OPPO K13 Launch Today: OPPO India is all set to launch the OPPO K13 today, April 21. Here’s what we already know about this upcoming phone –
OPPO K13: Processor
According to the company, the OPPO K13 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, built on a power-efficient 4nm process, the first 6-series chip to be manufactured on TSMC’s advanced node. It is paired with the Adreno A810 GPU, LPDDR4X RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage.
OPPO K13: Battery
The device is powered by a 7000mAh battery paired with 80W SuperVOOC fast charging. In just 5 minutes of charging, users can expect up to four hours of gaming, the company claimed. The device reaches 62 per cent in 30 minutes and a full charge in under an hour, it added.
OPPO K13: Display
It has a 6.67-inch AMOLED FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1200 nits of peak brightness. It has a Wet Touch Mode that allows the screen to remain responsive even with water or oil on the surface, said the official release.
“Whether it’s for gaming, streaming, shooting content, or staying connected on the move, the K13 offers the kind of OP experience typically associated with far more expensive phones,” the official release claimed.
What sets the K13 further apart?
What sets the K13 further apart, according to the company, is its advanced thermal management system. It boasts a 5,700mm² Vapor Chamber combined with a 6,000mm² graphite sheet, delivering flagship-grade cooling performance. This setup helps prevent performance throttling and lag due to heat buildup, ensuring smooth operation even during extended gaming sessions, it added. Such thermal efficiency is typically found in premium smartphones, but the K13 brings this high-end feature to the mainstream segment, it claimed.
OPPO K13: Expected Price
According to the company, the device will redefine smartphones under the Rs 20,000 segment.
Nepal: Buddha Air’s new flight route between Nepal and India is a game-changer for tourists.
Nepal’s leading private airline – Buddha Air – is set to resume Kathmandu-Kolkata flights after a gap of six years.
Nepal’s Buddha Air is reclaiming the skies: New flights from Kathmandu to Kolkata start this July.(Image by x/fl360aero)
“Namaste Kolkata! The wait is almost over…stay tuned!” the airline wrote in a post on its social media handle, adding, “Kolkata coming soon.”
According to Nepal’s media reports, the airline plans to introduce its commercial lights to Kolkata by mid-July.
“We competed with Air India when we flew to this destination 6 years ago. Now that Air India has pulled out, we see a commercial opportunity and have decided to resume the flights,” Rupesh Shrestha, director of Sales and Marketing at Buddha Air, was quoted as saying by the Republica daily.
“The airline is actively working towards that end,” he added.
In 2019, Buddha Air operated three weekly flights on the route for nine months but discontinued the service as it had to incur a huge loss.
This time, the company plans to operate four weekly flights – the same frequency previously maintained by Air India.
The airline operates regular commercial flights to Varanasi and aims to expand to Guwahati, Lucknow, and other Indian destinations.
“We see strong potential for two-way trade and tourism in these destinations,” Shrestha said.
The Kathmandu-Kolkata flight takes 1 hour and 25 minutes.
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News / Lifestyle / Travel / Kathmandu to Kolkata in just 85 minutes: Nepal’s Buddha Air resumes flights after 6-year hiatus
This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
Emily Henry is known for her popular books which have flown off the shelves in recent years. The author has established herself as a key writer in contemporary romance, captivating readers with her emotionally resonant storytelling and relatable characters. Her latest novel, Great Big Beautiful Life, is set to be released on April 24, and it promises to be a must-read for fans seeking the perfect holiday escape.
Known for her bestselling novels like Beach Read, People We Meet on Vacation, and Happy Place, Henry has consistently delivered heartwarming tales that blend humor, romance, and personal growth. In Great Big Beautiful Life, the story follows Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson, two writers competing to write the biography of the enigmatic heiress Margaret Ives.
Set on a picturesque fictional island, the novel features dual timelines and narrative layering, creating a page-turner for readers.
Henry’s books are celebrated for their emotional depth, witty dialogue, and exploration of themes like longing, creative struggles, and personal growth.
Her stories often feature emotionally open and witty protagonists, set in idyllic locations, making them ideal companions for a relaxing holiday read.
With over 10 million copies sold worldwide and all her novels being adapted for film or TV, Henry’s work continues to resonate with a global audience.
Whether you’re lounging by the beach or curled up in a cosy cabin, Henry’s Great Big Beautiful Life is the perfect addition to your holiday reading list this summer.
Emily Henry is a Number One New York Times bestselling author, she lives and writes in Cincinnati and Great Big Beautiful Life will be her 10th book.
One reviewer on Goodreads who read Beach Read said: “The book that started it all for me. I have never been a reader. This book was recommended to me so I thought I would give reading another go.
“This book was incredible and made me fall in love with reading. Emily Henry did an incredible job and I can’t wait to read every single one of her books. The story line in Beach Read was great, I fell in love with the characters, and was hooked the entire time.”
Shares of HCL Technologies (HCLTech) surged as much as 7% in Wednesday’s trade, emerging as the top gainer on the Nifty 50 index
HCL Tech Share Price
HCLTech Share Price Today: Shares of HCL Technologies (HCLTech) surged as much as 7% in Wednesday’s trade, emerging as the top gainer on the Nifty 50 index. The rally came after the company posted its March quarter results, which were largely in line with street expectations, boosting investor sentiment around the stock.
Stay updated with all the latest news on the Stock Market, including market trends, Sensex and Nifty updates, top gainers and losers, and expert analysis. Get real-time insights, financial reports, and investment strategies—only on News18.
News business » markets HCLTech Rallies 7% As Q4 Results Meet D-Street Expectations; Should You Buy, Sell Or Hold?
The crypto market today is seeing gains as Bitcoin price surge above $93,000, triggering a wave of excitement across investors. The sudden surge has many asking — why is the crypto market up today? The answer lies in a powerful mix of political optimism, institutional inflows, and renewed risk appetite.
Trade Optimism and Institutional Inflows Drive Rally
U.S. President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made market-moving remarks hinting at potential relief in the U.S.-China trade war. Bessent called the current 145% tariffs “unsustainable” and suggested a de-escalation could be near. That was enough to boost investor confidence, not just in equities but also in risk-on assets like crypto.
Backing the momentum, Bitcoin spot ETFs saw $381 million in net inflows on Monday, the highest since January. The return of institutional money is a bullish signal, especially as MicroStrategy added another 6,500 BTC to its holdings — reinforcing long-term belief in Bitcoin.
SEC Shakeup, Altcoin Surge, But Caution Remains
Adding to the bullish sentiment, newly appointed SEC Chairman Paul Atkins has already dismissed several crypto enforcement cases. His pro-crypto stance is giving the industry fresh hope for a more innovation-friendly regulatory climate.
Meanwhile, Ethereum jumped above $1,700, Dogecoin surged 8.6%, and SUI spiked nearly 12%. Traditional markets also bounced back, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq recovering from recent losses.
However,the liquidity and new demand remain weak compared to past bull runs, according to CryptoQuant. Resistance zones could still trigger pullbacks, but for now, the rally has reignited crypto market momentum.
Kolkata, Apr 21 (ANI): Teachers, who lost their job following a Court verdict, stage a sit-in protest outside School Service Commission (SSC) office, demanding their jobs back, in Kolkata on Monday. (ANI Photo)
| Photo Credit:
ANI
Thousands of teachers, whose services were terminated as a result of a Supreme Court order, continued their protest by laying a siege to the West Bengal School Service Commission headquarters overnight, demanding that the commission has to publish a segregated list containing the names of those found to be “untainted” and were recruited on the basis of merit.
The agitating teachers launched the indefinite sit-in outside the Acharya Sadan, the WBSSC headquarters, in Kolkata on Monday night, after the commission failed to release the list of untainted candidates and 2016 SSC qualifiers.
The Supreme Court on April 3 upheld the Calcutta High Court’s ruling that annulled over 25,000 appointments of teachers and non-teaching staff made by the WBSSC, stating that the entire selection process had been “vitiated and tainted” beyond resolution.
The Calcutta High Court on April 22, 2024 ordered the cancellation of the recruitment of 25,753 teachers and non-teaching staff in government and aided schools across the State by WBSSC in 2016.
After a meeting with some of the teachers who lost their jobs, State Education Minister Bratya Basu had said that the list of “deserving and undeserving” candidates would be published in two weeks. The teachers were expecting that the WBSSC would publish the list on Monday evening.
But when the commission didn’t release the list of untainted candidates, thousands of teachers began the sit-in outside its office, shouting the slogan “we want justice”.
A section of junior doctors, who were involved in the protest after RG Kar rape and murder case, went to WBSSC office to show solidarity with the teachers. A huge contingent of the Rapid Action Force was deployed at midnight.
The Education Minister said late Monday that legal experts had advised the commission against publishing the segregated list of untainted and tainted candidates as it would fail legal scrutiny.
Basu urged the agitating teachers to wait till the State Government files a review petition with the Supreme Court. “Please wait for the Government to file a review petition with the Supreme Court. We have to follow the guidelines,” he added.
How do you add more to “unlimited”? As carriers offer unlimited talk, text and data on their wireless plans, Xfinity Mobile’s answer is to launch a new Premium Unlimited plan that includes high-resolution streaming, 30GB of fast hotspot data per month and, for customers chasing the latest phones, the ability to upgrade devices twice per year.
The Premium Unlimited plan is available now. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll get.
More perks for Premium
The Premium Unlimited Plan, which costs $30 per line on top of required Xfinity Internet service, includes unlimited full-speed data. That’s a boost over the regular Unlimited plan, which throttles data speeds after 30GB.
For mobile hotspot usage, the Premium Unlimited plan includes 30GB of data before speeds are reduced. By comparison, the Unlimited plan offers only slower speeds, although both plans give you unlimited hotspot data so you won’t be cut off.
Also unique to the Premium Unlimited plan is 4K resolution video streaming (the Unlimited plan serves up only 480p standard resolution) and Xfinity Call Guard service for intercepting spam calls.
Xfinity Mobile uses Verizon’s network for 5G and 4G LTE cellular access, but also leans heavily on its installed base of home and business internet service with modems that double as public Wi-Fi hotspots. Both the Premium Unlimited and Unlimited plans feature WiFi PowerBoost, which can automatically hop onto a Wi-Fi connection and deliver faster speeds, up to 1GB, according to Xfinity.
The company states that more than 90% of mobile data traffic happens over Wi-Fi. If you’re connected at home (and your Xfinity service uses an XB7 or XB8 Gateway to route the data), your phone can get the faster speeds, even if you’re not paying for that level of bandwidth.
Stay on top of the newest phones
If you know someone who replaces their phone every year for the newest model, you can literally one-up them by being on the Premium Unlimited plan. The new Elite Upgrade option allows for twice-yearly phone upgrades with a “guaranteed new-device discount of up to $830 with an eligible trade-in,” according to the company.
For those switching from another carrier, Xfinity Mobile will pay up to $500 per line for as many as five lines to buy out existing contracts.
See more: Discover the Best Phones for 2025.
Your iPhone Wants These 11 Essential Accessories in the New Year
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is known to have a direct impact on heart attack and stroke risk — but a new study has revealed its surprising link to brain health.
In a large, randomized trial, researchers led by First Hospital of China Medical University discovered that “intensive blood pressure control” resulted in a 15% reduced dementia risk among participants and a 16% reduced risk of cognitive impairment.
The study included 33,995 people in rural China aged 40 or older who had “uncontrolled hypertension.”
7 BLOOD PRESSURE MISTAKES THAT COULD BE THROWING OFF YOUR READINGS
The participants were divided into two groups. One received “usual care,” while the other was assigned to “trained non-physician community healthcare providers” who prescribed “titrated antihypertensive medications.”
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is known to have a direct impact on heart attack and stroke risk — but a new study has revealed its surprising link to brain health.(iStock)
For the latter group, the medications helped them achieve a systolic blood pressure goal of <130 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure goal of <80 mm Hg, according to the study findings in Nature Medicine.
“The primary outcome of all-cause dementia was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the usual care group,” the researchers wrote.
They were also less likely to experience “serious adverse events.”
HEALTH BOOST AND DEMENTIA PREVENTION IN JUST 5 MINUTES A DAY
This was one of the first large-scale, randomized, controlled effectiveness trials to demonstrate a “significant reduction in all-cause dementia associated with lowering blood pressure,” the researchers concluded.
There were some limitations of the study, the article acknowledged, including the absence of baseline and follow-up cognitive assessments.
“The primary outcome of all-cause dementia was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the usual care group,” the researchers wrote. (iStock)
Dr. Bradley Serwer — an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals — said this study presents an “intriguing approach” to addressing dementia in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension.
JUST 5 MINUTES OF EXERCISE COULD REDUCE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, STUDY FINDS
“Unlike studies performed in the United States, this study employed non-physicians to significantly reduce blood pressure in rural China through a ‘cluster’ blinding method,” Ohio-based Serwer, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.
It would be beneficial to include baseline cognitive assessments of the patients and to identify the prevalence of Alzheimer’s dementia within the communities, one doctor noted.(iStock)
“While the study can be subject to scrutiny, it raises a pertinent question: How crucial is modification of cardiovascular risk factors in the development of dementia?”
The primary medications used in the study to lower blood pressure were calcium channel blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers, Serwer noted.
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“These commonly prescribed medications have been independently associated with a reduced risk of dementia, irrespective of the magnitude of blood pressure reduction they achieve,” he said.
“This raises the possibility that the lower rates of dementia observed may be attributed to other beneficial effects of the medications rather than solely to blood pressure reduction.”
This was one of the first large-scale, randomized, controlled effectiveness trials to demonstrate a “significant reduction in all-cause dementia associated with lowering blood pressure,” the researchers said.(iStock)
To confirm the findings, Serwer said it would be beneficial to include baseline cognitive assessments of the patients and to identify the prevalence of Alzheimer’s dementia within the communities.
“The most significant takeaway from this study is the profound importance of addressing blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking and sedentary lifestyles,” the cardiologist said.
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“By prioritizing these factors, we not only aim to prevent heart attacks and strokes, but also strive to enhance overall quality of life.”
The study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Chinese Society of Cardiology Foundation, and the Science and Technology Program of Liaoning Province, China.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].
HMP Oakwood, the largest prison in England located in Featherstone, Staffordshire, has launched Britain’s first in-prison supermarket. In collaboration with food retailer Iceland, the prison now features a supermarket where inmates can buy branded treats like Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and popular Chicago Town pizzas, which are not available in the regular prison canteen, reported The Times.
What sets this store apart is its currency system. Inmates use Monopoly-style money earned through good behaviour at the Category C prison. The incentive scheme allows them to earn up to 25 pounds (around Rs 2800) per week, reported the Daily Mail. What’s more, prices at this prison branch are lower than those at Iceland’s high-street outlets.
The in-prison supermarket is part of a larger initiative to recreate a shopping centre environment inside a massive warehouse within the jail, dubbed the ‘marketplace’. Alongside Iceland, it features a coffee shop named Hopeful Grounds run by inmate baristas, a fresh produce stall with fruits and veggies, and a leisure store called JP Sports.
Also Read:Kannur Jail Biryani: A Popular Kerala Biryani Made By Inmates At Kannur Central Prison
The marketplace is designed to help inmates transition more smoothly into society after release, with some also employed in the store as part of their rehabilitation. The program was the brainchild of HMP Oakwood’s head of employability Carly Balis, who helps identify inmates suitable for a role at the in-prison Iceland branch.
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, has praised the project as “unusually effective” and last year named HMP Oakwood the number one prison in England. He called it “the best prison I have seen in my time as Chief Inspector.”
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-22/China-prolongs-policies-to-keep-job-market-stable-enhance-skills-1CMBmybiUHm/img/2d7678e5d36f4b66bf945a040b32fee0/2d7678e5d36f4b66bf945a040b32fee0.jpeg' alt='A job fair in Beijing, China, April 19, 2025. /VCG'
China will extend key unemployment insurance policies through 2025 to help companies retain jobs and support workers in enhancing their skills, authorities announced Tuesday.
The announcement was made through a circular jointly issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Finance, and the State Taxation Administration, outlining measures to help enterprises maintain stable employment.
Until the end of 2025, companies that do not lay off employees or minimize layoffs will continue to receive refunds of a certain percentage of unemployment insurance premiums paid in the previous year, according to the policy.
To help workers improve their skills, the extended policy relaxes eligibility requirements and expands coverage for skills-upgrading subsidies.
These measures also ensure continued provision of basic living allowances, including unemployment benefits, basic medical insurance coverage and support for older unemployed individuals.
China has set a target of maintaining the surveyed urban unemployment rate at around 5.5 percent in 2025 while aiming to create over 12 million new urban jobs this year. The average surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.3 percent in the first quarter of 2025.
A walk back in time during the RoofandFloor.com Property Show-2024 at Auspacious Convention, Hyderabad on Saturday, October 19, 2024
| Photo Credit:
NAGARA GOPAL
IBI Media Technologies, the company behind hyperlocal platforms ChennaiProperties.in, BengaluruProperties.com, CoimbatoreProperty.com, and HyderabadProperties.in, has announced the acquisition of the RoofandFloor brand from KSL Digital Ventures Limited, one of the companies of The Hindu group.
RoofandFloor.com is among India’s recognised digital real estate platforms and will henceforth operate as a separate, standalone vertical within the IBI Media Technologies Private Ltd’s portfolio.
Founded in 2014, IBI Media Technologies Private Ltd focused on enabling high-intent discovery journeys for home buyers while delivering strong Return on Investment (RoI) for developers and channel partners. Its portfolio of city-specific real estate platforms which are optimised for web-search, serve thousands of users across South India.
“The RoofandFloor brand has a deep legacy coming not only from its nearly a decade of operations as a trusted property portal, but also as a brand created and nurtured by The Hindu group, with its 141+ year legacy in India. We’re excited to lead it into a dynamic new chapter, powered by advanced technology, refreshed vision and our proven Go-to-Market Expertise,” said Ilavarasan P, Founder & CEO, IBI Media.Thisstrengthens our national brand architecture while preserving our hyperlocal strategy, he added.
“We are pleased that the RoofandFloor brand, which we built with care and integrity, is now in the hands of a team that has showcased a deep understanding & experience in online real estate marketing,” R Chandrasekaran, Chairman, KSL Digital Ventures, a unit of The Hindu group, said.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
SMEĐA boja već drugu godinu zaredom uvjerljivo dominira modnom scenom. Nakon što je 2024. postala omiljena među celebrityjima, influencerima i modnim dizajnerima, ni 2025. nije ništa drukčija – čokoladna, karamela, Mocha Mousse… sve su te nijanse nezaobilazne, kako na pistama tako i u svakodnevnim kombinacijama.
Domenica zablistala u elegantnoj dugoj haljini u smeđoj boji
U novoj sezoni smeđa je zamijenila crnu kao glavnu neutralnu boju, a njezina toplina i svestranost čine je idealnim izborom za sve prilike – od dnevnih lookova do večernjih izlazaka. Da je smeđa apsolutni hit, potvrdila je i pjevačica Domenica Žuvela koja je nedavno zablistala u elegantnoj dugoj haljini čokoladno smeđe boje.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Za večeru na otoku odabrala je pripijenu haljinu dugih rukava s profinjenim naborima, a cijeli styling odiše elegancijom i opuštenošću. Prava je inspiracija za sve koji traže savršen spoj udobnosti, trenda i ženstvenosti.
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One of the most coveted transfer guards in college basketball has committed to USC, giving Eric Musselman the difference-maker he desperately needed in his second portal class.
Rodney Rice chose USC over more established basketball powers Villanova, Tennessee and Gonzaga, all of whom were reportedly willing to shell out major money to reel in the 6-foot-4 junior combo guard.
Exactly what it cost for the Trojans to win the bidding war for Rice, their top transfer target, was not immediately clear. As name, image and likeness paydays have skyrocketed for basketball transfers ahead of a House vs. NCAA settlement set to change athlete compensation rules, multiple reports suggested Tuesday that USC had paid upwards of $3 million for the former Maryland standout’s services.
A former four-star recruit, Rice started his college career at Virginia Tech, where he only played in eight games due to injury. He sat out the 2023-24 season, before breaking out as a redshirt sophomore at Maryland last season. Rice started 32 games for the Terrapins, averaging 13.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, while shooting 37.3% from 3-point range.
At USC, the expectation is Rice will play more point guard than he has in the past, handling the ball and facilitating the offense alongside Desmond Claude, who served as the Trojans primary floor general last season.
Claude still hasn’t made his plans clear for next season. He was expected to evaluate his NBA draft standing before returning to USC for one more season, according to a person familiar with the Trojans’ expectations not authorized to discuss it publicly. But with Rice in the fold handling more of the point guard duties, it wasn’t entirely clear as of Tuesday afternoon whether Claude will remain in L.A. The portal will close on Tuesday night.
If he does return, Claude and Rice would give the Trojans a potent one-two punch in the backcourt next season. The arrival of five-star freshman Alijah Arenas should only raise that ceiling.
USC likely could still use more depth at guard, considering Claude is the team’s only returning player at the position. Freshman guard Jerry Easter and Northridge transfer Keonte Jones are the only other ball handlers currently on the roster.
Musselman has already managed to remake the Trojans’ now-supersized front court with six new transfer wings and forwards, all of whom are 6-foot-6 or taller. He brought in a high-potential, 6-foot-10 sophomore big from Virginia in Jacob Cofie, along with a starting-caliber power forward from Utah in Ezra Ausar. Musselman mined the mid-major ranks for rising stars, reeling in the likes of Amarion Dickerson, the Horizon League’s Defensive Player of the Year, from Robert Morris; Keonte Jones, an All-Big West first-team selection from Northridge; and Jaden Brownell, a stretch forward from Samford. To solve USC’s rim-protection issues, he added the NCAA’s leader in blocks last season, 7-foot-3 center Gabe Dynes from Youngstown State.
Adding Rice is Musselman’s biggest move yet, one that should help soften the blow of losing sophomore star Wesley Yates III, who surprisingly entered the transfer portal earlier this month. He has since committed to Washington, returning to the school he attended prior to USC.
As of Tuesday, the final day for college basketball players to enter the transfer portal, the Trojans had the No. 11 transfer class in college basketball according to 247 Sports, while Rice was the 25th-ranked transfer overall, one spot behind Yates.
USC still has room to add to its transfer haul. Pending the NCAA’s decision on the eligibility of senior forward Saint Thomas, the Trojans will have either two or three available slots on the roster.
Vivo T4 5G Launched in India: Vivo has unveiled its latest addition to the series T – the vivo T4 5G in India. According to the company, the device features India’s biggest-ever 7300 mAh high-density battery2 and 90W FlashCharge. From price, features to battery, variant – here’s everything you need to know:
Vivo T4 5G: Colour
The smartphone is available in two colours: Phantom Grey and Emerald Blaze.
Commenting on the launch, Pankaj Gandhi, Head, Online Business, vivo India, said, “Designed for India’s dynamic and ambitious youth, the T4 brings together high-end performance, long-lasting battery life, sleek design, and smart AI features in one impressive package.”
“Backed by our strong understanding of Indian consumers and their evolving needs, we believe the T4 5G will set new benchmarks in its segment, offering unmatched value and an all-round smartphone experience,” he added.
Vivo T4 5G: Battery
The vivo T4 5G features the segment’s biggest 7,300mAh high-density battery with 90W FlashCharge, which powers the phone to 50 per cent in 33 minutes and 100 per cent in 65 minutes, the company claimed. Built with third-gen silicon carbon anode technology, it delivers 15.7 per cent higher energy density compared to its predecessor and supports bypass charging, it added.
Vivo T4 5G: Display
The T4 5G features a 17.19 cm (6.77-inch) Quad-Curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 5000 nits local peak brightness. For eye comfort and safety, the display is equipped with SGS Low Blue Light Certification, hardware-enabled low blue light filtering to reduce retinal strain, 3840Hz Anti-Flicker Eye, said the official release.
Vivo T4 5G: Camera
The vivo T4 5G comes equipped with a 50 MP OIS main camera, a 2MP Bokeh camera, and a Sony IMX882 sensor. It also supports 1x landscape portrait, 2x half-body portrait, and 4K video recording capability at 30 FPS on both front and back. For selfies, it features an upgraded 32MP wide-angle front camera.
Also Read: Xiaomi launches Redmi Watch Move under Rs 2,000; 1.85-inch display, 14-day battery life, other key features
Vivo T4 5G: Processor
Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, the vivo T4 5G is the segment’s fastest smartphone, achieving an AnTuTu score of 8,22,705, said the company in the official release. Built on TSMC’s advanced 4nm process, the chipset features upgraded CPU cores with a 2.5 GHz clock speed, it added.
Vivo T4 5G: Smart AI Features
The vivo T4 5G runs on FunTouch OS 15, based on the latest Android 15. It offers smart features like AI Erase, AI Photo Enhance, Live Text, AI Note Assistant, Super Documents, and Circle to Search.
Vivo T4 5G: Price & Variant
The vivo T4 5G is available in three variants. The 8GB+128GB variant is priced at Rs 21,999 (inclusive of taxes), the 8GB+256GB variant is priced at Rs 23,999 (inclusive of taxes), and the 12GB+256GB variant is available at Rs 25,999 (inclusive of taxes).
Vivo T4 5G: Availability & Offer
The smartphone will go on sale starting April 29, across Flipkart, the vivo India e-store, and all partner retail stores. Consumers can also avail a flat Rs 2,000 instant discount with HDFC Bank, SBI Bank, and Axis Bank Cards, or an exchange bonus of Rs 2,000 along with up to 6 months of no-cost EMI. The offers are valid till 29th April.
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (Mospw), Sarbananda Sonowal, flagged off Cruise Operations from the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), India’s largest cruise terminal, on Monday.
A cruise ship moves past after being flagged off by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during the commencement ceremony of International Cruise Terminal, in Mumbai.(PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)
The Union Minister also inaugurated the renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks as well as renovated two heritage buildings — Fort House, Ballard Estate, and Evelyn House at Colaba. Sonowal also inaugurated the Sagar Upvan garden along with the Shore to Ship Electric Supply under the Green Port Initiative.
The MICT, developed as per Cruise Bharat Mission, was developed as per latest global standards and is expected to take a pioneering role in developing cruise tourism in India. Spread over a built up area of more than 4,15,000 Square Feet, the MICT is developed at Ballard Pier. MICT is India’s largest world class cruise terminal.
Equipped with 72 check-in and Immigration counters spreading over an area of 2,07,000 Square Feet on the first two floors (G 1), while the other two floors (2 3) are developed as Commercial Floors. The newly inaugurated MICT is designed to handle 1 million passengers every year, with an approximate 10,000 passengers per day. It can also handle 5 ships simultaneously, with an 11-meter draft and up to 300 meters in length. At the parking space, more than 300 vehicles can be parked simultaneously:
Speaking on the commencement of Cruise Service from MICT, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “The maritime history of Mumbai is rich and an integral part of our civilisation. As a coastal hub, it has served the nation handsomely with its bustling coastal business. It is only logical that we work towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modiji’s vision of ‘Bharat becoming a global cruise hub through its state-of-the-art infrastructure.’ Today, Mumbai, with its longstanding repute as a major maritime hub in the world, commenced Cruise Operations from the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, providing passengers with modern amenities for a better and safer experience. This adds to our existing top-class international terminals at Visakhapatnam and Chennai. To celebrate the heroic contribution of Mumbai Port Fire Services personnel, the newly renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks celebrates their distinctive service to the nation.”
MICT has been designed with a wavy ceiling reflecting the maritime identity with functional and minimalist architecture. MICT blends modern design with Mumbai’s maritime spirit–featuring fluid architecture, rose gold accents, and a sweeping ceiling. From heritage-inspired entry to sleek interiors with wave seating, selfie points, and maritime plaques, it offers a serene yet vibrant gateway to India’s emerging global cruise hub. MICT will provide an enhanced passenger experience and position Mumbai as one of the major hubs for cruise tourism hubs. The total investment in the MICT project has been Rs556 crores.
Elaborating on the vision of the Cruise Bharat Mission, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “PM Narendra Modi ji’s call for port-led prosperity has redefined our maritime ambitions. We also give momentum to the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’–our resolve to make Bharat is one of the top cruise destinations in the world. The mission embraces three pillars–Ocean & Harbour Cruises, River and Inland Cruises, and Island & Lighthouse Cruises. With a comprehensive strategy that combines digital ease, circuit integration, environmental sustainability, and global partnerships, this is India’s cruise awakening –bold, inclusive, and future-ready. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, India’s maritime sector has witnessed an astonishing transformation. It is the story of an India that believes in its potential and invests in its people.”
Mumbai, Apr 21 (ANI): Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal flags off cruise operations from the New Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), in Mumbai on Monday. (ANI Photo) (Deepak Salvi)
The renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks, which was inaugurated by the Minister, is a solemn tribute to the Mumbai Port Fire Services personnel for their distinguished service to the nation. The fire memorial is renovated with a “Golden Tears” theme as the tragic event which golden bricks were blown in the surrounding area of the Port. To promote heritage and tourism, facade lighting was inaugurated at two iconic heritage buildings of MbPA – Port House at Ballard Estate and Evelyn House at Colaba, adding to the aesthetic and historical appeal of the city’s legacy.
In a boost to the Green Port Initiative, the Shore to Ship Electric Supply at MbPA. This will help Tug boats and Coast Guard vessels, reduce emissions, bring in operational efficiency and reduce noise pollution. MbPA’s commitment to environmental sustainability and modernisation of port infrastructure, providing shore-based electric power, will significantly enhance energy efficiency and operational cleanliness.
Mumbai: People click photos at the International Cruise Terminal during its commencement ceremony, in Mumbai, Monday, April 21, 2025. (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)(PTI04_21_2025_000285A) *** Local Caption *** (PTI)
The rejuvenated Sagar Upvan Garden at Colaba were also inaugurated today. This was done with support from Tata Trusts, the MbPA undertook extensive repair and enhancement work were undertaken, including the restoration of the compound wall, construction of facilities for gardeners, along with a 25000 KLD Sewage Treatment Plant. Rich with more than 500 varieties of plants, it has scenic views of the Arabian Sea as well as Sassoon Docks. It has lush green lawns, sea-facing benches, and pathways ideal for jogging and walking, along with a living laboratory for botany students and nature enthusiasts.
The Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also attended MoU Signing ceremony for the development of Infrastructure projects with an investment worth more than Rs5700 crores at Vadhavan Port here today. The agreements were signed for the development of a terminal for handling container, bulk, and liquid cargo with an investment of Rs4200 crores, development of a dedicated terminal for handling bulk and liquid cargo with an investment of Rs1,000 crores and development of a liquid cargo jetty and a tank farm with a capacity of 3,00,000 CBM for handling liquefied chemicals and related products with an investment of Rs500 crores.
Mumbai: People at the International Cruise Terminal during its commencement ceremony, in Mumbai, Monday, April 21, 2025. (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)(PTI04_21_2025_000280B) *** Local Caption *** (PTI)
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Our dynamic leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has given us a vision of transforming Vadhavan Port to become one of the Top 10 Global ports. As the Vadhavan Port project is likely to power up India’s current capacity by more than three times, this is all all-weather, green field deep draft major port that is going to act as a game changer for not only India’s maritime sector, but also enable regional trade. As India is poised to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047, this port is likely to act as a major growth multiplier. In this regard, the MoUs signed today add towards the creation of infrastructure and capacity of the Vadhavan port and help us take another step towards realising the vision of PM Narendra Modi ji.”
The inauguration of fuel dispensing infrastructure — including two HSD units, one gasoline unit, and a fast electric vehicle (EV) charger — further bolsters the port’s push towards sustainable mobility within the operational area. The event also included the formal handover of key land assets. A charge certificate of the plot at Malet Bundar was handed over to JNPA for its corporate building. Another plot at Reay Road was transferred to the Hare Krishna Mission for social and community activities. Additionally, the E Shed at Mumbai Port was handed over to M/s. Ruchi India Logistics to strengthen port-led logistics operations.
Mumbai: View of the International Cruise Terminal during its inauguration, in Mumbai, Monday, April 21, 2025. (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)(PTI04_21_2025_000277B) *** Local Caption *** (PTI)
The Cruise Bharat Mission has set ambitious yet achievable goals like Development of 10 international sea cruise terminals, creation of 100 river cruise terminals, Launch of 5 marinas along our coast, Seamless integration of more than 5000 km of waterways, Aiming for 1 million sea cruise passengers and 1.5 million river cruise passengers by 2029, creation of over 400 thousand direct and indirect jobs across the cruise value chain. Since 2014, the government under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi has led to the transformation of the maritime sector.
The cargo handled at the major port surged from 556 MMT in 2014 to 854 MMT in 2024-25, while coastal cargo grew by 119%. The inland water cargo rose from 6.89 MMT to 133 MMT–a leap of over 1800%. The cruise passengers increased from 85,000 in 2014 to 4.71 lakh today, a phenomenal growth of 454%.
Douglas Murray, the conservative commentator and international best-selling author, has penned some big-hitting books over the past few years.
From The Strange Death of Europe to The Madness of Crowds and The War on the West, The Spectator columnist uses his sharp wit to dissect the political and social issues of the day.
His latest book focuses on the October 7 attacks and their aftermath in the Israel-Hamas War with on-the-ground reporting from the region.
Titled On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel, Hamas and the Future of the West, Murray’s new work “confronts what he views as the most pressing issue of our time: why Western support of the Palestinian cause is ultimately playing into the hands of a much more dangerous force.”
The Amazon synopsis continues: “On Democracies and Death Cults argues that Israel’s commitment to fundamental Western values – capitalism, individual rights, democracy and reason – has made it a beacon of progress in a region dominated by authoritarianism and extremism. Murray contrasts Israel’s principles with the ideology of Hamas, which openly proclaims its love of death over life. If left unchecked, Murray argues, this misplaced Western sympathy could embolden forces that seek to undermine democratic values and perpetuate a culture of violence.” One review called it “a brutal, brilliant takedown of hypocrisy and hysteria” and another “a must-read.”
On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel, Hamas and the Future is out now, including on Audible, Spotify and Kindle.
Ratan Tata reportedly included a rarely used legal provision in his will that could prevent beneficiaries from challenging it in court.
Ratan Tata’s will includes a “no-contest clause” to prevent legal challenges.
In a country where wills often trigger long, bitter legal disputes among heirs, Ratan Tata appears to have made a striking departure. The renowned industrialist reportedly included a rarely used legal provision in his final will – one that could prevent any beneficiary from challenging it in court without risking their entire inheritance.
This legal provision, known as a “no-contest clause” or “in terrorem clause”, is designed to deter disputes by stating that if a beneficiary contests the will, they may forfeit their share entirely. Such a clause, while more common in legal systems abroad, is still a legal grey area in India.
The clause has come under scrutiny following a court petition by Mohini Mohan Dutta, a close associate of the late Tata Group chairman. Dutta approached the court seeking clarification about her share under Ratan Tata’s will. The move has sparked legal debate – does a request for clarification amount to a challenge under the no-contest clause, thereby inviting disqualification?
Legal journalists Anju Thomas and Panishtha Bhat explored this issue in a detailed report for Bar and Bench, outlining how the clause may test the limits of inheritance law.
A will is a deeply personal document, often seen as a person’s final expression of their intentions for the distribution of their estate. But, the reading of a will is frequently followed by courtroom battles, particularly from those who believe they have been shortchanged. This leads to drawn-out legal conflicts that can drain both money and goodwill.
To prevent such outcomes, some testators choose to include a no-contest clause, essentially warning beneficiaries that any attempt to dispute the will could result in complete disinheritance. Its use is based on the idea that potential challengers might think twice before jeopardising what they have been given.
The legal system, however, offers no clear stance on the validity of such clauses. The Indian Succession Act, 1925, the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, and Muslim personal law do not directly address the use of no-contest clauses. Nor does the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. This legal ambiguity means courts must interpret these clauses case by case, considering the testator’s intent, the fairness of the terms, and whether such clauses violate any fundamental rights.
In the case of Ratan Tata’s will, the question is whether Dutta’s act of seeking clarification is tantamount to a legal challenge. If the court deems it so, she may risk losing her entitlement under the will, highlighting the potential power of such clauses and the need for legal clarity around them.
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News business What Is The ‘No-Contest Clause’ In Ratan Tata’s Will? Legal Experts Explain
Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour and Employment
| Photo Credit:
ANI
The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has decided to open 20 more new medical colleges over the next two years, increasing the reach of affordable government medical care for 3.72 crore Corporation insured workers and their families.
The proposed 10 new medical colleges which are being explored for opening in 2025-26 would be in Pune (Maharashtra, Manesar (Haryana), Kollam (Kerala), Surat (Gujarat), Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Bhubaneshwar (Odisha), Asansol (West Bengal), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Margaon (Goa), said Minister of Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday.
With this initiative, which comes at a time when private health care is becoming unaffordable even for the middle class, the number of ESIC medical colleges will go up to 31, including 28 directly run by the Corporation and 3 with the states, said Ministry sources.
The ten proposed ESIC medical colleges are expected to start from next academic session in 2026 as the Corporation is still to get land in some locations and regulatory approvals for all, and raising infrastructure for each of them would take time, Ministry sources explained.
Each of the ten medical colleges would have 200 beds and offer 50 MBBS seats. The bed allocation and corresponding intake of MBBS students may increase depending on ESIC requirements in the identified districts.
40% MBBS seats reserved employees covered under ESI Act
The Union Minister said 40 per cent of the MBBS seats in each medical college would be reserved for the children of employees covered under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act. Only workers employed in factories, road transport, hotels, and restaurants who draw a salary of ₹21,000 per month or below are entitled to benefit from the scheme.
For 2026-27, we are planning to have another ten more medical colleges, Mandaviya also told reporters.
Meanwhile, from August this year, the 10 ESIC medical colleges will start functioning at Andheri (Maharashtra), Basaidarapur (Delhi), Guwahati-Beltola (Assam), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Ludhiana (Punjab), Naroda – Bapunagar (Gujarat), Noida & Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and Ranchi (Jharkhand).
The Minister said that as of April 21, 2025, 691 districts had been notified for the implementation of the ESI social security scheme, compared to 393 districts in the country in 2014.
Of the 691 notified districts, 592 are “fully notified,” 99 are partially notified, and 87 are non-notified. Overall, there are 778 districts.
The ESIC is formulating a policy to extend medical care through Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) in non-implemented and partially implemented districts, ensuring access to ESIC benefits for deemed beneficiaries in these regions, as per the Ministry.
The Ministry stated that the ESIC is collaborating with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to offer comprehensive, cashless medical care to over 14.4 crore beneficiaries.
ESIC beneficiaries can get their treatment done at PMJAY empanelled hospitals.
You’ll now be able to see the full cost of your Airbnb from the get-go, including any of those sneaky cleaning and service fees. The short-term rental company announced it will now automatically show the total cost of a rental before taxes.
The change comes ahead of a US Federal Trade Commission rule banning hidden fees, which is set to go into effect next month.
Airbnb has faced criticism over the years for advertising one price, then tacking on extra fees for cleaning and more during checkout. You could turn on the “total price display” option manually for the past two years, but now you’ll see the full price by default when browsing listings.
With around one million people living with Parkinson’s disease in the U.S. — and 90,000 getting new diagnoses each year — the race is on for a cure.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) have announced progress on that front — they have developed a new therapy that uses stem cells to treat advanced Parkinson’s.
In the phase 1 trial, the researchers used donated stem cells (taken from early-stage embryos) to create nerve cells (neurons) and transplanted them into the brains of 12 Parkinson’s patients, according to a press release from MSK.
NEW DRUG FOR PARKINSON’S SHOWN TO BE EFFECTIVE IN CLINICAL TRIALS: ‘VERY ENCOURAGED’
Once the cells are injected, they produce dopamine, a hormone in the brain that helps with movement and coordination.
(One of the hallmarks of Parkinson’s is low levels of dopamine, which causes the typical symptoms of tremors, stiffness, balance issues and difficulty walking.)
Around one million people are living with Parkinson’s disease in the U.S., with 90,000 getting new diagnoses each year.(iStock)
After 18 months, the injected cells had “taken hold in the brain with no serious side effects,” the researchers reported.
Based on the MDS-UPDRS — a ratings scale for symptoms developed by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society — the participants experienced “noticeable improvements,” especially the group that received a higher dose.
Patients in the high-dose group reported 2.7 hours of additional “on time” each day.
“Neurologists say things usually get a little bit worse every year with this disease, meaning the score goes up by a few points,” study co-author Lorenz Studer, MD, director of MSK’s Center for Stem Cell Biology, said in the press release.
“In our study, not only did the score not get worse, it dropped by more than 20 points in the high-dose group.”
The researchers used donated stem cells (taken from early-stage embryos) to create nerve cells (neurons) and transplanted them into the brains of 12 Parkinson’s patients.(iStock)
On average, patients in the high-dose group reported 2.7 hours of additional “on time” — indicating periods of normal functioning with minimal symptoms — “a result that could be quite meaningful for their everyday life,” Studer noted.
Given the success of the phase 1 trial, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for the researchers to go straight to a phase 3 clinical trial in a much larger patient group — around 100 people — which will take place in the first half of 2025.
The findings were published in the journal Nature.
PARKINSON’S CASES COULD DOUBLE GLOBALLY BY 2050, STUDY REVEALS
“The study showed that developing specific nerve cells from human embryonic stem cells in the lab, then injecting them in the brain of people with Parkinson’s disease, is safe and holds significant promise as a possible future treatment,” lead study author Viviane Tabar, MD, chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, told Fox News Digital.
“The findings were rewarding, as this work is more than a dozen years in the making.”
‘Major step forward’
Dr. Mary Ann Picone, medical director of the MS Center at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, said that cells for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease could offer potential for not only slowing disability, but also stopping progression and bringing about improvement in motor function.
“Although there is risk involved in the immune suppression necessary before the stem cell implantation and the procedure itself, it would be a major step forward in replacing the dopaminergic neurons lost in the disease,” Picone, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.
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Levodopa, currently the first-line treatment for Parkinson’s, is limited in that patients need greater dosage amounts as time goes on, according to Picone — “and regulating off and on periods of either stiffness or dyskinesias (uncontrolled muscle movements) becomes more difficult.”
After 18 months, the injected cells had “taken hold in the brain with no serious side effects,” the researchers reported. (iStock)
Dr. Ann Murray, director of movement disorders at WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute in West Virginia, referred to the study as “unbelievably exciting” for Parkinson’s patients.
“Although the goal of this particular research project was to ensure safety, getting that significant clinical improvement in the UPDRS is absolutely groundbreaking,” Murray told Fox News Digital. (She also was not involved in the study.)
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“This is just the first step in getting this type of therapy approved for patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease, but this is an amazing first step for the potential benefits of stem cell brain therapy.”
Potential limitations
There were some limitations associated with the study, Tabar noted.
“This is a small study designed to show safety — it is critical to conduct a larger, well-controlled study to prove that the treatment indeed works, otherwise referred to as a Phase 3 ‘efficacy’ study,” she said.
“This is an amazing first step for the potential benefits of stem cell brain therapy.”
These early findings, however, are “suggestive of a strong promise.”
“I think we can finally say that stem cells, when derived and differentiated properly, hold great promise to repair the brain in Parkinson’s and potentially in other conditions someday,” Tabar said.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
The cell therapy was developed at MSK and was licensed to BlueRock Therapeutics in Massachusetts, which funded the study.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].
Arvind Kejriwal’s daughter Harshita married Sambhav Jain in Delhi on April 18, 2025. The private ceremony took place at the Kapurthala House, the erstwhile residence of the Maharaja of Kapurthala in Delhi. Videos of the event took the internet by storm, giving glimpses of the celebrations. One aspect of the wedding that has grabbed many eyeballs online is a paan counter helmed by the iconic Yamu’s Panchayat. It is known for its gold leaf paan, which has often gone viral on social media. Also Read: Make Your Own Paan Mukhwas: A Natural Coolant For Your Body
Yamu’s Panchayat calls itself “India’s First Paan Parlour.” A video shared by the company gives us a sneak peek at some of the treats served at Harshita Kejriwal’s wedding. The counter held an array of ingredients, including staple and unique ingredients like silver leaf, chocolates, candies, dates, gulkand, etc. There were also different spices that lend aroma and crunch to the paan. One plate held colourful pieces of Pista Paan and Mango Blast Paan (they were labelled with the flavour names). The stuffed betel leaves were shaped like a cone and had a special white coating decorated with tiny flakes reminiscent of sprinkles. Also Read: 5 Exciting New Ways To Enjoy Traditional Paan
Another clip showed a guest daring to taste the famous fire paan. To serve this delicacy, the betel paan is usually set on fire from the centre. In the video, we see the paanwala quickly folding it to contain the flames and immediately stuffing the paan into the mouth of the person in front of the counter. This was just one of many other treats available for wedding guests to enjoy. As per reports, the signature gold leaf paan was also served at the event.
Apart from the paan, another viral video making the rounds online shows Arvind Kejriwal and his wife, Sunita, dancing to the hit song ‘Angaro Ka Ambar Sa‘ from Allu Arjun’s blockbuster ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’. This was shot during the engagement ceremony.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-21/China-Indonesia-vow-higher-level-ties-deepened-security-cooperation-1CKSWPnMZlC/img/9c241dc5dc354984945186c7e6b409b8/9c241dc5dc354984945186c7e6b409b8.png' alt='Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (2nd R) and Defense Minister Dong Jun (R) co-chair the First Ministerial Meeting of China-Indonesia Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue with Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono (2nd L) and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (L), in Beijing, China, April 21, 2025. /Chinese Foreign Ministry'
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defense Minister Dong Jun on Monday co-chaired the First Ministerial Meeting of China-Indonesia Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue with Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
The two sides vowed to deepen strategic mutual trust, maintain close high-level exchanges, enhance cooperation in fields such as defense and security and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.
Noting the great significance of the dialogue mechanism, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said it fully demonstrates the high strategic mutual trust between the two countries and enriches the connotation of the China-Indonesia community with a shared future.
China is ready to build the mechanism into a primary platform for enhancing the political, security and defense cooperation between the two countries, and push bilateral mutual trust and strategic cooperation to a higher level, he said.
Wang called on the two sides to uphold strategic independence, support each other’s core interests, strengthen high-level exchanges, enhance dialogue in various fields, enhance law enforcement and security cooperation, and build solid strategic mutual trust.
The two sides should advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, set more benchmarks for cooperation in emerging fields, give play to the complementary advantages of resources and production capacity, and build a safe and stable cross-border industrial and supply chains.
China is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation on platforms such as the United Nations, BRICS and the G20 with Indonesia to serve as a just force for maintaining world peace and stability, a progressive force for safeguarding international fairness and justice, and a constructive force for promoting global development and cooperation, he said.
Dong said amid the current international situation, the deepening of defense and security cooperation between China and Indonesia will provide strong support for the building of a China-Indonesia community with a shared future with regional and global influence, and contribute to regional and world peace and stability.
China is willing to work with Indonesia to strive to build a new framework of defense and security cooperation with deeper strategic mutual trust and more coordinated mechanism building, Dong said.
He called for carrying out multi-field and in-depth practical cooperation, and elevate bilateral relations to a new and higher level.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-21/China-Indonesia-vow-higher-level-ties-deepened-security-cooperation-1CKSWPnMZlC/img/884ed689739f4a04ac84e04051d7a489/884ed689739f4a04ac84e04051d7a489.png' alt='The First Ministerial Meeting of China-Indonesia Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue is held in Beijing, China, April 21, 2025. /Chinese Foreign Ministry'
Sugiono said the dialogue mechanism demonstrates the comprehensive, high-level and strategic nature of Indonesia’s relations with China.
Indonesia will work with China to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in fields including economy and trade, agriculture and fisheries, energy, medical care and digital economy, enhance communication and cooperation, he said.
Noting that Indonesia and China’s military relations are developing in a sound momentum, Sjafrie called for strengthening strategic dialogue, and enhancing cooperation in defense, maritime security and other fields to jointly respond to global challenges.
The two sides also had in-depth communication on international and regional issues of common concern, such as the situation in the Middle East, and reached broad consensus.
After the meeting, Wang and Sugiono jointly signed a memorandum of understanding on establishing a comprehensive strategic dialogue mechanism. The two sides also signed cooperation documents in areas such as maritime security cooperation during the meeting.
Chennai-based developer Casagrand has launched Casagrand Jarvis, a premium residential community in Siruseri, featuring 469 2, 3, and 4-BHK apartments across 8.5 acres.
Casagrand, the Chennai-based real estate developer, has launched Casagrand Jarvis, a residential community in the fast-emerging growth corridors of Siruseri. It houses 469 2, 3, and 4-BHK apartments across an 8.5-acre expanse.
With 65 per cent open space and three expansive central courtyards, the project is envisioned to set a new benchmark in premium living by offering residents an unmatched blend of nature and modern design, with 100+ world-class amenities.
The company said that while properties in areas like Sholinganallur, Navalur, Medavakkam, Tambaram, Velachery and Adyar are priced between ₹6,000 and ₹16,500 per sq.ft, Casagrand Jarvis is priced at ₹3,999 per sq ft. The flats are priced between ₹45 lakhs and ₹1 crore.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
PRIJE četiri godine Apple je predstavio AirTag – mali uređaj za praćenje koji se najčešće koristi za pronalaženje osobnih predmeta poput ključeva, torbi, novčanika, ruksaka ili prtljage. Otkako je predstavljen, Apple nije lansirao njegovog nasljednika, no to bi se uskoro moglo promijeniti. Naime, prema glasinama, AirTag 2 mogao bi biti predstavljen u narednim tjednima.
Trebao bi stići u svibnju ili lipnju
Apple je tijekom godina poboljšavao originalni AirTag manjim softverskim ažuriranjima. Dodane su i značajnije novosti, poput opcije Dijeli lokaciju predmeta, uvedene s iOS-om 18.2. No sam hardver AirTaga od lansiranja ostao je nepromijenjen.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Prema najnovijim glasinama, AirTag 2 trebao bi stići u svibnju ili lipnju – što znači da je datum izlaska udaljen samo nekoliko tjedana, piše 9to5Mac. Vrlo je vjerojatno da će to biti sljedeći Appleov proizvod koji dolazi na tržište.
Nove značajke koje dolaze s AirTagom 2
Bloombergov novinar Mark Gurman ranije je izvijestio da će AirTag 2 zadržati isti osnovni dizajn kao i prethodnik, ali će donijeti tri ključna poboljšanja:
Znatno veći doseg
Novi i poboljšani bežični čip
Naprednije opcije za zaštitu osobnih podataka
Još se ne znaju detalji ovih novih mogućnosti, ali kako se predstavljanje bliži, uskoro ćemo saznati.
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Redmi Watch Move Launched: Xiaomi India has launched the Redmi Watch Move today, April 21. Featuring over 140 workout modes and 98.5 per cent tracking accuracy powered by Xiaomi R&D, it is the company’s first locally manufactured smartwatch.
Commenting on the launch, Anuj Sharma, Chief Marketing Officer, Xiaomi India, said, “The Redmi Watch Move combines the features that matter most to Indian users — dependable performance, accurate fitness tracking, and a premium yet comfortable design.”
“As our first locally manufactured smartwatch, it reflects our commitment to creating products that are thoughtfully built for the Indian market, while bringing the best of Xiaomi’s technology,” he added.
Redmi Watch Move: Design & Display
Redmi Watch Move has a 4.69cm (1.85”) AMOLED display with 600 nits brightness. With a sleek 2.5D curved design, the watch features an anti-allergy, anti-bacterial TPU strap. Its IP68 rating provides resistance to dust and water. The Always-On Display ensures time and essential updates are always visible, said the company.
Redmi Watch Move: Smart extension of your digital life
With Xiaomi HyperOS, the watch becomes a smart extension of your digital life, said the company. It syncs notes, tasks, calendar events, real-time weather updates, and more. It also supports Bluetooth calling, access to contacts, notification management, and even Hindi language support.
Redmi Watch Move: Colour Options
The Redmi Watch Move is available in four colours — Black Drift, Blue Blaze, Silver Sprint, and Gold Rush.
Redmi Watch Move: Battery
On a single charge, the smartwatch is capable of delivering up to 14 days of battery life. Even with Always-On Display enabled, the watch delivers up to 5 days of performance, the company claimed. For moments when power is limited, Ultra Battery Saver Mode keeps key features running, it added.
Redmi Watch Move: Price & Availability
The Redmi Watch Move is priced at Rs 1,999 and will be available starting 1st May 2025 across Mi.com, Flipkart, and Xiaomi’s Retail. Pre-booking for the Redmi Watch Move starts on 24th April 2025.
When it comes to backpacks for men, finding the perfect balance between durability, design, and practicality is key. From a reliable office backpack for men to a stylish laptop backpack for men or a trekking backpack for men, there’s no shortage of options. The best backpacks for men offer not just functionality but also reflect personal style.
Stylish and practical, these backpacks for men combine sleek design with reliability, perfect for work, travel, and outdoor adventures.
These versatile bags blend fashion with utility, making them suitable for work, travel, or casual outings. With features like comfortable straps, spacious compartments, and strong materials, these backpacks ensure you can carry your essentials with ease while staying on-trend. Here are some of the top picks where durability meets design.
Office backpacks for men
Office backpacks for men combine style and practicality, offering sleek designs that cater to work essentials. With padded compartments for laptops, spacious storage for documents, and comfortable straps, these backpacks ensure you stay organised and professional. Perfect for busy workdays, they balance durability with a sophisticated look, making them the go-to choice for daily commutes or business meetings. Stay sharp with a backpack that meets all your office needs.
Top 6 picks for office backpacks for you
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Laptop backpacks for men
Laptop backpacks for men are designed to protect your tech while keeping you stylish. With a dedicated, padded laptop compartment, they provide secure storage for your devices. These backpacks also feature ample space for accessories like chargers, headphones, and documents. Whether for commuting or business trips, they offer the ideal mix of protection and convenience, all in a sleek, modern design. Function meets style with these must-have tech bags.
Top 6 picks for office backpacks for you
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Weekend travel backpacks for men
Weekend travel backpacks for men are perfect for short trips and weekend getaways. Compact yet spacious, they offer plenty of room for your essentials, from clothes to toiletries. Designed for convenience, these backpacks feature multiple compartments to keep your belongings organised and easy to access. Whether exploring a city or going on a quick outdoor adventure, they offer the flexibility and style you need for an efficient, enjoyable trip.
Top 6 picks for office backpacks for you
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Trekking backpacks for men
Trekking backpacks for men are built for adventure and durability. Designed to withstand the toughest outdoor conditions, these backpacks offer ample storage space and organised compartments for gear, water bottles, and personal items. With adjustable straps and padded support, they ensure comfort during long treks. Whether you’re climbing mountains or hiking through trails, these backpacks provide the reliability and toughness needed to carry your essentials with ease.
Top 6 picks for office backpacks for you
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Backpacks with inbuilt charger systems for men
Backpacks with inbuilt charger systems for men combine convenience and technology. Equipped with a USB charging port, these backpacks allow you to charge your devices on the go. Designed for professionals and travellers, they offer a safe, easy way to stay powered up without needing extra chargers. With multiple compartments for organisation and durable materials, these backpacks blend tech with practicality, making them an essential for anyone constantly on the move.
Top 6 picks for office backpacks for you
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Backpacks for men: FAQs
What features should I look for in a backpack for men?
When choosing a backpack for men, consider features like a padded laptop compartment, comfortable straps, durability, and ample storage space. Look for water-resistant materials, multiple pockets for organisation, and a sleek design that suits your needs, whether for work, travel, or outdoor activities.
Are laptop backpacks for men safe for carrying electronic devices?
Yes, laptop backpacks for men are designed with padded compartments to protect your electronic devices from damage. Look for backpacks with shock-resistant materials and secure zippered pockets to ensure your laptop and accessories stay safe.
How do I choose the right size backpack for men?
Choosing the right size backpack depends on your needs. For work, a medium-sized office backpack should suffice, while a larger backpack may be required for travel or trekking. Ensure it has enough compartments to organise your essentials without being too bulky.
Can I use a trekking backpack for daily use?
While trekking backpacks for men are designed for outdoor activities, they can be used for daily commuting if you prefer a more rugged style. However, they may be larger and bulkier than office or laptop backpacks, so consider your daily needs before opting for one.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Just days after the reveal of the Star Wars content for Season 3, Fortnite developer Epic Games is back with a new update for PS5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch and Android.
Fortnite update 34.40 has been given an April 22 release date by Epic Games. Unfortunately, however, the new content won’t be available to sample until after a period of server downtime.
Fortnite server maintenance will begin at 9am BST for fans living in the UK. That’s 4am ET for US players.
The news was announced by Epic Games on X: “Downtime for v34.40 begins at 4 AM ET with matchmaking ending shortly beforehand.”
As you can see from the tweet above, matchmaking will be disabled shortly beforehand. This means you won’t be able to join a game in the moments leading up to downtime.
Server downtime typically lasts between 2-3 hours, although the Epic Games Status website suggests maintenance will last for four hours.
In terms of what fans can expect, the new update will introduce a new TMNT crossover. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover was teased by Epic Games on X. You can check out the teaser below.
According to industry insider Shiina, the TMNT crossover includes Casey Jones, Krang’s Android, Bebop and Rocksteady.
Interestingly, the latest leak claims there will be a new skin inspired by Jenna Ortega, codenamed “FlameBride”.
Needless to say, the update should also shed new light on the upcoming launch of Season 3, including a potential end of season event.
Based on the trailer and teasers released over the weekend, Season 3 will have a Star Wars theme, including new characters and gameplay features.
The Battle Pass and Item Shop will welcome the likes of Darth Jar Jar Binks, Emperor Palpatine, Mace Windu and Poe Dameron.
That’s on top of Sith and Jedi variants of Evie, Wookie Team Leader, Captain Phasma and a customisable Mandalorian skin.
The upcoming season will also introduce new gameplay features, including the ability to pilot and co-pilot X-wings and TIE fighters.
In the futures market, gold was up by 1.76 per cent to Rs 98,991 per 10 grams on Tuesday morning, while silver was higher by 0.62 per cent to Rs 95,840 per kg on the MCX.
Gold has hits fresh record high.
Gold prices on Tuesday hit the psychological mark of Rs 1 lakh per 10 grams as the international bullion prices continue their record rally, amid concerns over US President Donald Trump’s criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell dampening risk sentiment and driving investors toward the safe-haven. In India, gold prices, including a 3 per cent GST, has hit Rs 1,00,116.
In the futures market, gold was up by 1.76 per cent to Rs 98,991 per 10 grams on Tuesday morning, while silver was higher by 0.62 per cent to Rs 95,840 per kg on the MCX. After including 3 per cent GST, the gold prices stand at Rs 1,01,960 per 10 grams and silver is at Rs 98,715 per kg.
Though MCX indicates a futures contract price, many local traders refer to it for selling and buying gold.
“Gold and silver showed very high price volatility amid uncertainty in the global markets. The dollar index slipped to 3-year lows after the US President and Fed Chairman’s tussle over interest rate cuts. Instability in the US dollar increased safe-haven bid for gold. The US-China trade war is also increased safe-haven demand for gold. Silver prices also gained in the early trading session but due to profit taking in the industrial metals prices off day highs,” said Rahul Kalantri, vice-president (commodities) of Mehta Equities Ltd.
In the international market, gold prices also crossed $3,400 per troy ounce levels for the first time.
Uncertainty in the global financial markets and escalating US-China trade war continue to support prices of precious metals, he added.
Spot gold was up 1.4% at $3,472.49 an ounce, as of 0247 GMT, after touching a record high of $3,473.03 per ounce earlier in the session.
US gold futures firmed 1.7% to $3,482.40.
“Investors have been giving a wide berth to US assets amid tariff worries and Trump-Powell dramas, which has kept gold in prime position to capitalise on the dollar’s woes,” said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.
Trump reiterated his call for an immediate reduction in interest rates on Monday, warning that the US economy could face a slowdown, while criticizing Powell’s stance to keep rates unchanged until clarity on the inflation impact of Trump’s tariff plans.
Coinbase Derivatives, LLC has launched CFTC-regulated futures contracts for XRP, adding to the growing list of crypto derivatives available under U.S. regulatory oversight.
This move could pave the way for a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF)—a product the crypto industry has long been pushing for. Historically, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has pointed to the existence of a regulated futures market as a key requirement for approving spot crypto ETFs. Bitcoin and Ethereum followed a similar path, with futures-based products hitting the market before their respective spot ETFs received the green light.
Until now, many of these structured products were only available through offshore exchanges, which often raised concerns about trust and counterparty risk. With Coinbase offering these tools in the U.S., institutions now have a safer and more reputable option for trading and structuring investments.
This development follows the recent launch of Solana futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and comes amid a backlog of 72 crypto-related ETF applications currently awaiting SEC review. Several of those applications include XRP and Solana among their proposed holdings.
XRP Price Action: Dip After the News
Despite the positive news, XRP’s price has dipped slightly following the announcement. As of press time, XRP is trading at $2.0736, down 2% on the day. The cryptocurrency failed to hold above the key $2.10 resistance level and has since pulled back, retesting broken support as new resistance.
However, XRP remains above the crucial $2 psychological support, a level traders and analysts are watching closely. If maintained, the broader bullish sentiment around the futures launch and ETF momentum could fuel a rebound in the near term.
Harvard President Alan Garber said the university would not submit to political pressure, citing First Amendment rights.
| Photo Credit:
FAITH NINIVAGGI/Reuters
Harvard University announced Monday that it was suing the Trump administration to halt a freeze on more than USD 2.2 billion in grants after the institution said it would defy the Trump administration’s demands to limit activism on campus.
In a letter to Harvard earlier this month, the Trump administration had called for broad government and leadership reforms at the university as well as changes to its admissions policies. It also demanded that the university audit views of diversity on campus, and stop recognising some student clubs.
Harvard President Alan Garber said the university would not bend to the government’s demands. Hours later, the government froze billions of dollars in federal funding.
