Mysterious Interstellar Object Might Have Shifted Four Planets’ Paths, Study Finds

An unidentified celestial object, estimated to be eight times the mass of Jupiter, may have significantly altered the orbits of four outer planets in the solar system. Reports suggest that this planetary-sized body entered the solar system billions of years ago, passing remarkably close to the Sun—near what is now Mars' orbit. The event is believed to have modified the trajectories of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, contributing to their current orbital patterns. Scientists have long debated the irregularities in the paths of these planets, and this theory presents a potential explanation.

Study Simulates Interstellar Flyby

According to the study published in the arXiv preprint database, a research team led by planetary scientist Renu Malhotra from the University of Arizona used computer simulations to investigate the possibility of a close flyby. A total of 50,000 simulations were conducted to analyse how an interstellar object's passage could have affected planetary orbits over millions of years. The study focused on objects smaller than stars but larger than Jupiter, including brown dwarfs and planetary-mass bodies. The findings suggest that in about 1% of the cases, the visiting object influenced planetary movements in a way that closely matches current observations.

Close Encounter with the Inner Solar System

As reported by Live Science, Malhotra explained that previous models could not fully account for the slight deviations in planetary orbits. The simulations revealed that the most accurate representation involved a body nearly eight times Jupiter's mass, approaching as close as 1.69 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun. Given that Mars orbits at around 1.5 AU, this suggests a dramatic interaction within the inner solar system.

Potential for More Such Events

Reports indicate that substellar objects are relatively common in the universe, making such flybys more likely than encounters with full-sized stars. The study has yet to undergo peer review, but the findings suggest that a single interstellar object could have been responsible for shaping the structure of the solar system as observed today.

 

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/9BepGHv

NASA SPHEREx Telescope to Map the Universe and Search for Life’s Ingredients

A groundbreaking mission designed to enhance understanding of the universe's origins and the potential for life within our galaxy is set to be discussed in an upcoming NASA briefing. The SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) mission will be previewed during a news conference scheduled for 12 p.m. EST on Friday, January 31. The telescope, which is planned for launch no earlier than February 27, promises to offer critical insights into cosmic history and life-forming molecules.

Insights from the SPHEREx Mission

According to NASA's SPHEREx mission details, the observatory will survey the entire sky using near-infrared light. Its goals include exploring how galaxies evolved, understanding the structure of the universe, and locating water and organic molecules in regions where stars and planets are formed. Over 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars in the Milky Way are expected to be studied, providing vital data for researchers.

The spacecraft, developed by BAE Systems, features three concentric cones to reduce heat and light, ensuring precise measurements. Contributions to the mission include a cryogenic test chamber supplied by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute.

Mission Experts to Lead Briefing

As reported, opening remarks will be delivered by Laurie Leshin, Director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where the news conference will be hosted. The briefing will also include Shawn Domagal-Goldman, Acting Director of NASA's Astrophysics Division, along with project managers James Fanson and Beth Fabinsky from NASA JPL. Principal Investigator Jamie Bock of Caltech and Cesar Marin, SPHEREx Integration Engineer, will also share their insights.

Launch and Collaboration Details

The observatory will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, sharing its ride with NASA's PUNCH mission. Data gathered will be made publicly available through Caltech's IPAC, enabling further analysis by the scientific community. This mission, managed by NASA JPL for the agency's Science Mission Directorate, aims to answer profound questions about the universe's creation and the ingredients for life.

 

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/JuTw3rP

Trump Blames "Diversity Policies" Under Obama, Biden After Chopper-Plane Crash

US President Donald Trump blamed diversity policies implemented during the Obama and Biden administrations for compromising air safety standards. This statement came after a devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in no survivors.

Trump's remarks have ignited a heated debate about the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The President claimed that these initiatives prioritised policy over safety, stating, "I put safety first. Obama, Biden, and the Democrats put policy first." He further emphasised, "They actually came out with a directive: 'too white.' And we want the people that are competent".

The FAA's hiring practices have been under scrutiny, with some critics arguing that DEI programs can be discriminatory. However, supporters of these initiatives contend that they address historical and ongoing discrimination against underrepresented groups, including racial minorities.

Trump has specifically targeted former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, implying that he hired unqualified individuals with disabilities and psychological issues for air traffic control positions. Trump expressed his doubts about their competence, saying, "I don't think so." He also claimed that the FAA was "ran into the ground" by DEI hires after being deemed "too white".

In response to the crash, Trump is appointing Chris Rocheleau as the acting administrator of the FAA. The agency's hiring practices and safety standards will likely face intense scrutiny in the coming days.

It's worth noting that changes to the FAA's hiring practices were made during the Obama administration, which introduced a biographical test as part of the application process. This move aimed to increase diversity among air traffic controllers. However, some have criticised this approach, arguing that it prioritised diversity over competence.
 

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/uBcofg9

Video Shows Women In Car Chased By Men In SUV In Chennai. Police Reacts

A video has surfaced on social media showing a group of women screaming in fear inside a car as they are chased and harassed by men in two vehicles. One of the two vehicles sported a flag which bore ensigns similar to that of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party.

The alarming incident occurred on the night of January 25 in Chennai's Kanathur area when a group of women was returning home to Muttukadu by car.

As they drove along East Coast Road, a luxury car suddenly blocked their path. Around six men inside the vehicle attacked the car, hurled abuses, and made obscene remarks.

Fearing for their safety, the women quickly reversed their car and drove nearly four kilometres back to their residence. However, their ordeal did not end there, as the men chased them to their homes and continued issuing threats.

Watch the video here:

#CHENNAI - A group of men chased women in a car in the middle of the night on Chennai's ECR Road – Shocking video!#Chennai | #WomenSafety pic.twitter.com/5T7oGsDPGu

— Suresh (@isureshofficial) January 29, 2025

The incident was captured on camera, and the video has since gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage.

According to police reports, a case has been registered against the suspects for mischief, criminal intimidation, and wrongful restraint. Authorities are actively investigating the matter and working to identify the accused.

The incident has triggered a political backlash.

In a post on X, BJP leader SG Suryah wrote: "A group of thugs in a car with a DMK flag are chasing women in the middle of the road. CM MK Stalin, who has sold his iron fist for dates, is this the beauty of your regime's law and order maintenance? Can we commit any violence if we have the DMK flag?"

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/8bDfJpG

Astronomers Discover 19 New Quasars Using DESI Legacy Surveys Data

A significant discovery has been made in the field of astronomy, with 19 new quasars, including strongly-lensed, dual, and projected types, identified through analysis of data from the DESI Legacy Surveys photometry catalog. This breakthrough highlights the potential of quasar observations in furthering our understanding of the universe. These objects, known for their extreme luminosity and powered by supermassive black holes, have long been pivotal for research into astrophysics and cosmology. Observations were conducted at the Palomar Observatory in California.

