoigu and Sergei Lavrov retaining key positions, sends a clear signal of Putin's confidence in the current team's ability to address both internal and external challenges. Mishustin's pragmatic approach, exemplified by his success in doubling tax revenues and implementing measures to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions, aligns with Putin's vision of maintaining Russia's economic resilience. As Mishustin prepares to address the Duma, his focus on addressing Putin's priorities, particularly in economic development and bolstering defense capabilities, highlights the government's commitment to sustaining Russia's strategic interests amidst a complex global landscape. Putin Embarks on Fifth Term Amidst Global Scrutiny: A Look into Russia's Political Landscape Putin Orders Drills with Nuclear Weapons Amid Western Concerns Ukraine Parliament Approves Bill Allowing Prisoners to Join Military Amid Personnel Shortage

Tecnotree Collaborates with People+AI to Drive Open Cloud Compute Infrastructure and AI Standardization

Business Wire India Tecnotree, a global digital platform and services leader for AI, 5G, and cloud-native technologies, announced its partnership with people+ai, an initiative of the non-profit EkStep Foundation, on joining the Open Cloud Compute (OCC) project. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240509411323/en/ As the market leader in TM Forum Open API Conformance, Tecnotree holds the top position with the highest number of certified APIs among all members. With 59 certified Open APIs and an additional 17 transformation APIs from Camara defined by GSMA, Tecnotree offers a comprehensive suite of 76 APIs. This extensive API portfolio enables Tecnotree to support over 250 out-of-the-box journeys across the order-to-cash and provisioning lifecycle for monetization. The partnership aims to enhance Indias compute ecosystem by creating a network of providers offering accessible and customized compute resources. The platform shares a collective vision of bringing ecosystems together across the world, for the future common standards and capabilities for AI, Cloud Infrastructure, Sustainability, Trusted AI, Cloud Compute, and SDNs. In addition to Tecnotree, various other technology providers are collaborating to meet increasing compute requirements. Other companies participating include industry stalwarts such as Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Oracle, Dell Technologies, Tata Communications, IBM, and more. Mr. Nandan Nilekani, CoFounder & Director, EkStep Foundation, and Dr. Pramod Varma, CTO, EkStep Foundation held a closed-door session with representatives of more than 20 organisations on doing the groundwork to create a compute ecosystem in India, importantly for the creation of a single and open interface for providers and customers of computing infrastructure. Nilekani said, Indias approach to building technology at scale is unique. We have successfully unbundled the building blocks to create population-scale digital public infrastructure for identity, payments, and education. We see that Indias ideas for technology are being recognised globally. I believe it is now time to rebundle and make AI work to empower every individual and identify AI use cases unique to India. AI will help reduce barriers and personalise at scale. Tanvi Lall, director of strategy, people+ai, EkStep Foundation, said, Just like energy sources, compute resources come in diverse forms. Over the next few years, demand for compute will go up due to increased digitalisation and AI, and the global cloud compute market is expected to triple in size. Through OCC, we are taking a digital public infrastructure approach to unlocking access to compute at scale. Prianca Ravichander, Tecnotree CMO and Head of B2B2X Monetisation, said, This initiative by OCC not only enhances Indias compute ecosystem sustainably but also fosters global collaboration in establishing common connectivity and standards for AI and Trust that help link Discoverability with Provisioning at scale with Cloud Infrastructure. Together with other industry leaders we are dedicated to meeting the growing compute requirements in a sustainable wat. Tecnotree is partnering with OCC to make this initiative a reality to foster Marketplace experiences around intelligently connected products in the realms of Healthcare, Transport, Media Entertainment and Financial Services through our Tecnotree Moments B2B2X monetisation platform. We are dedicated to enabling the benefits of Cloud and AI through our digital products and services for telecom operators worldwide. We aim to drive forward AI and Cloud standardization globally, laying the groundwork for a more cohesive ecosystem. Together, we are laying the foundations that are not only technologically advanced but also inclusive and sustainable, propelling us towards a digitally inclusive future. About Tecnotree Tecnotree has been Empowering Digitally Connected Communities to over 90+ Telecom Providers around the world, since 1978. Our leading AIML-embedded, 5G-ready digital Business Support System (BSS), with multi-cloud extensibility, has challenged traditional transformation approaches and gained acceptance across a range of emerging and established markets, currently supporting over 1 billion subscribers with Tier 1 Customers like Telefonica, STC, MTN, CLARO, Ooredoo and more. Change and transformation are at the very essence of our DNA driving continuous innovation, delivering world-class experiences and monetisation capabilities to telecom operators and their customers through Tecnotree Moments, enabling essential services beyond voice and data connectivity to other digital experiences in the area of health, education, financial inclusion and beyond. Tecnotree is listed on the Helsinki Nasdaq (TEM1V). About people+ai People+ai is a non-profit initiative by the EkStep Foundation to initiate and co-create AI-based initiatives that help create a future by design. Together, we identify challenges, generate solutions, and build the foundational tools needed to scale AI for impact. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240509411323/en/

Ekresha - Benaras Ki Dor, New Online Destination for Fashion

Business Wire India Experience Elegant & Luxury Fashion with Ekresha's Digital Store Ekresha, a leading premium fashion brand, proudly announces the launch of its new website, bringing the timeless elegance of Benaras fabrics & contemporary fashion directly to the doorstep. With Ekresha, one shouldno longer needs to travel to Benaras to indulge in the luxurious artistry of its textiles now, the beauty of Indian culture and tradition is just a click away. Ekresha embodies the very essence of Indian culturea fusion of traditions intertwined with emotions, celebrating the rich heritage of Benaras through exquisite fabrics. The brands name itself is a tribute to the captivating city of Benaras, where centuries of craftsmanship have transformed silken threads into fabrics of unparalleled beauty. Ekresha derives its meaning from Sanskrit, where ek signifies one and resha is derived from the word Rasa, symbolising a silk thread. This blend of tradition and innovation is at the heart of Ekresha, weaving together the cultural heritage of Benaras with a contemporary flair. Drawing inspiration from Benarass vibrant colours, Ekreshas fabrics reflect the hues of the sacred River Ganga, the mesmerising sunsets, and the earthy landscapes. The collection encompasses a diverse range of silk, cotton, georgette, linen, and more - each piece is a testament to the boundless creativity of Ekresha's master weavers. It is not just a brand; Ekresha is a culmination of expertise and passion. With seasoned seniors and designers from the wholesale textile setup at its helm, Ekresha combines decades of experience with fresh perspectives. Supported by a dynamic young marketing team, the brand is led by visionary entrepreneur Viraj Shah, whose innovative spirit drives Ekresha toward new heights of success. Currently, the launch collection has been kept minimal but in the future, from traditional sarees and salwar suits to fusion wear and Western attire, Ekreshas collection will be versatile and adaptable, seamlessly transcending styles to enhance one's wardrobe with elegance and grace, with a major focus on the changing moods, seasons and trends. Recently, the brand has also launched its premium collection at the renowned Taj Khazana stores in Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai. The brand plans to further expand to stores in Mumbai and Bengaluru as well. This strategic partnership brings Ekresha's exquisite Benaras fabrics closer to fashion connoisseurs, with plans for expansion into Mumbai in the near future. We are thrilled to bring the magic of Benaras fabrics directly to our customers homes through our new online platform, said Viraj Shah, an entrepreneur at Ekresha. We aim to preserve Benarass cultural legacy while embracing modernity, offering discerning customers around the world access to premium fabrics that tell a story of craftsmanship and tradition. Explore Ekreshas exquisite collection and experience the artistry of Benaras fabrics at www.ekresha.com . For media inquiries, please contact +91-9000800194. About Ekresha Ekresha is a premium fabrics brand that encapsulates the essence of Indian culture through its exquisite collection of Benaras fabrics. With a blend of tradition and contemporary style, Ekreshas masterfully crafted fabrics celebrate the rich heritage of Benaras while offering a modern touch to fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Ekresha - Benaras Ki Dor - www.ekresha.com

Parties look to end campaign with a flourish in Telangana

HYDERABAD: As the clock ticks closer to voting day, May 13, in Telangana, all major parties plan to bring their campaigning to an end on May 11 with a flourish by deploying their top leaders in the hope that they would swing neutral voters in their favour. As mandated by the Election Commission of India, all parties will have to wind up their campaign by 6 pm on May 11, to enable the 48-hour silent period. A surge of campaign activity is expected to be seen in the last two days of campaigning, with stalwarts from various parties crisscrossing the state to sway voters ahead of voting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be leading the BJP charge with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda heading the flanks. Likewise, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge will be commanding the Congress forces with former party president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi on the right and left flanks. Similarly, the BRS army will be led by party supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao and his trusted lieutenants KT Rama Rao and T Harish Rao. Modi is scheduled to address public meetings in Narayanpet and Hyderabad on Friday, for which the saffron party is expected to pull out all stops and mobilise massive crowds. Overall, Modi would have addressed six campaign rallies in the state, including roadshows. The Congress will press into service its general secretary Priyanka Gandhi who is slated to address two public meetings in Kamareddy and Tandur on May 11, while Kharge will hold a press conference at a private hotel in Hyderabad along with INDIA bloc leaders. Rahul Gandhi has already participated in four meetings in Telangana for the Lok Sabha elections. KCR will wrap up the BRS campaign in Siddipet Assembly constituency, which is part of the Medak Lok Sabha seat and his native segment. The former chief minister has been taking part in roadshows since the past 20 days and addressing massive gatherings in various constituencies. Harish Rao and Rama Rao will also conclude their campaign along with the party president on May 11. Apart from the political heavyweights, the campaign trail has also been lit with the participation of celebrities from the film industry. Actress Khushbu joined the BJP state president G Kishan Reddys roadshow, while actor Daggubati Venkatesh lent his support to Congress candidate R Raghurama Reddy in Khammam. Once campaigning ends, senior leaders of all the parties will turn their attention to poll management. Their focus on booth-level management and voter outreach will go a long way in determining the winners and losers in a majority of the seats in the coming elections.

Tarapur Nuclear Reactor Restart Delayed Due to Outstanding Component Deliveries

Tarapur Nuclear Reactor Restart Delayed Due to Outstanding Component Deliveries The nations first two nuclear reactors at the Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) that have been closed for repairs since 2020 will take another five months to resume operation due to a delay in the delivery of an essential component, officials said on Friday. Officials said they were waiting for some special metal pipes from Italy but the tubes did not arrive in time. The manufacturer is finding it difficult to produce the pipes as the order is quite small, they said. Initially scheduled for reactivation on May 9, the reactors will remain offline until October, pending the awaited supplies, an official said. The two Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs), each with a capacity of 160 megawatts, were installed in 1969 at TAPS, about 100 km from Mumbai on the countrys western coast. The BWRs boil water which is converted into steam to run the turbine for electricity production and then recycled back to water through a condenser to be re-used in the heat-generation process. The overhaul, estimated at Rs 351 crore, aims to address immediate concerns and extend the reactors operational life by a decade. Additionally, TAPS has two Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors, each with a capacity of 540 megawatts. India now has 22 operating reactors, with an installed capacity of 6,780 megawatts. The ongoing repairs to the BWRs involve replacing the primary recirculation system, installed in 1969, to rectify microscopic cracks detected in the external circulation system adjacent to both reactors, an official said. Sanjay Mulkalwar, station director of TAPS, reiterated the reactors' significance in the region's power grid, assuring continued operation for at least the next decade. Ongoing tests have affirmed a substantial remaining operational life for both reactors, he said. The repairs involve challenges like potential radiation exposure, space constraints, and intricate utility networks complicating the pipeline replacement process. Specialized stainless steel 316 LN pipes, sourced from Italy, are central to the repairs, though their delayed delivery has caused the current setback, officials said. Despite the delay, authorities remain optimistic about the project's completion by mid-September, followed by rigorous testing before power generation resumes in November.

Trying To Keep Up With Strike-Rate For...: Virat Kohli's Big Admission

Royal Challengers Bengaluru stalwart Virat Kohli admitted that he need to take more risks, though quality over quantity still remains his mantra.

EXPLAINER-What risks do advanced AI models pose in the wrong hands?

EXPLAINER-What risks do advanced AI models pose in the wrong hands? The Biden administration is poised to open up a new front in its effort to safeguard U.S. AI from China and Russia with preliminary plans to place guardrails around the most advanced AI models, Reuters reported on Wednesday. Government and private sector researchers worry U.S. adversaries could use the models, which mine vast amounts of text and images to summarize information and generate content, to wage aggressive cyber attacks or even create potent biological weapons. Here are some threats posed by AI: DEEPFAKES AND MISINFORMATION Deepfakes - realistic yet fabricated videos created by AI algorithms trained on copious online footage - are surfacing on social media, blurring fact and fiction in the polarized world of U.S. politics. While such synthetic media has been around for several years, it's been turbocharged over the past year by a slew of new generative AI tools such as Midjourney that make it cheap and easy to create convincing deepfakes. Image creation tools powered by artificial intelligence from companies including OpenAI and Microsoft, can be used to produce photos that could promote election or voting-related disinformation, despite each having policies against creating misleading content, researchers said in a report in March. Some disinformation campaigns simply harness the ability of AI to mimic real news articles as a means of disseminating false information. While major social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have made efforts to prohibit and remove deepfakes, their effectiveness at policing such content varies. For example, last year, a Chinese government-controlled news site using a generative AI platform pushed a previously circulated false claim that the United States was running a lab in Kazakhstan to create biological weapons for use against China, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in its 2024 homeland threat assessment. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, speaking at an AI event in Washington on Wednesday, said the problem has no easy solutions because it combines the capacity of AI with he intent of state, non-state actors, to use disinformation at scale, to disrupt democracies, to advance propaganda, to shape perception in the world. Right now the offense is beating the defense big time, he said. BIOWEAPONS The American intelligence community, think tanks and academics are increasingly concerned about risks posed by foreign bad actors gaining access to advanced AI capabilities. Researchers at Gryphon Scientific and Rand Corporation noted that advanced AI models can provide information that could help create biological weapons. Gryphon studied how large language models (LLM) - computer programs that draw from massive amounts of text to generate responses to queries - could be used by hostile actors to cause harm in the domain of life sciences and found they can provide information that could aid a malicious actor in creating a biological weapon by providing useful, accurate and detailed information across every step in this pathway. They found, for example, that an LLM could provide post-doctoral level knowledge to trouble-shoot problems when working with a pandemic-capable virus. Rand research showed that LLMs could help in the planning and execution of a biological attack. They found an LLM could for example suggest aerosol delivery methods for botulinum toxin. CYBERWEAPONS DHS said cyber actors would likely use AI to develop new tools to enable larger-scale, faster, efficient, and more evasive cyber attacks against critical infrastructure including pipelines and railways, in its 2024 homeland threat assessment. China and other adversaries are developing AI technologies that could undermine U.S. cyber defenses, DHS said, including generative AI programs that support malware attacks. Microsoft said in a February report that it had tracked hacking groups affiliated with the Chinese and North Korean governments as well as Russian military intelligence, and Iran's Revolutionary Guard, as they tried to perfect their hacking campaigns using large language models. NEW EFFORTS TO ADDRESS THREATS A bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a bill late Wednesday that would make it easier for the Biden administration to impose export controls on AI models, in a bid to safeguard the prized U.S. technology against foreign bad actors. The bill, sponsored by House Republicans Michael McCaul, John Molenaar, Max Wise and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, would also give the Commerce Department express authority to bar Americans from working with foreigners to develop AI systems that pose risks to U.S. national security. Tony Samp, an AI policy advisor in Washington, said policymakers in Washington are trying to foster innovation and avoid heavy-handed regulation that stifles innovation as they seek to address the many risks posed by the technology. But he warned that cracking down on AI development through regulation could inhibit potential breakthroughs in areas like drug discovery, infrastructure, national security, and others, and cede ground to competitors overseas.

Kohli second batter to score 600+ runs in four seasons of IPL

Achieving over 600 runs in a single season is a remarkable feat in the thrilling arena of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where every run counts and every boundary receives cheers. Two game stalwarts, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, stand tall at the zenith of this record, each accomplishing the milestone in four separate seasons. Their unwavering consistency with the bat has not only garnered individual accolades but also cemented their positions as indispensable assets for their respective teams.

BAFTA Breakthrough India Returns for a Fourth Year

BAFTA, the leading UK charity for the screen arts, is back with its Breakthrough programme for a fourth year in India, in partnership with Netflix. BAFTA Breakthrough India identifies and celebrates the next generation of talented professionals in the films, games, and television industries across the country. This year also marks the second time the BAFTA Breakthrough programme opens applications simultaneously in India, the US and UK regions, BAFTA, through its mentorship and talent programme, has guided several creative individuals in the pursuit of their craft by curating an all-encompassing programme that helps breakthroughs address the barriers in their respective fields of work, sharpening their skills, and assisting them to create international networks that will accelerate their careers. The recipients will be part of one-to-one meetings with industry stalwarts and group roundtables. They will receive professional coaching to develop their professional and creative skills. They will also get access to all of BAFTA's training, development and networking events for the duration of the programme, i.e., 12 months, along with opportunities to network with industry members across the world through BAFTA membership. Additionally, the breakthroughs will have a PR-backed showcase. Tim Hunter, BAFTA Executive Director, Learning, Inclusion, Policy & Membership, said: Were pleased to say that applications for BAFTA Breakthrough India are once again open. Thanks to the generous support of Netflix, this initiative will see us nurture a cohort of outstanding creative talent working in Indias film, television and games industries, and showcase their talents to our global membership to be unveiled later this year. Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content, Netflix India said: The BAFTA Breakthrough India programme perfectly aligns with Netflix's vision of empowering upcoming creative voices and bringing them to a global audience. The diversity of talent unearthed in the past four years is a testament to this programme's immense success. We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with BAFTA and discover and nurture the next generation of Indian creative voices. Guneet Monga Kapoor, Founder & CEO of Sikhya Entertainment, Film Producer and Breakthrough India Ambassador said: India boasts of abundant creative talent, as evidenced by the past three editions of Breakthrough. I grew up at a time where access to such opportunities were unheard of. I highly encourage the next generation of creatives across film, television, and games in India to apply for this years programme. BAFTA Breakthrough offers invaluable resources to young change makers in our industry, and Im so excited to witness how this year's participants will leverage the opportunities to refine their skills, and elevate the Indian Screen Industries on an international platform. As the principal partner for the sixth year on BAFTA Breakthrough, Netflix continues to provide integral support towards its global expansion. Through Breakthrough, BAFTA and Netflix share a joint vision to celebrate and provide opportunities for emerging talent across the world, bringing together international communities across global networks, to develop and support stories and voices from different cultures. BAFTA Breakthrough 2023 witnessed promising talent, including Abhinav Tyagi, who is an editor and worked on An Insignificant Man in 2016 as editor, post producer, and chief assistant director. Shardul Bhardwaj was another cohort member who is actively working as an actor. He starred in the 2019 critically acclaimed film Eeb Allay Ooo! and also served as an assistant director and casting director on Netflixs 2018 film Soni. BAFTA Breakthrough opened doors across the globe for its previous cohorts, aiding them to share spaces with some of the most distinguished and influential people in their respective industries and learn through their expertise, knowledge, and experiences to further their careers with newer perspectives. Actress Tanya Maniktala was one of the breakthroughs during the first year of the programme in India. She starred in Mira Nairs Netflix adaptation of Vikram Seths novel A Suitable Boy. In her testimony, Tanya Maniktala said , It has been an incredible experience being associated with the BAFTA Breakthrough Programme. Thank you so much for all your guidance and encouragement. Alokananda Dasgupta, a music composer and director, was a part of the 2022 cohort. She had the great fortune of interacting with actress, comedian, and producer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, along with directors Richie Mehta and Asif Kapadia. Comedian Sumukhi Suresh also received the opportunity to meet industry veterans like actress Ratna Pathak Shah and BBC Comedy Commissioner Emma Lawson, via the Breakthrough Programme. BAFTA's commitment to excellence extends to its selection process. A distinguished jury of industry experts, meticulously chosen for their diverse experience and proven track record, will evaluate applications for BAFTA Breakthrough India. This ensures a comprehensive and insightful assessment of each candidate's potential. BAFTA Breakthrough 2024 will culminate later this year, and the Breakthroughs/shortlisted participants from India, the US & UK regions will be concurrently revealed in a global announcement. Application Requirements: BAFTA is looking for candidates who: Aged 18 or over at the time of application Primarily resident in India Conversationally fluent in English Working as an Animator, Choreographer**, Cinematographer, Colourist, Composer, Costume Designer, Director, Editor, Game Developer, Game Director, Game Producer, Hair/Make-up Artist, Performer, Presenter, Producer, Producer/Director, Production Designer, Series Director, Series Producer, Sound Editor/Mixer, Writer or VFX/3D Artist within the Indian film, games or television industries Though choreographers are not explicitly represented in BAFTAs global membership, applicants can apply for the Breakthrough programme where, if selected, they will receive opportunities to develop knowledge and be connected with other departments and creatives across film, games and television, reflected in BAFTAs membership and network. They will also have: A recommendation letter from a relevant regional film, games or television industry organisation A leading professional credit on a piece of work that has been: theatrically released in India between 1 June 2023 and 1 September 2024 (or is reasonably expected to at the time of application). or broadcast on a television channel or OTT platform in India between 1 June 2023 and 1 September 2024 (or is reasonably expected to at the time of application). or , for games, released in India on a publicly available platform between 1 June 2023 and 1 September 2024 (or is reasonably expected to at the time of application). A demonstrable ambition to collaborate and share their expertise with UK practitioners and/or to produce content for UK audiences Applications for BAFTA Breakthrough India 2024 open today, 7 May 2024. To learn more about the programme, eligibility criteria, and how to apply, please visit https://www.bafta.org/ supporting-talent/ breakthrough/bafta- breakthrough-india .

Mac and MacBook hit with 'Cuckoo' malware stealing sensitive data

Kurt CyberGuy Knutsson has a warning about a new type of malware that's targeting Apple computers for files that may contain private information.

