News from October 29, 2025

Gaza ceasefire teeters as Netanyahu orders strikes

Israel accused Hamas of firing on Israeli troops

theweek.com 1 days ago

Technology

Police Win Praise for Swift Response During Cyclone Montha in Nellore and Prakasam

Nellore: Police in SPS Nellore and Prakasam districts earned widespread appreciation for their swift and coordinated response during Cyclone Montha, which brought heavy rains and flooding across coastal Andhra Pradesh.In SPS Nellore district, SP Dr Ajitha Vejendla commended the police force for their timely and disciplined operations that ensured public safety despite severe weather conditions. Acting on her directions, police halted heavy vehicles on NH-16 from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. on October 28 and 29 to prevent accidents. Teams from Kavali, Venkatachelam, Buchi, and Atmakur managed traffic and assisted stranded motorists until conditions improved.At Marripadu, CI Gangadhara Rao and SI Srinivasa Rao diverted traffic and cleared floodwater from NH-565, while in Ulavapadu, Kandukur DSP Ch. V.B. Subrahmanyam, CI Sk. Anwar Basha, and SI Ankamma restored access to Veerepalli ST Colony after flooding washed away the connecting road.Near Racharlapadu, close to IFFCO on NH-16, Additional SP Ch. Soujanya and Rural DSP Srinivasa Rao redirected vehicles through alternate routes and patrolled through the night to prevent mishaps.Meanwhile, in Prakasam district, SP V. Harshavardhan Raju led an extensive rain-relief and rescue operation, personally inspecting flood-hit zones including Ongole, Pelluru, and Pernamitta, where overflowing tanks inundated highways.In coordination with Revenue, Municipal, and Panchayat departments, police deployed JCBs to divert floodwater, clear blockages, and restore traffic flow across submerged stretches.At Naguluppalapadu, where water from nearby streams flooded the national highway, the SP ordered immediate traffic diversions. Continuous coordination among police, civic, and disaster response teams helped avert accidents and maintain mobility in affected regions.Drone surveillance was deployed to monitor flooding in low-lying areas, while over 4,900 people were safely relocated to rehabilitation centres. The SP urged the public to avoid travelling near overflowing streams and to contact 112 or the WhatsApp helpline 9121102266 in emergencies.In a separate rescue operation, police from Pullalacheruvu station saved nine stranded buses—seven RTC and two private—stuck near Kunkuduchettu Penta and Davupalli villages after rising floodwaters cut off the road. SI Sampath Kumar coordinated with highway staff to mobilise JCBs and tippers, safely towing the buses and providing food and water to passengers.Both district SPs lauded their officers for their dedication, teamwork, and round-the-clock service, emphasising that ensuring public safety remains the top priority during the cyclone crisis.

Pathri Rajasekhar 1 days ago

Technology

Photos Show US Firing HIMARS Rockets in Drills Near Japan's Mount Fuji

The United States conducted a live-fire training exercise for its combat-proven High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, at a range near Japan’s Mount Fuji. The exercise, conducted on Monday, demonstrated deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region and contributed to the stability of America’s allies, the U.S. Marine Corps said. Japan‘s Defense Ministry said the exercise was necessary to further strengthen the capabilities of the U.S.-Japan treaty alliance amid the current security environment. Why It Matters HIMARS is a mobile launcher capable of firing six Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System rockets, two Precision Strike Missiles or one Army Tactical Missile System missile, which has a range of 43 miles to over 310 miles. The long-range, precision firepower of HIMARS has been proved during the Russia-Ukraine war, as Kyiv’s forces have launched cross-border strikes against Russian targets using launchers supplied by the U.S. since the first year of the war. The U.S. live-fire war game in Japan comes as the allies enhance their defensive capabilities amid regional threats, including the Chinese military’s buildup and growing presence, as well as North Korea’s continued development of nuclear weapons and missiles. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese Foreign Ministry for comment via email. North Korea’s Embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment. United States Marines conduct a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System live-fire training exercise at the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, on October 27, 2025. What To Know U.S. Marines assigned to the 3rd Marine Division fired multiple practice rockets from a HIMARS launcher during a drill at the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, located at the base of Mount Fuji, a U.S. facility designed to support American forces. The exercise demonstrated Camp Fuji’s capability to support long-range fires, the U.S. 3rd Marine Division said in a news release, adding that the drill reflected Washington’s commitment to maintaining readiness and maximizing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. Major General Kyle Ellison, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Division, said the training site supports the 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, the Corps’ only forward-deployed artillery unit, in rehearsing and projecting long-range precision fires. “This training is foundational to enhancing 3/12’s agility and flexibility, ensuring they can safely and rapidly generate combat power in support of the Joint Force,” he said. Lieutenant Colonel Frank Mastromauro, commanding officer of the 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, said the unit rehearsed tasks and refined procedures during the drill. The 3rd Battalion is undergoing modernization that includes refining tactics such as seizing key terrain for the rapid insertion and deployment of HIMARS launchers for strike missions, then withdrawing to a secure location. United States Marines conduct a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System live-fire training exercise at the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, on October 27, 2025. Japan’s Defense Ministry said the exercise was conducted to ensure what it called “practical training opportunities” and to enhance the readiness of the U.S. military. In its defense white paper released earlier this year, the ministry said the country faces “the most severe and complex security environment” since World War II, given Chinese, North Korean and Russian military activities in the western Pacific. 10月27日、静岡県の東富士演習場において在日米海兵隊による高機動ロケット砲システム（ハイマース：HIMARS）の射撃訓練が成功裏に行われました。… pic.twitter.com/6UT2jcoBSx— 防衛省・自衛隊 (@ModJapan_jp) October 27, 2025 What People Are Saying The U.S. 3rd Marine Division said in a press release on Monday: “Camp Fuji has served as a key training site for the Marine Corps since 1953…HIMARS training at Camp Fuji offers unique advantages, including realistic training terrain, adequate range capacity, and specialized infrastructure necessary to safely and effectively support HIMARS operations.” Japan’s Defense Ministry said in a post on the social media platform X on Monday: “Given the current security environment, it is important to further strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, and the exercise was conducted by the U.S. military to ensure practical training opportunities and enhance readiness.” What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether U.S. forces deployed in Japan, numbering around 60,000 troops, will expand their live-fire exercises to signal capabilities to regional adversaries.

