Environment News in English

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Oct 29, 2025, 06:46 AM

Gaza Under Attack: Israel's Fresh Strikes Kill At Least 90, Including 24 Children

Gaza City:At least 90 Palestinians, including 24 children, were killed and several others injured after Israeli forces launched fresh air and artillery strikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday night, October 28, raising fears of a collapse of theUnited States(US)-brokered ceasefire. Medical sources toldAl JazeeraArabic on Wednesday, October 29, that the dead included three people sheltering inside a school in Beit Lahiya and another three in tents for displaced Palestinians in al-Mawasi. #شاهد| تزامناً مع مواجهات عنيفة.. قوات الاحتلال تطلق قنابل مضيئة خلال اقتحام بلدة سبسطية شمال غرب نابلس.pic.twitter.com/wXLzO4HIeG Mahmud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defence agency, toldAFPthat emergency teams were still pulling bodies and survivors from under the rubble after “intense overnight bombardments.” #شاهد| طواقم الدفاع المدني تواصل عملياتها في محيط مبنى المالية بحي تل الهوا جنوب غرب مدينة غزة، حيث انتشلت عدداً من الشهداء وتبحث عن مفقودين تحت أنقاض منزل دمره قصف الاحتلال.pic.twitter.com/yRk8aEKTk5 According toAnadolu Agency, Israeli strikes hit homes, tents sheltering displaced civilians, a vehicle, a shelter, and a hospital inside the so-called “yellow line.” This comes following an order from Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu, who directed the military to “carry out immediate and forceful strikes” in Gaza after meeting his top security minister Following security consultations, Prime Minister Netanyahu has directed the military to immediately carry out forceful strikes in the Gaza Strip. Israel claimed the operation came in response to a ceasefire violation by Hamas, accusing the group of opening fire on Israeli troops inRafahearlier in the day. However, Hamas denied any involvement, saying in a statement that it remained committed to the US-backed ceasefire. The Israeli military confirmed that a 37-year-old soldier was also killed “in battle” in the southern Gaza Strip. Minutes after Netanyahu’s order, Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, announced the postponement of a planned handover of a hostage’s body, citing “occupation violations.” The group said that any escalation would delay ongoing recovery efforts. Netanyahu denounced the move, calling it a “clear breach” of the truce, which obliges Hamas to return all hostage remains without delay. US President Donald Trump, speaking on Wednesday morning, October 29, insisted that the ceasefire remained intact despite renewed violence. “Nothing is going to jeopardise the ceasefire,” Trump said aboard Air Force One, en route from Japan toSouth Korea. “You have to understand, Hamas is a very small part of peace in theMiddle East, and they have to behave.” He defended Israel’s response, saying, “They took out an Israeli soldier, so the Israelis hit back — and they should hit back. When that happens, they should respond.” The ceasefire, part of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, took effect on October 10 after weeks of negotiations. However, Gaza’s authorities have accused Israel of repeatedly violating the agreement through continued military actions and restrictions. The Gaza Government Media Office said Israel has committed 125 violations since the truce began, killing 94 Palestinians and injuring hundreds more. Overall, the death toll in Gaza since October 7, 2023, has reached 68,531, mostly women and children, with more than 170,000 injured. Thousands remain missing beneath the ruins of bombed neighbourhoods as rescue crews struggle to reach trapped civilians. Editor’s note:This article has been updated to reflect the latest casualty figures and new information about the Israeli attacks in Gaza.

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Times of India

Oct 29, 2025, 06:36 AM

Delhi's Cloud Seeding Experiment Put on Hold Amid Criticism Over Cost and Effectiveness

Image Credit: PTINEW DELHI: Delhi’s second planned cloud seeding experiment was put on hold on Wednesday. According to officials said, no trial will take place today as moisture content is same as Tuesday."The cloud-seeding activity planned for today has been put on hold due to insufficient moisture in the clouds. The process is highly dependent on the right atmospheric conditions," a statement from IIT-Kanpur read."While rainfall could not be triggered yesterday because moisture levels were around 15 to 20%, the trial delivered valuable insights. Monitoring stations set up across Delhi captured real-time changes in particulate matter and moisture levels.The data shows a measurable reduction of 6 to 10 percent in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, indicating that even under limited moisture conditions, cloud seeding can contribute to improved air quality," the statement said further.You Can Also Check:Delhi AQI|Weather in Delhi|Gold Rate Today in Delhi|Silver Rate Today in Delhi"These observations strengthen our planning for future operations and allow us to better identify conditions where this intervention can deliver maximum benefit. Such learnings form the foundation for more effective deployments ahead."'Costly and short-term reponse'Experts have criticised Delhi’s cloud seeding trials, calling them a costly and short-term response to the capital’s worsening air pollution crisis.The Delhi government, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, carried out its first cloud seeding experiment on Tuesday.However, scientists warn that even if artificial rain temporarily settles airborne pollutants, air quality is likely to deteriorate again within a day or two.“This is a hugely expensive, temporary and unsustainable measure,” said one expert, adding that cloud seeding cannot address the underlying causes of Delhi’s toxic smog — vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and crop burning.Rs 64 lakh per sortieAccording to thememorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between IIT-Kanpur and the Delhi environment department, the total budget for the cloud seeding project is over Rs 3.2 crore for five trials — meaning each sortie costs roughly Rs 64 lakh.Three trials have so far been conducted over north Delhi, but none produced significant rainfall. Despite the effort, the city’s air quality index (AQI) has continued to hover between the ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories over the past few days.The trial and its resultsOn Tuesday, a Cessna aircraft equipped with special flares took off from Kanpur, releasing seeding material over Burari, north Karol Bagh, and Mayur Vihar before landing at the Meerut airfield.“The aircraft released eight fire flares, and the trial lasted for about half an hour,” said Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa in a video statement. He added that IIT-Kanpur scientists had estimated rainfall could occur within 15 minutes to four hours after the seeding.However, officials confirmed that no major precipitation was recorded in the target areas following the trial.

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INC42 News✓

Oct 29, 2025, 06:31 AM

CarTrade's Strong Q2 Performance Drives Net Profit Growth

CarTradeCarTradeAn Ecommerce Funded Company Based Out Of MumbaiSectorEcommerceStageUndisclosedTotal Funding$310.81 Mn+Powered By:Explore full profilecontinued its dream run in Q2 FY26. The online car marketplace more than doubled its net profits YoY during the quarter on the back of growing revenues, improving margins and a tight leash on its expenses. The company also achieved its highest-ever quarterly revenue, signalling robust growth across segments. Here’s a quick snapshot of CarTrade’s second quarter results: Strength Across Verticals:CarTrade’s diversified revenue model continued to prove its worth. The consumer business, anchored by CarWale and BikeWale, accounted for the lion’s share of the top line and profits. Furthermore, the 2023 acquisition of OLX India’s classifieds business appears to be validating the company’s strategy, contributing INR 55.5 Cr to the top line. Operationally, too, the company attracted 85 Mn average monthly unique visitors in the quarter, 95% of whom arrived organically. Onwards & Upwards?Meanwhile, succession planning appears to be underway at CarTrade. Cofounder Vinay Sanghi’s son, Varun Sanghi, has now been appointed as the company’s new chief strategy officer. All said and done, the positive results are expected to give a further boost to CarTrade’s stock, which has more than doubled on a YTD basis. The stock gained by more than 17% in Tuesday’s session, hitting a 52-week high. With the auto marketplace firing on all cylinders, can it maintain this growth trajectory while defending its turf against well-funded competitors? While that is a question for another day, here ishow CarTrade fared on the financial front in Q2. Fragmented guest experience continues to be the bane of the hospitality sector. Delayed responses and language gaps can easily turn a pleasant stay into a lost opportunity. Enter GydeXP, a startup that offers hotels the tools to deliver warm, contextual, and efficient interactions. From Frustration To Innovation:Founded in 2024, GydeXP has developed “Travel Studio,” an AI-powered platform that acts as a digital concierge for hotels and rental businesses. The solution brings together voice-based AI agents, real-time task tracking, and multilingual communication. This enables seamless service from check-in to post-checkout. For hotel operators, this means better queue management, smarter service assignment, and automated upselling without compromising the personal touch. Scaling Guest Delight:Targeting hotels and short-term rentals across India and Southeast Asia, GydeXP blends AI with hospitality, helping property operators redefine how guests are cared for while boosting operational profitability. As AI becomes the unseen concierge behind modern hospitality,can GydeXP’s tech stack deliver the emotional intelligence that makes human service unforgettable? IPO-bound Lenskart swung back to profitability in Q1 FY26. Yet, its expenses rose a nifty 17% YoY to INR 1,800 Cr+. So, how did the omnichannel eyewear giant spend its money during the quarter? CarTrade Ecommerce 2006 Mumbai Vinay Sanghi $310.8 Mn Ecommerce 2006 Mumbai Vinay Sanghi $310.8 Mn

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INC42 News✓

Oct 29, 2025, 06:30 AM

Indian Venture Capital Market Sees Best Entry Vintage in Years

The 2020–22 cycle was a sugar high. Cheap money, crossover FOMO, and “growth-at-all-costs” playbooks pushed prices to places the fundamentals did not justify. That party ended. And that’s precisely why 2025 looks like the best entry vintage for Indian venture capital in years. The single biggest improvement is liquidity. India’s public markets reopened for growth assets in 2024 and have stayed receptive into 2025. At a macro level, India raised a record INR 1.6 Lakh Cr via IPOs in 2024 with a thick pipeline rolling into 2025 — unmistakable evidence that capital markets are functioning for issuers again. Inside a VC or PE, exit value held up and tilts increasingly toward public markets:Bain pegs 2024 VC exits at ~$6.8 Bnwith the share of public market exits jumping from 55% to 76% over 2023–24, aided by a 7X surge in IPO exit value. That is the kind of mix LPs love because it improves timing and price discovery. EY’s 2025 trendbook shows the broaderPE/VC ecosystem delivered $26.7 Bn of exits in 2024, and the number of PE-backed IPOs rose 33% (40 vs. 30 in 2023). Translation: more paths, more volume, more confidence. Funding has thawed from the freeze, but the heat of 2021 is not coming back (thankfully). Venture/growth funding in India rebounded to $13.7 Bn in 2024 (1.4X more than 2023), yet investors and founders reset their expectations — megadeal sizes fell 20% and pricing turned more conservative. The narrative inside boardrooms shifted to profitability and durable unit economics, not top-line stunts. That is the exact cocktail you want when committing to a 10-year fund: activity is healthy, but terms and structures are sane. The “grow-burn-raise” loop has given way to “build-earn-scale.” Consumer tech rebounded, SaaS stayed steady, and even quick commerce gained credibility by proving operating leverage at scale. Investors saw fewer vanity metrics and more paths to profit; that is not just talk. Bain highlights the ecosystem’s tilt toward profitability and regulatory alignment as a 2024 hallmark. This creates cleaner cap tables, better governance, and more mature follow-on rounds in 2026–28. It was the period many 2025-vintage funds will be harvesting first markup signals. The manager landscape is no longer just a handful of global franchises parachuting in. We have a rising wave of India-domiciled GPs and specialist funds with dense local networks—operators, policymakers, distribution partners, and customers. In 2024, maiden funds made up a third of VC/growth capital raised, family offices and corporate VCs increased activity 1.8X, and local platforms kept showing up in competitive processes. These are not tourists; they are builders. The plumbing also scaled: SEBI’sAIFmarket now sits on trillion-rupee commitments, with Category I/II vehicles providing a robust chassis for domestic capital formation, while the government’sFund of Funds (SIDBI) has committed INR 10,000 Cr to 141 AIFs— anchoring many homegrown GPs. You can feel it in the headlines too — debut deeptech andmicro-VC fundsare closing with majority Indian LP bases, a sharp break from the 2016–20 era. Regulatory friction has eased meaningfully.The elimination of the “angel tax,”a cut in LTCG rates, and simpler FVCI registrations tightened the feedback loop between startups and capital — a big deal for seed to Series B. On the fund side, SEBI’s push to dematerialise AIF units is boring, yes, but it is exactly the sort of back-office hygiene that improves transparency, reduces settlement pain, and makes domestic LPs more comfortable writing larger tickets. Net effect: fewer loopholes, more alignment, faster cycles. Back managers who lean into themes where India has real comparative advantage (financial rails, manufacturing upgrades, energy transition, applied AI, defence and space tech) and who have shown they can price risk, not chase rounds. Seek funds with true local origination (customers, regulators, supply chains), credible follow-on syndicates, and a history of getting companies IPO-ready, not just “next-round ready.” As things stand today, Alpha accrues to patience on entry and aggression on company-building. Bottom line: the froth is gone, liquidity is back, the GP bench is deeper, and founders are building sturdier companies. That is exactly the setup you want when you lock in a vintage. We are now at that vintage. 360 ONE Asset 1995 Mumbai 1995 Mumbai

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Times of India

Oct 29, 2025, 06:30 AM

Golden State Warriors Dominate Los Angeles Clippers with Strong Defensive Performance

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the second half of their game against the Memphis Grizzlies (Image Source - Getty Images)The Los Angeles Clippers stepped into Chase Center ready to put the Golden State Warriors’ lineup to the test, but by the second half, the game had turned on its head. Golden State regained its defensive prowess and secured a solid win.With Curry orchestrating the plays and Butler making a smooth entrance, this game had many layers to dissect.Golden StateWarriorsvs Los Angeles Clipper: Key moments and highlightsThe game rolled out in waves, featuring explosive beginnings, a Clippers comeback, and a Warriors shutdown that clinched the victory.First Quarter: Golden State Warriors' hot start hights up chase centerThe Golden State team hit the ground running with their adjusted starting five: Stephen Curry, Jonathan Kuminga, Jimmy Butler III, Draymond Green, and Quinten Post, quickly showing a smooth offense.Just 45 seconds into the game, Curry nailed a pull-up three from the logo, igniting the crowd and prompting an early timeout from the Clippers.Kuminga then followed up with a powerful dunk after a drive-and-kick from Butler, kicking off his 36.4% shooting night with a solid 4-of-11 performance.Every starter for the Warriors managed to sink at least one three-pointer in that quarter, a rare feat that showcased their spacing.Post, the rookie big man, drained two from long range, capitalizing on mismatches against Ivica Zubac.The Clippers, spearheaded by Harden's crafty drives, scored 25 points but only shot 41.2% from the field, with Leonard's missed mid-range attempts emphasizing their slow start. The quarter concluded with a steal-and-score from Kuminga, giving Golden State an eight-point advantage and all the momentum.Second Quarter: Los Angeles Clippers' star power flips the scriptThe urgency was palpable in Los Angeles as Harden and Leonard increased their intensity.Harden lit it up for 20 points in the half shooting 6-of-15, with a step-back three in the mix while he only managed one assist but got to the line for 7-of-7 free throws.A 12-2 run by the Clippers in the middle of the quarter, highlighted by Leonard's and-one layup over Green, turned the game around and put them ahead by three.Zubac held down the paint with 13 rebounds (6 offensive), but Golden State's bench, featuring Brandin Podziemski's clutch threes, kept the game tight.Podziemski shot 50% (5-of-10), including a corner three that narrowed the lead to one before Harden's late free throws wrapped up the half. The Clippers' bench had a tough time, with Bogdanović only hitting 1-of-5 in limited time, but the stars' combined 30 points gave LA some hope going into the break.Third Quarter: Golden State Warriors' defense smothers Los Angeles ClippersAfter the break, Golden State really turned up the defense, limiting the Clippers to just 13 points, their worst quarter so far this season.Curry, Butler, and Podziemski teamed up for 22 points during this stretch, with Butler showcasing his 75% shooting (9-of-12 overall) highlighted by a pull-up jumper and a couple of fast-break layups. Green's three steals in this quarter threw off Harden's game, creating fast-break chances where Kuminga excelled.The Clippers fell apart in the tough atmosphere of the Chase Center, hitting only 20% of their shots and racking up three turnovers.Leonard managed to score just two points, clearly frustrated after missing a wide-open three-pointer. Quinten Post's 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, including a four-point play, pushed the lead to 15 by the end of the quarter, making it a blowout.Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles: Fourth QuarterWith the game pretty much in the bag, Warriors coach Steve Kerr took Curry out early, but the bench kept the pressure on. Moses Moody went off for 9 points (3-of-7 from beyond the arc), including a long three that stretched the lead to 20.John Collins tried to rally the Clippers with a putback dunk, but Golden State's bench defense held LA to just 16 points.The Dubs' 19-point lead showed just how dominant they were: 48% shooting as a team, 12 three-pointers made, and a +19 advantage in rebounds in the paint.No player from the Clippers hit double digits in the last quarter, highlighting the Warriors' grip on the game.Standout player performances from Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles ClipperJimmy Butler III was the leading scorer with 21 points, shooting 9-for-12, and he also contributed 5 assists without any turnovers in 31:53 minutes on the court.Teammate Draymond Green mentioned in the postgame that Butler's transition into Golden State's system was effortless.Stephen Curry had a rough night with his three-point shooting at 25% (2-of-8), but still managed to score 19 points and dish out 8 assists in 25:32. His playmaking was on display with a slick no-look pass to Post for a corner three. On the other hand, James Harden from the Clippers scored 20 points but also had 7 turnovers.Ivica Zubac was the go-to guy for rebounds in LA, grabbing 13 boards, but the fact that he didn't attempt any free throws showed how well Golden State defended the paint. On the Warriors' side, Quinten Post scored 12 points, all from beyond the arc, coming off the bench, which earned him some compliments from Kerr.Also Read:Tyrese Maxey takes the spotlight as Philadelphia 76ers crush doubts and controls game nightCatch Lovlina Borgohain's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 5. Watch Here