Kaspersky introduces Kaspersky Next, new flagship product line for businesses in Sri Lanka

Kaspersky today introduced its new flagship product line Kaspersky Next in Sri Lanka, combining robust endpoint protection with the transparency and speed of EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) alongside the visibility and powerful tools of XDR (Extended Detection and Response). Customers can now choose one of three product tiers tailored to their business requirements, the complexity of their IT infrastructure, and their available resources Amid the constantly evolving cyberthreat landscape, it is vital for companies to have a comprehensive cybersecurity solution they can trust and rely on for effective protection. According to Enterprise Strategy Groups XDR and SOC Modernization Report, businesses are still struggling to find information security tools that can detect and investigate advanced threats on time. [1] As a leading innovative and technological company, Kaspersky is continuously developing its solutions to address all the cybersecurity requirements of businesses, helping them build up reliable cybersecurity frameworks. Today, we unveil of our cutting-edge XDR solution and the transformation of our corporate product offerings, marking a pivotal moment in our active journey as an enterprise cybersecurity vendor. With the introduction of Kaspersky Next, were simplifying the complexities of EDR and XDR for businesses and organizations in Sri Lanka of all sizes. Our mission is to deliver top-notch protection driven by unparalleled expertise to every customerwhether theyre novices in cybersecurity or equipped with their own SOC teams. Our ultimate goal is to empower companies to construct dependable and efficient information security systems that meet their unique cybersecurity needs, says Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky. In 2023, Kaspersky products detected 15 million local incidents on the computers of Kaspersky Security Network participants in Sri Lanka. Overall, 46.7% of users in Sri Lanka were targeted by local threats during this period. These statistics represent the malicious programmes found directly on users computers or removable media connected to them (flash drives, camera memory cards, phones, external hard drives) or that initially made their way onto the computer in non-open form (for example, programmes in complex installers or encrypted files). Additionally, 9.3 million different Internet-borne cyberthreats were detected on the computers of KSN participants in Sri Lanka. Overall, 39.5% of users were targeted by web-borne threats during this period. Web-based threats expose people and computer systems to online harm. This includes well-known threats such as phishing (a type of social engineering attack) and through the exploitation of vulnerabilities in browsers or infected plugins. In Sri Lanka, we observe high incidence of malware spread through removable media such as USB drives. These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in local systems, often bypassing initial digital defenses. On the web front, the majority of attacks are conducted through browsers, leveraging drive-by download tactics that exploit browser and plugin vulnerabilities. Coupled with the rise in social engineering attacks, where users are deceived into downloading seemingly legitimate files, our data underscores the critical need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. With Kaspersky Next, we aim to empower Sri Lankan businesses to effectively combat these diverse and sophisticated threats, ensuring robust protection and resilience against cyber intrusions, adds Yeo. Kaspersky Next is a new line of cybersecurity products that includes robust endpoint protection powered by AI capabilities , and goes beyond the classic EPP (Endpoint Protection Platform), bringing together EDR and XDR for corporate customers of any size and industry. As the most advanced and effective cybersecurity solutions, EDR and XDR help companies to withstand the more prevalent, evasive, and sophisticated attacks, providing businesses with total visibility, control, rapid response and proactive threat hunting. Kaspersky Next is deployment-agnostic and allows for both cloud and on-premise installations . Companies can manage it either through a streamlined console to perform core cybersecurity tasks quickly, or via an enterprise-grade console with more granular controls and advanced monitoring. The new product line helps companies build crucial cybersecurity functions, to provide robust protection against multiple types of threats that business face the most, such as ransomware, malware and data breaches, and avoid infrastructure penetration through Business Email Compromise, supply chain attacks, exploits and other vulnerabilities. Kaspersky Next includes multiple automation features such as cloud monitoring and blocking, vulnerability and patch management, IoC [2] scan and playbooks that help businesses not only to support the effective detection and remediation of complex and new threats, but also to significantly reduce the burden on cybersecurity teams by minimizing the number of routine cybersecurity tasks. Kaspersky Next currently comprises of three product tiers: Kaspersky Next EDR Foundations provides powerful endpoint protection that identifies and neutralizes threats before they can harm business processes. Flexible, straightforward security controls and built-in IT scenarios enable hands-off operation and let companies customize their security policies to suit their unique needs. This solution is recommended for companies where information security is performed by IT departments. Kaspersky Next EDR Optimum provides strong endpoint protection with essential EDR functionality, advanced controls, patch management and cloud security. Threat visibility, investigation and response are guided to help businesses deflect attacks rapidly and with minimal resources. This solution is recommended for companies with small information security teams. Kaspersky Next XDR Expert aggregates, analyzes and correlates data from various sources across an organizations IT infrastructure, providing real-time visibility and deep insights into evolving cyber risks to deliver advanced threat detection and automated response. Its the robust cybersecurity solution that can also integrate with third-party vendors. This solution is recommended for companies with experienced cybersecurity teams or Security Operations Centers (SOC). Kaspersky Next is a part of the companys B2B product ecosystem and it is designed to be directly compatible with other Kaspersky solutions and services. With the growing demand for more comprehensive cybersecurity protection, companies can also easily migrate from one tier to another depending on their current cybersecurity requirements. To learn more about Kaspersky Next, please visit the website. [1] SOC Modernization and the Role of XDR, Enterprise Strategy Group, 2022 [2] IoC = Indicator of compromise

Ali Fazal On Working In Mani Ratnam's Thug Life With Kamal Haasan: 'Working with Stalwarts Is Humbling'

While the details of his character are being kept under wraps, Ali Fazal has spoken of how elated he is to be working with him.

Richa Chadha Critiques Nora Fatehis Views On Feminism: Misguided

In a recent interview, Richa Chadha, known for her outspoken stance on womens issues and self-identification as a feminist, was questioned about Nora Fatehis perspective on feminism. Richa expressed her partial disagreement with Noras views, particularly regarding gender roles, noting her surprise at some of Noras statements. In a conversation with Puja Talwar, Richa said, [] Read on Lehren - Richa Chadha Critiques Nora Fatehis Views On Feminism: Misguided

Fierce battle on cards in Ongole Assembly segment

ONGOLE: The Ongole Assembly constituency, a key coastal region in Prakasam district, is the administrative capital of the district. With the highest number of voters (around 2.39 lakh), the segment plays a pivotal role in deciding the fate of the contenders in the coming elections. Further as a district headquarters and stronghold of fishermen folks, its political mood radiates impact throughout the district and a few surrounding places which fall into the limits of neighbouring Bapatla and Nellore district. Since its inception in 1951, a total of 17 elections were held from 1952 to 2019, which gave an opportunity for people to elect many great public leaders and political stalwarts like Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, CR Reddy, BVL Narayana, S Jivaratnam Naidu and others. While YSRC has fielded sitting MLA Balineni Srinivasa Reddy, who won Ongole MLA seat for a record five times, TDP nominated Damacharla Janardhana Rao to win back the segment. Besides Balineni and Damacharla, Turkapalli Naga Lakshmi (Congress) and Tatiparti Venkata Swamy (BSP) are also in the poll fray. The Ongole Assembly constituency has only two mandalsOngole and Kothapatnam. The residents of the constituency have been suffering from scarcity of potable water for a long time as there is no sufficient surface water available in Ongole Municipal Corporation (OMC) limits. The Ongole Municipal Corporation (OMC) authorities are drawing water from the Kandula Obula Reddy Gundlakamma Reservoir as well as from the Ramatheertham Balancing Reservoir near Chimakurthy to fill-up two Summer Storage (SS-1 & SS-2) tanks to cater the drinking water needs of the people. With the efforts of MLA Balineni Srinivasa Reddy, the State government has sanctioned around Rs 400 crore for the water supply schemes and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) works are underway. Another major issue is the pollution plaguing Pothuraju Canal. To address this problem, around Rs 100 crore was sanctioned by the government to start the desilting, expansion and revetment works of the canal. The government has also sanctioned around 22,000 houses to the urban poor families of the OMC limits. However, Buckingham canal development works, Ethamukkala flyover works, city beautification works and other infrastructural development works are yet to be taken up. In a bid to bank the anti-incumbency votes, TDP candidate Damacharla Janardhana Rao has intensified election campaigning to win over his rival Balineni Srinivasa Reddy. Exuding confidence that the tripartite alliance will form the government with thumping majority, he said, People across the State are vexed with YS Jagan Reddy led YSRC governments anti-public rule. I have a separate manifesto for the comprehensive development and welfare of the Ongole constituency people and immediately after forming the government, we will complete all our election promises, including tap water connections to every households, Pothuraju canal modernisation works, TIDCO houses to all eligible, beautification works, completion of Ethamukkala flyover and other key development works.

Wedding Fashion: If you want to dazzle in the wedding season, include these clothes in your collection today itself.

Whenever someone's marriage is confirmed in the house, the family members start preparations for it. Along with the bride and groom, people also look for such outfits for themselves, wearing which their style will look different. It is easy for boys to choose clothes, but girls face problems. Every girl wants to look the most beautiful in every wedding function of her house. For this, she takes tips from Bollywood actresses and gets outfits prepared for herself. Even after this, many girls do not understand how they can carry the clothes to their home wedding. If you also have this problem then this article is for you. In this article, we will tell you about some such clothes which every girl must have. If you have such clothes with you, then you can add glamor to your home wedding. Lehenga or skirt-top Every girl must have this type of skirt and crop top. You can also make it a lehenga by carrying a dupatta with it. A lehenga or skirt is the best choice for a wedding because it is quite comfortable. Nowadays you will find many types of lehengas in the market for every budget. Sharara Indo Western Outfit Although Sharara comes in ethnic outfits, you can carry it differently. It looks very cute even with a crop top and dupatta. In such a situation, include the Indo-Western version of this type of Sharara in your collection. Gown Such a gown is perfect to wear in a sangeet or reception. You will not have any problem dancing by wearing this. In such a situation, keep this type of heavy work gown in your wardrobe. Saree A saree is a garment that can be worn at every event. In such a situation, keep some sarees in your collection as per the trend. Always keep the saree blouse ready, so that if you suddenly feel like wearing a saree, you can carry it. Tunic suit This type of Angrakha suit looks very beautiful. You will also easily find Angrakha-style short kurta and knee-length kurta in the market. If you are making a short kurti, then get a similar dhoti-style pajama made with it. Salwar suit If you like to wear comfortable clothes, then you must wear this type of salwar suit. You can carry this in every wedding ceremony. If there is heavy work on it then you can wear it on the wedding day also. (PC: Instagram)

Meet the leader of LockBit, the most active ransomware gang ever

Cybercrime hunters have unmasked the alleged leader of LockBit, a hacker network dubbed the most active ransomware group ever. LockBit gained global notoriety for holding victims datato ransom and ransomware-as-a-service, whereby it licenses malware to otherhackers. According to Europol, the gang was behind the worlds most deployed ransomware in 2022 causing billions of euros worth of damage. Among the high-profile victims are US aerospace giant Boeing, Britains Royal Mailand German automotive titan Continental. Russian entities, however, are notably absent from the list of targets. It will therefore come as little surprise that the gangs reputed mastermind is a Russian This story continues at The Next Web

Arijit Singh arrives on a scooter to cast his vote, fans hail humble king

Singh opted for a relaxed attire, donning a blue T-shirt and jeans, while is wife, Koel appeared in a white salwar kameez. Additionally, the 'Kesariya Tera' singer proudly exhibited an inked finger to the public. As images of the 'Aashiqui 2' singer circulated widely on the internet, numerous netizens commended his down-to-earth demeanor and simplicity.

Mari Selvaraj's Bison with Dhruv Vikram locks OTT deal

Following her recent success in Tillu Square, actress Anupama Parameswaran is swiftly venturing into new territories, solidifying her presence in the film industry. Most recently, two new projects, Bison and Lockdown, featuring her, have been unveiled, promising audiences a diverse array of cinematic experiences. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mari Selvaraj, Bison emerges as a promising addition to the Tamil film landscape, with rising star Dhruv Vikram essaying the lead role. Positioned as a gripping sports drama, the film has already captured attention by securing its digital streaming rights with Netflix, reportedly sealing the deal at a noteworthy price point. Currently in the throes of production, Bison boasts an illustrious ensemble cast, featuring stalwarts such as Lal, Pasupathy, Rajisha, and Kalaiyarasan in pivotal roles, each poised to contribute their unique essence to the narrative tapestry. This cinematic endeavor stands as a collaborative effort between industry giants Applause Entertainment and Pa Ranjiths Neelam Studios, reflecting a convergence of creative prowess and vision. With acclaimed composer Nivas K Prasanna lending his musical talents to the project, Bison promises to deliver an immersive auditory experience that complements its compelling narrative.

Tecnotree Partners with People+AI to Drive Open Cloud Compute Infrastructure and AI Standardisation

Business Wire India Tecnotree, a global digital platform and services leader for AI, 5G, and cloud-native technologies, announced its partnership with people+ai, an initiative of the non-profit EkStep Foundation, on joining the Open Cloud Compute (OCC) project. OCC comprises of an interconnected network of micro data centres, and based on this model India requires approximately 10,000 micro data centres to bolster its compute power infrastructure. The network would bring compute capabilities closer to the end users, enabling faster processing, lower latency, and stronger data sovereignty. Tecnotree is partnering with the OCC initiative for shaping the future of AI in India, by implementing an API abstraction layer aligned with telecom standards. The collaboration aims to build a one-stop shop for AI, Cloud, and 5G services, offering a comprehensive solution to meet evolving industry needs. The partnership aims to enhance Indias compute ecosystem by creating a network of providers offering accessible and customized compute resources. The platform shares a collective vision of bringing ecosystems together across the world, for the future common standards and capabilities for AI, Cloud Infrastructure, Sustainability, Trusted AI, Cloud Compute, and SDNs. In addition to Tecnotree, various other technology providers are collaborating to meet increasing compute requirements. Other companies participating include industry stalwarts such as Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Oracle, Dell Technologies, Tata Communications, IBM, and more. These partner organisations will act as providers in this compute stack or customers who have a growing need for compute. Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani who co-founded EkStep Foundation held a closed-door session with representatives of more than 20 organisations on doing the groundwork to create a compute ecosystem in India, important for the creation of a single and open interface for providers and customers of computing infrastructure. Nilekani said, Indias approach to building technology at scale is unique. We have successfully unbundled the building blocks to create population-scale digital public infrastructure for identity, payments, and education. We see that Indias ideas for technology are being recognised globally. I believe it is now time to rebundle and make AI work to empower every individual and identify AI use cases unique to India. AI will help reduce barriers and personalise at scale. Prianca Ravichander, Tecnotree CMO, said, This initiative by OCC not only enhances Indias compute ecosystem but also fosters global collaboration in establishing common standards for AI and Cloud Infrastructure. Together with other industry leaders we are dedicated to meeting the growing compute requirements. Tecnotree is partnering with OCC to make this initiative a reality. We are dedicated to enabling the benefits of Cloud and AI through our digital products and services for telecom operators worldwide. We aim to drive forward AI and Cloud standardization globally, laying the groundwork for a more cohesive ecosystem. Together, we are laying the foundations that are not only technologically advanced but also inclusive and sustainable, propelling us towards a digitally inclusive future. About Tecnotree Tecnotree has been Empowering Digitally Connected Communities to over 90+ Telecom Providers around the world, since 1978. Our leading AIML-embedded, 5G-ready digital Business Support System (BSS), with multi-cloud extensibility, has challenged traditional transformation approaches and gained acceptance across a range of emerging and established markets, currently supporting over 1 billion subscribers. Change and transformation are at the very essence of our DNA driving continuous innovation, delivering world-class experiences and monetisation capabilities to telecom operators and their customers through Tecnotree Moments, enabling essential services beyond voice and data connectivity to other digital experiences in the area of health, education, financial inclusion and beyond. Tecnotree is listed on the Helsinki Nasdaq (TEM1V). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240508342069/en/

Honored Recognition: Dr. Kiran Bedi Inaugurates Kiran Bedi Hall as Emeritus Law Professor at Woxsen University

Honored Recognition: Dr. Kiran Bedi Inaugurates Kiran Bedi Hall as Emeritus Law Professor at Woxsen University Woxsen University had the privilege of hosting Dr. Kiran Bedi, India's first woman IPS officer and Former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, at the special edition of The Future You Talks on May 7th. The university honoured Dr. Bedi with the title of Emeritus Professor of Law, in recognition of her celebrated service, safeguarding the law of the land in both her roles. This will serve as a source of inspiration for the students of Woxsen University, daring to walk her path. The visit also commemorated the inauguration of the Kiran Bedi Hall at the University, marking a significant moment in honouring her legacy. Dr. Kiran Bedi delivered a captivating keynote address on 'Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Glass Ceiling', followed by a fireside chat. Drawing from her illustrious career and experiences, she shed light on the challenges faced by women in leadership roles, sparking conversations on the role of women in shaping a progressive society. She remarked, ''Real change will occur when powerful women become less of an exception. This is why I challenge myself daily to step out of my comfort zone and not be an exception. It's heartening to recall that when I joined the Police Academy in 1975, I was the only woman among over 80 men in the batch. Today, one-third of the batches consist of women, which is why I frequently visit the National Police Academy in Hyderabad.'' Expressing her appreciation towards Woxsen University, Dr. Kiran Bedi,India's first woman IPS officer and Former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, stated, ''I firmly uphold the TEA mantra of Trust, Empowerment, and Accountability, envisioning Woxsen's ascent to becoming India's leading private university. It's a profound honour to accept the role of Emeritus Professor at Woxsen University's School of Law. I am dedicated to nurturing compassionate and responsible leaders within this esteemed institution. The inauguration of the Kiran Bedi Hall inspires me even more to come back to the university and continue to do experiential teaching. I urge fellow Indians to prioritize Woxsen over Western institutions, catalysing our nation's progress. My discussions with Woxsen's Founder and Chancellor, Mr. Praveen Pula, have enlightened me about the institution's rich history and his visionary mission, which assures me that we will fulfil this vision soon. Now is the opportune moment for Indians to magnify their societal contributions, aligning personal endeavours with the collective greater good.'' Dr. Raul Villamarin Rodriguez, Vice President, Woxsen University, said, ''At Woxsen University, we are truly honoured to welcome Dr. Kiran Bedi and pay homage to her legacy and contributions to the society. Her presence has truly enriched our campus and she continues to inspire generations to strive for excellence and service. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from her wisdom and experience, as we continue our commitment to nurturing future leaders who embody her values of trust, empowerment, and accountability.'' ''It is an honour of a lifetime to host Dr. Kiran Bedi at Woxsen University campus and engage in a fireside chat with such a stalwart of national repute, as part of our #FutureYou Talks series. Renowned for her timeless contributions to society, we are thrilled to welcome her as an Emeritus Professor for Woxsen University's School of Law. Her esteemed presence is poised to fortify our connections with the Government of India, while simultaneously advancing our internationalization endeavours. As part of our #FutureYou Talks series, conceptualized by the Russell Belk Centre for International Relations at Woxsen University, we are dedicated to creating a platform that unites the world's best thought leaders, academicians, and related stakeholders, to provide our students with the best insights and opportunities for their future endeavours to become great leaders in the future,'' said Chahat Mishra, Head - International Relations and Strategic Development. The visit to Woxsen University concluded with the conferment of the Woxsen Award for Timeless Societal Contributions and the felicitation of Woxsen University's women security force, showcasing the institution's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. About Woxsen University, Hyderabad Woxsen University, located in Hyderabad, is one of the first private universities of the state of Telangana, India. Renowned for its 200-acre state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, Woxsen University offers new-age, disruptive programs in the fields of Business, Technology, Arts & Design, Architecture, Law, Sciences and Liberal Arts & Humanities. With 120+ Global Partner Universities and Strong Industry Connect, Woxsen is reckoned as one of the top universities for Academic Excellence and Global Edge. Woxsen is Top Ranked in QS Business Masters World Ranking, 2024, #11 All India Top 100 B-Schools by Times B-School Ranking 2024, Rank #15 All India Top Pvt. B-School, BusinessWorld 2023, and features in India's Best B-Schools beyond IIMs by Dalal Street Investment Journal 2024. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2407591/Kiran_Bedi_Hall_Woxsen.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2407592/Kiran_Bedi_speech_Woxsen.jpg

Crooning with 'Pushpa Pushpa' singer Nakash Aziz

HYDERABAD: Infectious energy, impeccable vocal prowess, ability to captivate, enchant, and transcend boundaries make singer Nakash Aziz stand out in the sea of talents of the Indian music industry. With his unique blend of versatility, energy, and soulful renditions, Aziz has carved a niche for himself in the hearts of music lovers, leaving an indelible mark on the Telugu film industry as well. Azizs foray into Tollywood marked a significant milestone in his career. His debut in Telugu cinema came with the song Vandemataram from the film Leader (2010). Since then, Nakash Aziz has been a sought-after voice in Tollywood, delivering one chartbuster after another. Whether its the foot-tapping beats of a dance number or the heartfelt emotions of a romantic ballad, Azizs talent knows no bounds. The recently released single by Aziz, Pushpa Pushpa from Allu Arjun starrer Pushpa 2 is ruling the charts. CE gets in touch with Nakash Aziz about the song, his new collaboration with Oriyon Music curated by Arijit Singh, musical journey and more. Tell us about your track Tu Naazneen on Oriyon Music. Tu Naazneen is a simple song that speaks about longing in a direct and straightforward manner. Its not trying to be complex or difficult. The song conveys the feeling of missing someone, especially in a long-distance relationship. Its all in the words, which are simple and heartfelt. You have sung a lot of Telugu songs. Which one is your favourite? Its difficult to choose a favourite Telugu song among all the songs Ive sung. Each song has its own character and charm, and when I approach a new song, I try to forget what Ive done in the past and give it a fresh and exciting interpretation. The South Indian film industry, especially Tollywood, has been consistently producing great music, and Im glad that its gaining recognition. What do you love the most about Tollywood and Hyderabad? What I love about Tollywood and Hyderabad is the citys great infrastructure and the professionalism in the film industry. Theres a clear hierarchy and everyone knows their role without unnecessary interference. Any creative input is aimed at improving the final product, and decisions are made collaboratively. I appreciate this approach, as it ultimately leads to better quality work. Tu Naazneen What inspired you to pursue a career in music? My pursuit of a career in music wasnt so much about being inspired as it was about my love for music and art in general. I started making music in a garage, with basic equipment and limited resources. Over time, I sought to improve the quality of my music and collaborate with talented artists. This drive to collaborate with the best and be part of exciting projects has shaped my career in music. Can you tell us about your journey in the music industry so far? My journey in the music industry has been nothing short of beautiful. Despite warnings of its harshness, Ive encountered genuine souls whove helped me grow. Instead of seeing it as exploitation, I view it as a way to refine my talents. Letting others push me has been key. Theyve pushed my talent, patience, and physical limits, helping me surpass what I thought possible. As a singer, every sound I create involves a deep connection between body, mind, throat, heart, and gut. Embracing this process, Ive honed my skills. What I cherish most is collaborating with those who share my drive. Together, we push boundaries, constantly evolving. Its this journey of growth that keeps my passion for music alive. How do you approach the process of selecting songs to perform or record? Every time I step up to a microphone, its a moment I cherish. I vividly recall each recording session, with distinct memories from everyone. In the studio, I always strive to innovate, even if it means trying something unexpected. I believe in pushing boundaries, knowing that if it doesnt work out, theres always the delete button. Its about embracing the unfamiliar, giving it a chance to grow on you. Sometimes, what initially seems daunting becomes an integral part of the final piece. Thats the beauty of experimentation in music. What challenges have you faced as a singer, and how have you overcome them? The challenge I often encounter is the expectation for me to be someone else. I find it unfair because everyone is unique, with something valuable to offer. As musicians, its crucial to embrace each individuals contributions rather than imitating others. I steer clear of trying to mimic someone else for the sake of results. While tribute or mimicry can be fun, serious emulation is unjust. Ra Ra Rakkamma from Vikrant Rona Your versatility as a singer is widely appreciated. How do you manage to excel in various genres? I feel like Ive only just begun to delve into the vast world of music genres in my personal space. Exploring different kinds, forms, and genres of music brings me immense joy. I admire artists like Rehman sir, Pritam Da, and Vishal-Shekhar from the Hindi film industry who have brilliantly explored a wide range of genres. Their versatility is truly inspiring, and I thoroughly enjoy experiencing their diverse musical expressions. Are there any particular artists or musicians who have influenced your style or technique? Whenever I listen to an artist who approaches their music with honesty, I find it truly inspiring. Reflecting on my musical influences while growing up, its a journey that begins with legends like Rafi Sahab, Kishore Da, Lata Mangeshkar, S.D. Burman, Jatin Lalit Ji, Pritam Da, Amit Trivedi, Vishal-Shekhar, and many others. The list is endless, including stalwarts like Jayadev Sahab and Naushad Sahab. However, if I were to pinpoint major influences, Id have to mention AR Rehman, Hans Zimmer, Michael Jackson, and Pritam Da. Yet, it feels unfair to single out just one. Theres a wealth of inspiration to draw from, spanning across diverse artists like Coldplay and Bruno Mars. The spectrum of talent is vast and endlessly enriching. What advice would you give to aspiring singers who are just starting their careers? Todays singers have a distinct flavour compared to those of the past. Theres a new breed emerging, and if I were to offer one piece of advice to any artist, it would be this: Remember, music is meant to be enjoyed. So, simply revel in your music, soak in the joy it brings, and let that be your guiding principle. Upcoming releases? The songs for Pushpa were released recently, and Ive had the pleasure of singing them in three languages: Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. Im thrilled that the Hindi version is sung by Mika Paaji, and Im also part of this collaboration. Its been a while since we worked together, and Im loving every moment of it.