Findings of the DESI Legacy Surveys

According to the study led by Zizhao He of the Purple Mountain Observatory, the investigation confirmed two strongly-lensed quasars, six dual quasars, and 11 projected quasars. Observations were carried out on October 15–16, 2023, using the P200/DBSP instrument. The study noted that the lensed quasars, designated J0746+1344 and J2121-0826, were observed at redshifts of 3.1 and 2.39, respectively. J0746+1344 displayed a unique configuration, with the lensing galaxy positioned beside the brightest image—an anomaly compared to typical observations.

Dual and Projected Quasars

As reported by phys.org, the six dual quasars identified showed redshifts ranging from 0.59 to 3.28, with separations between their components varying from 50,300 to 73,500 light years. Among these, J1929+6009 stood out due to a remarkably small redshift difference of less than 0.0001 and a projected separation of 62,800 light years.

The 11 projected quasars demonstrated separations spanning 35,700 to 123,400 light years. One such system, J0422+0047, was previously thought to be a gravitationally-lensed quasar system, though further analysis indicated a chance alignment of projected quasars with an intervening galaxy, complicating its classification.

Implications of the Discovery

This research underscores the importance of advanced observational techniques in uncovering unique cosmic phenomena. By analysing the behaviour, redshifts, and configurations of these quasars, astronomers aim to expand their knowledge of the universe's structure and the dynamics of supermassive black holes.

 

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/JjpIqtG

Arvind Kejriwal Responds To Poll Panel, Says Yamuna Water Extremely Poisonous

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, bearing the brunt of criticism over his pre-poll allegation that Haryana is poisoning waters of the Yamuna, today responded to the Election Commission with data about pollution of the river that flows through the heart of Delhi.

In his reply, Mr Kejriwal cited a letter from the Delhi Jal Board that maintains that ammonia levels in the river has reached such levels that the water purification plants cannot perform at full capacity.

"The verifiable fact remains that Delhi, as a lower riparian state, depends on raw water supply from Haryana, an upper riparian state, for potable water," the letter read.

Days ahead of the assembly election in Delhi, Mr Kejriwal had claimed that the BJP was "mixing poison" in the city's water supply in an attempt to "create chaos... hoping the blame will fall" on his party's administration.

"The people of Delhi get drinking water from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh... but the Haryana government has mixed poison in the water coming to Delhi from the Yamuna and sent it here... it is only due to the vigilance of our Delhi Jal Board engineers that this water was stopped," he had said. 

Mr Kejriwal's claim had drawn fire from the BJP as well as the Election Commission, which demanded that he backs up his claim with evidence and warned that such comments that can cause rifts between the people and a breach of peace, are a punishable offence.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/z0lmnx2

Kannivedi OTT Release: Tamil Thriller to Reportedly Stream on Netflix Post Theatrical Release

Keerthy Suresh's much-awaited film Kannivedi is set to make its mark as a gripping Tamil-language tech thriller. The project, helmed by debutant director Ganesh Raj, revolves around the journey of a media student navigating unexpected challenges. While the theatrical release date remains under wraps, it has been reported that Netflix might stream the film post its cinematic run. The project, produced by Dream Warrior Productions, has been in the spotlight since its announcement.

When and Where to Watch Kannivedi

The streaming platform Netflix has acquired the rights to the Tamil thriller, as per multiple reports. While the film's theatrical release date has not yet been finalised, Netflix might offer the movie to its audience shortly after its theatre run concludes. Fans can expect the OTT release to follow the usual timeline for Tamil films, which is approximately 30–45 days post its big-screen debut.

Official Trailer and Plot of Kannivedi

The trailer for Kannivedi is yet to be unveiled, but the storyline promises an intense and suspenseful experience. The film centres on a media student with journalistic ambitions. Keerthy Suresh's character finds herself investigating a news story that takes an unexpected turn, drawing her into a high-stakes situation. The title, which translates to "a spectacle for the eyes," hints at its potential visual brilliance, promising a unique blend of thrills and drama.

Cast and Crew of Kannivedi

Keerthy Suresh plays the lead role in this women-centric thriller, alongside VJ Rakshan, who portrays her friend. The ensemble cast also includes Ajay Ghosh and Namita Krishnamurthy in pivotal roles. Ganesh Raj, who has previously worked under acclaimed directors Ram and Hari, makes his directorial debut with this film. The technical team includes Madhesh Manickam as the cinematographer and JV Manikanda Balaji as the editor. Art direction by Sakthee Venkatraj adds to the visual appeal, while Eford oversees the editing department. The film is produced by SR Prabhu and SR Prakash Babu under Dream Warrior Productions.

 

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/Y6LK7D8

Pothugadda OTT Release: Where to Watch Raksha Veeran’s Telugu Thriller Online?

The highly anticipated Telugu thriller Pothugadda, directed by Raksha Veeran, is set to make its OTT debut on January 30, 2025, after facing several delays. Originally scheduled for release in November 2024, the film's premiere was pushed to align with the Pongal festival before being confirmed for its digital debut. The film combines a gripping love story with a politically charged plot, following a young couple whose romantic getaway turns into a fight for survival after their bus is hijacked, leading them into a world of danger and intrigue.

When and Where to Watch Pothugadda

The movie will premiere exclusively on the OTT platform ETV Win. After facing multiple postponements, the thriller is now ready for streaming on January 30, 2025. The delays, attributed to undisclosed reasons, heightened audience anticipation, making this release a notable digital event.

Official Trailer and Plot of Pothugadda

The trailer of Pothugadda offers glimpses of its intense and layered storyline, promising a rollercoaster of emotions. The narrative intertwines a romantic journey with a political conspiracy, leading to high-stakes drama. The story unfolds as a young couple embarks on a trip that takes a sinister turn when their bus is hijacked by mysterious individuals. What begins as a romantic escapade evolves into a desperate fight for survival, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and danger. The tagline "A Tale of Love" highlights the emotional depth of the film, which complements its action-packed sequences.

Cast and Crew of Pothugadda

The film features Shatru and Prasanth Karthi in lead roles, supported by newcomers Vismaya Sri, Venky, Prudhvi Dandamudi and Aadvik Bandaru. Director Raksha Veeran also penned the screenplay, while Anupama Chandra and Sharath Chandra Reddy produced the project. Rahul Shrivastav handled cinematography, with Shravan Bharadwaj composing the music. Marcus M provided the background score that enhances the suspenseful atmosphere of the film.

 

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/SQJ8taE

Champions Trophy Stadiums In A Mess In Pakistan, ICC CEO Steps Down

International Cricket Council CEO Geoff Allardice has decided to step down just weeks before the Champions Trophy with a board member indicating that his failure to present a "clear picture" of host Pakistan's lack of preparedness is one of the multiple reasons behind the move. The 57-year-old joined the ICC in 2012 as General Manager of Cricket, coming from Cricket Australia, where he served as Cricket Operations Manager. He was appointed CEO of the ICC in November 2021, after having served as acting CEO for eight months.