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Times of India

Oct 29, 2025, 06:27 AM

Saudi Arabia Launches New Digital Visa Platform for Global Travelers

The new KSA Visa platform processes applications in as little as one minute, offering instant eVisas for eligible travellers worldwide. (Representative Image)The Kingdom introduces a faster, simpler, and more inclusive digital visa system designed to make visiting Saudi Arabia easier than ever.Saudi Arabia has unveiled a new pilot version of its official KSA Visa platform, allowing visitors to apply for electronic visas to visit family and friends in the Kingdom quickly and easily.The move marks another milestone in the country’s broader effort to enhance tourism openness, streamline visitor procedures, and strengthen people-to-people connections.A new gateway to Saudi ArabiaThe KSA Visa platform, developed by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provides an all-in-one digital system for visitors wishing to connect with relatives and friends, attend events, explore tourist attractions, or perform Umrah outside the Hajj season.Through this initiative, Saudi Arabia aims to simplify entry for millions of travelers by consolidating information, application, and processing into a single, transparent, and user-friendly platform.Visitors applying for the Family and Friends Visa can:Visit relatives and friends residing in the Kingdom.Participate in tourist and cultural activities.Attend events and public occasions.Perform Umrah rituals outside the Hajj period.Visa types and duration of stayApplicants can choose between two main visa options based on their travel frequency and purpose:Single-entry visa: Valid for 90 days, allowing a stay of up to 90 days.Multiple-entry visa: Valid for one year, permitting stays of up to 90 days per visit.The streamlined digital process allows most requests to be processed within one minute to three business days, depending on system volume and verification needs.Visa fees and payment structureThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs has defined the fee structure as follows:US$80 visa fee (refundable).US$10.50 digital visa service fee (non-refundable).US$10.50 digital insurance service fee (non-refundable).Health insurance fees vary depending on the provider selected during the application.Payments are made securely online through the KSA Visa portal, ensuring a seamless end-to-end digital experience.Who can apply for a KSA visaSaudi Arabia currently offers three main ways to obtain the Family and Friends Visa, giving applicants flexibility depending on their country of residence and eligibility.e-VisaIssued instantly via the platform and sent directly to the applicant’s email.Available to:Citizens of eligible countries.Holders of validSchengen, US, or UK visas.Permanent residents of these countries or of GCC member states.Visa Through Service Offices or EmbassiesApplicants can apply via accredited visa service offices where available.In countries without such offices, applications may be made directly at Saudi embassies.Visa on ArrivalAvailable to travelers from eligible e-Visa countries or those holding a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, provided the visa has been used at least once.Eligible travelers can purchase the visa upon arrival at Saudi airports.Key Requirements and ConditionsApplicants must meet several basic requirements to qualify for the visa:Be at least 18 years old, or accompanied by a legal guardian.Hold a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.Maintain valid health insurance throughout the stay.Have sufficient financial means to cover accommodation, transportation, and expenses during the visit.Abide by Saudi laws and regulations during their stay.The Kingdom emphasizes that visitors must not overstay or misuse the visa for purposes outside the scope of their authorization.Activities permitted under the visaVisa holders can enjoy a range of approved activities during their stay, including:Visiting relatives and friends.Participating in tourism activities and events.Performing Umrah (except during the Hajj season).However, this visa does not permit participation in the annual Hajj pilgrimage.Support, safety, and official guidanceThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges all applicants to rely solely on official channels, such as the KSA Visa website, and warns against dealing with intermediaries or unauthorized agents to avoid fraud or misinformation.The website serves as a comprehensive digital guide, offering up-to-date information on visa types, requirements, fees, and processing timelines — ensuring full transparency and security for applicants.For assistance, the platform provides dedicated support for inquiries, technical issues, and clarifications related to ongoing or completed applications.Understanding the broader Saudi visa systemThe new KSA Visa platform integrates smoothly into Saudi Arabia’s existing visa framework, which includes multiple categories designed for different purposes of travel:Visit Visa– For tourism, family visits, Umrah, or business trips.Work Visa– For those employed by Saudi companies.Transit Visa– For travelers passing through Saudi Arabia en route elsewhere.Hajj Visa– For Muslims performing the annual pilgrimage.Diplomatic Visa– For government officials and diplomats.Student Visa– For individuals pursuing education in the Kingdom.Mission and Organization Visa– For international organization representatives.Special Visa– For official or government-related visits.SaudieVisa: The modern travel optionThe Saudi eVisa remains one of the most popular travel authorizations for leisure visits.It allows eligible travelers to apply online without visiting an embassy or consulate.Available as single-entry or multiple-entry.Valid for one year from the date of issue.Permits stays of up to 90 days per visit and a maximum of 180 days per year.Processing time: Usually 24–72 hours, though delays may occur if additional documentation is required.Required documents include:A valid passport (minimum six-month validity).A recent passport-style photograph.Completed online application form.A valid email address for communication and visa delivery.Eligible countries for the Saudi eVisaThe eVisa is open to travelers from over 60 countries, including:United States, Canada, Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Greece, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Hungary, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Malta, Maldives, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, South Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Albania, Andorra, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Romania, Vatican City, Serbia, Slovenia, Moldova, Panama, andSaint Kittsand Nevis.Extending or renewing the eVisaCurrently, extensions are not available for eVisas. Travelers wishing to stay longer must exit Saudi Arabia and reapply for a new visa orchoose a different visa type (e.g.,Business or Employment Visa).Overstaying consequences:Daily fines for each day of overstay.Possible deportation.Potential re-entry bans for future visits.A Gateway to the kingdom’s visionFrom the Red Sea coastlines to the historical cities of Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global tourism hub rich in culture, heritage, and modern experiences.The launch of the KSA Visa platform represents a key step in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goal of diversifying its economy, welcoming more visitors, and making travel to Saudi Arabia accessible, secure, and seamless for people around the world.

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Times of India

Oct 29, 2025, 06:20 AM

Delhi Tries to Make It Rain: A High-Stakes Weather Experiment to Fight Toxic Air

Image Credit: PTINEW DELHI: After more than half a century, Delhi has turned once again to artificial rainmaking — this time in a bid to wash away its toxic winter smog.On Tuesday, the Delhi government, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, carried out a cloud-seeding trial over the national capital.Delhi Tries to Make It Rain With Cloud Seeding: A High-Stakes Weather Experiment to Fight Toxic AirYou Can Also Check:Delhi AQI|Weather in Delhi|Gold Rate Today in Delhi|Silver Rate Today in DelhiThe experiment marks only the third such attempt since Independence, with the last one held over fifty years ago.A small Cessna aircraft took off from Kanpur, releasing eight fire flares over areas including Burari, north Karol Bagh, and Mayur Vihar before landing at the Meerut airfield.“The trial lasted for about half an hour,” Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said in a video statement, calling it a key step in the city’s fight against worsening air pollution.A rare experiment in Delhi’s skiesThe first artificial rain experiment in Delhi dates back to the monsoon of 1957, officials told news agency PTI.The second, according to climate scientist Roxy Mathew Koll from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, was conducted during the winter of 1971–72.Those early trials, carried out from the National Physical Laboratory campus in central Delhi, used ground-based generators that released silver iodide particles — tiny nuclei around which moisture condensed to form raindrops.An IITM report from that time noted that 22 days were identified as favourable for cloud seeding between December 1971 and March 1972. Seeding was conducted on 11 days, while the remaining were kept as control days for comparison.Preliminary results indicated an increase in rainfall on the seeded days, suggesting that artificial rain could indeed be induced under suitable conditions.The origins of cloud seedingAccording toIdaho Department of Water Resources, The concept of cloud seeding was first demonstrated in 1946 by American scientists Vincent J Schaefer, Bernard Vonnegut, and Nobel laureate Irving Langmuir at the General Electric Company’s research laboratory.While studying aircraft icing after World War II, Schaefer and Langmuir found that tiny particles could trigger the formation of ice crystals.Their experiments led to the creation of artificial snow in a laboratory freezer using dry ice. Vonnegut later discovered that silver iodide (AgI) was even more effective at inducing ice formation — a breakthrough that laid the foundation for modern cloud seeding.The first full-scale field test, Project Cirrus, took place in 1947 when a modified B-17 bomber released dry ice into a cumulus cloud.The formation of a distinctive “racetrack” pattern in the cloud deck confirmed that ice had formed, proving that human intervention could alter weather patterns.Expanding research in IndiaSince the early trials, research on cloud seeding has spread to several parts of India. New centres were established near Madras (now Chennai) and Pune, where scientists explored both ground-based and airborne seeding.Under the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX) programme, IITM researchers have spent more than a decade studying cloud microphysics and rainfall processes across different regions of the country.Delhi’s latest trial, officials say, is part of a broader strategy to use technology to mitigate the city’s recurring air quality crisis during the winter months. More such experiments are expected in the coming days as scientists analyse the effectiveness of Tuesday’s operation.Pakistan's did it in 2023Pakistan has used artificial rain for the first time in 2023 an effort to clear the choking smog that has engulfed Lahore, one of the most polluted cities in the world in that year.In the country’s first-ever cloud seeding experiment, two aircraft equipped with special equipment flew over 10 locations in the city.The operation was described as a “gift” from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which provided both the technology and technical teams.

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The Hawk

Oct 29, 2025, 06:13 AM

Delhi-NCR Weather: Temperatures Drop, Fog Appears, Smog Expected

Noida:The weather in Delhi-NCR has taken a U-turn, with temperatures steadily falling from the last week of October into the first week of November. Light fog has begun appearing across several parts of the region, signaling the arrival of early winter conditions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature in the coming days is likely to remain between 30 and 31 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may drop to around 17 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels are expected to stay between 50 and 90 per cent, resulting in a smog during the morning and evening hours. As per the IMD forecast, the maximum temperature on October 29 is expected to be 28 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius and shallow fog conditions. On October 30, light fog is likely to persist, with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees (max) and 18 degrees (min). Misty conditions have also been predicted from October 31 to November 3, with temperatures gradually dipping to 30 and 17 degrees Celsius, respectively. Meanwhile, pollution levels in Delhi-NCR have already reached the severe category. Meteorologists warn that the combination of falling temperatures and declining wind speeds could cause smog, a dense mix of haze and pollutants to thicken further. This will likely reduce visibility during early morning and late evening hours, posing difficulties for commuters. Health experts caution that smog may aggravate respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and eye irritation, especially among vulnerable groups. The IMD has not predicted any rainfall in the region for now. The weather is expected to remain dry throughout the week, with humidity and pollution contributing to light fog and mist during mornings. Experts advise senior citizens and children to take precautions during morning walks, wear masks if necessary, and follow pollution safety measures. Meteorologists also anticipate that the cold will intensify after the first week of November, with minimum temperatures expected to fall further. --IANS

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Financial Express

Oct 29, 2025, 06:05 AM

Orkla India IPO Opens for Subscription: Key Details and Valuations

Orkla India IPO GMP, Subscription Status Live Updates:Orkla India IPOopened for subscription today, October 29. The IPO price band has been set at Rs 695-730 per equity share. The company will mop up Rs 1,667.54 crore through the issue. It is entirely an offer for sale of 2.28 crore shares. Orkla India will close the IPO subscription on October 31. The allotment for the Orkla India IPO is expected to be finalised on November 03. The issue is estimated to be listed on BSE and NSE on November 06, as per the tentative schedule. ICICI Securities is the book-running lead manager for the IPO, and KFin Technologies is working as the registrar of the issue. Orkla India is a multi-category Indian food company with operations spanning several decades, offering a diverse range of products that cater to every meal occasion, from breakfast and lunch to dinner, snacks, beverages and desserts. The company’s products under the brands MTR, Eastern Condiments, and Rasoi Magic are crafted with authenticity and tradition, and are deeply rooted in the South Indian culinary heritage. Ahead of the public issue, Orkla India raised close to Rs 500 crore from anchor investors. Top investment banks - ICICI Securities, Citigroup Global Markets India, JP Morgan India, and Kotak Mahindra Capital — are acting as the lead book-running managers, while KFin Technologies is handling the registrar duties. Also read:Lenskart Vs Studds Accessories IPO: Which is a better bet? 5 ‘must know’ details before you subscribe The company's product portfolio caters to local tastes by offering a range of local dishes within its core markets. For instance, Orkla India offers Puliogare and Bisi Belebhath to cater to consumers in Karnataka, Chicken Porichathu and Assal Kayam Sambar Masala to cater to consumers in Kerala, and Podi and Masala Karam to cater to consumers in Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, the company also ensures that seemingly similar dishes consumed across various states are crafted to cater to local nuances. The company is determined to drive growth in its core markets of Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana by leveraging favourable market conditions, which include the shift towards packaged products, the importance of regional and authentic flavours, and consumers’ focus on health and convenience. Of the Indian domestic spices market, the packaged spices market constitutes a 40% share, valued at Rs 34,500 crore as of FY24. The IPO window opened on October 29 and is set to close on October 31. The basis of allotment is scheduled for November 3. Refunds will be processed on November 4, and the company’s shares are expected to list on the NSE and BSE on November 6. Also read:Orkla India IPO Vs Studds Accessories IPO: Which is a better bet? 4 ‘must know’ details before you subscribe The company has an extensive pan-India distribution network with 834 distributors and 1,888 sub-distributors across 28 states and six union territories, 42 modern trade partners and six e-commerce and quick commerce partners. Their brands, MTR and Eastern, are the most widely distributed brands in Karnataka and Kerala for spices. Out of the universe of approximately 3 lakh retail outlets selling blended spices in Karnataka and approximately 74,500 in Kerala, their brands have a presence in 67.5% and 70.4% of the outlets, respectively, versus an industry average of 30–40%. Orkla India has fixed its price band at Rs 695–Rs 730 per share, making it accessible for both retail and institutional investors. The minimum application size is 20 shares, translating to an entry cost of Rs 14,600 at the upper price band. The Orkla India IPO is a complete offer for sale (OFS). Existing shareholders, including Orkla Asia Pacific and public investors Navas Meeran and Feroz Meeran, will offload around 2.28 crore shares through this issue. Since it is a pure OFS, the company will not receive any fresh funds from the IPO. "Based on FY 2026 annualised earnings and fully diluted post- IPO paid up capital, the company is asking for a PE of 31.7x, which appears reasonable given its market leadership, strong brands, and entrenched regional dominance in the spices and convenience foods space. However, investors should note that the IPO comprises a 100% Offer for Sale (OFS) of Rs. 1,667 cr, which could be viewed as a key concern for new investors. With a widespread distribution network of 834 distributors and exports to 45 countries, Orkla India demonstrates strong domestic and global reach. We believe Orkla India is well placed in India’s fast-growing packaged food sector. Hence, we recommend investors to “SUBSCRIBE” the Orkla India Ltd IPO for long term perspective,” said Rajan Shinde, Research Analyst, Mehta Equities. Highlighting the valuation of Orkla India IPO, Angel One pointed out that, that the issue is a 'Subscribe.' According to them, the "Orkla India is valued at a post-IPO P/E of 31.68x, which appears fairly priced considering its diversified product portfolio, strong market presence, and long-term growth visibility.” You can read more on the financials and analyst outlook on valuations here- Read More:Orkla India IPO opens today: From GMP, key risks to valuations, check 7 critical factors before you subscribe "At the upper price band company is valuing at P/E of 31.5x to its FY26 annualized earnings and market cap of Rs 1,00,000 million post issue of equity shares. We believe that the IPO is fully priced and recommend a “Subscribe- Long Term” rating to the IPO," said Anand Rathi Research in its IPO note. The company is tailoring their brand-building initiatives to local consumers by undertaking advertising campaigns in regional languages, undertaking local activations, collaborating with local influencers and crafting culturally relevant messages to create meaningful connections with consumers. They believe that this approach will not only strengthen brand awareness but also increase usage of their products and strengthen consumer loyalty, resulting in increased brand penetration and market share. The company’s product portfolio comprises two key product categories, Spices and Convenience Foods, the latter of which includes RTC foods, RTE foods, vermicelli and others. Their products cater to every meal occasion, from breakfast and lunch to dinner, snacks, desserts and beverages.

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Business Standard

Oct 29, 2025, 05:11 AM

Tesla Prepares for CEO Succession if Elon Musk's Pay Package is Rejected

Electric carmaker Tesla is planning to name a new chief executive officer (CEO) if founder Elon Musk's proposed $1 trillion pay package is rejected and he steps down,Bloombergreported.Robyn Denholm, chair of Tesla's board, said to ensure an “orderly transition, the most likely would be internal". However, Denholm has not ruled out the possibility of external candidates.According to the report, while Musk has been inextricably linked to Tesla for over a decade, the prospect of his departure comes ahead of the shareholders' vote scheduled to take place next week.Musk's $1 trillion pay package voteThe compensation plan could give Musk a 25 per cent stake in Tesla if he substantially increases the company’s market value and meets growth targets in its car, robotics, and robotaxi divisions. If he does not receive his desired pay package and greater voting control, he has warned that he may step down or focus more on xAI, SpaceX, and his other ventures."I’ve had the conversations with him directly," said Denholm on Musk's warning to leave if his proposed pay package isn't approved. "There’s no question in my mind that if we don’t get this across, there is a high probability."Also ReadTesla profit tumbles 31% despite record sales of EVs as costs riseSamsung now taking bigger role in making Tesla chips, says Elon MuskTesla urges Delaware Supreme Court to restore Musk's $56 billion paydayGlobal EV price war heats up as Tesla, Nissan and Hyundai slash pricesTesla launches cheaper versions of 2 EVs in bid to win back market shareDenholm's remarks came amid the backdrop of media interviews and investor meetings aimed at rallying support for the record pay package, which will be put to a vote at Tesla’s annual meeting on November 6.Although the vote is expected to pass, Chair Robyn Denholm noted that many investors tend to decide at the last moment, and the company cannot assume the outcome. With retail investors accounting for nearly 30 per cent of Tesla’s shareholder base, the usually reserved company has launched a campaign to encourage them to vote.Denholm, along with other board members, such as James Murdoch and former Chipotle CFO Jack Hartung, has been holding meetings with many of Tesla's largest institutional shareholders, including Vanguard Group, BlackRock Inc, and State Street Corp. According to the report, many investors follow recommendations from proxy advisory firms like ISS and Glass Lewis, both of which advised voting against the pay package.Tesla's chair said that while there is no guarantee of anything, there is a large group of passive investors who follow the advice of these proxy firms, and therefore, the company has to engage with them directly.Tesla places Optimus humanoid robot in New YorkTo drum up further support, the electric carmaker placed its Optimus humanoid robot outside the Nasdaq stock exchange in New York, where it passed out candies to fans and onlookers. This episode highlighted the importance of keeping Musk actively engaged with Tesla, a goal central to the proposed compensation package.The company aims to ensure that advancements in artificial intelligence and other new technologies are developed within Tesla rather than through other ventures of Musk.Plan B if Musk's pay package vote failsAccording to Denholm, if the proposal fails, the company claims to have a "Plan B", adding that the carmaker has a strong leadership bench, including global production chief and China head Tom Zhu, among others. Zhu has held several roles across Tesla, as part of an intentional strategy to cultivate internal talent.Denholm also mentioned that “a whole range of alternatives” exists, including the possibility of more than one person leading the company.Another item up for a nonbinding shareholder vote concerns a potential investment in Musk’s artificial intelligence startup, xAI. Denholm said Tesla has not yet invested in xAI, as it is focused on a different type of technology than Tesla’s real-world AI applications. However, if shareholders approve the proposal, it would initiate a formal process to evaluate the related-party transaction.Tesla shares rose 2.9 per cent at 12:56 p.m. in New York. The stock has gained 12 per cent so far this year through Monday, lagging behind the 17 per cent rise in the S&P 500 Index. The recovery marks a notable rebound from earlier in 2025, when worries about Tesla’s aging vehicle lineup and a consumer backlash over Musk’s political activity had dragged the stock down.