Shipra Singhanias eco-Friendly home in Alwar

Shipra Singhania, who heads Sketch Design Studio, designed her eco-friendly home usingmaterials like jaggery. The post Shipra Singhanias eco-Friendly home in Alwar appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .

Adobe's full Creative Cloud suite is 40 percent off in a rare deal

Designers, photographers and other creators may want to check out this deal from Adobe. From now through May 13, first-time subscribers can save 40 percent on the monthly cost of the Creative Cloud All Apps plan for a full year. That brings the price down from a hefty $60 per month to a slightly more palatable $36. To get the deal, you'll need to agree to a 12-month subscription commitment. After the year is up, the plan will automatically renew at the regular price, unless you cancel. If you want to pay for the whole year at once, it'll run you $396, which is also 40 percent of the standard $660. Creative Cloud All Apps includes online access to Adobe stalwarts like Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Illustrator, and InDesign, plus about 20 additional apps including Firefly , the text-to-image generative AI tool and the social-content-focused Adobe Express. The plan also comes with 100GB of cloud storage, tutorials, Adobe Fonts and 1,000 credits per month to use towards generative AI creation in Firefly and others. Adobe doesn't often run discounts on their service, so this is a rare opportunity to catch a break on the tools that, for some creative pursuits, are tough to replace. The $36 monthly price tag is likely the closest most of us will get to the enviable student and teacher pricing of $20 per month. Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/adobes-full-creative-cloud-suite-is-40-percent-off-in-a-rare-deal-170847284.html?src=rss

Modi highlights 26/11 attacks in critique of Congress, cautions against 'mission cancel' by INDIA bloc

Modi highlights 26/11 attacks in critique of Congress, cautions against 'mission cancel' by INDIA bloc Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday targeted the Congress over a senior leader's remarks on the 26/11 terror attacks and claimed if voted to power, the grand old party will reverse the Supreme Court verdict on Ram temple like it did in the 1985 Shah Bano case. The BJP's star campaigner asserted the Congress's one point agenda on coming to power is to ''cancel'' landmark decisions taken by his government like scrapping Article 370, bringing a new citizenship Act, banning the instant triple talaq, and declared June 4, the day when votes polled in the Lok Sabha will be counted, will be the ''expiry'' date for the opposition INDIA bloc. Addressing two poll rallies in Maharashtra in support of BJP-Shiv Sena candidates, Modi accused the Congress of playing a dangerous game of appeasement politics on 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, Ram temple and religion-based quota. Speaking in Ahmednagar and Beed districts, the BJP stalwart hit out at the Congress over its Maharashtra leader Vijay Wadettiwar's comments that then-ATS chief Hemant Karkare was not killed by Pakistan terrorist Ajmal Kasab during the 26/11 attacks. Quoting a senior Congress leader who recently resigned, the PM noted that ''shehzada'' (referring to Rahul Gandhi) had told a select group of people that if his party was voted to power, it will reverse the 2019 Supreme Court verdict on Ram temple like the Rajiv Gandhi government did in the 1985 Shah Bano case. Modi asked people to be alert to Congress designs to ''snatch'' the SCs/ST/s/OBCs quota in jobs and education and give it to Muslims, saying this has been done in Karnataka, where the grand old party is in power. The BJP stalwart maintained that while he is on a mission to realize the goal of Viksit Bharat (developed India), the INDIA alliance will be on a ''mission cancel'' if voted to power. Modi claimed the opposition bloc will bring back Article 370 (which granted special status to J&K), restore instant triple talaq practice, scrap measures like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), free ration for the poor, free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for 55 crore poor people and pro-farmer steps such as Kisan Samman Nidhi. ''A former Congress leader has revealed that after the 2019 Supreme Court verdict on Ram mandir, 'shehzada' called a meeting and said if the Congress returns to power, it will overturn the Ram mandir ruling,'' the PM noted. Speaking in Ahmednagar, Modi said June 4 will be the ''expiry date'' of the INDIA bloc. ''This grouping will disperse like sand. The Congress-led bloc is indulging in appeasement politics, while BJP-led NDA wants to make everyone happy. BJP-led NDA works for development, national security, welfare of the poor, self-respect of the nation, while the Congress manifesto has the Muslim League's stamp. The party has made false promises of poverty alleviation and betrayed the poor,'' he emphasised. Modi pointed out that he has provided four crore homes to the poor, while 50 crore people have been brought in the banking system through the Jan Dhan scheme and 80 crore people are getting free ration. In Beed, Modi noted the Congress neglected the arid Marathwada region for long, while his government worked on expediting irrigation projects and solving water scarcity issue. At one point, the PM got emotional and recalled that in the last 10 years, he had lost party colleagues like Gopinath Munde (who hailed from Beed), Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and Manohar Parrikar and was feeling their absence now. Remembering BJP leader Gopinath Munde, who was a member of his first cabinet in 2014, Modi said, ''He used to often discuss about development of Marathwada. I took people like Gopinath Munde to Delhi.'' The PM warned the Congress wants to replicate the ''Karnataka model'' of reservation politics, which involves including Muslims in OBC quota, in the entire country. ''Till Modi is alive, no power in the world can take away reservation granted to Dalit, tribals and OBCs,'' he declared. Modi said the ''real'' NCP and ''real'' Shiv Sena were with the BJP, while the 'nakli' (bogus) Shiv Sena and 'nakli' NCP were with the Congress. ''The Congress can only make 'nakli' promises and 'nakli' videos. Its agenda is that it will not work and not let others work. The Congress will stop the (Mumbai-Ahmedabad) bullet train project if it comes to power. Can we trust such anti-development people?'' he asked. He took a dig at the Congress over its stand on terrorism. ''It seems the Congress is maintaining some relationship with these people (terrorists). The country has not forgotten that terrorists were welcomed in the PM's residence (during Congress rule). A big Congress leader cried when terrorists were killed in Batla House encounter (in Delhi),'' Modi noted. Criticizing RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav over his remarks favouring quota for Muslims, Modi said, 'Another leader of INDI alliance said today morning that reservation that has been given to SCs/STs/ OBCs should be given to Muslims too. This is against Dalit and adivasis.'' The state government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, in which the BJP and the NCP are also allies, is bringing development projects in Marathwada, the PM said. Shinde, Union minister Ramdas Athawale, Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde, BJP's Beed Lok Sabha candidate Pankaja Munde were present at the rally. Voting in Ahmednagar, Shirdi and Beed seats will take place on May 13.

India Blocs fate in Kargil has exposed true colours of NC: Kavinder Gupta

Kavinder Gupta, senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister on Tuesday termed the mass resignation of National Conference (NC) leaders in Kargil a big jolt to the India Bloc. In a statement issued here today, the BJP stalwart said that there is no element of surprise into the breaking of this alliance as all []

If voted to power, Congress will overturn SC verdict on Ram temple like in Shah Bano case: Modi

BEED: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday claimed the Congress will reverse the Supreme Court verdict on Ram temple if voted to power just like its landmark 1985 ruling in the Shah Bano case was overturned by the Rajiv Gandhi government as part of the party's appeasement politics. Modi said a senior Congress leader, who quit the party recently, has revealed that shehzada (a reference to MP Rahul Gandhi) called a meeting of select people after the 2019 SC verdict in the Ram temple case and said if his party comes back to power, the apex court decision will be overturned just like his father (then-PM Rajiv Gandhi) did in the Shah Bano matter. In 1985, the SC had ruled in favour of Shah Bano, a Muslim woman from Indore who had sought maintenance from her husband after divorce, but the then-Rajiv Gandhi government overturned the judgement through an Act. Where was your respect for Constitution? PM taunts Congress, cites 1985 Shah Bano case In November 2019, a five-judge apex court bench had paved the way for construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, ending a decades-long land dispute. The PM was addressing an election rally at Ambejogai in Beed district in central Maharashtra in support of BJP candidate Pankaja Munde. The BJP stalwart noted the Congress and its allies in the opposition INDIA bloc insulted Lord Ram and his devotees by mocking the rituals performed at the newly constructed temple in Ayodhya by calling them ekar (useless) and pakhand (hypocrisy). These people cannot dare to say such things about other religions.They insult Lord Ram and Ram bhakts for appeasement politics.Can such parties enhance Maharashtra's glory, he asked the gathering. Modi highlighted the vote jihad appeal made by an INDIA bloc constituent's leader in Uttar Pradesh and senior Congress politician Vijay Wadettiwar's comments that Pakistan terrorist Ajmal Kasab did not kill the then-Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare during the 26/11 attacks. People have to decide if 'vote jihad' will work or Ram Rajya: PM Modi The Congress has some connection with the ten terrorists who entered Mumbai in November 2008 and created mayhem, he alleged. People are asking the Congress -- Yeh rishta kya kehlata hai' (what is this relation called?). During the Congress rule, terrorists were welcomed in the PM house. A top Congress leader shed tears after the Batla House encounter in Delhi. I want to ask the Congress if it wants to bring back these old days? But Modi is standing like a 'chattan' (rock) in front of you, he told the crowd. The Beed Lok Sabha seat will vote on May 13 in the fourth phase of elections.

Headline Changed - At poll rally, PM urges voters to consider their values and aspirations; criticizes opposition's campaign

Headline Changed - At poll rally, PM urges voters to consider their values and aspirations; criticizes opposition's campaign Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asserted India has reached a turning point in history and people have to decide in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections if ''vote jihad'' or Ram Rajya'' is the way forward for the country. Addressing an election rally in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone district, Modi hit out at the opposition Congress, saying its intent is very dangerous and alleged it calls for ''vote jihad'' were directed against him. ''India is at a turning point in history; you have to decide if 'vote jihad' will work or Ram Rajya,'' the BJP's star campaigner told the gathering. Speaking at a poll rally a week ago, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Maria Alam, the niece of Congress leader Salman Khurshid, called for ''vote jihad'' in favour of Naval Kishore Shakya, the INDIA bloc candidate from the Farrukhabad Lok Sabha seat of Uttar Pradesh. The SP is an ally of the Congress and a key constituent of the opposition INDIA bloc. ''INDI alliance partners are not bothered about the fate of masses...they are fighting elections to save their dynasty,'' Modi maintained, targeting the opposition. He sought to know whether a concept like vote jihad was acceptable in a democracy. ''Terrorists in Pakistan are threatening jihad against India. And here, those in the Congress have also announced to do vote jihad against Modi...that means people of a particular religion are being asked to vote unitedly against Modi. Imagine what level the Congress has stooped to,'' he said. The BJP stalwart asked the crowd, ''Do you accept the concept of vote jihad? Can this thing work in a democracy? Does the Indian Constitution allow this?'' The PM alleged the Congress had terrible intentions and quoted statements made by party leaders. ''To understand this, you will have to listen to people who have been Congress workers and leaders for 20-25 years and are now leaving the party. A woman (leader) recently said after she went to the Ram temple, she was harassed so much that she had to leave the Congress,'' Modi said. Another person who left the Congress said the party has been ''captured by the Muslim League and Maoists,'' he stated. ''Another leader who left the Congress exposed another deep conspiracy, saying the shehzada (prince) of Congress intends to overturn the Supreme Court's decision on the Ram Temple like his father did in the Shah Bano case,'' he said. In 1985, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Shah Bano, a Muslim woman from Indore who had sought maintenance from her husband after divorce, but the then-Congress government under PM Rajiv Gandhi overturned the judgement through an Act. The PM alleged the main opposition party's ''love for Pakistan'' is reaching its peak after every phase of voting and added ''There is a competition among Congress people over (making) anti-national statements.'' ''A former Congress CM said our Army carries out terrorist attacks, Pakistan is innocent. Look at the shamelessness of another big Congress leader, who said Pakistan had no role in the Mumbai terror attacks (26/11),'' he noted. A leader of another Congress ally threatens India, saying Pakistan is not wearing bangles, he further said. ''I ask the prince of Congress (a reference to Rahul Gandhi) what is the intention of your colleagues who are speaking (like that)? Why so much love for Pakistan and so much hatred for our Army? That's why people say - Congress ka haath (Congress' hand)...,'' he said to which members of the gathering added ''Pakistan ke saath'' (with Pakistan). He said, ''They think that by showing their love for Pakistan, they will consolidate their vote-bank but it will be hard for them to save their deposits''. The top BJP leader alleged the Congress wanted to plunder people's property and tinker with the reservation in jobs and education given by B R Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution. For appeasement and vote-bank politics, the Congress wanted to give reservation, which is meant for SCs/ STs/OBCs, to another community on the basis of religion, Modi noted. ''They have done this. They overnight issued government orders and brought a law to provide OBC status to all Muslims (referring to Karnataka). This means they become entitled to OBC reservation. They wanted to implement the same model in the entire country,'' he said. Bringing up the issue of inheritance tax, the PM noted the Congress has said they will carry out an X-ray and survey of people's assets, but ''I have done an X-ray of their minds. They will snatch and distribute the assets to their vote bank.. Modi is exposing their hidden agenda.'' Further targeting his political opponents, the BJP stalwart maintained they have emptied their entire ''dictionary of abuses'' against him. ''Your vote has made India the world's fifth largest economy, led to the abrogation of Article 370 (which granted special status to J&K) and made a tribal woman president of the country. Your vote has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty,'' Modi said. ''Your vote has ended the wait of 500 years to make a grand temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya,'' he emphasised. He said, ''In this election, your one vote will turn the country into the third largest economy and make India strong.'' Polling in Khargone will be held in the fourth phase on May 13. Before reaching Khargone, Modi met 30 booth-level workers of the BJP at the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore, a party spokesperson said.

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Best VPN for Mac: Reviews and buying advice for Mac users