“The Government has not — and cannot — identify any rational connection between antisemitism concerns and the medical, scientific, technological, and other research it has frozen that aims to save American lives, foster American success, preserve American security, and maintain America’s position as a global leader in innovation,” the university wrote in its lawsuit.
“Nor has the Government acknowledged the significant consequences that the indefinite freeze of billions of dollars in federal research funding will have on Harvard’s research programs, the beneficiaries of that research, and the national interest in furthering American innovation and progress,” it added.
The Trump administration, in the April 11 letter, told Harvard to impose tougher discipline on protesters and to screen international students for those who are “hostile to the American values.” It also called for broad leadership reforms at the university, changes to admissions policies and the removal of college recognition for some student clubs. The government also demanded Harvard audit its faculty and student body to ensure wide viewpoints in every department and, if necessary, diversify by admitting additional students and hiring new faculty.
Last Monday, Harvard said it would not comply, citing the First Amendment. The following day, Trump took to his Truth Social platform, questioning whether the university should lose its tax-exempt status “if it keeps pushing political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting Sickness?’” The Trump administration also threatened to block the university from enrolling international students.
The university frames the government’s demands as a threat not only to the Ivy League school but to the autonomy that the Supreme Court has long granted American universities.
For the Trump administration, Harvard presents the first major hurdle in its attempt to force change at universities that Republicans say have become hotbeds of liberalism and antisemitism.
The conflict is straining the longstanding relationship between the federal government and universities that use federal money to fuel scientific breakthroughs. Long seen as a benefit to the greater good, that money has become an easy source of leverage for the Trump administration.
“Today, we stand for the values that have made American higher education a beacon for the world,” Garber wrote Monday to the Harvard community.
“We stand for the truth that colleges and universities across the country can embrace and honor their legal obligations and best fulfill their essential role in society without improper government intrusion,” he wrote. “That is how we achieve academic excellence, safeguard open inquiry and freedom of speech, and conduct pioneering research—and how we advance the boundless exploration that propels our nation and its people into a better future.”
If you’re up late (or early) this week, there will be some dazzling activity going on in the sky that you can check out. The Lyrids meteor shower will reach its peak early Tuesday morning, when its barrage of space rocks meets the atmosphere in the eastern sky.
“You will begin to see Lyrids after 10 p.m. local time,” said Bill Cooke, who leads NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama “This year, the light from the crescent moon will not interfere too much with the viewing, but it is best to look away from the moon, preferably placing it behind you.”
Read more: Here’s a Look Ahead at the Year in Meteor Showers
From Earth, Lyrid meteors look unique because they usually don’t leave the glowing trails of dust that often come with meteor showers. However, Lyrid meteors often create occasional “fireballs,” or bright flashes in the sky.
You’ll see it better away from the city
City lights make it hard to see the sky’s natural features. So for the best chance to catch the Lyrids, head away from towns and suburbs to a dark sky in the country. Bring a blanket or sleeping bag, so you can comfortably gaze up.
For the best results, try not to look at your phone screen. The light from the device makes it harder for your eyes to adjust. All you need to do is stare up at the sky. TikTok will be there when you get back.
“In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt, and you will begin to see meteors,” Cooke said.
The point where a meteor shower appears to originate from is called the radiant. To find the radiant of the Lyrids, look near the constellation Lyra, which is where the Lyrid meteor shower gets its name.
The brightest star in the Lyra constellation is Vega. It shines so bright that careful observers might even spot Vega in an area with light pollution. For the meteor shower tonight, look away from the radiant a bit, as the Lyrids will appear “longer and more spectacular from this perspective,” according to NASA.
“With the moonlight this year, any time after midnight will probably produce the same number of meteors,” Robert Lunsford of the American Meteor Society, told CNET.
“This year the Lyrids will be somewhat tempered by a waning crescent moon that will rise near 3 a.m. for most folks,” Lunsford said. “The bright moonlight will obscure the fainter meteors, reducing the hourly count from the usual 10 to 15 down to 5 to 10.”
However, in the past, the Lyrids meteor shower, which visits Earth every April, has surprised lucky skywatchers with as many as 100 meteors per hour.
The bits of space rock that create the Lyrids come from comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, named for A. E. Thatcher, who discovered it in 1861. The Lyrids are one of the oldest known meteor showers. Check out CNET’s full guide to the entire year in meteor showers.
Pope Francis, 88, died on Easter Monday of a stroke and cardiac arrest, according to an announcement from the Vatican.
Fox News’ Alex Hogan confirmed in an on-air report that the Pope had a stroke in the early morning of April 21, went into a coma and then had a heart attack.
The Pope’s death follows years of ongoing health concerns, including a recent hospitalization for double pneumonia.
POPE FRANCIS DEAD AT 88 YEARS OLD
The official death announcement was made at the Pope’s residence in the Chapel of St. Martha on Monday.
A faithful holds a portrait of late Pope Francis at the Basílica de San José de Flores, where he worshiped as a youth, following the Vatican’s announcement of his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on April 21, 2025.(Gustavo Garello/AP)
Pope Francis served for 12 years and advocated for causes including migrant rights, climate change and LGBTQ inclusion, Hogan reported.
The day before his death, the Pope met with Vice President JD Vance in Vatican City.
POPE FRANCIS’ DEATH AFTER RESPIRATORY ILLNESS: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BILATERAL PNEUMONIA
While the Pope’s recent bout with pneumonia had sparked concerns about his health, the stroke event that led to his death came as a shock among his faithfuls, according to reports.
Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a primary cause of disability, per the American Stroke Association.
Pope Francis is pictured in Luxembourg on Sept. 26, 2024. While the Pope’s recent bout with pneumonia had sparked concerns about his health, the stroke event that led to his death came as a shock among his faithfuls.(Simon Wohlfahrt/AFP/Getty)
“Stroke is injury to the brain from impairment of blood flow,” Dr. Sandeep Kumar, a neurologist at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, previously told Fox News Digital.
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“A normal blood supply is vital for the brain to function normally and for the preservation of its structure. Interruption of the blood flow deprives the affected parts of the brain from receiving oxygen and other nutrients, with the result that these tissues start disintegrating rapidly.”
While there are two main types of strokes, ischemic and hemorrhagic, ischemic strokes are the most common, accounting for 87% of all cases, according to the association.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
“Blood flow to the brain can be compromised when … a cerebral artery is blocked off either by a blood clot or a plaque,” Kumar said. “This is called an ischemic stroke.”
Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Stroke Association.(iStock)
In the case of a hemorrhagic stroke, the blood vessel supplying the brain ruptures, leading to bleeding within the brain tissue, according to Kumar.
“Bleeding can directly damage brain cells or deprive the surrounding tissues of receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients,” he added.
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Fox News Digital’s Ashlyn Messier contributed to this report.
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
Got unexpected visitors dropping by? We’ve all been there! The pressure to whip up something delicious in a hurry can be overwhelming, and let’s be real, who wants to slave away in the kitchen? So, why bother? With a few taps on the phone, you can order interesting food, ditch the stress and enjoy quality time with your guests. Food delivery apps are your saviour, offering thousands of options to satisfy everyone’s cravings. And the best part? It will reach you in minutes! When your guests see the array of tempting snacks on offer, they’ll be raving about your get-togethers. Want to know what these snacking ideas are? Read on!
Here Are 10 Snack Ideas Your Guests Will Absolutely Love:
1. Samosas With A Twist
Samosas are always a staple, right? But why not shake things up? Imagine serving your guests samosa chaat that’s bursting with flavour, a chicken keema samosa that’s packed with spice, or even a gooey cheese samosa. Same samosa, totally new vibes. Not just these, food delivery apps have several other exciting samosa options for you to choose from.
Photo Credit: iStock
2. Sizzling Kebabs
Kebabs are always a crowd-pleaser but how about ordering something different? Along with the usual options, you can try mutton galouti kebabs, banjara kebabs, or chapli kababs. Veggie fans will love hara bhara kebabs or beetroot kebabs. And the best part? With several food options online, you can mix and match from tons of restaurants to create the ultimate kebab platter that will wow your guests. Order here!
In a rush? Can’t cook?
Order from
Photo Credit: iStock
3. Chaat Platter
When there’s chaat on the menu, the gathering automatically becomes a hit. Along with regular chaat, treat your guests to options like palak patta chaat, chana chaat, and kadi patta chaat for a great start. With a variety of flavours and textures, your guests will be impressed. So, go ahead and order online to make the most of these options.
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Momo Mania
Ever wondered what makes momos so irresistible? It’s the perfect blend of spices and flavours. With options like steamed, fried, pan-fried, and flavours like schezwan, chilli cheese, and butter chicken, your guests will be hooked from the first bite. Don’t miss, order them from your favourite food delivery app and enjoy!
Photo Credit: iStock
5. Mini Tacos
These bite-sized treats are perfect for grazing and exploring different flavours. Plus, your guests get to experience Mexican flavours at your gathering. What could be better? With endless veg and non-veg options, you can also create a taco platter that will impress your guests. Don’t forget to order these online!
Photo Credit: iStock
6. Nacho Platter
A snack attack calls for something satisfying and delicious. A nacho platter with crispy nachos and delicious dips fits the bill perfectly. Your guests will love the combination and ordering online makes it easy. Forget regular chips and make them indulge in crispy nachos with dips of your choice, like tandoori mayo or spicy chipotle. What are you waiting for? Order online now!
Photo Credit: Pexels
7. Biryani Bonanza
Biryani is one dish that never disappoints. With online food delivery apps, you can choose from endless biryani options like Hyderabadi veg dum biryani, butter chicken biryani, mutton biryani, Awadhi biryani, and more. By pairing them with refreshing raita or salad, your guests will be in for a real treat.
Photo Credit: iStock
8. Sushi
Sushi has become a popular snacking option in recent times. So, why not surprise your guests with some too? After all, sometimes you just want something special on the menu. With options like California Rolls, Spicy Tuna Roll, and Prawn Tempura, you’ll be treating your guests to a culinary experience they’ll never forget – all by using food delivery applications!
Photo Credit: iStock
9. Italian Fun Food
There’s something about Italian food that brings people together. Garlic bread, in particular, is a crowd-pleaser. With cheesy, pull-apart options, you’ll have your guests, especially the kids, coming back for more. Order now and make your gathering a super hit.
Photo Credit: iStock
10. Dessert Delights
The grand finale of any gathering is dessert. To leave a lasting impression, you can serve your guests traditional Indian desserts like mango kulfi, fusion ones like gulab jamun cheesecake, or Western delights like tiramisu jars, red velvet cheesecake jars, or even crispy churros with Nutella. Order them online and have everyone in dessert heaven!
Photo Credit: iStock
Ready to wow your guests? Place an order through your go-to food delivery app and turn your gathering into a memorable feast! With delicious dishes just a tap away, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the celebration.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-21/China-UAE-to-enhance-investment-cooperation-1CL4MtrSGZO/img/c1dd22e58a5b4ba18081b0d4a47c7d9e/c1dd22e58a5b4ba18081b0d4a47c7d9e.png' alt='Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang (R) and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan virtually co-chair the first meeting of a high-level committee for China-UAE investment cooperation, April 21, 2025. /Xinhua'
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan virtually co-chaired the first meeting of a high-level committee for China-UAE investment cooperation on Monday.
Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, praised the role of the committee in helping yield more results in bilateral cooperation.
He said China will work with the UAE to deliver on the common understandings between the two heads of state, and boost the efficiency and scale of investment cooperation to advance the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership.
Ding proposed that the two sides should give full play to the steering role of the committee, plan major projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, and encourage enterprises to expand the fields of cooperation between the two countries and innovate their methods of cooperation.
Sheikh Mansour said that the UAE commends the bilateral relations and is confident of China’s economy. He said the UAE will enhance its investment cooperation with China in order to leverage their complementary advantages and promote shared prosperity.
Bengaluru-based realty developer Brigade Group has signed a joint development agreement (JDA) worth approximately ₹175 crore for a plotted development project in Malur, East Bengaluru. This marks Brigade Group’s first plotted development project in East Bengaluru, strengthening its presence in one of the city’s expanding residential corridors.
The project will span approximately 20 acres, and a total development potential of 0.45 million square feet.
Commenting on the development, Pavitra Shankar, Managing Director, Brigade Enterprises Limited, said: “We continue to identify high-potential land parcels that align with our long-term vision of creating well-planned communities. With improving infrastructure and enhanced accessibility, more homebuyers are exploring well-connected, affordable living options beyond the city’s core. Through this development, we aim to introduce a thoughtfully designed residential offering that enhances value for homebuyers while contributing to the region’s growth.”
The shares of the company closed at ₹1,011.50, up by 2.63 per cent on the BSE.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
ADIDAS je početkom veljače ove godine predstavio novu verziju svog legendarnog Superstar modela – ovaj put pretvorenog u retro koturaljke pod imenom adidas Superstar 82 Skate. Nakon crne i srebrne varijante, sada stiže i treća, još odvažnija boja – metalik zelena.
Kako navodi Sneaker Bar Detroit, model Superstar 82 Skate Metallic Green na tržište stiže tijekom ljeta 2025., donoseći spoj ulične mode, nostalgije i funkcionalnosti – na četiri kotača.
Odvažna boja
Nova verzija ističe se sjajnim gornjim dijelom u metalik zelenoj boji koja odmah privlači pažnju. Sjajna sintetička površina posebno dolazi do izražaja u kontrastu s crnim detaljima na adidasovim trima prugama, prednjem dijelu tenisice, jeziku, unutrašnjosti, vezicama i potplatu. Brendiranje je diskretno kako bi glavnu ulogu preuzela upečatljiva boja.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Podsjetimo, adidas je s modelom Superstar 82 Skate izazvao veliki interes odmah pri lansiranju ranije ove godine. Kao što smo već naveli, prve dvije verzije bile su: klasična crno-bijela s modernim dodatkom – zelenim prugama koje svijetle u mraku – te elegantna srebrna varijanta s efektom ispucane metalik kože.
Cijena – 230 eura
S dolaskom metalik zelene verzije, adidas dodatno podiže ljestvicu. Cijena će ostati ista kao i kod prethodnih izdanja – 230 eura. Model će biti dostupan putem adidasove službene stranice i kod odabranih prodajnih partnera.
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ARLINGTON, Texas — As a father of two, Dave Roberts is a true believer.
“Dad strength,” he declared Sunday morning, “is real.”
Which, naturally, made the Dodgers manager all the more excited about the return of the team’s newest dad: Shohei Ohtani.
“Now that he is a father,” Roberts joked, “we might see some 120[-mph] exit velos off the bat.”
Indeed, when Ohtani rejoined the Dodgers on Easter morning, after being away for two games for the birth of his first child this weekend, he was met with a wave of congratulations — and also a hint of expectation.
Sure, the so-called theory of dad strength — gains in physical strength and stamina that some new dads seemingly experience upon entering fatherhood — might be more of a playful urban legend than scientifically proven fact.
But when it came to Ohtani, the intrigue was palpable.
“I’m sure if there is someone that is gonna have it,” teammate Mookie Betts said, “it’s Shohei.”
Whatever fatherly forces Ohtani acquired this weekend — when he and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, welcomed a baby girl — weren’t immediately on display in his first game back in the lineup.
In the Dodgers’ 1-0 win on Sunday, Ohtani walked just once and went hitless in three other at-bats. His top exit velocity was only 82 mph. Roberts said after the game that the reigning MVP looked a little unsettled at the plate.
“[He was] overly aggressive,” Roberts said after Ohtani hit two groundouts and a strikeout. “Having two days off, I think today he just came a little anxious.”
Still, it did little to dampen belief in the dad strength phenomenon — one that, well before Ohtani entered the ranks of parenting, has become particularly popular within professional baseball.
In recent years, several MLB stars have had memorable dad strength surges; perhaps none more notable than when Angels slugger Mike Trout hit six home runs in his first eight games after becoming a father in 2020.
MLB’s website even tracks what it terms as “dad strength home runs,” listing the 26 players since 2011 who have gone deep in their first game back from paternity leave. Phillies star Bryce Harper, remarkably, has done it twice.
Around the Dodgers’ clubhouse Sunday morning, several players recounted their own dad strength experiences.
Third baseman Max Muncy noted how, after the birth of his daughter, Sophie, in July 2021, he went on to receive MVP votes at the end of what became a career-best season — even if, he added with a laugh, there were plenty of “dad ache” moments that also came along with it.
“Just when your arms start hurting holding the baby, and your back starts hurting,” he said. “I had more of those moments than I had dad strength moments.”
Tommy Edman joked that his own recent power surge, which has seen the once light-hitting utilityman rack up 13 home runs in his last 60 games going back to last season, has come in the wake of son Eli’s arrival two offseasons ago.
“Ever since he’s been born,” Edman said, “my home run rate has gone up.”
Plenty of others detailed changes they noticed away from the field upon becoming fathers.
Evan Phillips said he feels his dad strength whenever he’s carrying groceries or other baby-related products for his 2-year-old son, Beau.
“When the baby stuff at home happens, you just gotta make it happen,” he said.
While Phillips was on a rehab assignment with triple-A Oklahoma City last week, he highlighted another benefit not shared by younger prospects in the organization.
“We had an 11 a.m. game … and everyone is walking in all dragging,” Phillips chuckled. “And I’m like, ‘Guys, I woke up at the same time I always do.’”
Veteran pitcher and father of four, Clayton Kershaw, explained a similar dynamic.
“I think you just have more energy,” he said. “You just have to. Like now, I don’t ever feel the need to really sit down. I just am ready to go, all the time.”
“When you don’t have kids, you feel like, ‘Oh gosh, I just need to relax,’ or like, ‘I just need a day,’” Kershaw added. “Now, you don’t have that. But you don’t need it, either.”
Roberts, too, recalled dad strength moments from his playing days, crediting it for a few of the 23 career home runs he hit over 10 years in the majors.
“There’s something to the dad strength,” he reiterated. “But [I was] nothing close to Shohei.”
Ohtani, of course, isn’t exactly lacking for physical capabilities on the field. Last season, he became the first player in MLB history to have a 50-homer, 50-steal campaign. This year, he already has six long balls, five stolen bases and, according to MLB’s Statcast data system, one of the five hardest swings in the majors.
However, Roberts noted, it’s the renewed perspective fatherhood provides that usually drives the biggest transformation of players.
“Some of the attributes you get from being a dad do translate to the baseball field,” he said. “Not sweating the small stuff. Understanding what’s most important. I have seen our players evolve in how they look at life and baseball.”
And to that end, how Ohtani navigated his first weekend of fatherhood had already made an impression on the manager.
“For him to just make sure the baby was healthy and to get back here, and to be a part of this, certainly shows his ability to balance life and work,” Roberts said. “It’s good to have him back. And most importantly, I’m happy him and Mamiko have a healthy baby girl.”
Technology major Google on Monday settled with the Competition Commission a nearly four-year-old case related to alleged unfair business practices with respect to Android Smart TV market and has agreed to modify its agreement with vendors. This is the first case that has been settled under the amended Competition Act, wherein the settlement and committment provisions were introduced in 2023.
In the nearly four-year-old case, Google proposed settlement, including a modified agreement with the vendors that would address anti-competitive concerns and also paid a settlement amount of Rs 20.24 crore.
The settlement order on Monday also came at a time when US Vice President J D Vance started his four-day India visit. Also, India is hoping to reach an agreement with the US within the 90-day pause on steep tariffs announced by President Donald Trump.
“The Commission considered the settlement proposal and observed that under the ‘New India Agreement’, Google will provide a standalone licence for the Play Store and Play Services for Android smart TVs in India, thereby removing the requirement to bundle these services or impose default placement conditions.
“Additionally, by waiving the need for a valid Android Compatibility Commitments (ACC) for devices shipped into India that do not include Google apps, OEMs can now sell and develop incompatible Android devices without violating the Television App Distribution Agreement (TADA),” the regulator said in a release on Monday.
Besides, as part of the settlement, Google has paid Rs 20.24 crore as settlement amount.
Earlier also, Google had come under the scanner of CCI where the latter passed orders with respect to Android OS and Play Store billing matters. Two more cases against Google — one related to digital news publshers/adtech and another on alleged excessive Play Store billing — are currently being probed by the regulator.
In June 2021, CCI had ordered a detailed investigation into the case after concluding that there was prima facie evidence of competition law violations.
The probe by the regulator’s investigation arm Director General (DG) concluded that Android Smart TV OS has a dominant position in the relevant market of ‘licensable Smart TV device operating system in India’ and Google Play Store is in a dominant position in the ‘Market for App Store for Android Smart TV OS in India’.
“It found that Google’s agreements — TADA and ACC — executed together, imposed unfair terms by requiring the pre-installation of its full app bundle Google TV Services, preventing OEMs from developing or using Android forks, and hindering innovation,” CCI said.
Citing the DG’s findings, the watchdog noted that these agreements extended across entire device portfolios and included the tying of services like YouTube with the Play Store, strengthening Google’s market dominance and breaching several provisions of Section 4 of the Act.
The allegation of refusal to deal and exclusive supply under Section 3(4) was not substantiated, the release said.
Section 3 pertains to anti-competitive agreements and Section 4 relates to abuse of dominant position.
It was alleged that Google misused its dominant position by enforcing restrictive agreements on OEMs, including compulsory bundling of the Play Store with Android TV OS and preventing the use or creation of rival forked Android versions through its Anti-Fragmentation Agreements.
These practices allegedly blocked market access, curbed competition, and placed unrelated obligations on OEMs, ultimately stifling innovation and violating provisions of Section 4 of the Act.
CCI started looking into the matter following a complaint filed by two individuals against Google LLC, Google India Pvt Ltd, Xiaomi Technology India Pvt Ltd and TCL India Holding Pvt Ltd.
As forecast by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), several parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed a spell of rain, hailstorm, and strong winds over the past 24 hours. While the weather turned turbulent briefly, so far, no damage or loss has been reported from any region.
Himachal Pradesh: Vehicle ply on roads amid rains in Shimla.(PTI photo)
In the state capital, Shimla, the fresh rain and mild hailstorm brought a refreshing change in the weather, making it even more pleasant. For residents, orchardists, and farmers, this unexpected rainfall came as a welcome relief, while for tourists, it added a magical touch to their visit.
The recent showers have significantly enhanced the beauty of Shimla, drawing tourists who are enjoying the cool and comfortable climate.
Subhash, a tourist from Nepal, expressed his delight over the weather conditions.
“We reached Shimla last evening. Initially, it felt a bit hot while arriving, but by night and the next morning, light rain and hail turned the weather beautiful and pleasant,” said Subhash.
Sharing his joy, he said that post rain the weather has become pleasant and gives a sense of being in heaven .
“This is such a wonderful place. We are truly enjoying our time here. It feels like we’ve reached heaven,” he said.
He described the light morning showers and hail as an enchanting experience that made the surroundings even more breathtaking.
“It’s so much fun. The weather after the early morning rain and hailstorm looks even more beautiful now,” Subhash said.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning, over the districts of Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Una in the next one to two hours.
Earlier today, RMC predicted light to moderate rainfall across Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra districts in the early hours, with certain areas likely to witness intense weather conditions, including thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and gusty winds.
As the electric guitarist of the world’s most successful band after The Beatles, Sir Brian May has contributed plenty through Queen’s music back catalogue.
In fact, when he took part in BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs back in 2002, he nominated his very own We Will Rock You as one of his castaway tracks.
At the end, the guest is always asked which single piece of music they would save if they could only keep one from the waves.
Basically, it’s a question of what’s your all-time favourite. And just like many other guests, Sir Brian struggled a bit with his choice.
The Queen legend replied: “Oh, God. Now that’s an awful question. Um… d’you know, I think it’s gonna be No 1. I think it’s gonna be the Planets Suite, because there’s so much in there. There’s so much depth, and there are still things which I need to find out about it. I think I’d probably take that.”
Gustav Holst’s The Planets is a 1917 seven-movement orchestral suite, with each movement named after a planet of the Solar System and embodying the character of the Greek/Roman god they’re named after.
For Desert Island Discs, Dr Brian, who has a PhD in astrophysics, chose the fifth movement, Saturn – The Bringer of Old Age, which was Holst’s favourite of The Planets. After it played, he said serenely, “Umm. Gets me every time”.
On the monologue he once wrote about the movement, Sir Brian said: “It was actually about one winter’s night, and the progress of the stars, so it was kind of an astronomical monologue.” Asked what his castaway book would be alongside The Bible and the Complete Works of William Shakespeare, the rocker chose the first book in The Space Trilogy: “My book is Out Of The Silent Planet by C S Lewis. Written, I suppose almost as a children’s book, but it’s a very adult kind of children’s book. It’s a very spiritual thing. It’s on the face of it a science fiction story, but underneath it is a view of the Universe, which I really hope is true.”
The RBI questioned banks on the need for multiple apps targeting the same customers after technical glitches caused inconvenience. They suggest streamlining for better efficiency
The RBI believes that having multiple apps by the same bank wastes resources, leading to duplicated efforts in technical teams, funding, and marketing. (Representative/Shutterstock)
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised an important issue with the banks in the country regarding the necessity of launching multiple apps for a single bank, targeting the same customer segment. The central bank is seeking clarity on whether it is essential for a bank to create numerous apps for the same set of customers.
According to a report by Moneycontrol, RBI recently inquired about this from several banks, especially after a series of technical glitches plagued many banking apps in recent months, causing significant customer inconvenience.
Though the RBI has not yet made an official statement or responded to Moneycontrol’s email, sources indicate that the central bank has subtly suggested banks reconsider this repetitive strategy. Banks have been given until June to respond.
A senior banker pointed out that not only is the technical investment split between the main banking app and the new apps, but customer experience also suffers. He added that customers often find themselves confused about which app to download, where to open an account, and which one to use for transactions.
Big banks in the country like Kotak Mahindra, IndusInd Bank, and HDFC Bank have multiple apps for the same customer base. For instance, Kotak has Kotak Bank and Kotak 811, IndusInd has IndusInd and Indie, and HDFC has HDFC Bank and PayZapp. These apps, aimed at retail customers, offer similar features and services. The RBI believes this approach wastes resources, leading to duplicated efforts in technical teams, funding, and marketing, while also confusing customers.
Around four to five years ago, some banks began to focus on the “digital bank” theme during the digital revolution, launching new apps as separate units to enhance their market valuation and identity. However, it appears the RBI now strongly disagrees with this strategy, urging banks to streamline their efforts for better efficiency and customer clarity.
Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates—only on News18.
News business Why So Many: RBI Questions Banks On App Obsession
As the market warms up and new narratives begin forming around decentralized finance, one project quietly moving ahead of the crowd is starting to attract more than just early adopters. Mutuum Finance (MUTM), currently priced at $0.025, is catching the attention of traders who have seen cycles come and go—and this time, they’re not chasing noise. They’re looking at real traction.
With over $6.8 million raised in its ongoing presale and thousands of users already onboarded, Mutuum Finance isn’t just entering the conversation—it’s becoming a serious contender for the title of next big cryptocurrency to break out in 2025.
Mutuum Finance (MUTM)
The Mutuum protocol introduces a borrowing and lending system that doesn’t rely on centralized gatekeepers or static rules. Instead, it uses smart contracts to manage liquidity pools where users can deposit digital assets to earn interest, or borrow against collateral without selling their holdings.
This system operates without individual loan matchmaking. Instead, borrowers tap into shared reserves after locking sufficient collateral, and interest rates adjust based on real-time demand. The result is a system that remains fluid, user-driven, and easy to interact with—removing much of the friction that has historically weighed down DeFi adoption.
But the appeal of Mutuum doesn’t stop at lending. One of its more anticipated features is a collateral-backed stablecoin that will be launched on the Ethereum network. Minted directly from user deposits, the stablecoin introduces an additional use case while reinforcing liquidity and trust in the system.
While many projects make bold claims, Mutuum’s growing reputation comes from visible progress and realistic strategy. Notably, the team plans to launch a beta version of the lending protocol alongside the token’s listing on public exchanges—something many early-stage DeFi projects delay.
This synchronized launch is key, as it signals that the project isn’t just selling an idea—it’s delivering a product. It also aligns with increased interest from traders who previously invested in major tokens like Dogecoin. These investors, who once capitalized on community-driven momentum, are now shifting their focus to projects offering actual utility and long-term participation potential.
Mutuum’s appeal for this group lies in its real yield system. The protocol uses its own revenue to buy MUTM tokens from the market and distribute them to users who support the ecosystem by locking their assets. This design introduces sustainable buying pressure and avoids token oversupply—two things many DeFi platforms struggle to balance.
At $0.025, MUTM is still very much in its early stage. But with more than 40% of this presale phase already completed, the window to enter at this level is closing fast. Once the next round begins, the price will climb to $0.03, with further increases planned ahead of the official exchange debut.
Analysts tracking new projects with real use cases are starting to suggest that MUTM could experience up to 2,300% gains post-launch, driven by increased demand, protocol revenue distribution, and limited supply leakage. For long-term holders, this positions Mutuum as more than just another DeFi experiment—it’s a potential crypto investment that fits the kind of fundamentals serious investors look for.
If this trajectory plays out, even modest entries at the current price could lead to significant returns. And unlike speculative meme tokens, MUTM’s projected value increase is tied to protocol activity, user engagement, and growing demand for decentralized, non-custodial financial tools.
With new features rolling out, a stablecoin in development, a buy-and-distribute system supporting the token’s price, and a strong early user base, it’s becoming harder to ignore Mutuum Finance. The project isn’t relying on hype cycles or flashy marketing. Instead, it’s quietly growing its foundation, building real utility, and attracting the kind of investors who value functionality over flash.
It may still be early in the year, but momentum is building fast. As traders continue scanning for the best cryptocurrency to buy now, more eyes are landing on this low-cap DeFi project. And by the time MUTM hits major exchanges, it might not be a quiet opportunity anymore.
So, will it be the next big crypto of 2025? If Mutuum keeps delivering on its roadmap—and adoption continues to scale—the answer is starting to look like a confident yes.
For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below:
Aimed at ITI, diploma, and college students across Tier-1 to Tier-3 cities, the centre will provide hands-on training and access to advanced labs like the 45 MW Solar PV Manufacturing Line and the ATMP Semiconductor Packaging Line.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary on Monday launched a Centre of Excellence (CoE) – jointly set up by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) – at Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
The CoE will be equipped with advanced manufacturing capabilities labs that provide specialised training. It will offer over 40 online and hybrid courses in sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, renewable and non-renewable energy, digital edge, smart manufacturing, and more. A Memorandum of Association (MoA) was signed earlier this month between NSDC and PDEU in this regard.
These courses will cater to ITI, Diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate students. The curriculum is designed to equip learners from Tier-1, Tier-2 and Tier-3 institutes with hands-on experience in niche manufacturing skill sets across critical sectors, including energy, health, water and food. Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International, said, “At NSDC, our core mission is to make youth employable, and this collaboration will strengthen the skilling ecosystem. This collaboration will support the development of training infrastructure in smart manufacturing, along with Centres of Excellence focused on automotive, EV charging, renewable energy, and semiconductors. Training in the semiconductor domain is already underway, paving the way for youth to gain practical exposure in high-demand, future-oriented fields. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the NSDC is placing a strong emphasis on global certification programmes that enable Indian students to access world-class skills and compete confidently in the international job market. We are dedicated to making India’s youth employable, entrepreneurial, and future-ready.
This CoE will serve as a hub for hands-on learning, R&D, and real-time industry engagement in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, embedded systems, and VLSI design, directly addressing the talent needs of these sectors. It will be a crucible for developing specialised skills aligned with the national priorities of sustainable development and energy security.
NSDC will play a key role in the smooth functioning of the CoE and the seamless delivery of programmes to students. It will periodically monitor project progress to ensure students receive quality training and are prepared for future job roles. PDEU will empower students with industry-standard manufacturing lines, including the “45 MW Solar PV Manufacturing Line” and the ATMP Semiconductor Packaging Line.
Boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya, 52, recently shared a beauty secret that is raising some eyebrows.
“These lasers only making me younger and cuter … sorry fellas,” he recently posted on Instagram, along with a video of himself receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) along with a laser treatment.
“CO2 laser + hyperbaric chamber=sexy papichulo by next week,” he went on.
While HBOT can serve as a supplement for other therapies, it is not a primary treatment for illnesses, experts emphasized.
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Fox News Digital spoke to the experts to find out whether HBOT is a safe aesthetic treatment.
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
In everyday life, humans breathe in air so that blood can deliver oxygen to cells for energy — but that air is only comprised of 21% oxygen.
Boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya, 52, recently shared that he undergoes hyperbaric oxygen therapy.(Getty/iStock)
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy works by pumping 100% oxygen to the tissues, which can aid in healing. (Tissues need oxygen to function normally, but they require more oxygen after injury, experts say.)
For an HBOT session, the patient enters a long, tube-shaped chamber that resembles an MRI machine. They typically lie on their back while oxygen is pumped into the chamber for one to two hours, experts confirm.
ANTI-AGING BENEFITS LINKED TO ONE SURPRISING HEALTH HABIT
The chamber has two-and-a-half times more air pressure than normal, the National Institutes of Health notes.
That increased pressure then “floods” injured tissues with oxygen-rich blood to help them heal.
“Exclusively relying on HBOT is not recommended.”
“Adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has certainly gained more momentum in the medical community, assisting with the healing of severe diabetic foot ulcers, failing skin grafts/flaps and tissue severely damaged by radiation injury,” Dr. Caesar A. Anderson, medical director at UCSD Hyperbaric Medicine & Wound Healing Center in California, told Fox News Digital.
The therapy also helps to reduce inflammation and promote growth of new blood vessels, the doctor added.
However, Anderson added, “Exclusively relying on HBOT is not recommended.”
For an HBOT session, the patient enters a long, tube-shaped chamber that resembles an MRI machine. They typically lie on their back while oxygen is pumped into the chamber for one to two hours, experts confirm.(iStock)
HBOT has also been shown to be effective in wound healing — “especially in burns, infections and immunocompromised patients” — and to treat carbon monoxide poisoning, according to Dr. Suzanne A. Trott, a double board-certified plastic and general surgeon in Beverly Hills.
Additionally, the treatment is often helpful for improving outcomes after surgery.
VETERANS’ PTSD SYMPTOMS COULD IMPROVE WITH HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY, STUDY SHOWS
“Oral surgeons refer patients who have had radiation for head or neck cancer and require tooth extractions,” Anderson said.
HBOT primes the radiated tissue with oxygen, which enables the body to better tolerate surgery while minimizing post-operative complications, he noted.
Trott said that in her own practice, she recommends one pre-operative and five post-operative HBOT treatments for all aesthetic and reconstructive patients — “because it really does improve recovery.”
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy works by pumping 100% oxygen to the tissues, which can aid in healing. (iStock)
“When you come out of it, you’ve got a nice glow, so it’s a great red-carpet treatment — but that look is temporary,” she added.
Approximately 15 conditions are approved for hyperbaric oxygen therapy by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Society (UHMS).
CELEBRITIES LIKE BIEBER, BIALIK ARE USING HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY: HERE’S WHY IT’S TRENDING
Some of these include carbon monoxide poisoning, burns, decompression sickness, severe anemia and severe wounds.
“Chronic refractory bone infections and/or necrotizing tissue infections are also approved indications for HBOT use, as severe anaerobic infections do not thrive in a hyper-oxygenated environment,” Anderson told Fox News Digital.
Potential anti-aging effects
The ability for HBOT to reverse or abbreviate the aging process has not yet been endorsed by the governing medical body, the UHMS, according to Anderson.
“The aging process is complex, and certainly we know that with aging, our ability to efficiently utilize oxygen on the cellular level is modified,” he told Fox News Digital.
“I don’t think we are at the point where we can just target the parts of our body that we don’t want to age.”
Past studies have shown that the treatment decreases cell death by maintaining and increasing the length of telomeres, which are extensions of DNA that prevent cells from degrading, Trott said.
“While this makes it sound like a cure-all for aging … I don’t think we are at the point where we can just target the parts of our body that we don’t want to age,” she said.
The chamber has two-and-a-half times more air pressure than normal, the National Institutes of Health notes.(iStock)
For most people, the doctor surmised, that would likely include things like maintaining skin elasticity, muscle mass, and hair volume and color.
“We have not yet harnessed the power of HBOT to visibly slow down or reverse the external signs of aging,” Trott added.
Cautions of side effects
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says the treatment is generally safe and that serious complications are not common.
The increased pressure and concentration of oxygen, however, can cause middle ear infections, rupture of an eardrum, temporary vision changes and, in rare cases, collapse of the lungs, according to the agency.
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Others may experience a feeling that their ears are plugged, similar to being at high altitude or in an airplane, per Johns Hopkins Medicine.
People who are claustrophobic may have more difficulty receiving the treatment in an enclosed space.
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As some may experience headaches and feel lightheaded, experts recommend that patients have someone drive them home after the therapy.
The FDA also warns that the high concentrations of oxygen can lead to explosions or fire, which have occurred at unaccredited facilities.
Experts recommend receiving the therapy only for FDA-approved conditions at an accredited facility from an experienced healthcare provider – ideally one that has been certified by the UHMS.(iStock)
To prevent this risk, experts recommend receiving the therapy only for FDA-approved conditions at an accredited facility from an experienced healthcare provider – ideally one that has been certified by the UHMS.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
In January 2025, a 5-year-old boy was killed while inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber that exploded at a Michigan medical facility while receiving treatment for conditions not approved by the FDA, as Fox News Digital previously reported.
Fox News Digital reached out to Mayo Clinic, which declined to comment. Fox News Digital also reached to De La Hoya for comment.
On a scorching summer day, nothing beats a refreshing glass of sugarcane juice – especially when you are on the go. Street vendors selling this drink feel like lifesavers during those hot days. But despite the steady foot traffic, many of these vendors may struggle to make consistent earnings. What if there were a way to help them reach more people? Well, that is exactly what a kind-hearted woman from Bengaluru did, and it’s winning her praise online. The woman helped a local sugarcane juice vendor in Banashankari by listing her business on Google Maps. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), she shared her experience of discovering a juice stall run by Latha, a warm and hardworking woman well-known in the neighbourhood. What made the stall stand out? As per the X user, it was spotless – not a single fly near the glasses or machine. Latha’s welcoming vibe made the visit even more enjoyable. Wanting to support her in a meaningful way, the woman decided to list the stall on Google Maps to help more people discover this clean and charming spot. Also Read: Story Of Elderly Couple Selling Snacks At Thane Station Wins Hearts Online
The woman’s post read, “Please visit this sugarcane shop anytime you are in the area. Run by the sweetest, most hospitable lady – Latha. Keeps the premises super clean, no flies covering the machine or glasses. My way of thanking her…also added her business to Google Maps. #Banashankari.”
Please visit this sugarcane shop anytime you are in the area. Run by the sweetest, most hospitable lady – Latha. Keeps the premises super clean, no flies covering the machine or glasses. My way of thanking her…also added her business to Google maps. #Banashankaripic.twitter.com/HQo05XyxXC
Here is how people reacted to the woman’s act of kindness:
A user wrote, “Thanks for promoting genuine ones…much appreciated.”
Thanks for promoting genuine ones…much appreciated— Indigenous???????? (@_Hold_Ma_Beer) April 19, 2025
Another one added, “Adding her business to Google Maps. Best thing you could have done!”
Adding her business to Google Maps. Best thing you could have done!— ???? Rajesh Bhattad | theRevOpsGuy (@theRevOpsGuy) April 17, 2025
“Good positive vibes,” read a comment.
Good positive vibes.— Vijayeendra Katageri (@katageriv1) April 17, 2025
A person said, “Cut sugarcane pieces in the fridge, wow that’s impressive! Wish I could visit them.”
Cut sugarcane pieces in the fridge, wow that’s impressive! Wish I could visit them. My best wishes and also worried that babus and politicos do not demand money bribes from them!— Slick (@NeilMcCauley27) April 18, 2025
What do you think about this post? Tell us in the comments.
Also Read: British Man Shows Friends How To Eat Golgappas, Internet Applauds
<img src='https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-20/Are-microplastics-causing-the-fertility-crisis–1CJkgVe5Kc8/img/e4b26151231640d1bf789cc3303b446f/e4b26151231640d1bf789cc3303b446f.jpeg' alt='Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has made tackling the demographic crisis one of her government's top priorities. /Reuters'
Italy is battling one of the worst fertility crises in Europe. Last year, the number of babies born dropped by 2.6 per cent—marking the sixteenth consecutive year of decline. Births have now fallen to the lowest level since the country’s unification in 1861.
Much has been said of the potential causes: the so-called ‘brain drain’, stagnant economic growth, and a lack of reproductive incentives, to name a few.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has made tackling the demographic crisis one of her government’s top priorities. Her administration has rolled out tax breaks for mothers with at least two children and increased both maternity and paternity leave allowances.
But in the picturesque coastal town of Salerno, a different picture may be emerging.
At a local fertility clinic, 18 women sought assisted reproductive treatment. Researchers there took the unusual step of analysing their ovarian follicular fluid for the presence of microplastics.
In 14 of the women, microplastics were found.
Ovarian follicular fluid plays a vital role in the reproductive process. It surrounds and nourishes developing eggs, helping regulate their maturation and readiness for fertilisation.
Luigi Montano, the lead author of the study, described the results as “very alarming.” Published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, his paper concludes that the findings should serve as an “important warning signal about the invasiveness of these emerging contaminants in the female reproductive system.”
The paper only highlights a “possible presence of correlation between the concentration of microplastics” and women’s reproductive health—so further research is definitely needed.
But it’s already well-established that microplastics often carry harmful compounds such as PFAS, bisphenol, and phthalates—chemicals that have been linked to cancer and hormone disruption.
Montano, whose study is part of a wider research project on human fertility, suspects microplastics may also be contributing to declining sperm counts.
Xiaozhong Yu, a microplastics researcher at the University of New Mexico, echoed the importance of the findings in his response to the study. “This is the work in the next phase—we need to quantify,” he said.
The fertility crisis is a hot topic in both Italian, and indeed global, politics. Yet much of the discourse centres around economic and social causes.
But there’s growing evidence that Italy’s fertility crisis exists within a much larger, global backdrop. A recent World Health Organization report estimates that 17.5 per cent of couples worldwide experience infertility.
Real estate company Pacific Group will develop a 15 lakh sq ft shopping mall and a hotel in Jaipur to expand business amid rising demand for premium retail spaces, a top company official said.
Pacific Group has nine shopping malls, comprising more than 30 lakh sq ft of retail spaces, in Delhi, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Dehradun.
In an interview with PTI, Pacific Group Managing Director Abhishek Bansal said, “We have a portfolio of nine shopping malls and now we are expanding in Jaipur, Rajasthan.” He said the company has acquired a 11-acre land in Jaipur to develop a shopping mall with total area of about 15 lakh sq ft.
Pacific Group will also build a hotel comprising 130 rooms, he said, adding that the hotel will be managed by a hospitality chain.
Bansal said there is a huge demand for superior shopping malls and hotels in tier-II and III cities.
He said the mall in Jaipur is expected to be operational by 2026-end while the hotel will open in 2027.
“We have started the process of leasing the space to retailers,” Bansal said.
About the existing nine retail properties, he said these shopping malls are doing good business.
He noted that the food and beverage (F&B) segment has been doing very well in the past few years.
Pacific Group has four malls in Delhi — two each in Dehradun and Faridabad, and one in Ghaziabad.
Asked about the future expansion plan, Bansal said the company is focusing on completing this Jaipur project.
“Once construction of Jaipur mall reaches advances stage, we will look for land for business expansion.” Bansal remains bullish on the growth prospect of organised retail in India, which he said is constantly evolving.
He also believes that there will not be any adverse impact of e-commerce on physical retail.
According to real estate consultant Cushman & Wakefield’s recent report, as many as 19 Grade A shopping malls covering 12.3 million (123 lakh) sq ft of retail space will become operational in 2025 and 2026 across top eight cities — Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
U OŽUJKU je tvrtka Nothing predstavila dva nova pametna telefona srednje klase – Phone (3a) i Phone (3a) Pro – no mnogi su se odmah zapitali: gdje je Phone (3)? Sada napokon stiže i odgovor.
Osnivač i izvršni direktor Nothinga, Carl Pei, nedavno je tijekom AMA (Ask Me Anything – Pitaj me bilo što) sesije na platformi X potvrdio kada možemo očekivati dolazak uređaja. Nothing Phone (3) bit će lansiran između srpnja i rujna, odnosno u trećem tromjesečju ove godine.
Nothing prošle godine nije lansirao flagship telefon, ali Nothing Phone (2) pojavio se u srpnju 2023., a Phone (1) također je lansiran u srpnju 2022., pa je lako moguće da će se tvrtka i ove godine držati tog rasporeda.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Iako zasad nema službenih informacija o specifikacijama novog telefona, ako je lansiranje doista planirano za srpanj, možemo očekivati da promotivna kampanja započne već u svibnju ili početkom lipnja, kada bismo mogli doznati više detalja.
O brendu
Nothing je britanska tech tvrtka koju je 2020. godine osnovao Carl Pei, jedan od suosnivača OnePlusa. Tvrtka je postala poznata po svom minimalističkom dizajnu, transparentnim kućištima i LED Glyph sučelju na stražnjoj strani telefona.
Široku pažnju privukla je i zbog estetske sličnosti svojih telefona s Appleovim iPhoneom – ravni rubovi, pozicioniranje kamera i cjelokupni dizajnerski pristup često su uspoređivani s Appleovim stilom.
Prvi pametni telefon, Nothing Phone (1), lansiran 2022., dočekan je s velikim interesom upravo zbog tog spoja poznate estetike i svježeg, drugačijeg pristupa Androidu. Nothing nastoji stvoriti proizvode koji su vizualno privlačni, funkcionalni i odskaču od standardiziranog izgleda većine modernih uređaja.
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Ingrid Lindblad grew up figure skating. The dynamic sport of balance and precision tested her limits before she ultimately surrendered the ice for the green full-time.
The individuality, besting yourself rather than an opponent to achieve your goals, drove the Swedish golfer as a young athlete — and to top amateur status at Louisiana State. As one of two LPGA rookies atop the JM Eagle LA Championship leaderboard Sunday afternoon, Lindblad needed to channel her success, which propelled her to becoming the 2024 Honda Award winner for golf, the same under-pressure skillset that helped her qualify for the LPGA tour in the first place.
Lindblad, 25, converted six birdies Sunday, enough to weather the field and win the LA Championship at El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana — her first LPGA victory in her third career tour start. Lindblad, who missed out on the top 10 in her first two starts, charged into the conversation Friday with a career-low nine-under 63 to tie the tournament scoring record. She bookended the second round with four-under performances in the first and third rounds.
Lindblad was unaware of her first victory until cameras swarmed her as she nervously snacked in front of the clubhouse. Her shocked expression turned to glee as her mother, Cecilia, and peers celebrated her milestone moment.
Sunday’s finale wasn’t in her hands. Fellow rookie Akie Iwai missed a 13-foot putt on the 18th hole that would have forced a playoff after tying the score at 21-under with a 16th-hole birdie.
“You expect your opponent to make, make the chip, make the putt,” Lindblad said. “She played really well this week too. I was expecting her to make it.”
Iwai, who played alongside her identical twin sister, Chisato, on Saturday, curved a last-chance shot from behind a tree to try and cut into the lead to set up her birdie putt.
“I saw Ingrid [was ahead],” said Akie Iwai, who finished 20-under as the runner-up. “I must catch up… so I will give it a try. It was a really good shot.”
Earlier in the round, Iwai, who entered Sunday tied with Lindblad and tour veteran Lauren Coughlin at 17-under, stalled after her sixth-hole bogey.
Lindblad also lost steam, settling for par on every hole after the 11th. But she found a lucky touch to maintain her lead. On the eighth hole, after driving the ball into the rough — a sand patch near a fan viewing zone — Lindblad skipped a ball about 50 yards onto the green to create a short putt opportunity.
She sank the birdie, her fifth of the day, to place her at 20 under and a two-stroke lead with 10 holes remaining.
Even when her drives left plenty to be desired, struggling to find the fairway on multiple holes, Lindblad would save par to keep distance between second place. Lindblad sliced a ball on the 13th hole that sailed far wide and off a tree.
“I was not always friends with my driver,” Lindblad said.
The ball, however, ricocheted off the tree and toward the fairway rather than out of bounds. Lindblad eventually made par.
The 10th hole — a par four — appeared to be a potential bogey after Lindblad left the ball short of the putting green and into a bunker on her second shot. But after a nifty chip, she was able to keep par with a 15-foot putt.
It was shots such as her 10th-hole sand save that was proof that it may be Lindblad’s day in Tarzana.
“I know my sand saves aren’t the greatest percentage this year so far,” Lindblad said. “Making that up and down on both [the second hole] from the bunker and on 10 from the bunker, I was just happy to make par.”
Lindblad outpaced attempts to cut into her lead from the top-two ranked women’s golfers. Nelly Korda, No. 1 in the world, began the day tied for third and finished at 14 under. Just below Korda in the rankings, Jeeno Thitikul made a run toward the top of the standings by birdieing her first four holes, but ultimately settled in a tie for ninth place going 16 under.
Australian Hannah Green, who won the last two LA Championships, finished ninth as well. She donated $1,000 per eagle and $500 per birdie for Los Angeles fire relief efforts. Green will donate $10,500 after she added six birdies to her tally Sunday.
“I did a little bit of a tally last night,” Green said of her donations. “I was hoping that it was going to be a course where we make a ton [of eagles and birdies], and obviously it has been. … I’m grateful that I did make the amount that I did.”
Coughlin, who was part of the first-place tie to start Sunday, ended the LA Championship tied for third at 19 under with Esther Henseleit and Miyu Yamashita.
The LA Championship, which is usually held at Wilshire Country Club, moved to El Caballero in 2025 because of course renovations at Wilshire. The LPGA tour plans to return to Wilshire next season.
With the the Chevron Championship — the first LPGA major of the year — coming next week, Lindblad said it may be time to reassess her rookie-season goals after her first tour win. And with the $562,500 in prize money now to her name, she quipped only one thing was on her mind.
“I said, if I win, I’m gonna bump myself up to first class tomorrow,” Lindblad said she joked Saturday. “But there are no seats in first class tomorrow.”
Lindblad may still be thinking about first class, but after Sunday she’ll need to check an extra bag for her LA Championship silver trophy.
It’s been called ‘arguably the funniest movie of the 90s’ and has since spawned what some describe as a cult, so beloved is the movie’s main character. As well as being a comedy, it is also a kidnap mystery (although nobody actually gets kidnapped).
The Big Lebowski was released in 1998 and directed by the legendary Coen brothers, who also directed Fargo, Miller’s Crossing and No Country For Old Men. The film gave us characters like Jeffrey ‘the Dude’ Lebowski (played by Jeff Bridges), Walter Sobchak (John Goodman), Donny Kerabatsos (Steve Buscemi) and Jesus Quintana (John Turturro).
The plot centres around a couple of hired thugs mistakenly attacking The Dude because they think he is a different Jeffrey Lebowski, a wealthier one whose wife owes them money. The Dude expects some sort of compensation from the “Big” Lebowski, especially because the thugs who rough him up also urinated on his favourite rug. He explains himself, saying: “Let me explain something to you. I am not Mr Lebowski. You’re Mr. Lebowski. I’m The Dude.”
From there, the film descends into chaos. Empire magazine ranked the film 45th in its list of the best films of all time, where it was the highest-ranked comedy film. Explaining its score, they said: “You’ve got to hand it to the Coen brothers. Not only did they make arguably the funniest movie of the 90s — which has since spawned a genuine film cult — they also managed to construct a kidnap mystery in which the detective isn’t a detective and nobody was actually kidnapped. With bowling, marmots and a urine-stained rug.”
However, Time Out listed the film 12th in its list of the 100 best comedy movies ever, saying Bridges put in “one of the truly iconic performances of all-time”. Films listed above it include Borat, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Airplane and This Is Spinal Tap.
The Big Lebowski has a rating of 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.1/10 on IMDB. USA Today called it “just one of the most original films ever made, perhaps the best world the Coens imagined and the one filled with its best characters”.
Adam Kempenaar, writing for Filmspotting, said: “25 years later, the movie where every detail matters and doesn’t matter at all, is as hilarious as ever – and more poignant, man.”
And Peter Travers, writing in Rolling Stone, said it was “hilarious”, adding: “The Big Lebowski is the best movie ever set mostly in a bowling alley.”
However, while the film has acquired an iconic status in the nearly-three decades since its release (fans literally show up to screenings and country-wide ‘Lebowski Fests’ wearing bathrobes and flip-flops in homage to The Dude), it was not a big success on its release. With a relatively small budget of $15 million, it grossed only $18 million at the box office in the USA and $46.7 million worldwide.
Explaining the possible reasons for its poor initial showing, Matthew Perino writes in MovieWeb that the film’s trailer was “all over the place” and “an incoherent mess that’s hard to follow and makes the movie look downright strange”. And he recalls how critics weren’t keen on the film when it came out.
One top critic called it “uninspired”, The Daily News criticised the story as “tired” and The Guardian called it “a bunch of ideas shoveled into a bag and allowed to spill out at random. The film is infuriating”.
However, it later acquired iconic status among film fans, who now argue over whether it is the Coen brothers’ best film. Although that’s not an easy debate to win given their films also include Fargo and No Country For Old Men, it shows how great The Big Lebowski really is.
The BSE Sensex on Monday trades higher by nearly 600 points at 79,152.86 in the opening trade, while the NSE Nifty reclaims 24,000 amid strong buying in banks and IT companies.
Sensex Today.
The BSE Sensex on Monday traded higher by nearly 600 points at 79,152.86 in the opening trade, while the NSE Nifty reclaimed 24,000 amid strong buying in banks and IT companies. The Bank Nifty also hit record high of 54,290.20 in the early trade.
Among the 30 shares of the Sensex, 16 were trading in green. Among the top gainers were Tech Mahindra, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, SBI, IndusInd Bank, and Infosys rising by up to 3.45 per cent. However, Adani Ports, Eternal, ITC, Bharti Airtel and Titan were the losers falling by up to 3.21 per cent.
V K Vijayakumar, chief investment strategist of Geojit Investments Limited, said, “The focus of the FIIs will be the domestic consumption themes like financials, telecom, aviation, hotels, select autos, real estate, cement and health care. Growth stocks in the digital space also have the potential to move up. IT will continue to be under pressure since the growth outlook for the sector is bleak due to the expected sharp slowdown in the US economy.”
The possibility of India striking a deal with the US in the next few months is being perceived by the market as positive. Viewed from the perspective of the short-term market construct it is Advantage India, he added
According to Choice Broking, after the positive opening, the Nifty is likely to find support at 23,700, followed by 22,600 and 22,500. On the upside, 24,000 may act as the immediate resistance, followed by 24,200 and 24,500.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is currently at 72.28 and trending upward, signaling improving strength. Meanwhile, the Stochastic RSI has shown a positive crossover, suggesting short-term bullish momentum.
Global Cues
Asian equities and U.S. stock futures slid on Monday while the dollar slumped, as anxiety over tariffs and public criticism of the Federal Reserve by President Donald Trump hit sentiment, leading gold prices to a new high.
Trump launched a series of attacks against Fed Chair Jerome Powell on Thursday, with his team evaluating whether they could fire Powell, a move that has great consequence for the central bank’s independence and for global markets.
Most markets were closed on Friday and some remain on holiday for Easter Monday.
S&P 500 futures fell 0.64% and Nasdaq futures eased 0.53%. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei fell 1% while South Korea’s benchmark index was steady.
The yield on the benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury note rose 3 basis points to 4.358% in early Asian hours.
With the U.S. earnings season kicking off, investor focus this week will be on results from tech giant Alphabet, chipmaker Intel and EV maker Tesla.
All the Magnificent Seven megacap stocks are sharply lower in 2025, with Alphabet down about 20% and Tesla off 40%.
Stay updated with all the latest news on the Stock Market, including market trends, Sensex and Nifty updates, top gainers and losers, and expert analysis. Get real-time insights, financial reports, and investment strategies—only on News18.
News business » markets Sensex Surges Nearly 600 Points, Nifty Hits 24,000 In Opening Trade; Bank Nifty At Record High
The crypto market stayed quiet over the weekend, with Bitcoin trading in a narrow range between $83,000 and $87,000. Pi Coin, however, slipped just over 2% to around $0.63, continuing to trade sideways as it waits for a potentially market-moving event.
On April 21, 5.6 million Pi tokens are set to unlock — a development that could impact the coin’s price depending on how the market reacts. For now, the $0.60 level is acting as strong support, and some analysts see this as a key zone that could fuel a future breakout.
Despite the recent dip, excitement around Pi remains. Some analysts argue that the path to $5 is still in play, especially if the project continues to deliver on its roadmap and expands its use cases. “Utilities will drive value,” one community member posted, echoing a common belief among Pi holders.
There’s also buzz around the upcoming Consensus 2025 conference — one of the largest events in crypto — where Pi Network founder and Head of Technology, Nicolas Kokkalis, will take the stage. He’s set to appear alongside prominent figures like Eric Trump and Robert Hines, an executive advisor on digital assets for the White House.
Kokkalis’ inclusion in the speaker lineup is being seen as a milestone for Pi Network, signaling growing credibility and relevance in the larger Web3 space. With a big unlock scheduled for the next 30 days and the project’s top voice appearing on a major platform, the coming weeks could prove to be crucial for Pi’s next chapter.
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that Abhijit Das-authored “Strategies in GATT and WTO Negotiations“ book can be a starting textbook in the Center for WTO Studies and IIFT
| Photo Credit:
OstapenkoOlena
The Commerce Ministry’s Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) will “very” soon start a course on negotiations, as this is an important skill set required in areas like free trade agreements, a top government official said on Saturday.
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal also said that Abhijit Das-authored “Strategies in GATT and WTO Negotiations” book can be a starting textbook in the Center for WTO Studies and IIFT.
While releasing Das’s book, he said there was previously no publication that provided a comprehensive perspective on trade negotiations.
“When we look at these issues in the Department of Commerce, we always felt that there is a need for a negotiation course, which IIFT will be starting very soon,” the secretary said.
With the increasing number of free trade agreements, negotiating skills are going to be key in the coming days as it involves officials from different departments. India is negotiating several agreements, including with the US, the UK, Oman, Australia, Peru and European Union (EU).
“…On a daily basis, I’m finding it very difficult to see that our negotiators, you know, can be as good as the negotiators, which are coming from the USTR office or from the European Commission’s office. They have served for 25 to 30 years in their job…They do only one job throughout their career…We really find that although our guys are knowledgeable, they are very dedicated, but perhaps, you know, there is a dearth of negotiating skills,” Barthwal said.
Talking about the book, he said, “If I give it to my negotiators, they will know from where to begin. So that is the beauty of this book.”
“We felt that there is a need for a good course curriculum on negotiations. And the negotiations, rightly pointed out, are not simply the multilateral negotiation, but also, many times the plurilateral negotiations…and the flavoUr of the day is the bilateral negotiations”.
Das has more than two decades of experience in international trade in various capacities, including five years in trade policy making in the Government of India and 12 years as the Head of the Centre for WTO Studies, New Delhi.
He has directly participated in many multilateral and FTA negotiations, including the WTO Doha Round.
There’s no worse way to wake up than stuck to your sheets and so overheated that you can feel the steam rise as you peel the covers back. Whether you naturally run hot or you live in a muggy climate, like me, on those horribly hot nights, we’ll do just about anything to stop flipping pillows and rolling over to find a cool spot on the mattress.
A pillow designed with cooling technology can be a game-changer, especially if its tech extends beyond a cooling cover into the pillow’s stuffing or foam. To find the best one, I tested dozens, considering each pillow’s cooling sensation, material, feel, firmness, sleeper type, price, size and different sleeping positions.
The best overall cooling pillow
The Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology made the top of my list due to its high-quality materials, comfort and truly cool-to-the-touch feel. The innovative materials used in this pillow include Casper’s unique Phase Change materials, HeatDelete bands and a CoolTouch Cover, all actively working to keep you cooler throughout the night.
I tested 25 cooling pillows from 20 top brands; the 12 pillows that made this list are the best cooling pillows on the market. I also included a few honorable mentions that might work better for your particular sleep setup.
Best cooling pillows of 2025
Caroline Igo/CNET
The Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology is the coolest pillow I have ever tested. That’s why it takes my pick for the best overall cooling pillow. Not only is the machine-washable cover cool to the touch but the inside of the pillow is made with perforated poly foam, polyester fibers and gel. It uses what Casper calls Snow Technology, which has phase-change material that remains temperature-neutral around your head and neck and allows for airflow.
The pillow is soft yet supportive, and I like how my head sinks a little into the poly foam — but not too far. In terms of firmness, I would say it is medium, and when you press your hand into the material, it returns to its original shape a bit faster than memory foam does. So no need for fluffing. The Casper Hybrid Pillow will support back, side and combination sleepers (those that switch between positions at night).
Sleeping position(s): Back, side and combination
Pros:
Cool to the touch; coolest pillow I tested
Soft, machine-washable cover
Four layers of foam, fiber and gel with Snow Technology
Cons:
Over $100 for one pillow
Not for those who don’t like foam
Caroline Igo/CNET
GhostBed is known for its comfortable cooling mattress, and its cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow is no different. It’s made with a perforated gel memory foam core, a layer of phase-changing materials, an inner aerated mesh and a cover that’s truly cool to the touch. I like how the pillow conforms to my head and neck and feels cool on my face.
Compared to other cooling and memory foam pillows on the market, the GhostPillow Gel Memory Foam Pillow is very affordable — and not to mention, most pillows that claim to be cooling aren’t as cool to the touch as GhostBed’s. I think it’s a great value and can support back, side and combination sleepers.
Sleeping position(s): Back, side and combination
Pros:
Cool to the touch
Machine-washable cover
Affordable; GhostBed often has sales
Cons:
Not for strict stomach sleepers
Cooling cover is only on one side
Caroline Igo/CNET
The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Pillow isn’t just the winner for the best cooling memory foam pillow — it’s also the best pillow for all sleeper types. There are two lofts available: high and low. A high loft is great for side sleepers, and a low loft is meant for back and stomach sleepers. Its hexagon-patterned cover is cool to the touch and can be removed and washed. The cover extends to the other side, but the hexagon side is the coldest.