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The Free Press Journal

Oct 29, 2025, 05:07 AM

AIBE 20 (XX): Extended Deadlines and Exam Details

AIBE 20 2025:The BCI has extended the deadlines for exam applications, fee payments, and corrections. Registration for AIBE 20 (XX) will now close on October 31, 2025, instead of October 28, 2025. To prevent last-minute delays, candidates who want to apply for the exam must complete the form before the deadline. The Bar Council of India has announced that the AIBE 20 Exam 2025 will take place on 30 November, 2025. AIBE 20 2025: Important dates - Online Registration begins: September 29th, 2025 - Payments through online mode: September 29th, 2025 - Extended Online Registration ends: October 31st, 2025 - Last Date of Payments: November 1, 2025 - Last date of correction: November 1, 2025 - Release of Admit Cards: November 15th, 2025 - Date Of Examination: November 30th, 2025 AIBE 20 2025: Required documents for registration Required documents for registration Passport-sized photograph Signature LLB graduation certificate LLB mark sheets Advocate ID card LLM certificate (if applicable) LLM mark sheet/grade report (if applicable) AIBE 20 2025: Application fees General / OBC Candidates:₹3,500/- SC / ST / PWD Candidates:₹2,500/- Mode of Payment:Through the authorised payment gateway only. Mandatory Payment:Applications without the prescribed fee will be considered incomplete and not processed. AIBE 20 2025: How to register Step 1: Go to allindiabarexamination.com, the official AIBE website. Step 2: Enter your login information to create an account. Step 3: Provide the necessary information, such as names, phone numbers, and educational history. Step 4: Pay the required application cost. Step 5: Click "Submit," and your application will be dispatched. AIBE 20 2025: Exam pattern Mode of Exam:Offline (pen and paper-based). Type of Questions:Multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Total Questions:100. Marks per Question:1 mark each. Total Marks:100. Duration:3 hours. Negative Marking:No negative marking. AIBE 20 2025: Subject-wise Distribution of Questions Constitutional Law:10 questions Code of Civil Procedure (CPC):10 questions Indian Penal Code (IPC) & Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita:8 questions Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) & Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita:8 questions Evidence Act & Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam:8 questions Family Law:8 questions Contract, Property Law & Negotiable Instruments Act:8 questions Law of Torts:5 questions Labour & Industrial Law:4 questions Taxation Law:4 questions Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) including Arbitration Act:4 questions Public Interest Litigation (PIL):4 questions Professional Ethics & Cases of Professional Misconduct:4 questions Company Law:2 questions Environmental Law:2 questions Cyber Law:2 questions Land Acquisition Act:2 questions Intellectual Property Laws:2 questions AIBE 20 2025: Passing percentage Candidates from the GEN/OBC category must receive at least 45% of the possible points, while candidates from the SC/ST and disability categories must receive at least 40%. On working days, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., candidates can reach the assistance desk at the following numbers: 6263178414, 6352601288, 9555089314, 9555076241, 9555092448 Candidates are advised to visit the AIBE's official website for further relevant information and to register as soon as feasible for hassle-free submission.

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Siasat News✓

Oct 29, 2025, 04:55 AM

Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha Brings Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to Andhra Pradesh

Amaravati:Heavy rain with gale is lashingVijayawadacity on Wednesday morning and a number of trees have been uprooted and many roads were inundated as severe cyclonic storm Montha crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast near Narasapur in West Godavari district, south of Kakinada overnight, IMD said on Wednesday. After crossing the coast, the weather system moved northwestwards with a speed of 10 kmph during the past six hours to weaken into a cyclonic storm, India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin issued at 5 am said. “The latest observations indicate that the severe cyclonic storm Montha crossed Andhra Pradesh and Yanan coasts between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, south of Kakinada and close to Narsapur during midnight (11:30 pm of October 28 and 12:30 am of October 29),” IMD said in a release. The landfall process lasted about five hours, starting around 7:30 pm on Tuesday and completing around 12:30 am on Wednesday, they added. By 2.30 am on Wednesday, Montha, which means a fragrant flower in Thai, lay centred about 20 km west to northwest of Narasapur, 50 km northeast of Machilipatnam, 90 km west to southwest of Kakinada, 230 km southwest of Visakhapatnam and 470 km southwest of Gopalpur (Odisha). “It is likely to move northwestwards across coastal Andhra Pradesh and maintain its intensity of a cyclonic storm during the next six hours, and weaken further into a deep depression during subsequent six hours,” said the Met Department. The latest observations indicate that the rear sector of the Montha entered the land, it said. The Met Department forecast light to moderate rainfall likely at most places in Andhra Pradesh and Yanam and heavy to very rainfall at a few places till October 29. Similarly, it predicted extremely heavy rainfall of greater than 20 cm at isolated places during the same period. For October 30, it predicted light to moderate rainfall at many places with heavy rainfall at isolated places over north coastal Andhra Pradesh.

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Times of India

Oct 29, 2025, 04:53 AM

Delhi's Cloud Seeding Trials Fail to Bring Rain, But Neighboring Areas Receive Negligible Precipitation

Wait for rain continuesNEW DELHI: The Delhi govt attempted two trials of cloud seeding on Tuesday, but neither led to any rainfall in the city. However, IIT Kanpur, which executed the project, claimed that neighbouring areas received negligible rainfall - Noida (0.1 mm) and Greater Noida (0.2 mm) at 4pm attributing the data to a private app, Windy.Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, "According to expert forecasts, rain after seeding could occur anytime in next 24 hours, depending on cloud moisture. Initial radar readings and ground observations recorded light rainfall at Delhi-Noida Border around 4pm, indicating some positive response from the seeded clouds."In the first trial, the Cessna aircraft of IIT Kanpur took off at 12.13pm from Kanpur and landed at Meerut at 2.30pm.The seeding points included Khekra, Burari, north Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, Sadakpur and Bhojpur. The second sortie started from Meerut carrying 4kg of seeding material and landed back at the same place. The main waypoints were the same as the first sortie.You Can Also Check:Delhi AQI|Weather in Delhi|Gold Rate Today in Delhi|Silver Rate Today in DelhiThe second trial started at 3.45 pm, with the first seeding at Khekra at 4.08 pm, followed by Burari, Mayur Vihar, Pavi Sadakpur, Noida, Bhojpur, Modinagar and Meerut, before landing back at 4.45 pm, an IIT Kanpur statement said.Back-To-Back Attempts At Cloud Seeding; Sirsa Calls It A Huge Step To Mitigate Pollution3 Trials, Rs 1.9cr, 0.3mm: Wait for rain continuesEach flare weighed about 0.5 kg, with eight flares released per sortie, dispersing a tested mixture designed to enhance precipitation potential. Reported humidity levels in seeded clouds ranged from 15-20% - lower than ideal, but sufficient for a scientifically meaningful test. The operation lasted about one and a half hours for each sortie, ensuring consistent coverage," said Sirsa.Following the trials, IIT Kanpur too said the moisture content remained low at 10-15%, which is not an ideal condition for seeding."The PM2.5 was 221, 230, and 229 reported from Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh, and Burari, respectively, before cloud seeding, which got reduced to 207, 206, and 203 micrograms per cubic metre respectively, after the first seeding. Similarly, PM10 was 207, 206, 209 micrograms per cubic metre, which got reduced to 177, 163, 177 micrograms per cubic metre at Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh, and Burari, respectively.Given that winds were negligible, one possible explanation is that the denser moisture content created due to seeding particles has helped in settling down a portion of these particles, which translated to these reductions," said a report by IIT Kanpur.With this, three cloud-seeding trials have been conducted, with the first having taken place on Oct 23, which again did not lead to any rain. According to the MoU between the Delhi environment department and IIT Kanpur, the budget for cloud seeding is nearly Rs 3.21 crore for five trials. "However, IIT Kanpur said it will conduct up to nine trials from this budget. It said it is a research institute and not a profit-making institute and hence it will conduct maximum trials to help people breathe good air," said Sirsa.The minister said this is among India's biggest scientific steps for urban air quality control, proving Delhi's resolve to confront legacy pollution challenges head on. "The govt's proactive approach, thanks to the support from chief minister Rekha Gupta and guidance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will ensure effective and transparent climate action for the citizens," said Sirsa.IIT Kanpur director Manindra Agrawal told TOI, "As per my knowledge, it did not rain in Delhi.The moisture content was low. However, our team has conducted different data for better understanding. Two additional attempts for cloud seeding will be conducted on Wednesday."Experts doubted whether the cloud seeding process can lead to a reduction in air quality in absence of rain. Mukesh Khare, professor emeritus at IIT Delhi's Civil Engineering Department said natural rain can reduce PM2.5 concentration depending on the raindrop size, their density and fall velocity."During the rainy season, rain washes out the pollutants and suppresses them to the ground. However, clouds are generally devoid of humidity during winters in Delhi.A mixture of silver iodide and other contents was released to make some reaction so that enough water vapour can be generated into the clouds, making them unable to hold those drops. Since only negligible rain occurred, it means cloud seeding was not able to generate enough water vapour."He added that a mere increase in humidity within the clouds may not suppress the particles. "Humidity only can make the particles heavier. However, PM2.5 particles are very small. Unless there is a force, humidity cannot settle down PM2.5 particles. Hence, reduction in PM2.5 may have occurred due to other reasons."

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Business Standard

Oct 29, 2025, 04:46 AM

Delhi's Cloud Seeding Trial Fails to Bring Rain, But Offers Hope for Future Operations

After more than five decades, Delhi carried out cloud seeding trials on Tuesday to create artificial rain in an effort to reduce rising pollution levels. The Delhi government and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur jointly conducted the trials in areas such as Burari, Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, and Badli. However, the efforts failed as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) did not record any rainfall in the city.Why cloud seeding failed in DelhiAccording to anNDTVreport, IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal said the attempt was “not completely successful” because the clouds lacked enough moisture. “For rain to form, moisture levels of at least 50 per cent are ideal,” he said. “Today’s clouds only had about 15–20 per cent moisture, which reduced the chances of rainfall.”Despite low humidity, the operation gave researchers confidence that the technology could work under better weather conditions.Agrawal said while there was no rain in Delhi, the trial helped the team gain experience for future operations. Two more flights will be conducted when suitable cloud conditions appear, he said.Cloud seeding attempts in DelhiThe second attempt was carried out using a Cessna aircraft, which flew from Meerut, releasing flares containing silver iodide and salt compounds into the clouds. Each flare burned for about two minutes. The goal was to trigger rain within 15 minutes to four hours of the exercise.Also ReadBypolls on 12 MCD wards on November 30, results on December 3: Delhi ECDelhi Police, fire officials to hold coordination meeting ahead of DiwaliTwo gangsters arrested in plot to kill comedian Munawar Faruqi in Delhi200 people fall sick in Delhi after consuming Kuttu atta during NavratriMultiple schools receive bomb threats in New Delhi, exams postponedMeanwhile, the first round, conducted last week, released six flares at an altitude of around 4,000 feet above ground level, with a burn time of 18.5 minutes.What the government saidIn a report released late on Tuesday evening, the Delhi government said there was a slight drop in air pollution levels in areas where the trial was conducted, news agencyPTIreported.PM 2.5 levels fell slightly in Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh, and Burari after the seeding process. Small traces of rain were recorded in Noida (0.1 mm) and Greater Noida (0.2 mm).Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said this was a “major scientific step” to combat pollution and added that more trials, up to 10 in total, are planned till February if results are encouraging.#WATCH| Delhi CM Rekha Gupta says, "Cloud seeding is a necessity for Delhi and is the first experiment of its kind. We want to try it in Delhi to see if it can help us control this very serious environmental problem. So the blessings of the people of Delhi are with the…pic.twitter.com/odGavXxe64— ANI (@ANI)October 24, 2025When will the next trial take placeA third round of cloud seeding is expected to take place later this week once the IMD confirms the presence of suitable clouds, with more similar trials planned in the coming days. Sirsa told ANI that IIT Kanpur has been collecting large-scale samples during the trials and would submit a detailed report soon.

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The Free Press Journal

Oct 29, 2025, 04:20 AM

Cyclone Montha Brings Rainfall and Cloudy Skies to Bengaluru

Bengaluru:Karnataka's capital city is set to experience light to moderate rainfall on Wednesday on October 29, 2025. Cloudy skies are also expected in the city, which is expected to remain the same throughout the day. The city woke up at 06: 09 AM. The minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to range from 21 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius, respectively. The city is expected to witness the sunset at 06: 09 PM. The weather department said that rain and cloudy skies will keep the temperatures mild and pleasant in the city. ಮುಂದಿನ 7 ದಿನಗಳ#ಮಳೆ#ಮುನ್ಸೂಚನೆಮತ್ತು#ಎಚ್ಚರಿಕೆಗಳು: (ಮೂಲ: IMD) ರಾಜ್ಯದಾದ್ಯಂತ ಅಲ್ಲಲ್ಲಿ ಚದುರಿದಂತೆ ಹಗುರದಿಂದ ಸಾದಾರಣ ಮಳೆಯಾಗುವ ಸಾಧ್ಯತೆಯಿದೆ.#KSNDMC#NEM2025pic.twitter.com/qLZUOhQiNw Cyclone Montha According to the IMD, a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal has developed into a deep depression on Sunday, October 26, 2025. Montha, the name of a cyclone, is suggested by Thailand, which means beautiful flowers. The meteorological system developed into a strong cyclonic storm on October 28, resulting in extensive rainfall across various states. IMD advisory The rainfall can cause a temporary disruption of electricity. There may be minor traffic snarls and uprooting of weak tree branches. The weather department has advised residents to stay indoors, close windows, and doors. Rainfall is predicted in these regions The rainfall is predicted in Ballari, Chikkaballapura, Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Hassan, Kodagu, Kolar, Mandya, Mysuru, Ramanagara, Shivamogga, Tumakuru, and Vijayanagara districts. In addition to the weather warning for Karnataka, the IMD has released weather alerts for several districts in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Kerala, where Cyclone Montha is anticipated to have a major effect.

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DD News✓

Oct 29, 2025, 04:09 AM

Israel Accuses Hamas of Violating Ceasefire, Launches Airstrikes in Gaza

Israeli planes launched strikes in Gaza on Tuesday after Israel accused the militant group Hamas of violating a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory, the latest test of a fragile deal brokered earlier this month by U.S. President Donald Trump. Local health authorities said the strikes killed at least 26 people, including five in a house hit in the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, four in a building in Gaza City’s Sabra neighbourhood, and five in a car in Khan Younis. The attacks by Israeli planes continued into early Wednesday across the Gaza Strip, according to witnesses. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the strikes, the latest violence in a three-week-old ceasefire and which followed a statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office saying he had ordered immediate “powerful attacks.” The statement did not give a specific reason for the attacks but an Israeli military official said Hamas had violated the ceasefire by carrying out an attack against Israeli forces in an area of the enclave that is under Israeli control. “This is yet another blatant violation of the ceasefire,” the official said. The U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement went into effect on October 10, halting two years of war triggered by deadly Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Both sides have accused each other of ceasefire violations. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, part of a parade of Trump administration officials who visited Israel last week, said that despite the latest flare-up, “the ceasefire is holding.” “That doesn’t mean that there aren’t going to be little skirmishes here and there,” he told reporters on Capitol Hill. “We know that Hamas or somebody else within Gaza attacked an (Israeli) soldier. We expect the Israelis are going to respond, but I think the president’s peace is going to hold despite that.” Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli media reported an exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment on the reports. Hamas denied responsibility for an attack on Israeli forces in Rafah. The group also said in a statement that it remained committed to the ceasefire deal in Gaza. Tuesday’s strikes on Gaza City followed what Israel called a “targeted strike” on Saturday on a person in central Gaza who it said was planning to attack Israeli troops. NETANYAHU ACCUSES HAMAS OF VIOLATING CEASEFIRE Netanyahu said earlier on Tuesday that Hamas had violated the ceasefire by turning over some wrong remains in a process of returning the bodies of hostages to Israel. Netanyahu said the remains handed over on Monday belonged to Ofir Tzarfati, an Israeli killed during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack. Tzarfati’s remains had already been partially retrieved by Israeli troops during the war. Hamas initially said in response to this that it would hand over to Israel on Tuesday the body of a missing hostage found in a tunnel in Gaza. However, Hamas’ armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, said later it would postpone the planned handover, citing what it said were Israel’s violations of the ceasefire. Late on Tuesday, Al-Qassam issued a statement saying it had recovered the bodies of two Israeli hostages, Amiram Cooper and Sahar Baruch, during search operations in Gaza. Hamas said Netanyahu was looking for excuses to back away from Israel’s obligations. Under the ceasefire terms, Hamas released all living hostages in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian convicts and wartime detainees, while Israel pulled back its troops and halted its offensive. SEARCH FOR HOSTAGE BODIES Hamas has also agreed to hand over the remains of all dead hostages yet to be recovered, but has said it will take time to locate and retrieve the bodies amid Gaza’s ruins. Israel says the militant group can access the remains of most of the hostages. The issue has become one of the main sticking points in the ceasefire, which Trump says he is watching closely. He has touted the truce and hostage-prisoner exchange deal as one of the top foreign policy achievements of his second term, and he and his top aides have sought to keep the ceasefire intact. The White House did not immediately respond to a question on whether Israel notified the U.S. before carrying out the Gaza strikes. In Gaza City, an Israeli strike that killed four people hit a residential building near Shifa hospital, the largest operational hospital in northern Gaza. The hospital itself was also hit, according to Gaza officials, witnesses and Hamas media. Two people were wounded in an attack on a tent in Zawayda in the central Gaza Strip, according to local health authorities. The search for hostage bodies stepped up over the past few days after the arrival of heavy machinery from Egypt. Bulldozers were working in Khan Younis on Tuesday, in the southern Gaza Strip, and further north in Nuseirat, as Hamas fighters deployed around them. Some of the bodies are believed to be in Hamas’ network of tunnels running below Gaza. Witnesses in Khan Younis said the Egyptian teams, working with armed Hamas fighters, were digging deep near the Qatari-funded Hamad Housing City in the western side of Khan Younis, reaching tunnel shafts. Reuters images showed an excavation a dozen or so metres below the surface, with Hamas men at the bottom of the trench next to a tunnel opening in an apparent search for bodies. Gaza health authorities say 68,000 people are confirmed killed in the Israeli strikes and thousands more are missing. Israel launched the war after Hamas-led fighters stormed through southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and bringing 251 hostages back to Gaza. (Reuters)