Macworld If you are concerned about your privacy and security online using a VPN could give you some reassurance. Apple provides various measures in macOS that make Macs more secure , but if you want to ensure that the connection between your Mac and the internet is protected, rather than the computer itself, you need a VPN. Using a VPN essentially makes you invisible on the webyour data is encrypted, your IP address is hidden, and you can even make it look like you are surfing from another country. This latter reason is the key motive many people using a VPN have: they want to access services that are locked to a particular region, such as accessing U.S. Netflix from the U.K or BBC iPlayer from the U.S. While accessing locked content is a bit of a gray area, due to licensing agreements, we dont blame anyone who is desperate to watch the latest season of their favorite program when it airs in the U.S. rather than waiting for it to come to their country. Paying to watch a streaming service thats not available in your country has to be less morally wrong than actual piracy ! For more information on the legalities and whether it is safe to use a VPN read: Is a VPN safe for Mac? PROMOTION Grab the award-winning VPN with 85% off Dont compromise. Get both stability & speed with Surfshark. Buy now for only $2.29 per month and enjoy 2 more months of VPN for free. Get Surfshark If you are looking for a VPN to protect your privacy and security online, and to grant you a way to access content as if you are in a different country, we are here to help. There are a lot of VPN providers vying for your business, which can make finding the best one to suit your needs difficult. To help you sort out the right provider for you, weve committed to extensive research and testing of VPN services that cater to Mac owners in our guide to the top VPN services for Mac. Updated: May 2024 to reflect our refreshed review of PureVPN . Our top choice right now is NordVPN, which we feel stands out in many areas, from speed and privacy to unblocking and ease of use. Get NordVPN here Do Macs need a VPN? Before we list our recommendations, there is a big question. Do Mac users even need a VPN? Since Apple introduced iOS 15 and macOS Monterey in 2021 the company has offered a handy private relay service. iCloud Private Relay acts a bit like a VPN because it encrypts your web-browsing traffic and sends it through a relay to hide your location, IP, and any information about what you were browsing. iCloud Private Relay solves part of the problem that Mac users have used VPNs for in the pastit means that companies cannot build a clear picture of you on the web, thereby protecting your privacy. iCloud Private Relay has some disadvantages: it only works when you are using Safari, you have to be a subscriber to iCloud, and you cant use it to pretend to be surfing from another country in order to access content that is locked to a particular region. Read more here: iCloud+ Private Relay explained . If you are a subscriber to iCloud, and only use Safari, then iCloud Private Relay will provide you with some anonymity when you are surfing the web. You may therefore be thinking that this means you dont need a VPN to hide your location and identity. However, iCloud Private Relay does not allow you to choose an IP address or a region, and you wont be able to make it look like youre coming from another location. So you cant watch geographically locked Netflix content, for example. Best VPN for Mac Our current favorite service is NordVPN . But below you will find the top VPN services for Mac. NordVPN Surfshark ExpressVPN PureVPN Private Internet Access Most of these will cost less than $5/5 per month, with some less than $3/3. However, once your first year is over the price often jumps, so its worth setting a reminder to shop around 11 months after you subscribe so you can search for a better deal, alternatively, you could cancel and sign up with another email address. You may be able to save money if you take a look at our round-up of VPN deals . VPN apps are very easy to install and use but for a step-by-step guide, read how to set up a VPN on a Mac . All of these VPNs will also work on your iPhone and iPad as well, but you might want to check out our separate guides to the best VPNs for iPhone and best VPNs for iPad . Best VPNs for Mac: Reviewed & Ranked 1. NordVPN Pros Easy to use Impressive WireGuard speeds Lots of servers Cons Two separate apps can be confusing Price When Reviewed: Basic plan from $3.69 a month for two years + 3 free months. Usually $12.99 a month. Best Prices Today: $3.69 at NordVPN NordVPN is one of the biggest and best-known VPN services. Its a fully featured VPN option thats secure, easy to use, and unbelievably fast compared to its competitors. There are cheaper options, with unlimited connections and more in-depth VPN features, but NordVPN is our top choice right now because it stands out in so many areas, from speed and privacy to unblocking and ease of use. Nord has an up-to-date independent audit. It also has specialty servers for specific purposes. There are more than 5,300 servers (none of which are virtual) available across 60 countries, which sounds great. You probably only care about the servers where you want to unblock content, but the more servers the better as it means you have a better chance of finding one thats not overloaded. You wont have to figure out which one to choose thanks to the handy Quick connect feature that picks the server best suited to your needs. Connections are fast and reliable, and NordVPN unblocks popular streaming services around the world including Netflix and BBC iPlayer. You can connect up to six devices simultaneously including your Apple TV. Nord has added support for the faster WireGuard protocol in NordLynx, making it one of the fastest VPN services out there. However, its only available on the IKE version of the app, which only offers a permanently enabled kill switch. To have more control, youll need to download the OpenVPN version, albeit with slightly slower speeds. 5,300 servers 6 simultaneous connections 24/7 tech support Kill Switch Works with Netflix & other streaming services Nord frequently has deals on offer that save money on the usual monthly price if you take advantage of the two-year plan . NordVPN offers three tiers: Standard, Plus and Ultimate. Monthly plans start at $12.99/10.39, and you can get Plus features (data breach scanner and password manager) for $13.99/11.19. Then the $15.99/13.39 Ultimate tier adds cloud storage and insurance options. The two-year plan brings the basic price to (around) $3.09/2.49 a month, while the Ultimate plan is (around) $5.99/5.19. Prices change all the time though, so take a look at the prices and plans at NordVPN.com . Read our full NordVPN for Mac review 2. Surfshark Pros Fast WireGuard speeds Unlimited devices and connections Easy to use Cons Kill switch cant be customised Expensive to renew Price When Reviewed: Starter plan from $2.69 a month for two years + 2 free months. Usually $15.45 a month. Best Prices Today: $2.69 at Surfshark Surfshark is a great-value VPN that offers quite a lot features beyond the core VPN service for a low monthly price. SurfShark has more than 3,000 servers spread across 100 countries, making its network one of the widest and most varied of any VPN, Its apps are easy to use and it reliably unblocks streaming services such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Its missing the specialty servers offered by rivals such as NordVPN , who shares the same parent company, though. Connection speeds are very impressive, and thats thanks to the use of the WireGuard protocol. You really wont notice any slowdown in your internet speed when Surfshark is running, so long as you have WireGuard selected and arent using servers the other side of the globe. The company has upgraded all its servers so they run entirely in RAM, just like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Running servers on RAM is better for privacy as data isnt written to a hard drive. Its also a member of the VPN Trust Initiative , while two-factor authentication (2FA) is a feature few VPN services offer. Being run from the Netherlands also means this is a privacy-friendly option. The other reason to consider Surfshark is because it undercuts almost all of its rivals on price, yet doesnt place any limit on the number of devices you can use simultaneously. Unfortunately, it can be pricy to renew once your initial contract runs out. You can install and use it across many devices including your Mac, PC, Android and iOS devices, as well as browsers. It also supports multiple protocols (although OpenVPN is a little slower than wed like) and excellent encryption, as well as a privacy-minded no-logs policy thats regularly audited Theres a kill switch and a Multi-Hop feature which routes your connection via two VPN servers for an extra layer of protection. However, theres no GPS spoofing or split tunnelling on the Mac (the latter being very uncommon on Macs anyway). Servers in 94 countries Multi-Hop connections Unlimited simultaneous connections 24/7 customer service Two-factor authentication SurfShark offers three tiers of features at varying price points. The most basic option, aptly named SurfShark Starter, offers VPN functionality as well as an ad blocker and the option to generate a proxy email address and personal details for sites you dont feel comfortable about giving your information to. SurfShark One adds email and payment detail breach alerts, as well as personal data security reports, antivirus and other malware protection, while the One+ plan adds data removal from company databases and people search sites. In addition to the VPN there are Alert, Search or Antivirus packages, that are available for an extra cost. SurfShark offers discounted pricing if you sign up for two years, starting at around $2.39/1.79 per month (this price changes all the time). Just beware that at the end of the period the price will increase unless you cancel. Sign up to Surfshark here. Read our full Surfshark for Mac review 3. ExpressVPN Pros Easy-to-use desktop program Broad device support Excellent speeds Cons ExpressVPNs team is largely anonymous Expensive Price When Reviewed: From $6.67 a month for one year + 3 free months. Usually $12.95 a month. Best Prices Today: $6.67 at ExpressVPN ExpressVPN is one of the most accomplished VPN services you can buy. Everything youd expect from a modern VPN is here, including an effective kill switch, and impressive device support. There was split tunneling for app-by-app protection, but, as with most VPNs, that hasnt worked since macOS Big Sur. It is extremely easy to set up, with quick access via the menu bar one of the highlights. ExpressVPN has often led the way when it comes to security, but other providers are quickly catching up. Its no longer the only one with RAM-based servers, while solid device and tech support are the norm whichever service you use. The company carried out almost a dozen audits in 2022, covering its apps and privacy policy The Lightway protocol brings big increases to the speeds ExpressVPN is capable of, but its open-source technology many similar services will be able to make use of it. Many of these are significantly more affordable though, with ExpressVPN being one of the more expensive options here. 5 simultaneous connections 24/7 customer service Works with Netflix & other streaming services See ExpressVPN subscription plans here . Read our full ExpressVPN review 4. PureVPN Pros Easy to use. Works on multiple devices, including iPhone. Additional power user features. Cons Obtuse pricing model. Virtual server locations feel like a worry.ureVPN caused many websites to question whether we were human Price When Reviewed: From $3.74 a month for one year + 4 free months. Usually $12.45 a month. A 5 year deal is available from $1.66 a month. Best Prices Today: $3.74 at PureVPN If youre looking for a flexible VPN service that will get around geoblocking and is easy to use, PureVPN is well worth a look. The basic plan includes the VPN service and nothing more, but you can add a Password Manager and File Encryption tools in the Plus plan. The Max plan adds a Digital Privacy Manager that requests your records be scrubbed by data brokers, blocks web trackers, and recommends ways to maximize your privacy. Whichever plan you opt for youll be able to connect 10 devices at once. PureVPN will run on your iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV, and is easy to use on each to let you connect to over six thousand servers. As far as getting around geo-blocks, we found PureVPN to be as easy as any other service to use. Select a location, load your streaming service or app of choice, and youre off. PureVPN is registered in the British Virgin Islands, which is more privacy-friendly than Hong Kong where it operated previously. PureVPN offers one of the more impressive no-logging policies, with an ongoing always-on audit process whereby an auditor can request confirmation of that policy at any time. PureVPN has been winding down its virtual servers, of which it has less control. There are still 23 such servers, but PureVPN is transparent about which servers are virtual and which are physical you can see a small v next to each virtual server on the PureVPN website . You can also take advantage of the following: Kill switch in macOS app 74+ countries covered 5 simultaneous connections 24/7 customer service Works with Netflix & other streaming services At the time of writing PureVPN is offering more than a whopping 80% off its plans if you sign up for 24 months. Two years is a long time in the world of VPNs, but at least means the full monthly pricing wont kick in twelve months time. See PureVPN offers here . Read our full PureVPN review 5. CyberGhost Pros Impressive WireGuard speeds Dedicated downloading and streaming servers Affordable Cons No recent audit Didnt unblock BBC iPlayer Price When Reviewed: From $2.03 a month for two years + 4 free months. Usually $12.99 a month. Best Prices Today: $2.03 at CyberGhost CyberGhost is one of the biggest names in the VPN industry. Its affordable and user-friendly, so is perfect for anyone using a VPN on their Mac for the first time. Like certain rivals, it is constantly adding new servers and the current tally of over 7,000 in 90 countries means you should always be able to get a fast connection. And in our tests, weve always seen great speeds from CyberGhost, especially following the introduction of the WireGuard protocol. CyberGhost is based in Romania, which is good for privacy. Deloitte has audited CyberGhosts privacy claims and found no issues. It was able to unblock every streaming service we tried including Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and ITV X (another UK-based service). You can use the service on up to seven devices at the same time It works with phones, tablets, browsers and of course your Mac. 7,000+ servers in 90 countries 7 simultaneous connections 24/7 customer service Kill switch There are tempting deals on two- or three-year subscriptionssuch as this 3-year deal , which currently gives you three months extra free. It is a capable VPN that represents very good value for money. Read our full CyberGhost for Mac review 6. Private Internet Access Pros Lots of servers Fast WireGuard speeds Split tunneling works well Unblocks BBC iPlayer Cons Clunky Mac app Based within 14-eyes Price When Reviewed: From $2.03 a month for two years + 4 free months. Usually $11.99 a month. Best Prices Today: $2.03 at Private Internet Access Private Internet Access (PIA) is a compelling VPN at a relatively affordable price, making it a decent option for the Mac. Since 2019 its been owned by the same people as CyberGhost and Express VPN. It has an incredible 33,665 servers across 73 countriesthats far higher than almost any consumer VPN service. Many of the servers are in the U.S. but youll find all the most popular locations. There are also virtual servers, so for example you can choose a virtual server in India, while an actual server in India would have to log user data. Earlier in 2023 PIA removed its 10-device limit on subscriptions, meaning that theres now no limit on the number of devices you can connect. Speeds are excellent, thanks to the WireGuard protocol. PIA also benefits from a kill switch, a feature that is sometimes left out of Mac VPN services. Split tunneling, a feature that allows you to choose which apps are routed outside the VPN tunnel, is available. This is one of the few VPNS that offers this feature for macOS. It allows you to access international versions of Netflix, as well as BBC iPlayer while outside the U.K. The service doesnt log any of your details or activity, so even though it is based in the U.S., theres no data to hand over should the authorities order PIA to do so. It now has had a reassuring Deloitte audit, which should make its U.S. location a non-issue. 33,000+ servers (RAM only) Unlimited connections 24/7 customer service Kill switch enabled by default Split Tunneling PIA for macOS offers a large number of features that are the same as the Windows version, including a kill switch, advanced split tunneling, an ad- and malware blocker, multi-hop, and support for OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. Its so often the case that the macOS version of a VPN has fewer features than the Windows version. However, its not perfect. PIA doesnt support IPv6 connections, which will be frustrating for some, but not a deal-breaker for the great majority of VPN users. Nonetheless, PIA is a solid VPN service at an affordable price. A two-year subscription works out at only $2.91/2.37 per month. You also currently get two months extra for free. Read our full Private Internet Access review 7. ProtonVPN Pros Easy-to-use software interface Secure Core helps hide your location Built-in malware and tracker blocker One of the fastest weve tested on a Mac Cons More expensive than rivals Inconsistent speeds Price When Reviewed: From $4.49 a month for two years. Usually $9.99 a month. Best Prices Today: $6 at Proton Technologies ProtonVPN is an impressive VPN. It starts with a free tier with very limited features, is easy to understand, offers a collection of interesting features and great speeds. The free tier has restrictions on the number of servers you can choose, and the speeds on offer though. You just get a choice of three countries (U.S., Netherlands and Japan) and speeds arent as good as the paid-for version. The free version may be enough if you just want an extra layer of privacy, for which iCloud Private Relay may be sufficient. If you want more than that, say to unblock Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and others, you will need to pay for it. Those who pay for ProtonVPN get access to excellent speeds and can also use Secure Core servers which route a connection through multiple servers improving privacy. As well as the standard options for connecting to the fastest server and a random server, you can create your own. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which has favorable privacy laws. Swiss law doesnt require the saving of any logs, and wont force ProtonVPN to spy on any specific users. The results of an independent audit by Securitum have been published online . ProtonVPN uses its own DNS servers to increase privacy. Protons also offers anonymous email addresses for signing up privately. Other extras include NetShield with DNS filtering to offer protection from malware-infested websites, ads and trackers. 1900+ servers in 65+ countries Use 10 devices at the same time Includes NetShield malware and tracker blocker Internet kill switch One of the fastest VPN weve tested on macOS ProtonVPN is an excellent service with fast speeds, the right privacy promises, a good amount of features including support for streaming services, and fair pricing. Its well worth a look. Alongside the free tier are Plus (just the VPN) and Unlimited (a bundle that adds email, calendar and 500GB of cloud storage.) If you arent a power user requiring a VPN for privacy and security, there are plenty of VPNs that will do what you need for less though. The high price is a big disadvantage here and the free version is too limited to be useful. Read our full ProtonVPN review 8. FastestVPN Pros Affordable pricing Good speeds 10 simultaneous connections Cons Limited compared to the Windows app Limited VPN protocol options Price When Reviewed: Lifetime special deal: $40, usually $600 Best Prices Today: $40 at FastestVPN This easy-to-use, attractive, and uncomplicated app is a great option for VPN newbs. In addition to its straightforward and uncluttered design, FastestVPN also offers good speeds and a sufficiently expansive network. Its icing on the cake that its privacy policy is easy to understand and makes all the right promises. In our tests, FastestVPN maintained about 30 percent of the base speed across five locations on multiple test days, although there were some weak spots in Asia and Australia. Supports 10 simultaneous connections 32 country connections with more than 250 servers Internet kill switch blocks all online traffic if VPN connection drops Despite its name its not the fastest VPN, but FastestVPN does make the right privacy promises in a way thats easy to understand. Read our full FastestVPN review 9. Hide.me Pros Fast WireGuard speeds Dedicated streaming servers Impressive free tier Only VPN that offers Split Tunnelling in Big Sur and beyond Cons Slightly clunky UI No recent independent audit Premium plans are expensive Price When Reviewed: From $2.69 a month for two years + 2 free months. Usually $9.95 a month. Best Prices Today: $2.69 at Hide.Me Hide.me is another VPN service that has improved considerably in recent years. As well as offering a completely free version (which none of its rivals here do), it has also added WireGuard, which is considerably faster than other encryption protocols. Other key features include a customizable kill switch and split tunneling. Hide.me is the only VPN to offer Split Tunnelling in macOS. They state on their website: hide.me VPN for macOS supports split tunneling. You can configure it in the clients settings. Hide.me also offers Stealth Guard, which stops selected apps from running without the security of a VPN connection. It can unblock Netflix and allows you to access BBC iPlayer from outside the UK. Theres also solid device support, with up to 10 simultaneous connections permitted. 1900+ servers in 47 countries Kill switch Split tunneling 24/7 live chat 10 simultaneous connections Free version Malaysia-based, in recent years it has expanded the number of servers and doubled the number of countries it covers. Unfortunately the third-party audit hasnt been updated since 2015 However, the user interface on Mac is a bit clunky, and were still waiting for an update to the 2015 no-logs policy certification. Read our full hide.me VPN review 10. VyprVPN Pros Fast WireGuard speeds Very easy to use Unblocks Netflix and BBC iPlayer Low starting price Cons Comparatively few servers Not clear which servers are virtual Patchy support experience Price When Reviewed: From $3 a month for two years. Usually $10 a month. Best Prices Today: $3 at VyprVPN VyprVPN offers everything most people are looking for in a VPN, without needing to spend much money. You get fast WireGuard speeds, alongside separate protocols focused on reliability, anti-censorship and ease of use. Its also excellent at unblocking geo-restricted content, whether thats local versions of Netflix or BBC iPlayer & ITV Hub from outside the UK. Premium features such as split tunneling and a kill switch are here too, even if the latter cant be customised. VyprVPNs no-logs policy has been independently audited, and the service adheres to a strict Privacy Policy from parent company Golden Frog. More than 700 servers in over 70 countries should be plenty for most people, although theres often only one per country. Its also not clear which of these are physical and virtual. Kill switch and split tunneling WireGuard protocol means fast speeds 30 simultaneous connections Works with Netflix & other streaming services Nonetheless, its still speedy, reliable and affordable especially if you dont mind subscribing for three years. That 36-month plan will set you back just $1.81/ 1.36 per month , representing excellent value for money. See full VyprVPN pricing here Read our full VyprVPN review 11. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN (Mac) Pros Easy to use and understand Supports WireGuard protocol Clear privacy policy Cons Not a lot of features Other VPNs have more anonymity features Price When Reviewed: $3.33 a month for 1 device ($39.99 a year) Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Malwarebytes Malwarebytes, probably best known for antivirus software and advice, also offers a standalone VPN service called Malwarebytes Privacy . Its an easy to use app with the right kind of privacy promises as youd expect from a respected name in security based in the U.S. Offers 32 country locations More than 245 servers In our tests Malwarebytes was a mid-tier performer in terms of speeds, but it should be good enough for most casual users. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN does a good job and, starting at $3.33/2.50 a month for one device, the price is right. Read our full Malwarebytes Privacy VPN (Mac) review 12. Ivacy Pros Decent speeds Unblocks iPlayer, ITV Hub and more Good range of customer support Cons Only IPSec protocol on Mac No kill switch on Mac No independent audit Price When Reviewed: From $1.50 a month for 2 years + 6 months. Usually $9.95 a month. Best Prices Today: $1.50 at Ivacy Ivacy doesnt have as many servers as some of the options here, but it is a well-established VPN service which offers apps for macOS, iOS alongside other devices you may own. Its network isnt the largest, but still offers servers in all the countries you are likely to want to pretend to be located in. WireGuard support is apparently coming, but for now the best speeds are via OpenVPN. It is headquartered in Singapore and hasnt had its privacy policy independently audited. Over 3,500 servers in over 100 countries 5 simultaneous connections Unblocks local versions of Netflix and BBC iPlayer Speeds are decent, and support is responsive via 24/7 live chat. And with amazingly low prices, its a solid choice. However, the Mac app is a pale imitation of the Windows version, with only one protocol available on Mac, plus you miss out on split tunneling and a kill switch. Read our full Ivacy review 13. Hidden24 Pros Unblocks Netflix u0026amp; iPlayer Excellent privacy credentials Cons Requires VPN support from your device Not the most user friendly Only 1 connection at a time Price When Reviewed: From $4.99 a month for one year. Usually $5.99 a month. Best Prices Today: $4.99 at Hidden24 Hidden24 is designed from the ground up to offer the ultimate in privacy. There are seven server locations to choose from: U.S., U.K., Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Sweden. Those servers run custom code, unlike most VPN servers which use open source software on top of Linux. Not even Hidden24s staff can access those servers. Hidden24 also logs nothing. This is all great for privacy, one drawback is that youre restricted to using just one device at a time. To get around that you could configure a compatible router with Hidden24 and connect all your devices to that router. In our tests Hidden24 reliably unblocked Netflix, iPlayer and other streaming services which are available in the seven countries it supports. 7 servers in 7 countries 1 simultaneous connection Unblocked Netflix, iPlayer and more Its a good cheap option if your priority is privacy over other features. Best Free VPNs for Mac There are also a number of free VPNs available, but beware that some severely restrict which servers (and therefore countries) you can connect to and the amount of data you can download through those servers. You may be able to save money if you take a look at our round-up of VPN deals . Its also important to read the terms and conditions before using a free VPN, as in rare cases they sell your data to third parties to offset the cost of you using it without paying. Its a bigger problem on iPhones and Android where unscrupulous companies try to cash in on the VPN gold rush and offer up poorly put together apps. Stick with our recommendations and youll be safe from these, though. How we tested VPNs For each VPN service we review, we conduct tests at three different times of the day: morning, afternoon, and evening, using Ookla Speedtest . We start by measuring the speed of our unprotected internet connection before testing the upload/download speeds of the VPN service. These tests are conducted to servers located in North America, the UK, Europe, Oceana, and Asia over an ethernet connection with a service provision of 100Mbps. Ookla Speedtest Ookla Speedtest Ookla Speedtest To test upload and download speeds, we close down all background internet processes on the Mac, using TripMode. The only traffic on the system able to upload or download any data is Ookla. We use this setup to ensure that the numbers that Ookla produced were not stymied by anything else that the computer may have been doing at the time. The speeds Ookla captured were then averaged, providing us with a final numeric score. We then use those scores to calculate a percentage of difference in speeds, which is what youll see in our reviews. Since internet speeds change constantly based on server load, how fast your connection is, and a gazillion other factors, we feel this provides a better picture of what you can expect from a service, on the whole, than merely quoting the exact upload/download speeds we encountered during testing. Speed isnt the only quantifiable metric that we look at. The number of countries that a VPN offers servers in, total number of servers worldwide, and how much itll cost you to connect to those servers on a monthly or annual basis are also taken into consideration when recommending a VPN service to you. Additionally, we conduct hours of research into the VPN providers to find out who owns them, where theyre based, what they do with subscriber information, and whether the provider has a track record of questionable business practices. Whats a VPN? VPN stands for virtual private network . If youre not using a VPN, when your computer connects to the internet, it does so through the local gateway provided by your internet service provider (ISP). Doing this allows you to connect to all of the online services you use everyday. However, connecting this way also allows an ISP to know your physical location based on where you access the internetbe it at home, at work, in a cafe, or at a public Wi-Fi hotspot.This information is often sold to marketers and other parties interested in getting to know more about you and your browsing habits. Worse still, if you connect to the internet through an access point with weak security, such as at an airport, mall, or local library, hackers connected to the same network could intercept personal information like your social media passwords or banking credentials through whats called a man-in-the-middle attack . A VPN service can help prevent all of that. A good VPN should allow for server connections around the globe. A good VPN should allow for server connections around the globe. A good VPN should allow for server connections around the globe. A VPN creates an encrypted digital tunnel between your computer and the server of the VPN service you choose to use. Once this tunnel has been established, your web searches, the sites you access, and the information you submit online will be hidden from prying eyes. This means that your ISP cant log or sell your information and hackers using the same network as you will find it difficult to initiate an attack on you. Almost no one will have any idea of what information youre accessing. What a VPN cant do A VPN cant protect you from viruses, malware, or ransomware attacks if you choose to download an infected file, or a visit site designed to inject your computer with malignant code. It wont keep spoofed sites from stealing your personal information, if you happen to visit one. So, youll want to bone up on online security best practices . You should know that while using a VPN will allow you to anonymously engage in peer-to-peer file-sharing/torrenting, some service providers may cancel your VPN subscription or turn over your information to the authorities if they catch you trading copyrighted material with others. Issues with VPNs on Mac One feature of VPNs is the ability to use Split Tunnelling to choose which apps go via a VPN and which dont. However recent versions of macOS and the M-series Macs generally do not support this feature. Only Hide.me (reviewed below) supports Split Tunnelling on new versions of macOS and the M-series Macs. What to look for in a VPN A clear privacy policy. A good VPN should offer an easy-to-understand privacy policy that outlines what, if any, information the company collects from its users. Its important that this policy details what they do with this information. Some VPN providers, especially those that offer their services for free, sell their user information to advertisers and other interested parties, just like an ISP does. Choose a provider that offers a level of privacy that suits you. Know where the provider is based. Many countries have no laws demanding that VPN providers maintain logs of their users activity. This makes maintaining your privacy more assurable than it would be if you use a VPN located in a country that requires that user-activity records be maintained. Some companies, in an effort to make their network of servers look bigger or more varied than it actually is, spoof the locations of their servers . The more servers, the merrier. Choosing a VPN provider with a ton of servers around the world is important for a couple of reasons. First, having a multitude of servers to choose from means that you wont be forced to connect to an overpopulated server where the data flows like mud. Second, having a wealth of servers to choose from both at home and internationally means more opportunities for spoofing your location, allowing you to hide where you are or access region-locked content with ease. Multiple payment options. Its a vicious circle. Paying for a VPN with a credit card online before you have access to a VPN could allow your financial information to fall into the wrong hands. Look for providers that offer alternative payment options such as PayPal, Bitcoin, AliPay, or via the Mac App Store. An easy-to-use interface. It takes a lot of digital wizardry to connect to a VPN. Some people want to see how their VPN operates, behind the scenes. Using an open source VPN client like Tunnelblick is great for this. Most folks, however, just want their VPN to work with minimal frustration. Look for a VPN service that offers a Mac client with an easy-to-use interface. Protection for all of your devices. A good VPN service will offer licenses for multiple devices to protect your loved ones computers as well as your personal smartphone and tablet. To this end, before investing in a VPN subscription, make sure that it provides software clients for all of the devices you own. Personal Software, Security Software and Services, VPN

Bernie Sanders says Gaza may be Joe Bidens Vietnam. But hes ready to battle for Biden over Trump