"It has been a privilege to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the International Cricket Council and I am incredibly proud of the results we have achieved, from enhancing the global reach of cricket to the commercial foundation put in place for ICC Members," Allardice said in a statement.

"I believe this is the right time for me to step down and pursue new challenges," he added.

The official ICC statement made no mention of the exact reasons for Allardice's departure but a top source said the development has been building up for a while.

"The ICC T20 World Cup in the US was big a flop in terms of playing conditions and also it exceeded budget, the auditing is still being done," the board member told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

"What broke the camel's back was Champions Trophy where as CEO, he was supposed to give a clear picture about readiness of Pakistan to host a tourney of such magnitude," he added.

The Champions Trophy is due to start on February 19 with India playing its share of matches in Dubai owing to security concerns in Pakistan.

The bigger concern for ICC is, however, the fact that tournament venues in Karachi and Rawalpindi are still partially under construction or renovation and the images that have trickled in from there do not paint a very positive picture.

It remains to be seen whether Pakistan would be ready in time for the marquee event, which features the world's top eight teams and is being held for the first time after 2017.

However, ICC Chair Jay Shah praised Allardice for his contribution to the game.

"On behalf of the ICC Board, I want to sincerely thank Geoff for his leadership and commitment during his tenure as Chief Executive. His efforts have played a key role in advancing cricket globally.

"We are truly grateful for his service and wish him all the very best in his future endeavors," he said.

The ICC Board will now begin the process to identify Allardice's successor.

His departure continues the exodus of former chair Greg Barclay's team from the ICC.

Earlier, Chris Tetley (head of events), Alex Marshall (head of Anti-Corruption Unit) and Claire Furlong (head of marketing and media) had quit their positions on personal grounds. 

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/0CLI5oD

Why's 'Fit' Shami Not Playing vs Eng? Team Insider Says, "Gambhir, SKY..."

Pacer Mohammed Shami is not facing any fitness concerns but the call on him playing the remaining games in the T20I series against England will be taken by the captain and the head coach, India's new batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Monday. Shami, who has not played for India since the ODI World Cup final in November 2023, has been picked for the ongoing five-match series, the following three ODIs and the Champions Trophy. The 34-year-old not being picked for the first two T20s raised questions over his fitness but Kotak said the veteran pacer has no issues on that front.

"Yes, Shami is fit but something about him playing or not playing, I am not the one who can answer," Kotak said when asked if the bowler will feature in third T20 here on Tuesday.

Kotak added that it is up to captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir to manage Shami's workload in the lead up to important events like the Champions Trophy beginning on February 19.

"There is definitely a plan (for Shami) for coming matches as well and One-dayers, but the coach Gautam and obviously Surya will take a call. And fitness, definitely not a problem depending on how they are planning to build this load," Kotak added.

Shami had undergone an ankle surgery in February last year.

There were calls for him to be included in India's Test squad for the Australia but he was not able to regain full fitness for the series Down Under despite playing domestic cricket in the shorter formats.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/oLN5blY

China's AI Startup DeepSeek Hit By "Cyberattack", Limits New Registration

Chinese AI sensation DeepSeek on Monday said it was limiting the registration of new users due to large-scale cyberattacks on its services.

The company, whose chatbot took over OpenAI's ChatGPT as Apple's top downloaded app on Monday, cited "large-scale malicious attacks" for outages and its inability to take on new users.

DeepSeek, which was developed by a start-up based in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has shown the ability to match the capacity of AI pace-setters such as Nvidia.

Its success on the US app store sent shares in AI-linked tech giants plummeting on Monday.

The low-cost Chinese generative AI venture is thought to have matched US companies in its abilities but at a fraction of the cost.

Analysts had long thought that the United States' critical advantage over China when it comes to producing high-powered chips -- and its ability to prevent the Asian power from accessing the technology -- would give it the edge in the AI race.

Available as an app or on desktop, DeepSeek can do many of the things that its Western competitors can do -- write song lyrics, help work on a personal development plan, or even write a recipe for dinner based on what's in the fridge.

It is however subject to the censorship seen in other Chinese-made chatbots like Baidu's Ernie Bot that are very limited on how they interact on political topics.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/xopOiAR

NDTV Explainer: Symptoms Of Guillain-Barre Syndrome And How To Prevent It

A man in Maharashtra, who was suspected to have Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) died in the Solapur district today while the number of cases of the immunological nerve disorder crossed 100 in Pune.

This is reportedly the first death in Maharashtra due to GBS. The 40-year-old man, a native of Solapur, had come to Pune, where he is suspected to have contracted the disease.

The Union health ministry has sent a team to Pune's Sinhgad area, where the outbreak is currently concentrated.

Symptoms Of GBS

GBS is a neurological disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. This is part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord. The onset of GBS is quite sudden and unexpected.

The first symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome include weakness or tingling sensations. They usually start in the legs and can spread to the arms and face, states the World Health Organization. 

Many people have back pain or pain in the arms or legs. A nervous system exam usually reveals a loss of all deep tendon reflexes. 

For some people, these symptoms can lead to paralysis of the legs, arms, or muscles in the face. In approximately one third of people, the chest muscles are affected, making it hard to breathe, WHO said.

The ability to speak and swallow may become affected in severe cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Patients with GBS need immediate hospitalization and the symptoms can develop over a few days or a few weeks, with the greatest weakness occurring within the first couple of weeks after symptoms appear, states Johns Hopkins Medicine.

How To Prevent GBS?

The state health department in an advisory shared that one can prevent GBS up to a certain extent by taking general precautions such as drinking boiled water/ bottled water, washing fruits, and vegetables thoroughly before eating, properly cooking poultry and meat; avoiding raw or undercooked food, especially salads, eggs, kebabs or seafood.

It also suggested keeping raw and cooked foods separate, disinfecting kitchen surfaces and utensils after handling raw meat, as well as adopting general hygiene measures like frequent hand washing with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/lZPpIQq

UK Man Cleans Graves As Side Hustle, Earns Enough To Buy His First Home

A 31-year-old man from Harlow, England, has turned an unconventional yet profitable side hustle—cleaning graves—into the means of fulfilling his dream of buying his first home. Shaun Tookey, who launched his business in May 2023 while working full-time as a tree surgeon, has since renovated over 300 graves. His services range from deep cleaning and repainting lettering to adding decorative chippings.

According to the New York Post, Shaun Tookey was able to save for a deposit and secure a mortgage by earning between $187 (over Rs 15,535) and $562 (over Rs 46,673) per job. This allowed him and his family to move into their first home in December 2024.

Reports state that Shaun spends his weekends and time off working on his side business, "The Grave Cleaner," where he cleans two to four graves each day. His transformation videos are popular on TikTok and Facebook, where he shares his work under the account @thegravecleaner.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shaun Tookey (@thegravecleaner)

"I'm trying to run a successful business and offer a service most people can't provide," Shaun told the New York Post. "It's very satisfying and rewarding to help people who don't know how to care for their loved one's gravestones."