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Times of India

Oct 29, 2025, 04:01 AM

India Introduces 'Know Your Vehicle' Process to Verify Correctness of FASTags

Know Your VehicleIf recurring KYCs was not enough, there’s now a KYV that you must go through if you happen to own a vehicle. Short for know your vehicle, this new process that is supposed to sanitise yourFASTagis the latest compliance burden to be thrust on Indians.What was the need? Apparently, cases of misuse of FASTags — in some cases by truck drivers who were using tags meant for cars — convinced policy-makers that they needed a nationwide firewall to prevent a bunch of delinquents from misusing FASTags.What is KYV?It was rolled out as a mandatory process, beginning Oct 31, 2024, that requires all FASTag users to submit images of their vehicle and registration certificate to verify that the tag is linked to the correct vehicle.A National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) initiative, KYV was notified by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). To prevent fraud. And if you thought this was a one-time process, you’re wrong.The verification must be repeated every three years so that the database stays always updated. Why? The possibility of misuse, and ingenious delinquents finding more ways to bend the system.A govt official explained that instances had emerged of people keeping loose FASTags in their pockets or wallets, instead of fixing them on their vehicle windshields, “leading to misuse”.“In some cases, tags issued for cars were used on trucks to pay lower toll charges. KYV will put an end to such misuse,” said another official.A source said since the main thrust of the FASTag rollout was to increase its usage so that toll collection became digitised, there may have been some laxity on the part of banks while issuing them. A KYV, said officials, will “help sanitise the system”.“Ensuring a FASTag is assigned to and affixed on the correct category of vehicle, and that it remains active, is crucial as we prepare to roll out multi-lane free flow (MLFF) system of tolling in which vehicles will neither need to stop, nor slow down as there will be no physical barriers, said a road transport ministry official.Govt aims to bring all national highways that have four or more lanes under MLFF tolling in the next 4-5 years. Therefore, according to officials, one vehicle, one tag is so important.Asked why not detect and disable fraudulent tags or penalise those using multiple tags on the same vehicle, there were no clear answers.The ProcessAccording to the circular issued by NPCI, all FASTags need to comply with KYV norms. The process mandates linking the FASTag to the unique Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) and chassis number.FASTag issuers, meanwhile, need to follow the one-vehicle-one tag mandate and replace all tags that are more than five years old.So, anyone with a FASTag must upload their vehicle registration certificate (RC), take a picture of their vehicle from the front and upload that along with the FASTtag and vehicle registration number, besides a side image with the tag and vehicle axles. All these, mind you, must be clearly visible.Issuers need to verify this with the VAHAN database, customer mobile number, and data entered by the point-of-sale agent. FASTags without a valid KYV will get automatically deactivated.The PainWhile there is great conviction among decision-makers that KYV is the right way to go, there are unpleasant surprises galore that the process is throwing up for people, from being stopped at toll plazas and being told FASTag isn’t working because of “non-compliance with KYV”, to encountering an upload process that involves multiple rounds of clicking photos and sharing documents.Adding to frustrations is its propensity to get stuck — a backend that is simply not prepared to handle such a mammoth job — and sending harried users back to square one.“I was told by a toll gate attendant that my FASTag isn’t working because KYV hasn’t been completed. So, I stopped and had to go through the entire process of taking photos and uploading documents from the toll plaza, just so I could drive on without a penalty despite having a legal and functional FASTag.Govt talks about ease of life, ease of travel, ease of business, etc. How is this ease of anything?” a Delhi resident who recently had to do a KYV at a toll plaza in NCR asked.Having seen people struggle through this, govt officials have started telling banks they should not deactivate tags without calling up customers and informing them about the KYV norm. Sources said the issuer bank, not NPCI, is involved in backend processing of KYV documents.A senior road transport ministry official admitted the process needs to be made easier for the people. Another official said that having a similar process across bank portals and a helpline to guide people could be useful.

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Times of India

Oct 29, 2025, 03:51 AM

Delhi's Cloud Seeding Experiment Sparks Criticism as Unsustainable Solution to Air Pollution

Delhi's attempt at tackling air pollution through cloud seeding has sparked criticism from environmental specialists who view this strategy as nothing more than a costly band-aid.NEW DELHI: Experts have termed Delhi govt's cloud seeding trials, held on Tuesday, a "hugely expensive, temporary and unsustainable" measure to deal with the capital's toxic pollution.Even if the artificial rain temporarily settles down the pollutants, the pollution will rise in one-two days, they say.According to the MoU signed between the Delhi environment department and IIT-Kanpur, the budget for cloud seeding is over Rs 3.2 crore for five trials —meaning one trial run costs Rs 64 lakh. Three trials have been done in north Delhi, and none of them led to any major rain. Delhi's air quality index (AQI) has been hovering in the ‘very poor' to ‘poor' range for the past few days.Delhi Tries to Make It Rain With Cloud Seeding: A High-Stakes Weather Experiment to Fight Toxic AirRead more:You Can Also Check:Delhi AQI|Weather in Delhi|Gold Rate Today in Delhi|Silver Rate Today in DelhiAnumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment, said, "The city has not yet recorded any substantial rainfall after cloud seeding. Even if the rains wash out the pollutants, the pollution will bounce back quickly. The impact lasts from hours to a couple of days."Stressing that the initiative is not sustainable, she said, "It cannot be done regularly for the entire winter season.Such investments need to target actual emission reduction from sources on the ground for sustained air quality improvement to protect public health."Shahzad Gani, assistant professor at the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, IIT Delhi, said that in the winter season, the weather in Delhi is typically very dry, with very little moisture in the air. The only time it usually rains during winter is when a western disturbance influences the plains."If it rains due to a western disturbance, there is no point in carrying out cloud seeding. And if an intense spell of rain occurs simultaneously during the cloud seeding process, causing very heavy rain and damage to life and property — even if it is actually unrelated to cloud seeding — who will take responsibility for it?" he said, adding. "Why do we adopt silver-bullet technologies like smog towers, smog guns and cloud seeding? There is a need to systematically reduce emissions from different sources."Sunil Dahiya, founder and lead analyst of think tank EnviroCatalysts, said addressing air quality requires tackling sector-specific emissions from transport, power and construction. Without that, no real impact can be achieved, he added. "Cosmetic measures may create short-term visibility benefits but are not sustainable solutions. The focus should instead be on coordinated action across states and agencies through an airshed-based approach that targets the actual sources of pollution," he said.Activist Bhavreen Kandhari said cloud seeding can only enhance rainfall when the atmosphere is moisture-deficient and conditions are marginal for precipitation. "The skies were already rich with moisture, and a western disturbance was forecast to bring natural rain. Under such circumstances, cloud seeding adds little scientific value; it becomes a costly experiment chasing what nature is already prepared to deliver.Clean air will not come from artificial rain, but from sustained reductions in emissions, dust control, and responsible policy," said Kandhari.

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Economic Times

Oct 29, 2025, 03:50 AM

Luxury Clubhouses in Indian Housing: Elevating the Residential Experience

SynopsisIn the realm of luxury housing in India, builders are reimagining clubhouses as extravagant retreats. With innovative features such as atmospheric lighting, co-working spaces, and pampering pet facilities, these developments prioritize an elevated lifestyle for residents.

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Times of India

Oct 29, 2025, 03:44 AM

Bollywood Celebrities' Global Real Estate Empire: A Look at Their Luxurious Homes Abroad

Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Abhishek Bachchan have something more in common than just movies; it is their interest in real estate.Several Bollywood stars understand that real estate doesn’t only mean a way to flaunt their lavish lifestyle, but a lifetime investment. It adds to their financial portfolio, and of course. The luxuriously decorated house never hurt anyone. Interestingly, the above-mentioned stars and many others have not limited their real estate portfolio to India. Many of them are proud owners of exquisitely furnished homes in multiple countries, and here’s a brief on the same.Celebrities who own homes in multiple countriesShah Rukh KhanOnce upon a time, there was a boy from Delhi who came to Mumbai with big dreams in his eyes, and today he is not just known in the city, but the entire nation knows him as King Khan, aka Shah Rukh Khan. The National Award-winning actor, whose Delhi Bungalow, Mumbai’s Mannat, and Aliabaugh’s vacation house form an important part of his assets, also has properties in Dubai and London. Located at The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, wth a private beach, this property that Khan named ‘Jannat,’ was gifted to him by a real estate developer.It is a 14,000 sq ft villa worth approximately Rs 18 crore, complemented with all high-end amenities, spacious rooms, luxurious interiors, and breathtaking views.In addition to it, he owns a property in London, which serves as a vacation home and was the humble abode to his kids when they studied abroad. According to 99 acres, located on London’s Park Lane, the property is worth Rs. 183 crore.Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai BachchanPower couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan also own a beautiful home in a posh locale of Dubai.According to the above-mentioned real estate portal, the ‘Guru’ stars own a property at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Spanning across 10,600 sq ft, it is a villa worth Rs 80 crore approx. It goes without saying that the property has all the essential and high-end amenities installed. From an advanced home automation system, a Scavolini-designed kitchen, a pool deck, a sleek walk-in closet, and an 18-hole championship standard golf course, the villa’s grandeur gleams bright.Shilpa ShettyBollywood diva Shilpa Shetty and her businessman-turned-actor husband, Raj Kundra, are proud owners of a villa-style home called Raj Mahal in London. According to Cospoloitian, located at St George’s Hill estate, it has seven bedrooms, and the front is adorned with a tree-lined driveway, which leads past a horse statue to the side of the house. The interiors of the house are known to reflect Raj and Shilpa’s style.And this is not their only London home; the report adds that the couple has a property in Mayfair, Oxford Street. This properly serves as a vacation home for the Bollywood couple. Last but not least, there is their villa in Palm Jumeirah, an epitome of luxury and elegance.Priyanka ChopraThe desi girl turned global diva, Priyanka Chopra’s real estate journey has been phenomenal. In addition to her properties in India, the actress has homes abroad, and this saga started even before Nick Jonas (national jiju) came into the picture.According to the ‘Architectural Digest,’ the ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ star bought a four-bedroom apartment in the Four Seasons Private Residences New York Downtown in 2017. Later, in 2019, after she got married to Nick Jonas, the couple settled into a $6.5 million Beverly Hills Post Office mansion.This midcentury-modern mansion was then sold a year later to tennis champ Naomi Osaka for $6.9 million.Thereafter, the couple bought a $20 million mansion in Los Angeles.Sprawling over 20,000 square feet, it has 7 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. The double-height living room is the major highlight, which gets more beautiful when it opens up to an infinity pool, offering a view that goes beyond description of words.Akshay KumarThe Khiladi Kumar of the industry, aka Akshay Kumar, reportedly owns a home in London and Captown, according to Hindustan Times. Both properties add to his growing net worth and speak to his lavish lifestyle. Complemented with all essential amenities, these homes are known for their breathtaking interiors.

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AIR News✓

Oct 29, 2025, 03:41 AM

India's Government Responds Swiftly to Heavy Rainfall Crisis

The government sent over 3.6 crore alert messages and arranged food, water, and medical help for evacuees. The IMD has warned of more heavy rain and urged people in low-lying areas to stay alert.

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AIR News✓

Oct 29, 2025, 03:38 AM

Indian Meteorological Department Issues Red Alert for Heavy Rainfall and Cyclone Montha

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall over Odisha for today. According to the weather agency, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gangetic West Bengal, Kerala and Mahe for the next two to three days. Similar conditions will prevail over Saurashtra, Kutch, Vidarbha, Gujarat, Bihar, Jharkhand, Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Marathwada. The Met department has also forecast thunderstorms accompanied with lightning and gusty winds over Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Coastal and North Interior Karnataka, East Rajasthan, East Uttar Pradesh and North Eastern Region till the 31st of this month. Meanwhile, the weather agency has informed that Cyclone Montha has weakened into a cyclonic storm over coastal Andhra Pradesh and is likely to move northwestwards across coastal Andhra Pradesh and maintain its cyclonic storm intensity during the next 6 hours, then weaken further into a deep depression during the subsequent 6 hours. The agency further said that the latest observations indicate that the tail end of Cyclone Montha has made landfall.

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AIR News✓

Oct 29, 2025, 03:31 AM

Telangana Hit by Heavy Rainfall, Several Areas Record High Amounts

Nagarkurnool recorded the highest of 167.3 mm of rainfall till 5 this morning, while Nalgonda recorded 131.3 mm of rainfall. Wanaparthy, Rangareddy, and Suryapet also recorded heavy rainfall during the same time. Several places in Hyderabad received heavy rain overnight.

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Siasat News✓

Oct 29, 2025, 02:53 AM

Telangana Braces for Heavy Rains and Thunderstorms as Cyclone Montha Moves Inland

Hyderabad:The residents of Hyderabad on Wednesday, October 29, woke up to heavy rains and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more downpours. According to the weather department, many districts of the state will witness ‘very heavy rain’ along with thunderstorms, lightning, squalls, etc. In view of the expected weather conditions, the department has issued an orange alert for the state. For October 30 too, the department has forecast heavy rains and issued a yellow alert. Meanwhile, the Telangana weatherman, who is known for accurate predictions, said, ‘As Cyclone Montha moves inland, very heavy downpours are ahead in Adilabad, Kumurambheem Asifabad, Nirmal, Mancherial, Jagtial, Rajanna Sircilla, Peddapalli, Karimnagar, Siddipet, Hanumakonda, Warangal, Jangoan, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Mahabubabad, Suryapet, Khammam, and Nagarkurnool with a few places to get 80-180mm rains.’ For Hyderabad, he forecast on-and-off moderate rains from morning to evening. VERY HEAVY RAINS ALERT – CYCLONE MONTHA PEAK IMPACT ⚠️As Cyclone Montha moving inland, VERY HEAVY DOWNPOURS ahead in RED MARKED DISTRICTS with few places to get 80-180mm rains causing FLOODS in few places. STAY ALERT ⚠️🌧️BLUE MARKED districts will get MODERATE RAINS today…pic.twitter.com/vMGDKP2eqy According to the weather department, the city is going to witness moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds on Wednesday. From October 30 to November 1, the city is going to witness mist or hazy conditions during the morning hours. In view of the expected heavy rains as forecast by IMD Hyderabad, the residents need to plan their travel accordingly.

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Times of India

Oct 29, 2025, 02:33 AM

Delhi's Cloud Seeding Trials Fail to Bring Rain, But Neighboring Areas See Negligible Amounts

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Times of India

Oct 29, 2025, 02:30 AM

Rethinking Work-Life Balance: The Rise of Harmony Over Hustle

Launching a billion-dollar company or rising to the top of a corporate empire has long been framed as an exercise in sacrifice, a zero-sum game where personal time must be surrendered in the pursuit of ambition.Yet, a growing number of leaders across industries are rejecting this narrative. For them, success is not about balance at all, but about a deeper sense of "harmony" between life and work.At the centre of this shift is Amazon founderJeff Bezos, who has consistently challenged the language used to describe modern work culture. Speaking atItalian Tech Week, Bezos observed that the term work-life balance itself is flawed because it “implies a trade-off.”Instead, he advocates what he calls work-life harmony — the idea that fulfilment at home enhances one’s performance at work, and vice versa. This philosophy, he said, has guided much of his leadership at Amazon. It is not about maintaining a ledger between two competing forces, but about cultivating alignment between them.Bezos’s thinking is not new. In 2018, he had described work-life balance as a “debilitating phrase,” toBusiness Insider,suggesting that the notion of having to give up one part of one’s life to sustain another was fundamentally limiting. His preference for harmony over balance echoes a broader sentiment shared by several contemporary executives. Microsoft Chief Executive OfficerSatya Nadella, for instance, has publicly stated that harmony should be the goal rather than balance, while Anna Lundstrom, Chief Executive Officer of Nespresso United Kingdom, toldFortuneshe prefers to call it work-life fluidity, an acknowledgment that professional and personal spheres often overlap rather than divide neatly in half.The myth of moderationWhile some leaders strive to integrate their personal and professional lives, others dismiss the very premise of equilibrium. ForAndrew Feldman, cofounder and Chief Executive Officer of Cerebras Systems, the idea that one can build something exceptional while working forty hours a week is “mind-boggling.” Speaking on the20VCpodcast, Feldman argued that creating a company from nothing demands “every waking minute.” In his view, greatness is not compatible with moderation.It is a full-time pursuit, and those unwilling to make that commitment should temper their ambitions.That philosophy is echoed by Lucy Guo, cofounder of Scale AI, a technology company now valued at twenty-nine billion USD. In an interview withFortune, Guo said that she “probably does not have work-life balance” — and that perhaps she should not. Her routine, which often starts at dawn and ends near midnight, is not driven by compulsion but by deep enjoyment.For her, work “does not really feel like work.” Those who long for balance, she added, might simply be in the wrong profession.Yet Guo’s view is not without nuance. Even with her ninety-hour weeks, she reserves time for friends and family, urging others to do the same “regardless of how busy you are.” It is a rare acknowledgment of the human cost of relentless drive, and perhaps a quiet reminder that even in high-performance cultures, connection remains a vital anchor.Between dedication and detachmentIn contrast, Eric Yuan, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zoom Video Communications, adopts a more existential view. The platform he built has come to symbolise the very blurring of professional and personal boundaries. For Yuan, work is life and life is work, as he remarked on theGritpodcast earlier this year. Yet even within that framework, he upholds a simple rule: when work and family collide, family must come first.Some entrepreneurs, however, go further still. Reid Hoffman, cofounder of LinkedIn, has long argued that the pursuit of balance and the pursuit of greatness are mutually exclusive. Addressing students at Stanford University’sHow to Start a Startuplecture series in 2014, he said that founders who talk about a balanced life are “not committed to winning.” For Hoffman, the early stages of building something meaningful require complete immersion — an all-consuming focus that leaves little room for leisure.This sentiment is not confined to Silicon Valley. In China, Jack Ma, cofounder of Alibaba Group Holding Limited, has famously described the 996 work schedule — 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week — as a “blessing.” Writing on Alibaba’sWeChataccount in 2019, Ma argued that only by working such hours can one seize opportunities when young. It is a cultural reflection of a belief that endurance is the currency of achievement.Harmony over hustleAcross these philosophies, a convergence emerges: the binary between work and life no longer holds.For some, like Bezos and Nadella, the solution lies in dissolving the distinction — in creating harmony rather than enforcing boundaries. For others, such as Hoffman and Feldman, the sacrifice itself is the price of excellence.This perspective reveals more than differing management styles, it signals a deeper shift in the philosophy of success. The question is no longer how to balance the scales, but how to integrate the pursuit of achievement with the realities of living. Whether this integration produces fulfilment or exhaustion depends, perhaps, on one’s definition of success itself. A definition that America’s billionaires continue to rewrite in real time.Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!