WASHINGTON: In April, Bernie Sanders repeatedly stood shoulder to shoulder with President Joe Biden, promoting their joint accomplishments on health care and climate at formal White House events while eviscerating Donald Trump in a widely viewed campaign TikTok video. Then just last week, Sanders was bluntly warning that the crisis in Gaza could be Bidens Vietnam and invoking President Lyndon B. Johnsons decision not to run for reelection as the nation was in an uproar over his support of that war. Such is the political dichotomy of Bernie Sanders when it comes to Joe Biden. They are two octogenarians who share a bond that was forged through a hard-fought primary in 2020 and fortified through policy achievements over the last three years. Now, in this election year, Sanders will be Bidens most powerful emissary to progressives and younger voters a task that will test the senators pull with the sectors of the Democratic Party most disillusioned with the president and his policies, especially on Gaza. Privately, Sanders has felt less enthusiastic in recent days about making the political case on Bidens behalf as the Gaza crisis worsened, according to a person familiar with Sanders sentiments. Still, Sanders remains adamant that the specter of Trumps return to the Oval Office is too grave a threat and stresses that this election is not between Joe Biden and God. It is between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. I understand that a lot of people in this country are less than enthusiastic about Biden for a number of reasons and I get that. And I strongly disagree with him, especially on whats going on in Gaza, Sanders said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. But Sanders continued: You have to have a certain maturity when you deal with politics and that is yes, you can disagree with somebody. That doesnt mean you can vote for somebody else who could be the most dangerous person in American history, or not vote and allow that other guy to win. That will be the thrust of the message that Sanders will carry through November, even as progressive furor over Bidens handling of the war in Gaza continues to escalate, protests continue to fester and Sanders own critiques of the administrations policy become more pointed. Hes not trimming the sails on Gaza, because of Biden, said Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., who succeeded Sanders in the House and joined him in the Senate last year. Bernies credibility is that hes maintained his solid positions, and then hes going to make the case why, Biden versus Trump. A WHITE HOUSE-SENATE PARTNERSHIP Few can doubt Sanders influence throughout the Biden presidency. Once rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, the two men later joined forces to assemble half a dozen policy task forces that underpinned the partys policy platform later that year an unusual endeavor that helped bring the Democratic socialists supporters into Bidens fold. That laid the groundwork for a burst of ambitious policymaking in the first two years of the Biden administration, from a sweeping $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package in early 2021 to legislation in the summer of 2022 that was a mishmash of longstanding Democratic priorities, including cheaper prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries. Sanders, who helped craft those blueprints as head of the Senate Budget Committee, had been directly encouraged by Biden to go big in those proposals, with the assurance that the president had his back. You and I have been fighting this for 25 years, Biden told Sanders admiringly at their joint health care event in April. Finally, finally we beat Big Pharma. Finally. Sanders, like many others who back Bidens domestic achievements, believes the public is still too unaware of them. He was the one who approached White House officials about doing an event specifically to spotlight a drop in the cost of inhalers. More than three years into Bidens term, Sanders connections throughout the West Wing are deep. He chats regularly not only with the president, but his top aides, including White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, senior adviser Anita Dunn and national security adviser Jake Sullivan. He doesnt mince words, Dunn said. Hes very direct with us, pretty blunt, and thats a good thing. DEEP TENSIONS OVER GAZA, CAMPAIGN STRATEGY It took just hours for Sanders, who announced his own reelection bid Monday, to endorse Bidens campaign once the president made it official last April. It was an unmistakable signal to his supporters that, despite any misgivings, it was imperative to back Biden without hesitation. Yet some Democrats are worried that anger among progressives over Gaza is so deep that not even Sanders can persuade them to support Biden. A persistent bloc of voters in multiple primaries continues to choose uncommitted or a variant to protest Bidens handling of the Israel-Hamas war, sometimes far surpassing Bidens margin of victory in those same states in the 2020 general election. For instance, more than 48,000 voted uninstructed in the Wisconsin Democratic primary in early April, which outpaced the roughly 20,700 votes by which Biden outpaced Trump, a Republican, in the battleground state four years ago. Wisconsins primaries this year came three weeks after Biden had already clinched the nomination. This campaign is in trouble. And Sen. Sanders will do everything again, everything that he can to try to pull this man over the finish line, said Nina Turner, who was a national co-chair of Sanders 2020 campaign. Im not so sure its going to work this time. Mitch Landrieu, a national co-chair for the Biden campaign, told CNN that Sanders comparisons to the Vietnam War were an over-exaggeration. A March poll conducted by the Harvard Institute of Politics found that 18- to 29-year-olds were less likely to say the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was the national issue that concerned them most, compared to issues like the economy, immigration and abortion. But it isnt just on Gaza that Sanders has been pushing Biden and his aides. Hes urging them to shift campaign strategy to not just contrast Biden with Trump but to lay out ambitious goals on health care, education, child care and workers rights. Bidens State of the Union address, which his advisers point to as a roadmap for his second term, was a general start, Sanders said, but he added that Biden has to do more to inspire voters. What Ive said to the White House is, its not good enough simply to talk about Donald Trump, Sanders said in the interview. Its not good enough to talk about your accomplishments, which I have. You got to have a bold agenda for the future. Bidens aides point to specific proposals released around the State of the Union, such as an expansive housing plan that would build or preserve two million homes. Sanders is also now developing new health care legislation in tandem with the White House, which would extend to all Americans the $2,000 annual cap on prescription costs that the Inflation Reduction Act provided to seniors on Medicare. SHARED VALUES, IF NOT IDEOLOGIES Biden doesnt hesitate to point out where he splits with Sanders when given the chance. I like him, but Im not Bernie Sanders. Im not a socialist, Biden said in January 2022. Im a mainstream Democrat. Yet top advisers to the president, long a stalwart of the Democratic center-left, and Sanders, the undisputed leader of the partys progressive wing, say the two men share more traits than their ideological stances would indicate. For one, they both hold a core belief that government should be a force for good. Their political careers are anchored in small, sparsely populated states that exposed them to the most hyperlocal and grassroots of politics. They have a sense of pragmatism about working within the political systems realities, even if Sanders works to push those boundaries and Biden governs inside of them. Biden, as vice president, was the rare establishment Democrat who was warm to Sanders during the senators first presidential bid. He invited Sanders to the vice presidential residence at the Naval Observatory to discuss his campaign and policy ideas in 2015 a time when tensions between Hillary Clintons coalition and the ascendant Sanders wing were increasingly embittered. I know he felt that while there was a lot of hostility within the Democratic Party and in the top ranks he felt warmth and positivity from Joe Biden, said Faiz Shakir, who served as campaign manager for Sanders 2020 campaign and remains a close political adviser. Even as the 2020 debates were fiercely fought, Biden and Sanders never let the disputes turn personal. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., another national co-chair for Sanders in 2020, recalled that when some of his aides wanted to forcefully attack Biden in personal terms, the senator would respond, Absolutely not. ILL BE ACTIVE IN 2024, SANDERS SAYS Now, Sanders is determined to ensure Trump doesnt win again. The Biden campaign has made it clear to Sanders political team that they want him engaged as much as possible, seeing his longstanding connections with key voting blocs as an asset. Because Sanders campaigned for Biden four years ago, the reelection team also knows well specifically how Sanders would be most helpful for Biden. It wouldnt be a surprise, for instance, if Sanders were again dispatched to Michigan, where he stumped for Biden in October 2020, or at union halls to energize working-class voters. He knows himself, his team knows him and we know what has worked, said Carla Frank, the Biden campaigns director of surrogate operations. For his part, Sanders is still wrestling with precisely how he can be the most effective as a campaigner this fall and how he can best target the audiences that most need to hear his case for Biden, according to aides. But I intend to be aggressive, Sanders said. I see this as an enormously important election that I for one will not sit out, he added. Ill be active.

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Rs 3.10 lakh cash stolen from bankers house in Nagpur

Nagpur: Miscreants broke into a senior bank managers house at Juni Mangalwari in Lakadganj area of Nagpur and decamped with more than Rs 3.10 lakh cash. According to police, Kishor Madhukarrao Hedau (58), who is a Senior Manager of Punjab National Bank (PNB), Thane (West) Branch, stays with his family at Badlapur. He visits Nagpur [] The post Rs 3.10 lakh cash stolen from bankers house in Nagpur appeared first on Nagpur Today : Nagpur News .

Polling underway in 10 third-phase seats of Uttar Pradesh

Polling underway in 10 third-phase seats of Uttar Pradesh Polling began Tuesday morning for 10 seats in Uttar Pradesh, including high-profile Mainpuri, in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Over 1.89 crore voters will seal the fate of 100 candidates in parliamentary constituencies of Sambhal, Hathras (SC), Agra (SC), Fatehpur Sikri, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etah, Budaun, Aonla and Bareilly, where polling began at 7 am and will go on till 6 pm, according to the Election Commission. It is an important phase for Uttar Pradesh's Yadav family. The Samajwadi Party's (SP) Dimple Yadav is aiming to retain the Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat, which she won in the bypolls following the death of her father-in-law and party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav. Akshaya Yadav, the son of SP national principal general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav, will try to reclaim the Firozabad seat. Aditya Yadav, the son of SP national general secretary Shivpal Yadav, is making his electoral debut from the Budaun constituency, which was won by his cousin Dharmendra Yadav in 2014. Polling during the day will also seal the fate of Union minister S P Singh Baghel, Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jayveer Singh and its Minister of State for Revenue Anoop Pradhan Balmiki. Baghel, Jayveer Singh and Balmiki are contesting from Agra (SC), Mainpuri and Hathras (SC) Lok Sabha seats respectively. Rajveer Singh, the son of former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and BJP stalwart Kalyan Singh, is looking to score a hat-trick from Etah, which was represented in 2009 by his father as a candidate of the Jan Kranti Party. In Bareilly, the main contest has narrowed down to the BJP's Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar and the SP's Praveen Singh Aron after the nomination papers of BSP candidate Chhotey Lal Gangwar were rejected. In the third phase, the BJP has given tickets to five new faces -- Chhatrapal Gangwar from Bareilly, Durvijay Singh Shakya from Budaun, Anoop Pradhan Balmiki from Hathras, Vishwadeep Singh from Firozabad and Jayveer Singh from Mainpuri. The first four replaced Santosh Gangwar, Sanghamitra Maurya, Rajveer Singh Diler and Chandrasen Jadaun. Jayveer Singh is the sole candidate in this phase who replaced a losing candidate from the BJP. The BJP retained the winning candidates from Etah, Agra (SC), Aonla and Fatehpur Sikri. It also gave a ticket to Parameshwar Lal Saini from Sambhal Lok Sabha seat. The Congress has fielded Ramnath Singh Sikarwar from Fatehpur Sikri, while its INDIA bloc ally SP has fielded candidates in the remaining nine seats in this phase. Uttar Pradesh has 80 parliamentary constituencies, the largest number among all states. Polling in the state is spread across all seven phases from April 19 to June 1. The counting of votes will be taken up on June 4.

Nellore's political terrain: Dynasties holding sway since first polls in 1955

Tirupati: As Nellore district braces for the present elections, the political scene remains firmly under the grip of prominent dynasties that have held sway over public life ever since Andhra Pradesh's first assembly polls in 1955. Cutting across party affiliations, these families have garnered significant support from the local populace, allowing them to retain their hold over the region through generations. In the upcoming electoral contest, scions of the influential families of Anam, Mekapati, Nedurumalli, Nallapureddy etc are poised to test their mettle in the constituencies of Atmakur, Venkatagiri, Kovur and Sarvepalle, making these battles particularly intriguing. The Anam family, entrenched in district politics for over eight decades, saw Anam Chenchu Subbareddy initiating the process. He was succeeded by his grandsons Ramnarayana Reddy and Vivekananda Reddy. Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, a seasoned legislator, secured wins in 1983 (Nellore), 1985 and 1999 (Rapur) under the Telugu Desam banner; in 2004 and 2009 (Atmakur) under the Congress flag, and in 2019 (Venkatagiri) as the YSRC nominee. Having served as a minister in the cabinets of several chief ministers, Anam now seeks the Atmakur seat on a TD ticket. The Mekapati family, led by Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy, has a strong political legacy with electoral wins in Udayagiri (1985), Ongole (1989), Narasaraopet (1998), and Nellore (2009), followed also by the win in a 2012 by-election in Nellore. Goutham Reddy succeeded his father, winning Atmakur in 2014 and 2019 for the YSRC. After Goutham's death, his brother Vikram Reddy won the Atmakur by-poll and is now running for the YSRC in the same constituency. The Nedurumalli family, too, has left an indelible mark on the state's political canvas. Congress stalwart Nedurumalli Janardhan Reddy served as chief minister from 1990 to 1992 and was later elected as MP from Bapatla, Narasaraopet and Visakhapatnam. His son, Ramkumar Reddy, first shifted his allegiances to the BJP in 2014 before eventually joining the YSRC. He has now been fielded by Jagan Reddy from the Venkatagiri segment. Nallapareddy Prasanna Kumar Reddy, a six-term MLA and YSRC nominee, wields formidable clout in the region. His family has held sway over the Kovur assembly segment for over four decades, with both Prasanna Kumar Reddy and his father, Nallapareddy Srinivasulu Reddy having served as ministers. This time, Prasanna Kumar faces a challenge from TDs newcomer Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy. Another seasoned campaigner, Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy, who tasted success twice in seven attempts, is locked in a fierce contest on a TD ticket from Sarvepalli. He is facing a formidable challenge from his long-standing political rival and YSRC minister, Kakani Govardhan Reddy. Despite contesting polls seven times, Somireddy savoured success only twice. He is making his eighth bid this time.

Khyber Industries Elevates Local Football, Annouces Downtown Heroes FC Title Sponsorship

SRINAGAR: Khyber Industries, a stalwart in the cement industry, has taken a significant stride in bolstering local football talent by announcing its title sponsorship of Downtown Heroes FC, a leading football club based in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The announcement comes as a beacon of hope for budding footballers in the region, with Khyber Industries [] The post Khyber Industries Elevates Local Football, Annouces Downtown Heroes FC Title Sponsorship appeared first on Kashmir Life .

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Interview: Naidu may be a stalwart but we will win Kuppam, says KRJ Bharath of YSRCP - South First

Interview: Naidu may be a stalwart but we will win Kuppam, says KRJ Bharath of YSRCP South First

Musings of an Indian Summer

My friend in Europe writes to me that their winters are too long. l wiggle my bare feet on the dew drop cooled grass. And breathe in my summer. The orange Palash flowers have melted overnight, and flattened themselves into sage green leaves. On trees that had not a single flash of green but were heavy with fleshy turgid flame-like blossoms. Or has the orange fairy just flown to another magical tree- the golden blooming Gulmohar, summers beautiful tender bride? I am living an Indian summer after several years of living in the northern hemisphere. Fresh snow is breathtaking and the feel of cold wind on your face, when you are all bundled up, can be fun. But months and months of icy weather estrange you from yourself. As month after month go by in synthetic jackets, thermals and warm socks, an urgent sensation overtakes the mind and body. A desire to feel nature with our precious human body. Not through layers of sportswear ordered through phones and computers. A behaviour so routine that the purer calls of the human body are dulled. I look at my scarecrow in the garden. Her name is Phoolwati to fit in with the village folk around us. She wears a cotton salwar kameez, an old rejected piece of clothing from the studio. But the colour is a bright magenta and it flutters lightly around her in the cool morning breeze. An oriental magpie serenades me with a sweet burst of song. The little mangoes garlanding the mango tree are a promise of bliss. I understand that I have a choice. To complain about the heat of the sun or to receive its rich healing bounty. My only task seems to be to remove all the blocks to the divine intelligence flowing through me. Anupamaa Dayal This fashion designer is about happy clothes and happy homes for happy women

Dhoni first player to achieve this massive record in IPL

Known for his lightning reflexes and astute wicketkeeping, Chennai Super Kings legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni's achievement in Indian Premier League (IPL) underscores his exceptional skill and longevity in the cricketing world. Dhoni's milestone as a Chennai franchise stalwart exemplifies his enduring impact on the game, inspiring future generations of cricketers.

TCEI to host 3rd TCEI SIWPC GLOBAL, 7th TCEI Events Excellence Awards at Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Telangana Chamber of Events Industry (TCEI) - India`s largest Regional Events Industry Association, is hosting the 3rd Edition of South Indian Wedding Planners Congress, the 3rd TCEI SIWPC GLOBAL 2024 and the 7th TCEI Events Excellence Awards 2024, on June 18th and 19th, 2024 at Hitex Exhibition Centre. Hyderabad. The details of the largest congregation of national and international Wedding planners, was formally announced by Chief Guest TG Srikant, Head -HITEX Exhibition Centre; Alla Balaram Babu, President-TCEI, Ravi Bura, General Secretary- TCEI, Md Toufiq Khan, Treasurer- TCEI, at the curtain raiser event held today at MAAYA Convention, Kondapur. Members of TCEI spearheading both the initiatives Sai Shravan Madiraju, Convenor-SIWPC Global 2024 and Ramm K Muppana, Convenor - TCEI Event Excellence Awards 2024 and Co-Convenors Hirish Reddy, Kumar Raja, Sudhakar Yarabadi, Dr Saurabh Sureka; graced the occasion. Speaking on the occasion Chief Guest TG Srikant said, the wedding industry in India is valued at $130 billion, according to The Economist. Given its unorganized nature, the actual figures could be significantly higher, with this estimate representing just the tip of the iceberg. The size of the Industry suggests that weddings for Indians are not merely ceremonies; they are lifetime celebrations intertwined with emotions, traditions, and bonding. People are increasingly opting for destination weddings, with popular choices being Jaipur, Udaipur, and the backwaters of Kerala. Surprisingly, Hyderabad does not seem to be among these favoured locations. TCEI hosting an event of this magnitude, focused on wedding planning, is a significant initiative aimed at elevating Hyderabad to the status of a preferred destination for such celebration. Hyderabad doesnt lag behind any other destination be it infrastructure, mesmerising venues, proficient wedding planners, best connectivity to the rest of India and the world. We must vigorously strive to establish Hyderabad as a prominent wedding destination on the global map. Alla Balaram Babu said, the TCEI Events Excellence Awards, have set a new benchmark for the events industry, both nationally and internationally, filling us with pride at the Telangana Chamber of Events Industry. The SIWPC hosted by TCEI has evolved into a highly anticipated event, not only among wedding planners in Hyderabad and across India but also among renowned planners from around the globe. Its reputation for excellence, innovation, and networking opportunities has transcended borders, making it a must-attend gathering for professionals in the wedding and event planning industry worldwide. This year's event promises an array of enticing offerings, designed to captivate and inspire the delegates. From engaging keynote speeches by industry leaders to immersive workshops and interactive panel discussions, participants can expect a wealth of knowledge and insights to enhance their skills and expertise. Additionally, there will be opportunities for networking with peers and exploring the latest trends and innovations in the wedding and event planning realm. With an exciting line up of activities, this year's event is poised to be a transformative experience for all who attend. SIWPC brings together experts from various facets of the Indian wedding industry. This event aims to showcase South India's significant contributions to the world of weddings and provide a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Renowned national and international speakers from the events fraternity will grace the conference, delivering insightful sessions on different aspects of the Indian wedding industry. Delegates will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights, learn from industry experts, and exchange ideas with like-minded professionals. This Convention is eagerly awaited by all the Wedding Planners, Wedding Designers, Wedding Stylists, Decorators, Event Managers and all other crafts of Event Industry across India and more than 20 Countries. The event is poised to showcase the upsurge of Grand scale weddings and events in Telangana and across India. This event will be attended by globally acclaimed Industry Experts and Peers including John Emmanuel, Australia; Teddy Emmanuel, Philippines; Michael Ruiz, Philippines; Nicolas (Roni Flowers), France; Bryan, Ghana, Africa and several other stalwarts from Industry from across the globe. Anticipated to host a distinguished gathering, this esteemed event is poised to welcome over a thousand delegates from both India and abroad. Dubbed 'Event Bazaar,' the expo will feature a grand display of more than 60 stalls, each showcasing a diverse array of products, services, and cutting-edge trends prevalent in the dynamic event industry. Other Salient Features of the Event will be Master Classes delivered by Industry Leaders and peers; Panel Discussions & Workshops by Stalwarts; Parallel sessions on several key topics such as Event Safety, role of technology etc., Business Networking Lounges; widely spread cuisines for all meals, served by the top most hospitality catering companies in the country and an array of multi diverse entertainment performances to enthrall the audience of all genres. The glittering awards ceremony focused on Wedding Industry achievers, SIWPC Global Wedding Academy Awards, is scheduled on June 18th, 2024, from 5.00 pm onwards. The 7th Edition of TCEI Event Excellence awards is set to be organized on 19th June, 2024 from 5.00 pm onwards in concurrence with 3rd TCEI SIWPC Global 2024. The event has garnered a Great distinction of being the most sought-after Event Industry Awards in the region. The transparency of the Awards selection process has been commended by many Industry leaders and delegates. Primarily there are 2 Categories of awards, Pearl of Hyderabad, is awarded to an exceptional Event or achiever who hails from Telangana region. The Award is symbolic resonance of Hyderabad which is also called as City of Pearls. The Gem of India award is bestowed on an exceptional Event or Achiever, hosted or performed in any part of India. There are special recognitions for industry veterans such as * Jade of India, Special recognition to Industry leaders who have an experience of working with Event Industry for more than 15 years. * Lifetime Achievement, a distinct recognition to industry leaders and peers who have an experience of working in Event Industry with more than 30 years. * Koh-E- Noor of India, the highest honour and distinction to the Event Manager or Company who have organized or managed an Event in Hyderabad which has brought worldwide recognition and acclaim to Hyderabad. The entire Event is fully organized by Telangana Chamber Of Events Industry. With the able support of its allied Associations, the Telangana Event Managers Association, Telangana Event Facilitators Association, Telangana Sound Light Vendors Association, Telangana Entertainers Association, Telangana Event Venues Association, Telangana Event Caterers Association and Telangana Entertainers Association.

AIADMK stalwart Panneerselvam demands justice for slain Congress leader Murugesan

AIADMK stalwart Panneerselvam demands justice for slain Congress leader Murugesan Former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Sunday condemned the killing of Congress party's Tirunelveli East district unit president KPK Jayakumar Dhanasingh and demanded that Chief Minister M K Stalin pay special attention to law and order issues and bring to book the guilty. Panneerselvam, who heads the AIADMK Workers Rights Retrieval Committee, slammed the DMK government for ''negligence'' and alleged complete deterioration of law and order in Tamil Nadu that has turned the state into a den of anti-social elements. ''The Congress leader having been burnt to death proves this,'' he claimed. The former CM said Dhanasingh had ''lodged a complaint with police,'' over threats to his life. Still, the Congress party leader was killed and it showed the extent of slackness under the DMK regime. Panneerselvam demanded that the Chief Minister pay individual attention to law and order issues, rein in criminals with an iron hand and bring to justice the perpetrators of Dhanasingh's murder. Had adequate security cover been extended by police to the Congress leader, the murder would not have happened and the DMK government failed to prevent the crime. ''This leads to a suspicion if the DMK regime is acting in support of anti-social elements.'' Under the DMK regime, there was no guarantee for Tamil Nadu people's safety during the past three years, he alleged in a statement. Such incidents of crime demonstrate that anti-social elements, extremists and terrorists have seen ''evolution,'' under the DMK-rule, Panneerselvam alleged. The half-burnt body of Dhanasingh was found on May 4 at his farm in Tirunelveli district.