The memory foam itself is perforated, and the top is infused with copper. This natural mineral helps to fight against mold, allergens and dust mites. I’m a huge fan of memory foam, and I like that this Brooklyn Bedding pillow allows me to switch between sleeping positions comfortably. Also, Brooklyn Bedding often has deals, so you can usually grab this pillow for under $99.
Sleeping position(s): Stomach and combination
Pros:
Cool to the touch
Machine-washable cover
Great for all sleeper types
Cons:
Over $100 for one pillow
On the thinner side
Caroline Igo/CNET
The Nest Easy Breather is one of the more supportive pillows on this list. The cover is cool to the touch, and the pillow is filled with shredded foam. If the pillow arrives too firm or too high for you, simply remove some of the fillings and fluff it back up. When it was filled to its maximum, I found that it supported my neck and head from sinking into the surface — which is great for side sleepers who don’t like the sinking feeling of memory foam.
I prefer the Nest Easy Breather to be a little less filled so I can comfortably switch from my side to my back. Also, I wouldn’t consider this a comfortable pillow for strict stomach sleepers, so you may have to remove almost all the fill. Check out the best cooling pillow for stomach sleepers instead.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Pros:
Cool to the touch
Machine-washable cover
Adjustable loft
Cons:
Not for strict stomach sleepers
Not for those who like to sink a little into pillows
Caroline Igo/CNET
I consider the Purple Harmony pillow to be a mini-version of the Purple Mattress. Both products contain a GelFlex grid layer that’s unique to Purple. This feature is flexible, supportive and slightly molding like memory foam. The Purple Harmony pillow also has a Talalay latex (a natural latex sourced from rubber trees) core that is perforated for airflow and won’t trap your body heat.
The machine-washable mesh cover is slightly cool to the touch but less cool than the Casper, GhostBed or Brooklyn Bedding pillows. With the Purple Harmony, its inside materials are more important and cooling than the cover. This pillow will support back and side sleepers comfortably.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Pros:
Cool to the touch
Unique honeycombed-pattern grid
Soft, machine-washable cover
Cons:
Expensive
Not everyone will like the latex-grid feel
Caroline Igo/CNET
The Bear Pillow is another great pillow for back sleepers. Its cover is cool to the touch and made with what Bear calls Double Ice Fabric. At both ends of the pillow is a mesh that allows for more airflow. It’s also hypoallergenic and helps to stop mold, bacteria and dust mites. At its core, the Bear Pillow is made with a hybrid foam, which I consider halfway between bouncy latex foam and slow molding memory foam. I think it’s right down the middle of too firm and too soft. It’s also supportive enough for both back and side sleepers.
It should be noted that you can’t wash the Bear Pillow cover. Spot-clean only and use a light, breathable pillowcase.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Pros:
Cool to the touch
Hypoallergenic
Contains perforated, hybrid foam
Cons:
Not for strict stomach sleepers
Not for those who don’t like the bouncy feel of latex foam
Expensive at MSRP
Caroline Igo/CNET
If you’re a side sleeper, you should look for a pillow that’s high enough to keep your neck aligned during the night. It’s best to avoid using a pillow so soft that your head sinks because you’ll likely wake up with neck pain. The Layla Kapok is great for side sleepers because it’s high and firm enough to keep you from overextending your neck. The pillow is filled with shredded memory foam for optimal airflow, and it can even be adjusted by taking out the filling. If you are a back sleeper, just take out a bit of the Layla Kapok pillow’s filling, and it should be low and soft enough for you.
The fibers used in this pillow are lighter and more ventilated than cotton or wool, giving it that cooling sensation. As a side sleeper, I especially like the feel of this pillow. I like to sink a little bit, which the Layla Kapok allows, but it’s also supportive enough that I don’t hurt my neck during the night.
Sleeping position(s): Back, side and combination
Pros:
Adjustable (remove filling to your liking)
Plush and supportive
Soft, machine-washable cover
Cons:
Not cool to the touch
Not for strict stomach sleepers
Caroline Igo/CNET
Pillows for stomach sleepers are sometimes hard to come by. They must be supportive and low enough that you don’t overextend your neck at night. The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is a great example of a pillow that supports the neck and is low enough for strict stomach sleepers. Made of bamboo fabric and 100% mulberry silk, this Cozy Earth pillow uses the lightest and coolest materials to keep you from overheating at night. And you can feel it. I love how soft it feels to the touch.
While the cover isn’t cool like the Casper, GhostBed or Brooklyn Bedding pillows, the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow makes up for it with quality. Its premium materials prevent pilling, making the pillow last a long time.
I think this pillow would also be comfortable for back and combination sleepers.
Sleeping position(s): Stomach and combination
Pros:
Filling is 100% mulberry silk
Cover is 100% bamboo fabric
Only made with breathable materials
Cons:
Not cool to the touch
Most expensive
Caroline Igo/CNET
Coop Sleep Goods has recently become popular for its cooling products. Its Eden Pillow continues to top lists of cooling pillows, and if you thought that pillow was cool — it got even better. The Coop Eden Cool Plus Pillow is the newer, cooler version of the Eden Pillow. This pillow has a similar cool-to-the-touch cover and now features a heat-wicking inner liner, a gel layer and shredded gel-infused memory foam. The filling is Greenguard Gold and CertiPur-US certified. One side claims to be cooler and firmer than the other, but I didn’t feel that when testing.
One of the best features of this pillow is that it’s adjustable. It comes with extra filling, as well as an option to pull the filling out. Make it as firm or soft, high or low as you desire. I filled mine with a little more than the way it came. I like that the memory foam contours and lets you sink a little into the pillow, regardless of how much you fill it.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Pros:
Cool to the touch
Adjustable and hypoallergenic
Machine-washable cover
Cons:
Not for strict stomach sleepers
Not for those who don’t like to sink a little into pillows
Caroline Igo/CNET
If you’re conscientious about your bedding and where the material comes from, look no further than Birch. This brand is organic, eco-friendly and natural. Birch’s Organic Pillow is made with a 100% organic GOTS-certified cotton cover, and while it isn’t cool to the touch, it’s breathable. The core is made of a 100% organic cotton outer layer filled with shredded latex. That core is then wrapped with 100% organic, GOTS-certified wool that helps to wick away moisture.
I love that this pillow doesn’t feel lumpy, and it would be very supportive for back and side sleepers.
The Sleep Number True Temp Pillow comes in three shapes: classic, contour and ultimate. I tested the classic for this review, which is best for back sleepers. If you’re a side sleeper, I recommend the contour and all sleeper types should like the ultimate, as it can be customized to fit any sleeper. Regardless of the shape, the Sleep Number pillow is cool to the touch and contains 37.5 technology, which refers to material embedded with volcanic minerals that wick away moisture.
The fill is 100% foam, and I think it feels like a poly foam that isn’t too soft. It supports your head and neck without sinking too much into the foam.
Sleeping position(s): Back
Pros:
Cool to the touch
Comes in classic, contour and ultimate shapes
Soft, machine-washable cover
Cons:
Not for strict stomach sleepers
Side sleepers should choose the contour shape
Caroline Igo/CNET
The softest and thinnest pillow on this list belongs to the Saatva Latex Pillow. It’s available in two lofts: standard and high. Back and stomach sleepers should go with the standard loft, while side and combination sleepers should choose the high loft. For this review, I tested the standard loft.
This pillow reminds me of a luxury hotel pillow that isn’t overstuffed with filling. It is made with a cotton cover (that isn’t cool to the touch) and filled with certified organic cotton, plush, down-like fibers and a shredded natural latex core. The material is breathable and hypoallergenic, which fights bacteria, mold, mildew and dust mites. The cotton cover is also machine washable.
Sleeping position(s): Back, stomach, side and combination
During my testing, I considered each pillow’s cooling sensation, material, feel, firmness, sleeper type, price and size. I then slept on each pillow for one to two nights (in addition to daytime-lounging testing). I’m a side sleeper, but I also tried different sleeping positions with each cooling pillow to determine the most comfortable sleeping position.
You won’t find a pillow that will stay ice cold for the entire night (at least not yet), these cooling pillows contain temperature-neutral materials that won’t retain any of your body heat. Some have a cool-to-touch feel that I’ve noted below, but be aware that the pillow won’t feel that cool all night.
It’s worth mentioning that the pillowcase you use will affect the cooling sensation of any pillow. If you’re a hot sleeper and use flannel or heavy material pillowcases, I suggest switching to silk, bamboo or cotton if you want the most out of your cooling pillow.
Other cooling pillows tested
Caroline Igo/CNET
Here are my honorable mentions. While these pillows didn’t make my initial list, I still wanted to highlight these five for some of their cooling features. One of these pillows might work best for you.
Caroline Igo/CNET
The Nolah Adjustable Shredded Foam pillow is my favorite of the honorable mentions. This pillow is made of shredded foam that can be taken out and adjusted to your liking. Its cover is soft, machine-washable, and made of Oeko-Tex-certified bamboo blend fibers. The best part is that one box comes with two queen-size pillows.
I found the pillow to be between the soft Helix pillow and the firmer Marlow pillow below. You sink into it, but not too much. My only complaint with this pillow is that it’s not cool to the touch, and some sleepers might find it too lumpy.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Caroline Igo/CNET
I sleep on Brooklinen sheets every night, so I’m a big fan of the brand. This was the first Brooklinen pillow I’ve ever tested. The Marlow Pillow is made of memory foam and polyester fiber, and the outside cover is made of 100% cotton. You can’t remove any filling to adjust the firmness to your liking, the pillow comes with two zippers (one at the top and one at the bottom) that do just that. You won’t notice a huge difference.
I found the Marlow Pillow to be more supportive than a pillow made with shredded memory foam. You won’t sink, but it might be too firm for some sleepers.
Sleeping position(s): Back and combination
Caroline Igo/CNET
The Lagoon Otter Pillow is the definition of versatile. The fill is made with shredded gel-infused memory foam, and the cover is polyester and bamboo. While the pillow arrives prefilled with foam, there’s extra foam available and an extra pouch for any fill that you wish to take out. The pillow feels soft, but it’s not cool to the touch.
Lagoon claims that this pillow is for all sleeper types, but my testing didn’t agree. It is great for back and side sleepers, but to sleep comfortably on your stomach, you would have to take out nearly all the fill. For the price and effort, it might be worth it to get a pillow designed for stomach sleepers.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Caroline Igo/CNET
The Sijo Support Pillow is for those who like pillows that are firmer, bouncy and supportive. It isn’t for memory foam lovers — like myself. The inside is made entirely of perforated Talalay latex foam, and the outside shell is made of a blend of eucalyptus fibers. The pillow is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, hypoallergenic and made of environmentally sustainable materials.
It isn’t cool to the touch, but the pillow is made of all the right temperature-neutral materials. My head hardly sinks at all on top of this pillow. It’s also a light pillow for how dense it feels.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Factors to consider when choosing a cooling pillow
Sleeping position
Different sleeping positions require different types of pillows. Stomach sleepers should look for softer and thinner pillows, while side sleepers need a firmer and higher pillow. Back sleepers require a pillow that is somewhere in the middle.
Price
Pillows can be expensive. Oftentime, you can find a great foam pillow for around $50 to $100. Pillows with higher-quality materials (such as silk or bamboo) may well be over $150 or $200. Regardless, stick to your budget.
Material
The best cooling pillows will be made out of latex, foam, silk, cotton or bamboo. Steer clear of pillows made solely of non-gel, non-perforated memory foam, as this material will retain heat.
Height
Pillows with a high loft (about five inches) are made for side sleepers. If you are a stomach or back sleeper, look for pillows that have a low loft or height (under five inches).
Size
While the average pillow comes in a standard size, you can often choose a queen or king size.
Best cooling pillows compared
Price
Size(s)
Firmness
Materials
Machine-washable?
Hypoallergenic?
Trial Period
Warranty
Casper Hybrid Pillow
$149
Standard, King
Medium
Poly foam
Cover only
Not specified
30-nights
10-year limited
GhostPillow
$55
Standard, Queen
Medium
Gel memory foam
Cover only
Yes
101-nights
5-years
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow
$129
Queen, King
Medium
Memory foam
Cover only
Yes
30-days
3-years
Nest Easy Breather Pillow
$119
Standard, Queen, King, Side Sleeper
Adjustable
Shredded foam
Cover only
Not specified
30-nights
2-years
Purple Harmony
$199
Standard, King
Medium
Latex
Cover only
Yes
100-nights
1-years
Bear Pillow
$125
Standard, King
Medium
Latex and memory “hybrid” foam
No
Yes
30-nights
2-years
Layla Kapok
$109
Queen, King
Adjustable
Shredded memory foam
No
Not specified
120-nights
5-years
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
$299
Standard, King
Medium
Silk and bamboo
No
Yes
100-day
10-years
Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow
$139
Queen, King
Adjustable
Shredded memory foam
Cover only
Yes
100-nights
5-years
Birch Organic Pillow
$149
Standard, King
Medium
Cotton, wool and latex
No
Yes
100-nights
1-year
Sleep Number True Temp Pillow
$110
Standard, King
Medium to Medium-firm
Foam
Cover only
Yes
100-nights
1-year
Saatva Latex Pillow
$165
Queen, King
Medium-soft
Cotton and shredded latex
Cover only
Yes
45-days
1-year
Some cooling pillows claim to stay cool all night, but this is rarely the case, even for those that feel cool to the touch. It’s what’s inside the pillow that is doing the work — not the cooling cover layer.
These types of pillows use a material that won’t retain body heat and remain temperature-neutral. The cool-to-the-touch cover is an added bonus and may keep you feeling cool for a while, but it will eventually fade. Its filling will keep you from sweating during the night.
Out of all the pillows that I tested, I found that the is the coldest pillow on the market. It made the top of my list due to its high-quality materials, comfort and truly cool feel.
There’s no such thing as a pillow that will stay ice cold all night long, but there are a few things you can do to ensure it stays as cool as possible at night. One, make sure your cooling pillow has the right pillowcase on it. I suggest using a bamboo, silk or light pillowcase to truly feel the cool cover. This material also won’t retain body heat. Secondly, you can freeze your pillowcases and even your sheets before you go to bed. Lastly, choose a pillow that’s made of perforated foam, gel, latex, bamboo, silk or cotton.
Yes, using a pillowcase is essential for maintaining your pillow’s longevity, by keeping your pillow clean and protected. If you’re worried that adding a pillowcase to your cooling pillow will lessen its cooling effects, take a look at some of the best cooling sheets.
Most cooling pillows should be replaced every couple of years, depending on the quality of the materials and how well you maintain them. Memory foam and latex cooling pillows typically last longer, up to three years. Your pillow will show some signs when it’s time to replace it, like decreased cooling effect, noticeable lumps or flattening, persistent odors despite cleaning, visible staining or waking with new neck pain or headaches. To extend your cooling pillow’s lifespan, use a protective pillowcase, wash the cover regularly according to manufacturer instructions and avoid folding or crushing the pillow during storage.
Vitamin D is widely known for boosting bone health, muscle strength and immune function, but it also has a range of other benefits — including cancer prevention.
A new study published in the journal Nutrients suggests that the common vitamin is effective in preventing and treating colorectal cancer.
Hungarian researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 50 previous studies that included more than 1.3 million participants, focusing on vitamin D’s potential effects on cancer risk, immunity and inflammation.
COMMON VITAMIN SHOWN TO REDUCE AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE
“The most important finding is that vitamin D plays a critical role in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer,” study author János Tamás Varga, PhD, associate professor at Semmelweis University in Budapest, told Fox News Digital.
Vitamin D is widely known for boosting bone health, muscle strength and immune function, but it also has a range of other benefits — including cancer prevention.(iStock)
“Our research clearly supports the strong correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (the primary form of vitamin D) levels and cancer outcomes.”
Cancer patients with low vitamin D levels showed poorer prognoses.
Vitamin D has been shown to reduce inflammation, promote the death of cancer cells, inhibit tumor growth and enhance immune response, the researchers found.
VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY LINKED TO DEMENTIA IN CERTAIN POPULATIONS WHEN LEVELS ARE VERY LOW: STUDY
“These mechanisms significantly influence the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer,” Varga noted.
In addition to prevention, vitamin D supplementation was also shown to improve survival rates among patients with advanced-stage colorectal cancer, according to the research.
“The results suggest that the effect of vitamin D may depend on factors such as the dosage, the individual condition of the patients and the duration of treatment,” Vargas added.
The primary source of vitamin D is exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.(iStock)
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has previously referenced studies suggesting that vitamin D could lower cancer risk, particularly colorectal cancer.
“However, large studies have not found that vitamin D supplements lower the risk of colorectal polyps (pre-cancerous growths) or cancer,” the ACS stated on its website.
“The optimal dosage should be tailored to the individual’s health condition and current vitamin D levels.”
One important limitation of the research is that the studies included in the analysis used different vitamin D dosages and involved patients at various stages of cancer, the authors noted.
They called for further research to accurately determine the optimal dosage and “therapeutic efficacy.”
Recommendations for Americans
“Based on our research, we recommend that individuals at high risk of colorectal cancer monitor their vitamin D levels and, if necessary, take a daily vitamin D supplement of 1000–4000 IU, especially for those with low vitamin D levels,” lead study author Dr. Monika Fekete, medical doctor at Semmelweis University, told Fox News Digital.
“The optimal dosage should be tailored to the individual’s health condition and current vitamin D levels.”
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For physicians, the researchers suggest routinely measuring and supplementing vitamin D levels for both prevention and treatment purposes.
“Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer, but further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and the specific role of genetic factors,” Fekete added.
One important limitation of the research is that the studies included in the analysis used different vitamin D dosages and involved patients at various stages of cancer, the authors noted. (iStock)
“The molecular mechanisms of vitamin D — such as the regulation of oncogenes (mutated genes that can lead to cancer) and inhibition of tumor progression — require further scientific investigation.”
As the effect of vitamin D is closely linked to the patient’s condition, the doctor said, treatment recommendations should be personalized.
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The primary source of vitamin D is exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
It can also be obtained from dietary sources, according to the ACS, including fatty fish and some mushrooms.
Some foods, including milk and some orange juices and cereals, are fortified with vitamin D.(iStock)
There are also some vitamin D-fortified foods, including milk, some orange juices and cereals, the above source stated.
People can also take vitamin D supplements to boost their levels.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
“Most Americans do not get enough vitamin D in their diets, and many have low vitamin D levels in their blood,” the ACS said on its website.
“While the role of vitamin D in lowering cancer risk is still an active area of research and debate, avoiding low vitamin D levels is recommended.”
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].
As soon as summer arrives, we all crave something cold. From food to drinks and desserts, we enjoy chilled treats. There’s always something special for every occasion. In the summer season, ice cream and kulfi are among the most loved. Kulfi is a classic dessert served on everything from regular days to weddings and parties. A creamy kulfi with dry fruit flavour is always a hit. Traditionally, kulfi is made from a mixture of milk, cream, khoya, and sugar. But thanks to its popularity, many varieties are now available. Matka kulfi, rabri kulfi, and badam kulfi are quite famous. This time, we bring you a special recipe for Gulab Kulfi to try this summer. Its lovely pink colour will catch your eye, and the delightful rose flavour is sure to win your heart.
What is Gulab Kulfi made of?
To make Gulab Kulfi, full-fat milk is cooked thoroughly. Cashew or almond paste is added to it. Once a thick mixture forms, sugar and chopped dry fruits are mixed in and the mixture is allowed to cool. Then, rose petals, rose syrup, and rose water are added. The mix is poured into moulds and frozen until set.
Gulab Kulfi: Step-by-Step Recipe
Cook the Milk First
Boil 1 litre of full-cream milk in a pan. Meanwhile, prepare a paste of soaked cashew nuts.
Use Cashews for a Creamy Texture
Once the milk boils, reduce the heat and stir in the cashew paste. Keep stirring to prevent sticking.
Add Dry Fruits for Extra Crunch
Cook the mixture for 10 minutes, then add finely chopped almonds and pistachios. Cook for a few more seconds. Add sugar to taste.
Stir Continuously
Continue stirring to ensure the sugar dissolves. The mixture will start thickening. Once reduced to half, turn off the heat and let it cool completely.
Time to Add Rose Syrup
When cooled, add 2 tablespoons of rose syrup, 1 teaspoon of rose water, and a few rose petals. Mix well. You can also add a drop of pink food colouring at this stage if desired.
Freeze It Perfectly
Pour the mixture into kulfi moulds, seal them well, and freeze for 7 to 8 hours. Once frozen, enjoy this delicious summer treat!
Click here for the complete recipe for gulab kulfi.
Isn’t this such an easy and tempting recipe? So this summer, give this rose-flavoured kulfi a try at home!
<img src='https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-20/Russia-Ukraine-accuse-each-other-of-breaking-Easter-ceasefire–1CJnlaJvwe4/img/16bc32990b7e4bd688cc1f554ad9bcf5/16bc32990b7e4bd688cc1f554ad9bcf5.png' alt='Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces had launched 26 attacks since the ceasefire began. /Reuters'
An Easter ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin fell apart within hours on Sunday, as both Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of violating the brief pause in fighting.
The pause in hostilities was announced by Putin ahead of Orthodox Easter. But by midday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces had launched 26 attacks since the ceasefire began.
“Russia is only pretending to observe the ceasefire,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media. “Either Putin doesn’t control his military, or he’s only interested in positive PR—not peace.”
<img src='https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-20/Russia-Ukraine-accuse-each-other-of-breaking-Easter-ceasefire–1CJnlaJvwe4/img/3553b99d8e6b40f098b68a33d9e0595e/3553b99d8e6b40f098b68a33d9e0595e.jpeg' alt='An Easter ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin fell apart within hours on Sunday. /Reuters'
Russia’s Defence Ministry responded by claiming Ukraine had broken the ceasefire more than 1,000 times. They said Ukrainian forces launched 444 attacks on Russian positions and carried out over 900 drone strikes, including in Crimea and Russia’s border regions.
Both sides reported damage and civilian casualties, but neither claim has been independently verified. Ukrainian military officials said activity on the front line had decreased overall, and some Russian military bloggers reported the same.
The failed ceasefire adds another complication to U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to broker a peace deal. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that the U.S. may walk away from mediation efforts unless progress is seen soon.
Trump recently backed a 30-day ceasefire proposal, which Ukraine has conditionally accepted. Putin cited unresolved verification issues and ordered Russian forces to be ready to respond if Ukraine violated the truce.
While both sides previously agreed to avoid targeting energy infrastructure and maritime routes, accusations of violations continue.
Macrotech Developers reduces net debt by 7% in Q1 with strong sales and fund collections
| Photo Credit:
SasinParaksa
Realty firm Macrotech Developers’ net debt fell by 7 per cent in the January-March quarter to nearly ₹4,000 crore on strong housing sales and fund collections from customers.
Macrotech Developers noted that the company’s net debt reduced by ₹320 crore during the January-March quarter to ₹3,990 crore.
The company’s net debt stood at little over ₹4,300 crore at the end of December 31, 2024.
The reduction has been achieved despite significant investment in acquiring land parcels for future development.
The company buys land outright and also partners with landowners to develop housing projects.
Macrotech Developers’ internal cash flow remained strong last fiscal year due to record sales bookings and healthy fund collections from customers.
Macrotech Developers’ sale bookings grew 21 per cent last financial year to a record ₹17,630 crore, from ₹14,520 crore in 2023-24 financial year.
Its collection from customers grew 29 per cent to ₹14,490 crore last fiscal year, from ₹11,260 crore in the 2023-24 fiscal.
Strong sales and collections helped the company in significant investment in land acquisitions.
During the full 2024-25 fiscal, Macrotech Developers acquired 10 land parcels across MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region), Bengaluru and Pune to develop housing projects.
The upcoming projects on these new 10 land parcels will have a total revenue potential of ₹23,700 crore.
Macrotech Developers Ltd has a significant presence in MMR, Pune and Bengaluru housing markets.
Besides residential development, the company is building industrial & logistics parks across major cities. It also builds office and retail real estate spaces.
Abhishek Lodha-led Macrotech Developers recently resolved its dispute with House of Abhinandan Lodha, a company formed by his younger brother.
Since January this year, the two companies have been engaged in a legal battle over the use of ‘Lodha’ brand.
Macrotech Developers will continue to use the ‘Lodha’ brand, while the younger brother will continue to operate under the ‘House of Abhinandan Lodha’ brand.
In January, Macrotech Developers filed a suit in the Bombay High Court against HoABL for infringement of its trademarks and sought appropriate injunctions, reliefs, and damages.
Lodha Group and House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) have no connection with each other. Both entities will communicate this widely.
Abhinandan Lodha has no rights or claims in Lodha Group or Macrotech Developers or other businesses of Abhishek.
Similarly, Abhishek has no rights or claims in HoABL or other businesses of Abhinandan, as per the agreements between the two sides.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
NIKE proširuje svoju liniju Air Max Plus modela predstavljanjem nove boje naziva World Indigo. Ovaj popularni model tenisica dolazi na tržište ovog ljeta.
Silueta omiljena među fanovima ističe se gornjim dijelom u boji koja iz ljubičaste prelazi u indigo plavu. Sintentičke presvlake daju tenisici prepoznatljivu strukturu, a jastučići u potplatu tu su da osiguraju maksimalnu udobnost i potporu.
Bit će dostupne ovog ljeta
Žuti detalji krase uložak i brendiranje na potplatu, dok mini Swoosh i TPU detalji podsjećaju na estetiku iz 2000-ih. Vezice su u plavoj boji i savršeno se uklapaju u ostatak tenisice.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Tenisice bi trebale stići u prodaju ovog ljeta, no datum u ovom trenutku nije poznat. Preporučena cijena ovih tenisica im je otprilike 158 eura. Bit će dostupne u službenom Nike webshopu i u odabranim trgovinama.
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Google is rolling out a new update to Google Play Services, which will automatically restart Android phones and tablets if they have been locked for three consecutive days. According to GSM Arena, this security feature aims to protect user data by putting the device into a “Before First Unlock” state, where data is encrypted and harder to access.
Once the device is locked for three days, it will automatically reboot and require the user to enter their passcode to access their data.
This feature is designed to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information.
Apple introduced a similar feature in iOS 18.1, called Inactivity Reboot, which also automatically restarts the device after a period of inactivity.
Google’s update is a welcome addition to Android devices, enhancing their security and protecting user data.
The latest Google Play Services update is labelled 25.14 and is currently being rolled out to Android devices.
This feature will not be available on Wear OS devices.
Young women standing idly around a park in Tokyo’s west suggest that a giant statue of Godzilla is not the only attraction for a record number of foreign tourists. Their faces lit by the cold glow of their phones, the women lining Okubo Park are evidence that sex tourism has developed as a dark flipside to the bustling Kabukicho nightlife district.
Young women in Tokyo’s Okubo Park indicate a rise in foreign sex tourism, driven by social media exposure.(AFP)
There is no official data but anecdotal evidence collected by AFP suggests that increasing numbers of foreign men are flocking to the area after seeing videos on social media. One of the women said that the area near Kabukicho, where Godzilla rumbles and belches smoke atop a cinema, has become a “real tourist attraction” and that around half her customers are foreigners.
“Since they can’t communicate in Japanese, they write ‘how much is it?’ on their phones,” using an automatic translator, said Ria, who did not use her real name. The men going to Okubo Park are mostly from South Korea, China or Taiwan but also from North America and Europe.
Awareness abroad has grown partly because of videos on social media platforms such as TikTok or the Chinese Bilibili. The videos are often shot without consent, sometimes live, and some of the clips have racked up hundreds of thousands of views.
Cost of living
Ria and others say they are self-employed, with no involvement from pimps. They take their clients to nearby “love hotels”. The average price is between 15,000 and 30,000 yen ($105-210) but the women are under pressure to charge less and less, said Ria, 26. That was because “the cost of living and the decline in purchasing power” are making many Japanese men demand a lower price, she said.
“Foreigners tend not to negotiate the price and will usually give us more,” she said. Nineteen-year-old Azu, who is sitting next to her at the Rescue Hub, a shelter set up by a non-profit group, agrees. “In the best-case scenario, I can charge a client 20,000 yen per hour with a condom, sometimes a little more,” Azu said.
Risks
Money worries are among the issues pushing more and more women to become sex workers, said Rescue Hub head Arata Sakamoto. It wasn’t very common for Japanese women to be sex workers on the street a decade ago, Sakamoto told AFP. However, since the Covid-19 pandemic in particular, “young women have started selling sex at low prices”.
“I think this is one of the reasons why the number of foreign clients has increased,” he said. Around 10 women were relaxing in Rescue Hub’s cosy apartment on a recent evening, grabbing something to eat and charging their phones.
They are safe here, but Sakamoto said the women face “risks to their physical and mental health, the spread of sexually transmitted diseases… unwanted pregnancies, abortions, and unwanted births”. “Some women are victims of abuse, or their actions might be filmed without their consent,” he said. “They may also not be paid for their services or their money may be stolen.”
Patrols
Socially conservative Japan welcomed a record 36.8 million tourists last year, thanks in part to the weak yen. Tokyo police did not respond to requests from AFP for information about the increase in foreign clients visiting sex workers. However, they did say that there have been more police patrols since December.
This has had the effect of dispersing sex workers throughout the area. “It’s become safer to choose foreign customers rather than Japanese ones, because at least we can be sure they’re not plainclothes police officers,” Ria said as she sipped tea.
Only “penetrative” sexual services are prohibited in Japan and it is the sex workers who face fines, or even prison sentences, rather than the clients. Sakamoto said “establishing legal consequences for customers” would help deter demand, including from non-Japanese. “The authorities should also have awareness campaigns, in several languages, in airports, hotels and tourist areas,” he said.
Fortnite fans have been treated to a boatload of new information about Chapter 6, Season 3.
As part of this weekend’s Star Wars Celebration LIVE event, Epic Games revealed a brand new trailer for the upcoming season. The trailer confirmed that the new season will have a Star Wars theme and a May 2 release date.
You can check out the Fortnite Chapter 6, Season 3 trailer below.
In addition to the Season 3 release date, the new trailer showcases some of the new skins launching as part of the Star Wars crossover.
The Battle Pass and Item Shop will welcome the likes of Darth Jar Jar Binks, Emperor Palpatine, Mace Windu and Poe Dameron.
That’s on top of Sith and Jedi variants of Evie, Wookie Team Leader, Captain Phasma and a customisable Mandalorian skin.
An email sent to Daily Express suggests that Wookiee Cuddle Team Leader and Emperor Palpatine will be included in the Battle Pass, while Mace Windu will be available from the Item Shop.
The upcoming season will also introduce new gameplay features, including the ability to pilot and co-pilot X-wings and TIE fighters.
Expect lightsabers to also make a return, alongside new Force Powers such as Lightning, and blasters from the various movies.
Needless to say, various Star Wars locations and landmarks will feature in the Season 3 map.
However, one of the more exciting new features is the addition of regular events taking place throughout May and early June.
According to Epic Games, it all begins with the ‘Imperial Takeover’ theme from May 2. This will be followed by ‘The Pull of the Force’ from May 8, ‘Mandalorian Rising’ from May 22 and ‘Star Destroyer Bombardment’ from May 29.
The events continue into the following month with ‘Death Star Sabotage’ from June 7. Expect more details to be announced and leaked in the coming weeks.
According to Epic Games, it’s all part of an ongoing narrative event within the world of Fortnite.
“The five-part saga will lead up to an in-game narrative live event that will surely have players feeling like they’ve got the fate of the whole galaxy in their hands,” Epic explains.
Dual-cab utes are the most popular vehicles on sale today in Australia, but if you’re after a workhorse that does the job and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, will a more affordable alternative manage the same workload?
We decided to put the new JAC T9 up against the tried and tested (and undeniably popular) Toyota HiLux.
The tests? We loaded them both up to their Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and set out to see whether the Chinese-made JAC ute could achieve the same outcome as the Japanese-designed, Thai-built HiLux across our hill road, and over the grueling durability track at our proving ground.
First test: The Hill Road Load Test
The first test on our hill road focused on performance under load.
Both the JAC T9 Haven and Toyota HiLux SR were loaded with an identical amount of weight, specifically calculated to match the GVM of the HiLux – this meant the Toyota was at its maximum legal loaded capacity.
One of the first things we noticed when loading the vehicles was that a standard pallet carrying a 500kg weight block fits into the tray of the JAC T9 but not the HiLux, which required loading it with bags to achieve the same weight and similar distribution.
Toyota HiLux
The HiLux SR we tested featured the optional ‘V-Active’ 48V mild-hybrid system.
As is common with many leaf-sprung utes, the HiLux felt significantly better and more comfortable with weight in the tray compared to being unladen. When unladen, the HiLux tends to be quite firm and unforgiving.
On the hill road – designed to simulate a typical Australian country road with varying gradients (including a steep 15 per cent climb) – the HiLux performed confidently.
Acceleration felt strong, even up the steepest climb, and the ride was very good under load – significantly better than when unladen.
On the final bumpy section, which features a few undulations, the HiLux maintained its composure and comfort even at around 70km/h.
JAC T9
Setting off in the T9, we immediately noticed the quieter turbo-diesel engine compared to the HiLux.
While the T9 has less torque (just over 400Nm compared to the HiLux’s 500Nm), its acceleration under load was decent and surprisingly capable, not feeling completely underdone with this much load in the tray.
Like the HiLux, the T9’s ride quality improved significantly when laden, feeling settled and comfortable on the hill road.
Unloaded, the T9 can be quite busy on even smooth roads, lacking ride comfort and compliance when unladen.
It handled the 15 per cent gradient well, accelerating adequately – not as strongly as the HiLux, but confidently enough to make it up the hill without any great concern.
JAC T9
Toyota HiLux
Moving back down gears was a little fiddly, and the T9 could definitely benefit from paddle shifters to help control its speed on long downhill stretches.
On the undulating section at 70km/h, the T9 felt settled and composed – the same if not slightly better than HiLux.
Second test: The Torture Test
The second part of this test was all about accelerated wear testing.
While they also test ride quality, these roads were also designed to simulate long-distance driving by accelerating wear on suspension and body components during vehicle development.
Our test road featured two parts:
Belgian Pave: A specifically constructed paved road with a rough, uneven surface designed to global standards to stress suspension components.
Torture Test Road: A 2km custom-built track designed to exceed the stress of the Belgian paving, featuring sections of exposed rock and harsh bumps to simulate extreme Australian conditions. This road was historically used for rigorous vehicle development and is known to be physically demanding on car and their drivers, who were limited in terms of how long they could stay behind the wheel without breaks during testing.
Throughout these tests, an iPhone with a tri-axis accelerometer was attached to the driver’s seat to measure the G-forces transmitted to the occupant.
The data was then analysed using the Root Mean Square (RMS) method, a statistical measure quantifying the average intensity of vibrations – a lower RMS value indicates a more comfortable ride with less intense shaking.
Both vehicles completed two laps of each torture section.
Belgian Pave results:
The HiLux felt surprisingly comfortable on this surface, with no unusual rattles or squeaks noted. Its RMS value was calculated at 4.84.
The JAC T9 also felt good, although some movement of the tray (independent of the cabin) was visible. Its RMS value was 4.39.
The data showed the JAC T9 was approximately 10 per cent more comfortable than the HiLux on the Belgian Pave, based on its lower RMS figure. While there wasn’t a huge difference felt during testing, it indicated the less expensive T9 performed slightly better in this specific test.
Torture Test Road results:
The HiLux handled the extremely rough road reasonably well, feeling fairly comfortable considering the severity of the surface, especially compared to the previous testing we conducted here using a LandCruiser 70 Series and Mahindra Pik-Up. It experienced significant jolts, particularly over a paved section with large ‘whoops’. Over this stretch of the torture test, the HiLux recorded an average RMS of 10.05.
The JAC T9 felt composed even on the roughest sections, not getting thrown around excessively compared to the HiLux, which suggests good stability on corrugated roads. It handled the various harsh elements well, though the experience was still physically demanding.
This test data here showed the most significant difference. The JAC T9 recorded an average RMS value approximately 50 per cent lower than the HiLux’s (around 5.0 compared to 10.05). This indicates that substantially less vibration and fewer intense jolts were being transmitted through the seat to the driver in the T9 over the same brutal stretch of road at the same speed. While it’s hard to translate RMS directly to perceived comfort, the data clearly showed the T9 subjected its occupants to significantly less physical stress on this extreme course.
CarExpert’s Take
Based solely on the specific load-hauling and durability tests conducted here, we came to the following conclusions…
Load Hauling: While the HiLux offered stronger acceleration due to its higher torque, the JAC T9 performed capably and comfortably when loaded to the HiLux’s GVM. The performance difference didn’t feel proportionate to the significant price difference – getting a HiLux with a similar level of specification to the JAC T9 Haven would cost significantly more than the SR, which is pretty sparsely equipped.
Comfort & Durability Simulation: In the unladen torture tests, the JAC T9 proved to be measurably more comfortable than the HiLux, absorbing bumps better on both the Belgian Pave and, most notably, the extremely rough torture track – showing a 50 per cent lower RMS vibration reading.
So where did we land with all of this? It’s important to remember this was a short-term test focused on specific performance aspects.
It doesn’t predict long-term reliability over many years, but if you are specifically after a workhorse with added comfort and luxuries, our testing showed that the T9 was as capable as the HiLux across these tests.
There was also additional headroom on GVM with the T9 above and beyond the HiLux. Ultimately, you will want to balance that GVM with the lower power output from the JAC’s engine.
We’ve now done this comparison test with the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series and Mahindra Pik-Up, as well as the JAC T9 and Toyota HiLux – are there other combinations you’d like us to compare?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
MORE: Everything JAC T9 MORE: Everything Toyota HiLux
Home loans remain slow despite tech advancements. Industry player advocates for AI and automation to streamline the process, making it as fast as personal loans.
News18
Authored by Atul Monga – CEO& Co-Founder, BASIC Home Loan: We live in an age where everything is just a few taps away. Want to order food or groceries? It’s delivered within minutes. Need to book a flight? Done in seconds. Online marketplaces have transformed our consumption habits, making it possible to have anything delivered to our doorstep within hours. Even financial services, like personal loans, are disbursed almost instantly, thanks to the power of technology and automation. So, it only makes sense that home loans should follow the same path.
Yet, when it comes to home loans, borrowers still have to go through endless paperwork and delays, even though the loan is secured by an asset. Why is it that the process of securing a home loan, a critical financial step for millions, remains slow and complicated?
Today, we have the opportunity to transform the home loan industry by making the disbursal process fast, seamless, and accessible as any other service we now take for granted.
The disparity between personal and home loan disbursals
A personal loan, despite being unsecured and riskier for the lender, is typically disbursed within minutes. On the other hand, home loans involve a much lengthier process. The extensive documentation, multiple branch visits, emails, and follow-ups can turn what should be a straightforward process into a tedious ordeal.
This delay is especially concerning when you consider that home loans are secured by property. In case of a default, lenders can sell the property to recover the loan. Additionally, many home loans are insured, adding another layer of security. Despite these safeguards, the disbursal process remains cumbersome and time-consuming.
The root cause of the problem
Traditional lending processes – with their extensive documentation, physical evaluation of the property and multi-step approval process – are not equipped to keep up with the changing needs of consumers. Each of these steps can take days, or even weeks. Given the technological advancements in recent years, the documentation, site visits and disbursals should be fairly quick. In fact, India’s evolving digital ecosystem offers a unique opportunity for lenders to reimagine the home loan journey.
The need for digital transformation in home loans
This year’s Union Budget introduced several measures to not only boost affordable housing but also ensure faster completion of ongoing projects under the newly launched Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) scheme. With such initiatives in place, lenders need to become more flexible and facilitate home loans by simplifying the borrowing process through digital platforms.
Given the vast amount of data available with credit bureaus and platforms like India Stack, lenders should focus on leveraging this data, integrating it with the borrower’s financial records, and streamlining the loan approval process.
Leveraging technology for a seamless home loan experience
In order to streamline the documentation process, a specific toolkit of additional official papers could be digitally uploaded for quick access. Lenders can also make use of geotagging and video apps to verify properties remotely. This can help reduce both cost and time. Linking land records, registry offices and municipal data bases can offer real-time verification of property ownership for accurate valuations.
Moreover, technologies such as AI and Machine Learning can be leveraged to analyse market trends and historical sales data to provide real-time property valuations. When integrated with fintech platforms and real estate marketplaces, these technologies could allow lenders to make instant, data-backed decisions.
The rise of AI in housing sector
Artificial Intelligence is transforming multiple industries, and India’s housing sector is no exception. AI isn’t just crunching numbers; it’s redefining the way we assess risk and borrower’s creditworthiness.
Traditional loan approval systems often rely on methods that fail to capture a comprehensive picture of a borrower’s financial health. By analyzing vast datasets and tracking financial behavior, AI can make more precise credit assessments, flag potential defaults in real-time, and even adjust loan terms to better suit individual needs. This allows faster loan approvals, accurate risk management, and greater financial inclusion for those who might have been overlooked in the past.
The benefits of AI in the housing segment are clear: lower costs, scalable models, and personalized loan products. Automation of tasks such as document checks, eligibility assessments, and data entry would further free up time for lenders to prioritise innovation and customer experience.
Speed, Accessibility and Risk Mitigation
With AI and automation streamlining the process, home loan approvals that once took days or even weeks could be completed within hours. As a result, borrowers will not only enjoy a more seamless experience but also benefit from better terms and conditions, as AI-driven systems can dynamically adjust interest rates and repayment structures to fit their individual requirements.
As a consumer, I find the rapid service of personal loans appealing—despite the higher interest rates. If home loan lenders could adopt a similar approach, even if it meant slightly higher rates, I would certainly welcome the trade-off for faster processing and a more convenient, stress-free experience.
For a nation like ours, which aspires to be a global economic powerhouse, the importance of affordable and accessible housing cannot be overstated. Homeownership plays a crucial role in the social and economic empowerment of individuals, and making home loans instantaneous could have far-reaching effects.
By embracing digital platforms, AI-driven systems, and more efficient risk management tools, India could create a housing ecosystem that is not only faster but also safer for consumers.
It is authored by Atul Monga – CEO& Co-Founder, BASIC Home Loan
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the stand of this publication.
Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates—only on News18.
News business Can Home Loans Be Disbursed In Minutes? Here’s What Needs To Change
Pi Network price has surged over 4% in the past 24 hours following the launch of its Migration Roadmap. Although the token is showing some signs of recovery across several indicators, it is too soon to confirm an uptrend.
Although technical indicators like the Ichimoku Cloud and RSI hint that price might be recovering, it’s still facing strong resistance that is blocking a clear breakout. Besides, many in the Pi Community are frustrated that the new Migration Roadmap is not clear enough which adds another layer of uncertainty about where the price is headed next.
Users Frustated Over Lack Of Details
Pi Network released its Mainnet Migration Roadmap, but it lacks specific dates and clear details, leaving users frustrated. The roadmap outlines three phases, but no timelines are given, causing uncertainty. Some users noticed discrepancies in their coin balances, with no way to resolve them.
Additionally, the claim that all tokens were minted at genesis has sparked debate, raising concerns about the project’s transparency. With 108.9 million tokens unlocked this month, users are unsure how the migration will unfold. These issues are weakening trust in the Pi Network.
Pi Network Still Faces Resistance
It is trading just below the Ichimoku Cloud, a key resistance area which signals that buyers are trying to push the price up. Although the price has been making some higher lows and hinting at a possible recovery, it still has not broken the resistance yet.
Besides, the market is still not strongly bullish yet, showing that the short-term momentum is weaker than the medium-term trend, hence its not a clear signal to buy. Traders are being cautious and are waiting for stronger signs before making any big moves.
Also, the Ichimoku Cloud is getting thicker and more tilted, which suggests that bigger price swings may be imminent. If Pi breaks above the cloud, it could signal a strong upward trend. However, until thay happens, Pi remains in a vulnerable position with a risk of rejection still likely.
Pi Network’s RSI has bounced back to 53.77 from 32.34, signaling recovery. However, after peaking at 57.25, it has cooled slightly, weakening bullish momentum. The RSI is in neutral-bullish territory, showing moderate strength but still far from overbought levels. If momentum builds, there’s potential for growth, but caution is stil needed as the trend is not yet solid.
Key Resistance Levels
Pi Network (PI) is testing key resistance at $0.66. A breakout could push the price to $0.789 and $0.858, possibly reigniting bullish momentum. A successful breakout could possibly push PI to $1.23 or $1.79. However, frustrations over the unclear Migration Roadmap add uncertainty. If PI fails to break $0.66, it may dip toward $0.54 or $0.40.
The next few sessions are crucial for determining the token’s direction, heavily influenced by both technical signals and community sentiment, awaiting a clear breakout or drop.
Focus on Consensus 2025 Next
With the Consensus 2025 fast approaching, excitement is building in the Pi Network Community. Analyst Dr Altcoin notes that this event is a major chance to promote Pi Network especially as the Pi founder Nicolas Kokkalis is set to share the stage with personalities like Bo Hines and Eric Trump.
Consensus 2025 Summit is a huge opportunity to promote Pi Network—and one of the best so far! I call upon the Pi Core Team to expedite at least the following before the summit:
Dr. Altcoin believes that Consensus 2025 could be a game-changer for Pi Network, only if the Pi Core Team acts fast. He’s urging them to approve all KYB applications and officially launch DApps in the Pi ecosystem before the event to maximise the opportunity on the global spotlight and boost Pi’s credibility and growth.
The Pi Core Team has under a month to approve KYB and launch DApps before Consensus 2025, as delays have driven some projects to other blockchains. Pi is currently priced around $0.64, but with upcoming developments and potential adoption by big institutions, some believe it could reach $30, although short-term volatility remains a concern.
File photo: Candidates appearing for Staff Selection Commission examination
| Photo Credit:
ASHOK R
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has decided to implement Aadhaar-based biometric authentication in its all forthcoming examinations in order to verify candidates’ identity on a voluntary basis, officials said on Sunday.
They said the new measure will come into force for recruitment tests conducted from next month onwards.
The SSC is one of the largest recruitment agencies of the central government with its main mandate to conduct selections for non-gazetted posts in various central ministries and departments, among others.
“The Commission has decided to implement Aadhar Based Biometric Authentication in its forthcoming examinations. Accordingly, candidates will be able to authenticate themselves using Aadhaar at the time of online registration, while filling up online application form for the examinations and while appearing at the test centre to take examinations conducted by the Commission from May 2025 onwards,” a recent public notice issued by the recruitment body said.
Such Aadhaar authentication is voluntary and is intended as a measure to promote the ease of engaging with the examination process, the SSC said.
Aadhaar is a 12-digit number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to all eligible citizens on the basis of biometric and demographic data.
The officials said that Aadhaar-based authentication will also help in ensuring that government jobs aspirants do not fake their identity or use other fraudulent means to take recruitment exams conducted by the Commission.
In a notification issued on September 12 last year, the Union Personnel Ministry had said that the SSC is allowed to perform Aadhaar authentication on voluntary basis.
The SSC shall adhere to all relevant provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, “the rules and regulations made thereunder, and directions issued by the ‘Unique Identification Authority of India’,” it added.
The Commission conducts seven mandated all India open competitive examinations, including the Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGLE) besides three limited departmental competitive examinations.
The Personnel Ministry had on August 28 last year issued an identical notification, a first for any recruitment agency, to approve Aadhaar-based authentication by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Lakhs of candidates appear in government jobs recruitment tests conducted across the country by the SSC and UPSC.
The UPSC had last year also decided to use facial recognition and artificial intelligence-based CCTV surveillance systems to prevent cheating and impersonation in its various tests.
The UPSC conducts 14 major exams annually, including the prestigious civil services examination to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), besides a number of recruitment tests and interviews every year for induction to Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ posts of the central government.
After roughly two years, season 2 of The Last of Us is finally here — and thankfully so. The video game adaptation won over fans in its first season, and the second installment looks set to do the same.
Instead of kicking off where the first season ended, The Last of Us jumps ahead five years to see how — and if — the relationship between Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) has weathered the proverbial storm. A lot can change in half a decade, but curing the Cordyceps virus isn’t one of them. In fact, the infection has only spread further, making America’s landscape even deadlier.
Video game fans should take note: This new season of The Last of Us will not recreate the original subject matter beat-by-beat. Writer, director and executive producer Neil Druckmann discussed the reasons for this creative choice during a virtual press conference for the series, which CNET attended.
Empathy is the first reason — building an emotional connection with certain characters and their storylines required altering the narrative structure to create stakes for the audience. That connection comes more naturally when you’re stepping into a character’s shoes while playing the game.
Timing is the other reason. “If we were to stick to a very similar timeline, viewers would have to wait a very, very long time to get that context,” Druckmann said. Context is key, and, by all accounts, this strategy is working. Season 1 broke viewership ratings, and, just days before the Season 2 premiere, HBO renewed The Last of Us for a third season.
Gabriel Luna, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Catherine O’Hara and Rutina Wesley also star in the series. Read on to learn when to stream and the episode release schedule for The Last of Us Season 2.
Read more: Max Streaming Service Review: Loads of Content, but You Have to Make It Fit You
Screenshot by Aaron Pruner/CNET
When you can watch The Last of Us Season 2
The Last of Us Season 2’s second episode, Through the Valley, will air on Sunday, April 20, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max. The remaining five episodes of the season will air weekly on Sundays until the finale, which will air on May 25.
James Martin/CNET
If you want to keep up with all the drama in The Last of Us and don’t have HBO, a subscription to Max is necessary. There are two plan options to choose from: the ad-supported tier for $10 a month and the ad-free one for $17 per month. If you’re looking to upgrade to 4K picture quality, the Ultimate plan is available for $21 per month.
Additionally, a megabundle that includes Hulu, Disney+, and Max is available. The ad-supported version costs $17 a month, while the ad-free version is $30 a month.
Searches for “tongue scraper” have almost doubled in the last two decades, according to Google Trends. Some experts, however, have warned about potential risks.
The practice of tongue-scraping (or tongue-brushing) has existed as a means of dental health for hundreds of years.
While earlier studies concluded that scraping the tongue can improve one’s sense of taste in as little as two weeks, some have raised concerns about potential heart health risks associated with the practice.
HERE’S HOW YOU SHOULD BE CLEANING YOUR TEETH, ACCORDING TO A DENTIST
“There’s always been a strong association between good oral hygiene and heart health,” Dr. Bradley Serwer, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company, told Fox News Digital.
“Gingivitis or a bad gum infection has been known to cause problems with the heart on many different levels,” said the Maryland-based doctor.
Previous studies linked regular tongue scraping with an improved sense of taste.(iStock)
Despite the potential benefits, Serwer and others have warned of a little-known cardiac risk associated with the practice.
What is tongue-scraping?
Tongue-scraping (or brushing) is the process of cleaning the tongue to keep bad bacteria, food debris and dead cells from accumulating on its surface, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Beyond brushing with a toothbrush, specific tongue-scraping tools — available at pharmacies for as little as $8 — offer an easy way to get rid of plaque and other unwanted build-up.
“Brushing is OK to do, but think about it this way — if your carpet is dirty and you scrub it, the dirt’s going to get embedded down in there,” said one dental hygienist.(iStock)
Gentle tongue-scraping performed up to once a day is recommended for adults to help remove bacteria and freshen breath, according to Dr. Whitney White of Aspen Dental.
FRIED CHICKEN-FLAVORED TOOTHPASTE SELLS OUT SHORTLY AFTER IT’S INTRODUCED
“When patients ask, I typically recommend a metal tongue scraper, as they are the best for hygienic reasons to keep clean,” White, who is based in Nevada, told Fox News Digital.
Another expert, Ohio-based dental hygienist Tenika Patterson, told Cleveland Clinic, “Tongue-scraping can do a better job at removing that plaque and bacteria from the tongue’s surface.”
Metal tongue scrapers are best for hygienic purposes, according to a dentist who spoke to Fox News Digital.(iStock)
“Brushing is OK to do, but think about it this way — if your carpet is dirty and you scrub it, the dirt’s going to get embedded down in there,” she said.
“But if you scrape it, it’s going to come right off the surface.”
Link to heart health
The concern with tongue-scraping is that it can cause “macroscopic cuts” on the tongue, which potentially can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, Serwer cautioned.
Any time bacteria enters the bloodstream, there is an increased risk of endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart valves.
7 BLOOD PRESSURE MISTAKES THAT COULD BE THROWING OFF YOUR READINGS
If left untreated, endocarditis can lead to severe heart damage, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Too much tongue-scraping can lower the body’s nitric oxide levels and increase the risk of issues like high blood pressure, an expert warned.(iStock)
While tongue-scraping can be good for oral health, it’s important not to overdo it, Dr. White advised.
Scraping too much can lower the body’s nitric oxide levels and increase the risk of issues like high blood pressure.
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“While gentle, regular scraping helps remove harmful bacteria, doing it too often or too aggressively can disrupt the balance of good microbes on your tongue — some of which help produce nitric oxide, a compound that’s important for heart health,” White said.
‘Not a substitute’
“The most important thing a person can do is to stay on top of oral hygiene,” Serwer recommended.
“Regular visits to the dentist, brushing and flossing can help ensure healthy gums and teeth.”
While brushing teeth and flossing can also introduce bacteria, those are outweighed by the benefits of maintaining healthy gums, experts agree.(iStock)
While brushing teeth and flossing can also introduce bacteria, those are outweighed by the benefits of maintaining healthy gums, experts agree.
In contrast, “the benefits of tongue scraping are quite minimal,” Serwer said.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
For those who wish to continue tongue-scraping, White emphasized that less can be more.
“Since your oral health is connected to your overall health, it’s best to scrape your tongue in moderation to keep both your mouth and body in balance,” she advised.
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“However, it is not a necessary step in your oral health routine, and should not be a substitute for twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing.”
Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of story topics including food and drink, travel, and health.
To a true chocolate lover, white chocolate is the silky, sweet cousin that doesn’t quite fit in – and yet, it charms its way into your heart (and desserts) all the same. It’s not brown, it doesn’t taste bitter, and it’s often treated like an outsider. But take a bite, and you’ll discover a creamy, melt-in-the-mouth richness with a cocoa aroma and flavour. With its smooth texture and mellow taste, white chocolate is a dream base for culinary creativity – from citrus and spice pairings to decadent desserts.
But is white chocolate real chocolate or not? Read on to find out and understand the world of chocolates better.
Why White Chocolate Doesn’t Look Like The Rest
One glance at white chocolate, and you might wonder “Where’s the cocoa?” Unlike milk or dark chocolate, white chocolate doesn’t contain cocoa solids which are responsible for chocolate’s deep colour and bold flavour. Instead, it’s made from cocoa butter, the fat extracted from cocoa beans.
This fat carries the signature chocolate aroma and contributes to white chocolate’s luxuriously creamy texture. When combined with sugar, milk solids, and sometimes vanilla, it creates a sweet confection that’s both subtle and indulgent.
Is White Chocolate A Real Chocolate
Legally, white chocolate qualifies as real chocolate. In 2004, the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) declared that for a product to be called “white chocolate,” it must meet the following standards:
At least 20% cocoa butter
Minimum 14% total milk solids
Minimum 3.5% milkfat
No more than 55% nutritive carbohydrate sweeteners
And critically, no other vegetable fats like palm or coconut oil
Also Read: How Was Ice Cream Invented? A Scoop Behind the History Of Your Favourite Dessert
To understand white chocolate better, let us take you on a journey to explain how white chocolate is made.
White Chocolate – From Bean To Bar
The journey of white chocolate begins like any other chocolate with fermented and roasted cocoa beans. These beans are pressed to separate the cocoa butter from the cocoa solids. While dark and milk chocolates use both parts, white chocolate is made exclusively from cocoa butter. To this, sugar, milk powder, and flavourings are added, but no cocoa solids.
How To Spot Real White Chocolate
Instead of asking whether white chocolate is “real,” the better question is: are you eating the real deal?
Here’s how to find out:
Read the label: Look for at least 20% cocoa butter. Avoid products listing “vegetable oils” instead.
Colour: High-quality white chocolate often appears slightly yellow or creamy, thanks to the natural hue of cocoa butter.
Check the texture: True white chocolate is smooth and creamy, not waxy.
Smell test: A rich, cocoa-like aroma is a good sign.
Also Read: All About MSG Seasoning: Who Invented It And How Does It Boost Flavour?
Are you ready to embrace white chocolate as the real deal? With its creamy richness and versatility, it’s a delightful ingredient – whether you bake with it, blend it, or just sneak a square for yourself. Check out some yummy white chocolate recipes below.
Delicious White Chocolate Recipes to Try
These white chocolate recipes are guaranteed to impress:
1. White Chocolate Cheesecake
A luxurious twist on the classic. Baked to perfection and served with a raspberry crush – it’s creamy, tangy, and impossible to resist.
2. White Chocolate Parfait with Berry Compote
Silky, sweet, and indulgent. Layered with a tangy berry compote, this parfait is perfect for when those cravings hit.
3. White Chocolate and Lemon Sorbet
Light, refreshing, and ridiculously simple to make. Add a few mint leaves for a fresh zing.
4. Almond and White Chocolate Gujiya
A festive favourite gets a gourmet upgrade. These crispy delights are filled with white chocolate, coconut, almonds, cardamom, and jaggery.
5. Mango White Chocolate Mousse
Celebrate mango season with this airy, tropical dessert. A mousse that’s as vibrant in flavour as it is in colour.
It may not look like your typical chocolate bar, but white chocolate has earned its place on the shelf. So the next time someone says it’s not “real” chocolate, you’ll know better.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-19/U-S-will-abandon-Ukraine-peace-push-if-no-progress-soon-says-Trump-1CH0cZV9Jja/img/6baac50ae9f7483abd2cc0257849934f/6baac50ae9f7483abd2cc0257849934f.png' alt='U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 18, 2025. /VCG'
The United States will walk away from efforts to broker a Russia-Ukraine peace deal unless there are clear signs of progress soon, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday, echoing warnings from his top diplomat.
“Quickly, we want to get it done,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “Now if for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we’re just going to say, ‘you’re foolish, you’re fools, you’re horrible people, and we’re going to just take a pass. But hopefully we won’t have to do that.”
Trump’s comments followed remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said the two sides had just days to show progress or Washington would walk away.
“We’re not going to continue with this endeavor for weeks and months on end. So we need to determine very quickly now, and I’m talking about a matter of days, whether or not this is doable in the next few weeks,” Rubio said in Paris after meeting European and Ukrainian leaders.
“If it’s not possible, if we’re so far apart that this is not going to happen, then I think the president is probably at a point where he’s going to say, ‘well, we’re done’.”
Trump, when asked, declined to set a specific deadline for how long he was willing to wait.
“Marco’s right in saying … we want to see it end,” Trump said. Asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin was stalling, Trump replied: “I hope not.”
Trump has been trying to broker a fast Russia-Ukraine peace deal, but the efforts have yielded no breakthrough so far.
On March 18, Trump proposed that both sides refrain from striking energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days. Russia and Ukraine then agreed.
However, Russia said on Friday Ukrainian forces have still been launching strikes on energy infrastructure in 15 Russian areas. Ukraine has said a recent Russian ballistic missile attack on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy killed 35 people.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-19/U-S-will-abandon-Ukraine-peace-push-if-no-progress-soon-says-Trump-1CH0cZV9Jja/img/d10fb798afeb49b892440359ef4211ad/d10fb798afeb49b892440359ef4211ad.png' alt='A damaged building at Dnipro, Ukraine, April 17, 2025. /VCG'
Growing frustrations as peace deal proves elusive
Over the past few weeks, Trump administration officials have acknowledged privately that the chances of a quick peace deal in Ukraine have grown elusive. Rubio’s comments in Paris, three European diplomats said, reflected growing frustration in the White House over what they said are Russian intransigence to end the war.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that some progress on a peace settlement had already been made, but that contacts with Washington were difficult. He said Russia was striving to resolve the conflict while ensuring its own interests. Moscow remained open to dialogue with the United States, he added.
Peskov said the negotiation process remains extremely complicated. He said Russia observes no substantive calls for peace from European Union countries regarding Ukraine. Instead, the EU persists in promoting militarization – both for itself and Ukraine – rather than pursuing peaceful resolution, he added.
The talks in Paris on Thursday were the first substantive, high-level and in-person talks on Trump’s peace push that have included European powers. Rubio said a U.S. peace framework he presented received an “encouraging reception.” Zelenskyy’s office called the talks constructive and positive. Rubio said he spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov after the Paris talks and briefed him on elements of the U.S. peace framework.
A U.S. official said the sides would re-engage in London next week, giving Ukraine time to agree fully to a “term sheet” presented by Washington. Kyiv was ready for a comprehensive ceasefire over sea, land and air for at least 30 days or longer, the official said.
Trump promised during his election campaign to end the war in Ukraine within his first 24 hours in the White House. He moderated that claim on taking office, suggesting a deal by April or May as obstacles mounted. He has pressured both sides to come to the negotiating table, threatening tougher sanctions on Russia or an end to billions of dollars in U.S. military support for Kyiv.
Both Ukraine and Russia showed up for U.S.-brokered talks in Saudi Arabia, which resulted in a partial ceasefire, but nothing more.
A source familiar with internal deliberations said Trump had made it clear to his team that he was questioning whether it was worthwhile sticking with the talks to break the impasse. The first U.S. official said Rubio’s comments were reflecting Trump’s frustration with the issue and a concern that this will soon be “Trump’s war.”
Bloomberg reported on Friday that Washington was prepared to recognize Russian control of Crimea, seized by Moscow in 2014, as part of a broader peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv. Bloomberg cited sources as saying the U.S. has not yet made a final decision on the matter.
Zelenskyy on Thursday reiterated his government’s red line on territorial issues.