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Times of India

Oct 29, 2025, 02:20 AM

Cyclone Montha Makes Landfall in Andhra Pradesh, Brings Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

Cyclone Montha crosses Andhra Pradesh coast near NarsapurKAKINADA: The severe cyclonic Storm ‘Montha’ crossed theAndhra Pradeshand Yanam coasts between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, to the south of Kakinada, close to Narsapur (West Godavari district) between 11.30 pm of Oct 28 and 12.30 am on Oct 29, according to the India Meteorological Department.Parts of the coastal Andhra Pradesh experienced heavy rainfall with strong gales between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The strong gales uprooted the trees and electric poles in the coastal districts.Andhra Braces for Cyclone Montha Landfall; IMD Warns of Heavy Rain, Strong WindsThe IMD said the rear sector of the cyclonic storm Montha entered into the land.The Severe Cyclonic Storm “Montha” over the coastal Andra Pradesh moved northwestwards with a speed of 10 kmph during past six hours and weaken into a cyclonic storm over the same region, and lay centered at 2.30 am on Wednesday (Oct 29), about 50 km northeast of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 90 km west-southwest of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), 230 km southwest of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and 470 km southwest of Gopalpur (Odisha).It is likely to move nearly northwestwards across coastal Andhra Pradesh and maintain its intensity of cyclonic storm during next six hours, and weaken further into a deep depression during subsequent six hours.The IMD forecast that parts of the coastal Andhra Pradesh will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall on Wednesday.

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Financial Express

Oct 29, 2025, 02:06 AM

Delhi's Cloud Seeding Trials Fail to Bring Rain, But Reduce Pollution

TheDelhi governmentcarried out twocloud seedingtrials on Tuesday to try and bringartificial rainto the city in order to fightrising pollution levels. The tests were carried out using a Cessna plane fitted with salt-based and silver iodide flares, meant to encourage rainfall. But by Tuesday evening, both flights fromKanpurandMeeruthad failed to produce any rainfall. The attempts were “not completely successful” because the flares released from the aircraft didn’t result in any rain. “We did two sorties, one in the afternoon and one slightly later in the evening. A total of, I believe, 14 flares were fired. These were fired and the aircraft returned to Meerut. There hasn’t been any rains so far. So, in that sense, it is not completely successful,” Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, told NDTV. A report by the Delhi government said the moisture level in the atmosphere was too low for successful cloud seeding. The IMD had predicted only about 10-15% moisture, which isn’t ideal for this kind of operation. Agrawal also mentioned that although there were clouds, they didn’t have enough moisture to create rain. “The clouds that are present today do not have very high moisture content. I was told that it was only 15-20%. So, the possibility of causing rain with such low moisture content is not very high,” he told the news outlet. He added that a third round of trials is expected to be held on Wednesday. “We hope that at least this trial has given more confidence to our team that we can continue conducting these trials. We will again try tomorrow,” he said. Delhi MinisterManjinder Singh Sirsaconfirmed that two trials were done on Tuesday, mainly over the outer parts of the city. “Two cloud seeding trials were conducted in Delhi today, this was the third overall. The first took off from Kanpur this morning and the second from Meerut. Today’s trial covered areas in outer Delhi. So far, this has been a historic trial,” he said. Adding to it he mentioned that the planes covered areas like Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh and Mayur Vihar. During the process, eight flares weighing between 2 and 2.5 kilograms each were used. Even though the attempts didn’t lead to rain, the Delhi government’s report said the cloud seeding helped reduce pollution levels in the targeted areas. It mentioned that two small precipitation events were recorded – one in Noida (0.1 mm of rain) and another in Greater Noida (0.2 mm). The report noted that levels of particulate matter, PM2.5 and PM10, dropped after the operation. “The PM2.5 was 221, 230 and 229 reported from Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh and Burari respectively before cloud seeding, which reduced to 207, 206 and 203 respectively after the first seeding. Similarly, PM10 was 207, 206 and 209, which got reduced to 177, 163 and 177 at Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh and Burari respectively,” the report said, according to PTI. The first test began when the Cessna aircraft took off from the IIT Kanpur airstrip at 12.13 pm, covering Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar, Sadakpur, and Bhojpur. The second flight took off from the Meerut airstrip, carrying four kilograms of seeding material, and covered Khekra, Burari, Mayur Vihar, Pavi Sadakpur, Noida, Bhojpur, Modinagar and Meerut.

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Times of India

Oct 29, 2025, 01:50 AM

The Deception of Career Catfishing: A Threat to Trust in the Modern Workplace

Promises sparkle in job postings; words like “collaborative,” “dynamic,” and “growth-oriented” beckon eager applicants with the promise of purpose. Yet, for many American workers, that glitter fades too soon.The office they step into often bears little resemblance to the one painted by recruiters’ words. Welcome to the new deception of the digital age: Career catfishing.A recent Monster Career Catfishing Poll (2025) lays bare an unsettling truth: 79% of US workers claim they have been lured into roles that were nothing like what they were sold. From glorified titles masking mundane tasks to “inclusive” cultures that turn out to be toxic, the illusion of the perfect job has never been stronger or more fragile.False advertising at workRecruitment, once a process built on clarity and communication, now often resembles a marketplace of embellished promises. Nearly half of surveyed workers, 49%, said their responsibilities didn’t align with what they were told during hiring. Another 21% admitted the company culture had been sugarcoated, while 9% found that even pay and benefits had been overstated.The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has long cautioned that early attrition is often rooted in one thing: Unmet expectations.And the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) adds data to the distress; in 2024, America’s average monthly quit rate stood at 2.1%, proof that disillusionment isn’t rare; it’s routine. Workers are walking out not because they can’t do the job, but because the job isn’t what they were promised.A game played by both sidesBut deception doesn’t end with recruiters. Thirteen percent of workers, according to Monster’s findings, admitted to catfishing their way into jobs, inflating résumés, fabricating skills, or polishing credentials to outshine the competition.Eight percent confessed to exaggerating their responsibilities; seven percent overstated technical expertise, while three percent admitted to falsifying educational details. Both sides, it seems, are staging performances, one to secure a hire, the other to secure employment. The result? A professional standoff where truth becomes the first casualty.The cost of mistrustCareer catfishing is not a harmless white lie; it’s a betrayal that echoes through boardrooms and cubicles alike.Employees who find themselves misled quickly spiral into frustration, burnout, and premature exits. Employers who hire based on false claims pay the price in lost productivity, morale, and credibility.As the Harvard Business Review notes, perks and pay can no longer mask a hollow experience. Employees today seek meaning and growth, not manipulation wrapped in corporate branding. When trust fractures, even the best talent disengages.Restoring truth in hiringThere is, however, a path back to honesty, and it starts with transparency. For job seekers, that means asking pointed questions about daily duties, growth prospects, and company expectations. Researching reviews, verifying benefits in writing, and probing for clarity can strip away illusion before it takes root.For employers, the answer lies in accountability. Skills-based assessments, clear job postings, and verified background checks can separate authenticity from artifice.In an era when talent is currency, integrity may well be the most valuable asset a company can hold.The trust crisis of the modern workplaceBeneath the numbers lies a deeper malaise, a quiet erosion of faith in the professional pact. What began as a few exaggerated résumés and romanticized job ads has evolved into a systemic trust crisis. The modern hiring process, it seems, has become less about truth and more about presentation.Career catfishing exposes that dysfunction with brutal clarity.It reveals a culture obsessed with looking perfect, even if it means being dishonest. It reminds us that the real challenge isn’t finding the best candidate or the most prestigious role; it’s finding honesty amid the noise.The final reckoningAuthenticity has become the new scarcity in American employment. Workers crave it. Employers preach it. Yet both too often sacrifice it for short-term gain. The data from Monster’s 2025 poll doesn’t just indict hiring practices; it calls for a reckoning.If trust is the foundation of work, then deception is its slow undoing. And as both sides continue to embellish, the question grows louder: In America’s battle for talent, are we hiring skill or selling illusions?Because when the masks fall, only the truth will decide who stays and who walks away.Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!

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AIR News✓

Oct 29, 2025, 01:43 AM

Montha Storm Brings Heavy Rainfall to Andhra Pradesh, Causes Crop Damage

India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, Montha had begun its landfall near Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada at 7 PM yesterday. The storm triggered very heavy rainfall in Andhra Pradesh, which has damaged 43,000 hectares of crops in the state. Met Department has forecast light to moderate rainfall at most places in Andhra Pradesh and Yanam and heavy to very rainfall at a few places today. It has forecast extremely heavy rainfall of greater than 20 centimetres at isolated places during the same period. Under the influence of the severe cyclonic storm, Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest amount of rainfall yesterday. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said Odisha escaped major damage from Montha, bringing relief to the state even as precautionary measures remained in force. Mr Majhi, who reviewed the post-landfall situation at the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) control room, said there were only reports of minor landslides and uprooting of trees in some areas.

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Times of India

Oct 29, 2025, 01:39 AM

Shane Bieber Reiterates No Family Ties to Justin Bieber Amidst World Series Excitement

Shane Bieber of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches in the first inning during Game Four of the 2025 World Series presented by Capital One (Image Source - Getty Images)Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber tackled the persistent speculation regarding his famous namesake, once again confirming that he has no familial connection to pop starJustin Bieber. This clarification came during the heightened excitement of Game 3 of the 2025 World Series, where Justin was seen at Dodger Stadium donning a custom Blue Jays jersey with Shane's name and number on it.This moment underscored their mutual admiration, even without any blood relation, as the Blue Jays went up against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a tough 18-inning showdown.Shane Bieber ends years of confusion confirming no family link to pop icon Justin BieberShane Bieber has consistently denied any connection to Justin Bieber, with his most recent clarification on October 28 highlighting this during the playoffs' attention. In a statement shared by Yahoo Sports Australia, Bieber mentioned, "Folks, as fun as the alternative would be, I regret to inform you that Shane Bieber is not, in fact, related to Justin Bieber.There is no familial connection here whatsoever."The mix-up has been around for years, but Bieber first joked about it publicly during MLB's Players Weekend in 2019. While playing for the Cleveland Guardians, he sported a custom jersey that said "Not Justin" on the back. Reflecting on the ongoing mix-ups, Bieber told MLB Network reporters at the time, "I mean, I’ve been hearing it since college... A lot of people like to make the joke and try to mistake me for him.So, I thought I’d make it obvious and put it on the back of my jersey to let everyone know I’m not Justin Bieber." .Shane has also talked about how the jokes carry over to the field. In a tweet from 2019, he shared a picture of abaseballcard that mistakenly labeled him as "Justin Bieber," and he found the mix-up pretty funny. Opposing teams have even played Justin's songs like "Baby" while Shane is on the mound, which Bieber has referred to as "fun" in previous interviews.Justin Bieber wears a Shane Bieber No. 57 jersey to honor his “name twin” before Game 4Game 3 happened at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2025, with the Blue Jays behind 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. The Dodgers won 6-5 in the 18th inning, courtesy of a walk-off single from Mookie Betts, but it was a tense showdown whereShohei Ohtanismashed two home runs. Amidst the drama, Justin Bieber and his wife, Hailey Bieber, made an appearance as passionate supporters of Toronto, grabbing the spotlight in the stands.Justin, who hails from Stratford, Ontario and has been a Blue Jays fan for life, wore a powder-blue Shane Bieber No.57 jersey over some baggy jeans, topped off with a maroon beanie. This outfit was a thoughtful homage, "Justin wanted to represent the pitcher who shares his last name." He debuted the jersey a day early, ahead of Shane's scheduled start in Game 4, calling it a "cool gesture" in coverage from the event.Bieber's energy was definitely noticeable. The cameras caught him giving a thumbs-down—some interpreted it as a single-finger salute—when Ohtani hit a homer in the third inning, putting the Dodgers up 2-0.He was cheering for the Blue Jays and taking photos with fans, but the couple got booed by the rowdy Dodgers crowd, which caused them to relocate to a private suite for their own safety. Hailey, wearing a laid-back gray hoodie, joined in the cheers, turning it into a rare public date night for the duo.Shane Bieber prepares to pitch Game 4 in TorontoWith the series at 3-1 in favor of the Dodgers as of October 29, 2025, Shane Bieber is on the mound for Game 4 in Toronto. His mix of fastballs and curveballs, which has been a staple for Cleveland's rotation, might just shift the momentum back to the Jays.Analysts are optimistic that Bieber's experience will be a game-changer, possibly extending the Blue Jays' playoff adventure.Justin Bieber keeps teasing us with new music while also backing Toronto sports. Whether he's at the game or in the studio, his move at Dodger Stadium showed that namesakes can create real friendships. As the World Series plays out, the Bieber duo highlights that true connections are based on shared interests, not just family ties.Also Read:Shohei Ohtani becomes the only player in MLB postseason history to be intentionally walked four times in a single gameCatch Lovlina Borgohain's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 5. Watch Here

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Times of India

Oct 29, 2025, 01:07 AM

Cyclone Montha Brings Destruction to Eastern India

Visakhapatnam: Strong winds sway palm trees as fishing boats are pulled ashore in the wake of Cyclone Montha, in Visakhapatnam. (PTI Photo)KAIKNADA/BHUBANESWAR: Cyclone Montha roared ashore on the eastern coast Tuesday night, slamming into Andhra Pradesh between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada with winds topping 100km an hour and sheets of rain that ripped through towns, snapped power lines, and sent waves surging 10ft high.The season's first major cyclone made landfall as a severe storm around 7.30pm, its crossing lasting nearly 4 hours. Trees lay strewn across highways, power poles twisted in the wind, and rescue teams battled driving rain to clear the roads. A woman died in Makanapalem village of Mamidikuduru mandal when a tree crashed onto her home.Andhra Braces for Cyclone Montha Landfall; IMD Warns of Heavy Rain, Strong WindsAcross the border in Odisha, Montha's outer bands brought torrential rain and winds up to 100kmph through Ganjam and Gajapati districts, blocking roads and toppling trees.No casualties were reported, but landslides cut off stretches of R Udayagiri, Parlakhemundi, Huma, and Kashipur.Sea turns violent in Kakinada, floods homes, tears up roadsThe sea turned violent at Uppada in Kakinada district, flooding homes and tearing up the coastal road. Police sealed the Kakinada-Uppada beach road after waves breached embankments. As the cyclone's eye passed inland, thousands huddled in shelters, waiting for the storm to pass. Over 10,000 Andhra residents, mostly fishing families, were evacuated from 65 villages in 12 coastal mandals before landfall.Kakinada district collector S Shan Mohan said two NDRF teams and one SDRF unit were in the field, backed by 200 swimmers and 140 boats. "Helipads have been kept ready to airlift people from submerged areas as and when required," he said. More than 12,000 people took shelter in 76 cyclone relief centres. Nearly 1,000 heads of cattle were moved to safer ground.Eight flights were cancelled at Rajahmundry airport, disrupting connections to Tirupati, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai.In Odisha, state govt opened over 2,000 cyclone shelters and deployed 158 emergency teams - five NDRF, 30 ODRAF, and 123 fire service units - to lead rescue and relief work. CM Mohan Majhi reviewed operations and said that 11,000 vulnerable people had been moved to safety under the "zero casualty" mission. "Another 30,000 could be evacuated if conditions worsen," he said.Deputy chief minister KV Singhdeo said crop damage was extensive and promised aid once district reports arrive within a week.IMD director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said Montha's impact would linger through Wednesday, bringing heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to southern Odisha before weakening over Chhattisgarh. Wind speeds could reach 80kmph as the system moves inland.Regional IMD chief Manorama Mohanty said rainfall will taper off by Friday, with lingering showers Thursday in interior Odisha.

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Economic Times

Oct 29, 2025, 12:57 AM

SEBI Simplifies Mutual Fund Unit Transfers with New Gifting and Joint Holder Rules

SynopsisSecurities and Exchange Board of India has eased mutual fund unit transfers. Investors can now gift units or add joint holders without a demat account. This facility is available for most schemes, excluding ETFs and certain solution-oriented funds. Transfers are processed via registrars and transfer agents. Both parties need valid KYC and folios.

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Times of India

Oct 29, 2025, 12:09 AM

Harvard's Grade Inflation: A Symptom of Shifting Academic Values?