Shaun's determination enabled him to save enough for a down payment and get a mortgage, fulfilling a dream he once thought was out of reach. "This job has given my family stability, especially with how tough things are right now," he shared.

Shaun credits his business success for enabling his family to move into their new home in December 2024, saying, "In a way, it has made us financially independent. It was a huge accomplishment for me."

He customizes his services for each client, considering factors such as the size of the grave, type of inscription, and whether paint or gold leaf is needed. While social media plays a significant role in promoting his work, Shaun also uses business cards and leaflets. He adds that the business has provided both financial security and personal fulfillment.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/OsG7LYx

England Captain Jos Buttler Sets Massive T20I Record vs India

England captain Jos Buttler etched his name in the record books by becoming the highest run-scorer against India in T20 Internationals. The milestone came during the second T20I of the India-England series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, where Buttler surpassed West Indies star Nicholas Pooran to claim the top spot, as per Wisden. After losing the first match of the series in Kolkata by eight wickets, England sought a comeback in Chennai. Winning the toss, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav put England into bat. England's innings got off to a shaky start, with Phil Salt dismissed in the first over, bringing Buttler to the crease.

The England skipper wasted no time in taking on the Indian bowlers, smashing 45 off 30 balls before falling to Axar Patel. He scored a half-century in the previous game in Kolkata, highlighting his form in the series. England managed to post 165/6, but their efforts proved insufficient as Tilak Varma's unbeaten fifty guided India to victory.

During his innings, Buttler crossed the 600-run mark against India in T20Is, becoming the first player to achieve this feat. His current tally of 611 runs surpasses Nicholas Pooran's 592, with Buttler achieving the milestone in four more matches than the West Indian batter.

Buttler joins an elite group of players who have scored over 500 T20I runs against India, including Glenn Maxwell (574), David Miller (524), and Aaron Finch (500). He also becomes the 13th player in T20I history to score over 600 runs against a single opponent. Only Virat Kohli (794 vs. Australia) and Babar Azam (880 vs. New Zealand) have managed to cross the 700-run mark against one team.

Buttler was delighted with the aggression his side exhibited to turn the moderate chase into an exhilarating affair, even though his side fell to a 2-0 series deficit.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/Ca7AKdS

Watch: Saif-Kareena Step Out For The First Time Since His Attack

On Sunday morning, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor were spotted outside their house, amid tight security. This marked the couple's first outing since the attack on Saif on January 16, after which he was admitted in Lilavati Hospital in Bandra, Mumbai. 

The couple were spotted by the paparazzi outside their Bandra home, as they walked out and got into their car. They were also surrounded by police, who have been deployed following the attack on Saif. 

In the video, Saif and Kareena are sporting a casual look. While Kareena is seen in a casual grey sweatshirt, with black track pants and a baseball cap, Saif is wearing a navy blue t-shirt and a pair of denims. He paired the outfit with dark sunglasses. 

Watch the viral video here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Varinder Chawla (@varindertchawla)

For the unversed, Saif was attacked in his Bandra home around 2:30 am on January 16. He sustained six stab wounds. Post his admission, he underwent emergency surgery at the hospital, where he was treated. 
 

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/CAlHJ6O

All You Need To Know About Mamta Kulkarni's Journey

Mamta Kulkarni has embarked on a spiritual journey. The actress has renounced the glitz and glamour and assumed a new identity of 'Mai Mamta Nand Giri. 

Mamta Kulkarni has been honoured with the title of Mahamandaleshwar. She even performed her own Pind Daan, a symbolic ritual signifying the renunciation of worldly ties.

For the unversed, the Kinnar Akhara is a spiritual order established by eunuchs and functions under the Juna Akhara, one of the largest and most prominent Akharas in Hinduism.

As Mamta Kulkarni made a significant move in her life, let us delve into her journey – exploring her personal life, debut project, top 5 films, her final movie and the reasons behind her decision to step away from acting.

Personal life 

Born in 1972, Mamta Kulkarni never got married. Over the years, there were rumours linking her to Vicky Goswami. Several reports also claimed that the two were married. 

In a candid conversation with India Times last year, Mamta Kulkarni dismissed these speculations, labelling them as “completely untrue.”

Mamta Kulkarni said, “People should be more mindful about speaking negatively about someone they know little to nothing about. For instance, rumors in the tabloids about Mamta Kulkarni being married to Vicky Goswami are completely untrue - I'm not married to anyone because I've never had the time for that.”

She added, “I sincerely request people to stop using titles like 'husband' or 'wife' in connection with me. I don't know what else to say about these baseless rumors. Some suggest I should pursue legal action or send notices, but I have no intention of doing that.” 

Debut project

Mamta Kulkarni made her debut in 1991 with the Tamil film Nanbargal. In the Shoba Chandrasekhar directorial, Mamta was paired opposite Neeraj. Interestingly, Nanbargal was later remade in Hindi as Mera Dil Tere Liye, which served as Mamta Kulkarni's entry into Bollywood. 

Top 5 movies

1.  Tirangaa

Mamta Kulkarni was part of the iconic patriotic film Tirangaa, directed by Mehul Kumar. The movie featured Raaj Kumar and Nana Patekar in lead roles, with Mamta Kulkarni playing a supporting role as Varun's love interest (played by Harish Kumar).

2. Karan Arjun

Do not call yourself a Bollywood fan, if you can not recall Rakhee Gulzar saying, “Mere Karan Arjun ayenge.” In the film headlined by Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, Mamta Kulkarni played the role of Bindiya, Arjun's (played by Shah Rukh Khan) love interest.

3. Kabhie Tum Kabhie Hum 

This was Mamta Kulkarni's last Hindi film. Charuhas Shidore, Anjan Srivastav and Vijayendra Ghatge were also seen in the Roop Dutta Naik directorial.

4. Aashiq Awara

This romantic drama marked Mamta Kulkarni's breakthrough in Bollywood. The Umesh Mehra film also featured Saif Ali Khan .

5. Baazi

Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, this film featured Aamir Khan in the lead role. Mamta Kulkarni played Rajeshwari, the love interest of Aamir's character. Their on-point chemistry made this movie a must-watch.

Last film

After over a decade of delivering hit projects, Mamta Kulkarni bid farewell to acting in 2003. Her final appearance was in the Bengali film Shesh Bongsodhar. Directed by Abhijit Sen, the film also featured Victor Banerjee, Ronit Roy, Anuradha Roy, Chinmoy Roy and Rituparna Sengupta in pivotal roles.

Why did Mamta Kulkarni leave acting?

Mamta Kulkarni, in a conversation with IANS, opened up about her decision. 

"The reason for me leaving India was spirituality. In 1996, I got inclined towards spirituality and during that time I met Guru Gagan Giri Maharaj. After his arrival, my interest in spirituality increased following which my penance started. However, I believe that Bollywood gave me a name and also fame. After this, I quit Bollywood too,” Mamta Kulkarni said.