Ryan Chan 1 days ago

Technology

Deifiwr wedi marw ar ôl colli cyflenwad aer ym Mhen Llŷn - cwest

Fe glywodd y cwest dystiolaeth gan Batholegydd y Swyddfa Gartref, Brian Rodgers, sydd hefyd yn ddeifiwr sgwba cymwys a ddywedodd fod yna bryderon ynghylch offer Mr Magyer. "Mae'r dyluniad penodol hwn o offer yn anaddas ar gyfer deifio ym moroedd Prydain," meddai Dr Rodgers, "mae'n eithaf peryglus mewn gwirionedd". "Gall yr offer yn y geg gael ei ddatgysylltu o'r cyflenwad aer gan gerrynt y môr, y tonnau, hyd yn oed y tonnau sy'n digwydd wrth i gwch fynd heibio. "Dyna bron yn sicr beth sydd wedi digwydd yma." Ychwanegodd Dr Rodgers fod yr offer yng ngheg Mr Magyer wedi'i "gadw ymlaen â cheblau a mastig adeiladwr." Nododd y crwner, Sarah Riley, fod Mr Magyer wedi bod yn deifio ar ei ben ei hun, yn hytrach na gyda chyfaill fel yr argymhellir, ac nid oedd ganddo gyflenwad aer wrth gefn. Aeth ymlaen i gofnodi'r casgliad fel marwolaeth drwy anffawd gan ddweud iddo foddi ar ôl colli ei gyflenwad aer.

Bbc Cymru Fyw 1 days ago

Technology

Repetition Makes You Stronger

For Dr Vimee Bindra, endometriosis surgeon-gynecologist at Apollo Hospitals, mornings begin before the world wakes up. “There’s something magical about early mornings,” she says. “The city is quiet, my phone isn’t buzzing, and I can focus entirely on myself. I tie my hair back, lace up my shoes, and head to the gym — that’s how most of my days begin.” As an endometriosis surgeon, her job demands stamina, focus, and precision. “Hours of standing in the operating room and performing delicate robotic movements test not just your skill but your physical and mental strength,” she says. “To give my best to my patients, I have to take care of my own health first.” Her workouts — a mix of strength training, mobility, and core stability — help her stay surgery-fit. “Robotic surgery requires a strong back, steady hands, and endurance that lasts for hours,” she explains. “I train four to five times a week. It’s my non-negotiable ritual.” She credits her trainer, Samir, for keeping her consistent. “There are mornings I walk in tired after a long surgery, but he reminds me — just one rep at a time. That’s what we do: show up, repeat, get stronger.” That philosophy, she says, mirrors surgery. “A surgeon doesn’t perfect technique overnight. It’s repetition that builds strength and confidence — in the gym and in the OR.” Nutrition and rest are equally vital. “I’ve eliminated sugar from my diet and focus on clean, balanced meals — fresh vegetables, lean proteins, healthy carbs, and hydration,” she says. “And sleep is my secret weapon. Seven hours a night keeps my energy steady and my mind clear.”

DC Correspondent 1 days ago

Technology

Putin boasts 'unstoppable' Poseidon underwater nuclear drone has been successfully tested - defying Trump's warning over nukes