There was a time when earning an ‘A’ from Harvard meant brushing shoulders with academic greatness, a mark that distinguished the extraordinary from the accomplished. Today, however, that distinction seems blurred.According to a report by Harvard’s Office of Undergraduate Education, nearly 60% of all grades awarded at Harvard College are A’s, up from 40% a decade ago and less than 25% twenty years ago.The question that now grips the academic conscience is unsettling: Has Harvard, the emblem of intellectual rigour, fallen prey to grade inflation? Or is it merely reflecting a shifting definition of success in an age when excellence has been universalized?The quiet rise of an ‘A’ nationThe trend, while subtle at first, has crept into the system like an unacknowledged addiction.For years, administrators and faculty at elite universities have expressed quiet discomfort about the erosion of grading standards. But at Harvard, a place synonymous with prestige, the issue is now glaring.Amanda Claybaugh, Harvard’s Dean of Undergraduate Education and author of the report, minced no words. “Current practices are not only failing to perform the key functions of grading; they are also damaging the academic culture of the college more generally,” she wrote in a report, as quoted by Bloomberg.Her words hit at the heart of the dilemma, grading was once a measure of distinction, not diplomacy.The numbers themselves tell a story of shifting academic values. Two decades ago, less than one in four Harvard students walked away with an A. Today, the majority do. The inflation curve has risen steadily, echoing a quiet anxiety among professors: What happens when everyone is exceptional?Fear, fairness, and faculty pressureThe report doesn’t point fingers blindly. It highlights a complex ecosystem where faculty anxiety has become a silent driver of inflated grades.Administrators, too, have inadvertently fed this culture. In an era where mental health and inclusion dominate campus discourse, professors are urged to be “mindful” of students battling imposter syndrome or personal hardships. While well-intentioned, such guidance often translates into softened academic rigor, a subtle shift from challenge to compassion that may inadvertently dilute merit.Students, meanwhile, have learned to navigate this landscape with precision.The report reveals that Harvard undergraduates, while not the caricatured “snowflakes” of public imagination, pressure their professors for higher grades, sometimes successfully. In a hyper-competitive environment where GPA can dictate future careers, even the most self-assured students fear the ripple effect of a single ‘B’.The culture of constant achievementTo understand Harvard’s grade inflation, one must also look at the broader cultural backdrop.Modern academia is no longer confined to intellectual pursuit; it’s entwined with employability, prestige, and perception. Employers, graduate schools, and even social media glorify flawless transcripts, pushing universities into a corner where high grades become a marketing tool as much as an academic outcome.Yet, there’s an irony here. When 60% of students receive A’s, the letter itself loses value, according to a report issued by Harvard’s Office of Undergraduate Education.The inflation doesn’t just elevate students; it flattens the meaning of achievement. It creates a culture where genuine excellence is camouflaged, and mediocrity masquerades as mastery.The federal eye and the integrity debateThis debate isn’t just academic. The Trump administration’s investigations into Harvard and its broader efforts to reshape higher education have intensified scrutiny. Federal officials have urged universities to sign a compact that commits to “grade integrity” and “defensible standards.”While the politics of intervention remain contentious, the premise is simple: If grades no longer reflect rigor, how can they reflect reality? Harvard, the gold standard of education, now finds itself at a crossroads between autonomy and accountability.The cost of kindnessPerhaps the most profound element in this debate is emotional, not institutional. Grade inflation, at its core, stems from empathy, professors reluctant to penalize struggling students, administrators attuned to mental health concerns, and students navigating an era of relentless self-comparison.But when kindness replaces candor, the entire academic ecosystem falters. Students graduate believing they’ve mastered subjects they barely understand; employers grow skeptical of credentials that once guaranteed brilliance. The result? A quiet erosion of trust between universities and the world that looks to them for excellence.Rethinking excellenceHarvard’s predicament is not unique, it’s emblematic. Across Ivy League campuses, the same conversation unfolds in hushed tones: How do we balance compassion with credibility?For now, Harvard’s challenge is not just to restore the integrity of its grading system but to redefine what success means in an age that celebrates perfection by default.When every student earns an A, the letter stops being an achievement, it becomes a symptom. And perhaps, the real test for Harvard today is not in the grades it gives, but in the standards it chooses to defend.Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!

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Financial Express

Oct 29, 2025, 12:00 AM

Dolly Khanna Exits Six Stocks from Her Portfolio: What's Behind the Move?

Dolly Khanna, also called the “Queen of Small Caps,” by investors across the board, is very well known for her solidsmall cap picksand a remarkably successful track record. Investors trust her stock picking skills as she has an eye for spottingfuture multibaggersearly on. Backed by disciplined approach and strong research, combined with a focus on long-term value, she has made a name for herself in the markets. Currently her portfolio holds 11 stocks worth almost Rs 487 cr. Her portfolio is managed by her husband Rajiv Khanna and often, it leans towards more traditional stocks in manufacturing, textile, chemicals, and sugar industries. So, when she decides to sell off 6 of her holdings in a single quarter, it does send the investor community into an overdrive, trying to figure out if these are strategic exits or signs of distress in the small cap space? Let us investigate. Incorporated in 1987,20 Microns Ltdis in the business of Industrial Micronised Minerals and Speciality Chemicals. The company is India’s largest manufacturer of micronized to nano-sized minerals, and has a current market cap of Rs 743 cr, As per Trendlyne, Dolly Khanna held a stake in the company which began with a 1.29% stake in September 2024 and went up to 1.99% for the quarter ending June 2025, before it fell below 1% as per exchange filings for the quarter ending September 2025. This means Khanna has partially or completely exited this stock. The sales for 20 Microns have grown at a compound rate of a 12% from Rs 529 cr in FY 20 to Rs 913 cr in FY25. The EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) climbed from Rs 66 cr in FY20 to Rs 117 cr in FY25. That is a compounded growth of 12%. As for the net profits, the company saw a compounded growth of 21% from Rs 24 cr in FY20 to Rs 62 cr in FY25. Theshare price of 20 Microns Ltdwas around Rs 28 in October 2020 and as on closing of 24thOctober 2025, it was Rs 211, logging in a jump of 654%. The company’s share is trading at a current PE of 12x while the industry median is 22x. The 10-year median for 20 Microns is again 10x while the industry median for the same period is 12x. The management commentary in the latest earnings presentation from August 2025 said, “We remain confident in achieving our 13-15% revenue growth guidance for FY26.Despite continued pressure on freight costs, the company is supported by stable demand, easing input costs, and strategic supply chain enhancements. Our focus will remain on margin improvement, product diversification, and geographic expansion, positioning 20 Microns for sustained growth and long-term value creation”. Incorporated in 1967,Zuari Industries Ltdis in the business of real estate, investment services, engineering services, management services,manufacturingand trading of furniture, manufacturing and sale ofsugar and its by products, ethanol and generation ofpower. The current market cap of the company is Rs 1,025 cr, As per Trendlyne, Dolly Khanna bought a 1.17% stake in the company in June 2022, which was 1.65% for the quarter ending June 2025. And as per the recent exchange filings for the quarter ending September 2025, her holding has fallen below 1%, meaning a complete or partial exit. The sales for Zuari have grown at a compound rate of just 5% from Rs 771 cr in FY20 to Rs 970 cr in FY25. The EBITDA was a negative Rs 260 cr in FY20 and as for FY25, an EBITDA of 50 cr was logged in. The net profit is an area of concern which could be a reason for Khanna’s exit from the stock. Theshare price of Zuari Industries Ltdwas around Rs 52 in October 2020 and as on closing of 24thOctober 2025, it was Rs 344, which is a jump of 562%. The company’s share is trading at a negative PE due to a string of losses, while the current industry median is 17x. The 10-year median for Zuari however is 22x and the industry median for the same period is 10x. Zuari Industries Ltd has raised a significant debt to support the operations of its subsidiaries and associates, including funding for its Sugar, Power, and Ethanol (SPE) division. In FY24, the company’s total borrowings stood at Rs 1,194.7 crore, including corporate guarantees. This has resulted in substantial debt repayment obligations amounting to approximately Rs 160 crore in FY25. The company plans to take an additional Rs 202 crore in its joint venture, Zuari Envien Bioenergy Private Limited, for which it has extended corporate guarantees. Polyplex Corporation Ltd–A leading global PET film manufacturer with a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film capacity of 4,78,500 metric tonnes (MT). It has over 35 years of experience in plastic films, 7 manufacturing facilities in 5 countries with multiple warehouses & liaison offices worldwide. Rajshree Sugars & Chemicals Ltd–Amanufacturer and marketer of white crystal sugar and industrial alcohol engaged in three segments, Sugar, Cogeneration and Distillery. Sarla Performance Fibers Ltd–A manufacturer and exporter of polyester and nylon textured, twisted and dyed yarns, covered yarns, high tenacity yarns and sewing thread with a strong customer base. Talbros Automotive Components Ltd–A leadingbrand in manufacturing of Gaskets and Heat Shields, Forgings, Chassis Systems, Suspension Systems and Modules, Anti-vibration Components and Hoses. Dolly Khanna has time and again proved that her stock picking and dropping skills are second to none, and in most cases, she laughs her way to the bank. And it catches more attention because she does this in a category that scares many investors away – Small Caps. So, when she drops 6 stocks at once, it causes investors of all categories to stop and take notice. While the companies we saw today that Dolly Khanna dropped are lesser-known, they were sure interesting to her and were a part of her portfolio for quite some time. Why did they fall out of favour is something only Khanna would know. But it does raise speculation if this was a portfolio clean up or is there something that Khanna is seeing which the average investor is bound to miss. Whatever it may be, it could be a clever idea to have these stocks on a Watchlist. Note: We have relied on data from http://www.Screener.in and http://www.trendlyne.com throughout this article. Only in cases where the data was not available, have we used an alternate, but widely used and accepted source of information. The purpose of this article is only to share interesting charts, data points, and thought-provoking opinions. It is NOT a recommendation. If you wish to consider an investment, you are strongly advised to consult your advisor. This article is strictly for educative purposes only. Suhel Khan has been a passionate follower of the markets for over a decade. During this period, He was an integral part of a leading Equity Research organisation based in Mumbai as the Head of Sales & Marketing. Presently, he is spending most of his time dissecting the investments and strategies of the Super Investors of India. Disclosure: The writer and his dependents do not hold the stocks discussed in this article. The website managers, its employee(s), and contributors/writers/authors of articles have or may have an outstanding buy or sell position or holding in the securities, options on securities or other related investments of issuers and/or companies discussed therein. The content of the articles and the interpretation of data are solely the personal views of the contributors/ writers/authors. Investors must make their own investment decisions based on their specific objectives, resources and only after consulting such independent advisors as may be necessary.

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Times of India

Oct 29, 2025, 12:00 AM

Gujarat Experiences Widespread Rainfall, Becomes Wettest October Since 2015

12Ahmedabad: Even as incessant rain lashed several parts of Gujarat for the fourth consecutive day on Tuesday, this Oct has officially become the wettest since 2015. The state recorded an average rainfall of 34mm on Monday, taking the month's cumulative total to 75.5mm, surpassing the 74.1mm recorded in 2016.Monday alone accounted for nearly 45% of Oct's total rainfall, according to data from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC).In the 24 hours ending at 6am on Tuesday, 15 talukas across the state recorded rainfall exceeding 100mm. Rajula (Amreli) topped the list with 216mm, followed by Mahuva (Bhavnagar) with 184mm, Sutrapada (Gir Somnath) with 174mm, and Una (Gir Somnath) and Galteshwar (Kheda) recording 141mm each.In all, 239 of Gujarat's 251 talukas received 1mm or more rainfall on Monday, highlighting the widespread intensity of the downpour.Over the past three days, south Gujarat received an average of 100mm rainfall, followed by 66mm in Saurashtra and 49mm in east-central Gujarat. By Tuesday evening, 121 talukas had reported 1 mm or more rainfall, with Talala (Gir Somnath) registering the highest at 43 mm, closely followed by Bavla (Ahmedabad) and Veraval (Gir Somnath) at 42mm each, SEOC data revealed.You Can Also Check:Ahmedabad AQI|Weather in Ahmedabad|Gold Rate Today in Ahmedabad|Silver Rate Today in AhmedabadIn Ahmedabad city, the sky remained overcast through the day with intermittent drizzle, bringing 1mm rainfall. The city's maximum temperature dropped to 26.3°C, nearly 8.6°C below normal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast suggested similar weather conditions on Wednesday, with light to moderate showers likely in many areas.According to the IMD, a depression system currently lies 480km southwest of Veraval and is expected to move northeastwards in the Arabian Sea over the next 36 hours. This system is likely to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall in Amreli and Bhavnagar, and heavy showers in Bharuch, Surat, Dangs, Navsari, Valsad, Tapi, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Botad on Wednesday. Other parts of the state may witness light thunderstorms.

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Times of India

Oct 28, 2025, 10:38 PM

Microsoft's GitHub Unveils Agent HQ: A Single Command Centre for AI Coding Tools

Representative ImageMicrosoft’s GitHub unit has announced Agent HQ, a new “mission control” interface designed to help software developers manage the complexity of AI coding tools. The platform will allow developers to assign and monitor AI agents – tools that can autonomously complete programming tasks on a user’s behalf – from multiple vendors all in one place.The proliferation of these agents – built by companies like GitHub, OpenAI, and Google – has created a management challenge for developers.“We want to bring a little bit of order to the chaos of innovation,” GitHub COO Kyle Daigle told CNBC.“With so many different agents, there’s so many different ways of kicking off these asynchronous tasks, and so our big opportunity here is to bring this all together,” added Daigle.Agent HQ: A single command centreAgent HQ will allow developers to manage coding agents from leading providers, including OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, xAI, and Cognition, all within the GitHub environment.Key functions of the new interface include:Centralised management: Developers gain a single command center to assign and monitor the work of multiple agents simultaneously.Real-time control: Users can see exactly what their agents are working on and intervene to correct their course in real time if the AI gets off track.Daigle emphasised that the goal is to ensure the new “era of abundance for AI... doesn’t turn to chaos,” by providing a streamlined experience on an open GitHub platform.The third-party agents will begin rolling out to GitHub Copilot subscribers in the coming months. However, Copilot Pro+ users will gain immediate access to OpenAI Codex in VS Code Insiders this week.GitHub, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2018, currently supports more than 180 million developers and reports it is experiencing its fastest rate of growth ever.

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Times of India

Oct 28, 2025, 10:07 PM

Ranji Trophy Match Abandoned Due to Cyclonic Rains and Poor Light

12Kanpur: Cyclonic rains forced theRanji Trophymatch between Uttar Pradesh and Odisha at Green Park stadium to end in a draw on Tuesday, denying UP an outright victory. UP, who held a first-innings lead, collected three points, taking their total to six from two outings.Odisha settled for one point and remained on one point after two matches.On Tuesday morning, UP declared their first innings at 409 for 6, stretching their lead to 166 runs. They then batted for two overs, adding 29 runs without loss, in an attempt to force a result. Play was halted at 2:49 pm due to bad light, by which time Odisha were 151 for 3 in their second innings, still trailing by 15 runs. Both captains agreed that a result was no longer possible and called off the match.Cyclonic rains had already restricted play to just 42 overs on Monday. Despite UP's early declaration, poor light and weather conditions prevented further progress, resulting in a draw.UP coach Arvind Kapoor said, "It was our bad luck. I had hoped to collect at least six points from this match, but the weather ditched us. We batted well. Karan and Aaradhya scored centuries and showed great form. Let's hope fortune smiles on us in the next game."Earlier in the day, UP captain Karan Sharma declared at 409 for 6, with Vipraj Nigam unbeaten on 31 and Shivam Mavi on 12. UP's bowlers struck early as Shivam Mavi dismissed Ashirvad Swain (23) and Sandeep Pattanaik (5), reducing Odisha to 55 for 2. By lunch, the visitors were 68 for 2, with Aashirvad Swain caught by Madhav Kaushik and Sandeep Pattanaik held by Prashant Veer.After lunch, Kunal Tyagi trapped Subhranshu Senapati (11) leg before wicket, leaving Odisha 79 for 3.Opener Swastik Samal and Govinda Poddar then added an unbeaten 72-run stand for the fourth wicket before play was stopped. Samal remained not out on 71 off 113 balls with eight fours and a six, while Poddar was unbeaten on 38 off 72 balls with five boundaries.Brief Score:Odisha: 243 & 151/3 (Swastik Samal 71, Aashirvad Swain 23, Subhranshu Senapati 11, Govinda Poddar 38, Shivam Mavi 2/32, Kunal Tyagi 1/45)Uttar Pradesh: 409/6 decl. (overnight 380/6; Vipraj Nigam 31, Shivam Mavi 12; Sambit S. Baral 3/52, Badal 1/91, Sumit Sharma 1/95).

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The Free Press Journal

Oct 28, 2025, 09:36 PM

Mumbai's Construction Sites Face Ultimatum for Air Pollution Monitors

Mumbai:The BMC has made it mandatory for all construction sites to install sensor-based air pollution monitors that provide real-time public access to air quality data. Yet, nearly half of the sites remain non-compliant since the June directive. The civic body has now issued a strict one-month ultimatum, warning that developers who fail to adhere to the rules will face tough action. Directive Follows Bombay High Court Order on Pollution Control The directive follows a Bombay High Court order linked to Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No. 3 of 2023, which called for stricter dust and air pollution control at construction sites. The BMC’s Environment Department issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to identify and approve standardised PM2.5 and PM10 monitoring devices. Around 13 companies were shortlisted, meeting the technical specifications required for the approved monitoring equipment. Mumbai currently has around 1,200 active construction sites. Developers are required to procure air quality monitoring systems from empanelled vendors for installation. Only 44% of Builders Have Complied So Far So far, 535 developers have complied, while 168 are still in the process of meeting the directive. A senior civic official warned, “If the remaining developers fail to comply, strict action will be taken against them.” Air quality monitors at construction sites have been instructed to display real-time pollution data on LED boards and continuously transmit it to the BMC’s central server for surveillance and compliance tracking. Officials warned that non-compliance could trigger severe consequences, including suspension of project approvals, stop-work notices, financial penalties, or even complete site shutdowns. Also Watch: Former Opposition Leader Slams BMC Inaction Ravi Raja, former BMC Opposition leader, slammed the civic body, saying, “Mumbai has been breathing poison for two winters. The AQI was ‘severe’ for days, yet the BMC waited until Oct 28 to threaten action against 600+ construction sites, with only 44% compliance. This isn’t negligence—it’s defiance. Builders ignore notices because action is always delayed or diluted. Public health cannot be held hostage. BMC must impose immediate fines and stop-work orders, suspend approvals, and hold its own officials accountable. The time for warnings is over — act now, act tough.” To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit:https://budgetproperties.in/