“Today, we are discussing an unconditional ceasefire, and until that happens, we are not discussing territory. You know my position and our red lines – we will never recognize any of our temporarily occupied territories as Russian,” he told reporters.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-19/U-S-will-abandon-Ukraine-peace-push-if-no-progress-soon-says-Trump-1CH0cZV9Jja/img/50ee70ab63914614a4f136af5170195d/50ee70ab63914614a4f136af5170195d.png' alt='Servicemen of the Russian Pacific Fleet's 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade with the Sever (North) Group of Forces take part in a combat training in Kursk region, Russia, April 17, 2025. /VCG'
Ukraine minerals deal ‘may not buy peace’
The latest U.S. warning of walking away from a Russia-Ukraine peace deal comes after Kyiv and Washington signed a memorandum on minerals deal on Thursday.
In a Facebook post, Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said the document was signed by himself in Kyiv and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington.
Svyrydenko said the two countries will finalize the text of the minerals agreement and sign it in the near future, adding that the agreement will be subject to “ratification by parliaments.”
Earlier on Thursday, Trump said he expected to sign a minerals deal with Kyiv next week, after an attempt in February fell apart following Zelenskyy’s Oval Office clash with Vance and the Republican president.
However, a minerals deal between Ukraine and U.S. may not buy peace after the latest threat from the White House, according to a BBC analysis.
“Despite the U.S. and Ukraine stepping closer to this mineral deal, the Trump administration’s threat leaves it looking more like a business venture,” it wrote.
Oberoi Realty is one of the leading real estate developers in the country. It focuses on luxury housing segments.
| Photo Credit:
BL companies
Real estate firm Oberoi Realty Ltd on Saturday reported a 31 per cent annual increase in sales bookings to ₹5,266 crore during the last financial year on strong housing demand.
The Mumbai-based company had sold properties worth Rs 4,007 crore in the preceding year.
In a regulatory filing, Oberoi Realty informed that it has sold 928 units in 2024-25, as against 705 units in the preceding fiscal.
In terms of volumes, the company sold 12,81,446 square feet of carpet area during the last fiscal year, as against 10,76,192 square feet in 2023-24 fiscal.
Oberoi Realty is one of the leading real estate developers in the country. It focuses on luxury housing segments.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
AKO je nered za vas ogroman problem, bilo da se radi o hrpi odjeće, knjigama ili olovkama, možete isprobati metodu raščišćavanja 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Ova metoda je brza i praktična, a gotovo svatko je može primijeniti bez problema.
Što je metoda 1, 2, 3, 4, 5?
Ben Soreff, profesionalni organizator iz tvrtke House to Home Organizing za Homes&Gardens objasnio je što je ova metoda: “Metoda 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 za organizaciju je vrlo jednostavna. Počinjete tako da pronađete pet stvari koje ne pripadaju prostoru u kojem se nalazite, recimo papuče na stolu u blagovaonici, i zatim ih vratite tamo gdje im je mjesto, brojeći unatrag od pet do jedan dok ne završite”.
Tih pet predmeta mogu biti bilo što, od odjeće koja bi trebala biti u ormaru do laptopa koji bi trebao biti u torbi. Vi najbolje znate gdje što pripada.
Jedino što treba znati jest da ova metoda funkcionira samo s osnovnim stvarima, a ne sa stvarima koje su dio većeg nereda.
“Drugim riječima, ova metoda je odlična ako stvari već imaju jasno određeno mjesto na koje se mogu vratiti”, pojasnio je Soreff i dodao kako je metoda posebno učinkovita kad se radi o svakodnevnom neredu, pogotovo onome koji stvaraju djeca.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
“Nije poanta u savršenstvu”
Di Ter Avest, profesionalna organizatorica i osnivačica tvrtke Diisorganized, slaže se s Benom: “Metoda 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 je jednostavan i brz reset za vaš prostor. Nije poanta u savršenstvu, nego u napretku. Sviđa mi se što uklanja pritisak i čini raščišćavanje izvedivim, čak i na kraju dugog dana”.
Metoda je brza i dosljedna, a s vremenom mijenja navike i način na koji doživljavate i koristite svoj prostor.
Za Tracy McCubbin, osnivačicu i direktoricu tvrtke dClutterfly, ključ u organizaciji je pronaći metodu koja odgovara baš vama: “Sviđa mi se što ova metoda nudi jasan smjer. Trebate se baviti samo s pet stvari, a ne s cijelim projektom. Ovo ograničavanje sprječava osjećaj preopterećenosti”.
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moto book 60 Launched: Motorola has launched its first-ever laptop globally – the moto book 60 – in India on Thursday, April 17. The device comes in two colours- Bronze Green and Wedgewood. With 1.39 kg, the moto book 60 is an extremely light and slim laptop with a lot of firepower under the hood, said the company.
moto book 60: Display
The device is equipped with a 14’’ 2.8K OLED display with segment-leading 500 nits of peak brightness, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
moto book 60: Key Features
The laptop comes with features like
Smart Connect: Allows users to link their Moto Book 60 with smartphones, tablets, and other devices in their ecosystem
Smart Clipboard: Enable users to copy and paste content across devices effortlessly
Swipe To Share: Allows for quick, intuitive content sharing with a simple gesture
moto book 60: Processor
The moto book 60 is powered by the latest Intel Core 7 and Intel Core 5 processors. Designed to handle demanding tasks with ease, it allows users to seamlessly switch between applications, stream content, and manage heavy workloads without compromise, the company claimed.
moto book 60: Battery
The Moto Book 60 is powered by a 60Wh battery and comes with a 65W fast charger.
moto book 60: Availability
The moto book 60 would be available in 2 memory/storage variants – 16GB RAM + 512 GB Storage and 16 GB RAM + 1 TB Storage with Intel Core 7 and one memory Variant – 16 GB + 512 GB with Intel Core 5 processor.
moto book 60: Price
Intel® Core™ 5 (16 GB + 512 GB)
Intel® Core™ 7 16 GB + 512 GB
Effective Special Launch Price
Rs 61,999 (inclusive of instant discount on select credit and debit card transactions)
John Wayne is one of the biggest icons of the Western genre (Image: Getty)
From its golden years to the multiple revivals over the course of cinema history, western movies are some of the most effective genres when it comes to portraying raw action, dramatic showdowns, and questions of justice. All of that set to a stunning desert backdrop and clad with cowboy attire.
The genre first rose in the silent film era (1890s), was neglected for a bit with the advent of sound, and really started to take off and join mainstream culture again in the 1930s. And they are still going strong today.
Featuring stars such as Gary Cooper, Clint Eastwood, and James Stewart, here are the ten best Western films ever made, listed by Vulture:
10. Meek’s Cutoff (2010)
86% on Rotten Tomatoes
Meek’s Cutoff tells the story of a group of settlers and their guide, Stephen Meek, who became lost in the Oregon desert in 1845. As their supplies dwindle and their faith in Meek erodes, the group’s internal dynamics shift, especially when they capture a Native American.
The film explores themes of survival, distrust, and the harsh realities of pioneer life, with a focus on women’s roles and the impact of the environment. It stars Michelle Williams as our main heroine and Stephen Meek as the title character, supported by Will Patton, Zoe Kazan and Paul Dano.
Meek’s Cutoff (2010) is about settlers lost in the desert (Image: Publicity Picture)
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9. The Naked Spur (1953)
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
Anthony Mann’s film The Naked Spur tells the story of Howard Kemp (James Stewart), a bounty hunter obsessed with capturing murderer Ben Vandergroat (Robert Ryan), who he blames for stealing his ranch. He enlists the help of two suspicious strangers, a prospector and a dishonourably discharged soldier, to track down Vandergroat and collect the bounty. Greed and distrust fuel the uneasy alliance as they pursue Vandergroat through the rugged Colorado landscape.
The Naked Spur was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and was added to the United States National Film Registry in 1997—being deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
8. Rio Bravo (1959)
96% on Rotten Tomatoes
The first John Wayne film of this list, Rio Bravo, sees him portray Sheriff John T. Chance, who faces a challenge when he arrests a murderer, Joe Burdette, and his wealthy brother, Nathan, tries to get him released. Chance fortifies the jail, and with the help of a drunk ex-deputy, a disabled man, and a young gunfighter, holds off the Burdettes’ attempts to free Joe. The film culminates in a standoff and a shoot-out as Chance defends his prisoner and the law.
Directed by Howard Hawks, Rio Bravo was crafted in response to the earlier High Noon (1952) – where a community abandons its hero, which Wayne himself considered anti-American – offering a counterpoint to its political allegory by portraying hard self-reliance and moral strength.
7. The Wild Bunch (1969)
91% on Rotten Tomatoes
Sam Peckinpah’s The Wild Bunch is often cited as one of the grittiest Westerns ever made. It follows a group of ageing outlaws who plan one last score as the American frontier begins to modernise in 1913. When their robbery attempt goes wrong, they escape to Mexico and become entangled in the Mexican Revolution.
The film is famous for its slow-motion shootouts and unflinching violence, which shocked audiences at the time but helped welcome the modern era of Westerns. William Holden stars as Pike Bishop, the gang’s leader, alongside Ernest Borgnine and Robert Ryan. Despite initial controversy, The Wild Bunch was nominated for two Academy Awards and is today considered a landmark in revisionist Westerns, breaking with genre tradition by embracing moral ambiguity.
The Wild Bunch (1969) is famous for slow motion shootouts (Image: DAILY MIRROR)
6. Red River (1948)
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
Directed by Howard Hawks and starring John Wayne and Montgomery Clift, Red River chronicles the first cattle drive from Texas to Kansas along the Chisholm Trail. Wayne plays Thomas Dunson, a tough, authoritarian rancher, while Clift plays his adopted son, who eventually challenges his father’s leadership.
The film explores the tension between tradition and progress, and is noted for its deep character study and psychological drama. Red River was one of the first Westerns to give Wayne a more morally complex – less purist – role. It was preserved in the National Film Registry in 1990 and is considered one of Hawks’ most accomplished films.
5. McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)
85% on Rotten Tomatoes
Robert Altman’s McCabe & Mrs Miller contrasts with the traditional Western narrative with a story that centres on a gambler (Warren Beatty) and a brothel madam (Julie Christie) trying to establish a business in a wintry Pacific Northwest town. The film is characterized by its atmospheric visuals, Leonard Cohen’s mournful soundtrack, and its critique of capitalism and masculinity.
Cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond used a technique known as “flashing” to give the film its distinctive soft, muted look. Despite initial mixed reviews, McCabe & Mrs. Miller has grown in support over time and is now widely considered one of the most poetic and nuanced Westerns ever made. It was only selected for preservation in the National Film Registry many years later, in 2010.
4. Stagecoach (1939)
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
Directed by John Ford, Stagecoach was the film that elevated John Wayne to stardom. The story follows a group of strangers traveling together by stagecoach through dangerous Apache territory. Wayne plays the Ringo Kid, an escaped outlaw with a noble heart, who proves himself a hero during the perilous journey.
Stagecoach was groundbreaking for its use of Monument Valley, in the Arizona-Utah border, as a filming location, setting the visual template for countless Westerns. It also revolutionised the genre by combining action with complex character arcs. The film received seven Academy Award nominations, winning two. Another fun fact: Orson Welles claimed he watched Stagecoach over 40 times while preparing to direct Citizen Kane.
Stagecoach (1939) revolutionised the western genre (Image: By United Artists – National Board of Review Magazine)
The Searchers (1956) starring John Wayne is iconic (Image: FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty Images)
3. Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
96% on Rotten Tomatoes
Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West stands as one of the genre’s most visually striking entries. A sprawling epic of revenge, greed, and progress, the story pits a mysterious harmonica-playing gunslinger (Charles Bronson) against a brutal killer (Henry Fonda, in a rare villain role) and a determined widow (Claudia Cardinale).
The score by Ennio Morricone is considered one of the greatest film soundtracks ever composed, and the opening sequence – nearly 10 minutes with no dialogue – was iconic at the time. Though it underperformed in the U.S. on release, Once Upon a Time in the West was a massive hit in Europe and has since become a critical favourite.
2. Unforgiven (1992)
96% on Rotten Tomatoes
Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, Unforgiven is a revisionist Western that deconstructs the myth of the noble gunman. Eastwood plays William Munny, a retired outlaw who takes on one last job to kill two cowboys who mutilated a prostitute. Beside him are Ned Logan (Morgan Freeman) and the Schofield Kid, both drawn into a bloody confrontation with a brutal sheriff (Gene Hackman).
It won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor (Hackman). Unforgiven marked a final farewell to the classic Western hero archetype that was once the norm.
1. The Searchers (1956)
87% on Rotten Tomatoes
John Wayne’s performance in The Searchers is often cited as his best. Directed by John Ford, the film follows Ethan Edwards, a Civil War veteran who embarks on a years-long quest to rescue his kidnapped niece (Natalie Wood) from a Comanche tribe. The film is notable for its exploration of racism, obsession, and the thin line between heroism and vengeance. Ethan is not portrayed as a traditional hero – his actions are often fueled by hate, and his morality is ambiguous.
Shot in Monument Valley, the cinematography is iconic, and the final scene – Ethan framed in a doorway, isolated and unwilling to rejoin society – has become one of the most remarkable images in American cinema. The Searchers wasn’t initially recognized as a masterpiece, but its influence grew over time. It has since been named the greatest American Western by the American Film Institute and regularly features on critics’ lists of the best films ever made.
About its top choice, the Vulture list comments: “Wayne delivers a terrifying performance as a lost soul who uses revenge to excuse the darkness and prejudice already inside him. Through that prejudice, Ford began to address the genre’s treatment of Native Americans, not by softening the actions of the Comanches but by having Ethan respond to monstrous acts with even more monstrous behaviour”.
As Australia’s population continues to grow, our cities have gotten both bigger and busier.
Despite this, city cars have lost their appeal, with new car buyers instead pivoting to compact SUVs and crossovers with extra ground clearance and an elevated seating position.
But there’s still a case to be made for something smaller that’s easy to drive, easy to park, and perfect for the office commute or a trip to the shops.
There are still plenty of vehicles on sale today that fit that criteria – the Kia Picanto, BYD Dolphin, Toyota Yaris, Mazda 2, and MG 3, to name a few.
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Abarth 500e
BYD Dolphin
Toyota Yaris
Kia Picanto
But that’s not to say the term ‘city car’ has a single definition, as you’ll see from our nominations below.
After all, some need cargo capacity to lug loads around town, while others might be better served by a luxury sedan that takes the stress out of long hauls in peak-hour traffic.
So, without further ado, here are the city cars that each member of the CarExpert editorial team would buy.
Let us know your pick in the comments below!
Marton Pettendy: Hyundai i20 N
I’m going to be boring here and stick with a mainstream brand that offers a five-year warranty, lifetime service plan and a well-populated nationwide dealer network for the times I leave the city.
But Hyundai’s smallest hot hatch is anything but boring, with more power and torque than its only direct competitor, the Volkswagen Polo GTI, and a manual transmission blessed with lightly sprung, perfectly placed pedals that make the daily grind as pleasurable as heel-toeing in the twisties.
The i20 N also comes with all the safety and multimedia tech you need. And at just $35,500 before on-road costs, it’s not only Australia’s most affordable bona-fide hot hatch but the last of a great yet dying breed.
Interest in buying a Hyundai i20 N? Get in touch with one of trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Hyundai i20 N
James Wong: Abarth 695
Yes, I’m crazy.
There are few city motoring experiences more alive and engaging than the Italians’ ‘pazzo’ take on the Fiat 500, especially with a manual gearbox.
It’s loud, it’s quick, and it’s flippin’ adorable. There’s no parking spot it can’t fit in, because it’s basically a four-wheeled bike.
For me, a Melbournian in Australia’s most European city, why not do as the Europeans do?
Interested in buying an Abarth 695? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Abarth 695
Jack Quick: BYD Dolphin
While I want to say the Ford Ranger Raptor just for laughs, I can’t in good conscience. Many people choose this, though.
With this in mind, my ultimate city car is an EV due to how nippy they are at low speeds, how quiet they can be, and also how easy charging them can be (provided you have space at home).
There are plenty of small EVs to choose from, but the one that stands out the most currently is the BYD Dolphin, which starts at $29,990 before on-roads. This is wild because many petrol-powered equivalents are now pricier at the base level.
Another city car I’d love to pick, but can’t because it’s not sold in Australia, is the Citroen Ami. Technically not a car but rather a quadricycle, I saw heaps of these during my European holiday last year and thought they would be so fun to drive around in.
Interested in buying a BYD Dolphin? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything BYD Dolphin
William Stopford: Mazda 2
I would have said the Ford Puma, given its compact dimensions, slightly higher ride height, but fun hatchback-like handling, but Ford Australia went ahead and dropped it. Boo!
I’ll keep it simple and go with the proven (codeword for bloody old) Mazda 2. The infotainment is horribly dated, but I still love the way it drives. It still looks sharp, and it feels built to last.
The MG 3 Hybrid+ is a runner-up, as I found it economical and the transitions between petrol and electric power generally smooth, though it’s still in need of a tweak or two to its powertrain.
Interested in buying a Mazda 2? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Mazda 2
Jordan Mulach: Hyundai i20 N
What’s the point in having something small if it can’t be fun too?
The i20 N is, by all accounts, a pint-size i30 N, with the ability to outperform its big brother on the right road.
It is an absolute pleasure to drive and is arguably closer in its ethos and execution to a true 1980s hatchback than any other model on sale in Australia.
Add in backing from a major brand plus endless events for owners, and it’s hard to ignore why this is a performance car bargain.
Interest in buying a Hyundai i20 N? Get in touch with one of trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Hyundai i20 N
Josh Nevett: Abarth 695
It’s not long for this world, but the petrol-powered Abarth 695 will go down as a pint-size motoring icon.
Compact, fast, fun and relatively practical with the back seats folded down – what more could you want from a car that’ll spend its time zipping around the city?
And in my humble opinion, there’s no better sounding four-pot going around. The 132kW T-Jet makes a mockery of some V8s when it comes to aural thrills, all while sipping less than 6.0L/100km.
While you can buy the 695 with a manual transmission, I’d take the auto for daily duties in the concrete jungle.
Regardless of variant and specification, Abarth’s final ICE model will bring a smile to your face during every drive, and you’ll never struggle to find a suitable parking space at the end of it.
Interested in buying an Abarth 695? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Abarth 695
Sean Lander: Peugeot Partner
Let’s be honest, if you’re looking into buying a micro car and live in a built up area, you probably aren’t wanting to be the local Uber. So a three-seater van makes perfect sense.
It’s only about 200mm longer than a GWM Ora, can take up to 1000kg of payload and the BEST part is you can park in loading zones to quickly duck into a shop and grab your decaf-almond-soy-oat-milk latte.
It even comes in an EV version!
Yeah, I’m having a bit of fun here, because as the rural simpleton I am, I loathe the existence of these tiny cars. If you have to succumb to the requirement of a small car, you may as well have one that is practical too.
Interested in buying a Peugeot Partner? Get in touch with one CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Peugeot Partner
Max Davies: Mini Cooper
It’s a city car, so in my mind smaller is better.
Admittedly, I was swayed by Sean’s Partner pick for the loading zone benefits and was considering going for a Volkswagen Caddy, but then I remembered I’d have limited use for that. I’m therefore sticking to the classic city car formula and going for the three-door Mini Cooper.
I’ve always liked the look of the current-generation Coopers. They appeal to me as cute little things with funky styling, even if they’re nowhere near as little as the Minis of old used to be.
That fits perfectly as something fun and easy to drive around city streets, especially because it has those nippy driving characteristics modern Minis are known for. The interior is also a fun place to be with its left-field setup, and it’s all backed up by generally sturdy BMW tech – it just ticks a lot of boxes for me.
The only thing is it is fairly pricey, starting at just under $42,000 before on-roads for the base model. Still, this would be at the top of my city car list, and it wouldn’t be dreadful on longer weekend drives either.
Interested in buying a Mini Cooper? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
India’s luxury real estate market is evolving, driven by RBI’s repo rate cuts to 6% in April 2025. Lower rates are making luxury homes more accessible, with a 39% sales increase in Q1 2025.
Luxury Real Estate (AI Generated Image)
India’s luxury real estate market, once viewed as an exclusive domain reserved for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, is experiencing a subtle yet significant transformation. While much of the recent discourse has focused on the impact of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) back-to-back repo rate cuts on affordable and mid-segment housing, an equally compelling narrative is emerging in the upper echelons of the property ladder.
The reduction of the repo rate to 6% in April 2025—the second consecutive cut this year—has set in motion a recalibration of buyer sentiment, affordability metrics, and investment strategies across the housing spectrum. And perhaps most intriguingly, it has begun enabling access to luxury housing for a broader, more aspirational cohort.
Traditionally, the high-value residential segment has been seen as relatively insulated from interest rate fluctuations, with buyers often less reliant on housing finance. However, the current economic context—marked by easing inflation, surplus liquidity, and a shift in consumer risk appetite—is reshaping this landscape. Lower repo rates are now becoming instrumental in driving luxury home purchases, not just by making EMIs more manageable, but by shifting how luxury is perceived and financed in India’s evolving housing market.
Luxury Buyers Are Prioritising Loan-Backed Assets Over Liquid Investments
In the current monetary environment, even affluent buyers are increasingly embracing structured finance to purchase luxury homes. The prevailing home loan interest rates—hovering near 8% for prime borrowers—make it financially prudent to retain liquidity for portfolio diversification, while leveraging low-cost borrowing for high-value assets. This is a marked change from past patterns, where luxury homebuyers typically paid significant portions of the property cost upfront.
This shift is particularly evident in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi NCR, where the average price of luxury properties has risen by 12–18% over the past year, as per ANAROCK Research. Buyers are more inclined to preserve capital by opting for home loans, confident in the affordability cushion provided by lower EMIs. For instance, a ₹4 crore home financed at 8% interest for 20 years results in an EMI of approximately ₹3.34 lakh—an amount that becomes tenable for a rising professional class with predictable income streams and investment buffers.
Additionally, financial advisors are increasingly recommending high-value borrowers to retain their cash flows and take advantage of rate-linked lending to optimize wealth. This mindset shift has directly contributed to a notable uptick in luxury housing sales, which grew by 39% year-on-year across top 7 cities in Q1 2025, even as affordable housing witnessed a temporary slowdown.
Dual-Income Households and the Rise of Aspirational Luxury
Another factor catalyzing this momentum is the rise of dual-income households with a combined financial footprint strong enough to qualify for large-ticket loans. In India’s top metros, where housing demand intersects with tech-led incomes and a burgeoning services sector, we are seeing more families especially in their 30s and early 40s pursuing luxury living not as a status symbol, but as an aspirational lifestyle upgrade.
This demographic, characterized by salaried professionals earning between ₹20–40 lakh annually per person, is increasingly turning to co-borrowed home loans to access luxury housing. With interest rates trending lower and improved loan eligibility norms, these households are now able to invest in ₹2–4 crore homes that were once considered out of reach.
The Union Budget 2025 further reinforces this shift by offering tax rationalizations that boost monthly savings, encouraging early-stage planning for housing investments. By redirecting those incremental savings into EMIs especially for jointly-held properties families are not only gaining physical assets but also achieving a degree of financial consolidation in an otherwise volatile investment climate.
Lower Interest Rates Are Changing the Psychology of Luxury Buying
The psychological shift in how luxury real estate is perceived has profound implications. Once primarily a statement of affluence, luxury housing is increasingly being viewed as a strategic asset class that offers both capital appreciation and lifestyle enhancement. With inflation showing signs of moderation and fixed deposit returns stabilizing below 7%, luxury property offers both yield potential and hedging capability in times of economic uncertainty.
Lower repo rates, by reducing the cost of borrowing, have increased the perceived viability of investing in high-end homes as future-ready assets ones that offer flexibility in use (as a primary residence, rental income source, or second home), appreciation potential in key micro-markets, and legacy value. Furthermore, global economic volatility has made tangible assets more appealing than equities or digital investments, particularly for conservative Indian investors.
In this context, luxury homes in well-connected urban enclaves are gaining ground as diversified assets within high-net-worth portfolios. The fact that these homes are now more accessible due to lower EMIs is only accelerating this trend, reinforcing luxury real estate’s repositioning from an indulgence to a calibrated wealth strategy.
Home Loan Portability Is Creating an Entry Point for Luxury Upgrades
Lower interest rates have not only encouraged new purchases but also triggered a wave of refinancing activity among existing homeowners. Many mid-segment property owners who had previously taken loans at 9% or higher are now exploring balance transfers or top-up loans to upgrade into the luxury category.
The portability of home loans, enabled by simplified digital onboarding, has become a major enabler for such transitions. With a gap of 75–100 basis points between older loans and current offerings for prime borrowers, refinancing offers an opportunity to move into a better home without significantly increasing EMI obligations.
For example, a borrower paying ₹68,000 per month for a ₹1 crore loan at 9% can now shift to a ₹1.5 crore loan at 8% with an EMI of around ₹1.25 lakh—only a marginal increase in outflow when viewed in the context of the asset value gained. This window has created a mid-to-luxury mobility channel, where aspirational buyers use better financing terms to upgrade their living experience.
This demand channel has gained prominence in micro-markets across Gurugram, Pune, and Hyderabad, where previously mid-income buyers are taking advantage of favourable rate cycles to move into larger, better-located homes with premium amenities.
Falling Rates Are Fueling Demand in Urban Lifestyle Enclaves
Micro-markets within metro cities are becoming the biggest beneficiaries of this demand evolution. The luxury segment has traditionally been driven by demand for gated communities, green-rated buildings, and well-connected, socially vibrant enclaves. Lower repo rates have only amplified the attractiveness of these areas by bridging the affordability gap.
Localities like Whitefield in Bengaluru, Golf Course Extension in Gurugram, and Lower Parel in Mumbai are witnessing renewed interest in luxury projects priced above ₹2.5 crore. What was once restricted to CXOs and legacy wealth holders is now being explored by younger professionals who find that with the current rate structure, monthly EMIs align with their long-term affordability horizon.
Moreover, the rise of remote work and hybrid office setups has led to lifestyle recalibrations, with buyers prioritizing spacious homes, wellness amenities, and future-ready configurations. Developers are responding with targeted launches in these high-demand clusters, backed by flexible financing, festive offers, and EMI holiday schemes.
Interestingly, the increase in demand has not yet fully inflated prices in many micro-markets, suggesting that this is an opportune time for buyers to capitalize on the convergence of falling rates and relatively stable luxury pricing—before broader recovery dynamics kick in and push prices upward.
To Conclude
The recent repo rate cuts by the RBI, alongside an accommodative policy stance, are doing more than just easing the burden on homebuyers—they are subtly redefining the contours of luxury housing in India. The narrative is shifting from exclusivity to inclusivity, from static affluence to aspirational access, and from vanity purchases to value-driven investments.
Luxury homeownership is no longer just about deep pockets; it’s increasingly about strategic timing, financial agility, and a favorable policy environment. With tax reforms improving disposable income, home loan innovations reducing entry barriers, and urban infrastructure rapidly modernizing, we may be on the cusp of a structural shift where luxury living becomes a broader aspiration rather than a niche exception.
What remains critical, however, is the role of banks in ensuring timely transmission of rate cuts, and of developers in maintaining quality, transparency, and delivery standards. As stakeholders align around this emerging opportunity, the Indian housing market stands to gain not just in volume but in vibrancy, diversity, and depth.
The Writer is Mr. Avneesh Sood, Director Eros Group
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the stand of this publication.
Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates—only on News18.
News business Beyond EMIs: How Lower Repo Rates Are Enabling Luxury Homeownership In India
HOT price may reach a potential peak of about $0.0707 in 2025, based on Coinpedia’s formulated forecast.
The rising adoption and use case expansion of the Holochain will play a crucial role in HOT price action over the next five years.
The future growth prospects of Holo (HOT) coin are heavily dependent on the success of the Holochain’s peer-to-peer, energy efficient platform for decentralized applications. Having existed for more than five years, HOT coin has gained significant traction but the team has to deliver a sustainable and scalable platform to capture a wider share of global DeFi space.
Most importantly, HOT price action in the next five years will heavily depend on the global regulatory environment, led by the United States, Europe, and other major economies.
Holo price may reach a potential peak of about 10 cents in 2026 and a possible low of around $0.001148.
Considering the established four-year crypto cycle, diminishing returns, and regulatory outlook, HOT price may reach a potential low of about $0.001630 in 2027 and a possible peak of around 14 cents.
As the next Bitcoin-halving year, which also coincides with the next U.S. Presidential election, HOT price may reach a potential peak of about 19 cents and a possible low about $0.002216.
If Holo price will have established a rising trend in the prior years, HOT price may reach a peak of about 25 cents in 2029 and a possible low of around $0.002925.
By the end of this decade, HOT price may reach a potential peak of about $0.3223 and a possible low of around $0.003685.
*Predictions below represent respective end of year peaks by the different companies.
2025
2026
2030
Coincodex
$0.000798
$0.000657
$0.00006550
Tradersunion
$0.00101
$0.001179
$0.001877
Pricepredictions
$0.001729
$0.00269
$0.006533
According to Coinpedia’s formulated Holo price forecast for 2025, if the crypto market regains bullish sentiment in the next three quarters, $HOT price will likely end the year at a potential low of about $0.000792, and a possible peak of around $0.0707.
Potential Low
Average Price
Potential High
2025
$0.000792
$0.00386
$0.0707
Is HOT a great investment for the next five years?
Yes, it is a potentially profitable investment bolstered by the mainstream adoption of DeFi technology and digital assets.
Top factors that will influence HOT price action by 2030.
The adoption and use case expansion of the Holochain will play a crucial role in HOT price action in the next five years.
Where can you buy HOT tokens?
The HOT coin is listed for trading by Binance, Bybit, Bitget, MEXC, Gate.io, and Crypto.com, among many others.
Will the HOT coin reach $1 by 2030?
With the dubious crypto speculation amid the improving crypto regulatory outlook in major jurisdictions, HOT price could rise to $1 by 2030. However, considering diminishing returns, HOT price may not reach $1 in the next five years.
CNET’s top provider pickfor most Arlington households is Xfinity. In addition to providing service to most addresses in the city, Xfinity also offers the fastest plan in Arlington. For $115 per month, customers can reach download speeds up to 2 gigabits per second, with no data caps or monthly equipment charges. Providers like Verizon Fios and T-Mobile are solid picks for home internet, too, depending on availability.
Verizon Fios, Verizon 5G and T-Mobile all tie for the cheapest plan in the area, starting at $50 or $35 if you have an eligible phone plan with the provider. Verizon’s 5G and fiber plans offer slightly better download speeds at up to 300Mbps.
Best internet in Arlington, Virginia
Arlington internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 for eligible mobile customers)
87-415Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon Fios Read full review
Fiber
$50-$110
300-2,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.6
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$45 with qualifying mobile plans)
50-1,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.2
Xfinity Read full review
Cable/Fiber
$55-$115
300-2,000Mbps
$15 (optional)
None
1 year on some plans
7
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Arlington?
Provider
Starting monthly price
Max download speed
Monthly equipment fee
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plan)
245Mbps
None
Verizon Fios 300 Read full review
$50
300Mbps
None
Verizon 5G Home Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plan)
300Mbps
None
Xfinity X-300 Read full review
$55
300Mbps
$15 (optional)
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Arlington
The best internet deals and top promotions in Arlington depend on what discounts are available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Arlington internet providers, such as Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, however, including Verizon and T-Mobile, run the same standard pricing year-round.
How many members of your household use the internet?
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Bruce Yuanyue Bi/Getty Images
Fastest internet plans in Arlington
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Connection type
Xfinity Gigabit X-2Gig Read full review
$115
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Cable/Fiber
Verizon Fios 2 Gig Read full review
$110
2,000Mbps
1,500Mbps
None
Fiber
Verizon 5G Home Plus Read full review
$70 ($45 with eligible mobile plan)
1,000Mbps
75Mbps
None
Fixed wireless
Xfinity X-G Read full review
$85
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Cable/Fiber
Verizon Fios 1 Gig Read full review
$90
940Mbps
880Mbps
None
Fiber
Show more (1 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines — and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics — browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Arlington
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and also consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Internet providers in Arlington FAQs
What is the best internet service provider in Arlington?
Xfinity is Arlington’s best internet provider due to its wide coverage map, variety of plans and blazing-fast speeds.
Is fiber internet available in Arlington?
Yes. Verizon Fios is the largest fiber provider in Arlington, but select households may also be serviceable for fiber connectivity under Xfinity.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Arlington?
The cheapest internet plans in Arlington start at $50 from T-Mobile, Verizon Fios and Verizon 5G. Verizon offers slightly faster speeds, with downloads up to 300Mbps, but both providers give a $15 discount to residents with eligible phone plans.
Which internet provider in Arlington offers the fastest plan?
Xfinity offers the fastest plan in Arlington: 2 gigabits or 2,000Mbps, for $115 monthly.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recently reported the state’s first measles case of the year, identifying the patient as a child under 4 years old who recently traveled internationally.
While the department released limited information about the patient, it confirmed the child lives in the northwest region.
Health officials are coordinating efforts to identify anyone who might have been exposed, according to a news release from VDH.
Measles outbreaks have been declared in eight states, the most recent announced Thursday in Michigan.
MEASLES OUTBREAKS NOW DECLARED IN 8 STATES, INCLUDING MICHIGAN’S FIRST IN 5 YEARS
A patient with measles(iStock)
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Oakland County Health Division confirmed the first case of measles in Oakland County March 14, and the state is up to eight cases detected this year.
“This first case of measles in Virginia this year is a reminder of how easily this highly contagious disease can spread, particularly with international travel,” said VDH epidemiologist Laurie Forlano.
Forlano said the MMR vaccination remains the best defense against measles and is “safe and highly effective” at protecting people and preventing outbreaks.
Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection.
“We urge Virginians, especially those planning to travel, to check their vaccination status, talk to their health care provider and get the MMR vaccine if needed,” she said.
MEASLES OUTBREAK CONTINUES: SEE WHICH STATES HAVE REPORTED CASES
A measles advisory is shown on a bulletin board outside Gaines County Courthouse in Seminole, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Anyone who was at the Kaiser Permanente Caton Hill Medical Center Advanced Urgent Care from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday or at the Kaiser Permanente Fredericksburg Medical Center Pediatrics Department from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday may have been exposed, officials said.
Those who received a measles-containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine available in other countries), may be at risk of developing measles.
However, those who received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or were born before 1957 are protected and do not need to take any action.
In Virginia, about 95% of kindergartners are fully vaccinated.
IS MMR VACCINE SAFE FOR KIDS? DR. NICOLE SAPHIER ADDRESSES CONCERNS AS MEASLES CASES RISE
A child receives a vaccination in Los Angeles March 25. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated and others who are not vaccinated are susceptible to measles.
Infants 6 months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally or to an area where an outbreak is reported should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel.
Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, according to the VDH.
Symptoms usually appear in two stages, with first-stage symptoms seven to 14 days after exposure being a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes and a cough.
DANGEROUS FUNGUS SPREADING IN US HOSPITALS HAS ‘RAPIDLY INCREASED’
A box containing measles vaccinations in Houston(Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms begin, when a rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears, according to health officials.
Fox News Digital’s Angelica Stabile contributed to this report.
Alexandra Koch is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Prior to joining Fox News, Alexandra covered breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.
A healthy breakfast ensures a fresh start to your day. Consuming a well-balanced morning meal improves overall physical and mental performance throughout the day. Don’t know about you, but Rahul Khanna agrees. The actor kickstarted his weekend on a nutritious note and offered a glimpse of his breakfast on his Instagram Stories. The spread included a plate of rocket salad served with eggs scrambled in ghee. Yoghurt topped with raspberries and a cup of coffee sealed his delectable feast. “What’s for breakfast?” read his side note.
Also Read: Lara Dutta’s 47th Birthday Celebrations Featured These Delicious Cakes
In the second slide, Rahul Khanna added the details of all the ingredients used to prepare the breakfast. For the raspberry and yoghurt bowl, the actor resorted to stevia instead of sugar. Stevia is a sugar substitute made from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. Loaded with antioxidants, stevia is known for managing blood sugar levels and promoting weight management.
Watch the full picture below:
Rahul Khanna cooked the rocket salad with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a healthier alternative to refined vegetable oils. Rich in monounsaturated fat and antioxidants, EVOO reduces inflammation, lowers the risk of heart disease and supports overall health. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) also went into the salad. ACV is linked to better weight management, improved cholesterol levels, and enhanced digestion. The salad ingredients were a mix of veg and non-veg components. They were: chopped cucumbers, avocados, carrots, apples, dried anchovies and sardines. Finally, it was topped with sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are a vital source of minerals that improve bone health, immunity, and energy.
The scrambled eggs, packed with cottage cheese, were put on top of a chicken burger patty. Rahul Khanna’s beverage of the day, aka coffee, was rich, “deep, dark”. The drink also contained heavy cream, collagen and stevia. Adding collagen peptides to coffee can enhance skin elasticity and hydration. Additionally, collagen supplementation aids in bone density and joint health.
Previously, Rahul Khanna shared the recipe for his healthy brunch spread containing blueberries, a big salad bowl and coffee. Read all about it here.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-19/70-years-on-Bandung-Spirit-charts-course-for-Global-South-development-1CH6Kh9EqVq/img/c3bcf8d3815248d187f24727aa0192c1/c3bcf8d3815248d187f24727aa0192c1.png' alt='The Asian-African Conference Museum in Bandung, Indonesia, March 18, 2025. /VCG'
The Asian-African Conference marks its 70th anniversary this year. Also known as the Bandung Conference, it was held in Bandung, Indonesia, on April 18, 1955. This landmark event marked the first time that countries from the Global South united to oppose imperialism and colonialism, defending their sovereign rights and advocating for a more equitable world.
Leaders and representatives from 29 Asian and African countries proposed the Bandung Spirit, with “solidarity, friendship and cooperation” at its core.
Seven decades later, the Bandung Spirit continues to inspire countries in the Global South to pursue a new path of common development through win-win cooperation, under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and other platforms.
At the opening ceremony of the Asian-African Conference, Sukarno, Indonesia’s first president, called for awakening on behalf of the Southern countries.
“Wherever, whenever and however it appears, colonialism is an evil thing, and it must be eradicated from the earth,” Sukarno stated in his speech.
“I hope that it will give evidence of the fact that we Asian and African leaders understand that Asia and Africa can prosper only when they are united, and that even the safety of the world at large cannot be safeguarded without a united Asia-Africa,” he added.
Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, who led a Chinese delegation to the conference, proposed making the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence the foundation for establishing friendly cooperation among developing countries.
These principles, first proposed by Zhou during a meeting with an Indian government delegation on December 31, 1953, and later incorporated into joint statements issued by China with India and Myanmar in 1954, became a vital part of the Bandung Spirit. They were later accepted by the vast majority of countries worldwide as the basic norms of international relations and the core principles of international law.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-19/70-years-on-Bandung-Spirit-charts-course-for-Global-South-development-1CH6Kh9EqVq/img/58bf925a13d14e6a813048b8c4e4fcb9/58bf925a13d14e6a813048b8c4e4fcb9.jpeg' alt='A view of Bandung, Indonesia, March 18, 2025. /VCG'
On Tuesday (April 15), a conference commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference was held in Beijing, bringing together diplomats, scholars and policymakers from across Asia and Africa.
The event explored the enduring relevance of the Bandung Spirit and its role in shaping a more inclusive global order in the 21st century.
“Over the past 70 years, both the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit have been incorporated into a number of key international documents, gaining broad recognition and adherence across the global community,” said Zhao Zhimin, secretary-general of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun stated that the Bandung Conference’s call for a more just and equitable international order gave strong momentum to the decolonization movement and the rise of the Non-Aligned Movement across Asia and Africa.
“Although the world has changed significantly, the original call for a fairer international order remains highly relevant,” he added, emphasizing the importance of strengthening South-South cooperation in areas such as digital transformation, regional connectivity, food and energy security, and global governance reform.
The Bandung Spirit’s emphasis on respecting differences, embracing coexistence, and prioritizing consultation offers valuable insights for addressing today’s governance challenges,” said Zhai Kun, deputy director of the Institute of Area Studies at Peking University.
For decades, China has upheld, inherited, and advanced the Bandung Spirit.
From the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind to the three global initiatives – namely, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative – the diplomatic concepts and governance solutions proposed by China align with the Bandung Spirit.
In a written speech to a roundtable on carrying forward the Bandung Spirit held on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for inheriting and carrying forward the Bandung Spirit to build a common home of peace, tranquility, prosperity, beauty and friendship.
Noting that China is committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind, he said it will provide new opportunities, create new space, and inject new impetus for the development of the Global South and other countries around the world.
Social media feeds are awash in images of lavish baskets overflowing with expensive gifts. Some parents are giving their children bikes. Others are pushing back.
Realty firm Kolte-Patil Developers Ltd’s sale bookings declined 15 per cent to ₹631 crore in the fourth quarter of last fiscal on lower volumes.
Its sale bookings stood at ₹743 crore in the year-ago period.
Sale bookings in volume terms fell 23 per cent to 0.8 million square feet during January-March quarter of 2024-25 from 1.03 million sq ft in the corresponding period of the preceding year, according to a regulatory filing on Thursday.
During the full 2024-25 fiscal, Kolte-Patil Developers Ltd fell marginally by 1 per cent to ₹2,791 crore from ₹2,822 crore in the preceding fiscal. Sales volume declined 8 per cent to 3.60 million square feet from 3.92 million square feet, but average realisation rose 8 per cent to ₹7,758 from ₹7,193 per square feet.
Pune-based Kolte-Patil Developers Ltd is one of the leading real estate firms in the country.
Atul Bohra, Group CEO of Kolte-Patil Developers, said, “During FY25, we recorded milestone collections of ₹2,432 crore, reinforced by operating efficiency, strong registrations, sales, construction and customer engagement. Sales at ₹2,791 crore remained muted, impacted by delay in the planned project launches.”
New launches contributed around 42 per cent to overall sales bookings, he added.
In March this year, Kolte-Patil Developers announced that Blackstone would acquire a 40 per cent stake in the company for ₹1,150 crore.
Blackstone affiliated firm will acquire a 14.3 per cent stake for ₹417 crore through a preferential issue of equity shares and another 25.7 per cent stake from the promoters group ₹Rs 750 crore.
Global investment firm Blackstone will be entering into Indian residential market after having a significant exposure in office, shopping mall, warehousing and data centre verticals of real estate.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
NA Redditu se nedavno među Hrvatima povela jedna nostalgična rasprava. Jedan korisnik pitao je ostale: “Koje biste proizvode iz djetinjstva voljeli ponovno vidjeti na policama trgovina (osim Kinder lade)?” Uz upit priložio je fotku proizvoda koji bi on volio ponovno vidjeti – Milky Way Minute.
Njegova objava prikupila je više od stotinu komentara, a ljudi su se uglavnom prisjetili hrane, posebno slatkiša. Prenosimo neke od njih.
Grandi flips s kikirikijem jedan je korisnik naveo kao proizvod koji bi volio ponovno vidjeti u ponudi. “Ovu ovisnost”, napisao je uz fotografiju ove grickalice. Mnogi su se s njim složili i lajkali njegov komentar više od 90 puta. “Ajme, najbolji smoki ikad”, “Joj, da!”, komentirali su.
“Ne znam što bi sve napravio da ih se opet dočepam”
Jedan korisnik spomenuo je Milky Way Crispy Rolls čokoladice, a drugi su mu potvrdili koliko su ih i sami voljeli. “Ovo mi tako fali”, “Najbolja čokoladica na svijetu”, komentirali su. Neki su otkrili i slične proizvode koji se još uvijek mogu kupiti. “Imaš takvu istu stvar u Sparu, njihova marka. Dolazi u pakiranju od devet komada, čini mi se”, napisao je netko.
Jedan korisnik istaknuo je kako bi volio ponovno vidjeti Zottov Liegeois puding s jagodom. “Naletio jednom na njih u Žapcu, napunio cijeli frižider. Znači, ne znam što bih sve napravio da ih se opet dočepam”, komentirao je. Drugi su mu odgovorili da se ovaj proizvod još uvijek može naći u trgovinama u Hercegovini.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
“Ovo je bilo bolje od Ferrera”
Netko je poželio povratak Kraševih keksa Harmonija s lješnjakom. “Ovo je bilo bolje od Ferrera”, napisao je za Harmonija kekse. Netko drugi je, pak, spomenuo plave Harmonija kekse s kokosom. “Plava Harmonija je zapravo najsavršenije savršenstvo. Zapravo je nastala tako da se jedan keks otkotrljao s Olimpa pa su ljudi napravili repliku jer, ipak, je to bila hrana bogova.”
“Ledolinu, originalnu, i onaj neki kornet s grožđicama, s početka 90-ih”, glasio je još jedan od odgovora na objavu. Netko drugi prisjetio se čokoladice Eldorado. “Kraševu čokoladicu Eldorado. Davio sam se u tome! Danas ne mogu ni sliku na netu pronaći.”
Još neki proizvodi koje su ljudi spominjali, a koje bi voljeli ponovno vidjeti u trgovinama, uključuju Milli Mil krem proizvod, Kraš Kiss čokoladice, Efekta žvake, Kviki kokice s čokoladom, Klara Tonku, Top flips, Frizbi čokolade, Hugo žele s malinom, čokoladicu Dove i Conguitos čokoladne bombone.
A što biste vi voljeli da se vrati u ponudu trgovina?
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Kudos to Dylan Hernández for his column “Dodgers are no longer agents of change,” noting the absurdity of a Dodger team going to the White House to meet Donald Trump. If anything, he was too gentle in pointing out the irony.
It was the Trump administration that removed mention of Jackie Robinson from a Department of Defense website as part of its effort to cancel anything that hints at diversity, equity or inclusion. They claimed later that it was a mistake and restored the Jackie Robinson article, but their only “mistake” was not realizing it would create an outcry. An Air Force webpage honoring Gen.Colin Powell, who was the first Black U.S. Secretary of State, and first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was removed, and replaced with the word DEI. It was not restored. The difference between the two groundbreakers is that Robinson is more visible and beloved. Deleting Colin Powell occurred without many people noticing.
Not to mention Trump’s efforts to destroy lots of “mom and apple pie” things like the Department of Education, the Post Office, Social Security, Medicaid, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Constitution. I think the Dodgers meeting the president only helped to normalize the insanity.
I don’t think many Dodger fans would have objected to their beloved team passing on the Trump visit.
Paul Koretz Los Angeles
The Dodgers, indeed, threw their fans a curveball. How hypocritical to visit Trump one week and then turn around and celebrate Jackie Robinson Day the next. Baseball is not immune to racial prejudice and, unfortunately, neither is this particular White House. We’ve just seen it up close and personal. Very disappointing!
Marty Zweben Palos Verdes Estates
Fueled by an intense hatred for Donald Trump, Dylan Hernández puts forth a feeble and biased argument against the Dodgers’ visit to the White House. His personal animosity toward Trump appears to cloud his already questionable judgment.
Visiting the White House is a time-honored tradition — a sign of respect for the institution of the presidency, not a blanket endorsement of any president’s politics. It’s about recognizing excellence, not playing politics.
Jackie Robinson, a man of immense grace, integrity, and principle, would have undoubtedly recognized the importance of the office and accepted the invitation with class. To suggest otherwise is to ignore the very values Robinson stood for.
Sam Chaidez Mission Hills
Please give Dylan Hernández the transfer out of the Sports department, he’s obviously very unhappy and wants to be in the political editorial division.
Rand Elkins Camarillo
First there was “The Curse of The Bambino.” Now it seems we have “The Curse of The Trump White House Visit.” So be it, I say.
William P. Bekkala West Hollywood
16-0! Love it! It’s the curse of the White House visit. Didn’t you ever read “Everything Trump touches dies?”
The automobile industry is heading for a major transformation by 2030, driven by growing demand for safety features, electric vehicles, and smart technologies, according to a recent report by NITI Aayog.
One of the key highlights of the report is the sharp rise in the adoption of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). The report highlighted that these features, which help drivers stay safer on the road, were present in 42 per cent of new vehicles sold in 2020. However, their presence is expected to grow rapidly and touch 90 per cent of new vehicle sales by 2030.
It said, “Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are projected to rise from 42% of new vehicle sales in 2020 to 90% by 2030, spurred by consumer demand for safety features and regulatory requirements.”
Another major trend mentioned by the report is the rise of autonomous or self-driving technologies. In 2020, less than 1 per cent of vehicles had such features, but the report projects that more than 30 per cent of vehicles could be equipped with some level of autonomous driving capability by 2030.
This will raise the demand for high-tech components like sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and powerful computing systems.
Software is also set to play a much bigger role in vehicles. At present, software accounts for around 2 per cent of a car’s total value. This share is expected to double and reach 4-5 per cent by 2030.
As vehicles become more connected and capable of receiving updates over-the-air, the market for automotive software is projected to grow to USD 80 billion.
The report also highlighted how electric vehicles (EVs) are changing the structure of vehicle manufacturing. EV-specific parts–such as electric motors, lithium-ion batteries, and advanced electronics–are expected to make up nearly half of the value of an electric car. This means that manufacturers must focus on innovation and scaling up production to stay competitive.
NITI Aayog said, “The automobile industry stands to gain significantly from the shift to electric cars (EVs), since EV-specific parts are predicted to account for about half of the vehicle’s overall value.”
It stressed that collaboration with technology firms will be crucial in shaping the future of mobility. Automakers that quickly adapt to these changes–by embracing software, automation, and electrification–will be best positioned to thrive in the next phase of the automotive revolution.
Shopaholics, assemble! For those who live and breathe retail therapy, there is nothing quite like the thrill of exploring new destinations in search of the perfect find. Whether you are chasing the latest designer trends, hunting for unique local crafts or getting lost in maze-like markets, shopping can be an adventure in itself.
Traditional Turkish sweets and dried fruits are displayed at a store at the Spice market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, in Istanbul, Turkey.(REUTERS/Murad Sezer/File Photo)
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Hari Ganapathy, Co-Founder of Pickyourtrail, shared, “From high-end boutiques to bustling bazaars, some countries have become iconic shopping hubs, offering a mix of luxury, culture and everything in between. The world is a treasure trove of experiences that cater to every shopping taste.”
So, if you are ready to carry extra bags to fill with goodies and satisfy your inner shopaholic, here are the best shopping destinations worldwide to make your dreams come true, as suggested by Hari Ganapathy.
1. Dubai, UAE: For luxurious malls and world-class shopping
People shop for gold at a jewelry shop at a gold market in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)(AP)
When it comes to luxury shopping, Dubai reigns supreme. Known for its extravagant malls, world-class brands, and a shopping scene that knows no bounds, this city is the epitome of opulence. Whether you’re strolling through the largest mall in the world, exploring the Mall of the Emirates, or hunting for gold in the famous Dubai Gold Souk, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary. For waterfront shopping, the Dubai Marina Mall offers a vibrant mix of retail and leisure. Year-on-year, Dubai has seen a 5-6% increase in visits for the Dubai Shopping Festival, solidifying its reputation as the ultimate luxury shopping destination.
2. Bali, Indonesia: For fashion, art and local crafts
Karishma Tanna goes on a shopping spree during her Bali vacation.
Bali offers a unique mix of fashion, home decor, and traditional crafts that captivates every traveller. Its vibrant markets, such as the Ubud Traditional Art Market and the Sindhu Night Market, are perfect for finding one-of-a-kind items and souvenirs. For a more modern shopping experience, the Beachwalk Shopping Centre offers a blend of local and international brands. Shopping in Bali has become increasingly popular, with a 10-11% increase in travellers seeking shopping experiences, The months of July and August, with their pleasant weather, are ideal for exploring the island’s diverse shopping offerings.
3. Thailand – For souvenirs and luxury brands
People shop ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Bangkok’s Chinatown, Thailand, January 27, 2025. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa(REUTERS)
Thailand is a shopper’s paradise, particularly in Bangkok, where the bustling markets and malls cater to every shopping need. The famous Chatuchak Weekend Market is a treasure trove of unique finds, while the Pratunam Market and MBK Centre offer a mix of affordability and variety. March and April are the best times to visit, as the city comes alive with great deals and a vibrant atmosphere. Like Bali, Thailand has also seen a 11% increase in shopping-focused travel, making it a must-visit for shopaholics eager to explore everything from local souvenirs to international luxury brands.
Adding to the list of shopping destinations, Sabina Chopra, Co-Founder of Yatra, recommended:
1. Istanbul, Turkey
Shoppers walk through the spice bazaar in the Eminonu district of Istanbul on April 1, 2025. (Photo by Ed JONES / AFP)(AFP)
With its Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, Istanbul is a treasure trove of handwoven carpets, ceramics, and exotic spices, blending centuries-old traditions with modern craftsmanship. Each shop tells a story, with artisans proudly displaying their wares, from intricately woven kilims to fragrant saffron and sumac. Whether one’s bargaining for a luxurious silk scarf or admiring the delicate Iznik tiles, the city’s markets offer an experience as rich as its history.
2. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech captivates visitors with its vibrant souks, where artisans sell intricate leather goods, hand-dyed textiles and dazzling Berber jewellery. The maze-like alleys of the Medina echo with the sounds of haggling traders, the scent of freshly ground spices, and the sight of vibrant, handwoven rugs draped over wooden stalls. From intricately carved lanterns to traditional argan oil, each find is a testament to Morocco’s deep-rooted craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
3. Vienna, Austria
People walk under the rain in the ‘Kaertner strasse’ shopping street in Vienna, Austria, on March 31, 2025. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR / AFP)(AFP)
This is a paradise for lovers of European elegance, offering everything from handcrafted porcelain and antique treasures to the city’s famed coffeehouse culture souvenirs. Strolling through Vienna’s historic districts, one can discover exquisite crystalware, delicate lace, and artisanal chocolates wrapped in gilded packaging. The city’s passion for refinement is reflected not only in its crafts but also in the timeless charm of its boutiques and flea markets.
Sabina Chopra concluded, “From the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the enchanting souks of Marrakech and the refined elegance of Vienna, these cities offer more than just souvenirs—they provide a glimpse into centuries of tradition and artistry. Whether one is seeking for exotic spices, handcrafted treasures, or timeless keepsakes, each destination ensures that every purchase comes with a story waiting to be told.”
If the rumours are true, then Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered will launch on April 21 for PlayStation, Xbox and PC. Rumours of an Oblivion remake/remaster first materialised during Microsoft’s trial with the FTC.
Multiple unannounced and unreleased projects were spotted by fans, including a listing for the aforementioned Elder Scrolls Oblivion remaster, as well as Doom Year Zero, which is believed to be Doom: The Dark Ages. According to the court documents (via ResetEra), Microsoft is also planning to publish a remaster of Fallout 3.
New reports suggest that Fallout 3 Remastered is still very much in the works, although we may have to wait a while for the game to release.
Asked whether the iconic Bethesda game is still being remastered, industry insider NateTheHate2 confirmed that the project is in the works.
As you can see from the tweet below, however, Fallout 3 Remastered is planned, but “won’t be for a while”.
Fortunately, the imminent release of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion should keep fans busy until Fallout 3 arrives.
While Microsoft is yet to officially announce the Oblivion remaster, all signs point towards an imminent release.
Images from the game were leaked on the website of Oblivion Remastered developer Virtuous.
The images showed before and after screenshots from the original game and the Unreal Engine 5 developed remaster.
Needless to say, the new and improved version features lots of graphical flourishes, including more detailed locations, realistic lighting and upgraded character models.
The game is also said to contain various quality of life upgrades, such as a new blocking system, a new stamina management system, and refined archery.
The release date itself was seemingly leaked by Xbox Support Staff. Responding to a question about Oblivion coming to Xbox Cloud Gaming, a Support Staff member is claimed to have replied: “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is set to release on April 21, 2025.”
This backs up the previous claim that Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered will launch at some point next week.
Better yet, the hotly anticipated remaster will seemingly be available as a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass.
After six months, 10,000km and one new tyre, sadly it’s time to hand the little Nissan Qashqai e-Power back.
Just as we said it would in November, when we published our long-term review introduction a month after taking delivery, the small hybrid SUV made dozens of trips to the Lang Lang proving ground during the time we were custodians of it, a circa-200km round trip each time.
Aside from the loss of a front-right tyre to one of Victoria’s devious potholes, it proved itself to be a competent and comfortable highway cruiser – something that came as a surprise given its on-paper credentials.
It also featured as our “police car” in the video where we compared Waze, Google Maps and a car’s speedometer to a police-spec laser. While it wasn’t seen in full very much, it was the perfect car for the job.
With a fully charged battery, the Qashqai was able to sit silently, running the heated seats (we’ve got to keep Paul comfortable, after all) and powering the laser via its 12V interior outlet.
WATCH: Paul’s video review of the 2023 Nissan Qashqai Ti
It was also the carrier of our car-to-car tracking camera for dozens of videos you may have watched. When we film at the proving ground, we always do a lap of the track with a camera mounted on a tracking car to get some moving shots for the video.
The Qashqai did a solid job, providing a smooth base thanks to comfortable suspension, and ample power to be able to keep up with even some of the sports cars we filmed.
The rear storage is another surprise with the Qashqai. Despite being classed as a small SUV, it has enough room in the boot for all of the filming equipment we carry to a shoot.
Typically, that consists of a large suitcase (the infamous red ‘Subscribe’ suitcase you may have spied in a reverse camera), a large Pelican case, tripods, a slab of water and a selection of other loose items.
WATCH: Google Maps vs Waze vs speedo: Which best avoids a speeding fine?
I would normally put the rear seats down, just to make accessing things easier once a shoot begins. However, you can fit it all behind the second row if stacked correctly.
The not so good
That said, now the bad. The seats, while comfortable, are not good for Australian summers.
The leather on them turns into a glue-like substance on a hot day, and after running around filming at the proving ground with a camera in the elements, the last thing I want to do is sit in them because I know I’ll have to peel myself off them.
They do have perforations in the inserts but there’s no cooling function. Nissan if you’re reading this please add cooling. In fact, for any manufacturer reading this, ventilated seats should be standard in Australia.
The other negative is the infotainment system. Its touchscreen is large at 12.3 inches, but the camera vision is almost useless unless you’re in perfect lighting conditions. Mounting a GoPro on the back and connecting to my phone for live viewing would provide a better camera.
In my long-term introduction about the Qashqai, I spoke about Apple CarPlay issues. This seems to have only gotten worse; beyond the drop-outs through toll gantries that causes lengthy lag, a new issue has developed…
If you get into the car and turn it on and drive, wireless Apple CarPlay will connect and work fine. However, if you do a couple of short drives – for example running errands – and you find yourself in and out of the car, CarPlay will often disconnect and not come back, regardless of what you do. Even plugging in via a cable doesn’t work.
I found the only way to fix it was to completely disconnect and delete the car from my phone and my phone from the car, then reconnect to rectify. This is not something I have had with other long-term vehicles I’ve spent time in.
Eventually, I gave up on wireless CarPlay and just reverted to wired, which mostly solved the issues. But sometimes the ghost gantries still cause drop-outs.
It may seem like a minor thing, but when your phone drops out and you can’t reconnect, and you’re travelling through a new place, it can be a disaster.
Ride quality and handling dynamics are great, but 95 per cent of the time I was on cruise control on a motorway anyway, so getting the infotainment right matters to me.
Hopefully that’s something Nissan has fixed with the recently launched Qashqai facelift. Yes, you’ll notice our test vehicle here is the pre-update MY24 Nissan Qashqai Ti e-Power, but the drivetrain and underpinnings remains the same.
Travelling with the Qashqai
I’ll preface this section by saying this trip wasn’t a big trip, but it was insightful for how the Qashqai e-Power behaves on the open road.
On a weekend trip from Melbourne to Ballarat, a round trip of about 400km from my house, I expected the fuel economy to be terrible. It isn’t a long drive, but it is tortuous on a motorcar. A lot of hills, a lot of elevation changes and, yes, a lot of speed zone variations – good fuel economy’s worst nightmare.
But I was very surprised by the result. At the end of the trip it had averaged 4.9L/100km. Given you can’t control the engine speed in the e-Power and the small 2.1kWh battery isn’t designed for long distance trips, this is a great result.
The best distance I ever got from a full tank was 981km, when my average speed was 67km/h and the car indicated consumption of 5.2L/100km, which is still very good. So covering more than 1000km a tank is well within the realms of possibility.
However, the ergonomics of the Qashqai car aren’t quite as well designed for long-distance driving. The seats start to become a bit stiff and sticky after a couple of hours – something that could be fixed with a ventilation function…
And the tyres, while designed to be economical, are noisy. Once you hit coarse-chip roadways outside of the city, they become very droney and require a rather dramatic increase in music volume to drown the sound out.
Conversely, the suspension is surprisingly comfortable. The Qashqai rides the bumps and dips of regional roads well and always feels like it’s maintaining its composure. Cruising at 110km/h on the open road isn’t its natural habitat, but the Nissan will gladly do it all day.
It must be said that if you loaded the Qashqai up with four adults, this would be a different story – but for two people and their luggage, this car really hits the mark. It also looks great in blue!
Overall, however, I think the e-Power system could use some work. It’s a great, unique powertrain concept, and with some development it could be a proper Toyota Hybrid rival. But it needs a bigger battery and a more refined, and more economical, engine to make it work really well – perhaps the next-gen e-Power system due in 2026 will fix that too.
Still, any car that can travel 1000km between fills is doing pretty darn good.
Interested in buying a Nissan Qashqai? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
It’s interesting to note that BluSmart and Refex are connected. Refex Green Mobility had earlier this year announced a Rs 315 crore deal to buy 2,997 electric cars from Gensol Engineering.
Many users who had their money in their BluSmart wallets also questioned the status of their refunds. (Photo: blu-smart.com)
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is experiencing a scarcity of Ola and Uber taxis, but now passengers are dealing with a double whammy as two electric cab companies, BluSmart and Refex eVeelz, have shut down.