“From the year 2000 to 2012, I kept doing penance. I was in Dubai for many years, where I lived in a two-bedroom flat and remained celibate for 12 years," Mamta Kulkarni added.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/851VCT4

Furious Sabalenka Breaks Racquet After Losing Australian Open Final. Video

Madison Keys on Saturday finally claimed her long-awaited Grand Slam title, defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka to win the 2025 Australian Open women's singles title. The 29-year-old American triumphed 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in a thrilling final under the lights of Rod Laver Arena, lasting two hours and two minutes.

With this victory, Keys etched her name in history as the first woman to defeat the world's top two players at a major since Svetlana Kuznetsova at the 2009 French Open, and the first to do so at the Australian Open since Serena Williams in 2005.

At 29, Keys is one of the older first-time major champions. She becomes the fourth-oldest behind Flavia Pennetta, who was 33 when she won the 2015 US Open, Ann Jones, who was 30 when she won Wimbledon in 1969, and Francesca Schiavone, who was 29 when she triumphed at Roland Garros in 2010.

Sabalenka was furious after the loss and smashed her racket. 

Belarussian star #Sabalenka ( who won 20 Australian Open matches in a row ) seen smashing own racket in disgust of her defeat#belarussiangirl #belarusia #sport pic.twitter.com/jqFVXb5z6O

— Ali Shunnaq (@schunnaq) January 25, 2025

Aryna Sabalenka was asked about throwing her racquet after losing the Australian Open final:

"I needed to throw those negative emotions at the end just so I could give a speech. I was just trying to let it go & be a good person, be respectful"

pic.twitter.com/BS1ejILnKP

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 25, 2025

Keys enters the history books not just for her victory, but also for her impressive form leading up to the tournament. Her 12-match winning streak, which includes the Adelaide title two weeks earlier, is the longest of her career. Interestingly, this final was the first between players who had both won lead-up tournaments since the Australian Open shifted to its January calendar position in 1987.

Two-time defending champion Sabalenka had come into the final on a 20-match winning streak at Melbourne Park and with an 11-0 unbeaten record in 2025 after lifting the Brisbane trophy three weeks ago. She had been aiming to become the first woman to seal a hat-trick of Australian Open titles since Martina Hingis in 1997-99, and owned a 4-1 head-to-head lead over No.19 seed Keys.

The Australian Open marked Keys' 46th Grand Slam main-draw appearance. Only two players have taken more appearances before winning their first title -- Flavia Pennetta with 49, and Marion Bartoli with 47.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/tw73xHF

Two Mountains 100 Times Taller Than Everest Discovered Deep Beneath Earth

Earth's biggest mountains, more than 100 times taller than Mount Everest, have been discovered on the boundary between Africa and the Pacific Ocean, a groundbreaking research, published in the journal Nature, has confirmed. The two peaks lie deep beneath the Earth's surface and reach heights of around 1,000 km, far bigger than the 8.8 km height of Mount Everest. Researchers estimate that the mountains are at least half a billion years old but could date back to the formation of Earth four billion years ago. 

"Nobody knows what they are, and whether they are only a temporary phenomenon, or if they have been sitting there for millions or perhaps even billions of years," said head researcher Dr Arwen Deuss, a seismologist and professor of Structure and composition of Earth's deep interior at Utrecht University, as per The New York Post. 

According to the research, two monstrous structures sit on the boundary between Earth's core and the mantle, the semi-solid area beneath the crust, beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean. They are surrounded by a massive "graveyard of tectonic which have been transported there by a process called 'subduction,' where one tectonic plate dives below another plate and sinks all the way from the Earth's surface down to a depth of almost three thousand kilometres," said Dr Deuss.

Scientists have known for decades that there are massive structures hidden deep within the Earth's mantle thanks to seismic shockwaves rippling through the Earth's interior. Large earthquakes cause the planet to ring like a bell, and it will sound "out of tune" when it hits anomalous objects such as the supercontinents. So, by listening carefully to the tone that arrives on the other side of the planet, scientists are able to build up a picture of what lies beneath.

"We see that seismic waves slow down there," said Dr Deuss while discussing how they happened to discover the underground mountains, which are referred to as "Large Low Seismic Velocity Provinces" or LLSVPs for this reason.

Also Read | Scientists May Have Finally Solved 50-Year-Old Mystery About Martian Surface

According to the research, the new structures are hotter than their neighbouring tectonic plates. Scientists were thrown for a loop when studying the so-called damping of seismic waves, which is the "amount of energy that waves lose when they travel through the Earth," explained Dr Duess' colleague Sujania Talavera-Soza.

"Against our expectations, we found little damping in the LLSVPs, which made the tones sound very loud there," she said, adding, "But we did find a lot of damping in the cold slab graveyard, where the tones sounded very soft." 

This was unlike the upper mantle, which was expectedly "hot" with damped waves, researchers said. Ms Sujania analogized the phenomenon to going for a run in hot weather, explaining, "you don't only slow down, but you also get more tired than when it is cold outside."

Ultimately, the study suggests that the mountains are made up of much larger grains than the surrounding slabs since these wouldn't absorb so much energy from passing seismic waves. 

"Those mineral grains do not grow overnight, which can only mean one thing: LLSVPs are lots and lots older than the surrounding slab graveyards," said Ms Sujania. 

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/nND5zSE

Foreign Minister Engages US, Foreign Secretary, China: India's Balancing Act

India's diplomacy stands out globally for its ability to balance ties between adversaries. The latest example of this is happening this week. As foreign minister S Jaishankar touches down in New Delhi after a five-day visit to the US for Donald Trump's inauguration, foreign secretary Vikram Misri heads to China to foster ties with Beijing.

Just ten days ago, during a visit to Spain, foreign minister S Jaishankar had said India is one of the very few countries in the world that can engage both Russia and Ukraine, as well as Israel and Iran. "This is something very, very unique. And it is unique because if you look at the world today, it is a very polarised world," he said.

Donald Trump has threatened to impose hefty tariffs on China and even the BRICS+ countries, which India is a member of as well. China, the world's second-largest economy, has warned that it will retaliate, should Washington actually follow through. President Trump has also targeted China over its presence in the Panama Canal and said the US will take control of the waterway even if it means involving the military. China, on the other hand, has warned Washington over its involvement with Taiwan. Both nations have sanctioned each other.

ENGAGING ALL SIDES

Amid all this, India, which according the PM Modi, has "always chosen the side of peace", aims to engage all sides for positive and constructive outcomes. Earlier this week, S Jaishankar strengthened India-US bilateral ties when he met the US Secretary of State and National Security Adviser for their first foreign engagements after the Trump administration took over. As PM Modi's special envoy, Dr Jaishankar was also given the first seat at the US President's inauguration.

As he returned after concluding "a very positive" visit to Washington, India's foreign secretary heads to Beijing to build the momentum in India-China ties following a meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia late-last year. Foreign Secretary Misri's visit was preceded by a visit by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval last month when he met Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.