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Times of India

Oct 28, 2025, 09:20 PM

Indian Police Bust Fake International Call Center Defrauding US Citizens

12Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The city police, during a 24-hour operation starting late on Monday night, busted a fake international call centre that was allegedly defrauding US citizens by offering PayPal loans and tax settlements.The police arrested 116 people and seized dozens of laptops, mobile phones and digital communication devices.The raid took place at a three-storey building in the Chikalthana MIDC area where the call centre operated under the name KS Enterprises. Inspector Geeta Bagwade, who led the team that conducted the raid, said the centre had been running secretly for nearly a year, targeting American citizens through internet-based calls and messages.DCP (crime) Ratnakar Navale described the interiors of the building as a "lavish call centre" where employees, mostly from northeastern states, conversed fluently in English. Each worker had an individual cabin with a laptop, and strict movement restrictions were imposed — they were only allowed to travel between their accommodation and the call centre. Navale said the staffers were reportedly paid between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000 per month, with food and accommodation provided.Given the large number of accused, the hearing before the JMFC court continued past Tuesday midnight. "So far, 116 people have been arrested, and two are on the run. Moreover, the process is on to identify several unidentified suspects so that they can be tracked down," said crime branch inspector Gajanan Kalyankar."Of the total arrested accused, we sought custody of six, and the court remanded them in nine-day police custody.For the rest of the accused, we have requested magisterial custody, while reserving the right to seek their police custody at a later stage of the investigation," said Prashant Swami, the deputy commissioner of police (Zone-II). All the accused who have been remanded in police custody are from Ahmedabad, Gujarat."We received information about a fake call centre operating in the area. Accordingly, we took action and found several people communicating with individuals in the US to defraud them by sending pop-ups or messages related to PayPal loans," said DCP Swami."In the FIR registered with the MIDC Cidco police station, sections 66(C) (identity theft), 66(D) (cheating by personation), 66(E) (violation of privacy) of the Information and Technology Act, BNS sections 318(4) (punishment for aggravated cheating), 319(2) (punishment for cheating by impersonation), 336(2) (punishment for general forgery), 340 (using a forged document as genuine), 351 (criminal intimidation) and 62 (commit offences punishable by life imprisonment or other imprisonment), and relevant sections of the Indian Telegraph Act have been invoked," he said.The accused who have been remanded in police custody have been identified as Bhavesh Choudhari, Bhavik Patel, Satish Lade, Valay Vyas, Ajay Thakur and Manovardham Chaudhri.Swami explained that the racket functioned in multiple layers. "The first caller would contact the victim, followed by a second person who continued the conversation, and finally a third person who closed the deal. Victims were told they had unpaid taxes and that a warrant would be issued unless they paid immediately.Out of fear, victims transferred money through various channels," he said.In most cases, the accused directed the victims to purchase gift cards in US dollars. "Once the cards were purchased, they would obtain the redeem codes over the phone and encash the value digitally," Swami said.DCP Navale said the workers were transported to and from the call centre in vehicles with Gujarat registration plates. "The vehicles entered through the main gate, dropping off the staff late at night before returning.No one was allowed inside the premises except employees. A guard dog was also deployed inside to prevent outsiders from entering," Navale added.Investigators said a local tea vendor was paid between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 daily to deliver tea and cigarette packets without asking questions. "The entire operation was run under tight secrecy. The workers were told not to leave the premises or interact with outsiders," said inspector Kalyankar.The building housing the call centre belongs to a man from Maharashtra who has been residing in Delhi for the past three decades. Police found a 56-page agreement suggesting that the call centre was being run under the pretext of IT and software operations, Swami added.In-charge commissioner of police Sudhir Hiremath, along with DCPs Ratnakar Navale, Pankaj Atulkar and Prashant Swami, and ACP Manoj Pagare, supervised the operation.Several crime branch officers, including inspectors Gajanan Kalyankar, Geeta Bargade and Atul Yerme, were present at the site.Officials said the accused were taken to different hospitals for medical examination before being formally arrested and produced in court. A large police contingent, including Rapid Action Force and Damini Squad personnel, remained deployed at the site on Tuesday till late.Inspector Bagwade said that it was suspected the syndicate, originally based in Gujarat, had shifted operations to Maharashtra after a crackdown there. The full scale of the financial fraud, estimated to run into crores of rupees, would be known after further investigation, the officer said.

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Times of India

Oct 28, 2025, 08:56 PM

Korean Drama 'First Lady' Unravels in Chaotic Finale

'First Lady' finaleThe political drama 'First Lady' is careening towards a chaotic finale, with its central power couple caught in a web of lies, betrayal, and a shocking murder confession. Cha Soo Yeon (Eugene), once a master kingmaker, now finds her world crumbling just as she was about to become the first lady.Her president-elect husband, Hyun Min Chul (Ji Hyun Woo), demanded a divorce just 67 days before his inauguration, setting off a chain reaction of devastating secrets. With everything on the line, the final episodes promise to unravel the dark truths they've desperately tried to hide, as reported by MK Sports.A kingmaker's desperate gambleCha Soo Yeon's fall from grace has been swift and brutal. She is now the prime suspect in a hit-and-run and is cornered by a secret deal she made with the ruthless H Group chairman five years ago. Her desperate attempts to block her husband's prized "Do Tae Hoon Special Law" have failed, leaving her exposed and vulnerable. The question on everyone's lips is: what is the dark secret she's been protecting, and why was she willing to sacrifice her ambition and power to stop this law?The president's blinding obsessionHyun Min Chul has been so fixated on passing his special law-a crusade to avenge his dead friend-that he was completely blind to the conspiracies brewing around him.He divorced his wife to "protect" her, only to be devastated by the revelation that she was secretly working against him. His world was further shattered when his most trusted secretary, Shin Hae Rin (Lee Min Young), confessed to the murder he suspected his wife of committing.His obsession may have cost him everything.The ultimate sacrifice or a calculated lie?In a stunning twist, the fiercely loyal secretary Shin Hae Rin confessed to the hit-and-run, but her motives are shrouded in mystery. Was this a final, desperate act of loyalty to ensure her boss's political success, or is she the true killer? Her confession feels too convenient, raising suspicions that she might be taking the fall for someone else. The production team teased that the finale will deliver an "unpredictable" outcome that will leave viewers "stunned," hinting that the biggest betrayals are yet to come.

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Times of India

Oct 28, 2025, 06:43 PM

Unlocking the Power of Cinnamon: 5 Reasons to Start Your Day with This Ayurveda-Approved Spice

Indian herbs and spices are full of nutrients. And one such spice that is also Ayurveda-approved is cinnamon. According to celebrity nutritionist Rujut Diwekar, cinnamon is effective in improving insulin sensitivity, especially when added to tea with black pepper. For the unversed, cinnamon tea is a comforting beverage, mostly made with the stick or powder, along with water. It’s a powerhouse of flavor and wellness. It is naturally warming and soothing, perfect for mornings or chilly evenings. Beyond its delightful taste, cinnamon tea is packed with antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support immunity. It also aids digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and can gently boost metabolism. This piece of information explores five reasons to start the day with this tea and the right way of making it.A melange of spices and herbs can help in improving metabolism and burning stubborn fat. To make a quick spice drink, just take 1 inch cinnamon, brew it with holy basil leaves, and 1 inch ginger. Once this blend is ready, strain and mix it with lemon juice, a pinch of nutmeg and honey. This spice and herb drink twice a day can help in burning fats by boosting metabolic rate, reducing stress levels and lower cortisol levels help in effective weight loss.Indian herbs and spices are full of nutrients. And one such spice that is also Ayurveda-approved is cinnamon. According to celebrity nutritionist Rujut Diwekar, cinnamon is effective in improving insulin sensitivity, especially when added to tea with black pepper. For the unversed, cinnamon tea is a comforting beverage, mostly made with the stick or powder, along with water. It’s a powerhouse of flavor and wellness. It is naturally warming and soothing, perfect for mornings or chilly evenings. Beyond its delightful taste, cinnamon tea is packed with antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support immunity. It also aids digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and can gently boost metabolism. This piece of information explores five reasons to start the day with this tea and the right way of making it.A melange of spices and herbs can help in improving metabolism and burning stubborn fat. To make a quick spice drink, just take 1 inch cinnamon, brew it with holy basil leaves, and 1 inch ginger. Once this blend is ready, strain and mix it with lemon juice, a pinch of nutmeg and honey. This spice and herb drink twice a day can help in burning fats by boosting metabolic rate, reducing stress levels and lower cortisol levels help in effective weight loss.1234With growing smog and air pollution, affecting the respiratory system many people reach out to medicines and pills. However, the solution to this can be found in teh books of Ayurveda, wherein every spice and herb is mindfully used to heal and treat several resipratory issues taht rise durig this time.Well, we have curated some simple drinks that can be made from spices and herbs that help detoxify the lungs, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. These smog relief drinks combine ancient wisdom and modern needs to protect and strengthen respiratory health during polluted days. Here is all you need to know about these simple homemade drinks.Indian herbs and spices are full of nutrients. And one such spice that is also Ayurveda-approved is cinnamon. According to celebrity nutritionist Rujut Diwekar, cinnamon is effective in improving insulin sensitivity, especially when added to tea with black pepper. For the unversed, cinnamon tea is a comforting beverage, mostly made with the stick or powder, along with water. It’s a powerhouse of flavor and wellness. It is naturally warming and soothing, perfect for mornings or chilly evenings. Beyond its delightful taste, cinnamon tea is packed with antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support immunity. It also aids digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and can gently boost metabolism. This piece of information explores five reasons to start the day with this tea and the right way of making it.Ginger teaOne of the most potent smog relief drinks is ginger tea. Boil fresh ginger slices in water for 5-7 minutes and strain into a cup.Ginger’s anti-inflammatory compounds help soothe irritated respiratory tracts, break down mucus, and improve blood circulation to lung tissues, making breathing easier. Drinking ginger tea on an empty stomach maximizes its detoxifying benefits.Turmeric milkTurmeric milk is another classic Ayurvedic remedy against smog effects. Turmeric powder mixed into warm milk reduces lung inflammation and protects lung cells from oxidative damage caused by pollutants.The active compound curcumin in turmeric also supports immune health and mucus clearance, helping to reduce coughing and chest congestion.PeppermintPeppermint herbal tea works wonders for clearing nasal and respiratory congestion. Its menthol content relaxes bronchial muscles, opens airways, and has antimicrobial actions that fight infections common during pollution spikes. Sipping warm peppermint tea throughout the day can ease breathing and provide refreshing relief.Licorice rootLicorice root tea soothes airways and helps clear mucus from the lungs. This root’s natural compounds calm coughing, reduce inflammation, and aid lung tissue repair from pollution damage. Warm licorice root tea, consumed regularly, supports respiratory health and strengthens immunity.EucalyptusEucalyptus contains cineole, which relieves nasal congestion and fights respiratory pathogens.Mullein cleanses lungs by removing mucus and reducing swelling, while thyme acts as a natural expectorant and antibacterial agent.This popular herbal drink improves our blood circulation and gives us glowing and clear skin. The warm and spicy flavours usually come from the mixture of natural herbs and spices, which are included in the drink. You will require ginger root, cinnamon, pandan leaves, lemongrass, sugar, and water. Place the ingredients in a saucepan and pour some water. Bring to the boil, and, until the flavour gets infused, pour the liquids through a tea strainer, discarding the spice contents.(Image Credits: Pinterest)Together, these Ayurvedic smog relief drinks provide a holistic approach to combating the harmful effects of air pollution. Regular consumption helps detoxify lungs, reduce inflammation, and enhance immunity, supporting easier breathing and better overall health during smoggy seasons. Incorporating these natural remedies into daily routines offers gentle but powerful protection against the challenges of modern day pollution.

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Times of India

Oct 28, 2025, 06:30 PM

Delhi Tries Cloud Seeding to Clear Winter Air Pollution

Delhi is exploring a new way to tackle its worsening winter air quality– through cloud seeding. In a first-of-its-kind experiment for the city, officials have conducted a trial to see if artificial rain can help clear the haze that often blankets the national capital.The move marks a practical attempt to manage pollution using innovative methods.Cloud seeding trial conductedThe aircraft carrying out the cloud-seeding exercise took off from Kanpur and released special compounds over areas including Khekra, Burari, North Karol Bagh, and Mayur Vihar. These particles, designed to encourage rainfall, could help wash away airborne pollutants, potentially improving the city’s air quality.Delhi Tries to Make It Rain With Cloud Seeding: A High-Stakes Weather Experiment to Fight Toxic AirHumidity in the clouds during the trial was reported between 15-20%, as reported by ANI.Authorities suggested that rain might occur later in the evening, around 5 to 6 pm.How cloud seeding worksCloud seeding is a technique where substances such as silver iodide or salt particles are introduced into clouds. These particles provide a surface for moisture to condense, forming ice crystals that can grow into raindrops. While it cannot create rain out of thin air, it can enhance natural rainfall and assist in reducing air pollution under suitable conditions.Delhi government’s visionThis trial is part of Delhi’s broader strategy to manage air quality during the winter season. As reported by PTI, a previous test flight over Burari released small quantities of silver iodide and sodium chloride, but rainfall could not be triggered due to lower-than-ideal moisture levels.According to a Times of India report, speaking to ANI, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “Cloud seeding is a necessity for Delhi and is the first experiment of its kind.We want to try it in Delhi to see if it can help us control this very serious environmental problem.”As per the report, she added, “So the blessings of the people of Delhi are with the government, and we feel that this will be a successful experiment and in the future, we will be able to overcome these environmental problems.”What’s nextIt is believed that cloud seeding works only under certain atmospheric conditions. Nonetheless, the initiative reflects the city’s willingness to explore practical and innovative ways to improve air quality and provide relief to residents during the peak winter smog season.Thumb image: Canva (for representative purposes only)

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Wisden News✓

Oct 28, 2025, 04:10 PM

Ranji Trophy: Second Round Concludes with Draws, Wins, and Impressive Performances

The second round of the2025/26 Ranji Trophygot over on October 28. Here is a roundup of al the action fromRound 2. Bad weather prevented play for a second consecutive day at Vizianagaram, forcing Andhra and Baroda to share points. Uttar Pradesh declared on the final morning with a 176-run lead, but Odisha played out time to secure a draw. Resuming the day on 365-5, Nagaland were bowled out for 446 – 66 behind Tamil Nadu’s first-innings total – but no further play was possible. At Nagpur, Vidarbha went past Jharkhand’s 332 and finished the day on 446-5. Also read:Ten IPL batting stars you may not know have excellent first-class records Play:Quiz! How well do you know these big names in the Ranji Trophy? Chasing 464 against Maharashtra, Chandigarh began the final day on 129-1 and were 281-4 at one point, but were bowled out for 319. Arjun Azad made 168 of these runs. Karnataka imposed the follow-on with a 154-run lead, but Goa lost only one wicket thereafter. No play at Rajkot meant that Madhya Pradesh got first-innings points against Saurashtra. Requiring 437 for a first-innings lead against Punjab, Kerala reached 345-7 before being bowled out for 371. Also read:How India’s Test discards and hopefuls fared in the first Ranji Trophy round Mohammed Shami (5-38) claimed hisfirst five-wicket haul in first-class cricket in four yearsto help Bengal beat Gujarat by 141 runs. Resuming at 310-5, Uttarakhand overhauled Railways’ first-innings total of 333 before the match petered out to a draw. With a 309-run lead, Hyderabad enforced the follow-on but could take only five wickets in Puducherry’s second innings. Mumbai asked Chhattisgarh to bat again as well, but managed only three wickets. Himachal Pradesh became 8-2 in the fourth innings against Delhi, but Ankush Bains and Pukhraj Mann played out time. Having conceded a first-innings lead of 59 against Meghalaya, Sikkim batted through the final day to finish on 303-7. No play at Nadiad forced Manipur and Bihar to split points. With a day lost to rain, Mizoram declared overnight and bowled out Arunachal Pradesh to win by an innings.