A ride-hailing company, BluSmart, associated with Gensol Engineering, has abruptly ceased taking new bookings in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi-NCR. Following a Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) investigation into Gensol Engineering, BluSmart’s viability was seriously questioned.
In the meantime, Refex Green Mobility Ltd (RGML), a division of Refex Industries, has acknowledged that it is simplifying its business practices in Bengaluru by gradually discontinuing its electric vehicle (EV) taxi services that are operated at the airport. Refex EV Fleet Services was used to run these services. “The move aims to focus on scaling electric mobility solutions for enterprise and institutional clients through long-term partnerships and stable demand,” Moneycontrol quoted the company as saying.
It’s interesting to note that BluSmart and Refex are connected. Refex Green Mobility had earlier this year announced a Rs 315 crore deal to buy 2,997 electric cars from Gensol Engineering, which BluSmart will then lease. Refex later withdrew the plan, though, stating that both parties had made “evolving commitments” reported the portal.
In the most recent fiscal year, Kempegowda International Airport handled 41.88 million passengers, an increase of 11.6 per cent over the 37.53 million that were handled the year before, the publication added. Despite this expansion, there are still issues with airport taxi availability, as many people complain about lengthy wait times and insufficient fleets at the designated Ola-Uber pick-up locations.
The report quoted sources as saying that the exit of BluSmart and Refex will probably make the scarcity worse. As per a different source, Refex, which had an entirely electric fleet, was mostly connected to airport taxis that ran via Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) official ‘BLR Pulse’ smartphone application.
After Ola and Uber, BluSmart Mobility opened a special taxi pickup zone at Bengaluru airport in March 2023. There is no specific airport pickup area for other aggregators like Rapido, Namma Yatri, QuickRide and Shoffr. Nonetheless, passengers may be picked up in front of the terminals by specialised airport taxi services like Refex and KSTDC.
But according to a BIAL official, passengers can still reportedly book rides via Ola, Uber, the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), WTi taxis, BMTC’s Vayu Vajra and KSRTC’s intercity Flybus services.
News18 India delivers breaking news, top headlines, and live updates on politics, weather, elections, law and crime, much more. Stay informed with real-time coverage and in-depth analysis of current events across India.
News india Bengaluru Airport Cab Crisis Worsens After 2 Electric Cab Operators Shut Down Services
Payyavula Keshav, Andhra Pradesh Minister for Finance, Planning, Commercial Taxes and Legislative Affairs, speaks at the 39th annual graduation ceremony of TA Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) in Manipal.
Payyavula Keshav, Andhra Pradesh Minister for Finance, Planning, Commercial Taxes and Legislative Affairs, has said that effective communication skills enable a person to express his/her ideas, no matter how complex, in the simplest ways possible.
Keshav, who was the chief guest at the 39th annual graduation ceremony of TA Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), a business school under the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), in Manipal, reminisced his days at Manipal as a student and advised the graduates to build their own professional and social networks, investing time and effort in cultivating these relationships.
Advocating the students on the importance of effective communication skills, he said: “In my own career, effective communication has played a very crucial role in helping me to stand out from my colleagues and opened up opportunities to lead the legislature and public sphere. It enables you to express your ideas no matter how complex, in the simplest ways possible. Communication is not merely about getting your viewpoint across. It’s about the opportunity to influence the other person, to see your point of view, to accept your point of view.”
Keshav is an alumnus from the 1985-87 batch of TAPMI.
Sharad Agarwal, Chief Business Officer, Classic Legends, Mumbai, who was the guest of honour, inspired the graduates by sharing his life lessons on transitioning into various leadership roles.
“You are now stepping into a world of endless possibilities, and you are now also a part of a very exclusive network of alumni who have gone on to achieve great things across sectors, across industries and across the globe. Believe in yourself. Capitalise on what you have today in your hand. Focus on your strength, focus where you can make a mark, in this clutter, in this disruptive word, what will make you stand out is your uniqueness,” he said.
Agarwal is an alumnus from the 1999-2001 batch of TAPMI.
Lt General MD Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor of MAHE, presided over the convocation ceremony. Rajeev Kumra, Director of TAPMI, presented the institute report.
TA Pai young achiever awards were felicitated to gold medallists from the five MBA programmes. The award constituted ₹2.5 lakh cash prize, gold medal and certificate. Ishitha Chugh, MBA (Banking and Financial Services); Desai Chiraswi, MBA (International Business); Shrindhi S, MBA Core; Uppala Meena Srisha, MBA (Human Resources Management); and Pranav S, MBA (Marketing), were awarded based on academic merit.
Titan of the year award for the best overall graduate was felicitated to Apoorva Chandgothia, which included a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and certificate.
A total of 524 students in the 2023-25 batch graduated, with 347 students from Core MBA course, 59 students from MBA (Banking and Financial Services), 43 from MBA (Human Resources Management), 50 students from MBA (Marketing), and 25 students from MBA (International Business).
League leaders Barcelona host European qualification candidates Celta Vigo today as the home side continue their pursuit of a 28th La Liga title.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game as it happens, wherever you are in the world, and how to use a VPN if it’s not available where you are.
Currently four points clear of title rivals Real Madrid, Barca made it through to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in midweek, despite losing 3-1 away at Dortmund, leaving them on course for an historic treble.
They face a Celta Viga side that have won plenty of admirers for their entertaining, counter attacking style under boss Claudio Giraldez this term and remain in contention for a top six finish.
Barcelona takes on Celta Vigo at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium on Saturday, April 19. Kickoff is set for 4:15 p.m. CET local time, making it a 10:15 a.m. ET and 7:15 a.m. PT start in the US, a 3:15p.m. GMT start in the UK and a 12:15 a.m. AEST kickoff in Australia.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game as it happens, wherever you are in the world.
Claudio Giraldez’s Celta Viga held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture at the Estadio Municipal de Balaídos back in November.
Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/JAR Sport Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
How to watch Barcelona vs. Celta Viga in the US without cable
This match is available to stream in the US via ESPN Plus, which has live English- and Spanish-language broadcast rights for La Liga in the US.
ESPN Plus
How to watch La Liga from anywhere with a VPN
If you’re traveling abroad and want to keep up with all the Spanish soccer action while away from home, a VPN can help enhance your privacy and security when streaming.
It encrypts your traffic and prevents your internet service provider from throttling your speeds, and can also be helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling, adding an extra layer of protection for your devices and logins. VPNs are legal in many countries, including the US and Canada, and can be used for legitimate purposes such as improving online privacy and security.
However, some streaming services may have policies restricting VPN usage to access region-specific content. If you’re considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance.
If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider’s installation instructions, ensuring you’re connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verifying if your streaming subscription allows VPN usage is crucial.
James Martin/CNET
Price $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year)Latest Tests No DNS leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you’ll get three months free and save 49%. That’s the equivalent of $6.67 a month.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)
Livestream Barcelona vs. Celta Viga in the UK
Premier Sports is showing a minimum of five live matches per week from Spain’s top league on its Premier Sports 1 and 2 channels, as well as its dedicated La Liga platform. This game will be shown exclusively live on Premier Sports Player and La Liga TV.
Premier Sports
A subscription to just Premier Sports’ dedicated La Liga channel costs £8 a month.
You can also get the channel via a full subscription to Premier Sports, giving you access to all of the networks’ channels, which have the UK broadcast rights to Scottish Premiership matches, BKT United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup rugby, plus NHL and Nascar.
A full Premier Sports subscription costs £10 per month for Sky and Virgin TV customers. You can also get Premier Sports through Amazon Prime Video as an add-on for £15 a month.
Livestream Barcelona vs. Celta Viga in Canada
TSN is the rights holder for live coverage of La Liga matches in the region, with select fixtures being shown on its linear channels and a wider selection of games being shown on its TSN Plus streaming platform. This match is set to be shown on TSN 2 and TSN Plus.
TSN
TSN Plus is a direct-streaming service that costs CA$8 a month and also offers coverage of PGA Tour Live golf, NFL games, F1, Nascar and the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments.
Livestream Barcelona vs. Celta Viga in Australia
Footy fans down under can watch La Liga matches live on BeIn Sports, which holds the live broadcast rights in Australia for Spanish top-flight matches. This match is set to be shown on BeIn Sports 2.
BeIn Sports
BeIn Sports is available in Australia for AU$15 a month or a yearly commitment of AU$130.
Quick tips for streaming La Liga using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming La Liga matches may vary.
If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
Remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
Michigan has officially reported a measles outbreak in the state.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Oakland County Health Division confirmed its first case of measles in Oakland County on March 14.
The department announced on April 17 a separate outbreak in Montcalm County, after three cases were confirmed.
MEASLES OUTBREAK CONTINUES: SEE WHICH STATES HAVE REPORTED CASES
This is the first measles outbreak in Michigan since 2019, with eight total cases detected across the state in 2025.
As of April 10, 2025, the CDC has confirmed 712 cases of measles across the country.(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
An outbreak refers to an incidence of three or more cases that share a source of infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Measles outbreaks have been identified in seven other U.S. states this year, including Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and California, according to the states’ health departments.
IS MMR VACCINE SAFE FOR KIDS? DR. NICOLE SAPHIER ADDRESSES CONCERNS AS MEASLES CASES RISE
As of April 10, 2025, the CDC has confirmed 712 cases of measles across the country.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive, wrote in a statement that the Michigan outbreak “underscores how contagious measles is and how quickly it can spread.”
As of April 10, 2025, the CDC had confirmed 712 cases of measles across the country.
“The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine remains our best defense, and two doses of MMR offer 97% protection against measles,” she said.
“We urge all Michigan residents to check their vaccination records to ensure they are up-to-date with the MMR vaccine.”
“The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine remains our best defense, and two doses of MMR offer 97% protection against measles.”(Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
The Montcalm County outbreak is reportedly linked to an ongoing, larger outbreak in Ontario, Canada.
The MDHHS confirmed that as of April 17, there are no new public exposure sites to report.
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Measles is highly contagious, especially for those who are unvaccinated, as most cases across the country have occurred in unvaccinated, school-aged children.
Most measles cases across the country have occurred in unvaccinated, school-aged children.(Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Common symptoms include fever, cough, red and watery eyes, runny nose and a rash that starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.
Symptoms may appear seven to 14 days after exposure, MDHHS shared, reiterating that the best way to prevent infection is vaccination.
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“MDHHS and MMDHD strongly encourage individuals aged 1 year and older who have not received the MMR vaccine to do so promptly to protect themselves and others,” the department advised.
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“Vaccines are available at your doctor’s office, most pharmacies and your local health department.”
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
Choosing the perfect wedding gift for someone can be a daunting task. But if the couple you know are foodies, the task becomes instantly easier. Food lovers open up a world of gifting possibilities, each more exciting than the last. As a bride-to-be and fellow foodie myself, let me tell you, foodie couples are definitely not looking for a pressure cooker or a gas stove! These days, there are endless other options you can give them to upgrade their kitchen arsenal. From trendy coffee machines to a stylish home bar kit, the choices are limitless. So, if you’re wondering what to give them, here are some quirky ideas that are sure to bring a smile to their faces. Also Read: 6 Pro-Tips To Rejuvenate Your Skin And Hair Post-Wedding Festivities
Here Are 5 Thoughtful Gifts Every Foodie Couple Will Love:
1. Coffee Machine
A coffee machine makes an excellent gift for coffee lovers. Imagine brewing cafe-style coffee right at home. Whether it’s a cappuccino, latte, or espresso, this gift will surely satisfy their inner coffee enthusiast. Who knows, they might even stop visiting cafes altogether!
2. Cheese Board & Knife Set
A cheese board and knife set also makes for a thoughtful wedding gift. With a stylish board and a set of specialised knives, they can serve their favourite cheeses in style. It’s an ideal way to enjoy wine and snacks while adding a touch of elegance to any gathering.
Photo Credit: Pexels
3. Home Bar Kit
If the couple is a fan of sipping cocktails, consider gifting them a home bar kit. Make sure it includes all the essential tools, as this will make it easier for them to craft their favourite drinks. Trust us, they’ll be really grateful, and they might even treat you to some tasty cocktails.
4. BBQ Grill
For couples who love grilling, a BBQ grill is the ultimate gift. It’s perfect for weekend cookouts, family gatherings and summer parties. Whether they enjoy grilling steaks, veggies, or seafood, a high-quality grill will elevate their cooking experience and create unforgettable memories.
Photo Credit: Pexels
5. Waffle Maker
A waffle maker makes for an enjoyable gift for couples who love treating themselves to tasty breakfast delights. Simple to operate, it delivers perfectly crisp and golden waffles in just a few minutes. Ideal for relaxed Sunday mornings or intimate brunches, they can have fun experimenting with various toppings like fresh fruit or whipped cream. Also Read: Want Pre-Wedding Glow? Try This Cucumber-Curry Leaves Juice For Naturally Radiant Skin
Photo Credit: Pexels
No matter what you choose, these thoughtful gifts will surely bring joy and enhance the culinary journey of any foodie couple.
China and Cambodia on Friday expressed strong opposition to trade protectionism and reaffirmed their commitment to a multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The commitment was underscored in a joint statement issued when Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his state visit to Cambodia, where the two countries highlighted their mutual goal of building an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era and implementing three China-proposed global initiatives.
The statement emphasized their dedication to maintaining a trading system that is predictable, rules-based, transparent, non-discriminatory, open and inclusive.
The two sides are of one mind that trade and investment restrictions pose a threat to economic security and the international trade order, it added.
The statement noted that both sides recognize the WTO’s importance as a platform for trade rule-making, review, and dialogue and cooperation and acknowledge its crucial role in promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation.
The two countries also vowed to defend the legitimate rights and interests of all WTO members and pledged to work together towards the reform of the organization.
They also pledged to push for practical outcomes at the organization’s 14th ministerial conference and advance economic globalization towards a more open, inclusive, universally beneficial, balanced and win-win direction.
On regional security, China and Cambodia reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, voicing opposition to the formation of exclusive “small circles” and camp-based confrontation, as well as the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the deployment of missiles. They warned that such actions could trigger an arms race and jeopardize regional peace and stability.
The two sides agreed to promote the building of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future and to contribute more to the region’s stability and prosperity.
Leasing of office space in green-certified buildings rose 20 per cent in 2024 to 492 lakh sq ft across six major cities as corporates are focusing more on sustainability, according to a report by Credai and Colliers.
Realtors’ apex body Credai and real estate consultant Colliers India on Friday released a report ‘Sustainability in Real Estate: Towards a Greener Skyline’ in Ahmedabad.
Leasing of office space in premium green-certified buildings surged annually by 20 per cent in 2024 to 49.2 million (492 lakh) sq ft from 41 million (410 lakh) square feet in the preceding year. Green buildings command higher rental.
“India has set ambitious climate targets, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and reducing carbon intensity to less than 45 per cent by 2030. Real estate, being a significant contributor to carbon emissions, has the potential in advancing these goals through green building practices, usage of energy-efficient technologies, and renewable energy integration,” Credai’s new President Shekhar G Patel said in the report.
This shift has already gained momentum in the sector, with green building adoption increasing across residential, commercial, and industrial spaces, he added.
As per the report, corporates have been increasingly opting for office spaces that align with global sustainability standards with respect to energy efficiency, carbon emissions, and employee well-being. This shift is driving growing preference for green-certified workplaces, it added.
About 75 per cent of Grade A office space leasing transactions across the top six cities in 2024 took place in green-certified buildings, the report said.
“Construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. The real estate sector stands at crossroads of transformation, where sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity,” Colliers India CEO Badal Yagnik said.
As of 2024, green-certified office stock in India stood at about 503 million sq ft, representing 66 per cent of the total Grade A inventory across the top six cities — Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune.
Commenting on this trend, Peush Jain, MD-Commercial Leasing and Advisory, Anarock Group, said, “the evolution of workplace strategies continues to influence market dynamics as companies look to enhance collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being.”
“This transformation is driving demand for premium office spaces with advanced technological infrastructure and sustainable features with increased focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) parameters becoming a decisive factor in corporate real estate decisions, spurring interest in green-certified buildings,” Jain said.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
DOK smo listali Index Oglase u potrazi za zanimljivim nekretninama, za oko nam je zapeo stan s vrtom u Zagrebu od 57 m² koji se prodaje za 275.000 eura. Stan se nalazi na Trešnjevci, u prizemlju manje zgrade bez lifta. Zgrada je izgrađena 1968. godine, ima ukupno dva kata i smještena je u Hreljinskoj ulici.
Vrt pripada isključivo ovom stanu
Stan se sastoji od ostakljene lođe s izlazom na ograđeni vrt koji pripada isključivo ovom stanu, kuhinje, dvije spavaće sobe, kupaonice s WC-om i hodnika. Neto stambena površina iznosi 47 m², površina lođe je 11.6 m² (obračunato po koeficijentu 8.7 m²), a vrta 22.2 m² (obračunato po koeficijentu 2.2 m²).
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
U oglasu je istaknuto da se stan prodaje s modernom kuhinjom i kupaonicom, koje su kompletno adaptirane 2024. godine. Nova fasada na zgradi postavljena je 2008. godine. Također je navedeno da se stan nalazi na odličnoj mikrolokaciji, u samom srcu Trešnjevke.
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CMF Phone 2 Pro: Nothing’s sub-brand CMF is all set to launch its second smartphone — the CMF Phone 2 Pro — in India on April 28 at 6:30 PM IST. Along with the device, the company will also launch three other products on the same day: the CMF Buds 2, Buds 2a, and Buds 2 Plus.
Just a few days ahead of the formal debut, the company announced that the upcoming phone will feature a triple-camera system — including a 50MP telephoto lens, a high-performance main sensor, and an ultra-wide camera.
The company also revealed, a day before tomorrow, that the CMF Phone 2 Pro will run on a chipset similar to that of the CMF Phone 1, which was launched last year. CMF, via X (formerly Twitter), said that the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chipset will power the CMF Phone 2 Pro.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro will succeed the CMF Phone 1, which launched under the sub-brand in July 2024. Featuring a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, the CMF by Nothing Phone 1 came with a dual-camera setup including a 50MP primary sensor and a 16MP selfie camera. It is backed by a 5000mAh battery, and the base model (6GB RAM and 128GB storage) is priced at Rs 15,999 on Flipkart. It was powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset.
Nothing’s Recently Launched Phone (3a) Series
Last month, Nothing upgraded its mid-range lineup with the launch of the Phone (3a) series in India. Building on the success of the Phone (2a), the series includes two models: the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro. These devices are powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 Mobile Platform, Qualcomm Adreno GPU, and Snapdragon Elite Gaming features. Both models come with large 5000mAh batteries. The Phone (3a) Pro, in particular, boasts a triple-camera setup featuring a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP Sony ultra-wide sensor, and its standout feature: a 50MP Periscope OIS camera. Read the Nothing Phone 3(a) Pro Review here.
With the surge in OTT content consumption, the way we travel is changing significantly as viewers are no longer just watching—they are travelling to recreate their favourite on-screen moments. Whether it is strolling through the romantic streets of Paris like Emily in Paris, or experiencing the adventure-filled locations of Australia seen in Bollywood films, travellers are now turning their favourite on-screen moments into real-life experiences.
Emily in Paris to Harry in Hogwarts: These 6 TV-inspired vacays are a dream come true.(Images by X)
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Hussain Patel, Founder of TripJack, recommended some OTT inspired travel with vacation spots straight out of TV and movies.
1. Australia: A Bollywood-Inspired Getaway
Dil Chahta Hai (Pinterest)
For Bollywood fans and cricket enthusiasts, Australia is a dream destination packed with cinematic charm and sporting history. Relive Dil Chahta Hai moments at the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge or soak in the romance of Melbourne’s vibrant streets. Adventure seekers can chase thrills along the Gold Coast’s stunning beaches. Cricket lovers can visit the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where India has had historic wins, or take a tour of the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Whether it’s movies or sports, Australia has something for everyone.
2. Paris: From reel to real dream destination
Paris has always been a city of dreams and Emily in Paris has only added to its allure for a new generation. The show beautifully captures the city’s romance and style, drawing fans to iconic spots like Place de l’Estrapade (Emily’s apartment), the charming Pont Alexandre III, and the grand Palais Garnier. Whether through Hollywood films, OTT series, or Bollywood blockbusters, Paris remains a timeless destination that captivates travelers. With OTT shows inspiring travel like never before, destinations are bringing screen worlds to life with themed experiences, filming location tours, and immersive activities. As more people plan trips based on their favorite shows, the demand for screen-to-reality adventures is only set to grow.
Emily in Paris: Parisians face influx of Netflix hero’s fans
Bringing his expertise to the same, Hari Ganapathy, Co-Founder of Pickyourtrail, shared, “From Sex and the City tours in New York to Bridgerton experiences in England—and now, discovering Paris through the lens of Emily in Paris—international TV series have transformed filming locations into must-visit destinations for devoted fans.”
He highlighted, “In 2024, an impressive percentage of global travellers chose to visit places featured in their favourite shows, turning binge-watching into a passport to new adventures. These travellers don’t just visit; they curate their itineraries around iconic scenes, dine at the same restaurants, and immerse themselves in the world of their beloved characters, bringing fiction to life one destination at a time.” He added to the list of OTT inspired travel with the following travel suggestions –
1. South Korea: Squid Game and K-dramas
Romantic getaway in Jeju Island: Must-visit filming locations for K-drama lovers in South Korea’s dream destination (File Photo)
With the global success of Squid Game, Crash Landing on You and Extraordinary Attorney Woo, South Korea has witnessed about 48% rise in international tourism in the year 2024. From neon-lit cityscapes to serene countryside retreats, K-dramas have painted a compelling picture of South Korea as a must-visit destination for culture, fashion and food enthusiasts.
Must-Visit Locations:
Lotte World,
Seoul Tower,
Cheonggyecheon Stream and
Gyeongbok Palace
2. Scotland: A spellbinding escape for Harry Potter and Outlander fans
With its rolling green landscapes, majestic castles and rich history, Scotland has long served as a muse for storytellers. Whether you grew up enchanted by Harry Potter or are captivated by the time-travelling romance of Outlander, the Scottish Highlands offer an immersive journey through both magical and historical realms.
Must-Visit Locations:
Greyfriars Kirkyard,
Glen Coe and Loch Eilt
3. United Kingdom: A regal retreat for Bridgerton and Downton Abbey enthusiasts
Bridgerton has revived interest in England’s grand estates and picturesque cities
From opulent palaces to charming Victorian tea rooms, the UK has been the setting for some of the most beloved period dramas in recent years. Netflix’s Regency-era sensation, Bridgerton, has sparked renewed fascination with England’s grand estates and picturesque towns
Must-Visit Locations:
Bath’s Royal Crescent – A stunning backdrop for promenades and social gatherings.
Ranger’s House, Greenwich – The Bridgerton family home
Hampton Court Palace – The grand residence of Queen Charlotte.
Bruce Springsteen and his E-Street band will be embarking on an extensive UK tour in May 2025. The legendary American musician, famed for hits such as Dancing in the Dark, Streets of Philadelphia, Tougher Than the Rest and Hungry Heart, will be performing at two enormous British venues including Manchester’s Co-op Live and Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium. And, with two shows at each venue, one would have thought there were plenty of tickets to go around. However, that is not the case.
Tickets initially went on sale on Friday, October 11, 2024. And, due to high demand, additional dates were added to the line-up. Despite this, many fans were left disheartened when their preferred dates and seats sold out rapidly. Consequently, a large number of the star’s followers have been scouring resale sites to secure their Bruce Springsteen tickets. Thankfully, there are still plenty left if you know where to look. Here’s the breakdown:
If resale tickets aren’t for you, Bruce Springsteen tickets are still available from some official online retailers.
The website with the most availability is VIP and hospitality-focused website Seat Unique.
The online retailer gives fans the chance to see their favourite musical artists while enjoying some of the finer things, as well.
These tickets may include such perks as complimentary food and drink, early access, lounge access, and more.
Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to purchasing a factory-backed full-size US pickup in 2025.
In addition to the familiar Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Toyota has finally made the Tundra available to the masses after conducting a long-term development program and ownership trial.
Further, Ram has come out with an updated version of the top-selling 1500, although the absence of a V8 under its big bonnet is sure to stir up some controversy among fans of American muscle.
In fact, Chevrolet is now the only manufacturer to still offer a V8 pickup Down Under, making the baby Silverado a unique proposition.
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Ford F-150
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Ram 1500
Toyota Tundra
But it can’t quite compete with rivals from an efficiency standpoint, if that’s a priority for potential buyers.
That said, this quartet of pickups are separated by much more than engine specs. From interior features to servicing costs, there’s plenty to differentiate each model in this growing market.
Which begs the question – how do they compare on paper? And which promises the best bang for your bucks?
Here we’re comparing the base variants of each of the four players in the segment, all of which are converted to right-hand drive locally, three by Walkinshaw Automotive.
Let us know which US-built pickup you’d buy in the comments below.
Pricing
There’s a significant price gap between the entry-level variants of each model, with nearly $50,000 separating the F-150 XLT SWB and Tundra Limited. The Ford is the cheapest by a wide margin, although there will be more affordable versions of the facelifted MY25 Ram 1500 coming soon.
Model
Price before on-road costs
2025 Ford F-150 XLT SWB
$106,950
2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium
$130,500
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie Sport
$141,950
2025 Toyota Tundra Limited
$155,990
Drivetrains and Efficiency
As previously mentioned, the Silverado is the last remaining V8 pickup in Australia following the 2025 Ram 1500’s shift to a downsized 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six. The F-150 and Tundra employ V6s, and none offer diesel power.
F-150
Silverado 1500
Ram 1500
Tundra
Specifications
Ford F-150 XLT SWB
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium
Ram 1500 Laramie Sport
Toyota Tundra Limited
Engine type
3.5L twin-turbo V6 petrol
6.2L V8 petrol
‘Standard Output’ 3.0L twin-turbo inline 6cyl petrol
3.4L twin-turbo V6 petrol
Power
298kW
313kW
313kW
326kW
Torque
678Nm
624Nm
635Nm
790Nm
Transmission
10-speed automatic
10-speed automatic
8-speed automatic
10-speed automatic
Drive type
Part-time 4WD
Full-time 4WD
Switchable 4WD
Part-time 4WD
Fuel consumption (claimed)
12.5L/100km
12.9L/100km
10.7L/100km
TBC
CO2 emissions (claimed)
290g/km
TBC
TBC
TBC
Fuel tank
136L
91L
98L
122L
Weight
2451kg
2543kg
2642kg
2778kg
Payload capacity
769kg
757kg
863kg
758kg
Braked towing capacity
4500kg
4500kg
4500kg
4500kg
The Tundra is unique in that it utilises a mild-hybrid powertrain combining a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor and battery pack as part of the drivetrain.
All four pickups are capable of towing up to 4500kg, although the Ram boasts the best payload with 863kg of capacity.
The Ram also benefits from its smaller displacement six-cylinder engine in the efficiency department, consuming 10.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
However, it won’t get you as far between fill-ups as the F-150, which has a whopping 136L fuel tank.
While all models have four-wheel drive capability, the Silverado is the only model with a full-time 4×4 system.
Dimensions
F-150
Silverado 1500
Ram 1500
Tundra
Dimensions
Ford F-150 XLT SWB
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium
Ram 1500 Laramie Sport
Toyota Tundra Limited
Length
5884mm
5931mm
5916mm
5955mm
Width (exc. mirrors)
2030mm
2086mm
2057mm
2040mm
Height
1995mm
1930mm
1971mm
1985mm
Wheelbase
3694mm
3745mm
3672mm
3700mm
Approach angle
24.3 degrees
21 degrees
20.2 degrees
23 degrees
Departure angle
25.3 degrees
21 degrees
21.7 degrees
21 degrees
Ramp breakover angle
N/A
20 degrees
18.7 degrees
N/A
Wading depth
N/A
N/A
610mm
N/A
Servicing and Warranty
The F-150 is a class above when it comes to aftersales support, with Ford offering a benchmark warranty, long service intervals, and the most affordable capped-price servicing program.
Servicing and Warranty
Ford F-150
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Ram 1500
Toyota Tundra
Warranty
5 years, unlimited kilometres
3 years, 100,000 kilometres
3 years, 100,000 kilometres
5 years, unlimited kilometres
Roadside assistance
Service activated
3 years
3 years
Paid, $99 per year
Service intervals
12 months or 15,000km
12 months or 12,000km
12 months or 15,000km
6 months or 10,000km
Capped-price servicing
4 years
Not offered
Not offered
5 years
Total capped-price service cost
$1716
N/A
N/A
$4500
Safety
None of these American-built pickups have been tested by ANCAP, which makes comparing safety characteristics a challenging task.
Nonetheless, each model is sold with a slightly differing set of safety equipment.
All models are equipped with:
Airbags
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
Lane departure alert
Lane Tracing Assist
Emergency steering assist
Adaptive cruise control
Reversing camera
Rear parking sensors
On top of the above standard equipment, some models gain a surround-view camera, driver attention monitoring, front parking sensors, and lane tracing assist.
Standard Equipment
Given the elevated price point of full-size pickups in Australia, all are generally very well-equipped both inside and out. Here’s how the key equipment across them compares.
F-150
Silverado 1500
Ram 1500
Tundra
Equipment
Ford F-150 XLT SWB
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium
Ram 1500 Laramie Sport
Toyota Tundra Limited
Headlights
Halogen
LED
LED
LED
Wheel size
20-inch
20-inch
20-inch
20-inch
Brakes
Discs front, rear
Discs front, rear
Discs front, rear
Discs front, rear
Suspension
Front – coil-sprung double wishbone Rear – leaf-sprung solid axle
Front – coil-sprung double wishbone Rear – leaf-sprung solid axle
Income Tax Return: Salaried individuals and pensioners can switch tax regimes every year while filing their ITR, while taxpayers with income from business or profession can switch regimes only once in lifetime.
While filing ITR, the tax software or utility will ask if you want to opt for the new tax regime under Section 115BAC.
Income Tax: With the introduction of the new income tax regime under Section 115BAC, taxpayers in India now have the option to choose between the old tax regime (with deductions and exemptions) and the new regime (lower tax rates but no deductions). But, a common question many taxpayers ask is: Can I change my tax regime while filing the Income Tax Return (ITR)?
The answer depends on your source of income. There are two categories of taxpayers — salaried individuals (or pensioners) and individuals with business or professional income.
Who Can Switch Tax Regimes While Filing ITR?
Salaried Individuals (or Pensioners):
Yes, salaried individuals and pensioners can switch tax regimes every year while filing their ITR. Even if you have informed your employer about choosing a particular regime for TDS purposes, you can change it at the time of filing your return.
For example, if you opted for the new regime with your employer, but later find the old regime more beneficial after calculating all deductions, you can switch to the old regime while filing ITR.
Individuals with Business or Professional Income:
Taxpayers with income from business or profession can switch regimes only once. Once they opt for the new tax regime, they can go back to the old regime only once in a lifetime.
After switching back to the old regime, they cannot choose the new regime again in future assessment years (unless they stop having business/professional income).
How to Choose or Switch Regime in ITR?
While filing ITR, the tax software or utility will ask if you want to opt for the new tax regime under Section 115BAC.
Choose “Yes” if you want to opt for the new regime, or “No” to stick with the old regime.
This choice directly impacts your tax calculation and payable amount.
If you are opting for the new regime and have business income, you must file Form 10-IEA before filing your ITR, starting from AY 2024-25 onwards.
When Will ITR Filing Start This Year?
The process of ITR filing usually begins in April after the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) releases the updated forms. For AY 2025–26 (Financial Year 2024–25), the forms are likely to be notified and available for electronic filing this month. Last year, the ITR forms were notified in February and e-filing began in April — indicating a trend toward early availability.
However, for most salaried taxpayers, actual filing typically starts in late May or June once they receive Form 16 — a key document issued by employers that summarises the salary paid and TDS deducted during the financial year. Employers are mandated to issue Form 16 by June 15 each year.
So while the filing portal may open in April, the bulk of salaried individuals usually begin filing in mid-June, once they have all required documents in hand.
News business » tax Income Tax: Can You Change Tax Regime While Filing ITR?
The staking feature for crypto ETFs will likely be approved by the Donald Trump administration.
TRX, against the U.S. dollar, has been preparing to enter its macro price discovery.
Canary Capital Group filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on April 18 to offer Canary Staked TRX ETF. According to the SEC filing, the Canary Staked TRX ETF will track Tron (TRX) and enable investors to earn passively through the blockchain’s staking feature.
The filing noted that CSC Delaware Trust will act as the trustee of the Canary Staked TRX ETF, while BitGo Trust Company will act as the custodian of the fund.
Meanwhile, Canary Capital has yet to disclose the fund’s management fee and ticker, thus signing more filing amendments in the near future.
Canary Capital Pushes for Crypto ETFs
Canary Capital has heavily capitalized on the positive crypto regulatory outlook under the Donald Trump administration. As Coinpedia reported, Canary Capital has filed with the U.S. SEC to offer several spot ETFs.
Canary Capital’s notable filings for spot ETF approvals include Sui (SUI), Pudgy Penguins (PENGU), Solana (SOL), XRP, and Hedera (HBAR).
Impact on the TRX Market
The filing of the Canary Staked TRX ETF is an indication of the rising demand for Tron coin among institutional investors. Moreover, the large-cap altcoin, with a fully diluted valuation of about $22.8 billion and a 24-hour average trading volume of around $464 million, has been signaling a potential upsurge after a bullish breakout.
In the daily timeframe, TRX price has already formed a higher high and is currently attempting to establish a support level around 24 cents a consistent close above 24 cents and the 50-day Moving Average (MA) will fuel a bullish uproar towards 30 cents.
Bigger Picture
The Tron network has grown to a vibrant DeFi ecosystem, with more than $4.9 billion in total value locked and over $68 billion in stablecoins market cap. According to market data from Defillama, the Tron network recorded nearly 2.3 million active addresses in the past 24 hours, thus a chain revenue of around $1.82 million.
The Tron network has gradually re-entered the United States market in the past few months after geoblocking during the Biden administration.
In recent weeks, several international students have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration after having their visas revoked, claiming a violation of due process.
Several international students who have had their visas revoked in recent weeks have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration, arguing the government denied them due process when it suddenly took away their permission to be in the US.
The actions by the federal government to terminate students’ legal status have left hundreds of scholars at risk of detention and deportation. Their schools range from private universities like Harvard and Stanford to large public institutions like the University of Maryland and Ohio State University to some small liberal arts colleges.
In lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security, students have argued the government lacked justification to cancel their visa or terminate their legal status.
Why is the government cancelling international students’ visas?
Visas can be canceled for a number of reasons, but colleges say some students are being singled out over infractions as minor as traffic violations, including some long in the past. In some cases, students say it’s unclear why they were targeted.
“The timing and uniformity of these terminations leave little question that DHS has adopted a nationwide policy, whether written or not, of mass termination of student (legal) status,” ACLU of Michigan attorneys wrote in a lawsuit on behalf of students at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan.
In New Hampshire, a federal judge last week issued a restraining order in the case of a Dartmouth College computer science student from China, Xiaotian Liu, who had his status terminated by the government. Attorneys have filed similar challenges in federal court in Georgia and California.
Homeland Security officials did not respond to a message seeking comment.
In some high-profile cases, including the detention of Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, President Donald Trump’s administration has argued it should be allowed to deport noncitizens over involvement in pro-Palestinian activism. But in the vast majority of visa revocations, colleges say there is no indication affected students had a role in protests.
“What you’re seeing happening with international students is really a piece of the much greater scrutiny that the Trump administration is bringing to bear on immigrants of all different categories,” said Michelle Mittelstadt, director of public affairs at the Migration Policy Institute.
How do student visas work?
Students in other countries must meet a series of requirements to obtain a student visa, usually an F-1. After gaining admission to a school in the U.S., students go through an application and interview process at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Students on an F-1 visa must show they have enough financial support for their course of study in the U.S. They have to remain in good standing with their academic program and are generally limited in their ability to work off-campus during their academic program.
Entry visas are managed by the State Department. Once they’re in the U.S., international students’ legal status is overseen by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program under the Department of Homeland Security.
In recent weeks, leaders at many colleges learned the legal residency status of some of their international students had been terminated when college staff checked a database managed by Homeland Security. In the past, college officials say, legal statuses typically were updated after colleges told the government the students were no longer studying at the school.
Tesla is hitting the brakes on its next big EV launch. The company is now planning to delay the US release of its more affordable Model Y, internally code-named E41, until late 2025 or early 2026, according to a Reuters report. That’s a notable shift from Tesla’s earlier pledge to start building budget-friendly vehicles in the first half of 2025.
Tesla didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The new model is expected to be a stripped-down version of the current Model Y, optimized to be about 20% cheaper to build. With the standard Model Y starting at around $49,000 before tax credits, this upcoming variant could push Tesla deeper into the mainstream EV market, if it ever arrives. Tesla hopes to produce 250,000 of the new SUVs in the US by 2026 and plans to expand production to China and Europe later on. A lower-cost Model 3 is also in the works.
Read more: EV Sales Increased by More Than 10% in the US Despite Tesla Sales Dropping
Tesla has floated a $25,000 EV for years, but focus has increasingly shifted toward its long-promised robotaxi platform. Though CEO Elon Musk hasn’t officially scrapped the low-cost model, Tesla’s priorities appear to have changed as the company looks to maintain its edge in an increasingly competitive EV market, especially as Chinese brands push out cheaper, feature-packed alternatives.
Tesla is also navigating a rougher policy landscape. Even with Musk’s ties to the current Trump administration, the company has had to shift its supply chain strategy in response to a 25% tariff Trump placed on imported vehicles and auto parts. That’s putting extra pressure on Tesla to localize production and keep costs down, especially for a car meant to be affordable.
With delays stacking up and the affordable EV space getting more crowded by the day, Tesla’s window to stay ahead might be narrowing. Whether it can deliver the right products at the right price, before the competition does, is the big question.
Joe Rogan has joined the growing tribe of teetotalers.
On a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” the podcaster, 57, said he has given up drinking alcohol.
“I think I’m done,” he said. “For no reason, other than that, it’s not good for you.”
ALCOHOL LINKED TO BRAIN DAMAGE FOR HEAVY DRINKERS, STUDY FINDS
Rogan noted that he didn’t have to quit and that he enjoyed it, but that the days after drinking were “just too rough.”
On a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” the podcaster, 57, said he has given up drinking alcohol.(Getty Images)
“And I’m like, ‘What kind of a moron who takes so good care of his body is poisoning himself a couple days a week for fun?’” he went on. “Why am I doing that?”
Rogan, who is also a UFC commentator, said he asked himself, “Will I still have the same amount of fun if I don’t poison myself?”
‘”It turns out, yes,” he said.
“I think I’m done,” he said. “For no reason, other than that, it’s not good for you.”
Other celebrities that have been open about their alcohol cessation include Brad Pitt, Rob Lowe, Valerie Bertinelli, Bradley Cooper and Elle MacPherson.
Quitting alcohol may be one of the most impactful, modifiable risk factors for age-related disease and obesity, second only to quitting tobacco, according to Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert.
ALCOHOL LINKED TO CANCER RISK IN US SURGEON GENERAL’S NEW ADVISORY
“Alcohol is a neurotoxin that disrupts neurotransmission, promotes neuroinflammation, and has been directly linked to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia,” he told Fox News Digital.
It also harms the body, he warned, impairing glucose metabolism and interfering with blood sugar regulation.
“And I’m like, ‘What kind of a moron who takes so good care of his body is poisoning himself a couple days a week for fun?’” Rogan said. “Why am I doing that?”(Getty Images)
“It contributes to metabolic dysfunction and visceral fat accumulation and increases the likelihood of type 2 diabetes,” he said.
“Long and short: Alcohol makes you fat. It’s a source of unnecessary excess calories.”
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Studies have also shown that alcohol is a carcinogen, associated with higher rates of liver, breast, esophageal, colon and head/neck cancers — even with low levels of consumption, Osborn noted.
“When someone quits drinking, the benefits are immediate and profound,” he said.
Studies have shown that alcohol is a carcinogen, associated with higher rates of liver, breast, esophageal, colon and head/neck cancers — even with low levels of consumption.(iStock)
“Sleep improves within days, energy levels rebound, inflammation subsides, your joints no longer hurt and insulin sensitivity returns.”
After ditching alcohol, which is a depressant, people typically have a newfound motivation to exercise and pursue other healthy habits, the doctor added.
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GLP-1 agonists, like Ozempic and Wegovy — which were originally developed for type 2 diabetes and are now being used for weight loss — have also shown early promise in helping individuals reduce alcohol intake.
GLP-1 agonists, like Ozempic and Wegovy — which were originally developed for type 2 diabetes and are now being used for weight loss — have also shown early promise in helping individuals reduce alcohol intake. (iStock)
“My patients on these medications not only notice significant appetite suppression, but their ‘thirst’ for alcohol is dramatically tempered,” Osborn said. “Most stop drinking altogether within six to 12 months.”
The neurosurgeon predicts that these medications may soon be part of a dual-approach strategy — “facilitating abstinence from alcohol while simultaneously promoting fat loss and improving a person’s metabolic health, thereby reducing their risk of nearly all non-infectious age-related diseases.”
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
“Remember, we no longer die of tuberculosis or The Plague, but ‘manmade’ diseases, some of which start in the still.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Joe Rogan for comment.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].
The summer season is here, and so is the time for sweltering heat and rising temperatures. While air conditioners and coolers can help us control the temperature inside the house, humidity comes as an unwelcome guest into our kitchen. That sneaky moisture in the air can wreak havoc on our pantry staples, turning them soggy, inviting moulds and releasing a foul smell. But fret not, this summer season, you can keep your pantry humidity-proof with simple tips and tricks. Sounds like a plan? So, without further ado, let’s master the art of summer pantry protection.
Why Does A Kitchen Pantry Get Damp In Summer?
Summer brings along extreme heat and moisture in the air. The situation gets aggravated with continuous cooking on a high flame. It becomes a magnet for moisture, leading to germ and bacterial growth and foul smell all over.
Also Read: 6 Things Your Kitchen Needs Right Now To Handle Summer Heat
Photo Credit: unsplash
What Are The Common Signs Of Excess Humidity In The Kitchen?
A damp kitchen can ruin the vibe of your house and risk your overall health. After all, we get our nutrition from the food cooked in the kitchen. Some of the most common alert signs are:
Damp or clumpy dry foods
Mouldy packaging or shelving
Condensation on jars or containers
A musty smell
Increased sightings of pantry pests.
Also Read: 5 Easy Hacks To Control Food Cravings After Work
Here Are 4 Smart Tips To Humid-Proof Your Kitchen:
1. Use airtight containers:
Ditch regular packaging and invest in some high-quality food-grade, air-tight containers. They prevent moisture and keep food fresh for a long time.
2. Ventilate well:
Make sure you use a kitchen chimney and exhaust fan to bid adieu to the excess moisture in the air. Also, let enough air and sunlight pass through your kitchen. This will keep the place safe and hygienic.
3. Control temperature:
This can be a tricky job. We suggest cooking early in the morning or in the evening during the summer months to avoid excess heat inside the house. Also, opt for recipes that include less cooking time.
4. Deep clean regularly:
You might be thinking your kitchen is all clean and clear, but trust us, there are hidden corners that need special attention. We suggest deep cleaning those nooks and corners of your pantry and countertop to remove grease and food particles.
Also Read: Easy Tips To Keep Kitchen Clean While Baking
The Bottom Line:
Getting your kitchen summer-ready isn’t tough. All you need is some pre-planning and organisational skills. Happy cooking!
About Somdatta SahaExplorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-18/China-s-trade-exhibitions-see-strong-participation-of-global-firms-1CG3LRgQ67S/img/bad346a530354b6ca72a53cfa15a9248/bad346a530354b6ca72a53cfa15a9248.jpeg' alt='A view of the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 17, 2025. /VCG'
In spite of intensified trade protectionism and geopolitical tensions, China’s products and market are still appealing to foreign businesspeople.
A record-breaking 65 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders are participating in the ongoing fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in the tropical island province of Hainan in south China.
Meanwhile, the Canton Fair, which kicked off on Tuesday in Guangzhou, south China, drew 64,530 overseas buyers on its opening day, an 8.9 percent year-on-year increase and a record high for the first day. This event in Guangdong Province features major international retailers, including Walmart and Target from the United States, Carrefour from France, Tesco and Kingfisher from the UK, and Germany’s Metro.
According to Niu Huayong, a professor at the International Business School of Beijing Foreign Studies University, the success of this year’s CICPE and Canton Fair highlights that trade and cooperation remain key drivers of global development. All countries benefit from globalization, he said.
Amid current global trade turbulence, international buyers attending the Canton Fair still consider Chinese products highly attractive and even irreplaceable.
Dinova, a retail company headquartered in France that finds most of its suppliers at the Canton Fair, has made China the core of its global sourcing strategy, according to Sonia Ben Behe, its general manager.
“We have explored alternative countries, but no other region matches China’s maturity for our product category. That’s why, as part of a global sourcing strategy, China remains at the core,” she said.
According to Chris Arthan, an exhibitor from the United States, despite the impact of tariffs, China’s role in the global supply chain remains crucial and widely respected.
In addition to the strong appeal of Chinese products to global buyers, international brands also have confidence in China’s consumer market. For this year’s CICPE, top producers from around the world eagerly flocked to Hainan.
The UK, as the guest country of honor at the 2025 event, is occupying an exhibition area of more than 1,300 square meters, displaying 53 brands across the fashion, beauty, homeware, health and jewelry industries, and doubling its 2024 presence.
“I have seen the tremendous innovation and growth taking place within China’s economy in recent years, not least in digital technologies, life sciences and green energy,” said Douglas Alexander, minister of state of the British Department for Business and Trade, while also emphasizing the UK’s commitment to deepening economic ties with China.
Notably, the expo has managed to draw an array of top-tier global luxury brands. Richemont’s TimeVallée debuted as an independent exhibitor, while LVMH and Kering Group brands made appearances – reflecting confidence in China’s premium consumption growth.
“Luxury consumers in China are significantly younger than those in many overseas markets, and that presents a major opportunity for us,” said Nancy Liu, president of luxury travel retailer DFS China. The company has introduced tailored services to cater to the expectations of emerging consumer groups.
Global trade uncertainties and growing supply chain disruptions have not prevented foreign investors from remaining optimistic about the Chinese market. China’s market size, rising consumer demand and supportive policies continue to offer unique and strong appeal, helping to retain investor confidence.
According to Yao Zhenguo, global senior vice president of Siemens Energy, the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port is unlocking new opportunities for openness. He noted that Siemens will continue to strengthen collaboration across the full industrial chain, drive innovation and support Hainan Free Trade Port’s international, green and law-based growth.
Yao said Siemens has deeply felt the momentum of China’s reform and opening up, a view echoed by many exhibitors. They believe that amid a challenging global economic climate and rising trade protectionism, China’s firm commitment to high-standard opening up delivers much-needed stability and certainty, injecting confidence into the world economy.
China’s total goods imports and exports in yuan-denominated terms expanded 1.3 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025, demonstrating stable growth and strong resilience despite external headwinds, customs data showed.
U.S. tariff increases on Chinese products will exert some pressure on China’s trade and economy in the short term but won’t alter the Chinese economy’s long-term positive trajectory, said Sheng Laiyun, deputy director of the National Bureau of Statistics.
Zhang Yansheng, an economist with the Academy of Macroeconomic Research, told Xinhua that based on the trade events in Guangzhou and Hainan, the resilience of China’s foreign trade against the backdrop of growing protectionism in the world is evident. “We can see that foreign businesspeople continue to seek opportunities in China.”
“China is a country with a large population, a big economy and a huge scale of opening up,” he continued. “At a time when the sentiment of anti-globalization grows, China will stick to the path of opening up at a high level and promote economic globalization, as well as trade and investment liberalization.”
While rents in India’s Silicon Valley have surged over 25 per cent since 2020, salaries have barely kept pace, posing growing concerns about Bengaluru’s affordability
| Photo Credit:
SUDHAKARA JAIN
Thirty-two-year-old Alisha, who works in the oil and gas sector and arrived in Bengaluru a decade ago, is reeling from rent shocks. While her salary has seen meagre annual hikes of 5-10 per cent, there has been a 50–60 per cent jump in her house rent over the years. The house rent has climbed from ₹42,000 to ₹56,000, and then to ₹75,000 in the last few years, forcing her to evaluate whether to stay on in the city. The only escape from the cost trap is to leave, she says.
While rents in India’s Silicon Valley have surged over 25 per cent since 2020, salaries have barely kept pace, posing growing concerns about Bengaluru’s affordability and long-term sustainability as a tech capital. According to data from Teamlease, the tech sector has witnessed annual salary hikes of just 8–12 per cent, with startups offering slightly better raises in the range of 12–15 per cent.
Poor Compensation
Neha (name changed), an analyst at a leading consulting firm, complains that most of her salary now goes towards rent. “While I got a 13 per cent increment, rent is up by almost 10 per cent. There’s hardly any room for savings,” she says.
She is still fortunate enough to get a pay hike. Across many sectors, professionals complain about stagnant salaries. While tech, startups, and services have seen healthier compensation growth, traditional industries are lagging, highlighting a widening divide between innovation-driven and conventional sectors.
The FMCG sector has seen modest annual increases of 5–8 per cent, healthcare, despite a Covid-driven spike, has settled at 6-9 per cent growth, while construction and real estate are handing out just 5-7 per cent hikes. Logistics has managed 6-8 per cent salary growth, boosted by e-commerce. Within tech, there is a stark divide. AI/ML professionals are seeing 10–15 per cent hikes, but traditional IT roles are barely moving, says Neeti Sharma, CEO, TeamLease Digital.
Rentals shoot up
The rental landscape in Bengaluru has seen a dramatic shift post-2020, especially in prime micromarkets. According to NoBroker’s Co-founder & CEO Amit Agarwal, occupancy in co-living spaces has shot up from 55–60 per cent to over 85 per cent recently, reflecting affordability stress. Areas like Whitefield observed a 20 per cent jump in 2025 compared to 2024, while Indiranagar was up by 25 per cent. Marathahalli witnessed a 21 per cent increase, and in Jayanagar, the rents climbed by 15 per cent.
“In Whitefield, a 1 bhk that cost ₹15,000 in 2020 is now upwards of ₹22,000–₹24,000,” noted Dharamveer Singh Chouhan, Co-founder & CEO of Zostel.
Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO – India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, added that East, North, South, and Southeast micro-markets have become residential hotspots, showing consistent price appreciation and long-term investment potential.
Shared living
The rise in rentals has triggered a clear behavioural shift among younger working professionals. Co-living and shared accommodations are gaining popularity, especially among the 21–29 age group. These arrangements offer cost-effective, plug-and-play options and foster a sense of community — addressing both financial and social needs.
“Younger professionals are opting to rent beds or rooms instead of full apartments. The flexibility and cost-sharing make co-living highly attractive,” said Chouhan.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
AKO ste posljednjih dana proveli makar nekoliko minuta na modnoj strani TikToka, velike su šanse da su vam se na feedu pojavile prozirne hlače sa šljokicama i perlicama iz Zare. Ovaj efektni komad iz nove kolekcije postao je pravi viralni hit, osvojivši modne entuzijastice koje pokazuju kako ga kombiniraju za različite prilike.
Zarini komadi često postaju viralni na društvenim mrežama, a ni ove hlače nisu izuzetak. Efektne i zanimljive, odlične su za izlaske, koncerte i festivale.
“Naravno da su rasprodane”
Ove poluprozirne hlače imaju srednje visok struk, nogavice su prozirne, dok neproziran dio imitira izgled kratkih hlačica. Bež perlice pružaju lijep kontrast smeđim hlačama, a da ukupan dojam ne izgleda napadno.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
U komentarima su mnogi istaknuli kako se hlače vrlo brzo rasprodaju: “Nema ih više”, “Tako ih želim, a rasprodane su”, “Naravno da su rasprodane”.
Ovih hlača nema na zalihama u online trgovini, no u pojedinim poslovnicama moguće je naći posljednje komade. Hlače su izrađene od poliamidnog vlakna i elastana.
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ARLINGTON, Tex. — Chris Woodward doesn’t have any hard feelings toward the Texas Rangers.
Just some awkward ones about being back this week.
“I don’t know if I’m looking forward to it,” the Dodgers first base coach said with an uncertain chuckle on Wednesday, ahead of his first return trip to Arlington since his time as Rangers manager ended with a midseason firing in 2022.
“I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of people … just the whole staff, the assistant trainers, just people I haven’t seen,” he added. “But I don’t know if it’s something that’s on my bucket list to go back and do.”
Such conflicting emotions mirror the way Woodward reflects on his Rangers tenure at large — a four-season stint with what was then a rebuilding ball club that taught Woodward much, but ended on a sour note.
“I don’t have any regrets or any bad feelings toward anything,” he said. “Obviously, there were some disagreements that led to me not being there anymore. But I have nothing but respect for everybody. I don’t hold a grudge. Life’s too short, man. Honestly, I take that experience as a really positive thing.”
Originally hired by the Rangers in November 2018, after serving as the third-base coach on back-to-back pennant-winning Dodgers teams, Woodward’s first season in charge in Texas began with promise.
Joey Gallo and Hunter Pence led the offense as All-Star selections. Mike Minor and Lance Lynn anchored a veteran core of pitchers. In late June, the Rangers were 10 games over .500, far outpacing modest preseason expectations.
But then, the vagaries of baseball set in.
Gallo and Pence both suffered season-ending injuries. The pitching staff began to crumble beneath a lack of reliable depth. What had started as a “decent” year, Woodward said, ended with the Rangers limping to 78 wins.
And after fading following a 10-9 start in 2020, the Rangers never had a winning record under Woodward again.
Instead, Texas entered a rebuild, giving Woodward’s job a much more developmentally focused bent.
Behind the scenes, the organization created entirely new personnel departments, reimagined player development processes and administered ever-changing responsibilities to members of the coaching staff. Woodward had a hand in every bucket, trying to establish everything from hitting style to base-running technique to a roster-wide focus on all-around fundamentals.
Compared to a fully-fledged contender like the Dodgers, it almost felt like building from the ground up.
“Here [with the Dodgers], it’s such a well-oiled machine. Yeah, we make little adjustments to things here and there, but no major changes,” Woodward said.
In Texas, on the other hand, “we added a lot of resources and a lot of things while I was there, which was necessary. Because we had to get caught up to ‘championship standards,’ is what I called it.”
Chris Woodward managed the Texas Rangers from 2019 until he was fired in Aug. 2022 with one year remaining on his contract.
(LM Otero / Associated Press)
“When everything’s a blank canvas,” he added, “it’s not as easy as people think.”
The losses along the way were difficult (the Rangers were 133-203 over Woodward’s final three seasons, finishing in last place twice).
The firesale trades of team stalwarts like Gallo and Lynn were “probably one of the harder things to deal with,” Woodward recalled.
And when the Rangers failed to take a step forward in 2022, despite their marquee free-agent signings of Marcus Semien and Corey Seager (the ex-Dodgers shortstop whom Woodward helped woo to Texas) the previous offseason, discontent among the club reached a boiling point.
In an unexpected move, Woodward was fired on Aug. 15, 2022, with a year remaining on his contract.
“I tell a lot of the staff here that’s never managed, ‘Each year, you feel like you’ve aged five,’” said Woodward, who returned to the Dodgers in a special advisor role the following winter, before rejoining the on-field staff this year as first-base coach following Clayton McCullough’s hiring by the Miami Marlins.
“It’s kind of like being president, in a way,” the 48-year-old Woodward added. “You see guys age right before your eyes.”
But through those trials — which also included the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Rangers’ move into a new stadium during an era of social distancing — Woodward also came to find perspective and growth.
“I know I aged a lot in those four years, but in a good way,” he said. “I think I grew wiser, and understood how to lead and just get better every year.”
It’s part of the reason why, when the Rangers won the World Series in 2023 — in Bruce Bochy’s first season as Woodward’s managerial successor — Woodward felt pride rather than resentment; confident he had left his old club in a better place than he found it.
“Those four years, I was really proud of, when I left,” he said. “[The club] was in a much better spot internally, all the way from the staff to the front office to the sports science to all the different things that we did … Everything was in line. And they won. Proud of that.”
It doesn’t mean Woodward will be in for a big ovation when he returns this weekend, during the Dodgers’ three-game series at Globe Life Field. He said his old friends in Dallas joked they should all come to form a cheering section, “because you just don’t know the reaction you’re going to get” from the rest of the crowd.
But when asked to reflect back on his time with the Rangers this week, the potential awkwardness of the return didn’t overshadow the silver linings Woodward took from his tenure.
“Tremendous experience. Grateful for the opportunity,” he said. “I just think it’s important that you learn and grow.”
Acer Super ZX Series Launched: Indkal Technologies has launched two smartphones in India under the Acer Super ZX Series. These are Acer Super ZX and Acer Super ZX Pro. With this launch, the laptop maker has entered the Indian smartphone market. According to the company, these devices have premium designs and very high-end features.
Anand Dubey, CEO, Indkal Technologies, said, “This is a landmark day in our history and with this launch we step into the largest consumer product category. Our efforts were to bring a smartphone which is not only completely designed in India but leads in performance.”
“We became not only the first Indian company to launch the Dimensity 7400 chipset but also the first to launch in the segment across all brands, which is a testament to the innovation and design capabilities of Indkal in electronics. Both phones are going to be leaders in camera technology and sensors and also will be the fastest in their respective price points,” he added.
Acer Super ZX: Key Features
The Acer Super ZX features a 6.78” FHD+ 120Hz display, which is the segment’s first FHD+ display, said the company. It runs on Stock Android 15, powered by the MediaTek 6300 chipset, and the back has a triple-camera setup. The biggest highlight of the Super ZX model, according to the company, is the Sony LYTIATM sensor and a 64 megapixel back camera. With 33W fast charging, this model is available in 4+4 GB RAM with 128 GB and 8+8 GB RAM with 256 GB variants. Customers can choose from three colors – black, blue, and green.
Acer Super ZX Pro: Key Features
The Acer Super ZX Pro features a 6.67” AMOLED display with an IP64-rated glass design and frosted glass back and metal frame. It has the segment’s first MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset launched just in April, said the company. The phone features a three-camera setup – a 50-megapixel OIS camera with Sony IMX 882 sensor for the main camera, a 5-megapixel ultra-wide, and a bokeh camera. Most importantly, it has a 50-megapixel front camera with AI capabilities and a 5000mAh battery.
The Pro model is available in two different RAM configurations – 8+8 GB RAM, 12+12 GB RAM, and internal memory configurations – 128 GB and 512 GB. It has three colour options – Black, Purple, and Light Blue.
Both models support 5G connectivity, are based on stock Android 15, and support dual SIM and an IP-certified design.
Acer Super ZX, Acer Super ZX Pro: Price
The starting price of Acer Super ZX is Rs 9,990, while the starting price of the pro model is Rs 17,990.
Planning a holiday in Europe this summer? Here are all the handy tips about visas, currency exchange, City Pass, Visitor’s tax and more for a seamless holiday.
With summer holiday barely a few weeks ago, are you planning a holiday trip to Europe? Since summer is usually rush hour, the first step is to start planning in advance to avoid long visa appointment time, surge in hotel and flight rates, and booking your favourite sight-seeing attractions. Also, a few other handy tips can make your holiday seamless.
From city passes to clothing fines: These travel tips could save your entire trip.(Image by The Elegant Aesthetic)
Visas: If you are planning to visit several European countries, submit your Schengen visa application to the country with lowest visa rejection rate. Iceland has the lowest rejection rate at 2.2%, followed by Switzerland 10.7%, Italy 12%, Germany 14.3%, Austria 14.3%. Belgium (26%), Sweden (23%), Denmark (21%), Spain (18%) have much higher rejection rates. The country that has issued your Schengen visa has to be your first port of entry into the Schengen area that comprises 29 countries.
Currency exchange: Do not exchange currency at airport counters, they give the worst exchange rates, exchange rates in hotels are also very bad. Currency exchange kiosks in city centres are better bets.
Cooler climes, single currency across multiple countries, relaxed border crossing are among the many reasons Chandigarh residents are preferring Europe over run-on-the-mill destinations such as Thailand and Bali.
City Pass: Buy City Pass (for example, Swiss Pass/Paris Pass) that will give you priority access to monuments and/or attractions. Otherwise, the queues can be very long.
ATM Skimmers and Card Clones: Be careful of ATM skimmers. Do not use your credit card in street shops, it can be cloned.
Belongings: Be careful of your belongings. Don’t keep your wallet in a back pocket. If you are carrying backpacks, wear it on your chest, not on your back. While shopping, do not leave your large bags outside shop doors. Do not hang your purse on the seat back in restaurants. Ask for another chair to keep your things or keep it on the floor. Pickpocketing is common.
People walk in the street on Capri Island, Italy. European holiday hotspot Capri becomes dormitory for tourists amid mass tourism in Italy (Photo by REUTERS/Ciro De Luca)
Documents: Scan passport, visa documents and save it to your gmail or any other easily accessible email id.
Laptop: Log out of your email before flying. God forbid, if your laptop is stolen, no one will have access to your email/details.
Don’t eat near big tourists attractions: Restaurants near big tourist attractions (for example, Eiffel Tower in Paris, St Mark’s Square in Greece, Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, La Rambla in Barcelona) are usually more expensive and crowded. Avoid them.
Free water?: Water isn’t served free in most restaurants. If you do not want to pay for water, ask for tap water (in most European countries, tap water is safe to drink).
No free pee: You can pee without paying in restaurants or museums, but if you are using public restrooms (at a train station, or near a tourist attraction) you might have to pay a small fee to use them. Keep cash handy for this.
Visitors’ tax and other tourist taxes: In Switzerland, most hotels charge visitor’s tax, that is levied per overnight stay and per person (other than the tax on room tariff). Usually, 1-7 Swiss Francs per night (1 Swiss Franc = INR 98). In France, the rates range from €0.65 to €8,13 per person, per night; in the Netherlands, it is €3 per person per night payable locally while in Italy, the tourist tax depends on the city. In Rome, it is between €3 and €7 per person, per night; in other cities, the rates vary from €2 to €5. (1 Euro: INR 95).