REBUILDING AFTER THE STORM

India and China, two of Asia's leading economies and the world's most populous nations, are working to boost bilateral ties after a four-and-a-half-year-long military standoff along the Line of Actual Control or LAC brought ties to a grinding halt. After dozens of rounds of talks - both diplomatically and militarily - an agreement was reached and troops on both sides pulled back from the buffer zones, returning the status quo-ante. This happened within a week of PM Modi and Xi Jinping announcing it during a meeting in Russia late last year. Following this, Chinese and Indian foreign and defence ministers also met each other on multilateral occasions.

After Ajit Doval, foreign secretary Vikram Misri's will be the second high-level visit by an Indian official to Beijing in a month.

A WELCOME FROM BEIJING

China has welcomed Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit this weekend and sounded positive about its outcome. "We welcome Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri's travel to China for the meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism between China and India," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said.

India's Ministry of External Affairs also said that "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will be visiting Beijing on January 26 and 27 for a meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism between India and China. The resumption of this bilateral mechanism flows from the agreement at the leadership level to discuss the next steps for India-China relations, including in the political, economic, and people-to-people domains."

THE AGENDA

Besides bilateral issues such as boundary talks, maintaining peace along the LAC, the building of the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra, resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, people-to-people ties, resuming direct flights between the two countries, and facilitate the issuance of visas to Chinese citizens, the two sides are also likely to touch upon issues of mutual global interest.

The BRICS+, where both countries are threatened with massive tariffs, might figure in talks as well, as would the latest sanctions threat to countries dealing with Russia and buying Russian oil - again a common threat to both countries. Regional issues such as the situation in the Middle East and in Syria are likely to be discussed too.

US backing out of the Paris Climate agreement and the WHO, as well as the much-needed reform of the United Nations and the Security Council are likely to be discussed as well.

For more news and updates, follow NDTV World on WhatsApp.
 

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/4SuP5no

Seismic Data from NASA’s InSight Might Solve the Mystery of Mars’ Dichotomy

Recent seismic data from NASA's InSight lander could provide answers to a 50-year-old puzzle concerning Mars' unique structure. The planet is divided into the northern lowlands and southern highlands, separated by significant differences in elevation and crust thickness. This phenomenon, referred to as the "Martian dichotomy," has perplexed scientists for decades. Clues from seismic activity suggest ancient processes within the planet's interior may have caused this division, as opposed to external impacts like asteroid collisions.

Insights from Seismic Data

According to a study published in Geophysical Research Letters, seismic waves recorded by InSight were analysed to uncover differences between the planet's hemispheres. Situated near the boundary of the dichotomy, the lander captured how seismic waves traveled through the mantle beneath both the northern and southern regions. Researchers observed that seismic energy dissipated more rapidly in the southern highlands, suggesting the mantle beneath is hotter than in the north.

The study points to ancient tectonic activity on Mars as a possible cause. Scientists believe that movements of tectonic plates in the planet's early history, along with molten rock dynamics, could have shaped the dichotomy. When tectonic activity ceased, Mars transitioned to a "stagnant lid" structure, preserving the dichotomy over time.

Internal Processes or External Impact?

Lead researcher Dr. Benjamin Fernando noted in The Conversation that the findings support the theory of internal processes being responsible for the dichotomy. He explained that magma beneath the southern highlands was likely pushed upwards, while magma in the northern hemisphere sank toward the core. This difference aligns with the observed variations in crust thickness and mantle temperature.

Though the study favours an internal origin, researchers stress the need for additional seismic data and advanced planetary models to confirm these findings. External impacts, such as asteroid collisions, remain a possibility according to recent studies.

Further exploration of Mars' geological history will be critical to definitively solving this enduring mystery.
 

 

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/HIkTKd0

'Make Your Products In America Or Pay Tariffs': Trump Tells Davos

US President Donald Trump issued a blunt warning to global elites in a video message to the World Economic Forum on Thursday: Make your product in the United States or pay tariffs.
Beamed on a giant screen in the Swiss Alpine village of Davos, Trump received a loud round of applause from political and business A-listers who had eagerly awaited his appearance all week.

Speaking from the White House, Trump touted his plans to cut taxes, deregulate industries and crack down on illegal immigration.

But he also had a tough message.

"Come make your product in America and we will give you among the lowest taxes of any nation on earth," Trump said.

"But if you don't make your product in America, which is your prerogative, then very simply you will have to pay a tariff."

In his wide-ranging speech, Trump made a link between the war in Ukraine and oil prices.

Trump said he would ask Saudi Arabia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to bring down crude prices.

"If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately," he said.

The US leader then fielded question from the top executives of Bank of America, Blackstone investment firm, Spanish group Banco Santander and French oil and gas giant TotalEnergies.

Trump is always a top draw in Davos, making waves at two previous in-person appearances during his first term in 2018 and 2020.

But showing up this year was tougher as the forum happened to start on the day of his inauguration in Washington on Monday.

Scores stood in line to hear him speak. Some in the audience included European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde, Polish President Andrzej Duda and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.

Trump fans

One of the Republican president's biggest cheerleaders on the world stage, Argentina's libertarian President Javier Milei, took the stage hours before Trump, delivering a fiery speech against "the mental virus of woke ideology".

Milei said Argentina was "re-embracing the idea of freedom" and "that is what I trust President Trump will do in this new America".

He praised like-minded leaders such as Trump, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele.

"Slowly an international alliance has been formed of all those nations that want to be free and that believe in the ideas of freedom," he said.

He also defended his "dear friend" Elon Musk.

The US billionaire and Trump ally caused a stir this week by making hand gestures at an inauguration event for the US president that drew comparisons to the Nazi salute.

Milei said Musk, the head of Tesla and SpaceX, has been "unfairly vilified by wokeism in recent hours for an innocent gesture that only means... his gratitude to the people".

'Let's not hyperventilate'

Trump already gave Davos a taste of what is to come since his inauguration on Monday, which coincided with the WEF's first day.

He has threatened tariffs on China, the European Union, Mexico and Canada, pulled the United States from the Paris climate pact and renewed his claim the Panama Canal, just to name a few.

His plans to cut taxes, reduce the size of the US federal government and deregulate industries likely found a sympathetic ear amongst many businesses, though economists warn the policies could rekindle inflation.

US trade partners and rivals already had a chance to react in Davos earlier this week, as they brace for a second round of his America First policies.

Without invoking Trump's name, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang warned: "There are no winners in a trade war."

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said Brussels was ready to negotiate with Trump.

But she also underscored the European Union's diverging policy with him on climate, saying the bloc would stick by the Paris accord.

World Trade Organization chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala called on cooler heads to prevail during a WEF panel discussion on tariffs on Thursday, warning that tit-for-tat levies would be "catastrophic" for the world economy.