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Wisden News✓

Oct 28, 2025, 04:10 PM

New Zealand Inflict Unprecedented 3-0 Sweep on India

New Zealand toured Indiain 2024/25for three Test matches and lost the series 3-0. R Kaushik’s tour report as well as all three match reports appeared in the2025 edition of Wisden Cricketer’s Almanack. New Zealand’s build-up for their three-Test tour of India was anything but promising. Tim Southee had stepped down as captain after a 2-0 defeat in Sri Lanka the previous month, with the baton passing to Tom Latham. Kane Williamson, their star batter and another former captain, had picked up a groin injury that kept him out of the series. And their previous 36 Tests in India had produced only two wins – and 17 defeats. India, by contrast, seemed set to extend their unparalleled sequence of home series victories. They had made it 18 by beating Bangladesh, which increased their lead at the top of the World Test Championship. A 19th would have left a place in the final within touching distance, even before their five-Test tour of Australia. It was classic David v Goliath. And David it was who ripped the formbook to shreds, inflicting on India a first series defeat at home since Alastair Cook’s England won 2–1 in 2012/13. New Zealand didn’t just sweep the series 3-0, they bossed it. In seaming conditions at Bengaluru, where India were humiliated for 46 on the first morning, then on spinning surfaces at Pune and Mumbai, they outclassed their hosts. Defeats in the last two Tests were particularly humbling for Rohit Sharma and his men. Despite the presence of a strong pace attack spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, arguably the world’s most dangerous all-format bowler, India banked on turning pitches, helping Washington Sundar to 11 wickets in the second Test, and Ravindra Jadeja to ten in the third. But the surfaces brought New Zealand’s left-arm spinners into play, and they filled their boots: Mitchell Santner took 13 wickets in Pune, and Ajaz Patel 11 in Mumbai. That meant Patel had taken 25 of his 85 Test wickets in the city of his birth (and none in his three Tests in New Zealand). India’s technical and temperamental inadequacies against competent spin were laid bare and, with neither Rohit nor Virat Kohli among the runs, they did not enjoy the expected morale-boosting warm-up before Australia. *TWM Latham, TA Blundell, MG Bracewell, MS Chapman, DP Conway, JA Duffy, MJ Henry, DJ Mitchell, WP O’Rourke, AY Patel, GD Phillips, R Ravindra, MJ Santner, IS Sodhi, TG Southee, KS Williamson, WA Young.Coach:GR Stead. BV Sears was originally selected, but failed to recover from a knee injury, and was replaced by Duffy. Chapman was called up after Williamson suffered a groin injury, which kept him out of all three Tests. Bracewell departed on paternity leave after the first Test, and was replaced by Sodhi. By the time the captains walked out for the toss on the second morning – the first day had been abandoned – the pitch had been sweating under covers for more than four days. And though Latham called wrong, Rohit Sharma chose to bat, influenced by the Indian think tank’s misreading of conditions. This had convinced them to include a third spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, at the expense of a third fast bowler, Akash Deep, who had just done well against Bangladesh. Within a few deliveries, it was obvious batting would be a challenge. The ball jagged around, and New Zealand’s three seamers relished the bounce. But no one expected the calamitous collapse that followed. India were shot out for 46, by a distance their lowest total at home. Only Jaiswal and Pant reached double figures, and there were five ducks. Henry’s five wickets took him to 100 in his 26th Test – only Richard Hadlee (25) had got there more quickly for New Zealand – while O’Rourke, in only his fifth Test, backed him up superbly with four for 22. At stumps, with New Zealand in control at 180-3, Rohit acknowledged that his decision to bat had rebounded. This was a rarity in Indian cricket, where the tendency to pass the buck is more pronounced than elsewhere. Next day, New Zealand pulled further away. Rachin Ravindra, whose parents hail from Bengaluru, treated the crowd (and his family) to a wonderful exhibition, fusing Kiwi grit with Asian wristiness, and making up for the absence of the injured Kane Williamson. India fought back to reduce New Zealand to 233-7, raising hopes they could keep the lead to manageable proportions. But Ravindra and Southee stymied that with a rollicking eighth-wicket stand of 137 at better than a run a ball. Ashwin’s last over cost 20, his most expensive in a Test, and the second new ball did nothing to stem the flow, before Siraj finally got rid of Southee for 65. With Ravindra last out for 134, New Zealand had a lead of 356. Despite the rain, excellent drainage meant time was not a factor when India started their second innings with more than two and a half days left. What a riposte it was. Rohit and Jaiswal got the hosts off to a frenetic start, as they reiterated their faith in attacking batting. Taking their cue from the opening salvo, Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan (playing because Shubman Gill had a stiff neck) kept hammering away. Not even Kohli’s dismissal, caught behind for 70 off Phillips from the last ball of the third day, not long after completing 9,000 Test runs, held India up. Sarfaraz, who went on to a maiden hundred, and Pant turned on the heat next morning, and New Zealand must have feared the worst as India scorched to 400-3 after 80 overs. But the new ball precipitated a second collapse in three days. This time, seven tumbled for 54, including Pant for 99, his seventh ninety in his 36th Test, to go with six hundreds. Henry and O’Rourke shared six wickets. New Zealand needed only 107, on a surface that now held few fears. Latham fell in the first over, but Young and Ravindra calmly guided them home with eight wickets to spare. It was New Zealand’s first Test win on Indian soil since November 1988 in Bombay, when (and where) only one of the current side was born – Ajaz Patel, who was barely a month old. Player of the match:R Ravindra. Having been grateful to lose the toss in Bengaluru, Latham was happy to call correctly in Pune, setting New Zealand up for another momentous win. A black-soil surface was decent for batting on the first day, before helping the spinners. And two men drafted in for only the third Test at the MCA International Stadium enjoyed themselves: Washington Sundar’s 11-wicket haul was bettered by Santner’s 13, which set up New Zealand’s 113-run victory, and made them the first team since England 12 years earlier to win a Test series in India. For the next 18 series, India had amassed a phenomenal record at home, winning 42 Tests and losing four. Now, within a week, they had been beaten twice by New Zealand. Sundar had played the last of his four Tests more than three and a half years earlier, against England at Ahmedabad. His recall was because New Zealand had three left-handers in their top four, while the management also thought his tidy off-breaks added control. Sundar comfortably outbowled Ashwin, sparking debate about India’s spin-bowling hierarchy. New Zealand rode on half-centuries from Conway and Ravindra, plus a breezy 33 from Santner, to reach 259, worth many more on this pitch. At Bengaluru, Ravindra had been happy to come down the track to negate the spinners, but now he and Conway used the sweep and reverse sweep to telling effect, throwing Ashwin and Jadeja off their rhythm. Sundar, though, took the last seven wickets, to finish with his best first-class figures. For the second Test running, India’s first innings came up short. Having been overwhelmed by the seam and bounce of Henry and O’Rourke a week earlier, they had no answer to the relentless Santner. He had not taken more than three in an innings in 28 previous Tests, but fell back on his white-ball expertise, varying his pace and angles. Because one delivery would go straight on after pitching, and another might turn from the same spot, he kept the batsmen guessing, threatening both edges as well as the front pad; six of his seven first-innings victims were either lbw or bowled. India were shot out for 156, a deficit of 103, which New Zealand built on through Latham’s only substantial innings of the tour. Useful runs down the order from Blundell and Phillips helped set India 359. Only once previously (against England at Chennai in December 2008) had a bigger target been successfully chased down on Indian soil, but that was by a batting line-up which included Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman. Undeterred, India came out with all guns blazing. Jaiswal completed 1,000 Test runs at home for the calendar year and, at 96-1, with Gill comfortable, they had made a good start. Then the golden arm of Santner struck again, forcing first Gill, then Jaiswal – for a 65-ball 77 – to edge to slip, where Mitchell caught everything all series. It didn’t take long for the wheels to come off. The run-out of Pant – trying a risky single after Kohli pushed Patel to Santner’s left at backward point – exposed Indian uncertainty, while Kohli’s travails against left-arm spin continued with another lbw dismissal. Santner ended up with six more wickets, as India tamely surrendered their proud home record. Player of the match:MJ Santner. “If Santner doesn’t get you, Patel must.” That might have been New Zealand’s latest war cry after inflicting an unprecedented 3–0 sweep on India in their own back yard, with Latham becoming the first visiting captain to win every Test in a series of more than two matches (South Africa won two out of two in 1999/2000). This victory was crafted by slow left-armer Ajaz Patel who, three years previously at the same venue, had emulated Jim Laker and Anil Kumble by picking up all ten in a Test innings. Patel had played second fiddle in the second Test but, in his native city, he assumed the lead role after his fellow left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner – who had bowled 48.3 overs at Pune – was forced out with a side strai...

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Times of India

Oct 28, 2025, 03:59 PM

Unregistered Ladies' Hostels in Thiruvananthapuram Pose Safety Risks

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It’s a nondescript standalone house in a residential neighbourhood in Kazhakkoottam that’s been converted into a ladies’ hostel. As inmates arrived at different times at the end of the day, it seems someone left a door unlocked.Benjamin, a truck driver who stole things from similar hostels nearby, sneaked in and found a girl sleeping in a room and raped her. The gruesome incident points to the appalling danger concerning such hostels that have mushroomed in the city.Driven by the chance to charge more rent and also to meet the housing needs of hundreds of students — many of them civil services aspirants and those attending coaching for competitive exams — and also young women who work in IT and other enterprises, people have started to convert their standalone houses into hostels in the city.There are no boards because these hostels are not registered. Often there will be caretaker or a cook but no security guards. Only a few have CCTV cameras. Accommodation facilities are advertised on social media. Notices with phone numbers are distributed at coaching centres for candidates to find them.Such houses turned into hostels are functioning in almost every key neighbourhood, notably in areas off MG Road near Statue, Vazhuthacaud, Edapazhinji, Pattom, PMG Junction, Kuravankonam, Kariavattom and Kazhakkoottam.They offer the much-needed housing with food in the city which lacks enough properly run ladies hostels. Taking a house on rent is difficult because conservative residents do not want single women as tenants.However, this highlights two types of violations: Commercial ventures operating from private houses without licences and food being prepared and served without undergoing food safety checks.Reshma C, a civil service aspirant who stayed in a few hostels, said: “My room was on the ground floor next to the hall at a house in Vazhuthacaud.As inmates arrive at different times at night, the front door was not often latched from the inside. Anyone could walk in from the street. My room had an attached toilet but other rooms did not. So, they told me not to latch my room’s door while sleeping. There was no security guard.I refused and shifted later.” The next hostel she moved to in Pattom was a three-storey house but was far better. There were CCTV cameras. The owner was present round the clock.“There was a homely atmosphere. Students preferred it. But there was no security guard,” she added. In some of these hostels, the front door’s keys are either given to the inmates to enter and leave as per their convenience or the door is not kept locked.There is no one to stop intruders. Perhaps, this was one of the reasons Benjamin targeted hostels to steal. It has been days since Benjamin was arrested, but neither the police nor the city corporation have launched a crackdown on these unregistered hostels.Sandhya A, a parent, said, “There is a need to have a good security system. If hiring a guard is not feasible, there should be CCTV cameras at the gate and at the front door.” She said a male relative of a girl managed to walk in, found the room, and met her at the hostel in Attukal while the caretaker and cook were absent from the building.The owner earns rent several-fold higher than what they would get from renting the house to a family.For a single room, the charge is Rs 10,000-12,000.“The hostel where my daughter stays has around 10 girls, many of them training for civil services,” she added. Sophia Easo, a lawyer, said that women staying in such places are doing so at their own risk. “Often, people only look for accommodation based on space availability and food provision. This is largely because they usually have less than a week to find a place before joining work or a course.Hostels should only be allowed to operate after passing health inspections and receiving certification from relevant authorities.I hope the govt will now take action.”City corporation secretary S Jahamgir said: “We are taking action against these establishments as and when we come across one. These come under the residential category, but there is a difference in tax and there should be licensing.” But what flummoxes the authorities is that many of these hostels are like people accommodating students as guests in their houses and offering food. So they can’t be technically considered as hostels.This remains a grey area. The city corporation inspected and cracked down on some such hostels, especially the ones housing staff of textiles, in 2014.

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Oct 28, 2025, 03:55 PM

Trump's Asia Tour: $350 Billion Investment Package and Summit with Kim Jong Un Face Resistance from South Korea

As Trump presses for a $350 billion investment and a summit with Kim Jong Un, South Korea has pushed back, citing financial risks, public anger over a Hyundai ICE raid, and fears of being strong-armed. US PresidentDonald Trumpis due to arrive inSouth Koreaon Wednesday as part of his five-day tour of Asia, and has two clear priorities. The first is for the South Korean government to finalize a $350 billion (€300 billion) investment package in the US and the second is to arrange another face-to-face meeting withNorth Koreanleader Kim Jong Un. After successful visits toMalaysiaandJapan, where Trump inked beneficial trade andsecurity deals, analysts say his maximalist ambitions from his visit to South Korea are likely to be more difficult to achieve. The South Korean administration ofPresident Lee Jae-myungis standing its ground on the massive investment package that is being demanded in return for the reduction ofUS tariffson Korean imports. Officials in South Korea said the bulk of the $350 billion investment had been earmarked for loans and loan guarantees to South Korean companies setting up new facilities in the US. Trump, however, wants Seoul to pay the total in cash or equity "up front." Lee said that such a cash outlay would destabilize the country's financial markets, putting the investment deal in doubt. Trump may not receive a warm welcome from the people of South Korea. There have been several demonstrations outside the US embassy in central Seoul over the past few days. Some South Koreans even feel their nation is being strong-armed into trade deals and fear that Trump might once againthreaten to withdraw US forcesif his demands are not met. There is still lingering resentment over a raid byUS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)on a Hyundai plant in the US state of Georgia in September. Over 300 South Korean workers were detained before being returned to Seoul. South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun told reporters on Friday that since theICE raid on the South Korean carmaker, Seoul and Washington have agreed to establish a working group to create a new visa category for future South Korean investment projects. "For many South Koreans, theUnited Stateshas long been regarded as the country's most important security partner," said Hyobin Lee, a professor at Sogang University in Seoul. "However, under the Trump administration, there is a widespread perception that the alliance is being leveraged for unilateral economic gains." "The idea that South Korea must make large-scale investments simply to avoid being disadvantaged by US tariffs has been received by many as a sense of betrayal," she told DW. Washington and Seoul have said that they are narrowing their differences over the $350 billion investment package that the US is demanding in return for the US reducing tariffs from 25% at present to 15%. In an interview with Bloomberg, Lee said that a number of sticking points remain, including the amount of the investment, the timeline, the method of investment and how the losses and profits will be shared. "The US will of course try to maximize its interests, but it must not be to the extent that causes catastrophic consequences for South Korea," Lee said. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser thatsupports HTML5 video Kim Sang-woo, a former politician with the left-leaning South Korean Congress for New Politics and now a member of the board of the Kim Dae-jung Peace Foundation, says the US demand is widely seen as "huge." "The US is asking Korea to make the investment mostly in the form of cash while Seoul wants it in credits, but the total is about 6.5% of our total GDP and if Korea agreed to that then it could have an enormous negative impact on our financial stability," he said. Lee is due to host Trump for a bilateral summit on the sidelines of theAsia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)summit in the South Korean city of Gyeongju. Aboard Air Force One flying fromMalaysia to Japanon Monday, however, Trump indicated he hopes torekindle the "bromance"of his first spell in the White House withKim Jong Un. "I'd love to meet with him, if he would like to meet," Trump told reporters. He made a similar offer on Friday, saying, "I put it out over the internet that I'm coming to South Korea and if he would like to meet, I'm open to it." Analysts say it is impossible to determine whether the meeting will go ahead as both men are unpredictable and spontaneous but there have been no positive hints emerging from Pyongyang. The last time Trump and Kim met was in June 2019 at the village of Panmunjom on the North-South border. Their first meeting in Singapore in June 2018 had been positive, but the relationship frayed badly after the collapse of talks in Hanoi in February 2019. In the meantime, Kim has signed a military and trade alliance with Russia, dramatically easing many of the shortages North Korea was experiencing in fuel, food and other necessities due to international sanctions on the regime. "It is always possible that they could meet, but I see Kim as trying to get as much out of Trump as he can if they do meet," said Kim Sang-woo. "On the other hand, Trump is looking to promote the visuals of him meeting Kim rather than offering anything substantial. I do not think that would be enough to convince Kim." Sogang University's Lee said the US administration needs to understand that South Korea's political leadership "has changed," particularly when it comes to trade. "The current administration is expected to pursue negotiations in a more assertive and confident manner," she said. Lee added that Trump "may hope to conclude a major investment agreement to reinforce his reputation as a skilled negotiator," adding that the South Korean government is expected to approach talks pragmatically, prioritizing economic interests and strategic autonomy. "Whether a deal is reached will depend on whether the terms are mutually beneficial rather than perceived as one-sided." Edited by: Keith Walker

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Oct 28, 2025, 03:54 PM

Golden Comfort: Pumpkin Soup Brings Warmth and Cozy Vibes to Fall

Creamy, spicy, or mild – pumpkin soup brings color, warmth, and comfort to chilly days. A golden classic you can’t skip in fall.

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Times of India

Oct 28, 2025, 03:45 PM

Kolkata Metro Unveils Upgraded App for Smoother, Faster Travel

Kolkata Metro, India’s oldest metro network and the pride of the City of Joy, has rolled out a new, upgraded version of its official mobile application, ‘Aamar Kolkata Metro’. As per the officialpress release by the Ministry of Railways via the Press Information Bureau, the upgraded app promises to make metro travel smoother, faster, and entirely digital, allowing passengers to plan routes, buy tickets, and recharge smart cards directly from their phones.The announcement comes as Kolkata Metro celebrates 41 years of service, marking another milestone in its journey of modernization and passenger convenience, DD News reported.A major digital step forwardSpeaking at the launch ceremony, Metro Railway Kolkata General Manager Shubhranshu Shekhar Mishra said, “We want people to travel without cash, without any cards — just by scanning their phones through the app. This new version of the app will provide passengers with the benefits of digital ticketing, better payment options, and a simplified travel experience.”The new app integrates the Smart Gateway of HDFC Bank, making it easier to purchase tickets using UPI, debit/credit cards, or net banking. Commuters can now generate mobile QR tickets, top up their smart cards instantly, and even book tickets in advance, reducing the need to stand in queues at metro counters.Officials say the revamped digital system is expected to save time and reduce congestion at busy stations, especially during peak hours and festive seasons when ridership soars.Read more:Cheapest Golden Visas: 5 countries with most affordable residencyKolkata Metro’s record ridership and expansionEarlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three new metro routes under the Union Ministry of Urban Development’s expansion drive.East-West Corridor (Green Line): Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector VYellow Line: Noapara to Jai Hind (Airport)Orange Line: Beleghata to Hemanta MukhopadhyaySince these routes opened, Kolkata Metro’s ridership has touched record highs, carrying around 8 lakh passengers daily.During Durga Puja, the metro system transported a record 46.5 lakh passengers over the festive week, with 9.8 lakh commuters using the service in a single day.With these expansions, Kolkata Metro, once limited to North-South connectivity, now serves a wider stretch of the city, connecting key commercial, cultural, and residential hubs.The upcoming New Garia to Airport (Orange Line) is also expected to be completed next year, significantly improving accessibility to the city’s busiest transport corridor.According to Metro authorities, the goal is to make Kolkata Metro a fully smart travel system, aligning with the Digital India initiative and the vision of sustainable, commuter-friendly urban transport.Read more:Freedom to roam: 5 passports that open doors to 185+ countries visa-free or on arrivalThe move not only enhances convenience but also promotes a cashless and paperless travel experience, reducing the metro’s environmental footprint.As one of the country’s most historic and evolving metro systems, Kolkata Metro continues to blend heritage with innovation,moving from India’s first underground train to now becoming one of its most digitally advanced.In short, with‘Aamar Kolkata Metro’, your phone is now your ticket, a true reflection of how Kolkata’s 41-year-old metro is keeping pace with the future while carrying the pulse of the city beneath its feet.

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Times of India

Oct 28, 2025, 03:24 PM

Delhi Conducts Cloud Seeding Trial to Combat Air Pollution

(Photo credit: Agencies)In a bid to curb Delhi's air pollution crisis, the Delhi government conducted a cloud seeding trial in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur on Tuesday afternoon.The trial was aimed at inducing artificial rain to help settle dust and pollutants as Delhi’s AQI remained in the ‘very poor’ category.However, the results are still yet to be collated.Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the Cessna aircraft took off from Kanpur, released eight fire flares, and covered areas such as Burari, north Karol Bagh, and Mayur Vihar before landing at the Meerut airfield. “The trial lasted for about half an hour. More such trials are planned over the next few days,” Sirsa said, PTI reported.Third such experiment since 1957This is the third such experiment since 1957 and was carried out after a gap of 53 years from the second experiemennt.Climate scientist Roxy Mathew Koll of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, told PTI that the first cloud seeding experiment in Delhi was conducted during the monsoon of 1957, and the second in the early 1970s.The 1971–72 trial, carried out from the National Physical Laboratory campus, covered a 25-km radius over central Delhi and used silver iodide particles released from ground-based generators to encourage rainfall.An IITM report noted that seeding was conducted on 11 days between December 1971 and March 1972, with 11 additional days kept as controls. Preliminary data showed an increase in rainfall on the seeded days, suggesting the potential effectiveness of artificial rain under suitable weather conditions.Since then, cloud seeding research in India has expanded.Under the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX) programme, IITM has studied clouds and rainfall patterns across the country.During CAIPEEX Phase IV (2017–2019) in Solapur, Maharashtra, scientists studied 276 clouds and found that hygroscopic seeding used in warm clouds increased rainfall by up to 46% in some areas and by an average of 18% over 100 sq km.What is cloud seeding?Cloud seeding involves dispersing cloud-forming particles such as silver iodide or salts into clouds to enhance precipitation. The technique, used in over 50 countries, including China, the US, Russia, and Australia, is deployed for weather modification, rainfall enhancement, and pollution mitigation.The Delhi project, cleared by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other departments, aims to evaluate whether artificial rain can be used as a short-term measure to reduce pollution during the winter in the coming years. The Delhi Cabinet had approved the plan on May 7, allocating Rs 3.21 crore for five trials, reported PTI.

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