To deal with the burgeoning tourist crowd, Venice will limit the number of people in tourist groups and impose a €5 tax for day trippers (Shutterstock)
Carry snacks/water: For train rides, carry snacks/fruits, it is expensive on the train.
Avoid full day with kids at theme parks: Think twice before planning a full day at a theme park with children. It usually involves a lot of walking and children often get cranky beyond a few hours.
Snow/mountain clothing + shoes: For mountain/snow areas, pack shoes with good grip, snowy areas can get really slippery. You can also rent them at base stores/shops.
Clothing rules: Don’t assume you can wear anything anywhere. There are certain clothing rules – driving while wearing sandals or flip-flops, or any open-toed-shoe is a punishable offence in Spain; you cannot walk the streets only in a bikini or swimming shorts in Majorca and Barcelona in Spain, as well as in Hvar in Croatia, the Maldives and Turkey; historic sites in Greece, such as the Acropolis or Delphi, prohibit women from wearing high heels; in France, you have to wear a Speedo to jump into a pool – France has banned loose-fitting swimming trunks for men. Also, remember not to pee in the pool, there are hefty fines for piddle misdemeanour in Portugal.
Flying versus trains for short distance travel: Most regional airlines have very limited baggage allowance for short flights; extra fee has to be paid for checked-in bags. So, trains are a better option for short-distance travel between cities and/or within the Schengen areas. Eurail has very good connectivity. You can buy Eurail tickets online. Remember, you need to activate the Eurail tickets before your first travel day, either online at Eurail.com or at a European train station.
Damaged/delayed bag: Check your bags as soon as you pick it from the baggage carousel and report damage at Baggage Services at the airport. Take photographs of the damaged portion. If your bag is delayed, seek compensation from the airline. Qatar Airways recently credited $50 into my bank account for 24-hour baggage delay.
Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
News / Lifestyle / Travel / Heading to Europe this summer? Some handy tips every traveller must know
It’s out with the old and in with the new as Netflix prepares to refresh its catalogue in May.
If you are an action lover, into your war films or just love a romcom, be sure to get your fix before it’s too late. Here are my top five picks leaving the streaming platform over the next few weeks.
April 21
No Hard Feelings
Jennifer Lawrence’s 2023 foray into raunchy comedy is an underrated gem. She stars as a bartender who’s down on her luck so decides to take on an unusual challenge when a wealthy couple hires her to swoon over their socially awkward son. The film was directed by Gene Stupnitsky and is an incredibly easy watch sure to make you laugh but you better be quick as it leaves on April 21.
April 29
Patriots Day
This emotional action film from 2016 follows Mark Wahlberg as police Sergeant Tommy Saunders. Based on real life events, Saunders rushes to aid those injured in the Boston Marathon attacks that took place on April 15 2013. The film reflects on the city’s courage in the wake of the terrorist attack and is well worth watching if you haven’t already seen it.
May 1
1917
1917 is a World War I cinematic masterpiece directed by Sam Mendes and inspired by stories told to Mendes by his grandfather, Alfred Mendes, who served in the war. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth and Andrew Scott, to name a few, it was filmed in a “one-shot” style. It received huge acclaim and won three Oscars as well as seven BAFTAs – including Best Film and Best Director.
May 15
Crossroads
This coming of age staple starring Britney Spears gets you feeling nostalgic. The film follows three teenage girls as they embark on a cross-country adventure to pursue their dreams, taking risks that are sure to change their lives forever. Written by Shonda Rhimes, the film will hook you in from start to finish. It is a rare chance to watch Spears in an acting role and has a star-studded supporting cast including Zoe Saldaña, Justin Long and Kim Cattrall.
May 16
Penguins of Madagascar: The Movie
The Madagascar catalogue has proven hugely popular and this installment is no exception. One for the family to watch together, it follows four male penguins who go on various missions and team up with a secret animal agency to take down an evil octopus and stop him from killing all of the penguins of the world and destroying the cycle of nature through time.
Don’t worry. This is still CarExpert and not TruckExpert.
Isuzu is currently in the process of launching a new-generation version of its smallest truck on offer locally, the N Series (aka the Elf in Japan).
While you do need a heavy vehicle license to drive many versions of this truck, almost half of the configurations can be driven with a regular car license. This means it could be a good workhorse option for those who would typically be considering a traditional dual-cab ute.
Truck model lifecycles are considerably longer than they are for cars. The current, sixth-generation N Series was introduced back in the late 2000s and has been around since then with incremental updates.
With this new, seventh-generation model, Isuzu has made a considerable amount of changes. On the outside, there’s revised styling and new LED headlights across the range.
Inside, there’s a more car-like interior with a smaller steering wheel that now features buttons, and a revised gauge cluster setup that now includes a larger digital instrument cluster, as well as an electric park brake with an auto-hold function, among other upgrades.
WATCH: Paul’s video review of the 2024 Isuzu N Series truck
Under the skin, all the powertrain options are now Euro 6 emissions-compliant, which means they now require AdBlue. The 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel variants now also get the option of a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, instead of an automated manual transmission.
Lastly, there has been a major upgrade to the safety technology. Thanks to a new stereo camera setup, the safety systems now have higher quality camera feeds and a wider field of view. There’s also new safety equipment such as front cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control, depending on the variant, among others.
Ahead of first customer deliveries commencing later this year, we got a chance to drive two pre-production versions of the N Series truck, the NLR 45-150 DT D25 Traypack and NNR 45-150 DT D34 Vanpack, as part of a media drive.
Is this truck worth considering over a dual-cab ute? Read along to find out.
How much does the Isuzu N Series cost?
Isuzu Australia hasn’t confirmed the pricing for the new-generation N Series truck just yet.
However, the current N Series truck range starts at $54,843 before on-roads for the NLR 45-150 SWB Traypack, and extends to $99,594 before on-roads for the NPR 45/55-155 AMT SWB Servicepack.
What is the Isuzu N Series like on the inside?
Well, it’s very clearly a truck, but it’s more car-like than ever before.
The new N Series truck it now gets proximity entry. You no longer need to fish the key out of your pocket to unlock it, and can now instead unlock and lock the truck by pressing a button on the door handle.
There’s a heavy-duty side step to help you hop in, because it’s a fair hike into the cabin. There are also hefty grab handles that make ingress and egress much easier. You’d be lost without them.
Once you’re in, the forward and sideward views are impeccable. You sit up very perched, so it’s a commanding place to be, and it feels very far removed from any car-like driving position.
The driver’s seat looks very similar to what the D-Max has, but it’s a suspended unit that bobs up and down when you hit bumps. This is a pretty standard feature for trucks and buses, and it’ll likely feel weird if you’ve only ever driven cars. But it’s very handy and you do get used to it after a while.
Unsurprisingly, the driver’s seat only has manual adjustment. You’re able to dial in a comfortable position, but you wouldn’t want to be much taller than six-foot tall because the space on offer could feel a little cramped.
The pedals are also positioned too high. In order to press the brake pedal, I had to lift my foot off the ground, which after a while made my ankle ache.
I appreciate that the steering column has both tilt and reach adjustment. However, the steering column itself plunges under the floor between the driver’s feet, meaning foot room is compromised. This is yet another classic truck trait and something that’ll likely take some adjusting to.
Compared to the outgoing model, the steering wheel itself is more car-like than ever. It’s smaller, but it still feels like you’re steering a truck with the way it’s angled. Plus, it doesn’t help that the wheel itself is plastic, so it doesn’t feel very premium.
There are also buttons on the steering wheel for adjusting the media and cruise control, among other functions. The outgoing model doesn’t feature any steering wheel buttons at all, so this is a major upgrade that makes the truck feel much more modern.
Behind the steering wheel is still a set of analogue dials for the engine and road speeds. They’re large, clear and easy to read. There’s a small multi-information display sandwiched between the tacho and speedo dials, which can cycle through a range of informative pages. It’d be great if there was one for a digital speedometer.
Moving across, while there have been many changes to the N Series’ interior, something that hasn’t changed is the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It still looks rather aftermarket in the way it’s plonked on the dashboard.
We didn’t get time to dive too deeply into the menus, but on the surface level, it appears easy to navigate and hard to get lost in. The system offers both wired versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as satellite navigation.
Looking around the cabin, this is a through-and-through commercial vehicle with workhorse intentions. Don’t go expecting to see any plush soft finishes in here. Instead, there’s hard, scratchy plastic everywhere, which will wear better in the long run.
Other key changes around the cabin include a new climate control pod, which thankfully retains physical dials, as well as a new automatic gear shifter, plus an electric park brake with an auto hold function. The latter feels so strange in such a heavy-duty vehicle, but it does make life much easier and also frees up more space for storage.
Speaking of storage, there is enough, but more would be nice. From large netted sections above the driver’s head to a fold-down section where the middle seat goes, you’ll easily be able to find a space for pens and paper.
On the passenger side, there’s a two-person bench seat, which is far from the most glamorous space ever, and it’s a fixed unit as standard.
Beyond this, there’s not much else to the cabin. You can get a crew-cab version of the N Series, which increases total seating capacity to six. Updated versions now get an air-conditioning unit with vents in the back so rear occupants can stay cool.
What’s under the bonnet?
Both the N Series trucks we drove were powered by the 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, mated with the new nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Specifications
Isuzu NLR 45-150 SWB
Isuzu NNR 45-150 MWB
Engine
3.0L 4cyl turbo-diesel
3.0L 4cyl turbo-diesel
Power
110kW @ 2800rpm
110kW @ 2800rpm
Torque
375Nm @ 1280-2800rpm
375Nm @ 1280-2800rpm
Transmission
9-speed DCT
9-speed DCT
Drive type
RWD
RWD
Fuel tank
75L (diesel) 14L (AdBlue)
100L (diesel) 14L (AdBlue)
Weight
TBC
TBC
Payload
TBC
TBC
Braked towing capacity
4000kg
4500kg
Gross vehicle mass (GVM)
4500kg
4500kg
Gross combination mass (GCM)
8000kg
8000kg
How does the Isuzu N Series drive?
To start up this truck, you no longer need to put the key into the ignition. Instead, you just need to have the key fob nearby and twist the starter knub where the key was previously inserted.
Once you do this, the 4JZ1 four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine comes to life in a similar way to the 4JJ3 engine in the D-Max and MU-X. It’s far from the most refined engine at idle, but at the end of the day this is a commercial vehicle built for heavy-duty work.
To set off, you need to use the substantial-feeling automatic gear selector. It defaults to the ‘Eco’ drive mode every time you turn the truck on to minimise fuel consumption, but thankfully you can easily switch this off by pressing a button near the gear shifter.
Also, if you forget to turn off the electric park brake, it deactivates automatically as you set off.
Initial acceleration in this truck won’t blow your socks off by any means, but you’ll keep up with other traffic provided you don’t have too much weight on board. Plant your foot, however, and the engine just revs out and doesn’t accelerate any faster.
Both trucks we sampled during our brief drive loop featured the standard-output version of the 4JZ1 engine, which produces 110kW and 375Nm. This isn’t very much at all, but for the majority of purposes you won’t feel like you need much more.
The N Series can also be had with a more powerful version of this 3.0-litre turbo-diesel that produces 129kW and 430Nm, which is more in line with what the 3.0-litre engine in the D-Max and MU-X produces.
If you’re power-hungry, this might be worth opting for instead, at the expense of fuel consumption. We were unable to record an economy figure and because it’s a truck Isuzu doesn’t claim one either.
What’s interesting about this new-generation truck is that automatic versions now get a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic instead of an antiquated automated manual transmission. To sum it up, it feels so much more modern and in line with what we expect from dual-cab utes in terms of performance.
The gearshifts feel snappy and almost instantaneous. Plus, there’s no drop-off in momentum, which is great if you’re hauling heavier equipment.
Having more gear ratios means the truck can stay within its torque band more easily, delivering more consistent acceleration.
One downside, however, is that the truck frequently chooses the highest gear possible to minimise fuel consumption. When you call for more acceleration, it can occasionally lag before dropping one, two, or even three gears to get things moving along faster.
Driving around town in the N Series, it feels very much like a truck. It bobs and rocks with the bumps, even with a bit of weight in the back. Having the seat suspension does help with this though.
Although you do need to work the steering wheel, this truck feels nimble. Its turning circle also feels notably smaller than dual-cab utes, which is a plus if you frequently drive in built-up areas where three-point turns are necessary.
There was a noticeable difference in the ride quality of the two trucks we drove. The NLR has independent coil front suspension, which makes it feel more car-like and more willing to lean in bends. The NNR, on the other hand, has leaf suspension at the front, which is more heavy-duty but makes it feel stiffer and more rigid.
While you’d think these trucks would be quite intimidating to drive, the reality is quite different. You have great outward visibility, plus there are humongous side mirrors, which are great for keeping an eye on what’s happening on either side of the vehicle.
Certain versions of the N Series also come with a reversing camera. However, all variants come with a reversing beeper, which was a fun novelty for a car guy like me, but after a while I can imagine it gets annoying.
Building up the speed, the engine does start to run out of puff. Even cruising along flatter ground, it’ll frequently hover around two or three gears, which creates an unsettling feeling behind the wheel.
There’s also a fair bit of wind noise that emanates into the cabin. It doesn’t help that the truck is a literal box on wheels, and the side mirrors stick out a fair way.
We didn’t get a chance to drive the N Series out on the highway, but automatic versions have an adaptive cruise control system that works at all speeds. In order to ensure the system works, you need to have the engine brake turned off.
There have been many upgrades on the safety front and this also makes this truck feel more car-like. There’s autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic sign recognition. A lot of these systems use a new stereo camera setup that’s not only higher-resolution but has a wider field of view.
Lastly, all versions of the N Series now have LED headlights that are bright and clear, providing better visibility at nighttime.
What do you get?
The Isuzu N Series is set to be available in no less than 153 different configurations.
2025 Isuzu N Series equipment highlights:
Bi-LED headlights
LED tail-lights
Keyless entry and push-button start
Intermittent window wipers
Multi-information display
10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
AM/FM/DAB+ radio
Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Satellite navigation
32GB internal storage
Climate control
LED interior lamp
Electric park brake
Driver’s bucket seat with mechanical suspension
Two-person bench seat
Is the Isuzu N Series safe?
Given that the Isuzu N Series is a truck, it hasn’t been crash-tested by ANCAP.
Standard safety equipment:
Two airbags
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Intersection AEB
Front cross-traffic alert
Lane departure warning
Attention alert system
Misacceleration mitigation
Traffic movement warning
Traffic sign recognition
Adaptive cruise control (automatic only)
How much does the Isuzu N Series cost to run?
The Isuzu N Series’ chassis is covered by a six-year, 250,000km warranty, whereas the genuine parts and accessories are covered by a three-year warranty.
Servicing and Warranty
Isuzu N Series
Warranty
6 years, 250,000km (chassis) 3 years (genuine parts and accessories)
Roadside assistance
6 years
Service intervals
12 months or 25,000km or 500 hours
Isuzu offers a range of service packages, though it doesn’t list what these cost.
CarExpert’s Take on the Isuzu N Series
If you’re someone who is constantly hauling around heaps of tools and also needs to tow a heavy trailer, you’d be silly not to consider something like this.
Many people buy utes as they are marketed as the type of vehicle you can use for work during the week and then go out adventuring on the weekend. However, this also means they aren’t really the masters of anything.
This is where the Isuzu N Series comes in. It’s purpose-built as a hardworking workhorse that, depending on the configuration, can tow 4500kg and still offer around 1500kg of payload. And a number of variants can be driven on a car licence.
The downside is you can’t go expecting this truck to drive just like a car. The driving position is much more upright, there are acres of harsh plastics in the cabin, and the infotainment still doesn’t match the benchmark of what’s offered in cars. It’s much more rudimentary and focused on heavy-duty work.
It doesn’t help that the 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine in the trucks we drove felt a little sluggish and had to be worked hard out on the open road. The nine-speed dual-clutch automatic, however, is snappy and a fantastic addition to this package.
Despite my gripes, this truck feels more agile than many dual-cab utes and has a smaller turning circle. This can make a big difference if you spend a lot of time in the city.
Another major consideration is that the N Series is considerably cheaper than many dual-cab utes and American pickups. For budget-conscious tradies and business owners, opting for a truck like this can make a lot of sense from a cost of ownership perspective.
Isuzu has put a lot of effort into updating this truck, and it’s clear it’ll attract a much wider audience when it arrives locally later this year. Watch this space.
In a massive market like the crypto market, finding a coin to invest in can be a hassle. With the market’s volatility and constant expansion, investors search for tokens that have the highest potential to produce massive returns at the lowest price possible. With projects like Rexas Finance (RXS), Stellar (XLM), TRON (TRX), and Hedera (HBAR), this paper is designed to explore these four cryptocurrencies, all under $0.4, that tend to provide investors with massive returns.
Rexas Finance (RXS)
RXS is a leader in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization methods that transform tangible goods into blockchain-based digital tokens for everyone. This approach also allows users to acquire full or partial ownership rights in real estate, precious metals, corporate debt securities, or artwork with one click via a simplified user interface. Multiple technologies interconnected under the Rexas Finance ecosystem include Rexas Token Builder, Rexas Launchpad, Rexas Estate, Rexas DeFi, Rexas GenAI, and Rexas Treasury.
This ecosystem lets you quickly tokenize actual assets and offers a safe, simplified ecosystem for token sales across several blockchain environments. Currently priced at $0.20, the presale has been excellent, with massive investor interest. With 458,361,992 RXS tokens sold out of 1,000,000,000, Rexas Finance has raised $47,672,856 before the June 19, 2025, launch date priced at $0.25.
The success of this presale has led analysts to predict a 600x surge in the price of the RXS token before the end of the year. Additionally, analysts suggest a potential 6x return on investment (ROI) for users who buy into RXS once it is officially listed.
Stellar (XLM)
Stellar (XLM) is a blockchain network designed to facilitate more efficient and less costly international financial transactions. The growing demand for blockchain-powered remittance services has placed Stellar at the forefront of the financial sector. By using Stellar’s infrastructure, leading financial companies MoneyGram and Circle (USDC) have provided Stellar with most of the opportunity for mass adoption. With a market value of $8.9 billion and a present trading price of $0.291, Stellar (XLM) is up over 14,450% from its 2014 inception.
Market indicators are currently exhibiting a modest increase with a Relative Strength Indicator (RSI) rating of 50.96 and a Moving Average Divergence (MACD) pointing a positive crossing to support levels. All suggest good potential for appreciation in the near term. Experts estimate that XLM can be valued at $2 by July 2025, a potential growth of over 580% from its present value. This would put XLM at the threshold of being a cryptocurrency that can turn $850 into $85000.
TRON (TRX)
With blockchain, Tron, an open-source distributed initiative, aims to build a global digital economy for content. It enables creators to better control their income and offers a degree of openness through smart contracts, enabling developers to distribute programs without middlemen.
At a market cap of $21.63 billion and a price of $0.228, TRX has seen about an 11,000% gain since its launch, influenced by its strength during market pullbacks. Technical indicators portray a bullish trend with solid support levels, convincing analysts to be positive regarding the coin’s ROI. Some predictions see a potential 120% return on investment by November 2025.
Hedera (HBAR)
As a unique project, Hedera (HBAR) employs a different consensus mechanism called Hashgraph as its conventional decentralized ledger, contrary to the norm of using blockchain technology as a decentralized ledger. HBAR, currently trading at $0.196 with a market cap of $8.29 billion, has gained over 450% in value.
Trading signals are mildly bullish, with a neutral Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 50.13 and a Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) calling for an imminent bullish crossover with strong support levels; all indicators indicate a very high degree of potential for growth. As Hedera (HBAR) attracts attention for its high transaction speeds and low latency, Analysts predict HBAR tokens might go as high as $0.44 per coin in 2025, indicating a 124.49% increase.
Conclusion: High-Potential Tokens for 100% Gains
Investing in these 4 tokens increases the potential for a 100% return. Rexas Finance is the best choice for gains due to its innovative approach to asset management and tokenization of real-world assets.
For more information about Rexas Finance (RXS) visit the links below:
Pedestrians walk through Harvard Yard on the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. President Donald Trump escalated his administration’s fight with Harvard University by threatening its tax-exempt status after the school defied the government’s demands to change its policies in exchange for billions of dollars of federal funding.
| Photo Credit:
Sophie Park
The Trump administration’s threat to end foreign enrollment at Harvard University places in danger a key funding source for US schools and could prompt international students to seek degrees elsewhere.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued the threat Wednesday, saying “anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology” was “poisoning” the university. She demanded Harvard submit records of any violent or illegal activity by foreign students by April 30 or immediately lose certification under the federal government’s student visa program.
“Harvard bending the knee to antisemitism — driven by its spineless leadership — fuels a cesspool of extremist riots and threatens our national security,” she said in a statement.
The warning came after weeks of escalating conflict between President Donald Trump and the nation’s elite universities, including threats to cut funding and revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status. Federal officials have also detained and moved to deport some foreign students who have expressed support for Palestinians.
The administration says it wants to combat antisemitism on campus, but Harvard says the government’s demands cross a red line into violating academic freedom.
In response to Noem’s statement, Harvard said it would still not agree to those demands. “We will continue to comply with the law and expect the Administration to do the same,” a school spokesperson said. “If federal action is taken against a member of our community, we expect it will be based on clear evidence, follow established legal procedures, and respect the constitutional rights afforded to all individuals.”
More than 1 million foreign students attended US universities last year, often paying full tuition. At Harvard nearly 6,800 students – 27 per cent of the entire student body — come from other countries, up from 19.6 per cent in 2006, according to the university’s data. Elite schools see attracting the world’s brightest and most ambitious students as a core part of their mission, and the numbers have risen in recent years.
“The fear and uncertainty is definitely going to drive international families to ‘safer’ choices in other countries,” said Annalee Nissenholtz with Education Advisory Group, a college counseling firm. She recently advised a student from China to accept an offer for enrollment at University of Oxford instead of Georgia Institute of Technology.
“It broke my heart,” Nissenholtz said. “This threat is going to have a horrible trickle-down effect. Everyone knows this is not going to stop with Harvard.”
For the students themselves, the timing of the threat could not be worse. In general, admitted students need to tell colleges by May 1 if they are coming for the next school year.
International students accounted for 5.9 per cent of the total US higher-education population of almost 19 million students in the 2023-2024 school year, according to a report funded by the State Department and produced by the Institute of International Education. The largest share came from India — about 332,000 — with 23 per cent growth from the previous year. China had led the list previously, but its student population declined by 4.2 per cent to more than 277,000.
More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
After deciding to move — yet again — in hopes of finding a home that better suits my needs and desire for space, I wanted to navigate new platforms that could support my search, instead of falling back on all the old rental apps.
I was looking for something to ease the stress of moving — ideally using artificial intelligence to simplify the housing search.
During my search, I found Rentberry, which I initially gravitated towards for its bright user experience design and simplified desktop functionality.
What is Rentberry, and how does it use AI?
Rentberry is a home rental platform for tenants and landlords founded in 2015 aimed at streamlining the long-term rental process with a more efficient, transparent model that positions landlords and tenants together.
The platform offers rental listings in over 60 countries (though its rent collection feature is only available where its payment partner, Stripe, operates, in 44 countries).
Rentberry uses AI across three areas of its business:
Tenant screening: to analyze rental applications (credit reports, social media data and rental history).
AI-generated property descriptions: an AI-powered description generator that assists landlords by highlighting key features and amenities.
AI-powered matching: a feature to recommend properties that match your specific preferences, including budget, location, amenities and desired features. Like other generative AI platforms, it adapts to your input over time.
In the time I’ve spent living in two major cities, I’ve become acquainted with nine different search platforms and apps when looking for housing. Now that I’m reentering the market, I don’t really know where to start. But given how much AI has helped me streamline other tasks, I figured combining it with Rentberry’s thoughtful design and user experience was worth a try.
How to use Rentberry AI for your home search
A search of rental properties in Los Angeles.
Rentberry / Screenshot by CNET
This is how to set up and use Rentberry as either a tenant or landlord:
First, download the Rentberry app (available on iOS or Google Play), or continue on to the website. Once on your desired platform, sign up with an email address or Google or Facebook account. If you already have an account, log in using your credentials.
Time to set up your profile. This looks a bit different depending on whether you’re a tenant or landlord. For tenants: you’ll be prompted to provide details like name, number, email address and a profile picture for credibility. For landlords: you can provide property details, a rent amount and details about viewing the property. There’s also space to upload documents like an agreement or proof of ownership (also for credibility purposes).
Time to search. As a tenant, enter your desired location, budget, number of rooms and other preferences — like pet-friendly, furnished or desired amenities. Rentberry uses AI algorithms to recommend properties that match your specific preferences, including budget, location, amenities and other features.
When you’ve found a rental you like, Rentberry’s AI can analyze your profile and automatically match it to suitable rental listings, allowing you to instantly apply for properties that are more likely to meet the landlord’s criteria. I appreciated how it gave me time back during the search, so I could focus on the daunting process of applying for a place. Rentberry’s AI helps here by evaluating your application details and sharing the chance of being accepted by landlords — plus suggestions for application improvement.
Rentberry also offers a robust Help Center, with articles on using the app for automatic rental payments and tenant or landlord needs. I found this helpful to better understand what issues past users have run into and for tips for using AI as part of the process, like how to list a property on its platform.
Should you use Rentberry?
Anyone who is tech-savvy can benefit from Rentberry. If you’re a millennial or Gen Z tenant — specifically in fast-paced rental markets — its AI-powered property matching and personalized alerts can save you time and stress.
Property owners and landlords who want to streamline the rental process will likely find Rentberry valuable, too (again, if they’retech-savvy), particularly its automated lease agreements and built-in tenant screening tools (just make sure to double-check everything).
While not a primary focus, I can even see real estate agents who focus on rental properties leveraging Rentberry as a tech-forward service that caters to modern expectations.
However, traditional renters or landlords who prefer more hands-on, in-person interactions might not feel as comfortable with Rentberry’s digital approach. As someone who got comfortable with technology through repetition, I’d say Rentberry has a bit of a learning curve for those who don’t use tech regularly.
Here’s why: The platform thrives on automation, with AI analyzing everything from lease terms to payment reminders — Rentberry’s differentiator from its competitors is AI. While you don’t have to completely understand its functionality to benefit from its experience, generative technology moves fast. Rentberry focuses on more than browsing or listing, as it supports faster, more efficient decisions.
What I took away from my search is that Rentberry’s AI works like a matchmaker to connect tenants to listings and landlords to tenants. It uses generative technology to simplify the process and bundle features within one space. If you crave a smarter, faster and simpler way to find housing, this is a great tool. It points to the future of the market, offering customization and AI-powered support.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is coming under fire for not publicizing its own report into an E. coli outbreak last year that spread across 15 states and infected 89 people, one of whom died, according to a report from TKTKT.
The outbreak was linked to romaine lettuce — with the first case being recorded in St. Louis County in Missouri in early November 2024 — but the agency was unable to confirm the source in its investigation, which in a report it made in February.
In total, 36 people were hospitalized, and 7 people developed Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney disorder. Details about the death are unclear. The E. coli was 0157:H7 — a particularly dangerous strain that can result in severe illness.
This colorized scanning electron microscope image, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, displays E. coli bacteria of the O157:H7 strain, capable of causing illness through its potent toxin.(Janice Haney Carr/CDC via AP)
About 95% of those infected reported eating leafy greens and 88% of those could recall consuming romaine lettuce, according to the FDA report. The report came to light after NBC News sought a public records request connected with ongoing litigation.
The FDA traceback led to a single grower and processor, with the romaine traced to a common ranch and lot. But the agency was unable to confirm the outbreak as connected to that location since there was no infected lettuce left by the time investigators learned where the E. coli was coming from.
Seven subclusters were identified, including at catered events, restaurants and a school.
The FDA then concluded its final report in February but redacted the name of the common ranch it investigated as being the source.
Additionally, despite the severity of the outbreak, the FDA did not publicly announce the result of its investigation. “There were no public communications related to this outbreak,” the FDA said in its report.
That is concerning, said Frank Yiannas, the former deputy commissioner of food policy and response at the FDA.
“It is disturbing that FDA hasn’t said anything more public or identified the name of a grower or processor,” Yiannas told NBC News.
He argued that by choosing not to identify the responsible party, the FDA withheld important information that could have helped consumers make informed choices about their purchases. He also noted that some individuals may have become ill during the outbreak without knowing the source, and that serious bacterial infections can lead to lasting health effects.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is coming under fire for not publicizing its own report into an E. coli outbreak last year that spread across 15 states and infected 89 people, one of whom died. (iStock)
The FDA, in a statement to NBC, said it names firms when there is enough evidence linking them to an outbreak and if there is “actionable advice for consumers, as long as naming the firm is not legally prohibited,” a spokesperson said in a statement to NBC News. “By the time investigators had confirmed the likely source, the outbreak had already ended and there was no actionable advice for consumers.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the FDA for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST E. COLI AND KNOW WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
NBC reports that nine lawsuits have now been filed against California-based Taylor Farms, one of the country’s largest producers of salads and fresh-cut vegetables. They argue in court documents that Taylor Farms sold “defective and unreasonably dangerous” food products.
Taylor Farms denied it was the source of the outbreak in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“Taylor Farms product WAS NOT the source of the referenced 2024 E. coli outbreak. We perform extensive raw and finished product testing on all our product and there was no evidence of contamination,” the statement reads.
“Any reporting that connects Taylor Farms products to these heartbreaking illnesses is dangerous, irresponsible and unfair to the impacted families.”
The company said that 0157:H7 comes from livestock, not from fresh produce. The FDA, Tayor Farms said, did not find the source of the outbreak because they are not authorized to inspect the beef industry.
The company said that all of its leafy greens are subjected to a robust sampling and pathogen testing program.
The outbreak came just weeks after a McDonald’s E. coli outbreak was linked to Taylor Farms.
Taylor Farms supplies McDonald’s with its slivered onions used in its popular Quarter Pounder burger. The farm voluntarily recalled the onions after the outbreak infected more than 100 people, killing one person.
A widespread E. coli outbreak has been linked to a McDonald’s product, according to the CDC.(iStock)
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A statement provided by a Taylor Farms spokesperson to KSBW at the time said, “We test both raw and finished products for pathogens and have found no traces of E. coli. We have never seen E. coliO157:H7 associated with onions in the past.”
“Out of an abundance of caution, Taylor Farms Colorado removed yellow onions from the market produced out of our Colorado facility. We continue to work closely with FDA and CDC during this ongoing investigation,” the statement added. “Our priority is the health and wellness of our customers and consumers and the safety and quality of our products.”
While Taylor Farms’ headquarters is in Salinas, it also has several facilities across the country, including one in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Fox News’ Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.
Michael Dorgan is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.
You can send tips to [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan.
If you’re like me, winding down after a long day, craving a laid-back space with great cocktails and food, then Indy By Qla might just be your next go-to. I recently attended the launch of their new ‘After Hours’ concept, and let me say, it was everything a night out should be: cosy, flavourful, and buzzing with just the right energy.
Tucked away with its contemporary Indian charm, Indy now invites guests to linger long after dinner. After Hours is their ode to night-time indulgence, with a bar program that stands shoulder to shoulder with its stellar kitchen. Rooted in Indian flavours and celebrating local craft, the drinks menu champions homegrown spirits and brands that are putting India on the global beverage map.
The launch evening was a vibrant affair. The drinks were curated in collaboration with Kumaon & I – India’s first provincial dry gin, and Bandarful, a cold brew coffee liqueur by Himmaleh Spirits. I tried cocktails featuring both, and they were refreshingly creative, balancing bold flavours with subtle depth. And the food? That was good too. I’m still thinking about the Himachali Siddu-a soft, steamed bread that was beautifully plated on a bed of chutney and packed with flavours. Every dish complemented the drinks perfectly.
Owner Prateek Arora summed it up well when he said, “After Hours is a natural extension of our philosophy-to create distinctive experiences rooted in Indian craft and cuisine.”
It wasn’t a loud, overwhelming night. Instead, it was relaxed, elevated, and intimate-everything a good post-dinner plan should be. With its thoughtful curation and easy-going vibe, Indy After Hours has officially earned its spot on my night-out list.
About Neha GroverLove for reading roused her writing instincts. Neha is guilty of having a deep-set fixation with anything caffeinated. When she is not pouring out her nest of thoughts onto the screen, you can see her reading while sipping on coffee.
Ten minutes into Gregg Bonti and Alex Randall’s first date, Mr. Bonti was smitten. “I’m going to marry this man or he’s going to ruin my life,” he said.
After calling Bengaluru home for more than a decade, 32 year old Alisha who works in the oil and gas sector, highlights the challenges of the city’s rental system. With a modest 5–10 per cent salary hike compared to a staggering 50–60 per cent jump in rent, Alisha saw her monthly rent climb from ₹42,000 to ₹56,000, and then to ₹75,000 year after year. “The Bangalore rental agreement is biased towards landlords. There’s nothing in it that safeguards tenants,” she says. For her, the only escape from the cost trap is to leave.
While rents in India’s Silicon Valley have surged over 25 per cent since 2020, salaries have barely kept pace, posing growing concerns about Bengaluru’s affordability and long-term sustainability as a tech capital. According to data from Teamlease, the tech sector has witnessed annual salary hikes of just 8–12 per cent, with startups offering slightly better raises in the range of 12–15 per cent.
Despite the rising costs, Bengaluru continues to attract professionals drawn to its robust tech ecosystem. However, the combination of soaring rents and recent increases in utility charges is beginning to take a toll on both financial stability and quality of life.
Salary increments don’t cover rent hikes
Nethra (name changed), an analyst at a leading consulting firm, shared how most of her salary now goes towards rent. “While I got a 13 per cent increment, rent is up almost by 10 per cent. There’s hardly any room for savings,” she noted.
Nethra belongs to a cohort that has received a hike. Across sectors, however, the situation is uneven. While tech, startups and services have seen healthier compensation growth, traditional industries are lagging—highlighting a widening divide between innovation-driven and conventional sectors.
The FMCG sector has seen modest annual increases of 5–8 per cent, healthcare, despite a COVID-driven spike, has settled at 6–9 per cent growth by 2025, while construction and real estate have grown steadily but slowly at 5–7 per cent, as high living costs haven’t spurred proportional raises. Logistics has managed 6–8 per cent growth, boosted by e-commerce but unable to match tech’s pace. Even within tech, there is a stark divide. AI/ML professionals are seeing 10–15 per cent hikes, but traditional IT roles are barely moving,” according to Neeti Sharma, CEO, TeamLease Digital.
Rentals shoot up
The rental landscape in Bengaluru has seen a dramatic shift post-2020, especially in prime micromarkets. According to NoBroker’s Co-founder & CEO Amit Agarwal, occupancy in co-living spaces has shot up from 55–60 per cent to over 85 per cent recently, reflecting affordability stress. Areas like Whitefield observed a 20 per cent jump in 2025 compared to 2024, while Indiranagar, was up by 25 per cent. Marathahalli witnessed a 21 per cent increase, and in Jayanagar, the rents climbed by 15 per cent.
“In Whitefield, a 1BHK that cost ₹15,000 in 2020 is now upwards of ₹22,000–₹24,000,” noted Dharamveer Singh Chouhan, Co-founder & CEO of Zostel.
Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO – India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, added that East, North, South and Southeast micro-markets have become residential hotspots, showing consistent price appreciation and long-term investment potential.
Shift towards shared living
The rise in rentals has triggered a clear behavioural shift among younger working professionals. Co-living and shared accommodations are gaining popularity, especially among the 21–29 age group. These arrangements offer cost-effective, plug-and-play options and foster a sense of community—addressing both financial and social needs.
“Younger professionals are opting to rent beds or rooms instead of full apartments. The flexibility and cost-sharing make co-living highly attractive,” said Chouhan.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
BRAIN Dead i adidas vraćaju svoj formalni model tenisica nadahnut kuglanjem. No ovaj put su u priču uključili i pionirsku trgovinu Dover Street Market. Kao što je uobičajeno s DSM suradnjama na obući, novi model dolazi u crnoj boji, a ovo je i najjednostavnija verzija adidas i Brain Dead bowling cipela do sada. Bijeli šavovi i zlatni logotip utisnut sa strane pružaju glavni kontrast crnoj kožnoj podlozi.
Radi se o jednostavnoj paleti boja za, objektivno, neobičan hibridni model: kožna svečana cipela kombinirana s adidas tenisicom.
Lete s polica
Model adidas x Brain Dead x DSM već su dostupne u prodaji, ekskluzivno u trgovinama Dover Street Market, po cijeni od 220 funti, odnosno otprilike 207 eura. Rasprodaje se brzinom svjetlosti te je dostupno još jako malo komada, što je potvrdio i sam Dover Street Market na Instagramu.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
“Tako neočekivana, a nevjerojatna suradnja”, “Možda ih malo trebam”, “Već su rasprodane”, “Pitam se jesu li korisne za ljude koji zaista kuglaju”, “Ovo bi bilo kul prije osam mjeseci” glase neki od komentara na Instagramu trgovine.
Hibridna obuća poput ove trenutačno doživljava veliki uzlet. Svjedočimo porastu nekonvencionalnih spojeva tenisica, primjerice kombiniraju se tenisice i balerinke. Ovi hibridi spajaju performanse sportskih tenisica s tradicionalnim umijećem izrade cipela, a adidas bowling cipela smatra se začetnikom tog trenda.
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Realme 14T 5G Launch Date Announced: Realme is all set to unveil its latest smartphone —Realme 14T 5G — in India next week. Ahead of the official debut, the company has shared some details about the upcoming device. So, from features, display to colour, availability – here’s what you will get in Realme 14T 5G –
When will Realme 14T 5G be launched in India?
The company said it will launch the Realme 14T 5G on Friday, April 25.
Realme 14T 5G: What will it contain?
Realme 14T 5G will be backed by a 6000mAh long-lasting battery paired with 45W fast charging that will be capable of providing up to 54.3 hours of calls, 17.2 hours of YouTube, 12.5 hours of Instagram, and 12.5 hours of gaming. Despite packing such a large battery, the device will maintain a sleek and ergonomic profile at just 7.97mm, the company claimed.
The company also said that it introduces top-tier IP69 water and dust resistance, a first in its class, providing enhanced durability and everyday protection against splashes and spills.
Realme 14T 5G: Display
The upcoming smartphone will feature the segment’s brightest AMOLED display that will be capable of delivering an impressive 2100 nits peak brightness, the company claimed. Also, the display will support 111% DCI-P3 wide color gamut for more vivid and immersive visuals.
Also Read: Motorola launches moto book 60 in India under Rs 62,000; check price, features, availability
Realme 14T 5G: Colour options
It will be available in three colors — Silken Green, Violet Grace, and Satin Ink.
Realme 14T 5G: Camera
Realme 14T 5G will come equipped with a 50MP AI camera, which brings flagship-level clarity and dynamic imaging to everyday moments, said the company.
Realme 14T 5G: What can you expect?
On the design front, the Realme 14T 5G will feature a satin-inspired luxury finish, blending elegance with a smooth, flowing texture that reflects light beautifully, according to the company.
Realme 14T 5G: Availability
After the launch, customers will be able to buy Realme 14T 5G from the company’s official website and Flipkart.
Planning a getaway soon? Now’s the time to sort your travel bags because Amazon is rolling out some serious deals. With up to 80% off on trolley bags, luggage sets and more, this Amazon sale is too good to miss. Whether you’re after a sleek cabin bag or a roomy set for long trips, there’s something for everyone. The best trolley bags in 2025 are all about clever storage, easy movement and great prices, and this sale brings them within reach.
Score big on trolley bags and luggage sets with Amazon offers that’ll make your travel plans lighter and more stylish.
Amazon offers plenty to browse through, so you can find what suits your travel style without spending a fortune. These Amazon deals won’t last long, so it’s a good moment to get your travel sorted while the trolley bag offers are hot.
Trolley bags set of 2
A trolley bag set of 2 is perfect for short breaks and longer holidays alike. You get one compact cabin-sized option and one larger piece for check-in, making it easy to sort your packing. With smooth wheels, sturdy zips and stylish finishes, these bags make travel less of a hassle. Shop during the Amazon sale to grab these with top Amazon offers and save a tidy sum.
Top 6 trolley bag sets of 2
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Trolley bags set of 3
Planning a family trip or a longer stay? A trolley bag set of 3 covers all bases. With different sizes to suit every need, these are built to keep your packing organised and your travel smooth. From lightweight materials to easy-glide wheels, they tick all the boxes. With the best trolley bags in 2025 now available at great prices, don’t miss out on the latest Amazon deals.
Top 6 trolley bag sets of 3
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Trolley duffle bags
Trolley duffle bags are a clever mix of style and convenience. They offer the flexibility of a duffle bag with the ease of trolley wheels. Great for weekend plans or quick work trips, they’re roomy without being bulky. Available in smart designs and colours, they’re becoming travel essentials. Keep an eye on the trolley bag offers during the Amazon sale to get one at a seriously good rate.
Top 6 trolley duffle bag
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Cabin suitcases
Cabin suitcases are a smart pick for hassle-free travel. Compact enough for overhead compartments yet roomy enough for essentials, they’re ideal for short trips or business travel. Many of the best trolley bags in 2025 come with TSA locks, sturdy wheels and sleek exteriors. With Amazon offers running strong, now’s the perfect time to browse these travel must-haves during the Amazon sale and snap up the best Amazon deals.
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Best trolley bags for vacations: FAQs
What size trolley bag is ideal for a week-long vacation?
For a week away, a medium-sized trolley bag (around 65 to 75 cm) usually does the job. It’s spacious enough to carry your essentials without being too bulky. If you’re packing light, a trolley bag set of 2 can help split items across carry-on and check-in.
Are hard-shell trolley bags better for travel?
Hard-shell trolley bags are great for keeping your belongings safe, especially when checked in. They handle rough baggage belts better and often have water-resistant finishes. Many of the best trolley bags in 2025 come with lightweight hard shells that don’t add extra weight.
Can I get quality trolley bags during the Amazon sale?
Absolutely. The Amazon sale is packed with great trolley bag offers. From branded cabin suitcases to trolley duffle bags and luggage sets, Amazon deals include top-rated picks at much lower prices.
What features should I look for in the best trolley bags in 2025?
Look for smooth spinner wheels, durable zips, telescopic handles and lightweight builds. Extras like expandable compartments and TSA-approved locks are a bonus. Amazon offers a wide mix of stylish and practical options to suit every travel need.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Elvis fans will be delighted to learn that Sofia Coppola’s 2023 biographical drama Priscilla will be available to stream this upcoming weekend. The movie, which is based on the 1985 memoir Elvis and Me, which was written by Elvis Presley’s ex-wife Priscilla Presley, was a huge success.
Its plot on IMDb reads: “When teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley at a party, the man who is already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in private moments: a thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness, a vulnerable best friend.
“Through Priscilla’s eyes, Sofia Coppola tells the unseen side of a great American myth in Elvis and Priscilla’s long courtship and turbulent marriage, from a German army base to his dream-world estate at Graceland, in this deeply felt and ravishingly detailed portrait of love, fantasy, and fame.”
In contrast to Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, which was released the previous year and saw Austin Butler embody the King of Rock and Roll, Priscilla focuses on Elvis’ spouse, who is portrayed by Cailee Spaeny.
In Priscilla, Elvis Presley is played by Jacob Elordi. Released in the United States by A24, the movie received positive reviews from critics and grossed $33 million worldwide. Moreover, Cailee received a Best Actress nomination at the Golden Globe Awards for her performance.
Priscilla received a score of 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.5/10 on IMDb. Those who have watched the movies have been left with mixed feelings, as an IMDb wrote as a review: “The first hour was fantastic.
“They were both very good in their roles and the chemistry( or lack of ) was very well presented. It took the story of the two of them meeting and made it come to life, the filming was interesting and the general vibe felt spot on.
“The development in this first part for the characters was great and you really felt like you were being set up to be taken somewhere. And then ….
“Then all the sudden [sic] the second half it’s like the character development just stopped , very little connected together or made sense without background knowledge into the story as a whole, and then the last 20 min it was like ‘oh shoot we have 20 min better finish it’ and no one could figure out exactly how.
“The jump from being in an abusive relationship to being her own woman was instant and it all felt very juvenile and hallmark in the end. Worth watching ? Yes for sure . Not great film but really could have been which made it more disappointing.”
Someone else penned: “Just rather uninteresting, on film terms at least. It is interesting seeing the film portray a different type of version of Elvis Presley, one that is uncomfortable to watch unfold but one that ought to be told. That’s where anything noteworthy I have to say about this release ends, though. As a movie, it’s rather boring.
“I’m not convinced there’s enough to be told across a full blown picture, at least not one around 1hr 45mins in length. I will say that Cailee Spaeny puts in a solid display as the titular character, in fairness. Jacob Elordi as Elvis, in my opinion, isn’t a positive to be honest. If I didn’t know he was playing Elvis I genuinely wouldn’t have guessed he was playing the singer, aside from a few outfits and the twisty bit of hair in his fringe.
“Accent particularly seemed off to me too, Elordi amusingly (given the director’s connection) sounds more like Nicolas Cage (c. 1997, ‘Con Air’, Cameron Poe) on phone call scenes.
“It’s competently put together visually at least, though overall I can’t honestly say this made a mark on me personally. I don’t feel like I learnt anything about ‘Priscilla’ herself. I doubt I’ll remember this one long term, sadly.”
Priscilla will air on BBC iPlayer from midnight on Sunday, April 20.
The battle among Australia’s small SUVs will get a new entrant later this year from Chery’s spin-off brand, Omoda.
The Chinese carmaker has confirmed it will reveal a new city-sized runabout, the Omoda C3 compact SUV, at a media event in Wuhu following a barrage of new model arrivals due to be unveiled at next week’s Shanghai motor show.
Chery yet to release any official information on the C3, other than a line-drawing design sketch that indicates the car will feature an angular exterior that is reminiscent of a baby Lamborghini Urus, a theme which carries over into the interior with a symmetrical cabin layout separating the front seat occupants.
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Chery Omoda C3 sketch
It has, however, provided a more definitive glimpse of what it will look like via a glitch-heavy teaser video released on social media that, when capturing a single frame, showcases its chunky wide-body appearance, two-tone black-on-blue paint work and intricate alloy wheel design.
Chery says the C3 features a cyber-inspired aesthetic and that it will be positioned below the Omoda C5, which is expected to drop the Omoda nameplate later this year as the company intends to spin-off Omoda as another sub-brand alongside Jaecoo.
“Combining lightning and cyber-futuristic sharpness, the result is an exterior and interior that rewrites the rules of automotive art,” the brand said in a statement.
It is unclear whether the C3 will be able to keep that nameplate in Australia if it joins the Omoda range, as Citroen owns the trademark to the nomenclature locally. Even though the French brand is no longer officially selling vehicles in Australia, the C3 trademark is not up for renewal until 2031.
Before the covers come off the C3, Omoda has also confirmed that plug-in hybrid variants of the Omoda C5 and C7 will be revealed at the Shanghai show next week, as well as an electric version of the smaller Jaecoo J5.
2025 Omoda C5
2025 Omoda C5
Both the C5 and C7 will utilise the same ‘Super Hybrid System’ found in the Jaecoo J7 that launched in Australia last month, pairing a 105kW/215Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 150kW electric motor, 18.3kWh battery and a dedicated hybrid transmission to drive the front wheels.
The J7 has maximum combined outputs of 255kW/525Nm, an electric-only driving range of 90km (WLTP), and a total driving range of approximately 1200km on a single tank of fuel.
The smaller Jaecoo J5 is already earmarked to arrive in Australia later this year as a rival to the likes of the Hyundai Kona, Nissan Qashqai and Toyota Yaris Cross, with regular variants set to be powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that delivers 137kW and 275Nm via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Jaecoo has confirmed it will also reveal a battery-electric version in Shanghai next week.
Gold Price Today: In Delhi, the gold price stood at Rs 89,360 per 10 gram for 22-carat and Rs 97,470 per 10 gram for 24-carat.
Gold Prices Today In India on April 18, 2025.
Gold Rates Today in India: Gold price saw an appreciation on Friday morning, April 18, amid tariff jitters and global economic uncertainties. In Delhi, the gold price stood at Rs 89,360 per 10 gram for 22-carat and Rs 97,470 per 10 gram for 24-carat.
On the other hand, silver got weaker by Rs 100 to Rs 99,900 per kg.
Known for its unmatched purity, 24-carat gold continues to attract buyers seeking premium quality. Meanwhile, 22-carat gold, prized for its durability and timeless charm, remains a favourite among jewellery enthusiasts and investors alike, striking a balance between elegance and practicality.
Also See: Why Are Gold Prices Surging?
Here’s a detailed breakdown of gold prices across key cities (April 18, 2025):
City
22K Gold (per 10gm)
24K Gold (per 10gm)
Delhi
Rs 89,360
Rs 97,470
Jaipur
Rs 89,360
Rs 97,470
Ahmedabad
Rs 89,260
Rs 97,370
Patna
Rs 89,260
Rs 97,370
Mumbai
Rs 89,210
Rs 97,320
Hyderabad
Rs 89,210
Rs 97,320
Chennai
Rs 89,210
Rs 97,320
Bengaluru
Rs 89,210
Rs 97,320
Kolkata
Rs 89,210
Rs 97,320
Silver Price In India Today (April 18, 2025)
The price of silver fell by Rs 100 to Rs 99,900 per kg in Delhi, according to goodreturns.in.
What Factors Affect Gold Prices In India?
International market rates, import duties, taxes, and fluctuations in exchange rates primarily influence gold prices in India. Together, these factors determine the daily gold rates across the country.
In India, gold is deeply cultural and financial. It is a preferred investment option and is key to celebrations, particularly weddings and festivals.
With constantly changing market conditions, investors and traders monitor fluctuations closely. Staying updated is crucial for effectively navigating dynamic trends.
BNB has shown significant market resilience similar to Bitcoin in the recent past catalyzed by rising demand.
Bullish sentiment has been building up for the BNB price in the last three months, but it could be delayed if the support level at $520 is breached.
In a surprising move to crypto traders, Kraken Exchange had not listed Binance Coin (BNB) until now. Earlier on Thursday, Kraken Exchange announced that deposits and withdrawals of BNB are enabled ahead of the April 22 listing.
Kraken Exchange will list BNB against the U.S. dollars, the EUR, USDC, and USDT. However, Kraken Exchange announced that geographical restrictions will be imposed where applicable.
The announcement attracted different reactions from the crypto community. While some were surprised that Kraken had not listed the fifth largest crypto assets by market cap, Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao said that ‘BNB is a memecoin’.
Top Reasons Why Kraken Listed BNB?
The listing of BNB at Kraken Exchange was strategic after years of existence. On the top list, BNB has gained significant regulatory clarity in the past few years, led by the United States. Under the Donald Trump administration, Kraken Exchange has also expanded its services offering to compete with other similar firms.
The adoption of BNB has grown significantly in the past few years, bolstered by the Binance exchange. Moreover, the rising on-chain activity for the BNB chain has helped burn over 60 million tokens worth over $34 billion.
Midterm Expectations
Since the beginning of 2025, BNB price has closely followed Bitcoin price action. The large-cap altcoin, with a fully diluted valuation of about $86 billion and a 24-hour average trading volume of about $526 million, has shown significant market resilience amid the ongoing global trade war.
In the daily timeframe, BNB price has been forming a potential reversal pattern since the second inauguration of Trump. Notably, BNB price has established a robust support level above $520, coupled with a bullish divergence of the Relative Strength Index (RSI).
US President Donald Trump escalated his battle with elite universities by threatening to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status and demanding an apology over alleged antisemitism tied to pro-Palestinian protests.
| Photo Credit:
FAITH NINIVAGGI/Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status on Tuesday and said the university should apologize, a day after it rejected what it called unlawful demands to overhaul academic programs or lose federal grants.
Beginning with Columbia University, the Trump administration has rebuked universities across the country over their handling of the pro-Palestinian student protest movement that roiled campuses last year following the 2023 Hamas-led attack inside Israel and the subsequent Israeli attacks on Gaza.
Trump has called the protests anti-American and antisemitic, accused universities of peddling Marxism and “radical left” ideology, and promised to end federal grants and contracts to universities that do not agree to his administration’s demands.
Trump said in a social media post on Tuesday he was mulling whether to seek to end Harvard’s tax-exempt status if it continued pushing what he called “political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting ‘Sickness?'”
He did not say how he would do this. Under the U.S. tax code, most universities are exempt from federal income tax because they are deemed to be “operated exclusively” for public educational purposes.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Trump wanted to see Harvard apologize for what she called “antisemitism that took place on their college campus against Jewish American students.”
She accused Harvard and other schools of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination by recipients of federal funding based on race or national origin.
Under Title VI, federal funds can be terminated only after a lengthy investigation and hearings process and a 30-day notification to Congress, which has not happened at Columbia or Harvard.
Some professors and students have said the protests are being unfairly conflated with antisemitism as a pretext for an unconstitutional attack on academic freedoms.
Columbia, a private school in New York City, agreed to negotiations over demands to tighten its protest rules after the Trump administration said last month it had terminated grants and contracts worth $400 million, mostly for medical and other scientific research.
Harvard President Alan Garber in a letter on Monday said demands the Trump administration made of the Massachusetts university, including an audit to ensure the “viewpoint diversity” of its students and faculty and an end to diversity, equity and inclusion programs, were unprecedented “assertions of power, unmoored from the law” that violated constitutional free speech and the Civil Rights Act.
Like Columbia, he said Harvard had worked to fight antisemitism and other prejudice on its campus while preserving academic freedoms and the right to protest.
Hours after Garber’s letter, the Trump administration’s Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism said it was freezing more than $2 billion in contracts and grants to Harvard, the country’s oldest and richest university. The administration did not respond to questions about which grants and contracts had been cut, and Harvard did not respond to a request for comment.
Some Columbia professors have sued the Trump administration, saying the grant terminations violated Title VI and their constitutional speech and due process rights. A federal judge in New York ordered the Trump administration to reply by May 1.
After reading the Harvard president’s letter, Columbia’s interim president, Claire Shipman, said in a statement on Monday night that Columbia will continue with what it viewed as “good faith discussions” and “constructive dialog” with the U.S. Justice Department’s antisemitism task force.
“We would reject any agreement in which the government dictates what we teach, research, or who we hire,” she wrote.
On Monday, a group of U.S. universities, including Princeton and the University of Illinois, sued the Department of Energy over steep cuts to federal research funding in areas like advanced nuclear technology, cybersecurity and novel radioactive drugs.
Trump, who took office on January 20, faces court challenges to his immigration policies and pushback from state attorneys general trying to block his firing of government workers and suspension of trillions of dollars in federal grants, loans and financial support.
If you’re looking for the best internet provider in Greensboro, you’ll need to consider a few factors, including budget, speed and overall availability. Some providers may offer top speeds but aren’t budget-friendly; others may be affordable but not available at your address. CNET’s experts have tested available internet providers to help you find the best option to fit your needs. AT&T Fiber stands out as the best ISP in Greensboro due to its local fiber coverage, fast plans and high customer satisfaction. AT&T Fiber also offers a fast 5,000 megabits per second internet plan in Greensboro and free equipment rental, a perk not available from all internet providers in the area.
Fellow fiber internet provider, Lumos Fiber, has the fastest speeds of any major provider in the area, with plans ranging from 500Mbps to 8,000Mbps.
If fiber internet is unavailable at your address, Spectrum is your best bet for wired internet with coverage spanning 92% of Greensboro, according to the Federal Communications Commission. As CNET’s top pick for cable internet, it’s not a bad option to consider, especially if you’re interested in cheap internet. Spectrum internet starts at $50 a month, tied for the cheapest in the area, for speeds up to 500Mbps.
Aside from fiber internet and cable service from Spectrum, fixed wireless internet from Verizon 5G Home Internet and T-Mobile Home Internet is easy to recommend for internet in Greensboro. Both providers include free equipment, unlimited data and no contracts, plus an added discount for qualifying mobile customers.
Greensboro internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
AT&T Read full review
DSL, fiber
$55 DSL, $65-$255 fiber
10-100Mbps DSL, 300-5,000Mbps fiber
None
None
None
7.4
Lumos Fiber
Fiber
$50-$240
500-8,000Mbps
$10 (optional)
None
None
N/A
Spectrum Read full review
Cable
$50-$70
500-1,000Mbps
Free modem, $10 router rental (optional)
None
None
7.2
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$55-$75 ($40 with eligible mobile plans)
72-245Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$60-$80 ($35-$45 for eligible Verizon Wireless customers)
50-1,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.2
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What other internet options are there in Greensboro?
Other than T-Mobile Home Internet, there are few options for home internet outside of the ones included in the list above. Here’s a brief look at what to expect from other Greensboro ISPs.
How many members of your household use the internet?
T-Mobile Home Internet: Expected speeds range between 72 to 245Mbps. That’s slower than most Greensboro ISPs, but the straightforward pricing — no equipment rental fees, data caps or contracts — plus the $10 or $20 discount for T-Mobile voice customers, makes it an option worth considering.
Satellite internet: Yes, satellite internet is the only other option for broadband in Greensboro. While Hughesnet recently increased its speeds, Viasat dropped its data caps and Starlink is showing promise as a high-speed ISP, there are too many better internet options in Greensboro to consider satellite internet.
Getty Images
Greensboro broadband at a glance
Greensboro is similar to other major North Carolina cities when it comes to broadband options and available speeds. Most homes will have the choice of two or more wired internet providers. Cable internet from Spectrum is a popular choice, as is fiber internet from Lumos and AT&T.
Nearly 95% of local households are serviceable for internet speeds of 250Mbps down and 25Mbps up, while speeds of 1,000Mbps down and 100Mbps up are available to more than half the city.
Internet pricing in Greensboro
The average starting price for home internet in Greensboro is around $53 a month, not including taxes and additional fees. Spectrum and Lumos Fiber are tired for the lowest starting price at $50 monthly. Both providers offer download speeds up to 500Mbps for the price, but you’ll get faster uploads with Lumos Fiber.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Greensboro?
Plan
Starting price
Max download speed
Monthly equipment fee
Lumos Fiber 500
$50
500Mbps
$10 (optional)
Spectrum Internet Premier Read full review
$50
500Mbps
$10 (optional)
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$55 ($40 with eligible mobile plans)
72-245Mbps
None
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
$60 ($35 with eligible mobile plans)
50-300Mbps
None
AT&T Fiber 300 Read full review
$65
300Mbps
None
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Greensboro
The best internet deals and the top promotions in Greensboro depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Greensboro internet providers such as Lumos Fiber may offer lower introductory pricing for a limited time. Many, including AT&T Fiber and Spectrum, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
How fast is Greensboro broadband?
Recent Ookla speed test data ranked Greensboro 45th fastest among major US cities with median download speeds of 234Mbps. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) North Carolina cities of Charlotte, Durham and Raleigh ranked higher (Raleigh ranked number one overall at 290Mbps), but Greensboro’s speed results are still impressive.
Fastest internet plans in Greensboro
Plan
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Connection type
Lumos Fiber 8000
$240
8,000Mbps
8,000Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Internet 5000 Read full review
$255
5,000Mbps
5,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Lumos Fiber 5000
$180
5,000Mbps
5,000Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Internet 2000 Read full review
$155
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Lumos Fiber 2000
$100
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Internet 1000 Read full review
$90
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Lumos Fiber 1000
$80
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review
$70
1,000Mbps
35Mbps
None
Cable
Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read full review
$80 ($45 with eligible mobile plans)
85-1,000Mbps
50-75Mbps
None
Fixed wireless
Show more (4 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Greensboro
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there: We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and also take into account real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Internet in Greensboro recap
Wherever you are or are moving to in Greensboro, Spectrum is likely to be an option. The ISP is a popular choice due to its decent speeds and low introductory pricing, but before you commit to cable internet, check to see if fiber internet is available at your address. Lumos Fiber and AT&T Fiber offer faster speeds and lower standard pricing.
If you’re looking for an alternative to cable or fiber service, consider wireless internet from Verizon 5G Home Internet or T-Mobile Home Internet. The latter has greater availability in the Greensboro area, but Verizon 5G Home Internet has lower pricing and a faster speed range.
Internet providers in Greensboro FAQs
What is the best internet service provider in Greensboro?
AT&T Fiber is Greensboro’s best internet provider for several reasons. As the area’s largest fiber provider, AT&T Fiber offers fast, symmetrical speeds to nearly half of the city’s residences. Service includes free equipment rental, unlimited data and no contract requirements.
Is fiber internet available in Greensboro?
Yes. Approximately 55% of Greensboro households are wired for fiber internet, according to the FCC. Serviceability is greatest in the Westridge Heights, Clinton Hills and Beechcroft communities, although fiber connections are available in random neighborhoods throughout the city. AT&T Fiber is the largest fiber provider in Greensboro, but local provider Lumos Fiber also contributes to the city’s fiber coverage.
Who is the cheapest internet provider in Greensboro?
Spectrum and Lumos Fiber have the lowest monthly rates for internet in Greensboro at $50. Both providers include speeds up to 500Mbps for the price, and renting a router will add $10 to your monthly bill with both.
Which internet provider in Greensboro offers the fastest plan?
Lumos Fiber has the fastest internet plan in Greensboro with symmetrical speeds up to 8,000Mbps (8Gbps) starting at $240 a month. Lumos Fiber and AT&T Fiber also offer 5Gbps, 2Gbps and 1Gbps. Lumos Fiber has slightly lower pricing on its high-speed plans, but AT&T Fiber is more widely available in the Greensboro area.
Injectables for type 2 diabetes and weight loss could soon be a thing of the past.
Eli Lilly announced Thursday the successful completion of a phase 3 trial of Orforglipron – the first small-molecule GLP-1 that is administered as a once-daily oral pill.