Why Does Rahul Gandhi Always Wear White T-shirt? What's His Ideology, Congress Leader Answers Rapid Fire Questions

Amid the election frenzy, Gandhi, accompanied by Congress stalwarts Mallikarjun Kharge and Siddaramaiah, treated his followers to a fun-filled video posted on social media platform X

Mesmerizing Moments: Unforgettable Highlights

Mesmerizing Moments: Unforgettable Highlights Following are the top stories at 1.25 pm: NATION: DEL24 RAJNATH-INTERVIEW-LD CONSTITUTION **** BJP govt will never change Preamble of Constitution, reservation will remain: Rajnath New Delhi: The BJP government will never change the Constitution or end reservation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, accusing the Congress of creating ''fear psychosis'' and resorting to spreading misinformation for ''vote bank'' politics. **** DEL14 RAJNATH-INTERVIEW-POK **** No need to capture PoK by force; its people will themselves want to join India, Rajnath feels New Delhi: India will never give up its claim on Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK) but it won't have to capture it with force because its people, on their own, would want to be part of India after seeing the development in Kashmir, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said. **** DEL22 RAJNATH-INTERVIEW-CHINA **** Talks with China going on well: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on eastern Ladakh border row New Delhi: As the military standoff between India and China drags on along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the talks between the two sides are going on well and indicated hope for a resolution of the lingering row. **** DEL13 JK-FIRING-OPERATION **** Poonch attack: Operation to flush out terrorists enters second day Jammu: The operation to track down the terrorists behind the attack on an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district entered its second day on Sunday. **** ELX9 ELECTIONS-MP-DIGVIJAYA-INTERVIEW **** PM Modi's political history based on 'Hindu-Muslim dispute': Digvijaya Singh Rajgarh (MP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political history is based on the ''Hindu-Muslim dispute'' and he should do some soul-searching as to who is benefiting from it, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has claimed. By Manish Shrivastava **** ELX6 ELECTIONS-GJ-MUSLIM CANDIDATES **** 35 Muslim candidates contesting LS polls in Gujarat; none fielded by Cong Ahmedabad: Thirty-five Muslim candidates are contesting the Lok Sabha polls in Gujarat but the Congress has this time broken its tradition and not fielded a single person from the community in the state. By Kumar Anand **** ELX10 ELECTIONS-MH-MUMBAI NORTH CENTRAL **** Mumbai North Central LS seat: BJP's Nikam takes on Cong's Gaikwad in 'mini Mumbai' Mumbai: If Mumbai is ''mini India'', then the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat is ''mini Mumbai'', home to film stars and celebrities living in posh areas like Bandra and Khar as well as migrants and labourers living in the bylanes of Kurla. **** ELX11 ELECTIONS-MP-VIDISHA-TOURISM **** LS polls: High-profile Vidisha has huge tourism potential, but lacks promotion, say historians Vidisha (MP): Vidisha's links with former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, late BJP stalwart Sushma Swaraj and Madhya Pradesh ex-chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan may have brought it under the spotlight from time to time, but the town has the potential to create its identity as a tourist destination, according to historians. By Manish Shrivastava **** ELN2 ELECTIONS-AS-CANDIDATES-CROREPATI **** 15 'crorepati' candidates in third phase of LS polls in Assam Guwahati: Altogether 15 candidates out of the 47 in the fray for the four Lok Sabha constituencies in Assam going to the polls on May 7 are 'crorepatis', with the richest being AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal contesting from the Dhubri seat. **** BOM3 MH-CHOPPER-PRECAUTIONARY LANDING **** Army chopper makes precautionary landing in Maharashtra's Sangli; no casualty Sangli (Maharashtra): An Advance Light Helicopter of the Indian Army has made a ''precautionary landing'' at a farm in Maharashtra's Sangli district due to a technical issue in its engine, police said. **** LEGAL: LGD2 DL-HC-SCHOOL-AIR CONDITIONING **** Parents should bear cost of air conditioning facility in school: HC New Delhi: The cost of air conditioning in school has to be borne by the parents as it is a facility being provided to the students, which is no different from the other charges such as laboratory fee, the Delhi High Court has said. **** FOREIGN: FGN2 CANADA-TRUDEAU-NIJJAR-ARRESTS **** PM Trudeau touts Canada as a 'rule-of-law country' after arrest of three Indians in Nijjar murder case Toronto: Canada is a ''rule-of-law country'' with a strong and independent justice system and a fundamental commitment to protect its citizens, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said, a day after three Indian nationals were charged with the murder of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. ****

Chambal Ravines: Caste Dynamics Persist Despite Diminished Banditry

Chambal Ravines: Caste Dynamics Persist Despite Diminished Banditry Madhya Pradesh's Chambal region, once the staple for Bollywood's dacoit and gunslinger dramas, is also a massive caste cauldron where change is seeping in due to modernisation, say a section of people. The Gwalior-Chambal region, which is in the northern part of the state, borders Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and has three seats, namely Gwalior, Morena and Bhind, which is reserved for Scheduled Castes. A part of the Chambal region is in Shivpuri district and falls under Guna Lok Sabha seat. Gwalior, Morena and Bhind (SC) Lok Sabha seats are dominated by Other Backward Classes with a sizable population of SCs. Of the 24 assembly constituencies falling under these three Lok Sabha seats, the Congress had won 13 and the BJP 12 in the November 2023 elections, which was otherwise swept by the ruling party. Of the eight assembly segments of Gwalior and Bhind Lok Sabha seats, the BJP and the Congress won four each, while in Morena, the score was five in favour of the Congress and four for the BJP. The three assembly seats in Shivpuri were swept by the BJP. Bhuvnesh Singh Tomar, a professor at Centre for Studies in Journalism and Mass Communication in Gwalior's Jiwaji University, told PTI that caste sentiments were rooted even when the Gwalior-Chambal region was infested with bandits, dacoits or ''baghis'' (rebels) as these outlaws loved to call themselves. ''Casteism in politics is not new. It always existed in the Chambal region, except on occasions when towering leaders, like those from the Scindia family, contested. But a lot of social changes have taken place in the past three decades due to increased road connectivity and modernisation,'' Tomar said. Over the last two decades, the Dalits and backwards have become assertive and are playing a dominant role in politics, he said. ''The last two Lok Sabha elections in this area were held around the narrative set by the BJP. The indication this time is not clear as campaigning is very low-key. BJP candidates were looking weak earlier as the party fielded leaders from Gwalior and Morena, who lost polls earlier,'' he said. However, a strong organisational set-up and the Narendra Modi effect will benefit BJP candidates, Tomar claimed, adding that several leaders from the Congress, including sitting party MLA from Vijaypur (Morena LS seat) Ramniwas Rawat have joined the ruling dispensation. Devesh Sharma, a Morena-based lawyer, claimed caste politics had managed to segregate society, government offices, markets etc in the past three to four decades. ''Caste came first and then nationalism for the people of this region, which inspired so many films due to its ravines and bandits. These bandits used to influence politics in rural areas earlier but those days are long gone,'' he said. KK Mishra, media advisor to state Congress chief Jitu Patwari, told PTI that his party will win half the Lok Sabha seats in the Gwalior-Chambal region. ''Gwalior-Chambal region has traditionally supported the Congress and we will win half the seats here. The BJP knows this fact and will try to manipulate the elections through EVMs. The BJP is ahead only in publicity,'' Mishra alleged. The Congress is on very strong ground as was evident in the assembly polls results, he pointed out. However, state BJP spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi told PTI that his party would win all the Lok Sabha seats in the region. ''The BJP has gone to the voters on the guarantees of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the developmental works done by him as well as welfare schemes for the poor. We don't contest on the basis of caste or religion like Congress,'' he claimed. Chaturvedi further claimed that the people are aware that the Congress wants to snatch the quota of OBCs and give it Muslims on the basis of religion like they did in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The ravines along the river Chambal, which runs through Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and gives the region its name, was infested with dacoits, though the last major gang, led by Rambabu Gadariya, ended some 15 years ago. Among the blockbuster films that had Chambal and its bandit lore as base include ''Sholay'', ''Mera Gaon Mera Desh'', ''Gunga Jumna'', ''Mujhe Jeene Do'' and ''Bandit Queen''. According to a BJP leader, the Gwalior Lok Sabha seat has 46 per cent OBCs and 20 per cent SCs, while STs form 5 per cent of the population. The rest are from the general category. The seat was represented by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1971. Jan Sangh stalwart and BJP founder member Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia won from Gwalior seat in 1962 on a Congress ticket, while her son Madhavrao Scindia was elected five times, four times from on a Congress ticket and once on the ticket of the Madhya Pradesh Vikas Congress, a party founded by him. The population profile in Morena Lok Sabha seat is 44 per cent OBCs, 20 per cent SCs, 6 per cent STs and the remainder in the general category. Madhya Pradesh assembly speaker Narendra Singh Tomar, a former Union minister, was elected from Morena in 2009 and 2014. He was chosen as MLA in the 2023 assembly polls. In Bhind, 43 per cent voters belong to the OBC segment, 23 per cent are SCs, 21 per cent are from the general category and 1 per cent are STs. Vijaya Raje Scindia was elected from Bhind LS seat in 1971. Her daughter Vasundhara Raje Scindia, former Rajasthan chief minister, incidentally, faced defeat from this seat in 1984 at the hands of Congress' Krishna Singh Judeo, who is part of the royal family of Datia.

Young and old proxy players in legacy battles

Of all the 80 Lok Sabha seats of Uttar Pradesh, two, Kaiserganj and Amethi, have a certain kind of invidiousness which the rest of the state detests or delights depending on the degree of a patronising attention-seeker. On the edge of some wildlife sanctuaries of repute, Kaiserganj offers a truly wild side to its political existence: No one remembers when it turned into Brij Bhushan Sharan Singhs saffron chevron from Samjawadi stalwart Beni Prasad Vermas socialist stripes. So much so that the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief has now grappled his way successfully to let his 33-year-old son rule Kaiserganj by getting him BJP nomination. Move over to redoubtable Amethi. The amazing fiefdom of Congress first family. Kishori Lal Sharma, who? The 63-year-old loyalist is originally from Punjabs Ludhiana and has been with the family for 40-odd years to challenge the aggression and vanity of the sitting BJP MP. Sharma, sources say, is excellent in his management skills, and has been representing Sonia Gandhi first in Amethi and then in Rae Bareli. Curiously, Kaiserganj and Amethi are now melded in a battle of legacies on the one hand young Karan Bhushan Sharan Singh is out to retain his fathers seat, and on the other an experienced caregiver is brought to re-assert the power of the Gandhis. Brij Bhushan, despite being snubbed by the party following his deeds as WFI chairman, has a tinge of condescension in his voice while claiming that Karans ticket was apparent, owing to the clout he enjoys; it is Gods gift to him and his clan. Karan is not the only inheritor of political legacy of Brijbhushan, who has been a six-time MP from Kaiserganj, Balrampur and Gonda. His elder son Prateek Bhushan is BJP MLA from Gonda. However, the younger scion has an added attribute inherited from father. Besides managing his fathers political affairs in Kaiserganj, he is also an amateur wrestler and is helming the UP Wrestling Federation since February this year. A law graduate, he has an Australian diploma in business management. An ace shooter of national repute, Karan is the chairman of a cooperative bank at Nawabganj in Gonda. A father of two children, he has no criminal history, with wife Neha managing the educational institutions owned by the family. In Amethi, Sharma is humbled by the party gesture. He is believed to be well aware of the political temperament of Amethi and Rae Bareli. He had his association with the twin Gandhi bastions since 1983 when late Rajiv Gandhi took him along to Amethi after the death of Sanjay Gandhi, as part of Rajivs initiative to set up a youth brigade to monitor development works in his constituency. Rajiv won from Amethi four times 1981, 1984, 1989 and posthumously in 1991. Sharma managed all his elections since 1984. Sharmas ties with the Gandhis grew stronger after Rajiv passed away. He continued to nurture Rae Bareli and Amethi on their behalf besides managing elections of the likes of Sheila Kaul and Captain Satish Sharma. Beyond Rae Bareli and Amethi, Sharma was once appointed the partys Bihar in-charge. He has been in the All India Congress Committee and Punjab Congress Committee. It is after 25 years that no Gandhi is in the fray from Amethi. The reason for Sharma replacing Rahul Gandhi in Amethi seems to be an in-house survey of the Congress indicating smooth sailing for Rahul in Rae Bareli and only 50 per cent chances of victory in Amethi. Sharma was blamed largely for the 2019 Amethi loss, but Sonia and Priyanka came to his rescue. Holding the party baton, the only task of KL Sharma is conducting poll rallies by the Gandhis he has been promised three as he believes that their presence would make all the difference for him in Amethi.

Indranil Banerjie | The Revanna scandal isnt about sex, but criminality

There is nothing new about politicians and sexual misconduct. The list is long and the accompanying outrage well documented. Recall how the world had gasped at the discovery of an episode involving a young intern in Americas White House and the then President of the United States. Mercifully, most such cases are quickly forgotten. How many would remember the case of actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger fathering a child with his housekeeper? The legendary Franklin D. Roosevelt is said to have had a mistress while John F. Kennedy was known to have had extra-marital affairs. Sexual shenanigans in the United States started with its founding fathers and continues with the shameful lawsuits involving the previous US President. India too has not been without its share of sex scandals involving politicians. Indias first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru is said to have had a relationship with Edwina Mountbatten, the wife of the last British Viceroy, although some historians have declared that it was entirely platonic. Many politicians, including at least one Prime Minister, have had questionable sexual relationships, but the Indian media has tended to be remarkably restrained on such issues. Only when the evidence has been thrust into public view has the media reacted, as was with the sensational case of Congress stalwart Narain Dutt Tewari, a not particularly attractive individual, who was seen in bed with three women at one time. He was subsequently found to be the genetic parent on a young man, whom he refused to legitimise despite the evidence. Several Indian politicians have literally been caught with their pants down. The list includes personages like Suresh Ram (son of Babu Jagjivan Ram), BJP leader Raghavji, the brilliant Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, one-time Rajasthan minister Mahipal Maderna, Dhruv Narayan Singh, the BSPs Purushottam Naresh Dwivedi, Samajwadi minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati, former BJP MLA from Unnao Kuldeep Singh Sengar, and many more. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) counted 134 sitting Members of Parliament (21 MPs) and Legislative Assemblies (113 MLAs) who have cases related to crimes against women. The charges include gangrape, rape and murder, sexual harassment and so on. The latest to join this dubious league is Karnatakas 33-year-old Member of Parliament Prajwal Revanna, who belongs to the Janata Dal (Secular) and happens to be the grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. Mr Revanna has emerged as a satyr fond of ravaging women without their consent and would have got away with it had it not been for the leak of a pen drive containing an astonishing 3,000 or so explicit videos apparently shot by the member himself. The MP and his father have also been accused of sexual harassment by a woman who worked as their cook. A police case has been registered against both father and son but the latter is said to have fled the country, and is believed to be in Germany. The Prajwal Revanna case has acquired political overtones, coming as it does in the midst of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The Opposition has been circulating photographs showing the absconding offender with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and suggesting that this is typical of the kind of people the BJP supports. The Janata Dal (S) happens to be an electoral ally of the BJP in the state. The public focus of the Revanna case is on its sexual aspect, the MPs enormous appetite for coitus and unrestrained exploitation of vulnerable women. He is projected as a sex fiend with support from the countrys most powerful personage. The focus on sex, unfortunately, detracts from the true and more serious aspect of the episode: its obvious criminality. Ironically, in India today, criminality is no longer considered as sensational as sexual misconduct. The Revanna episode therefore is egregious not so much because of its sexual nature but because it suggests unrestrained and habitual delinquency that has continued with impunity over time. The core issue is that of a politician having forcible sex with women who are powerless to resist or speak up. Sexual profligacy might be distasteful, but it is not abhorrent in itself as long as there is no element of force, brutality, harassment, blackmail or compulsion involved. Thus, for instance, the Nehru-Edwina relationship evokes no outrage since it was between two consenting adults and not something involving coercion or force. The Revanna case is reflective of a much larger problem that is not debated as much as it ought to be, and that is the increasingly unrestrained power of the Indian political class. It is not a matter of one political party or another; it is a generic problem spread across the political spectrum. The average politician today considers himself to be a super citizen with super privileges, who can get away with virtually anything. That constitutes a huge and present danger. It is unfortunate that criminality and the related problem of corruption of the political class per se does not cause any outrage in this country. Neither is it an election issue. Not surprisingly, both criminality and the power of the political class in India is growing. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) estimates that criminality in politics is rising. In the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, 15 per cent candidates across political parties had declared criminal cases against them; this figure rose to 17 per cent in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and to 19 per cent in the 2019 elections. In the ongoing elections, in the third phase alone, 18 per cent out of 1,352 candidates have declared criminal cases against them; in the second and first phases, this figure was 21 and 16 per cent respectively. The ADR observed: This data clearly shows that political parties have no interest in reforming the electoral system and our democracy will continue to suffer at the hands of lawbreakers who become lawmakers. The Indian politician today is designated as a dignitary who goes around with armed guards, cars flashing red lights, pays no toll, gets free medical and other facilities and in some cases free club membership as well. Some clearly feel they are even entitled to free sex. Welcome to the criminal republic.

Rajasthan CM Gives Green Light to Dismissal of Convicted Government Official

Rajasthan CM Gives Green Light to Dismissal of Convicted Government Official Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has approved the proposal to dismiss a man working with the Deputy Labour Commissioner from service after being convicted in a corruption case, according to an official statement. According to the statement, the Labour Department will take action to dismiss Deshraj Singh Gurjar, Junior Assistant to Deputy Labour Commissioner in Alwar from service, under the policy of zero tolerance towards corruption. He was convicted by the court in a corruption case, the statement read. In another incident, the chief minister approved the proposal to initiate prosecution in the court against Alwar's M/s. S. S. B Engineers Pvt. Ltd., and Tapukada's M/s Khushkheda Steels Pvt. Ltd for allegedly violating safety norms in their factories that led to the death of three workers, as per the statement. The Labour Department will prosecute the managers of these factories under the sections of the Factories Act, the statement read.

Impact of women's portrayal in movies

With a wide range of genres and amazing storytelling, movies have long become essential to our lives. They provide entertainment and inspiration and capture our attention easily with their fast pace. Movies greatly influence people as they consume them; youngsters even aspire to become like the characters shown in the films. However, the portrayal of women has been a subject of scrutiny for a very long time, as it often perpetuates harmful stereotypes and objectifies women. While the portrayal of women is not completely the same, it hasnt changed much. Movies frequently rely on gender stereotypes and have limited or one-dimensional roles for women. For the longest time, movies portrayed women as nave, submissive, and weak, who have no sense of the outside world and are living in their bubble while doing housekeeping chores only. Women have also been objectified or hypersexualized and reduced to their physical appearance and sexual appeal. This objectification not only diminishes the role of women as individuals but also imposes harmful ideas about beauty standards and the role of women in society. This stereotypical role of portraying a woman on the big screen can affect the societal perceptions of women by consuming such content. It can reduce a woman to such limited roles in real life too. While, in reality, real women are complex and not limited to any stereotypes when they cannot fit into that box, it creates a conflict for a woman to live in such a society. At times, such characters are portrayed onscreen for the requirement of a script or for a certain story to be portrayed in an intended way. The continuous portrayal of women in such roles can change the idea of people, and they can consider the characters portrayed on screen the ideal characters, which can unconsciously narrow their thinking about women. Movies have since long objectified women; the lead female characters in movies were for a very long time portrayed by fair women with zero-figure body types. Since most of the films revolved around women with such body types, the audience was influenced by them, and the harmful beauty standards of only such bodies were unknowingly created. For a long time, young women were dealing with self-esteem issues because they were not looking like the other women portrayed on screen. Most of the young women, especially teenagers, wanted to look like that character, and if they couldnt, they went through body image or self-esteem issues because they couldnt look like the ideal figure they saw in movies. In many movies, women are also hypersexualized by putting an item song in a movie even when it is not required for the script, just to grab the eyeballs of the audience. In many movies, the camera pans at the chest, buttocks, or navel of a woman, even when it is not necessary for the script. In another case, a male lead falls in love with a woman by just ogling at her or her private parts, and their story continues from there. Such movies influence the young minds in the audience, as they are exposed to an enormous amount of films; they feel this is how it works in real life, and they try to imitate them in real life. And unconsciously, such movies leave an imprint on their brains. Males think that is the representation of an ideal woman, and women in turn try to fit into that box, and some even go through body image issues or self-esteem issues just to become like that character in a movie. In the past few years, another stereotype has started in which strong and independent women are showcased by only drinking, smoking, having multiple partners, not caring about friends and family, and being self-centered in a few movies and shows. When the audience watches such films, they feel this is how strong and independent women are. Then, some young members among the viewers try to fit into the box, which again stirs up conflict in society. This, again, is a stereotype; it has nothing to do with strong and independent women in real life. Although it can be a personal choice for any individual, a human being is very complex and not limited to such stereotypes. Drinking or smoking doesnt mean a person is strong; it's a matter of choice. Even the dressing of a woman hasnt been spared. Women were stereotyped for a long time by those criteria, too. Women who wear Western outfits are considered strong and independent, while those who wear traditional attire such as shalwar kameez, sarees, or hijabs are weak. In reality, being strong or weak has nothing to do with the dress a person wears, It is their character, confidence, and qualities that speak for themselves. In real life, a woman who wears shorts can also be weak, and a woman who wears traditional outfits can be a strong and self-dependent woman. Apart from all these harmful portrayals, for a long time, another trend was showcased and is back again from the past few years with movies like Animal and Kabir Singh where a lead female character is portrayed as needy and helpless who has to bear the brunt for everything and sacrifice for others while appearing innocent and sexually appealing at the same time. Such movies also normalize gender-based violence among their viewers. Furthermore, for a long time in movies, women with darker skin, skinny, or plus sizes were made fun of and looked down upon. They were portrayed as not feminine enough or not sexually appealing, which contributed to making the audience think narrower. For a long time in our society as well, women have been told to get into shape, which means to look like those fictional characters portrayed on screen or things like if you look too black, no one will marry you. Its focus is not solely on the movies. Such things may have happened before, but films are made just for fun without intending to cause harm or incite such behavior. It also stirs up body-shaming, age-shaming, and color-shaming issues in our youth. Most movies are fiction, and fiction has no limits; we can imagine anything, write it down, organize it, and portray it on screen. It can be good or bad because our imagination has no limits. But we need to be aware of the fact that movies have the capability of changing the perceptions of people and even framing their perceptions. And if we only stereotype a particular gender and objectify them, it can have harmful effects on its audience. People will consider the characters shown in movies as ideal figures to look up to, and when they dont find such people in real life, theyll project their imagination on them and treat them the same as they have unconsciously learned. Even if the people portraying such characters speak publicly about their harmful effects and appeal to the viewers to live in a way where we shouldnt objectify others or put them in a box, the impact of movies remains the same. Although the portrayal of women in movies has changed over the past many years, women are shown taking leads and breaking stereotypes. They are not portrayed in limited roles where they used to be stereotyped or objectified. But there is still a long way to go, as such movies still lack the same impact on the audience as stereotyped ones. We should be aware that movies are fiction and not real, but still, in a mass medium, every portrayal matters.

Phone Tapping: Current Scenario And Phone Tapping Laws

The landscape of phone tapping spyware is rapidly evolving, with new technologies emerging continuously. Among the latest phone tapping spyware tools is Pegasus, a sophisticated malware develop...

Malda South: Can Congress Save Ghani Khan's Turf or Will BJP or TMC Breach it?

Malda is witnessing a three-way contest between and at stake is stalwart Ghani Khan Chowdhury's legacy.

Meet CBI officer's daughter who worked in all time blockbuster film, became single mother at 45, is now..

Sakshi Tanwar was born in Alwar, Rajasthan, to Rajendra Singh Tanwar, a retired CBI officer. She completed her graduation from the Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi. Sakshi Tanwar has also briefly worked as a sales trainee at a five-star hotel.