"Please let's not hyperventilate," she quipped. "I know we are here to discuss tariffs. I've been saying to everybody: could we chill, also?"

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/oQO3MU2

Watch: Arshdeep Singh Apologizes To Chahal For Breaking His T20I Record

Arshdeep Singh made history on Wednesday night, becoming the highest Indian wicket-taker in T20I cricket in the first game against England. The left-arm seamer, still only 25 years old, achieved the record after picking up the wickets of Phil Salt and Ben Duckett in his opening spell. Those two wickets took his T20I tally to 97, one ahead of previous record-holder Yuzvendra Chahal. Speaking after the game, Arshdeep apologized to Chahal for overtaking his tally with a rather hilarious act.

In a video posted by BCCI, Arshdeep was seen holding his ears jokingly, as he apologized to Yuzvendra Chahal for breaking his record.

While Chahal took his 96 wickets in 80 games, Arshdeep has reached his tally in a rather phenomenal rate. The left-arm pacer has taken only 61 games to reach 97 wickets, at an average of only 17.90 and a strike rate of 13.03, meaning he takes up a wicket nearly every two overs.

Arshdeep set the tone for India's dominant victory in the first T20I, ending with figures of 2/17 in four overs. Given his form and prowess in the shortest format, he is all but certain to reach the 100-wicket mark by the end of the five-match T20I series.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam)

Arshdeep has also been selected for India in their Champions Trophy 2025 squad, and has a good chance of featuring in the playing XI given the fitness concerns surrounding Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

Chahal, however, hasn't represented India in a T20I since August 2023, although he was part of their T20 World Cup 2024-winning squad.

The wrist spinner has put up a series of cryptic posts on Instagram in recent weeks, amid rumours of divorce from wife Dhanashree Verma.

On Wednesday, Chahal posted a picture with the caption "Real love is rare. Hi, my name is 'Rare'."

India take on England in the second T20I in Chennai on January 25.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/35pPD1B

Indian-Origin CEO Criticises "Awesome" Nandan Nilekani's Stance On AI

Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas publicly disagreed with Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani's views on AI, advocating for India to focus on AI model development and real-world AI applications.

Mr Srinivas shared his views on X, praising Nandan Nilekani as "awesome" for his unparalleled contributions to India's technological progress through initiatives like Infosys and UPI. However, he raised concerns over Nilekani's advice to Indian AI startups, urging them to focus exclusively on developing practical AI applications rather than training large language models (LLMs).

Mr Srinivas wrote on X, "To be clear: Nandan Nilekhani is awesome, and he's done far more for India than any of us can imagine through Infosys, UPI, etc. But he's wrong on pushing Indians to ignore model training skills and just focus on building on top of existing models. Essential to do both."

See the post here:

I am ready to invest a $1mm personally and 5 hours/week of my time into the most qualified group of people that can do this right now for making India great again in the context of AI. Consider this as a commitment that cannot be backtracked. The team has to be cracked and… https://t.co/g6ItsPL0uc

— Aravind Srinivas (@AravSrinivas) January 22, 2025

Mr Srinivas's remarks were in response to Nilekani's statements at the Meta AI Summit in October, where Nilekani advised Indian startups to steer clear of the expensive pursuit of building large AI models and instead prioritize developing practical, resource-efficient AI solutions.

"Our goal should not be to build one more LLM. Let the big boys in the (Silicon) Valley do it, spending billions of dollars. We will use it to create synthetic data, build small language models quickly, and train them using appropriate data," Mr Nilekani had said. 

He underscored the importance of scalable, cost-effective infrastructure and practical applications tailored specifically to India's unique needs.

Mr Srinivas, however, offered a differing perspective, advocating for a more ambitious approach to AI development in the country. Drawing from his own experience, he argued that India risks missing out by avoiding the training of AI models due to the misconception that the financial costs are insurmountable.

"I feel like India is falling into the same trap I did while running Perplexity-assuming that training models will cost an exorbitant amount of money," Srinivas said. He urged Indian startups to move beyond relying solely on open-source models and instead focus on building proprietary AI capabilities to achieve global competitiveness, particularly in areas like Indic languages.

"Elon Musk admired ISRO-not even Blue Origin-because he respects people who can achieve great things without excessive spending. That's his operating philosophy," Srinivas noted, encouraging India to adopt a similarly resourceful and bold mindset in AI development.

He concluded with a call for a paradigm shift in India's AI strategy, emphasizing the need to develop expertise in training foundational AI models that can both address local needs and compete on a global scale. Offering his support, Srinivas expressed his willingness to assist anyone "obsessed enough" to take on this challenge, pledging to help open-source AI models for broader impact.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/EmUpkrh

Airtel Introduces New Voice and SMS-Only Prepaid Plans After TRAI Mandate

Bharti Airtel is introducing specialised prepaid recharge plans, including only voice and SMS services. The move comes after the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued a mandate last month to telecommunication operators in India to offer standalone Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) specifically for voice and SMS services. These new plans will not include bundled data and are aimed at consumers who do not have Internet connectivity requirements, such as feature phone users or those who use a secondary SIM card in dual SIM-enabled smartphones. The company is reportedly restructuring two existing plans to fit the guidelines issued by TRAI.

Airtel Announces New Prepaid Recharge Plans

Airtel's decision makes it the first in the country to introduce voice and SMS-only recharge plans for prepaid users. The telecom operator has not added the new plans to its website yet, but it is expected to be rolled out shortly. While the company has not detailed the new prepaid plans, several reports have highlighted what users can expect.

According to a CNBC report, one of the prepaid recharge plans Airtel is planning to restructure is the Rs. 509 voucher. It is said to offer unlimited voice calls and 900 free SMS with a validity of 84 days. The earlier version of the plan also offered 6GB of data, which is said to now be removed. For long-term validity, the telecom operator is reportedly revamping the Rs. 1,999 plan. It is said to offer unlimited voice calls and a total of 3,600 free SMS for a period of 365 days.

Once the SMS limit is crossed, Airtel will reportedly charge users Re. 1 per local message and Rs. 1.5 per STD message. Some reports have also claimed that these prepaid recharge plans might come with additional benefits such as Apollo 24/7 Circle membership and free Hello Tunes.

Whether Airtel will keep the prices of the plans as they were with bundled data or will make changes to them is currently unclear. Notably, at the time of writing, these plans were not visible on either the Airtel website or the Airtel Thanks app.

Last month, TRAI issued the twelfth amendment to the Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations, which also included this mandate. The announcement came after the telecom agency held an open-house discussion with stakeholders in October and addressed issues around tariff availability, validity of vouchers, and colour coding of vouchers.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/BFaELGQ

India Likely XI vs England: These 2 Stars "May Have To Wait". Reason Is...