The ACHIEVE-1 trial evaluated the efficacy of Orforglipron compared to placebo in adults with type 2 diabetes and “inadequate glycemic control with diet and exercise alone.”
FAKE OZEMPIC DRUGS FOUND IN US DRUG SUPPLY, FDA WARNS
The results showed lowered A1C (blood sugar) in patients by an average of 1.3% to 1.6% across doses, according to a press release.
Orforglipron is a once-daily oral pill for diabetes and weight loss.(iStock)
More than 65% of participants taking the highest dose of the drug scored an A1C less than or equal to 6.5%, which is below the defined threshold for diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.
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Trial participants also saw reduced weight by an average of 16 pounds, or 7.9%, at the highest dose.
Participants had not reached a weight plateau when the study ended, which suggests there was still weight to be lost, according to the researchers.
The experimental drug is made by Eli Lilly, the Indiana-based pharmaceutical company that also makes Mounjaro and Zepbound.(iStock)
The trial also found that the overall safety and tolerability of the drug was consistent with the classic injectable GLP-1s, like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound.
If Orforglipron achieves approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Eli Lilly projected its confidence in launching the drug “worldwide without supply constraints.”
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
“This would further Lilly’s mission to reduce chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, which is expected to impact an estimated 760 million adults by 2050,” the pharmaceutical company wrote in its announcement.
The trial found that the overall safety and tolerability of the drug was consistent with other injectable GLP-1s.(iStock)
David A. Ricks, Eli Lilly chair and CEO, commented in a statement, “We are pleased to see that our latest incretin medicine meets our expectations for safety and tolerability, glucose control and weight loss, and we look forward to additional data readouts later this year.”
“As a convenient once-daily pill, Orforglipron may provide a new option and, if approved, could be readily manufactured and launched at scale for use by people around the world.”
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Eli Lilly intends to submit Orforglipron for weight management to global regulatory agencies by the end of 2025, as well as for type 2 diabetes treatment in 2026, according to the company.
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
Modern Family actor Sofia Vergara is a true coffee lover and here is proof. One of her older videos resurfaced online from her appearance on Harry Connick Jr.’s TV show “Harry.” In the clip, Sofia can be seen smelling the coffee before drinking it. judging from her reaction, Harry says, “I can tell you don’t like it already.” With complete focus on her coffee and in her sassy style, Sofia says, “Can you shut up a little bit.” The audience bursts into laughter while Sofia takes a sip.
“This is Columbian coffee,” she says, guessing the type of coffee with just a single sip. With enthusiasm, Harry asks if it is good, and Sofia simply moves to take another sip with a poker face. She further asserts that is it Columbian coffee and is also able to guess which machine it was prepared in.
“How critical are you when it talks about coffee,” reads the text on the video.
Also Read: Sofia Vergara Eating Hamburger At Emmys Is The Coolest Thing On Internet
Watch the fun video below:
Fans and coffee lovers were impressed with Sofia’s coffee knowledge. Take a look at the comments:
“Best coffee ever, even the homemade version. I loved it when I visited Colombia,” an Instagram user wrote.
Another shared, “I had Colombian coffee when I arrived at El Dorado airport in Bogots and it was already the best coffee I ever had.”
A fan chimed in, “I absolutely love her. She’s a riot.”
Are you too a fan of Sofia Vergara? Click here to discover more of her fun food stories.
About Jigyasa KakwaniJigyasa finds her solace through writing, a medium she is exploring to make the world more informed and curious with every story published. She is always up for exploring new cuisines, but her heart comes back to the comforting ghar-ka-khana.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
AKO postoje cipele koje su obilježile prošlu godinu, to su Miu Miu cipele s tri remenčića u bordo boji. Ove cipele s niskom potpeticom bile su toliko popularne da su dovele do skoka od čak 49% u pretraživanjima svih vrsta sandala s nižom potpeticom u aplikaciji Lyst, a brojni su ih brendovi počeli kopirati. Ako si niste mogli priuštiti Miu Miu cipele od 990 eura, Mango, Zara i druge modne kuće imale su svoje verzije.
Iako smo u posljednjih nekoliko mjeseci pomalo i zaboravili na ove cipele, s dolaskom toplijeg vremena, vratile su se i one, jednako lijepe i šik.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Cipele u prvom planu
Nedavno ih je na najavi trećeg izdanja Melodija Jadrana nosila Jelena Rozga, poznata po svojoj ljubavi prema Miu Miu komadima.
Ove je cipele iskombinirala s jednostavnom plavom košuljom, klasičnim trapericama i smeđim remenom. Od modnih detalja odabrala je kremastu Chanel torbicu. Njezina je frizura bila raspuštena i uredna, a šminkom su dominirali ružičasti tonovi. Cijeli outfit kao da je bio podređen tome da cipele izbiju u prvi plan.
Ove su cipele izrađene od teleće kože, no vrh je gumen. Peta je visine 55 mm. Osim u bordo, ove su cipele dostupne i u bijeloj i maslinasto zelenoj boji.
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Shohei Ohtani is not publicly known, nor personally sees himself, as a quick starter at the plate.
“Overall, in my career,” he said through interpreter Will Ireton, “I don’t really have a hot start in the beginning of the season.”
This year, that’s technically true again — but only if you hold the reigning National League MVP to his own stratospheric standards.
Through the opening three weeks, all of Ohtani’s triple-slash stats are down from last year (.288/.380/.550), but only because his 2024 marks (.310/.390/.646) all topped the NL. Same story with a .930 OPS that is more than 100 points lower than his gaudy 2024 total, but still good enough to rank top 20 in the majors.
With six home runs and five stolen bases, Ohtani isn’t quite on mathematical pace for another 50-homer, 50-steal season; but is on an early track to become the first player in MLB history with multiple 40/40 campaigns.
And though he has taken a few more awkward swings than normal in the opening three weeks, he has started honing in on his power stroke, too, leading off Wednesday’s win over the Colorado Rockies with a towering 448-foot blast that almost cleared the right-field pavilion.
“I think overall,” he said, “it’s been a really good first 20 games.”
The only true area of regression so far has been in one statistical category; where a glaring drop in production has signaled a key early-season problem for the team.
After racking up 130 RBIs in 159 games last year, Ohtani has just eight in this season’s opening 20 contests. Seven of them have come via his six home runs (all but one of which were solo shots). Not until Wednesday, when he returned to the plate in a seven-run first inning and knocked in Austin Barnes with an RBI single, did he record his first hit with a runner in scoring position.
“Shohei’s in a good spot,” manager Dave Roberts said recently. “We just need to get some guys on base for him.”
That reality said more about the rest of the team’s offense than its superstar leadoff man.
From the Nos. 7-9 spots in the batting order, the Dodgers have posted a .173 batting average so far, tied for worst in the majors. Prior to Wednesday, they’d given Ohtani just nine plate appearances with runners in scoring position (tied with No. 2 hitter Mookie Betts for fewest among the team’s regulars). In four of those spots, he was walked.
It created an early-season conundrum for Roberts, as he tried to shake the team out of a recent offensive lull. Should he consider dropping Ohtani in the lineup, where he could get more RBI opportunities? Or should he give his offense more time to find its footing, and hope his bottom-half hitters began heating up at the plate?
“I just feel that there’s guys who are gonna perform better than they have,” Roberts said this week, opting for the latter. “Shohei will ultimately get those opportunities.”
And on Wednesday, he finally saw signs that could be happening.
In an 8-7 win over the Rockies, the Dodgers got five hits and a walk from their bottom three hitters.
One was provided by Barnes, the backup catcher who didn’t have a hit all season before doubling in the first in front of Ohtani.
The others came from more important pieces of the Dodgers’ lineup construction: Max Muncy and Andy Pages.
Bottom-of-the-order staples who are both batting under .200 to begin the season, Muncy and Pages had arguably their best games of the year Wednesday. Pages, the second-year center fielder, went two for four with three RBIs, continuing improvements that began during his two-homer series in Washington last week.
“He is swinging the bat a lot better,” Roberts said.
Muncy, meanwhile, reached base three times with the help of a recent adjustment to his own slumping swing.
In an effort to stay more on top of the ball at the plate this year, Muncy spent his offseason purposely trying to hit grounders and low line drives. In doing so, however, he realized he had begun lurching forward in his swing. As a result, he gave himself less time to read pitches and make proper swing decisions. And even when he did, he wasn’t driving the ball like usual.
“The ball sped up on me the first few series of the season and I really wasn’t myself,” Muncy said. “I was chasing a lot of stuff and I was unable to recognize it.”
But now, he has returned to staying back in his stance and is looking for pitches to elevate. Amid a series in which Muncy walked six times, Roberts felt he also took his best at-bat of the season against left-hander Luis Peralta on Wednesday night, launching one deep fly just foul before ripping a single into right field.
“When he’s getting on base, and it was a ton this series, then that’s a good thing,” Roberts said. “So I do think that he’s turned a corner, yeah.”
The Dodgers hope that the rest of their bottom-half hitters will do so as well.
Because the more Ohtani heats up as the season progresses, the more important it will be to have guys getting on base in front of him.
Samsung Galaxy M56 5G Launched: Samsung Galaxy M56 5G Launched: Samsung has expanded its Galaxy M series with the launch of Galaxy M56 5G today, April 17. The smartphone features Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on both the front and back, a 50MP triple camera with OIS and a 12 MP Front HDR camera and advanced AI editing tools. The company claimed that it is the slimmest smartphone in its segment.
Akshay S Rao, Director, MX Business, Samsung India, said, “It’s the slimmest phone in its segment, yet built to last, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on both the front and back, making it the toughest M series phone ever.”
“Whether you’re capturing memories with the Front HDR camera or exploring creative possibilities with advanced AI editing tools, the Galaxy M56 5G, with its power-packed features, is designed to redefine the smartphone experience,” he added.
Samsung Galaxy M56 5G: Design, Display
Galaxy M56 5G is just 7.2 mm slim and features a 6.7” Full HD+ Super AMOLED+ display with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection on both front and back. The display supports 1200 nits of High Brightness Mode (HBM), Vision Booster technology, and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Samsung Galaxy M56 5G: Colour Options
The newly launched Galaxy M56 5G comes in two colours – Light Green and Black.
Samsung Galaxy M56 5G: Camera
Galaxy M56 5G comes with a 50MP OIS triple camera and features a flagship-grade 12MP HDR front camera for selfies. It can record 4K 30 FPS videos in 10-bit HDR. According to the company, the cameras are designed for vivid photos and videos—even in low light, thanks to its Big Pixel Technology, Low Noise Mode, and AI ISP, taking its Nightography to a different level.
The camera system also features Portrait 2.0 with 2X zoom on the rear camera and advanced AI-powered editing tools like object eraser, edit suggestions.
Samsung Galaxy M56 5G: Processor
Galaxy M56 5G is powered by a 4nm based Exynos 1480 processor with LPDDR5X. According to the company, the processor delivers a monster mobile gaming experience with its flagship-level vapor cooling chamber along with high-quality audio and visuals.
Samsung Galaxy M56 5G: Battery with Fast Charging
Galaxy M56 5G is backed with a 5000mAh battery and supports 45W super-fast charging.
Samsung Galaxy M56 5G: Galaxy Experiences
According to the company, the Galaxy M56 5G will offer the segment’s best 6 generations of Android upgrades and 6 years of security updates. Also, it comes with One UI7 out of the box.
Cherry blossom season is a magical time of the year, drawing travellers worldwide to witness nature’s most breathtaking spectacle. From Japan’s iconic sakura-lined avenues to hidden gems where the pink petals bloom in quiet serenity, 2025 promises to be a spectacular year for cherry blossom chasers.
Time it right or miss the magic: Your peak bloom guide to 2025’s cherry blossom destinations.(Image by Pixabay)
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Hari Ganapathy, Co-Founder of Pickyourtrail, recommended five must-visit destinations if you are looking to curate the ultimate cherry blossom bucket list:
1. Yoshina, Japan
This file photo shows flowering cherry blossoms and buds from a sample cherry tree, Somei Yoshino species. Japan’s famed cherry trees are getting old but a new AI tool that assesses photos of the delicate pink and white flowers could help preserve them for future generations. The “sakura” season is feverishly anticipated by locals and visitors alike, with the profusion of the stunning blossoms marking the start of spring. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP)
Nestled in Nara Prefecture, Yoshino is often regarded as Japan’s most stunning cherry blossom destination. With over 30,000 cherry trees blanketing Mount Yoshino, the landscape transforms into a mesmerizing pink-and-white paradise. For an unforgettable experience, take a cable car up the mountain and witness the sea of Sakura from above.
Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-April
Must-Do Experiences (other than cherry blossoms):
Explore Mount Yoshino, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Stop by the Kinpusenji Temple
2. Kyoto, Japan
In this file photo from 2019, Japanese Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko were out to witness the weeping cherry in Kyoto Gyoen national garden in Kyoto. That year everything was imbued with an extra meaning. It was the last cherry blossom season of the Heisei imperial era that began with Akihito’s ascension in 1989. (Yosuke Mizuno / Kyodo News via AP)
No cherry blossom list is complete without Kyoto—a city where centuries-old temples and shrines are framed by delicate pink petals. Maruyama Park, the Philosopher’s Path and the grounds of Kiyomizu-dera Temple are some of the best places to admire the sakura. For a surreal experience, take an evening walk when the blossoms are illuminated by soft lantern lights, creating an ethereal glow.
Best Time to Visit: Late March to mid-April
Must-Do Experiences (other than cherry blossoms):
Maruyama Park, where the famous weeping cherry tree is illuminated at night.
Philosopher’s Path, a canal-lined walkway between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji temples
3. Paris, France
This photograph shows a cherry tree in blossom along the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris on April 6 , 2025. (Photo by JOEL SAGET / AFP)(AFP)
While Paris is known as the city of love, it also becomes a dreamy cherry blossom wonderland in the spring. The Jardin des Plantes, Trocadéro Gardens, and the Square Jean XXIII behind Notre Dame offer spectacular sakura displays. For a fairytale-like experience, visit Parc de Sceaux, just outside the city, where a large cherry blossom orchard creates a magical pink canopy.
Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April
Must-Do Experiences (other than cherry blossoms):
Of course, the classic, Eiffel Tower for a romantic dine-in experience
Visit the Louvre, for world-famous works like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory
Take a Seine River cruise at sunset
According to Raj Varma, Co-Founder and COO of Travjoy, cherry blossoms—delicate pink and white blooms known as “Sakura” in Japan—symbolise renewal, hope and the ephemeral nature of life. He said, “Every spring, these radiant flowers capture millions of hearts around the globe, inspiring festivals, picnics, and stunning photo-ops. If you’re seeking the best spots to witness these blossoms at their peak, plan well, as once the petals appear, they only last an average of 10 days.”
Adding to the list of top destinations from across the globe where you can enjoy nature’s pink wonders, Raj Verma suggested –
1. Washington, DC, United States
Visitors pose for photos amid the cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin, Monday, March 31, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)(AP)
In the US capital, cherry blossoms have become a major tourist draw during the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. This tradition traces back to 1912, when Japan gifted 3,000 cherry trees to Washington, D.C. as a symbol of friendship between the two nations. Every spring, the city celebrates this unique cultural bond with a variety of events, including parades, music performances, and fireworks. Peak bloom usually occurs between late March and early April, but festivals often run for several weeks to accommodate the weather and the blossoming cycle. You can enjoy walking tours, paddleboat rides, or simply relax on the waterfront under a canopy of blossoms.
2. Vancouver, Canada
It is a little known fact that Vancouver is home to over 40,000 cherry trees and its mild coastal climate, scenic backdrop, and mild spring weather make Vancouver a delightful cherry blossom hotspot. The city is home to the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival which typically runs in April and features guided walks, musical performances, and even a haiku competition that celebrates the season. For a serene escape within the city, visit Queen Elizabeth Park, where blooming cherry trees stand alongside meticulously landscaped gardens. Over at VanDusen Botanical Garden, you can meander through winding pathways draped in pink petals. Downtown Vancouver also boasts numerous cherry-lined streets, perfect for a leisurely stroll beneath a canopy of blossoms.
Tips for cherry blossom travel
• Track Peak Bloom – Cherry blossoms are famously unpredictable. Local temperatures, sunshine and precipitation levels can shift bloom dates by weeks, so keep an eye on local bloom forecasts.
• Arrive Early – Popular spots get busy fast, especially on weekends. Visit in the morning to beat the crowds and capture unobstructed photos.
• Soak in the Culture – Festivals and local celebrations often accompany the blossoms. Embrace the traditions, sample local treats, and engage in cultural activities for the full experience.
• Respect the Environment – Stay on designated paths, never break branches, and clean up after picnics to preserve the beauty for all.
Hogwarts Legacy developer Avalanche Software has released a big new update, and it’s a must-have download for PC users.
According to Avalanche, the new Hogwarts Legacy patch “provides additional enhancements, bug fixes, and overall MODs support to the PC version of the game”.
This includes improvements to ray-tracing, as well as multiple fixes for the user-interface and upgrades to the overall performance.
However, it’s the fixes and tweaks to modding that will be of most interest to PC users on Epic and Steam.
For example, Avalanche has made improvements to the local mod validation tool, which will reduce how strict it is.
Likewise, the new update removes a limitation which prevented mod sizes below 250MB.
To celebrate the release of the new update, Avalanche has released a new video spotlighting some of the best mods available for Hogwarts Legacy.
You can check out the video below, followed by the new Hogwarts Legacy update patch notes further down the page.
Localisation
• Resolved issue where the unsupported mod crash popup would be incorrectly formatted in some languages.
UI
• Resolved large font rating text being cut off on mod page.
• Resolved issue where mod order numbers were exceeding the bounds of their icons while using the large text option.
• Removed the state change of the report button to avoid confusion if clicked multiple times.
• Resolved issue where pressing the continue button in the load game window would not load the game.
• Resolved issue where the prompts for enable and disable mods were reversed.
• Resolved search input losing focus after page content loads.
• Resolved in game date not matching CurseForge website.
• Minor visual improvements for mod image loading.
• Resolved infinite spinner while offline in mods screen.
• Resolved issue where offline notification window could not be closed.
• Added an easier way to batch repair and update multiple enabled mods at once.
• Added improvements to the usability of modded save UI.
• Resolved seams with pagination in mod page.
• Resolved banner resize and transitions issues.
• Added view all buttons to Discovery tab shelves.
• Resolved certain resolutions causing overlapping issues in mod description and details.
• Resolved not showing notification when repair was completed in tab.
• Resolved manual sorting of categories in related widgets on the Discovery and Browse tab.
• Resolved favourite legend text not being correctly set in the mod page.
• Resolved display settings issues where low latency options would not update upon changing upscaler type.
• Resolved an issue where details pages for unavailable mods were displaying incorrectly.
• Resolved an issue where unavailable mods were showing the “Not Installed” alert title.
• Resolved style card grid having 5 rows.
• Resolved large text issues in mod’s detail page.
• Resolved no repair prompt being available when launching save file repair option.
• Better aligned sorting terminology with its actual meaning.
• Resolved an issue where the UI was displaying multiple confirm prompts on the same error window.
• Resolved an issue where mods could be uninstalled while they were updating.
Raytracing
• Resolved Hogsmeade watermill shadow not rotating with asset.
• Resolved Raytracing reflection system resolution issues.
Stability/Performance
• Resolved performance hit when accessing library tab with a large number of mods installed.
• Resolved a hitch when hovering on character slot that has a large number of mods enabled.
• Resolved an issue where older saves using mods sometimes were unable to refresh store inventory.
• Fixed bug where Low Latency Mode would not update when Frame Generation was changed.
• Resolved FSR2 screen space reflection noise.
• Resolved various minor upscaler issues.
Miscellaneous
• Implemented support for Intel’s Low Latency (XeLL) and Frame Generation (XeFG) Technologies.
• Updated Intel’s XeSS 2 version to latest revision.
• Implemented AMD FSR3.
• Resolved SSL verification issue which prevented some players from connecting to WB Games Online Services.
• Implemented AMD Anti-Lag 2.
• Added newly released GPUs to GPU List so graphics options correctly default.
• Resolved issue which caused missing graphics options in the settings menu on some graphics cards
Editor
• Removed limitation which prevented mod sizes below 250MB by removing the need for the Development Asset Registry File.
• Note: If you would like your existing published mods to be reduced in size you will have to re-upload them to CurseForge and have them re-cooked as an update for the size reduction to take effect.
• Resolved issue where custom fast travel was not saving in the quest editor once the Creator Kit was closed.
• Resolved crash when running peeves validation on mods that effect skeletal mesh max bone influence.
• Resolved crash if player tries to use a station in the creator kit.
• Made improvements to local mod validation tool to reduce how strict it is.
• Added “Account Info” button to the Creator Kit toolbar.
• Resolved an issue that can cause some gear appearance items to fail to load when certain mods are active.
• Added a new function to mod mutators that is called whenever a widget is created and adds a new function for searching for a specific widget within that widget’s widget tree allowing modders to access and modify internal widgets as desired.
• Enabled the DT_CustomWandStyles table to be modifiable. It can now be extended to add to player wand styles (both wands and handles), allowing multiple mods to add additional wand style options for the player.
• Note: that this does not modify the Ollivander wand creation menu
• Added the ability for modders to allow brooms and mounts to work in custom dungeons.
• Resolved issue where custom fast travel points were not saving in the quest editor.
• Resolved issue where mod mutators remained enabled no matter what mods were set active.
• Fixed Ancient Gate crash while playing in editor.
• Fixed crash caused by opening a map via the peeves asset tool.
• Added dungeon and wand tags so modders can now add those tags to their mods and have them appear in the new categories on the front end.
Australia’s new-vehicle market is becoming increasingly more efficient, as carmakers downsize the size of their engines – both in capacity and cylinder count.
Advancements in turbocharging has resulted in the number of naturally aspirated 12-, 10-, eight- and even six-cylinder models on sale dwindling.
In the case of the latter, non-turbo six-cylinder engines are now scarce, reserved only for a handful of big SUVs and people-movers, plus some sports cars.
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While 10 years ago there were 18 brands selling naturally aspirated sixes, now it’s just five – and three of them are pulling at least one model from showrooms.
Here are the only remaining N/A six-cylinder cars you can still buy in Australia.
Hyundai
Amid a lineup of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines – plus a handful of hybrids and electric vehicles – Hyundai continues to sell two naturally aspirated six-cylinder cars in Australia, but not for long.
The Hyundai Palisade large SUV and Staria people mover share the same 3.5-litre V6 petrol engines, powering only the front wheels.
In both models, you have to opt for a more expensive 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel to get all-wheel drive.
However, soon it’ll only be the Staria sold with a V6, as the new-generation Palisade will exclusively be powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, available with hybrid assistance.
While the Staria V6 could be under threat from a hybrid version available in South Korea, Hyundai has yet to lock in this powertrain for Australia.
Jeep
Just five years ago, you could get Jeep’s ‘Pentastar’ petrol V6 in 3.2-litre guise in the Cherokee mid-size SUV, or as a 3.6-litre in the Wrangler, Gladiator and Grand Cherokee, but now only the latter pair offer the non-turbo bent-six.
The dual-cab Gladiator pickup has exclusively been available with N/A V6 power in Australia since its local launch in 2020, despite US examples having previously been offered with the option of a V6 turbo-diesel – arguably a better fit for our market, given the demand for diesel utes here.
A 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain will be offered in the Gladiator in the US, but remains unconfirmed for Australia.
The same PHEV powertrain can be had here in latest generation Grand Cherokee, marketed as the 4xe, but the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 powers the rest of the range.
However, you’ll have to be quick to buy one, as last month the American off-road brand announced the death of the Grand Cherokee in Australia, due to the current model’s slow sales.
The current WL generation launched here in 2022, initially only in long-wheelbase, three-row L guise – the first Grand Cherokee to offer seven seats.
But while it offers greater practicality, the WL isn’t available globally with the turbo-diesel V6 of its WK2 predecessor, which accounted for around 57 per cent of Grand Cherokee sales in Australia.
Australian examples also haven’t been available with the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 offered in the US.
If you have a hankering for a Pentastar V6, Jeep is heavily discounting stock of the Grand Cherokee.
Kia
Like its parent company Hyundai, Kia only offers two N/A V6-powered models in Australia, where a 3.5-litre petrol engine is available in the Carnival people-mover and the Sorento large SUV.
The Carnival is the cousin to the Hyundai Staria, and also offers the same turbo-diesel engine as well as hybrid power, which is off-limits in the Hyundai for Australians.
Though the Sorento also offers seven seats like the Palisade, it’s based on a different platform, and can not only be ordered with the V6 (also only in front-wheel drive guise) but also the turbo-diesel, plus a series hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.
Kia is looking to bring in more stock of the hybrid variants, due to the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) – which becomes punitive from July 1, 2025 – which penalises carmakers for exceeding emissions targets, though it’s unclear what this means for the Korean brand’s V6.
Nissan
The Nissan Pathfinder is one of the Japanese brand’s slowest-selling vehicles in Australia, and though it’s the carmaker’s only model with a V6, the large SUV is on borrowed time locally.
Nissan’s current-gen Pathfinder was revealed in 2021 and initially due to arrive here in late 2021… then early 2022… before finally reaching showrooms in late 2022.
Built in the US and powered by a 3.5-litre V6, the new Pathfinder was meant to represent a marked improvement on its predecessor, however, it’s sadly been a sales flop, accounting for just 523 deliveries last year, making it the least popular Nissan apart from the Z sports coupe and the outdated Leaf electric hatch.
Things aren’t much better in 2025, with just 51 examples delivered in the first quarter of this year.
The Pathfinder also wasn’t included in Nissan’s 2027 roadmap for Australian showrooms, as the embattled carmaker focuses on the products which can keep it afloat.
Porsche
Unlike the rest of the brands on this list, Porsche doesn’t make V6 commuter cars, instead reserving its flat atmo sixes for its most driver-focused models.
With production of the petrol-powered 718 sports car (Cayman and Boxster) ending for Australia in September last year, and only limited stock remaining available across Porsche’s dealer network, the German performance brand now only offers an N/A boxer engine in the 911 – and even then it’s limited access.
Following the transition to the facelifted 992.2-generation, the 911 GT3 RS is no longer available to order, however, the updated 911 GT3 is.
Its big-bore 4.0-litre flat-six is now the only non-turbo engine on offer across the 911 lineup, and it’s capable of howling all the way to a 9000rpm redline.
Overseas reports have claimed the next-generation GT3 will finally become turbocharged, joining 911 GT variants like the lesser GTS and the upcoming GT2 RS flagship.
With digital transactions rising, many deposit cash in their savings bank accounts for daily transactions, but deposits over Rs 10 lakh can attract Income Tax scrutiny.
PAN details required for cash deposits exceeding Rs 50,000.
As digital transactions surge across the country, a growing number of individuals have turned to savings bank accounts to manage their finances. But few realise that there’s a financial ceiling that, if crossed, could draw the attention of the Income Tax Department, and possibly lead to stiff penalties.
According to regulations set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), individuals are allowed to deposit up to Rs 10 lakh in cash into their savings account in a single financial year. Exceeding this limit doesn’t automatically result in tax liability, but it does mandate a formal declaration to tax authorities.
Under the Annual Information Return (AIR) framework, banks are obligated to report high-value cash transactions to the Income Tax Department. If your deposits breach the Rs 10 lakh threshold, you’re expected to explain the source of those funds, especially if they don’t align with your declared income. In such cases, failure to provide adequate proof could result in scrutiny and a possible tax rate of up to 60% on the unexplained amount.
Moreover, while you don’t need to present your PAN card for cash deposits up to Rs 50,000, any transaction exceeding that amount requires PAN details to ensure compliance and traceability. This is part of a broader move by authorities to monitor unaccounted wealth and curb potential money laundering through banking channels.
It is also important to maintain receipts and invoices for high-value purchases such as smartphones, laptops, or digital cameras. These records could serve as crucial documentation during income tax assessments, especially when the value of such goods appears disproportionate to your reported income.
Though keeping money in your savings account is perfectly legal, it is vital to remain within the regulatory boundaries. A sudden influx of large sums, without supporting income documents, could raise red flags. To stay safe, maintain a clear trail of income sources and always disclose high-value transactions in your tax returns when necessary.
Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates—only on News18.
News business Exceed This Limit In Your Savings Bank Account And You Could Be Paying 60% Tax
Shytoshi Kusama, the leader of Shiba Inu, has been quiet for nearly three weeks. But now, he’s back with a short, mysterious message, “Next week let’s go back to it, can we?” This has made the SHIB community excited, thinking something big might be coming, maybe even a rise in SHIB’s price.
But not everything is looking good. SHIB’s burn rate has dropped to one of its lowest points recently.
Shytoshi Drops a Cryptic Message
Shiba Inu’s main developer, Shytoshi Kusama, has finally broken his silence after three weeks. He posted a short message on Telegram saying:
“Next week, let’s get back to it, can we?”
That’s all he said, no extra info. But what caught people’s attention was the image he shared with it. It showed a mysterious hooded figure surfing a giant wave. The picture, along with his words, quickly got SHIB fans excited and curious.
Things took off when SHIB’s marketing expert Lucie shared the post on X.
“Look ShytoshiKusama in Shy telegram Cooking?”
Her fun comment hinted that something might be happening behind the scenes. This made fans start guessing what could be coming next for SHIB.
SHIB Burn Rate Falls Sharply
The Shiba Inu community is known for regularly burning SHIB tokens to help reduce supply. But in the past 24 hours, there’s been a huge slowdown. Only 847,698 SHIB tokens were burned, a drop of 98.64% compared to usual daily burns.
That’s a big change for a project where millions or even billions of tokens are often burned every single day. Meanwhile, this sudden drop has surprised many in the community.
Shiba Inu Price to Hit $0.000015 Level
In the past 24 hours, Shiba Inu price has increased by 1%, and it’s now trading at $0.00001176, with a market cap hitting $6.91 billion.
Looking at the daily chart, SHIB has formed a small inverse head and shoulders pattern, which is often seen as a bullish sign, meaning a possible price increase could be on the way. If buyers step in, they may push the price toward the next big target of $0.000015.
As of now, SHIB is also getting close to an important resistance zone. Bulls are trying to push the price above the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) at $0.00001279.
On the other hand, if the price faces selling pressure again, strong support is expected near the $0.00001 level.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Thursday issued a stern warning to coaching centres to avoid misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices as IIT-JEE examination results approach.
The consumer rights watchdog has advised coaching institutes to strictly follow the 2024 guidelines set for such entities.
According to an official statement, coaching centres must ensure their representations are “accurate, clear, and free from misleading claims”.
The CCPA emphasised that advertisements should transparently disclose key details including students’ names, ranks, course types, and whether courses were paid for.
The authority has explicitly cautioned coaching centres against making “assurances of guaranteed success” and mandated that disclaimers be displayed prominently in the same font size as other important information.
The CCPA has already taken significant enforcement action in this sector, issuing 49 notices and imposing penalties totalling Rs 77.60 lakh on 24 coaching centres for violations. These centres have been directed to discontinue misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices.
Previous CCPA actions have targeted coaching centres offering services for various competitive examinations, including UPSC CSE, IIT-JEE, NEET, RBI, and NABARD, among others.
New data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed climbing autism rates among children.
In 2022, a surveillance program called The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network began monitoring children aged 4 to 8 across 15 U.S. states, focusing on multiple benchmarks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Among 8-year-old children, researchers found that one in 31 children — more than 3% of America’s kids — had ASD.
BILL GATES LIKELY HAD AUTISM AS A CHILD, HE REVEALS: ‘WASN’T WIDELY UNDERSTOOD’
ASD was found to be 3.4 times more likely in boys than girls, and the prevalence was lower among non-Hispanic White children.
ASD prevalence among 8-year-olds was higher in 2022 than the previous year, the CDC reported.(iStock)
The CDC confirmed that ASD prevalence among 8-year-olds was higher in 2022 than the previous year, as one in 36 kids were diagnosed with autism in 2020.
By 48 months of age, identification of ASD was higher among children born in 2018 than among those born in 2014, which suggests “increased early identification consistent with historical patterns.”
KIDS WITH AUTISM SUPPORTED BY SERVICE DOGS, AS RESEARCH AND FAMILIES NOTE ‘INCREDIBLE CHANGES’
“[This] underscores the increased demand and ongoing need for enhanced planning to provide equitable diagnostic, treatment and support services for all children with ASD,” the CDC commented in the report.
“The substantial variability in ASD identification across sites suggests opportunities to identify and implement successful strategies and practices in communities to ensure all children with ASD reach their potential.”
“We’re living in a time when diagnosis has become the default, not the exception,” a psychotherapist commented.(iStock)
Jonathan Alpert, a Manhattan-based psychotherapist and author, said he considers the CDC’s findings “alarming but not surprising.”
“We’re living in a time when diagnosis has become the default, not the exception,” he shared with Fox News Digital. “Whether it’s children in schools or adults in therapy, more and more people are being told they have a disorder.”
Alpert suggested that this spike in autism is part of a “much larger trend.”
CDC TO LAUNCH STUDY INTO VACCINES AND AUTISM, POSSIBLE LINKS: REPORT
“Are we really seeing an epidemic of illness, or are we expanding definitions to the point where normal variation gets labeled as pathology?” he questioned.
“I see it in my practice every week – patients who come in are already convinced something is wrong with them because of a checklist they found online or a therapist who rushed to diagnose.”
“Many are struggling, yes — but they’re being failed by a system that offers quick labels and long-term treatment plans instead of results.”
Autism was found in one in 31 kids, equating to about a classroom size in some areas of the U.S.(iStock)
The expert called out behaviors like shyness, awkwardness and emotional sensitivity, which were “once seen as a part of the human experience,” but are now being treated as “symptoms of a disorder.”
“People deserve honesty, not confusion,” he commented. “They deserve to know whether a diagnosis is grounded in real clinical need or in shifting cultural norms and professional convenience.”
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Regarding the potential link between vaccines and autism, Alpert said this could be linked to a larger issue of trust in institutions, including mental health.
“When the field becomes more focused on image and ideology than outcomes, people tune out,” he said. “And that’s the crisis we should really be focused on.”
“We’re living in a time when diagnosis has become the default, not the exception,” a psychotherapist (not pictured) told Fox News Digital.(iStock)
A spokesperson from the New York-based nonprofit Autism Speaks commented that these findings reflect “real progress” in children being identified more accurately through increased awareness, broader diagnostic criteria and more “consistent, standardized screening tools.”
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“While there are many factors driving these numbers, research shows that 60% to 90% of autism risk is rooted in genetics,” they said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“Still, one thing is clear – this steady increase in prevalence calls for deeper, sustained investment in autism research — not only to understand its causes, but also to support the growing number of people diagnosed today.”
“This steady increase in prevalence calls for deeper, sustained investment in autism research.”
The spokesperson called for changes in policies and budgets to reflect this “new reality.”
“That means expanding access to early intervention, strengthening educational and healthcare systems, and providing supports that span a lifetime. This data is not just a number — it’s a call to action.”
Autism Speaks reiterated its alignment with research that confirms vaccines “do not cause autism,” and advocated for vaccine info to be “based on scientific evidence.”(iStock)
Autism Speaks reiterated that research confirms vaccines “do not cause autism,” and advocated for vaccine information to be “based on scientific evidence.”
“We recognize the administration’s interest in autism research and reiterate our long-held position that federal investments need to be increased and focused on evidence-based advancements that benefit autistic people and their families,” they said.
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“Moving forward, meaningful research must be grounded in rigorous, evidence-based methods and carried out in partnership with the autism community, including scientists, clinicians, autistic individuals and families.”
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
Shilpa Shetty is not just a fantastic actress but also an avid foodie, and her Instagram profile offers plenty of mouthwatering proof. She often shares her delicious culinary adventures on social media. In her latest Instagram post, Shilpa revealed some of her all-time favourite foods – with a hilarious dance twist. The video featured the actress dressed in a stunning red anarkali, standing in front of a makeup mirror, as her friend named some popular dishes. Instead of rating them with numbers, Shilpa responded with her signature thumkas. She gave decent thumkas for rasgullas, masala dosa and vada pav, showed a less-than-happy reaction for kadi chawal and broke into enthusiastic thumkas for pani puris. The side note read, “Thumka binge.”
Also Read: Diana Penty Gorges On Sandwiches And Chips “A Day After Going To Gym” – See Pic
Watch the full video below:
In her previous Instagram post, Shilpa Shetty was seen lip-syncing and dancing to the trending Dosa Idli Sambar Chutney Chutney song. The actress was in Chennai, where she indulged in South Indian delicacies to her heart’s content. In the video, Shilpa wore a stylish denim co-ord set as she danced while showcasing a plate of dosa and bowls of chutnies to the camera. ICYDK: Dosa Idli Sambar Chutney Chutney is a Telugu song that has recently gone viral on social media. The caption read, “When in Chennai. #chennaidiaries.”
Watch the full reel below:
Also Read: Alia Bhatt’s “Favourite Chef” Makes A 7-Course Meal. Can You Guess Who It Is?
Before that, Shilpa Shetty took a trip to the farm. The actress looked super excited as she posed with some freshly harvested cauliflower. And let’s not forget the vada pav moment – Shilpa was seen relishing the lip-smacking street snack in her car. “Had Aloo and Gobi … but separately,” she wrote in the caption.
Watch the post below:
We love Shilpa Shetty’s foodie diaries and await more of them!
Chinese President Xi Jinping kicked off the second stop of his Southeast Asia trip in Malaysia on Tuesday. He was greeted at the airport by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Beijing says the visit will start a new chapter in efforts to upgrade bilateral relations, as CGTN’s Zhao Yunfei reports.
Real estate developer Casagrand has announced its foray into the senior living segment with the launch of Casagrand Cheers. The company unveiled its first senior living project in Pudupakkam, Chennai, with plans to expand across key metros in South India.
Spread across 5.2 acres, the Pudupakkam project offers 331 fully furnished 1, 2, and 3 BHK residences. The project also features 4.2 acres of open space with 24,500 sq. ft. grand central podium, offering an immersive experience of leisure and relaxation. The project is equipped with a mini-clinic, an on-premises physiotherapy room, 24X7 ambulance service, ensuring prompt and efficient medical assistance.
A 24-hour emergency call system is integrated into every residence for immediate response. Further enhancing safety, grab rails, skid-resistant flooring, motion sensor lighting and foot lamps have been incorporated to facilitate effortless mobility. The 7,000 sq. ft. swimming pool, complete with sturdy railings, offers an accessible and rejuvenating space for relaxation and exercise. Residents are also provided nutritious, customised balanced meals, the company said in a statement.
Arun Mn, Founder & Managing Director, Casagrand, said, “At Casagrand, we strongly believe that seniors’ retirement years should be the most joyful and fulfilling phase of their lives, where they are celebrated, cherished, and empowered to live with happiness. With Casagrand Cheers, we are redefining senior living by creating not just homes but a vibrant, thoughtfully designed community where every day is filled with fun, companionship, and holistic well-being. From world-class safety features to wellness-driven amenities, we have carefully crafted every aspect to ensure our seniors experience a life they truly deserve.”
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
CONVERSE se udružuje s Naruto Shippudenom za posebnu kolekciju tenisica: Naruto x Converse Chuck Taylor Pack, koja odaje počast trojici omiljenih likova: Narutu Uzumakiju, Sasukeu Uchihi i Gaari. Svaki model Chuck Taylora jedinstveno je dizajniran kako bi odražavao bit lika kojeg predstavlja.
Stižu sljedeći mjesec
Narutove tenisice dolaze u njegovoj prepoznatljivoj narančastoj boji s crnim vezicama i legendarnim Pečatom osam trigramova s njegovog trbuha.
Sasukeova verzija ima čistu bijelu površinu s ljubičastim vezicama u stilu užeta, inspiriranim njegovom odjećom iz razdoblja kada je bio s Orochimarom. Tu su i detalji poput Prokletog pečata neba i plave crte na peti.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Gaarin dizajn ističe se tamnocrvenom bojom, s izvezenim kanjijem koji označava ljubav na ovratniku i teksturiranim potplatom koji podsjeća na pukotine simbolizirajući njegove moći vezane uz pijesak.
Umjesto klasičnog Converse logotipa, svaka tenisica sadrži 3D metalni bedž u obliku shurikena. Stražnje pločice na peti posebno su prilagođene da izgledaju poput zaštitnih čela likova: Narutov Skriveni List, Sasukeov izgrebani simbol Lista i Gaarin Skriveni Pijesak.
Tenisice će biti dostupne na Converse webshopu od 22. svibnja po cijeni od 80 dolara, što je otprilike 70 eura.
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One year and three weeks ago, Bobby Miller was at the peak of his young major league career.
After a promising rookie campaign in 2023, the hard-throwing right-hander had made the Dodgers’ 2024 opening-day rotation. In his season debut, he dominated the St. Louis Cardinals with 11 strikeouts over six scoreless innings. And as a former top prospect in the organization’s pitching-rich farm system, his ascent in the big leagues seemed to be just beginning.
One year and three weeks later, he faces a long climb back.
Now a depth arm in the organization who was called up from triple-A Oklahoma City for a spot start Wednesday, Miller’s first MLB outing of 2025 mirrored the struggles that plagued him over the rest of 2024.
During a woeful three-inning outing, the 26-year-old gave up six runs to the middling Colorado Rockies. Despite striking out seven batters, he was knocked around for a five-spot in the third, punctuated by a hanging curveball Michael Toglia hit for a grand slam.
The Dodgers still won, riding a seven-run first inning to an 8-7 victory that completed a three-game series sweep at Dodger Stadium this week.
But Miller’s implosion was another troubling sign for the Dodgers’ young depth options on the mound.
Like Justin Wrobleski and Landon Knack before him, his return to the majors inspired little confidence.
In a rare opportunity to make an impression on the Dodgers’ big-league roster, he instead faltered in a frustratingly familiar script.
“I know I’m a lot better than what I showed today,” Miller said.
Two innings into Wednesday’s start, Miller appeared to be in full control.
He had limited damage in a three-hit first inning, striking out the other three batters he faced to give up just one run. He breezed through the second, stranding a two-out single with two more strikeouts.
And in between, he waited in the dugout for almost 25 minutes while the Dodgers launched an assault on Rockies starter Germán Márquez.
Shohei Ohtani blasted a 448-foot leadoff home run to the top of the right-field pavilion. Freddie Freeman also found the right-field seats for a solo blast two batters later. From there, the Dodgers just kept coming, with Andy Pages driving two runs home with the bases loaded, Austin Barnes tacking on two more with a double that marked his first hit of the season, and Ohtani collecting another RBI in his second at-bat of the inning with a base hit.
Shohei Ohtani heads for home after his first-inning home run.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
All told, the Dodgers scored seven times, had nine batters reach base and chased Márquez from the game after 37 dismal pitches.
“It was a superb first inning overall as a team,” Ohtani, who is now tied for the team lead with six home runs, said through interpreter Will Ireton. “It’s really a testament for how focused we are from the get-go.”
It seemingly set Miller up to cruise through the rest of his night.
Instead, it all came unglued in the top of the third.
Though Miller felt “completely locked in” with his fastball and curveball — which helped him strike out six of the first 12 batters he faced overall — he couldn’t consistently execute his slider or signature changeup.
As a result, he felt “a little predictable” with what effectively became a two-pitch arsenal. And once his fastball command began waver in the third, the Rockies quickly began to pounce.
After Sean Bouchard led off with a first-pitch single, Kyle Farmer worked an eight-pitch at-bat against Miller, staying alive long enough to get a hanging curveball for a single.
Miller followed that up with a five-pitch walk to Hunter Goodman.
Then came the fatal blow, a hanging 1-and-2 curveball to Toglia that fluttered over the heart of the plate. Toglia unloaded on it for a grand slam to center. Miller hid his frustration behind a stoic face.
“Obviously I just missed a spot right there; I wanted to bury that one,” Miller said. “But at the same time, if I had my changeup in there, probably could have gotten out of there quicker … Just got to work on my other couple [pitches] and just be in the zone more consistently.”
So often last year, Miller endured starts like this, unable to build upon his early-season momentum in what became a forgettable campaign.
Following that dazzling debut against the Cardinals, he yielded seven runs over 5 ⅔ innings in his next two starts. Shoulder inflammation landed him on the injured list for two months after that. And once he returned, he never looked the same, stumbling to a 9.34 ERA over his final 10 outings.
During that second-half stretch, Miller was dogged by a nagging knee issue. But wild command (he walked 30 batters in 56 innings on the season) and lack of execution with his breaking pitches (highlighted by a .357 batting average against his curveball) were equally troublesome problems.
On Wednesday, they resurfaced again — with Miller yielding another home run on an elevated fastball to Mickey Moniak an at-bat after the grand slam.
“He’s trying his tail off. He’s competing. He didn’t run from it,” manager Dave Roberts said of Miller’s struggles. “But yeah, you do have to understand how to navigate hitters and innings to go deeper in games.”
Luckily for Miller, the bullpen picked up the slack against the woebegone Rockies (3-15) — including three innings of one-run relief from swingman Ben Casparius, who provided a bridge to Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott to close it out.
The Dodgers’ offense, meanwhile, provided just enough breathing room with a fifth-inning RBI single from Pages; completing a series in which their previously slumping lineup combined for 19 runs, 30 hits and 17 walks.
“We’ve done a good job of building innings and creating some stress and beating the starter, and we did that three times this series,” Roberts said. “So that was encouraging.”
The question now: Which depth pitchers are left for the team to trust?
Tommy Edman scores on a single by Andy Pages in the first inning.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
The Dodgers are still without Tony Gonsolin (who is expected to make one more minor-league rehab outing next week before returning from his back injury), Clayton Kershaw (who began a minor-league rehab stint on Wednesday and won’t be back for at least another month) and Ohtani (whose return to pitching remains a ways off) on the mound.
Knack (who had a 7.27 ERA in three outings this year) and Wrobleski (who yielded eight runs in his lone start last week) have already been optioned after their own poor starts.
It made Wednesday an opportunity for Miller to leave an impression at the big league level, and try to begin climbing back up the organizational depth chart.
Before the game, Roberts couldn’t help but reflect back on where he was one year and three weeks prior.
“He was just really thriving,” Roberts recalled. “As far as the upside potential, absolutely [it’s still there].”
What followed, however, was a reminder of how far Miller has slipped while trying to reach it, and the long road ahead as he tries to re-establish himself as a major league pitcher.
“I know the position I’m in, but I know when I’m on, I can be here for a long time,” Miller said, trying to strike a hopeful note at the end of an otherwise humbling night.
“I’m still young. I got a lot of time left in my career … Just learn from it, and keep moving forward.”
Google Pixel 9a Buy in India: Google has commenced the sale of its latest A-series smartphone — the Pixel 9a — in India. According to the company, the smartphone comes with a sleek new design, the brightest display ever on an A-series phone, and the goodness of Google AI built in.
Google Pixel 9a: Price & Availability
Google Pixel 9a is priced at Rs 49,999 and is now available for purchase online and across retail stores in India.
Google Pixel 9a: Launch Offer
The company is offering Rs 3,000 cashback and 24 months no-cost EMI with select partners like HDFC Bank, IDFC Bank, and Bajaj Finserv.
Google Pixel 9a: Camera & Battery
It has an upgraded dual rear camera system – a 13MP ultrawide camera and a 48MP main camera. The company has claimed that the Pixel 9a has the best battery life of any Pixel available to date.
Google Pixel 9a: Colour Options
Google Pixel 9a comes in three colors: Iris, Porcelain, and Obsidian.
Key highlights of Pixel 9a:
According to the company, these are the key highlights of Google Pixel 9a-
Advanced AI integration – Built-in Gemini for help across apps like Maps, Calendar and YouTube, plus chat experiences with Gemini Live.
Display – With an upgraded 6.3″ inch Actua display, the phone has the brightest display on an A-series ever — 35% brighter than Pixel 8a at 2700 nits — as well as a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate.
7 year of OS, security – It comes with seven years of operating system, security and pixel drops.
IP68 water and dust resistance – It also has upgraded IP68 water and dust resistance, which means it can survive drops, falls and scratches.
Security features – Pixel 9a has the same highest-rated security features as Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro.
Indian travel to Germany is booming! According to recent statistics, Indian tourist arrivals in Germany have jumped 8.6% in 2024, with 8,97,841 overnight stays compared to 8,26,703 the previous year.
Move over Switzerland, Germany just became India’s most wanted travel hotspot!(Image by Pixabay)
This significant growth is attributed to strengthened air connectivity between India and Germany, with monthly flight frequency increasing by 28% from 241 in January 2019 to 309 in January 2025.
Visa applications have increased by almost 20% in the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year.
This surge in direct flights highlights Germany’s rising popularity among Indian tourists, offering improved accessibility and a smoother travel experience.
The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) and the German Embassy in India hosted a joint press conference on Wednesday, highlighting Germany as a top travel destination for Indian tourists.
The event unveiled a range of exclusive offers aimed at couples, nature lovers, and those seeking sustainable travel experiences. In response to the rising interest from Indian travellers, GNTB introduced specially tailored packages to cater to their evolving preferences.
Indian tourists are staying longer in Germany, with an average length of stay increasing to 9.6 nights from 9.3 nights in 2023. Supporting this momentum, Skift India’s report revealed that Indian tourist spending is growing four times faster than the global average, underscoring the market’s strategic significance.
These curated offerings aim to firmly position Germany as a top choice for Indian honeymooners and culturally curious travellers alike.
While speaking with ANI, Georg Enzweiler, Deputy Chief of Mission, German Embassy, discussed the current state of tourism cooperation between India and Germany and said, ‘I think there is a very positive development. I was surprised to hear how positive it is. The German National Tourist Office just presented impressive numbers. I think this was also reflected in, for example, the applications we have for visas, which is just in the first three months of this year, vis-a-vis the first three months of last year, up by, I think, almost 20 per cent. So that indicates a strong boost in tourism to Germany.”
Moreover, Germany boasts 54 UNESCO World Heritage sites, thousands of museums, and many castles, making it an attractive cultural destination. Strong business ties between India and Germany encourage professionals to visit and explore leisure activities.
When asked about what initiatives the German government is taking to attract more Indian travellers, Enzweiler said, ‘Well, I think there are several factors that play a role in this. I had mentioned earlier that we have a very large number of Indian students these days in Germany, for about 50,000, and that, of course, entails that you will have many young people, family, friends, also visiting these young people, students in Germany, and that again boosts tourism. There’s the business side, where business people who do business, Germany and India are tied very closely in the business and trade field, so they will add two or three days of leisure time in Germany. So they will not only go there and do their business, but they will stay there for recreation and leisure time, which is, of course, also a very positive development.”
With around 50,000 Indian students in Germany, tourism gets a boost from visiting family and friends. Germany is working on further digitalising the Schengen visa process, which will simplify travel for Indian tourists.
On visa accessibility and upcoming steps to simplify the Schengen visa process for Indian tourists, Enzweiler stated, “Yes, you’re right, mentioning that Schengen visa process, this is something that Germany by itself should not change any rules or procedures, but one trend is the further digitalisation of the whole process. This is something that does not come overnight, but we started this process with our national visas, and we will expand it at a later stage, as well as other sources of visas.”
When asked about the German National Tourist Board’s (GNTB) earlier announcement to expand its market activities in India, Enzweiler added, “What I have taken from today’s discussion is that, for example, Indian weddings in Germany are a very interesting field of tourism. I think that Germany is an interesting cultural destination. We have 54 UNESCO World Heritage sites. There are thousands of museums. There are many thousands of castles in Germany. So I think all of this in the cultural field is very interesting for potential Indian tourists to Germany as well.”
When asked about the role of tourism in strengthening economic and people-to-people ties between India and Germany–and whether it represents a sector of strategic growth over the next decade–he emphasised its growing importance and potential to further deepen bilateral relations.
“I think it’s a very important aspect because, via tourism, you will be able to establish a people-to-people contact. That then leads to strengthening relations in all other fields because once you’ve been to Germany, you’ve seen it for yourself. This will be motivating, and this will encourage further expansion of your professional, academic, or whatever ties you have. And so, that’s why I think that’s very important to try to foster tourism to Germany,” Enzweiler said.
Tourism is expected to play a vital role in strengthening economic and people-to-people ties between India and Germany over the next decade.
Doom: The Dark Ages is undoubtedly one of this year’s most anticipated new game releases, launching for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on May 15.
With the release date just a few weeks away, Microsoft and Bethesda have announced a new range of limited edition accessories exclusively for Xbox.
This includes an awesome new controller, which is inspired by the Doom Slayer’s armour. Priced at £74.99, the new Doom controller has a May 2 release date and can be pre-ordered from Amazon by clicking the link below.
According to the official description, the main body of the controller is inspired by the character’s matte green armour, complete with silver helmet spikes and plated sheathing across the top case.
The rubberised grips are said to be outfitted with a leather-like feel, while the “sinister red thumbstick” matches the DOOM Slayer’s chest port.
You’ve also got green ABXY buttons representing the Sentinel alphabet, as well as an orange left trigger inspired by the Shield Saw.
As an added bonus, fans who pre-order the Xbox controller will receive a code for the DOOM Slayer Executioner Skin in the upcoming game.
In addition to the controller, Xbox fans can also pick up a new Doom: The Dark Ages wrap for the Xbox Series X console, as well as an Elite game pad. Both accessories can be pre-ordered from the Microsoft website.
As for the game itself, Doom: The Dark Ages is a prequel to the 2016 Doom and its sequel Doom Eternal.
“In this third instalment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.”
Fans can expect a selection of new weapons and items, including a Mecha Dragon and Skull Crusher weapon, the latter of which fires bone fragments.
Needless to say, the popular gory kills are also back, complete with improvements and even more variety.
The Kia Tasman is now available to order in Australia, ahead of first customer deliveries in July.
Kia will first launch the Tasman in dual-cab pickup guise, before adding a dual-cab/chassis in August, followed by a single-cab/chassis in “late 2025”.
Available in a single 4×2 grade and five 4×4 trim levels, the Kia Tasman is offered across five variants: S, SX, SX+, X-Line and X-Pro.
Pricing starts from $42,990 before on-road costs for the Tasman S 4×2, undercutting the most affordable Ford Ranger 4×2 dual-cab by $290.
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Tasman X-Pro
Opting for the 4×4 adds $7000 to the purchase price ($49,990), while the SX steps up to $54,490 before on-roads, and the SX+ at $62,390 plus on-roads.
The tougher-looking Tasman X-Line starts from $67,990 before on-road costs, while the flagship off-road oriented X-Pro is $74,990 plus on-roads.
For context, a four-cylinder bi-turbo Ford Ranger Wildtrak costs $69,640, but the turbo-diesel V6 undercuts the top-shelf Tasman by $150 while offering significantly more power and torque.
While the Kia Tasman has a payload capacity in excess of 1000kg across all variants, for no extra cost buyers can opt for a sub-one tonne payload, allowing the ute to qualify for novated leasing.
A full rundown of the Tasman’s specifications and equipment is listed below.
Among 30 Sensex companies, 26 were trading in red. Among the top losers were HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Tata Steel, and TCS, falling up to 2.5 per cent.
Sensex Today.
The domestic equity market on Thursday started the day on a negative note with the BSE Sensex opening around 160 points lower at 76,875 and the NSE Nifty trading down by 65 points at 23,379 in the opening trade. IT, consumer durables, auto and FMCG were in pressure in the early trade; while financial services, pharma, and realty were trading in green.
Among 30 Sensex companies, 26 were trading in red. Among the top losers were HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Tata Steel, and TCS, falling up to 2.5 per cent. However, ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, and HDFC Bank were in green.
FIIs on Wednesday extended buying on the second day as they bought equities worth Rs 3,936 crore. However, DIIs extended their selling on the second session as they sold equities worth Rs 2,512 crore on the same day.
Prashanth Tapse, senior vice-president (research) of Mehta Equities Ltd, said, “FIIs turned net buyers on Wednesday, investing Rs. 3,936 crore and taking this week’s total inflow to Rs. 10,002 crore. Positive triggers include hopes of an above-normal monsoon, inflation hitting a 5-year low, and crude prices staying soft near $61.”
However, any major upside in Nifty may hinge on US tariff easing, especially as the Trump administration has tightened AI chip export rules to China, impacting Nvidia and AMD. Q4 results from HDFC AMC, HDFC LIFE, INFY, and TATA ELXSI are due on Thursday, he added.
“Stock-wise, IndusInd Bank and IREDA rallied on positive updates, while JBM Auto and Olectra surged on EV bus tender news. CDSL is our top pick for the day,” Tapse said.
Technical View
Anand James, chief market strategist at Geojit Investments Limited, said, “We had noted our preference for a dip towards 23080-22975 yesterday but the premature turn higher, after dipping just below 23300 left the trend looking exhausted after crossing 23390. Meanwhile, 72 per cent of Nifty 50 stocks are in the upper half of the bollinger band already, favouring a sideways move over a vertical rise. We will also be eying 23160-650 as an interim range until directional momentum emerges.”
Stay updated with all the latest news on the Stock Market, including market trends, Sensex and Nifty updates, top gainers and losers, and expert analysis. Get real-time insights, financial reports, and investment strategies—only on News18.
Dogecoin network has a vibrant global online community and introducing Dapps could stir up more growth.
Stebbing expects collaborative and open protocols for future Dogecoin Layer 2 projects.
Timothy Stebbing, a product lead at the Dogecoin Foundation, has highlighted how he thinks the meme lord should evolve in the future. In an X post, Stebbing opined that the age of Dogecoin (DOGE) layer 2 is at hand.
As a result, he has cautioned users to anticipate good and bad changes. Moreover, the introduction of layer two chains on the Dogecoin network will open up floodgates for scammers amongst legitimate businesses.
“The L2s will provide smart contracts, new mechanisms for payment, identity systems, tokenization of real-world assets.. an entire ecosystem, a new financial system will be born here,” Stebbing noted.
Stebbing highlighted that the L2 chains on the Dogecoin network work together and embrace competition through open protocols.
“Build open protocols, collaborative and welcome.. then innovate and win via your points of difference, stand above the crowd on your merits, but lift others up with you,” Stebbings concluded.
Impact on Dogecoin Network
The meteorite growth of the Ethereum (ETH) network is heavily influenced by its layer two networks led by Base and Arbitrum. The introduction of Layer 2 chains on the Dogecoin network will be a huge game changer on the dog-themed memecoin.
Moreover, institutional investors will seamlessly tokenize real-world assets led by stablecoins, which will significantly improve the memecoin’s liquidity and utility.
The introduction of the L2 chains on the Dogecoin network may influence a shift towards the proof of stake (PoS) from its current proof of work (PoW) consensus method. Moreover, the Ether core developers have proved that the PoS is more cost-efficient and still secure for optimizing DeFi developments at scale.
The move follows President Donald Trump’s broader crackdown on campuses hosting pro-Palestinian protests in response to Israel’s war on Gaza.
| Photo Credit:
FAITH NINIVAGGI/Reuters
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Harvard University will lose its ability to enroll foreign students if it does not meet demands from the Trump administration in the government’s latest escalation against the educational institution.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also announced on Wednesday the termination of two DHS grants totaling over $2.7 million to Harvard.
Noem said she wrote a letter to Harvard demanding records on what she called the “illegal and violent activities” of Harvard’s foreign student visa holders by April 30.
“And if Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students,” Noem said in a statement.
Harvard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
President Donald Trump’s administration has threatened universities with federal funding cuts over pro-Palestinian campus protests against U.S. ally Israel’s devastating military assault on Gaza after a deadly October 2023 attack by Palestinian Hamas militants.
Trump casts the protesters as foreign policy threats who are antisemitic and sympathetic to Hamas. Protesters, including some Jewish groups, say the Trump administration wrongly conflates their advocacy for Palestinian rights and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza with support for extremism and antisemitism.
The Trump administration is also attempting to deport some foreign protesters and has revoked hundreds of visas across the country.
“With a $53.2 billion endowment, Harvard can fund its own chaos – DHS won’t,” Noem said, adding an “anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology” existed at Harvard.
Harvard has previously said it worked to fight antisemitism and other prejudice on its campus while preserving academic freedoms and the right to protest.
The Trump administration said late last month it was reviewing $9 billion in federal contracts and grants to Harvard and later called for restrictions – including a mask ban and removal of diversity, equity and inclusion programs – to be put in place for the university to continue receiving federal money.
Harvard on Monday rejected numerous demands that it said would cede control to the government. The Trump administration subsequently said it was freezing $2.3 billion in funding.
Trump also threatened on Tuesday to strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status. CNN reported on Wednesday the U.S. Internal Revenue Service was making plans to rescind the tax-exempt status of Harvard and that a final decision was expected soon.
Human rights advocates have raised free speech and academic freedom concerns over the crackdown by the government.
The Trump administration has frozen or canceled some funding for universities like Columbia, Princeton, Brown, Cornell and Northwestern as well.
It has also threatened to withhold funding over culture war issues such as DEI programs and transgender policies.
Rights advocates have also raised concerns about Islamophobia and anti-Arab bias during the Israel-Gaza war. The Trump administration has not announced steps in response.
I love having a clean house. However, I also have a full-time job, two toddlers who are (let’s be honest) not exactly tidy, a shedding dog and a husband who tracks in dirt now and then. So you can imagine how this creates … a challenge. Thankfully, I found the Dyson V15 cordless vacuum cleaner, and it has made my life much easier — and cleaner. The Dyson V15 allows me to tackle some really tough messes around the house and, more importantly, it helps me maintain the clean living space I crave.
The Dyson V15 is on CNET’s best cordless vacuums list, was awarded a CNET Editors’ Choice Award and out-suctioned all its stick vacuum competitors in our laboratory testing. That’s a whole lot of power and performance, which is what I love about it. And yes, it also comes with a pretty hefty price tag. But right now you can get it for $150 off on Dyson’s website. That brings the price down to $600, just in time for doing those spring-season deep cleans.
Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.
This is two days worth of dog hair, which my Dyson can suction up on its highest suction setting from a 500 square foot section of carpet.