Maruti Swift vs. Tata Tiago EV: Features and Price Comparison

The Indian automotive market has always been littered with varied kinds of car options, whichhave given consumers many choices to hold on to. Yet, as far as hatchbacks are concerned, these two names, Maruti Suzuki Swift and Tata Tiago EV, stand out. Both vehicles arebecoming market stalwarts in India because of their cutting-edge technology and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, which is the most preferable option? Let's compare the Maruti Swiftand Tata Tiago in terms of price and features. Maruti Suzuki Swift Swift is a renowned hatchback in India, which many people like. The current version of this caris in its third generation and has come up with many new features. The Swift is liked for its affordable price, strong engine, and sporty look, which make it a hit in India.The Maruti Swift currently offers a petrol version, as well as a CNG variant that operates on both petrol and CNG. The new model of the Swift has maintained its original design in terms ofappearance. About Tata Tiago EV Tata's plan to boost the number of EVs in its lineup includes the Tata Tiago EV, made availableon sale in 2022 and specially tailored for the Indian market. For Indian customers looking for a cost-effective EV, the Tiago EV has proven to be a popular option thanks to its sleek exterior,cutting-edge facilities, and environmentally friendly technology. Maruti Suzuki Swift vs Tata Tiago 1. Engine and Performance The Maruti Swift has a strong 1.2-litre petrol engine. It can generate 89.73 bhp of powerand 113 Newton meters (Nm) of torque. On the other hand, the Tata Tiago offers two battery options: 19.2 kWh and 24 kWh. These batteries power the car, providing 60.3and 73.7 bhp of power, respectively, along with 110 and 114 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 2. Exterior Design When you look at both cars, the first thing you notice is how they look from the outside.The Maruti Swift has a sporty appearance because of its sloping roofline and new C- pillar-mounted rear door handle. In contrast, the Tata Tiago looks more traditional, with asharp-looking grille and stylish headlamps. 3. Safety Features Both Maruti Swift and Tata Tiago EV offers standard safety attributes like dual frontairbags, ABS, and EBD in all their variants. Additionally, Swift is equipped with an Electronic Stability Programme with Hill-hold assist, which is absent in Tiago.Furthermore, reverse parking sensors are available in all versions of Swift, but this feature is only present in top-spec versions of Tiago. 4. Pricing When you're buying a car, the price is a big deal. The Maruti Swift starts at Rs. 6.89lakhs, while the Tata Tiago's EV base model starts at Rs. 8.55 lakhs. However, if you're looking at the top-end variants, the Swift will cost you Rs. 10.06 lakhs, while the TataTiago's EV will cost you Rs. 12.65 lakhs. 5. Interior Design If you talk about the space of both cars, they can easily carry five passengerscomfortably. Additionally, in terms of boot space, Swift stands at 268 litres and Tata Tiago at 240 litres. That gives the Swift an edge over carrying all types of stuff. Additionally, both cars have automatic temperature control, controls on the steering wheel, and touchscreen entertainment systems. Swift stands out with keyless entry and push-button start, but Tata Tiago doesnt have this feature. 6. Maintenance and Resale Value When it comes to keeping your car in good shape, Maruti Suzuki has a network of service centres to get it serviced, which makes it cheaper and more convenient for Swift owners. But Tata Motors is still working on getting more service centres, so it might be a bit harder for Tiago owners to find one nearby. When you're thinking about selling your car later on, the Maruti Swift has an edge over the Tata Tiago EV. Since EV is a new space for many Indian consumers, it will take time to shift their focus on batteries completely. On the other hand, Maruti Suzuki is a household name in India that is backed by trust and reliability. You can easily find a mechanic who understands the Maruti engine at every corner of a street. This is not the case with EVs right now. 7. Ground Clearance If you talk about ground clearance, the Maruti Swift offers 163 mm, which is excellent fortackling speed breakers and potholes. On the other hand, Tata Tiago stands at 166 mm, which is best for exploring all types of road conditions. The Bottom Line After looking at the features and prices of Maruti Swift and Tata Tiago, it's clear they each havetheir own strengths. Before you compare, it is important to note that one has a full-fledged engine and the other runs on battery. So the comparison should be made wisely. The Swiftlooks stylish and has a strong engine, while the Tiago has more space inside and costs less initially. But, if safety and resale value matter to you, the Swift might be better. The choice comes down to what you like and what you can afford. If you are still confused between the Swift and the Tiago, then head on over to ACKO Drive tocheck out the complete specs and features, to help you make an informed decision. You can also get up to Rs. 85,000 discount on your purchase, with doorstep delivery. Want to buy Maruti's CNG car? These models are in highest demand

Teamwork made this dream work

CHENNAI: Staying on top is a dream for any sports team. Achieving that position is no mean feat as it comes with a lot of practice, determination, and dedication. With their 23rd title triumph, Jolly Rovers Club has held on to its laurel as one of the most successful teams in the history of the TNCA First Division league. They retained the prestigious Rajah of Palayampatti Shield after collecting 48 points from 11 league games at the TNCA First Division tournament. It was indeed a creditable show by them. What makes this title all the more commendable is the fact that Jolly Rovers could manage to field a good unit with a bunch of talented local players unlike in the past when they had several International players in their ranks. Former India player and former Tamil Nadu captain Bharath Reddy who once played for Jolly Rovers and later joined as administrator of the Chemplast Group doffs his hat for the teams splendid show. It was a fantastic performance by the team throughout the season and they deserve to win the title for their hard work. To me the semifinal victory was the best since it came against a strong side like Vijay CC, says Bharath, who heads the sports initiative of the Sanmar Group, which runs the club. Several players, from S Venkataraghavan to Sai Sudharsan, have played for Jolly Rovers and 23 titles is a record of sorts. Our team owners love for the game is the main reason for winning so many titles. We have excellent infrastructure facilities where the boys can train regularly throughout the year. Plus we have had good coaching staff over the years, he says. Skipper B Indrajith is also pleased with his teams performance. It was great to win the title again. Its been a tough season in this heat. Everybody (players) played their part and contributed on various occasions which helped us. I cannot single out just one or two players for the title win, he tells City Express. Jolly Rovers top order comprising the likes of B Aparajith, the skipper himself, Vimal Khumar, G Ajitesh, Dhruv Shorey clicked as a unit and played a role in several of their victories. Our top order has a good combination of senior players and youngsters. Everybody was hungry to get runs. I didnt have to say much to them. It was a collective effort. All the matches had their fair share of challenges. I would say to come back after the first two games (we had only 1 point with us) and to win the championship has been great, he shares. Indrajith also had a word of praise for youngsters like Lakshay, Vimal, Ajitesh, Sonu, Rahul, and Thashish Kannan. Among the youngsters, Ajitesh made an impressive 615 runs, accounted for more than 40 dismissals as a wicketkeeper, and a hundred in the final against Alwarpet CC. Its my first time winning the title with Jolly Rovers and its an amazing experience. We have played really well together and enjoyed every bit. Its always a great feeling to contribute for the team, especially in the final. Ive been practising and working hard to improve my game and very glad it paid off in the final. And, I had accounted for some 40 dismissals as wicket-keeper which was also satisfying, says Ajitesh. Another notable performance was by left-arm spinner DT Chandrasekar who took 62 wickets in the season. Indrajith praises him saying, He has been outstanding for many years for us. To get 60-odd wickets on good pitches is no mean feat. Meanwhile, Chandrasekar is modest about his achievements and credits his good performance to his coach R Ram Kumar who is a former left-arm spinner for Tamil Nadu. Im delighted to be a part of this team. We have been working so hard as a team, and as individuals, and as a result, we got this victory. Regular practice, discipline, and consistency made me successful. I am also working with Ram Kumar anna who is the bowling coach for Jolly Rovers team. He helped me a lot with my skills, he says. Chandrasekar last played for Tamil Nadu in 2015. He wants to use his consistent performance in the league and try to get back into the state team again. My love for cricket motivates me every day to focus on the game and enjoy it. Im looking forward to representing the state again soon. Im thankful to Bharath Reddy sir, Ajay Kuduva sir, Chemplast management, co-players, and support staff; without them, I would not have been able to bowl so well this season, he signs off.

CM: No campaign by Cong stalwarts shows party lacks respect for Goa

Mapusa: Lashing out at the Congress, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said the opposition party is only resorting to politics of religion and its leaders have never taken Goa seriously. He said Congress-led governments that ruled the country for 50 years only thought about development, not execution. Congress governments looted the country, and people []

This is the best place to visit in Delhi

Delhi is said to be a big spot in terms of tourism. However, there are many excellent travel destinations around the country's capital Delhi. Here today we are going to give you information about some luxurious forts near Delhi. Although there are many famous forts in Jaipur, a few kilometers from Delhi, but you can also see some other forts of the capital. Well, the whole of India was once ruled by kings and they also built many forts. If we look at it, forts and palaces have their own attraction in every state of India, those who are fond of seeing ancient art and heritage must definitely explore these magnificent and luxurious forts located near Delhi. Let us tell you about some attractive and historical palaces and forts. This summer you will also be able to complete short trips by visiting fort places. Know about them Kalinjar Fort, Bundelkhand: A few kilometers away from New Delhi, there are many historical forts built in Bundelkhand and one of them is Kalinjar Fort which is situated on the top of a mountain. It has 7 gates for entry and here you will also be able to see many historical monuments and sculptures. It is said that it was built by the kings of Chandela dynasty. The special thing is that Neelkanth temple is also built in Kalinjar itself, in which a wonderful idol with 18 arms is installed. You will also be able to see beautiful views during your visit to the fort. Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh: Reports say that Agra Fort, just 2 kilometers away from Taj Mahal, which is included in the 7 Wonders of the World, is also a popular tourist destination. People come from all over the country and the world to see the UNESCO heritage site. At one time this fort was with Prithviraj Chauhan, later it was captured by Mahmud Ghaznavi. The beauty of its architecture, carvings and colors makes one crazy. It is said that Mughal emperor Akbar started its construction in the year 1573. This is the favorite tourist destination of the people of Delhi-NCR. Neemrana Fort, Alwar: Rajasthan is famous for its royal style and you can see its glimpse in the palaces and forts located here. Sakti, the fort is present in Alwar city of Rajasthan. You will get a royal feeling by staying here. However, there are many hotels around it where you can stay and see this fort. Kuchesar Fort: If reports are to be believed, this fort is also present in Bundelkhand and here you will be able to see a glimpse of Indian as well as British architecture. Brijghat is present near this fort. If seen, it will take 3 hours to reach here from Delhi. 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? Travel Reimagined: Concierge Introduces Bespoke First-Class and Private Jet Experiences

Leptos Estates Enters India to Make Dreams of a Mediterranean Holiday Home Come True

Leptos Estates Enters India to Make Dreams of a Mediterranean Holiday Home Come True NewsVoir New Delhi [India], May 3: Leptos Estates, a six-decade, family-run, real estate and property development firm that builds and sells residential, commercial and holiday residences including premium apartments and luxury villas in Greece and Cyprus, has finally marked its entry into the Indian market. * The six-decade, family-run property development firm is offering prospective Indian home buyers a unique opportunity to get a Permanent Residency in Cyprus and Greece * For Indian investors it presents a chance to make good returns from their property investments in both countries at a minimum cost of an affordable INR 2.5 crore with multiple benefits Over the past 64 years, the firm has sold 25,000 sophisticated, environment friendly and aesthetically designed properties to homeowners worldwide including in China, Russia, Africa and the Middle East. Helmed by the second-generation real estate industry stalwart Mr. Pantelis Leptos, Leptos Estates, has now turned its focus on the Indian market offering prospective Indian home buyers and investors an opportunity to invest in property in Cyprus and Greece with the added advantage of securing Permanent Residency (PR) of both countries. Prospective Indian homeowners interested in Cyprus can get a PR with a minimum property investment of Euro 300.000 + VAT; while for Greece a PR can be acquired with a minimum property investment of Euro 250.000 with 0% VAT (valid until end of 2024). We can't be more excited to have Indian families explore the local culture of Greece and Cyprus from the comfort of their own homes in these beautiful destinations. The Indian market offers a huge potential for us as well as for prospective Indian home buyers and investors. We look forward to seeing the people of this country not only own some of the most stunning European properties but also secure their permanent residency in the process! said Mr. Pantelis M. Leptos, Co-President of Leptos Group of Companies. Cyprus has always been a popular choice among foreign investors due to the high-quality of life it offers, year-round sunshine and natural beauty. For investors, ease of doing business and investment incentives make it a lucrative destination both to live in and to do business in. A selection of Leptos Estates properties eligible for a Cyprus Permanent Residency are Venus Gardens -- a unique residential resort with hilltop homes located just a short walk from the Paphos coastline and the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea; Coral Sea Villas -- 63 state-of-the-art freehold-detached seafront villas situated in one of the most sought-after locations in Paphos; and Limassol Park -- luxury apartments just 12 minutes from the sea and surrounded by landscaped gardens. In Greece, one of the oldest civilizations in the world, a healthy climate, good food, and wine enjoyed in your own home are major draws for those looking to invest in property. Indians can invest in any of these Leptos Estates properties in Greece and acquire a Permanent Residency thereafter. Aphrodite Beachfront I , II, III & 5 in Crete offer apartments, penthouses with roof gardens, maisonettes and villas with magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea and the picturesque mountains; the Cretan-style beach-front Viglia Beach Villas, just 300 meters away from the bustling marina of Kastelli, are tailor-made for those looking for opulence and comfort in a beachfront palace; and the Molos Beach Village offering a variety of one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as two and three-bedroom garden villas, maisonettes, and penthouses that make for excellent investments in Greece. The options of owning a second home or a holiday home in India are narrowing down with popular destinations like Goa, becoming saturated. The quality of life is compromised and the amenities and benefits one expects from such investments are slowly dwindling. What Leptos Estates is offering is unmatched in terms of affordability, luxury, sustainability, aesthetics and even hand-holding you through the entire process of buying your home, said Sanjay Sachdev, Group Marketing Director, Leptos Estates. We want Indians to start looking at Greece and Cyprus as the ideal destinations for their dream Mediterranean home. Our one-stop solutions from signing of the title deed, renting out homes, upgrading to helping you resell, ensure the entire process is seamless and completely pain-free, he added. Leptos Estates is a six-decade, family-run, real estate and property development firm that specializes in property sales from residential, commercial and holiday residences including premium apartments and luxury villas in Cyprus and Greece. Offering a one-stop solution to home buyers and investors worldwide, the firm has an extensive land bank, owning prime locations in Cyprus and Greece (Athens, Paros, Santorini, and Crete). Leptos Estates is part of the Leptos Group headquartered in Paphos, Cyprus, that operates businesses in the hospitality, education and healthcare sectors. The organisation has achieved its success through an international network of sales service in 75 countries, its vast investment in land purchasing and an effective after-sales service support. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

Rupankar pays tribute to the stalwart Satyajit Ray on his birth anniversary

Rupankar pays tribute to the stalwart Satyajit Ray on his birth anniversary

Congress vs INDIA, and BJP vs BJP in Ladakhs sole Lok Sabha seat

SRINAGAR : In the Union Territory of Ladakh, where the parliamentary seat is slated for polling in the 5th phase on May 20, marking a pivotal electoral moment post Article 370s abrogation, both the national stalwarts Congress and BJP find themselves ensnared in significant quandaries. Against the backdrop of the cold desert region, a political showdown looms between Congress and the INDIA alliance, potentially culminating in a paradoxical BJP versus BJP contest. In the race for Ladakhs singular Lok Sabha seat, both Congress and BJP are grappling with internal dissent. The Congress Leh unit has put forth Tsering Namgyal, aged 51, as their contender for the seat. Accompanied by party luminaries, including former legislator Rigzin, Namgyal formally filed his nomination papers as the endorsed Congress candidate in Leh. Notably, the Kargil unit of Congress has forged an alliance with the National Conference (NC) and opted to field its own candidate. Nasir Munshi, the District Congress president of Kargil, declared that the Kargil faction, in collaboration with NC, has chosen to nominate NC luminary Haji Mohammad Hanifa Jan for the Ladakh seat, a decision purportedly backed by Kargils populace. Designating their nominee as an INDIA alliance candidate, both NC and Congress are integral constituents of this coalition. As per the seat-sharing accord between NC and PDP concerning the six LS seats of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, NC is slated to contest all three LS seats in the Valley, while Congress is designated both parliamentary seats in the Jammu region along with the solitary LS seat in Ladakh. Presently, only four candidates, inclusive of the official Congress and BJP nominees, along with their substitute candidates, have lodged their nomination papers for the Ladakh LS seat. However, with a single day remaining for the submission of nomination papers, the pivotal question persists: Can Congress persuade its Kargil unit to retract its own candidate aligned with NC and instead throw its weight behind the partys official nominee? Should the Kargil Congress unit opt to endorse Hanifa Jan, he would then vie as an independent candidate, setting the stage for a riveting showdown between Congress and the INDIA alliance contender amidst the frigid desert landscape. The BJP, too, grapples with a similar conundrum as its incumbent MP, Jamyang Tsering Namgayal, harbours discontent following the partys decision to deny him a mandate. Although he has acquired nomination papers from the election office, he has not yet submitted them. According to sources close to him, Namgayal is currently in discussions with his loyal party supporters, leaders, and close associates to determine whether to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections. The BJP has allocated the ticket to 49-year-old Advocate Tashi Gyalson, a former PDP luminary who joined the saffron ranks after the collapse of the PDP-BJP coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir in June 2018. Gyalson formally lodged his nomination papers from the seat on Wednesday.

CRPF jawans perform 'kanyadaan' of a martyr's daughter in Alwar

CRPF jawans perform kanyadaan of a martyrs daughter in Alwar

How to clear cache on a Mac

Macworld Maybe your Mac isnt running as well as it used to. Maybe one or more of your apps are behaving strangely. Perhaps you are concerned about your privacy online or what companies and app developers know above you. All these are good reasons to clear the cache on your Mac. We are here to answer the question: How do I clear my cache on my Mac? So if you want to know how to clear cache on a Mac youve come to the right place! But before we run through how to do that well explain what cache is, why you might benefit from deleting it, what cache you shouldnt delete, and how you can delete your cache. What is cache? A cache is where data is stored to help your Mac speed up various processes. You have probably heard of the cache associated with web browsers. This cache contains the data that gets downloaded to your Mac and is saved so that the next time you visit the same website some of the data is already downloaded and it wont take so long to load up the page. PROMOTION CleanMyMac X | Clear your Macs disk Use CleanMyMac X to find hidden junk and free up the unseen cache files. Locate large old folders, background apps, and heavy memory consumers. Tune your Mac for maximum speed, and keep it malware-free and secure Download Free Edition Among other things, browser cache means you can browse the web faster, which sounds like a good thing, but there are quite a few disadvantages too. One disadvantage is the fact that you could find yourself browsing an old cached version of a webpage and another is that your browser cachewhich includes cookies and trackerscan give websites and advertisers information about you as you browse the web. The latter may be a concern for privacy reasons. There are two other kinds of cache: system cache and application cache. Application cache, sometimes referred to as user cache, includes data associated with your apps that is saved so that it doesnt have to be loaded up every time you use the application, this means your applications can work faster. Again, this sounds beneficial, but there are disadvantages. For example, if you work with high-resolution images, or large video files, your computer could be storing a lot of data related to the edits you make. Similarly, if you play games on your Mac you could find you are losing space to game saves. App data can take up a lot of space and if you are no longer using the app you are unlikely to require the cached data that could still lurk on your Mac. System cache, as youd probably expect, is where the data created by macOS that helps your Mac run smoothly is stored. Because its connected to the operating system we would recommend against deleting anything from your system cache, unless you are using a specific tool to do so. Deleting data from any of your Macs caches is a risky business if you dont know what you are doing, but even more so when it comes to system cache as you could accidentally erase files that ensure your Mac runs smoothly. There is another kind of cached data that is the result of sandboxing between apps, but this data is removed when you restart your Mac (which you should do regularly: see Should I shut down my Mac every night? ). Should you clear cache on a Mac? There are a few reasons why you might want to delete or clear cached data. Most commonly Mac users want to delete data from a cache because they are running out of space on their Mac and assume that clearing their cache could recover a few gigabytes. Perhaps youve been looking at whats taking up the space on your Mac (System Settings > General > Storage > Storage Settings in macOS Ventura and beyond, About This Mac > Storage in older macOS versions) and wondering what Other and System Data are and why so much of your space is given over to these categories of data. One thing to note in this case is that deleting data from the cache wont necessarily free up space as your Mac will recreate many of these cached files. Another reason to clear your Macs cache is for troubleshooting purposes. Perhaps your Mac, or just a particular app, is running poorly and you want to see it deleting data from the cache fixes the issue. This is probably the last case scenario after restarting the troublesome app, restarting your Mac, and possibly deleting and reinstalling the app. You may also be concerned about your personal data and how an app or website might be using it, which is a good reason to clear your browser cache from time to time. Another reason to clear browser cache is if you are finding that a website you use isnt up to date. If you dont clear the cache you may find you are loading up the version of a webpage as it was the last time you visited. The cache you can, and cant, delete Under no circumstances should you delete all of the data in your cache if you are thinking of doing something that drastic you would probably be better off wiping your Mac and doing a clean install of macOS . The reason not to delete all your cached files is that some of these files are needed by your Mac to run normally. If you delete cache files willy-nilly you might break something. Deleting cache thats related to an application can also be asking for trouble. Some apps keep important user information in cache folders and may not work without it. It can also be pretty inconvenient for you if you are in the middle of a big project in say Photoshop or Premiere Pro and you delete your cache associated with that. These are both good reasons to back up your Mac before you clear your cache, at least then you can recover your Mac to the state it was in before you started meddling, or at the least copy the cache files back to the folder you deleted them from. Thats what you shouldnt delete or at least you should be cautious about what you delete. How about what you can safely delete? Wed suggest that you can delete cache files that relate to apps you no longer use. In particular, if there is data in cache that relates to an app that you have removed from your Mac you should be able to confidently remove the associated files from the cache. In fact, a good app uninstaller, such as MacPaws CleanMyMac X , MacCleaner Pro from Nektony, or DaisyDisk from Software Ambience, will remove the associated data from your cache. For more of our Mac Cleaner recommendations see our round-up of the best Mac cleaner apps . Browser cache is a type of data you can be pretty confident about removing, but the advantages of keeping it may well be greater than any advantages of removing it. Deleting data from your browser cache can become an annoyance when afterwards you discover that you now have to re-enter your logins and other data that used to autofill. How to delete cache on a Mac Well look at each kind of cache separately since the process is different. Well cover how to delete data from your cache manually and well also look at some of the third-party tools you can use if you are concerned about making a mistake. Before we start, you may be wondering whether Apple provides you with the necessary tool to quickly delete cached files. If you are using macOS Sonoma, Ventura or later you can access the information via About This Mac > More Info. This takes you to System Settings where you go to General > Storage > Storage Settings. In macOS Monterey and older you can click on the Apple in the menu at the top of your screen and go to About This Mac > Storage. Whichever way you get there you will see a breakdown of the kind of storage on your Mac that indicates where there are files that you might want to delete, or move to iCloud, in order to free up space. For example, if you click on the i beside the section (in Ventura or later) then you can see all the files or applications you might want to delete. Foundry Foundry Foundry You might also see a large section called Other, or System, or System Data, depending on the version of macOS you are running. The kind of cached files you want to delete may well lurk in this section of your storage, so you may wonder if you can easily delete it from here. Unfortunately, you cant easily delete files from any of those sections from this view. But there are lots of other ways to free up space from these sections and elsewhere on your Mac. We discuss how to use this here: How to free up space on Mac and address the question of How to delete Other on the Mac and How to delete System on the Mac separately but read on for tips for clearing the cache on your Mac. How to clear browser cache The method here depends on which browser you use, be it Safari, Chrome, Firefox or something else. If you are a Safari user then the process is as follows: In Sonoma or Ventura Open Safari. Click on Safari > Settings in the menu. Click on the Advanced tab. You need to turn on the Developer view, so click on Show features for web developers (or Show Develop Menu). Now you will see a new Develop option in the menu at the top of your screen. Click on that. Click on Empty Caches. (You could also press on Option/Alt + Command + E.) In Monterey or older Open Safari. Click on Safari > Preferences in the menu. Click on Advanced. You need to turn on the Developer view, so click on Show Develop Menu. Now you will see a new Develop option in the menu. Click on that. Click on Empty Caches. You could also press on Option/Alt + Command + E. That method will delete your Safari cache. You may also want to clear your browsing history. To do that follow these steps: Click on History in the Safari menu. Click on Clear History. Finally, you can remove cookies by following these steps: In Sonoma or Ventura Click on Safari > Settings. Click on the Privacy tab. Click on Manage Website Data. Click Remove All (or go through the different sites and choose whether or not to allow them). Select Block all cookies to stop cookies in the future. In Monterey or older Click on Safari > Preferences. Click on Privacy. Click on Manage Website Data. Click Remove All (or go through the different sites and choose whether or not to allow them). Select Block all cookies to stop cookies in the future. Just note that removing this data can mean you are logged out of websites that you used to be able to automatically log on to so make sure you know your passwords. How to clear system cache Next up well run through how to clear system cache: A word of warning before you start: Back up just in case something goes wrong! If you delete something that turns out to be important you can at least return to the way things were before. If the thought of making a mistake fills you with dread take a look at one of the options below that will do it for you safely. Open the Finder. Click on Go > Go to Folder Type in Library/Caches/ Enter or click on Go. Open each folder and choose what to delete. You could sort by Data Modified to see what hasnt been added recently. Drag caches into the Trash/Bin. Dont forget to delete your trash. This is a long and boring process that also happens to be really risky so if you would rather reclaim your afternoon and not risk deleting something you shouldnt, we recommend using one of the apps below. How to delete application cache files Along with gaining back some space, clearing files from application cache is something you might want to do if an app isnt working properly, or if you want to speed a particular app up, but note it could have the opposite effect if you remove cached files that are required. For that reason, we again recommend that you back up your system before you start to delete. Open the Finder. Click on Go > Go to Folder Type in ~/Library/Caches/ (note that you need a ~ this time, its next to the Z). Enter or click on Go. Open each folder and choose what to delete. Drag caches into the Trash/Bin. Delete your trash. Again, if you arent 100 percent sure you know what you are doing, we recommend that you use a dedicated app to remove you application cache. Best Apps for removing data from cache We have a round-up of the best Mac cleaner apps where we run through some of our favorite options for deleting files and memory hogs. Among them, you will find some excellent solutions for removing cache files from your Mac. Below are three options that we recommend. How to use CleanMyMac X to clear cache Get CleanMyMac X CleanMyMac X from MacPawclaims to clear your cache safely, it refers to a Safety Database to do so. CleanMyMac X can be downloaded from MacPaws website . It costs 34.95/$34.95 for a one-year subscription, although from time to time the company offers discounts. Alternatively, you can buy the software for 93.95/$89.95 if you dont fancy forking out every year. You can download it for free , but if you want to delete anything you will need to pay up. Open CleanMyMac X and click on System Junk. Click on the Scan button. The app will start analyzing your system. Once the scan is complete you will see a message indicating how much space can be freed up. This includes User Cache Files, System Log Files, Language Files, Document Versions, User Log Files and System Cache Files. Click on Review Details to see more information. Here you get more details of the various cache files the software is offering to delete. So you could deselect anything you would rather not delete. (For example, you might prefer not to delete Document Versions, or you might want to keep some languages and not others. Plus you might prefer not to delete the cache associated with a particular app). If you are happy to go ahead just click Clean. You may need to enter your password and install a helper tool. Now wait while CleanMyMac X cleans your system. How to use MacCleaner Pro 2 to clear cache Get MacCleaner Pro MacCleaner Pro from Nektony is another option that is visually quite similar to CleanMyMac X. There is a free trial that is pretty much fully functional. To upgrade to the pro version costs 40.95/$44.95. Download it from Nektony . Open MacCleaner Pro. Click on Clean up Mac. Here you will see various types of files you can delete, including Caches, Installation Files, Language Files and Downloads. You can deselect any you dont wish to delete. Click on Clean Up. You will be asked to confirm that you are happy for the files to be deleted. Click on Review. You can click on the down arrows to see more information about each. Deselect any you dont want to delete. Click on Clean Up. Enter your password. The great thing about MacCleaner Pro is that it functions in trial mode, rather than just showing you what you can delete and then asking you to purchase the software. The trial is time-limited though. How to use CCleaner to clear cache CCleaner for Mac costs $29.95/29.95 for the Professional version. There is also a free version of CCleaner which you can download from the CCleaner website . Get CCLeaner Open CCleaner. Click on the Applications tab. Youll see which apps have files you can remove. Click on Analyze and wait for the software to examine what you can delete. It will then show you the files that can be removed. If you are happy to go ahead click on Run Cleaner. You will see a warning that the process will permanently delete files from your system. Confirm that you wish to proceed. You may need to install a helper tool, in which case: enter your password. Wait while the app removes the cache files. If youre on a budget, DaisyDisk which has a one-off cost of $9.99/9.99 is another solid choice for Mac cleaning, ranking #3 in our Best Mac Cleaners chart. For more advice read our tips for cleaning up your Mac to make it run faster. Cleaning and Data Recovery Software, Mac, MacOS, Personal Software