With heavy dew likely to impact the proceedings during the opening T20I at the Eden Gardens, India's bowlers practised with wet balls and it will not be a surprise if the hosts field only two spinners, given the conditions. Dew is a perennial concern at this time of the year at Eden Gardens. Since dew makes it difficult to grip the ball, fielding a third spinner could prove to be costly. Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, a key member of the reigning IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders, appears to be an automatic choice for India and head coach Gautam Gambhir likely to pair him alongside vice-captain Axar Patel.

As a result, Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar may have to wait for their turn. "If we know there is going to be a heavy dew, you start preparing with the wet ball. You start bowling with the wet ball during practice sessions. You field with the wet ball. So these are the things which are in your control," India skipper Suryakumar said.

"We try to control all those things which we can during practice sessions so that when the game comes, we are prepared." It could also open the door for in-form Andhra all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who scored a historic maiden Test century during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Reddy last appeared in a T20I during the home series against Bangladesh in October last year, and he will be eager to carry his form into this series, if given the opportunity.

Reddy made history as the first Indian batter to score a century in Australia while batting at number eight.

His inclusion would strengthen India's batting line-up further.

From opening to No. 10, the slots are almost sorted. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson will open the innings, followed by Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and Axar Patel -- in no fixed order.

"We all want to be very flexible with the batting order. Other than the openers' slots, which are fixed, I think from 3 to 8 or 7, everyone needs to be really flexible with their batting order. Anyone can go in at any time, and we have been practicing for that," Suryakumar said.

A fit-again Mohammed Shami will spearhead the pace attack on his return to international cricket after nearly 14 months. He will be joined by left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh, providing variety.

The duo were seen putting in the hard yards during their match-eve training session.

Suryakumar expressed excitement over Shami's return.

"It's always good to have an experienced bowler in your side, and he is making a comeback after over a year. I am really excited to see him. I have seen his journey, how he focused on his bowling and recovery at the NCA." "It felt good to see him (Shami) on the ground. He has bowled well too. Obviously, he has done his preparation, and he was confident from the start." After bowling for more than an hour at full throttle during India's first training session on Sunday, Shami did not bowl on Monday.

However, he was back to bowling with full intensity on the match eve.

"He has bowled well, and obviously, he has done his preparation. Even today, he is feeling good. Let's see what happens tomorrow," added Suryakumar.

It will be a homecoming for KKR star finisher Rinku Singh, who has had a quiet run recently, with scores of 8 not out, 11, 9, and 8 in his last four innings.

Suryakumar is hopeful that Rinku will come out all guns blazing.

"I want to see him hitting sixes. He has measured all the nooks and corners of Eden Gardens, having played a lot of cricket here. It will be a good welcome for him. It's always a good stadium with a great atmosphere," Suryakumar said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/L4TiBWS

'Must Not Harass Citizens': Court Imposes Rs 1 Lakh Cost On Probe Agency ED

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday imposed a cost of Rs 1 lakh on the Enforcement Directorate for initiating a money laundering probe against a realty developer without "proper application of mind", noting central agencies must conduct themselves within framework of law.

While imposing the fine on the ED, a single bench of Justice Milind Jadhav observed that a "strong message" needs to be sent to the law enforcement agencies to ensure citizens are not harassed.

The HC quashed process (summons/notice) issued to a Mumbai-based real estate developer, Rakesh Jain, by a special court in August 2014 based on a prosecution complaint filed by the anti-money laundering agency.

It was "high time that central agencies like the ED stopped taking the law in the own hands and harass citizens", Justice Jadhav maintained.

The ED had launched money laundering probe against Rakesh Jain based on a police complaint lodged against him at the suburban Vile Parle police station by a property purchaser alleging breach of agreement and cheating.

Justice Jadhav, in his ruling, noted no case was made out against Jain and hence even the money laundering charges do not stand.

The HC said the action of the complainant as well as the ED in putting the criminal system into motion against Jain is "clearly malafide and calls for imposition of exemplary costs".

"I am compelled to levy exemplary costs because a strong message needs to be sent to the law enforcement agencies like ED that they should conduct themselves within the parameters of law and that they cannot take law into their own hands without application of mind and harass citizens," Justice Jadhav said.

The court directed the ED to pay the Rs 1 lakh cost to the HC library within four weeks. The bench also imposed a cost of Rs 1 lakh on the original complainant (purchaser) in the case. This cost would be paid to the city-based Kirtikar Law Library.

The HC pointed out that an offence of money laundering is committed by an individual with a deliberate design and a motive to enhance his gains, disregarding the interest of the nation and society as a whole.

"It is seen that conspiracy of money laundering is hatched in secrecy and executed in darkness. The present case before me is a classic case of oppression in the garb of implementation of the PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act)," the judgment noted.

On the request of ED advocate Shriram Shirsat, the HC stayed its judgment for one week so that the agency could file an appeal in the Supreme Court.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/6XwoVRj

"Golden Age Of America Begins Now": Trump Returns To White House

Donald Trump took oath as the 47th President of the United States Monday, capping a remarkable turnaround in fortunes that nosedived after the riots in Washington, D.C. in January 2021 and hit rock bottom in May 2024, when he was convicted of felonies by a New York court, including charges relating to falsifying business records to cover payment of 'hush money' to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actor.

Trump's deputy, JD Vance, was sworn in as Vice President just before him.

Almost immediately after Trump was sworn in, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his "dear friend" and wished him a successful term. "I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries and shape a better future for the world," Mr Modi said on X.

Donald Trump is now the first convicted felon to be President of the United States. He was already the first ex-President to be convicted of felony crimes - the jury found him guilty on all 34 charges, including those in a scheme to illegally influence the 2020 presidential election, the loss of which led to the riots.

He has announced he intends to pardon many of the convicted rioters. 

Minutes after being administered the oath by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Trump - who survived assassination attempts - declared, "The 'Golden Age of America' begins now".

In his first remarks after being sworn in Trump referred to the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July and declared he had been "saved by God to make America great again".

"The 'Golden Age of America' has begun, as of right now. We will become the great nation we were again. The rest of the world will envy us," he said to raucous cheers from supporters.

"Not so long ago, during the election campaign, I was targeted in an attempted assassination attempt, when a bullet pierced through my ear. But God saved me... because my purpose is to make America great again," Trump, who at 78 is also the oldest American President ever, said.

Trump had vowed to sign a flurry of executive orders, including announcing stringent curbs on immigrant and mass deportation of illegal migrants, as well as banning transgender athletes from women's sports, and undoing his predecessor's directives on diversity and oil drilling.

The president will also declare a national emergency at the Mexico border, send armed troops there, and resume a policy forcing asylum seekers to wait there for court dates, officials said.

He will also seek to end so-called birthright citizenship for U.S.-born children whose parents lack legal status, a move some legal scholars have said would be unconstitutional.

In total, Trump - whose second term, critics and 'allies', including Europe and NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, fear, will push the limits of executive power - expected to sign around 100 orders, many of which will aim to reverse decisions by his predecessor, Joe Biden.

Several, if not all, of these executive orders will face legal challenges.

With input from agencies

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/Fwr0ZgC