Katie Collins/CNET
Why I love my Dyson V15 vacuum
My Dyson V15 works great for quick clean-ups or deep cleans. Because it’s cordless, I appreciate not having to constantly plug and then unplug it when cleaning the upstairs and downstairs in my home. It doesn’t take up storage space because the charging docking station is mounted in our garage. It’s no surprise to me that the Dyson V15 outperformed most of its competitors during CNET’s lab testing. It is now rated as having the best suction performance for a cordless vacuum.
My Dyson also cleans my car well
My kids’ and pets’ messes aren’t contained to my house so I love how the Dyson easily converts to handheld mode, which comes in handy for suctioning up loose toddler snacks from car seats and car floors. The crevice attachment can reach those in-between spaces in my car and couch cushions.
The Dyson V15 converts into a handheld for easy car cleanup.
Dyson
Washable HEPA filter is a plus
I love the washable HEPA cloth filter too. No more running out of replacement filters. Simply wash it and let it dry. I also bought a backup replacement filter to use so I don’t have to wait for the original filter to dry before using my beloved Dyson on another mess.
I love how easy it is to clean my Dyson HEPA filter. I have two replacement filters on deck in case one is still wet from washing it.
Dyson
High-performing vacuum with one flaw
My one complaint is its battery life when using it on its best suction setting: boost mode. Dyson’s boost mode works well picking up my dog’s pet hair, but it drains the battery quickly. To clean two stories in boost mode, it needs to recharge, which can take a few hours.
Dyson has three power modes for different tasks. The overall battery run time varies based on power mode. I find Boost mode to work best on pet hair but will drain the battery quickly.
Dyson/CNET
In the middle setting — auto mode — I can clean the upstairs and downstairs of my 2,000-square-foot home on a single charge, and it works well on hard floors and pretty good on carpet. Auto mode is fine for in-between cleanings, but boost mode works best for a deep carpet clean.
To find some other top-rated vacuums, check out our editors’ list of the best vacuums you can buy. We also think this vacuum would make a great gift for a new graduate moving into their first place. For other gifting inspiration, check out our picks for the best gifts for grads.
Impulse Buys Under $25 That Make Surprisingly Great Gifts
Fox News’ Health newsletter brings you stories on the latest developments in healthcare, wellness, diseases, mental health and more.
TOP 3:
– Common medical procedure linked to 5% of cancers
– Invasive strep throat strain has more than doubled in US
– Diabetes risk linked to these food combinations
This week’s top health stories explored risks of common medical tests, food and drink combinations that increase diabetes risk, and a surge in strep throat cases.(iStock)
MORE IN HEALTH
‘DECADES YOUNGER’ – A U.S. senator says diabetes and weight-loss drugs changed his life. Continue reading…
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH? – Anti-aging benefits linked to one surprising health habit. Continue reading…
TRAINING TOOLKIT – Check out these 10 tools to help with marathon prep and recovery. Continue reading…
Your kitchen sink is probably the one thing in the house that never gets a break. Whether you are rinsing vegetables, scrubbing pans, or just dumping dishes after a long day, it is always doing something. So, when things stop working the way they should, it can seriously throw you off. But here is the thing — you do not always need to call a plumber and spend a chunk of your day (and money) fixing it. Most of these kitchen sink problems are actually pretty common and can be sorted out with basic tools and a little patience. If you are someone who likes to handle things on your own (or at least give it a go before panicking), this list is for you. From how to fix a clogged kitchen sink drain to dealing with leaky taps, these quick fixes will help you get back on track without calling in the experts.
Also Read:7 Kitchen Essentials You Must Replace From Time To Time
Here Are 5 Common Kitchen Sink Problems And How To Fix Them:
1. Clogged Drain
A blocked kitchen sink drain is easily the most frustrating thing. And the worst part? It usually happens when you are in the middle of something. The usual culprits are grease, food scraps, and soap residue that just refuse to go down.
The easiest way to deal with this? Start by pouring a full kettle of boiling water straight down the drain. That should help loosen the grease. Next, add half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let the magic fizz do its thing for about 10 to 15 minutes. Once that is done, flush it again with more hot water. This kitchen drain cleaning hack works like a charm and leaves your sink running smoothly again.
2. Leaky Taps
Nothing tests your patience quite like a tap that will not stop dripping. Apart from being super annoying, it also wastes water and keeps the sink area damp and musty. A leaky tap is usually a sign that something inside, like a washer or cartridge, has worn out.
The good news? You do not need a degree in plumbing to sort this out. First, turn off the water supply. Then, using a wrench or screwdriver, take the tap apart carefully. Identify the faulty part and replace it — you will find everything you need at your local hardware store. Fixing leaky kitchen taps is way easier than it sounds, and you will save money and avoid dealing with water damage later.
3. Bad Odour From The Drain
If there is a weird smell coming from your kitchen sink, it is most likely food scraps decomposing in the drainpipe. It happens more often than you think, especially if the sink is used often but not flushed properly.
To fix this, pour in half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let it sit and fizz for a bit. Then rinse with hot water to clear it out. For an extra boost, toss in some lemon or orange peels. “It naturally deodorises and leaves your sink smelling fresh.” It really does the trick and adds a nice citrusy smell that makes your kitchen feel cleaner instantly.
4. Low Water Pressure
Struggling to rinse plates because the tap water flow feels like a gentle drizzle? That is usually caused by mineral deposits or limescale buildup in the tap head.
You can fix this by unscrewing the tap’s aerator and soaking it in white vinegar for about 30 minutes. The vinegar will break down the limescale and help restore normal water pressure. Rinse it clean and reattach it. Fixing low water pressure in kitchen taps is honestly just this simple.
Also Read: 5 Foods You Should Never Store On Kitchen Countertops
5. Leaking Pipes Under The Sink
That puddle under your sink is not just annoying — it can lead to bigger problems if left unchecked. Most of the time, these leaks come from worn-out pipes or loose fittings, especially around the U-bend area.
To figure out where the leak is coming from, turn off the water supply and have a look under the sink. Most leaks can be fixed just by tightening the joints or wrapping some plumbing tape around them. If you spot a crack or any damage, replace the pipe. While you are working on it, keep a bucket under the sink — trust us, it helps.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-16/China-U-S-has-weaponized-tariffs-to-irrational-level-1CCL59GUyWI/img/20cece369ad14d639d1b26afa85c3eef/20cece369ad14d639d1b26afa85c3eef.png' alt='China's Ministry of Commerce in Beijing, China. /VCG'
China’s Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday that the U.S. has weaponized tariffs to an irrational level, and China will ignore the meaningless tariff numbers game played by the U.S. side.
In response to a query about Chinese exports to the U.S. facing tariffs of up to 245 percent, a spokesperson for the ministry said China has previously stated its position on the unilateral tariff imposed by the United States multiple times.
“The U.S. has weaponized tariffs to an irrational level,” the spokesperson said, adding that China will resolutely take countermeasures and fight to the end if the U.S. insists on continuing to infringe upon China’s rights and interests.
Bengaluru-based realty developer Puravankara has reported an increase in customer collections by 9 per cent year-on-year to ₹3,937 crore in FY25, compared to ₹3,609 crore in FY24. Collections for Q4FY25 stood at ₹946 crore, according to its operational update.
The pre-sales for Q4FY25 stood at ₹1,282 crore, bringing the total sales value for FY25 to ₹5,006 crore. Sustenance sales at ₹4,223 crore, grew 22 per cent, while the average price realisation increased 10 per cent during the financial year.
Commenting on the company’s performance, Ashish Puravankara, Managing Director, Puravankara, said, “We have achieved the highest-ever sustenance sales this year, growing 22 per cent, driven by strong absorption in ongoing projects. Puravankara Group continues to command a price premium and has achieved 10 per cent increase in average price realisation along with increased absorption during the year.”
Project pipeline
During FY25, Puravankara Group invested over ₹1,300 crore to secure land with total area of about 8 million sq ft with estimated potential GDV of over ₹13,000 crore.
The company has a pipeline of over 13 million sq ft, comprising 9 million sq ft of new projects and 4 million sq ft of new phase launches for FY26. Projects with a total area of 5 million sq ft are at advanced stages of approvals and expected to go live within the next two quarters, it said.
The shares of Puravankara closed at ₹228.50, up 0.93 per cent on the BSE.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
GHD, britanski brend poznat po peglama i uređajima za stiliziranje kose, podigao je prašinu na TikToku nakon objave s njemačkog profila. U videu koji je pregledan više od 400.000 puta u samo dva dana najavili su dolazak novog uređaja za kosu – Ghd Wave, koji stiže 28. travnja.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Ghd sada donosi svoju verziju popularnog alata za kreiranje valova
Iako ovakvi trostruki uvijači već postoje na tržištu, Ghd sada donosi svoju verziju popularnog alata za kreiranje valova. U videu se vidi kako novi uređaj jednim potezom stvara mekane valove – idealne za opušteni beach waves izgled.
Uređaj ima valovite ploče koje odjednom obuhvaćaju veći pramen kose, pa je stiliziranje brže i jednostavnije nego s klasičnim figarima ili peglama. Tehnički detalji i cijena još nisu otkriveni, ali sudeći prema reakcijama, interes je ogroman.
“Treba mi”, “Napokon”, “Potreba”, “Jedva čekam”, samo su neki od komentara ispod njihove objave. Sve u svemu, čini se da je Ghd Wave jedan od najiščekivanijih beauty alata ovog proljeća.
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On Tuesday morning, Mota told Grandes en los Deportes that his 87-year-old father was taken to the hospital after the stroke and that he “responded quickly to treatment.” He added that his dad “is responding to commands to move his body and try to speak.”
“He’s alert and responding,” José Mota said. “Today is crucial. We’ll see the results of removing the clot. At his age, it’s difficult to predict, but we hope he can recover all his functions.”
A pinch-hitting specialist, Manny Mota appeared in games over 20 MLB seasons, including the final 13 with the Dodgers. Mota, an outfielder from the Dominican Republic, was an All-Star in 1973 and retired in 1982 with a career batting average of .304 and a then-record 150 pinch-hits.
Mota remained with the team in various roles, including coaching from 1980 to 2013, the longest tenure in franchise history, and working with the Spanish-language TV broadcast team from 2013 to 2020.
In 2023, Mota was inducted into the team’s Legends of Dodger Baseball, a group that also includes Steve Garvey, Don Newcombe, Fernando Valenzuela, Orel Hershiser and Dusty Baker. Ron Cey is slated to be inducted this summer.
Dodgers minority owners Magic Johnson and Billie Jean King are among those who have taken to X to express their love and support for Mota.
Realme Narzo 80 Series 5G Sale Begins: Realme has commenced the sale of its latest power-packed duo, the realme Narzo 80 Pro 5G and realme Narzo 80x 5G in India. Customers can buy these smartphones on realme.com and Amazon. Additionally, buyers can also avail of exciting bank offers with discounts of up to Rs 2,000, said the official release.
Realme Narzo 80 Pro 5G, Narzo 80x 5G: Price
Product
Variant
Price
Price offer
Coupon
Offer Price
No cost EMI (NCE)
realme Narzo 80 Pro 5G
8 + 128
19,999
NA
2000
17,999
6 Months
8 + 256
21,499
NA
2000
19,499
12 + 256
23,499
NA
2000
21,499
realme Narzo 80x 5G
6 + 128
13,999
500
1500
11,999
NA
8 + 128
14,999
500
1500
12,999
Realme Narzo 80 Pro 5G: Camera, Battery, Features
The realme Narzo 80 Pro 5G features a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 5G chipset built on 4nm architecture, delivering an industry-leading Antutu score of 780K+ and buttery-smooth 90FPS gameplay in BGMI, said the company.
The device boasts a 6.7-inch 4500nits HyperGlow Display—the brightest in its segment—featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, 2500Hz touch sampling, and 3840Hz PWM dimming. It has a 6000mAh Titan Battery with 80W Ultra Charging, supported by 6050mm² Cyclone VC Cooling to maintain optimal performance.
The phone features a Sony IMX882 OIS 50MP main camera and a 16MP front camera. The camera system is backed by advanced computational photography features, including Night Mode 2.0 and AI Snapshot, the company claimed.
The phone also offers IP66/68/69 water/dust resistance and Military-Grade Shock Resistance with ArmorShell protection. The racing-inspired design comes in Speed Silver and Racing Green color options. Additional premium features include Stereo Dual Speakers with Hi-Res Audio certification and realme UI 6.0 with advanced AI capabilities.
Realme Narzo 80x 5G: Camera, Battery, Features
The realme Narzo 80x 5G comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 6400 5G chipset (6nm process) and features a 6.5-inch 120Hz Eye Comfort Display with 10-layer protection, including DC dimming, Bedtime Mode, and Paper-like Display settings. The 6000mAh battery supports 45W SuperVOOC charging (50% in 38 minutes) and innovative Sub-Zero Charge technology that works even at -10°C temperatures, said the company.
It boasts an IP69 rating against water/dust and SonicWave Water Ejection technology. The device is available in Deep Ocean and Sunlit Gold colour options. It also offers a 50MP AI camera, and unique software features include AI Smart Signal Boost (+15% network speed), Rainwater Smart Touch (98% wet-screen accuracy), and 200% Ultra Volume Mode for crystal-clear audio in noisy environments, said the company.
Seated on sandbags in a knee-deep grid dug in South Africa’s Sterkfontein caves, where one of our earliest ancestors was found, Itumeleng Molefe swept ancient soil into a blue dustpan, each brushstroke hunting for hidden clues. Nearby, visitors marvelled at the weathered limestone rocks hanging from the ceiling of the caves, millions of years old.
The Sterkfontein caves in South Africa have reopened after nearly three years, offering visitors a closer look at ongoing palaeontological research.(AFP)
Located 50 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of Johannesburg, the caves closed nearly three years ago due to flooding and reopened Tuesday with a new experience bringing tourists closer to the scientific action. The complex is housed within the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, a rich source of artefacts for palaeontologists since it was first discovered.
“My aim is to find important bones here,” said the 40-year-old Molefe. His most prized find since joining the excavation team in 2013 was an early human hand bone. His father was part of the team that uncovered South Africa’s most famous find, a skeleton dubbed “Little Foot”, in the caves.
Deriving its name from the size of the bones first discovered in the 1990s, it is the most complete specimen of a human ancestor yet discovered, estimated to be between 1.5 and 3.7 million years old.
Little Foot is from a branch of the human family tree called Australopithecus, latin for “southern ape” — considered the ancestors of modern humans, with a mixture of ape-like and human characteristics.
“This reopening represents a significant evolution in how we share the story of human origins,” said Nithaya Chetty, dean of the University of the Witwatersrand faculty of science, which manages the caves and the nearby museum. “Visitors now have unique opportunities to engage with active live science and research, all happening in real time,” said the professor.
‘Missing something’
At their peak before the Covid-19 pandemic, the caves received up to a 100,000 tourists a year. The closure had left a lingering feeling of sadness, said Witwatersrand archaeology professor Dominic Stratford, recalling busloads of schoolchildren and inquisitive visitors.
“Everyone felt like we were missing something,” he told AFP. A temporary exhibit of the fossils has been set up at the museum, where visitors will also get a chance to see “Mrs Ples”, the most complete skull of an Australopithecus africanus, found in South Africa in 1947.
Guiding helmet-clad visitors through the 2.5 kilometres of caves bathed in soft blue LED lights, Trevor Butelezi gestures toward a shadowy passage that leads to an underground lake. “It’s actually a beautiful cavity,” said the 34-year-old tourism graduate, his voice echoing gently off the walls.
“Africa gave rise to humanity and it’s not a small thing,” he said, paraphrasing a quote from the South African palaeontologist Phillip Tobias. For now, those hoping to glimpse the original Little Foot will have to wait for heritage month in September. The skeleton, which took two decades to excavate and assemble, is only displayed on special occasions.
Back in 1999, despite scooping up five Oscars Saving Private Ryan narrowly missed out on winning Best Picture, causing one of the biggest shocks in award show history
Now the film has once again been snubbed to the top spot as Vulture ranked it only at number 5 on its list of the top 50 war films.
But with war movies accounting for a massively popular genre, the top 10 is sure to be jam-packed with the classics.
10. The Hurt Locker
Despite cinemagoers being largely resistant to films about the Iraq War, due to its controversial nature, this film, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, picked up Best Picture and Best Director at the 2010 Academy Awards, which is only a fraction of the many awards it won. The film does not ignore the politics of the conflict but it focuses specifically on the experiences of an explosive ordnance disposal team
9. The Big Red One
With direction from Sam Fuller who had already been a crime reporter, pulp novelist, screenwriter, and soldier before his, he he brought his World War II experiences to many of his films, but put most of his autobiographical elements into this project, a sprawling war film based on his experiences in the Army’s 1st Infantry Division. He had been trying to film The Big Red One since the 1950s but persisted and managed to create this film on a budget before it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 1980.
8. Come and See
Elem Klimov’s harrowing Come and See begins with a Belarusian teen named Flyora (Aleksey Kravchenko) imitating a soldier as he and a friend dig through a trench looking for guns. In the process, he seems to summon war to his village. Over the course of the film, Flyora’s face becomes a map of trauma. It’s a harsh, haunting depiction of innocence lost that is built around unblinking recreations of the atrocities of WW2.
7. The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp
With direction from, Georges Périnal his British satire was released in the middle of WW2 after cartoonist David Low’s aging, walrus-mustached, potbellied Colonel Blimp debuted in the Evening Standard in 1934. The character embodies an out-of-date in a certain type of British military man and the award-winning film serves as an origin story for him.
6. Apocalypse Now
Francis Ford Coppola’s loose adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness relays Conrad’s use of a river journey from South Vietnam to Cambodia as a trip into the most burrowing reaches of the human psyche. Martin Sheen stars as a special-ops soldier Captain Willard, charged with ending the career of the abusive Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando).
5. Saving Private Ryan
The end of the 20th century allowed for a period of reflection over what had happened in the middle of the century, most significantly, WW2. Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan focuses on the D-Day invasion of Normandy and follows a group of soldier’s experiences, led by Captain Miller, played by Tom Hanks.
4. Grand Illusion (1937)
Causing much controversy in both Germany and France, this Jean Renoir masterpiece about French WWI prisoners of war and their German captors sparked a conversation about its pacifist attitudes. With a release in 1937, and then a rerelease in 1946 in the aftermath of the second world war, it’s no surprise it didn’t sit well with many critics. But years later, the film overwhelms those concerns with its connection to humanity.
3. The Thin Red Line (1998)
This adaptation of James Jones’s 1962 novel based on his World War II experiences fighting in the Guadalcanal campaign from Terrence Malick attracted both rising and established stars. The film that made it to the big screen ended up changing shape quite dramatically over time and there is a version somewhere in which Adiran Brody plays a key character rather than popping up for only a few minutes of screen time.
2. Paths of Glory
Stanley Kubrick’s 1957 adaptation of Humphrey Cobb’s WW1 novel demonstrates the sheer brutality of trench warfare. The film shows officers ordering soldiers to fight in a battle they know they cannot win. Kubrick’s ability to depict the cost of humanity that this war had is what makes the film so impressively haunting. The final scene shows a rare moment of connection and vulnerability while a German singer performs, (Christiane Kubrick).
1. Ran
After difficulty with funding the project, problems with his sight and the loss of his wife, Akira Kurosawa did not expect to create a sweeping epic that would become the greatest war film ever made. It is a story of one man’s horrifying regret and his tragic end where a rush of reflection leads to humbling even the proudest of people. The film was also the most expensive Japanese movie to be made up until that point and was a huge technical accomplishment.
The sixth-generation Audi A6 sedan has been unveiled, trailing its Avant wagon sibling by a month-and-a-half.
With a co-efficient of drag of just 0.23, the new A6 sedan is said to be the most aerodynamically efficient petrol- or diesel-powered Audi to date.
These new sedan and wagon A6 models are powered by turbocharged petrol or diesel engines, and shouldn’t be confused with the A6 e-tron range, which is all electric and largely unrelated.
Audi initially planned to bestow the A7 on badge the new petrol/diesel A6 range, but has since walked back the plan to give petrol/diesel models odd-numbered names and electric models even-numbered ones.
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Both the new A6, and the smaller A5, ride on the Volkswagen Group’s Platform Premium Combustion (PPC) for vehicles with a longitudinally mounted engine driving either the front or all four wheels.
PPC is an update of the MLB architecture. In addition to the the automaker’s latest software package, it also supports a more advanced mild hybrid setup, known as “MHEV plus technology” in Audi-speak.
MHEV plus features a 48V electrical system, a 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack, a belt alternator starter to wake the engine, and a 18kW/230Nm powertrain generator that can drive the car at low speeds and provides a bit of extra oomph when needed.
In addition to this, the new system supports regenerative braking up to 25kW, and has an electrically driven air-conditioning compressor, allowing the cool air to keep flowing when the engine is switched off at the lights or under light driving loads.
There will be three drivetrains at launch, and only the entry-level 150kW/340Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine does without the MHEV plus system.
Both the 150kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder aimed at Europe, and the 270kW/550Nm 3.0-litre turbo V6 petrol targetted at the US are fitted with the MHEV plus setup.
Quattro all-wheel drive, which can direct up to 70 per cent of the power to the rear wheels, is optional in the turbo-diesel, and standard in the turbo V6, helping the six-cylinder scoot from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds. Quattro buyers can also opt for four-wheel steering.
Intriguingly, the V6’s claimed fuel combined consumption of between 6.7 and 7.7L/100km is better than the base four-cylinder petrol’s 6.9 to 7.8L/100km.
Riding on wheels up to 21 inches in diameter, the A6 features a five-link suspension setup at both ends. There are three suspension systems available: standard, sport (20mm lower), and an adaptive air suspension that can be 30mm lower than standard.
Like the A6 Avant, the sedan has screen-heavy dashboard. There’s a 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver, and this is housed in the same frame as a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. A smaller 10.9-inch touchscreen just for the front passenger is an optional extra.
The infotainment system runs on the Android Automotive operating system. It supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and has ChatGPT integration for voice commands.
Other available features include a panoramic glass roof with electrochromatic shading, a 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, four-zone climate control, and soft-close doors.
Measuring 4.99m long, 1.88m wide, and riding on a 2927mm wheelbase, the new A6 sedan is 60mm longer than the previous generation. Boot space is rated at 492 litres, and the rear seat folds 40:20:40.
Audi’s Neckarsulm plant in Germany will produce the new petrol and diesel A6 models for most markets outside of China. The new A6 sedan will begin arriving in European showrooms around the middle of the year.
ICICI Bank depositors will earn a 2.75 per cent interest on their savings bank balances of up to Rs 50 lakh, the same as HDFC Bank’s offering, as per its website.
ICICI Bank’s revised rates are applicable from Wednesday, April 16.
ICICI Bank has reduced its interest rates on its savings account deposits by 25 basis points, according to its website. The revised rates are applicable from Wednesday, April 16. The second-largest private sector bank’s move comes days after larger rival HDFC Bank announced a similar move amid a spate of cuts in deposit offerings following the RBI’s two back-to-back rate decreases.
Recently, HDFC Bank slashed interest rates on its savings bank deposit accounts by 25 bps with effect from April 12, which is the first rate cut in this category since April 2022.
ICICI Bank depositors will earn a 2.75 per cent interest on their savings bank balances of up to Rs 50 lakh, the same as HDFC Bank’s offering, as per the website.
For balances of over Rs 50 lakh, the rate has been decreased by a similar quantum of 0.25 per cent to 3.25 per cent, as per the website.
SBI, the country’s largest lender, at present offers an interest rate of 2.70 per cent for savings bank accounts. Other lenders have also cut the term deposit rate offerings in the past few days.
The deposit rate cuts by lenders have come days after the RBI reduced its key rates for the second consecutive time, taking the cumulative decrease in the repo rate to 0.50 per cent in the last four months.
The central bank has also made it clear that it wants a faster transmission of its rate moves in the system, which will help in achieving the objective of accelerating economic growth.
Deposit accretion has been a challenge for banks over the past few quarters, which also witnessed liquidity being in deficit, and lenders have been reporting a pressure on net interest margins lately.
Meanwhile, India’s largest private sector lender HDFC Bank has also cut interest rates on its savings bank deposit accounts by 25 bps. This is the first rate cut in this category since April 2022. The revision applies to both slabs of savings balances, impacting all customers. The new rates are effective from April 12, 2025.
Cryptocurrency prices have dropped sharply in the past 24 hours. Investors pulled out of risky assets due to the rising tensions between the US-China trade war.
The US has now raised tariffs on Chinese imports to as high as 245% tariffs on imports as a result of its retaliatory actions and added new limits on chip exports.
Trump has reportedly urged China to initiate the trade talks saying that the US does not need a deal. However, China responded that the US must stop using pressure and threats if it truly wants to resolve the issue through negotiations. “For any dialog to happen, it must be based on equality, respect and mutual benefit,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.
The U.S. had previously imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, while China responded with a 125% tariff on U.S. goods.
Bitcoin and Broader Market Declines
Bitcoin has dropped over 2% in response and the broader crypto market dropped 3.75%. Stock markets were also impacted as Nasdaq 100 futures fell over 1% and S&P 500 futures dropped 0.65%. Although Bitcoin stayed relatively stable during earlier sessions, signs suggest that its recent bull run might slow down. It is currently trading at $83,826, down over 2% in the past day.
Besides, Bitcoin dropped below its 200-day simple moving average on March 9, which often signals major trend shifts. According to Coinbase institutional, this move suggests that Bitcoin’s sharp decline marks the start of a new bear market cycle which started in late March itself.
The Bull Market Is Over?
Coinbase Institutional’s research head, David Duong said that a key risk-adjusted performance metric called the Z-score indicates that the crypto bull run likely ended in late February. The market has since been moving sideways neither bullish not bearish, but neutral.
However, crypto prices have held up relatively well. A trader at market maker Wintermute believes that this stability gives traders more confidence to use protective strategies like hedging. Therefore, some prime brokers have moved from being cautious to neutral on risk assets. The upcoming market moves will likely depend on actual economic data.
The Macro Factors
Key economic data is set to be released this month, including a speech from Fed Chair today where investors expect insights on the next rate cut move. Meanwhile, the uncertainty in risk assets has pushed investor towards safer assets like Gold, which is now up over 26% this year, while dollar has dropped 9%. Gold also hit a new record high of $3,300 per ounce amid escalating US China tensions.
Analyst Ali Martinez has recently pointed out that Bitcoin is consolidating within a channel, and since the $83,200 support level is holding strong, there’s a good chance it could bounce back and rise toward the middle or top of that range. It remains to be seen if Bitcoin will rise back up or drop further.
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched new a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Diploma) programme for both fresh graduates and working professionals to upskill in industry-relevant technical expertise.
The program allows learners to access high-quality education while maintaining flexibility to pursue employment or internships simultaneously, a release from IIT-Madras said.
The specializations offered under this programme are Aerospace Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Electrical Engineering (Integrated Circuits, Communication & Signal Processing, Multimedia, Microelectronics), Mechanical Engineering (Mechanical Design, Automotive Technology), Engineering Design (E-Mobility) and Process Safety.
The format of the programme is live online evening or weekend classes and access to recorded sessions thus allowing learners to pursue academic advancement while gaining industry experience through full-time jobs or internships. It also involves hands-on projects and interim assessments via remote proctoring. Final exams are conducted at designated centers across India.
Candidates who perform well in the PG Diploma program also have the opportunity to upgrade to a Web-Enabled M.Tech degree from IIT Madras.
The classes for the PG Diploma course commence from August/September 2025. The applications are open, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply till May 2025. The admissions are through an entrance exam, which will be held on 13th July 2025.
Our ears are suffering this Wednesday, as music streaming service Spotify suffers “ongoing issues” that are making features unavailable for some people.
At around 6 a.m. PT, a massive spike in reports appeared on DownDetector, with well over 45,000 people affected in the US at the time of writing (Downdetector is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis). Spotify has also acknowledged the problem, posting on its status account: “We’re aware of some issues right now and are checking them out!”
A spokesperson for Spotify pointed back to the post on X when approached for further comment on the situation.
Different people are reporting different problems with Spotify. The most common complaint seems to be that the search tool isn’t working. I’ve been listening to Spotify for the last few hours without any issues via the mobile app, but I haven’t been able to get the web player to load.
Over on X, people have been quick to post memes about the outage.
Spotify will likely put a fix in place quickly following today’s issues, but if the outage has caused you to second guess your loyalty, do take a look at our guide to the best music streaming services.
CT scans, or CAT scans, are widely used to get internal images of the body and diagnose dangerous medical conditions — but they could pose a hidden risk.
A new study from the University of California – San Francisco found that CT (computed tomography) scans could be responsible for 5% of all cancer diagnoses each year, according to a press release.
“While some uncertainty exists, it doesn’t significantly affect the core conclusion: A small but meaningful percentage of cancers are linked to CT scans, and this number can be reduced,” first author Rebecca Smith-Bindman, MD, a UCSF radiologist and professor, told Fox News Digital.
5 CANCER TYPES WHERE SCREENINGS SAVE THE MOST LIVES
The researchers’ estimates show that the ionizing radiation exposure from CT scans is comparable to other significant risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and excess body weight.
CT scans, or CAT scans, are widely used to get internal images of the body and diagnose dangerous medical conditions — but they could pose a hidden risk.(iStock)
To predict how many future cancers could result from current CT scans, the researchers updated a previous analysis of 2023 data on scan volumes, scan types and radiation doses, according to Smith-Bindman, MD.
“We used a well-validated model to estimate cancer risk and conducted sensitivity analyses to confirm the robustness of our findings,” she said.
“This is a modeling study, meaning our conclusions depend on the accuracy of the data used.”
COMMON CANCER TYPE COULD BE DETECTED WITH NEW BLOOD TEST
Based on the review, the researchers estimate that approximately 103,000 future cancers will be caused by CT scans performed in 2023 in the U.S., with the highest number of cases affecting adults aged 50 to 69.
Individual cancer risk is highest for babies and children, with babies under 1 year old 10 times more likely to develop the disease compared to others in the study.
Adults, however, account for the majority of scans, which drives the overall cancer burden, Smith-Bindman noted.
“CT doses are sometimes higher than necessary.”
The most common cancer types resulting from CT radiation, according to the study, include lung cancer, colon cancer, leukemia and breast cancer.
The study, which was published on April 14 in JAMA Internal Medicine, received funding from the National Institutes of Health.
“If CT is clearly indicated, the benefits far outweigh the risks,” the researcher said.(iStock)
“In many cases, CT is the most appropriate test for achieving rapid and accurate diagnoses,” Smith-Bindman told Fox News Digital.
“However, the use of CT continues to rise, including a concerning increase in imaging that is performed without a justified medical reason — often referred to as ‘low-value scanning.’”
CANCER SCREENINGS: HERE ARE 5 TYPES AND CRITICAL INFORMATION TO KNOW ABOUT EACH
Based on the findings, the researchers recommend avoiding unnecessary CT scans to avoid potential harms.
Another risk-reducing approach is to lower the radiation dose per scan.
“CT doses are sometimes higher than necessary, so patients are encouraged to ask their healthcare providers or technologists to use the lowest possible dose for their scan,” Smith-Bindman advised.
“A small but meaningful percentage of cancers are linked to CT scans, and this number can be reduced.”(iStock)
Ultimately, the researcher said, patients should have informed conversations with their healthcare providers about the necessity of a CT scan and whether alternative imaging options — like ultrasound or MRI — might be more appropriate.
“If CT is clearly indicated, the benefits far outweigh the risks,” she said. “But if not, it’s best to avoid the scan altogether.”
“Less can be more when it comes to good patient care.”
Dr. Nicole Saphier, board-certified radiologist and Fox News medical contributor, was not involved in the study but commented on the risks and benefits of CT scans.
“I have long advocated for the judicious use of medical imaging, often citing that less can be more when it comes to good patient care,” she told Fox News Digital.
IMAGE
“The recent study linking the ionizing radiation from CT scans to an increased risk of cancer underscores what many in the medical community have understood for years: while imaging is a powerful diagnostic tool, it is not without risk.”
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Saphier said the study may even underestimate the total number of cancers attributable to medical imaging.
“Many cases of medical intervention-induced cancers may go unrecognized due to long latency periods, the complex interplay of contributing factors and the fact they omitted radiation from image-guided procedures, x-rays and other forms of medical radiation from this study,” she noted.
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“As imaging use and medical interventions continue to rise — especially in younger populations — the cumulative radiation exposure over a lifetime becomes an increasingly important consideration.”
That said, Saphier went on, CT scans and other medical imaging modalities — which are “fast and cheap” — save lives every day.
Based on the review, the researchers estimate that approximately 103,000 future cancers will be caused by CT scans performed in 2023 in the U.S., with the highest number of cases affecting adults aged 50 to 69.(iStock)
“The key is balance. Physicians must remain vigilant in weighing the benefits against the risks, and should always explore alternative modalities when appropriate, such as ultrasound or MRI, which do not use ionizing radiation.”
Informed decision-making is essential for both clinicians and patients, according to the doctor.
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“We must continue to refine our protocols, limit unnecessary imaging and ensure we are using the lowest possible doses without compromising diagnostic quality,” Saphier concluded.
“This is not a call to avoid CT scans — it is a call to use them wisely.”
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].
Unconventional ice cream flavours often go viral on social media, sparking debates among foodies. While some defend experimental creations, others prefer that the classics be left alone. Recently, a unique kind of ice cream grabbed the attention of Instagram users (especially those from India). An Indian restaurant (called Flyover Fritterie) located in Sydney posted a video showing off one of their latest creations: a filter coffee soft serve! As the name suggests, this ice cream is flavoured with the iconic South Indian beverage and boasts a mild brown colour. Also Read: British Vlogger Enjoys Pothichoru In Kerala, Wins Hearts Online
In the reel, a staff member excitedly gives us a glimpse of this cool dessert. She dispenses the creamy soft serve into a “traditional brass coffee cup.” The shape of the receptacle indeed matches that of glasses typically used for filter coffee. What’s more, the restaurant has also got a secondary brass cup accompaniment – the one that is shorter and wider. The soft serve is described as “strong” and “lush.” The video shows various staff members as well as customers tasting it. Watch the complete clip below:
Also Read: Viral Video Shows Australian Dad In Love With Masala Chai In India
In the comments, many users loved the idea of this unique way of enjoying the flavours of filter coffee. Several people expressed an interest in trying it. Many people applauded the choice to serve them in the South Indian-style cups. Read some of the reactions below:
“This is brilliant.”
“Looks soo good!!”
“This is too cool.”
“As someone born in Chennai, seeing this authentic Kaapi cup & the filter Kaapi soft serve being served in Sydney makes my heart feel happy!”
“South Indian approved.”
“Totally in love with the way it’s served OMG! Just like authentic South Indian filter coffee oh my!”
“I can tell it tastes amazing. Bring this to India, please!”
“Hear me out guys, filter coffee ice-cream affogato!”
Before this, a video showing a Tamilian man and his family teaching his Dutch in-laws how to drink filter coffee went viral. Click here to read the full story.
Malaysian media outlets published a signed article by Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, titled “May the Ship of China-Malaysia Friendship Sail Toward an Even Brighter Future.” CGTN reporter Zhao Yunfei takes a look at the English version of the article published by the local newspaper The Star.
Brigade Enterprises Ltd, the Bengaluru-based real estate group, is expanding its presence in Chennai with plans to build the tallest residential project yet with 49 floors in Perambur.
This will beat its own ongoing project, Altius, at Sholinganallur that will have 47 floors, while SPR towers in Perambur is a 45 floor project.
Brigade’s Perambur project will have five towers (the other four towers will have between 38 and 43 floors). It will be built in 15.82 acres with an investment of 620 crore, said sources.
Perambur is one of Chennai’s fastest growing residential areas. In the last two years, Chennai’s Pallavaram recorded rental values growth of 44 per cent while capital values rose by 21 per cent. In Perambur, rental values grew by 36 per cent while capital values rose 23 per cent, according to ANAROCK data released in March.
For Brigade’s Perambur project, the land cost will be ₹178 crore; the building cost is ₹405 crore and utilities ₹37 crore. The project, through a joint venture with PVP Ventures, will have four floors (G+3) to accommodate 2,470 vehicles. It will have five towers.
Brigade is also putting up a similar project in Velachery costing nearly ₹600 crore. It plans a high-rise group development at Raptakos, Brett & Company Ltd facility, which has been closed for many years. The site is sandwiched between Phoenix Mall and Westside.
The changes in Floor Space Index (FSI) regulations as per TNCDBR 2019, has accentuated verticalisation with more high-rise buildings in Chennai.
The city annually produces 22,000 to 23,000 dwelling units. This is far below when compared with cities like Hyderabad or Bengaluru generating over 80,000 units each, and Mumbai at a distant aim of 1.25 lakh units, industry sources say.
Siva Krishnan, Senior Managing Director – Chennai & Coimbatore, and Head – Residential Services, India, JLL had earlier told businessline that prior to 2010, Chennai’s high-rise structures ranged between 14 and 18 floors. The period between 2010 and 2018 saw a significant shift, with buildings regularly exceeding 20 floors. Vertical growth began post-2019, as the city embraced true skyscrapers surpassing 40 floors.
In Chennai, Brigade has over 125 acres and 17 million sq ft of developable area. Some of projects in Chennai both delivered and under construction — Brigade Vantage (retail), WTC Chennai (office), Brigade Residences at WTC (residential), Holiday Inn (hospitality), Brigade Xanadu (residential) and Icon, a mixed-use development.
Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.
Sadržaj nastao u suradnji s: Kaufland
USKRS nam stiže ove nedjelje, a tjedan pred nama prava je prilika da bez žurbe pripremimo sve za blagdanski stol. Bilo da ste ljubitelj tradicije ili tražite nove ideje za uskrsni meni, ponuda Kauflanda, koja vrijedi od srijede 16. travnja do utorka 22. travnja, nudi sve što vam treba na jednom mjestu.
Lagano, ukusno i svečano – baš kako treba za Veliki petak
Veliki petak tradicionalno je dan kad se biraju laganija jela, a riba i morski plodovi i dalje su prvi izbor za mnoge obitelji. Bilo da pripremate brzinski obrok ili želite nešto svečanije, riba može biti i jednostavna i posebna – ako znate kako je poslužiti.
Hladno dimljeni losos (100 g, 3.80 eura) iz ovotjedne ponude Kauflanda izvrstan je za brza hladna predjela – poslužite ga na tamnom kruhu s namazom od svježeg sira i limunovim sokom uz tvrdo kuhana jaja ili listove baby špinata za dodatnu svježinu.
Za ručak ili laganu večeru izdvajamo Ledo oslić bez glave (800 g, cijena na sniženju je 5.69 eura). Bilo da ga pripremite pečenog u pećnici s krumpirom ili na lešo uz nekoliko jednostavnih začina, riječ je o klasičnom jelu koje uvijek prolazi.
Osim oslića, vrijedi obratiti pozornost i na Perla krakove divovske lignje (1 kg, cijena na sniženju je 6.49 eura, a uz Kaufland Card ukupna ušteda je 27%) – mogu se pripremiti kao topla salata s kuhanim krumpirom, peršinom i maslinovim uljem ili, za one koji vole rustikalna jela, “à la ispod peke” – sporo pečeni s povrćem i začinima, što ističe puni okus.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Uskrs je dan kad je svaki obrok malo svečaniji
Uskrs se u mnogim domovima obilježava najfinijim blagdanskim jelima, koja su dio obiteljske tradicije i poznatih okusa. Uskrsno jutro najčešće započinje kuhanim jajima, narescima, svježim povrćem i pincom, dok se za ručak poslužuju topla domaća jela u opuštenoj blagdanskoj atmosferi.
Blagdanska ponuda u Kauflandu ovoga tjedna donosi sve što je potrebno za uskrsni doručak. Neizostavna na stolu su obojena kuhana jaja (6 kom., 2.99 eura), koja se poslužuju uz klasične nareske poput Pivac rolane lopatice (1 kg, samo 5.79 eura) i Dobro kvrgavog kulena (100 g, cijena na sniženju je 1.89 eura).
Uz njih se tradicionalno poslužuje sezonsko povrće, koje se ovoga tjedna u Kauflandu može pronaći po dobroj cijeni. Izdvajamo mladi luk (vezica, cca 200 g, 0.49 eura) i rotkvicu (vezica, 0.49 eura). Kao nezaobilazan dodatak uskrsnom doručku, odnosno šunki, tu je i Zvijezda hren (260 g, cijena na sniženju je 1.59 eura).
Francuska salata gotovo je nezaobilazna za Uskrs – često se poslužuje i uz doručak i uz glavno jelo. Za one koji ne stignu pripremiti svoju, tu je gotova Zvijezda francuska salata iz ovotjedne ponude Kauflanda po cijeni od samo 5.99 eura.
Nakon doručka uskrsno druženje nastavlja se za ručkom. Mnogima su nezaobilazni patka i mlinci – jelo koje se priprema s više pozornosti i vremena te uvijek donosi onaj pravi blagdanski osjećaj. Iz ponude izdvajamo svježu mladu patku s iznutricama (1 kg, 3.25 eura) i Klara mlince s jajima (250 g, samo 0.99 eura).
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
Savršen spoj – sir i vino
U blagdanskom danu između doručka i ručka često se nađe trenutak za kratak predah uz komad sira i čašu vina.
Iz bogate ponude u Kauflandu ovoga tjedna izdvajamo Kažun istarski tvrdi kravlji sir (100 g, cijena na sniženju je 1.35 eura) i Marija Zvijezda Trapist polutvrdi sir (100 g, samo 1.59 eura) – idealne za posluživanje na plati uz orahe, masline ili jednostavno s komadom kruha.
Ovi sirevi izvrsno se slažu s vinima iz Kauflandove ponude. Posebno izdvajamo Ilok Frankovku (crno ili bijelo, 0.75 l, cijena na sniženju je 2.99 eura) i Bibich bijelo vino Riserva R5 (0.75 l, cijena na sniženju je 15.99 eura), tri opcije za različite ukuse.
Uskrs bez ovih kolača? Teško
Na uskrsnom stolu, uz ukusno jelo i dobru čašu pića, uvijek se nađe mjesta i za nešto slatko. Bilo da se poslužuju uz jutarnju kavu, kao dio blagdanskog doručka ili nakon ručka, klasični kolači vraćaju onaj poznati domaći osjećaj.
Iz ponude Kauflanda posebno izdvajamo Mlinar pincu sirnicu (400 g, cijena na sniženju je 1.79 eura) – slatki kruh mekane teksture koji se u mnogim domovima poslužuje već od jutra.
Tekst se nastavlja ispod oglasa
U ponudi su i razne pite – od višanja, sa sirom ili s jabukama (500 g, cijena na sniženju je 2.79 eura), bogato punjene i savršene uz popodnevnu kavu, te vanilin ili orah kiflice (400 g, cijena na sniženju je 1.89 eura), jednostavne, prhke i uvijek dobrodošle na blagdanskom tanjuru.
U goste s ukusnim znakom pažnje
Tijekom uskrsnih dana mnogi posjećuju obitelj i prijatelje, a mali slatki znak pažnje uvijek je dobrodošao. Za najmlađe tu je Kuchenmeister uskrsni zeko (350 g, 4.99 eura, a uz Kaufland Card ukupna ušteda je 10%) – čokoladna figura koja će zasigurno izmamiti osmijeh.
Za odrasle predlažemo nešto elegantnije: Kraš Selection praline Antique pelinkovac (158 g, 4.99 eura), ukusan izbor koji se lijepo uklapa uz kavu ili kao dio blagdanskog paketa.
Sponzorirani sadržaj donose Index i Kaufland Hrvatska u skladu s najvišim profesionalnim standardima.
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City Section Central City Value 12, CNDLC 2 Granada Hills 2, Bell 0 Kennedy 7, South Gate 3 Palisades 13, Taft 2 Poly 2, Banning 1 Sylmar 5, Roosevelt 0 Triumph Charter 23, Discovery 0
Southern Section AAE 12, ACE 2 Alhambra 17, Mark Keppel 1 Apple Valley 7, Hesperia 4 Arcadia 5, Burbank 0 Arlington 3, Valley View 0 Arrowhead Christian 8, Ontario Christian 2 Azusa 3, Sierra Vista 2 Baldwin Park 16, Garey 5 Bakersfield 9, Capistrano Valley Christian 5 Bell Gardens 14, San Gabriel 0 Bishop Montgomery 8, South Torrance 3 Bolsa Grande 15, Rancho Alamitos 5 Brentwood 5, Campbell Hall 0 Calvary Baptist 18, NSLA 0 Canyon Springs 14, Vista del Lago 6 Century 8, Anaheim 1 Cerritos 9, Whitney 1 Channel Islands 7, Nordhoff 5 Charter Oak 11, Hacienda Heights Wilson 1 CIMSA 22, Lucerne Valley 3 Citrus Valley 13, Redlands 3 Cornerstone Christian 22, Packinghouse Christian 0 Corona 10, Corona Santiago 1 Corona Centennial 2, Eastvale Roosevelt 1 Corona del Mar 5, Marina 4 Crean Lutheran 11, Sonora 4 Culver City 7, Beverly Hills 0 Desert Mirage 7, Public Safety Academy 0 Dos Pueblos 10, Pleasant Valley 0 Edgewood 1, La Puente 0 El Rancho 4, California 0 El Toro 7, Calabasas 4 Ganesha 15, Pomona 0 Garden Grove Santiago 4, Saddleback 3 Gahr 10, La Mirada 2 Glendale 7, Muir 6 Glendora 10, Silverado 0 Glenn 15, Pioneer 2 Hart 6, Castaic 0 Hawthorne 15, Compton Centennial 4 Heritage Christian 20, Dominguez 0 Hesperia Christian 3, Big Bear 2 Highland 8, Quartz Hill 5 Hueneme 12, Grace 4 Huntington Beach 3, Los Alamitos 2 Indian Springs 25, Entrepreneur 2 Katella 8, Buena Park 4 Lakewood 7, Santa Fe 6 La Quinta 4, Shadow Hills 2 La Salle 5, Loyola 2 La Serna 8, Whittier 0 La Sierra 7, Jurupa Valley 5 Leuzinger 27, Morningside 0 Liberty 6, Paloma Valley 5 Loara 34, Western 0 Loma Linda Academy 7, Mesa Grande Academy 1 Long Beach Poly 7, Paramount 1 Magnolia 11, Santa Ana Valley 3 Miller 7, San Bernardino 1 Millikan 10, Atascadero 0 Moorpark 6, Agoura 0 Moreno Valley 3, Hemet 1 Newport Harbor 1, Fountain Valley 0 Nogales 13, Duarte 2 Norco 19, Riverside King 4 Northview 6, Covina 3 Oak Hills 2, Ridgecrest Burroughs 1 Oakwood 4, Buckley 3 Ojai Valley 20, Hillcrest Christian 9 Orange 8, Estancia 5 Orange Lutheran 3, Santa Margarita 0 OrangeVista 6, Citrus Hill 1 Oxnard 6, Village Christian 4 Palm Desert 7, Xavier Prep 2 Pasadena 17, Hoover 3 Patriot 12, Rubidoux 2 Ramona 10, Norte Vista 0 Rancho Verde 3, Perris 0 Redlands East Valley 3, Cajon 2 Rio Hondo Prep 3, Pasadena Poly 2 Riverside North 1, Heritage 0 Riverside Poly 4, Lakeside 2 Riverside Prep 16, University Prep 2 Santa Ana 8, Godinez 2 Santa Clara 9, Villanova Prep 2 Santa Monica 2, Lawndale 1 Santa Paula 2, Rio Mesa 1 Saugus 3, Golden Valley 0 Schurr 4, Montebello 1 Segerstrom 2, La Palma Kennedy 1 St. Bernard 10, New Roads 0 St. John Bosco 4, Servite 1 St. Monica 10, Milken 0 St. Monica Academy 10, Milken 0 Sultana 15, Serrano 3 Trabuco Hills 10, Mission Viejo 1 Trinity Classical Academy 12, Faith Baptist 0 Troy 6, Esperanza 0 Tustin 2, Fullerton 1 Valencia 11, Canyon Country Canyon 1 West Covina 5, Rowland 3 Westminster La Quinta 1, Los Amigos 0 West Ranch 6, Camarillo 1 Windward 6, Crossroads 3 Yucaipa 5, Beaumont 2
Intersectional Aquinas 8, North Cobb Christian (GA) 5 Atascadero 14, Garfield 6 Birmingham 6, Centennial (NV) 4 Brighton (NY) 17, Vaughn 2 Central 2, El Camino Real 1 Desert Mirage 7, Public Safety Academy 0 Millikan 27, Credo 0 Newington (CT) 11, Vaughn 1 Paso Robles 7, South East 1 Simi Valley 9, Cleveland 2 Wheatland 6, Narbonne 5
SOFTBALL City Section Garfield 17, Marshall 1 University Prep Value 24, Smidt Tech 12
Southern Section Anaheim 6, Irvine University 2 Arcadia 2, Burbank 0 Archer 18, Brentwood 0 Arlington 11, Heritage 1 Ayala 4, Claremont 0 Beaumont 12, Citrus Valley 3 Bell Gardens 17, San Gabriel 6 Big Bear 13, CIMSA 8 Bishop Diego 13, Foothill Tech 2 Bishop Montgomery 5, Cantwell-Sacred Heart 3 Brea Olinda 10, Santa Ana Foothill 9 Burbank Burroughs 16, Pasadena 0 Cajon 15, Redlands 3 Calvary Baptist 23, NSLA 2 Canyon Springs 13, Vista del Lago 1 Cerritos 4, Pioneer 3 Chadwick 5, Westridge 3 Charter Oak 10, Hacienda Heights Wilson 0 Crescenta Valley 16, Hoover 0 CSDR 19, Entrepreneur 9 Culver City 20, Compton Centennial 2 Cypress 3, Esperanza 1 Dominguez 9, Compton Early College 8 Duarte 12, Sierra Vista 1 Edgewood 14, Workman 3 Edison 12, Newport Harbor 4 El Modena 4, Garden Grove Pacifica 3 Excelsior Charter 13, AAE 2 Ganesha 13, La Puente 0 Grace 5, Ventura 3 Hawthorne 5, Lennox Academy 4 Highland 10, Palmdale 0 Indian Springs 22, Entrepreneur 6 JSerra 3, Santa Margarita 2 Jurupa Valley 10, La Sierra 0 Knight 9, Eastside 8 Lancaster 12, Antelope Valley 0 La Habra 5, Sunny Hills 0 La Quinta 5, Shadow Hills 0 La Salle 13, St. Pius X-St. Matthias 0 La Serna 7, California 2 Lawndale 18, Beverly Hills 1 Mark Keppel 14, Montebello 4 Miller 15, San Bernardino 10 Monrovia 17, San Marino 13 Moreno Valley 10, Citrus Hill 9 Muir 17, Glendale 4 Newbury Park 11, Nordhoff 1 Nogales 13, Baldwin Park 0 Northview 8, Covina 0 Oak Hills 14, Hesperia 4 Oaks Christian 10, Westlake 0 Ontario Christian 12, Arrowhead Christian 2 Orange Lutheran 7, Mater Dei 0 Packinghouse Christian 9, Cornerstone Christian 6 Paraclete 10, St. Anthony 0 Pasadena Poly 8, Mayfield 6 Patriot 15, Rubidoux 0 Perris 18, Rancho Christian 8 Providence 8, Bishop Alemany 6 Quartz Hill 13, Littlerock 0 Ramona 27, Norte Vista 0 Ramona Convent 26, Gardena Serra 3 Rancho Verde 8, Lakeside 2 Redondo Union 4, North Torrance 0 Riverside Poly 16, Paloma Valley 1 Rosary 11, Northwood 1 Rowland 11, West Covina 10 Sacred Heart of Jesus 21, St. Mary’s Academy 1 San Clemente 6, San Juan Hills 5 Santa Fe 10, Whittier 3 Saugus 5, Canyon Country Canyon 4 Schurr 14, Alhambra 0 Serrano 7, Ridgecrest Burroughs 4 Simi Valley 11, Sierra Canyon 7 St. Bonaventure 8, Santa Clara 4 St. Monica 14, Marty Star of the Sea 1 St. Paul 8, Lakewood St. Joseph 3 Sultana 15, Apple Valley 5 Temple City 8, South Pasadena 6 Troy 11, Crean Lutheran 0 University Prep 10, Riverside Prep 8 Valencia 10, Hart 1 Valley Christian 2, Gahr 2 Valley View 12, Liberty 4 Vasquez 5, Faith Baptist 4 Villa Park 2, El Dorado 0 West Ranch 8, Castaic 6 Whitney 18, Artesia 12 Whittier Christian 12, Maranatha 1 Yucaipa 11, Redlands East Valley 0
Google Unveils Veo 2 AI Video Generator: Google has officially launched its next-generation AI video generation tool, Veo 2, integrated into the Gemini platform which marks a significant leap for Google’s generative AI capabilities, allowing users to create short, high-resolution video clips from text prompts.
What is Veo 2?
Veo 2 is the successor to Google’s earlier video generation model, designed to produce eight-second-long videos in 720p resolution using descriptive text prompts. The videos are rendered in MP4 format with a 16:9 landscape aspect ratio, and Google says they are infused with cinematic realism, fluid character motion, and detailed visuals.
According to the company, Veo 2 achieves this level of realism by better understanding real-world physics, human movement, and environmental cues. The feature has begun rolling out globally to Gemini Advanced users on both web and mobile, as well as Google One AI Premium subscribers in all languages supported by Gemini.
How to Access and Use Veo 2 in Gemini: A step-by-step guide
Here’s how users can start creating videos with Veo 2:
Access Gemini on desktop or mobile and ensure you’re subscribed to Gemini Advanced or Google One AI Premium.
Select Veo 2 from the model dropdown menu.
Enter a detailed prompt describing the video you want to generate. Be as specific as possible — including elements like mood, visuals, movement, lighting, and style — to get optimal results.
Generate the video. Once created, you can preview and share directly to platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok.
Google notes that there is a monthly limit on the number of videos users can create, though the exact cap hasn’t been disclosed. Users will be notified as they approach their limit.
Integration with whisk for mixed prompts
Alongside Gemini, Google Labs is also offering access to Veo 2 through Whisk, which allows users to generate videos using a combination of text and image inputs — enabling richer and more precise outputs.
Sample prompts used by Google
To showcase Veo 2’s capabilities, Google shared a few example prompts and their resulting videos:
Prompt 1: “Time-lapse of a voxel-style ice cream melting under a clear blue sky…”
Prompt 2: “An animated shot of a tiny mouse with oversized glasses, reading a book by the light of a glowing mushroom in a cozy forest den.”
Prompt 3: “A slow-panning shot of an enormous glacial cavern, illuminated by pale cyan light and dotted with frozen candy figures…”
Prompt 4: “Aerial shot of a grassy cliff leading to a sandy beach, where waves crash and golden light bathes a prominent sea stack.”
Google vs OpenAI
Google’s release comes just months after rival OpenAI launched Sora Turbo in December 2024 — an advanced video generation model available to ChatGPT Plus and Pro users. With both tech giants now pushing into AI video, the competition is heating up in the generative media space.
As AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated, tools like Veo 2 and Sora Turbo are paving the way for creators, marketers, and storytellers to bring their ideas to life with unprecedented ease.
Pack your bags NOW as these 5 Easter 2025 weekend getaways from Mumbai are just hours away.
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Long weekends are like mini-vacations dropped from the heavens and Easter 2025 weekend is no different. If you are in Mumbai, there is no need to waste your precious days off scrolling through travel apps or lamenting over missed bookings. We have curated a list of 5 last-minute travel destinations from Mumbai to help you pack and dash into a weekend of memories—minus the stress.(Image by Pixabay)
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1. Alibaug (Approx. 3 hours via ferry/drive): A coastal town just a few hours from Mumbai, Alibaug is a popular weekend getaway known for its pristine beaches, historical forts and delicious seafood. You can also indulge in water sports like parasailing and jet skiing. (Pixabay)
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2. Lonavala and Khandala (Approx. 2–2.5 hours drive): Khandala is a hill station in the Western Ghats in the state of Maharashtra, India, about 3 kilometres from Lonavala and 7 kilometres from Karjat. Perfect for couples, families or solo travellers, the twin hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala are lush this time of year. Think waterfalls, misty trails and endless chai with views. Try a cozy hilltop villa or luxury glamping for something extra special on Easter weekend.(Image by Twitter)
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3. Matheran, Maharashtra (Aprrox. 2 hours): The tunnel under Matheran is part of the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway (Phase-II SPUR) which will run via Palghar, Thane and Raigad districts, connecting Virar in the north to Jawaharlal Nehru Port in the south. A sizable section will pass through the Matheran eco-sensitive zone (ESZ), which was declared as such in 2003 by the union environment ministry, to safeguard the region from developmental pressures. Matheran is Asia’s only automobile-free hill station! Enjoy horse rides, toy trains and panoramic points—all with fresh, pollution-free air.(Image by Shutterstock)
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4. Nashik, Maharashtra (Approx. 3-4 hours drive): Experience thrilling adventure sports with a scenic view or wine lovers can head to Nashik’s vineyards for wine-tasting sessions, vineyard tours and gorgeous staycations at places like Sula or York.(File Photo)
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5. Igatpuri, Maharashtra (Aprrox. 2-3 hours drive): Pictured here is Vallonne Vineyards, a boutique wine estate situated in Igatpuri near Nashik. Nestled in the Sahyadris, Igatpuri is serene and scenic with hiking trails, waterfalls and meditative retreats that are ideal for couples or solo travellers during Easter weekend.(Image by Instagram/@vallonne_vineyards)
Home Alone’s legendary director Chris Columbus has admitted the Donald Trump cameo in the beloved movie’s sequel is a “curse” and that he wishes it “was gone”. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was released in 1992, just two years after the 1990 original, and featured a scene where Macaulay Culkin’s protagonist Kevin McCallister briefly meets Trump in the Plaza Hotel and asks him for directions. The entire sequence last just seven seconds and the filmmaker is now very vocal in his dislike of the moment.
“(It has) become this curse. It’s become an albatross for me. I just wish it was gone. I can’t cut it. If I cut it, I’ll probably be sent out of the country. I’ll be considered sort of not fit to live in the United States, so I’ll have to go back to Italy or something,” he said in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle.
Oscar nominee Columbus, who also directed the first two Harry Potter films had previously discussed the cameo with Business Insider in 2020 claiming Trump more or less “bullied his way into the movie.”
“We paid the fee, but he also said, ‘The only way you can use the Plaza is if I’m in the movie’. So we agreed to put him in the movie, and when we screened it for the first time the oddest thing happened: People cheered when Trump showed up on screen. So I said to my editor, ‘Leave him in the movie. It’s a moment for the audience’,” he said.
Trump himself has disputed this account. Writing on Truth Social in 2023 he insisted that Columbus was “begging” him to appear in “Home Alone 2.”
“I was very busy, and didn’t want to do it. They were very nice, but above all, persistent. I agreed, and the rest is history! That little cameo took off like a rocket, and the movie was a big success, and still is, especially around Christmas time.
People call me whenever it is aired. Now, however, 30 years later, Columbus…put out a statement that I bullied myself into the movie. Nothing could be further from the truth. That cameo helped make the movie a success … Just another Hollywood guy from the past looking for a quick fix of Trump publicity for himself!” he penned.
Lost in the Big Apple, sees Kevin stumble into the Plaza Hotel and briefly meets Trump, who he asks for directions. Trump owned the Plaza Hotel at the time.
Columbus isn’t alone in wishing the cameo could be removed from the beloved family flick. Macaulay Culkin went viral for backing an online campaign to erase Trump from the film.
Responding to a tweet from a fan that read “Petition to digitally replace Trump in ‘Home Alone 2’ with 40-year-old Macaulay Culkin,” the actor wrote: “Sold.”
Canada’s CBC television station took matters into their own hands in 2019 when they cut it from a broadcast. Defending the decision CBC spokesman Chuck Thompson said eight minutes of the 120-minute film had been trimmed to make way for adverts.
He said the edits were made in 2014, before Trump was elected, and were not politically motivated.
The Ford Transit Custom is getting all-wheel drive in Australia, with the launch of a new Trail edition, designed to reach those hard-to-access camping spots.
Based on the long-wheelbase (LWB) Transit Custom Trend, the Trail is aimed at both commercial and recreational buyers, retaining its six cubic-metre load space and featuring equipment not found in the mid-size van’s base variant.
It’s due to arrive in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2025 (October to December), following the local debut of the electric E-Transit Custom (mid-year) and the Transit Custom PHEV (third quarter).
Priced from $61,990 before on-road costs, the Ford Transit Custom Trail is $5000 more expensive than the Trend LWB, but $1000 more affordable than the Sport Double Cab, the model’s only variant incorporating a second row of seats.
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Power continues to come from a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine (producing 125kW of power and 390Nm of torque), however, the Trail’s eight-speed automatic transmission is mated to a permanent all-wheel drive system, differentiating it from its front-drive siblings.
Ford claims the addition of all-wheel drive not only aids traction on the road when the surface has low grip, but also helps off-road.
The active system features an electronically controlled clutch at the rear, allowing it to act similarly to a four-wheel drive system when needed but without the drawbacks.
Visually, the Transit Custom Trail differs from the rest of the range with its unique grille and skid plates, black moulded wheel-arches, black side strips, silver painted rocker trim, matte black 16-inch twin-spoke wheels, and underbody protection.
Equipment from the Sport includes LED headlights and daytime running lights.
Its exterior also gains yellow decals, exclusive to the Trail.
Inside, the cabin gets artificial leather seat upholstery which includes Trail embossing for the driver’s seat, as well as yellow box stitching.
While a pair of passenger seats are standard, for $150 buyers can option a single passenger seat.
Carryover equipment from the Trend includes a 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen, an 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system – with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation and a 5G embedded modem – heated front seats, and a four-speaker sound system.
Buyers can option a rear liftgate for $700, or dual side load doors for $1000.