Shiv Sena`s Thane LS candidate Naresh Mhaske pays tributes to Anand Dighe

Mhaske visited the Anand Ashram, the residence of Shiv Sena stalwart the late Anand Dighe, and his memorial in Thane city and paid rich tributes to him

Uma Ramanan death: Iconic Tamil playback singer passes away at 72

Singer Uma Ramanan, renowned for her contributions to Tamil cinema, passed away at 72 in Chennai. Her career spanned over three decades, collaborating with music stalwarts like Ilaiyaraaja and leaving behind a legacy of iconic songs. Fans and the music industry mourn her loss, remembering her as a legendary voice in Tamil music.

Modi: Congress Should Put in Writing That They Won't Grant Religion-Based Reservations

Modi: Congress Should Put in Writing That They Won't Grant Religion-Based Reservations Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday claimed the Congress wants to give religion-based reservation, and challenged the party and its INDIA bloc allies to give a written guarantee that they will never do so and also not tinker with the existing quota for SCs/ STs/OBCs. Targeting the Congress, he said, ''Your intention is to give reservation to Muslims in the name of religion.'' In his first election rally here in Gujarat after the Lok Sabha poll schedule announcement, Modi said as long as he and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were around, reservation in jobs and education granted to SCs/STs/OBCs, and economically weaker sections will be safeguarded. ''I challenge the 'shehzada' (prince) of the Congress (referring to Rahul Gandhi), as well as his party and its supporters to announce they will never misuse reservation in the name of religion, nor will they play with the Constitution or grant reservation in the name of religion,'' emphasised the BJP stalwart. ''Let the Congress and INDI alliance give a guarantee in writing -- because they cannot be trusted -- that they will never give reservation in the name of religion. They should also give a second guarantee that they will never touch reservation given to SCs/STs/OBCs and (poor) in the general category. They will never do so...will never give it in writing,'' he noted. The Congress and INDIA bloc have come out with a lie, and are flashing copies of the Constitution (at poll rallies) to spread fear that the statute book will be changed and reservation given to SCs/STs /OBCs and EWS will be scrapped if the BJP-led NDA retains power, he said. This is nothing, but a ''completely fabricated gossip'', the PM told the rally in Deesa town. ''The Congress and its people should listen carefully that this is Modi. As long as Modi is alive, I will not let you play the game of reservation in the name of the Constitution,'' he stressed. Modi pointed out the SCs/STs/OBCs and the poor from the general category have got reservation under Constitution with the blessings of Babasaheb Ambedkar, and nobody can take away even a part of it. ''I can say this with confidence -- and I say this on record in front of the world -- that as long as the BJP and Modi are around, reservation given by Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution to the SCs/STs/ OBCs and common man (EWS) will be safeguarded,'' he asserted. The BJP leader noted the Congress has already experimented to give reservation to Muslims in Andhra Pradesh and it is now attempting the same in Karnataka, where the grand old party is in power, for vote-bank politics. ''They (opposition) are spreading lie that Modi is seeking 400 seats to (abolish) reservation. They don't know that in the outgoing Lok Sabha, the BJP-led NDA had around 360 MPs, and the BJD and the YSRCP, which were not part of the NDA, supported us with the power of 400. But we are not born to commit such a sin, nor is it a way for us,'' he asserted. Further attacking the Congress, Modi said it talked about opening ''mohabbat ki dukaan'' (shops of love - a slogan given by Rahul Gandhi), but is now circulating fake videos on social media. ''Imagine a party which has ruled the country for 60 years, had had so many PMs and ministers, has no word called truth to show the public. Their 'mohabbat ki dukaan' has started working as a fake factory,'' he said. Modi claimed videos, words, speeches, slogans and intentions of the Congress are fake, and it takes him lightly as a ''chai wala''. ''If you have courage, then attack from the front. Stop this fake video game. You can mislead people once, but the country will give you a big punishment,'' he declared. Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi, the BJP's star campaigner said the Congress's 'shehzada' had called the Modi community and OBCs 'chor' (thief). Modi said the Congress targeted him personally since he first contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2014, and repeated the mistake in 2019 and even now the opposition party makes fun of him. But the country responded to the grand old party in such a manner that it was ''reduced to 40 from once winning 400 Lok Sabha seats (in 1984)'', he said. Modi pointed out that except the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), no other political outfit, including the Congress, has fielded even 272 candidates -- the minimum number of seats required for a simple majority in the 543-strong Lok Sabha and form a government. ''You talk about forming a government when you do not even field 272 candidates. Their situation is such that the 'shahi' family of the Congress will not be able to vote for the Congress as they do not have their party's candidate from where they vote (in Delhi),'' he said. The Congress and AAP will contest three and four Lok Sabha seats, respectively, in Delhi. Even the family of Congress stalwart late Ahmed Patel will not be able to vote for the party in Bharuch (where AAP has fielded its candidate), he said. ''When the Congress released its manifesto, I said it had Muslim League imprint. Now they have started making announcements akin to Naxals,'' he said. The PM said it was his guarantee to make India the world's third largest economy in his third term, and has a 100-day plan ready for his new tenure. Gujarat will vote in a single phase on May 7.

Pages of a vintage sketch book

CHENNAI: One fine day, the late Kalaingar Karunanidhi during his reign as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu invited an illustrator to his house. He then explained the storyline of his new novel, Thaenpandi Singam. Draw a ferocious, brave young man, riding a horse swiftly, and add your style of bringing new angles to the picture, he had said. The next day, the illustrator sent in his work drawing of a horse from a top-angle view, a style that was not explored then. Amazed by the detailed portrayal of the protagonist, he generously appreciated the illustrator, S Jeyaraj Fernando. His name is etched for his profound works, and is a well celebrated artist today. On the eve of the second-year commencement ceremony of Chithiraalayam, the Museum of Popular Art, Alwarthirunagar, an interactive session was organised with S Jeyaraj on his 66-year-long career as an illustrator. On audiences request, Jeyaraj enticed them by drawing a scene of Seethapatti chasing Appusamy. Jeyaraj was an illustrator for various Tamil periodicals, and Samacheer school textbooks. He began drawing at the age of three. The self-taught artist said, Many people think an artiste should be able to draw everything when asked to, but an artist can draw only what he sees and can enjoy. In 1958, he got his first assignment to illustrate a short story written by Ra Ki Rangarajan in the Kumudam magazine, where he worked as a freelancer at a time when only in-house artists were part of the work. It was S Jeyaraj who paved way for freelance artists to get a platform to draw, said Maya, a senior artist. He has also designed movie posters and costumes for directors Balu Mahendra and K Balachander, and worked as an art director for Johny. The Blaft Anthology of Tamil Pulp Fiction Volume II records two lakh illustrations drawn for periodicals, textbooks, and movie posters by Jeyaraj by 1980. I used to sketch 45 illustrations per day. One in every 12-15 minutes, to complete the drawings for the upcoming weeks periodical editions, so that I can take a four-week trip with my family, said Jeyaraj. Though he was famous for his glamorous illustrations of women, the character portrayal of Seethapatti and Appusamy from the story written by Backiyam Ramaswamy, was a breakthrough work. He recounts his wife reading out story scenes and finding references for sketching monuments. Jeyaraj recalled a moment when he received an award from the Ladys Club of Madras. When a reporter criticised his drawings of female characters, the women present there quipped that portraying the female body beautifully shouldnt be perceived as vulgar. His drawings contain detailed illustrations of the fingers in various situations in exact dimensions, which is not common among many illustrators, said Pattukotai Prabhakaran, Tamil story writer. His style in drawing objects from different angles and his experimentation with shades of light falling on an object in his black-and-white drawings can be seen in the illustrations of the novel, Pattampoochi. The intricate background drawings in the book Thaenmerku Paruvangal amused the readers, said Maniam Selvan (Ma Se), illustrator. Some pages from Jeyarajs diary were also showcased at the event. We can find his diary pages filled with small illustrations in the page corners. They also contain descriptions of Madurai and places he has visited, said Jayakumar, an artist. Throughout his career, he has seen people being hesitant to showcase their works to him. He addressed his fans and said, Your work is equally good as that of mine. S Jeyarajs works will be arrayed in the museum till May 2.

'Opposition lying, won't allow Congress to change Constitution', says Modi

MUMBAI: Modi sought to warn the people against Congress' attempt to take away the SC, ST and SC community reservations and give away to Muslims. The PM said the Opposition was spreading rumours that the BJP would change the Constitution. Don't believe such rumours. As long as I am alive, I will not allow the Congress to change the Constitution, Modi said. The government removed Article 370 from J&K and enforced Dr BR Ambedkar's Constitution there. Why couldn't the Congress do this earlier? With the enforcement of the Indian constitution, people of J&K are getting their rights. We got freedom but Congress wants to keep our people as mental slaves. We also changed the flag of the Indian Navy by replacing the British emblem with Shivaji Maharaj's Shivmudra emblem, he added. The Opposition says we would change the Constitution, will end the reservations etc. I am surprised why the Opposition needs to lie while campaigning in elections, Modi said. At Malshiras in Solapur district, the PM continued his attack on the NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar, saying he did not do much for farmers while being the Union agriculture minister, and added that it was now time to punish him. He taunted the opposition Congress, saying it was not able to field even 275 candidates in the Lok Sabha elections, and appealed to people not to waste their vote by supporting the grand old party. Targeting Pawar with out mentioning his name, Modi said, Fifteen years ago, a stalwart leader had come to contest an election here. It is being said that he took an oath before a setting sun that he will bring water to the drought-affected region here. Was he able to bring water here? Time has come to punish him, Modi said. Be it in Vidarbha or Marathwada, the sin of depriving people from water has been happening for years. now, he said. The PM said people are seeing the difference between his government's 10 years and Congress rule of 60 years. Congress leaders kept talking about eradicating poverty in every poll but would not do anything after that, he said. In the last 10 years, our government is able to bring 25 crore people out of poverty and 80 crore are getting free ration, he said.

AP polls: Commoners working as star campaigners for YSRC

VIJAYAWADA: Amid the popular trend of enlisting film stars and celebrities as star campaigners for elections, the YSR Congress has adopted a reverse model of introducing commoners as the partys main campaigners. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, as YSRC chief, has taken this decision, a historic first in the country. The commoners will campaign with top guns of the YSRC, including the CM himself, stalwarts like Botsa Satyanarayana, Dharmana Prasada Rao, Ummareddy Venkateswarlu, Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, YV Subba Reddy, V Vijayasai Reddy, Md Abdul Hafeez Khan and others in the present state-wide election campaign. The YSRC has submitted a list of 12 commoners to the Election Commission, designating them as YSRCs official Star Campaigners' for the polls. The party said these 12 will represent each and every one of the approximate 5 crore people of Andhra Pradesh. At a broader level, the YSRC believes that every person in the state is its star campaigner. These individuals, hailing from humble backgrounds, will campaign for the party on the ground and help propagate Jagan Mohan Reddys messages till the last mile. Notably, even before the Siddham campaign, Jagan Reddy had said, My star campaigners are the ordinary people, and I dont want anyone else to campaign for me or the party. He slammed the Opposition for stitching unholy alliances and trying to get as many film stars, influencers etc on board to campaign for them. Throughout his visits to various constituencies as part of the Siddham and Memantha Siddham campaigns, the CM sought blessings from the beneficiaries, whom he called his Star Campaigners, who he expects would go door-to-door in the coming days and help him have a resounding victory. Out of the twelve YSRC star campaigners, four are homemakers, two are farmers, one is an auto driver, one a tailor and four are former government volunteers. Star campaigner Pandalaneni Sivaprasad, Avanigadda constituency, Krishna district, hails from a simple family of farmers; Katari Jagadish, Anakapalli constituency, Anakapalli district, runs a roadside shop sewing seat covers for two-wheelers; Anantha Lakshmi, Rajahmundry city constituency, East Godavari district campaigns in her village. Through Jagananna Chedodu, a neighbour set up a clothing shop that supports her family. Syed Anwar, Nellore Rural, Nellore district, is another of Jagans star campaigners. Challa Eswari, Mylavaram constituency, NTR District, worked as a government volunteer. They are all eager to campaign for the YSRC and CM Jagan. Eswari was all praises for CM Jagans commitment to uplift every poor person in the state and for his focus on women's empowerment. She highlighted the ease of accessing government services, citing the swift issuance of caste certificates under the Jagananna Suraksha programme. Eswari hails CM Jagan's vision for the state. She has seen families in her cluster starting successful businesses with the financial support they received from state government schemes. She believes he runs a people's government where the downtrodden and the underprivileged were prioritized for governmental support and care.

In Mahas sugar belt, Modi vs Pawar battle enters a not-so-sweet territory

A day after alluding to him as a bhatakti aatma (wandering soul) who spooks even his family members plans because he couldnt fulfil his, PM Narendra Modi resumed his tirade against NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday with a call to show the kaddaavar neta (political stalwart) his place for repeatedly failing his voters.

India Attacks Terrorists on Their Home Turf: Modi

MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said under the BJP-led government Aaj Bharat ghar mein ghus ke marta hai (today, India kills terrorists on their home turf), unlike the practice during the Congress regime of sending dossiers on terror attacks. The Prime Minister addressed three back to back rallies at Malshiras in Solapur district, Dharashiv (formerly Osmanabad) and Latur before heading to Telangana. During the Congress regime, the news headlines were about India handing over another dossier to Pakistan about terror activities. It used to be big news. Some of our friends in the media used to clap after any such dossier was sent, Modi said at an election rally in Latur. But, the headlines in Naya Bharat are: Mission LoC, India punishes Pakistan through surgical strikes, Modi said. Modi also claimed that the I.N.D.I.A. bloc has come up with a formula whereby the parties in the Opposition alliance will get the PMs post for one year each if they come to power. With such a system, the good of the country cannot be expected, Modi said. Targeting NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar at an election rally at Malshiras, under the Madha parliamentary seat, Modi said the NCP founder did not do much for farmers when he was the Union agriculture minister and it was now time to punish him. A stalwart leader had come to contest an election here 15 years ago. It is being said that he took an oath before a setting sun that he will bring water to the drought-affected region here. Was he able to bring water here? So time has come to punish him, Modi said. Pawar had contested from the Madha seat in the 2009 general election. It was his last Lok Sabha election. Modi said that the NCP founder did not muster courage to contest election from Madha again. The Prime Minister said that he did not want to criticize anyone but wanted to apprise the truth to the farmers of the country and Maharashtra.

Google Play blocked more than 3 lakh accounts that added malware or fraudulent apps on the platform

Google Play blocked more than lakh accounts that added malware or fraudulent apps on the platform

Google Play Store Banned 2.28 Mn Policy-Violating Apps in 2023, Sued Developers Behind 2 Fraudulent Apps

Google Play Store prevented 2.28 million apps from being published in 2023 due to major policy violations. In a new report published by the tech giant, it highlighted the steps it took in the last year to ensure the security and privacy of Play Store users. The company further highlighted that it also banned 333K developer accounts from the platform for confirmed malware and repeated severe policy violations.

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Naveen, Rahul, Priyanka to campaign in Rayagada

RAYAGADA/BHUBANESWAR : WITH the tribal votes of the state in the focus of all political parties, Rayagada district is all set to witness star campaigners making a beeline next month onwards. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Revanth Reddy, his counterpart from Telangana and former Congress president Rahul Gandhi are set to hit the campaign trail very soon. The BJP, to keep pace, plans to invite either Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Home Minister Amit Shah, to checkmate the rivals. The Congress is focusing on the constituencies which once were its fort. To wrest back the seats, Rahul is set to hold a meeting at Rayagada on May 3. All the Congress candidates of south Odisha will join the meeting of the Gandhi scion. Preparations are being given finishing touches under the supervision of Koraput MP Saptagiri Shankar Ulaka. Similarly, Priyanka will attend a public meeting in Nabarangpur on May 5 or 9. The exact date will be finalised later, Odisha in-charge Ajoy Kumar said. To double down the Congress efforts, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy will conduct roadshows in the three Assembly segments of Rayagada district after Rahuls programme. The day Rahul visits Rayagada, BJD supremo Naveen Patanik will hold a public meeting at Tikiri. To make the programme a success, a preparatory meeting was held at Tikiri under the leadership of district BJD president N Bhaskar Rao on Monday. The BJP which appears to be lagging behind is yet to decide how to defend the rival onslaught. On May 4, Union Minister of State for Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur was scheduled to visit but the programme was later cancelled. Now BJP leaders of undivided Koraput district intends to invite either PM Modi or Home minister Amit Shah to galvanise party members and candidates. District president of BJP Siba Patnaik said very soon a stalwart of the party will visit the district. Meanwhile, battle lines have been drawn for the simultaneous polls in Rayagada district. As many as 30 candidates are in the fray for the upcoming polls in three Assembly constituencies (AC) of Rayagada. In Rayagada AC, ten candidates are locked in the fight, followed by eight in Bissamcuttack and 12 in Gunupur will test their luck.

Kerala CPM stalwarts at loggerheads on social platforms

KANNUR: The uneasiness among CPM cadre over the controversy surrounding the E P Jayarajan-Prakash Javadekar meeting has spilled over to social media with some comparing EP with P Jayarajan, another party stalwart from Kannur. Interestingly, the Facebook page Red Amy formerly known as PJ Army has a photograph of P Jayarajan with the comment, Among some individuals who consistently jeopardise the party with their vested business interests, there are those who have achieved nothing. The comrades have juxtaposed P Jayarajan, who is hailed as unselfish fighter, with EP, who is seen as a leader who used party platform for personal gains. Other pro-CPM social media pages such as Chuvappinte Porali and Porali Shaji have echoed similar sentiments. Chuvappinte Porali shared a cryptic post resembling that of the Red Armys, without explicitly mentioning EPs name but featuring a photo of P Jayarajan. PJ supporters target EP on social media One post by Porali Shaji reads, Even if a tree bears gold, it must be cut down if it leans on to the house. The issue isnt solely about the acceptance of BJPs invitation; even the meeting itself should have been avoided. The gravest mistake lies in the decision to confirm the meeting on election day. Even while maintaining respect for the comrade we must say you have caused ample headaches for the party. We must not forget this! The rift between P Jayarajan and EP has made headlines in the past also. In 2023, P Jayarajan raised allegations within the CPM state committee regarding EPs financial dealings related to his ayurvedic resort. In response, EP addressed the party state committee, attributing the accusations to a member aimed at tarnishing his four-decade-long political career. There is a feeling among the supporters of P Jayarajan, who was the partys Kannur district secretary, that the leader was sidelined because he didnt toe the line of those with business interests in the CPM.