Putin has boasted that Russia has successfully tested the nuclear-capable underwater 'Poseidon' drone, defying Donald Trump's warning over nukes. The Russian president on Sunday oversaw a test of another advanced nuclear-capable cruise missile, which he said had an 'unlimited range'. Trump called that exercise not 'appropriate', adding: 'You ought to get the war ended, the war that should have taken one week is now in... its fourth year, that's what you ought to do instead of testing missiles.' In televised remarks while visiting a military hospital treating Russian soldiers wounded in Ukraine, Putin said: 'Yesterday, another test was conducted for another prospective system - the unmanned underwater device 'Poseidon,' also equipped with a nuclear power unit.' The Russian leader said there was 'no way to intercept' the drone torpedo, which, according to Putin, can travel at a speed higher than conventional submarines and reach any continent in the world. Putin said no country could match Poseidon's speed and diving depth, adding, 'it is unlikely that anything similar will appear in the near future.' The device can operate at a depth of more than one kilometre and travel at speeds of up to 70 knots while remaining undetectable, according to a source in the Russian military-industrial complex quoted by state news agency TASS. In 2023, strategic experts warned that the Poseidon torpedo would have the potential to devastate a coastal city, cause radioactive floods, and result in millions of deaths. According to its mission statement, the Poseidon project was focused on 'damaging the important components of the adversary's economy in a coastal area and inflicting unacceptable damage to a country's territory by creating areas of wide radioactive contamination that would be unsuitable for military, economic, or other activity for long periods of time'. The weapon could be also unleashed from Russian submarines such as the Belgorod. In September 2024, Putin propagandists called for Britain to be sunk beneath a radioactive tsunami with its Poseidon 'superweapon'. Russian hardline MP Andrei Gurulev sneered 'swim, swim, swim' as he demanded the use of Moscow's unique Poseidon high-speed underwater atomic drone on Britain. Kremlin propaganda TV on Rossiya-1 channel demanded a 'critical threat' from Putin to stop Britain, the US and other Western countries giving permission to Ukraine to use long-range missiles for strikes on Russian territory. 'There is, of course, a more radical option,' said Lt-Gen Gurulev, a former tank commander and military strategist. 'The people of Britain are there, they also want to live a good and happy life at our expense, right? 'But if there is no Britain, there is no problem.' First tested in 2018, it is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead of up to two megatons, the source told TASS. After Sunday's cruise missile test, Trump urged Putin to focus instead on ending the war in Ukraine. Putin said on Sunday that Russia had successfully tested its 'unstoppable' nuclear-powered cruise missile, known as the 'Flying Chernobyl', with an 8,700-mile test flight. Moscow says the weapon can pierce any defence shield, and has 'unlimited range'. Asked on Air Force One about the test of the missile, dubbed the SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO, Trump said the United States did not need its nukes to fly so far as it had a nuclear submarine off the coast of Russia. 'They know we have a nuclear submarine, the greatest in the world, right off their shores, so I mean, [our missile] doesn't have to go 8,000 miles,' Trump told reporters, according to an audio file posted by the White House. 'I don't think it's an appropriate thing for Putin to be saying, either, by the way: You ought to get the war ended, the war that should have taken one week is now in... its fourth year, that's what you ought to do instead of testing missiles.' In response to Trump on Monday, the Kremlin defiantly said that Russia would be guided by its own national interests. 'Despite all our openness to establishing a dialogue with the United States, Russia, first of all, and the president of Russia, is guided by our own national interests,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. 'That's how it was, that's how it is, and that's how it's going to be.' The US president last week scrapped a planned summit with Putin in Budapest over what he cast as the Russian leader's unwillingness to compromise to end the conflict. Trump has been trying to secure a deal since he returned to the White House in January, but talks have yielded no progress and he has shown increasing frustration with Putin, who has rejected multiple calls for a ceasefire. Washington last week slapped sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies, complaining that his talks with Putin to end the Ukraine war 'don't go anywhere.' Putin first announced Russia had developed the Burevestnik and the Poseidon during a fiery anti-Western speech in 2018.

Editor,Taryn Pedler 1 days ago

Obamacare insurance prices will jump up 26% next year, report predicts

Enhanced subsidies keeping premiums affordable for millions will expire, threatening to more than double what households pay out of pocket

Joseph Gedeon in Washington 1 days ago

Technology

Proposition could put Lido into community group’s hands

A DRAWN-OUT tender process for the Lido could come to an end in the States Assembly as a proposition seeks to give it to a community group to manage. Deputy David Warr, who is chair of the States’ Lido Steering Group, submitted a proposition asking the States to stop current negotiations and transfer the management and maintenance of the bathing pool to Love Our Lido. He is also asking for an annual baseline government contribution of £170,000 and an “operational partnership framework” between the government and Love Our Lido. This comes after years of dispute over the venue, which is managed by the government’s corporate landlord, Jersey Property Holdings. Deputy Warr claimed that the roof had “persistent” leaks, the stairs were slippery and unsafe, the paint was peeling, the toilets were poorly maintained, and the bins were overflowing. Broken glass had been found on-site and in the children’s pool, he added. Love Our Lido, set up as a company but claiming to want to become a charity, is backed by Jersey swimming legend Sally Minty-Gravett who serves as one of three governors for the group. They entered an expression of interest in the site at the end of last year. Love Our Lido had been given preferred bidder status, beating out one other bidder, but talks broke down when they refused to sign a lease in September over “cost uncertainties”. They had been told electricity cost £30,000 a year on average, and it wasn’t clear how costs were to be split. Love Our Lido lost their “preferred bidder” status on 29 September. In his report, Deputy Warr argued that Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham had publicly told protesters last year that he wanted the site to be managed by the community. The current lease was “flawed at inception”, he added, and the pools would be better off being given to a community-led body instead of let to a commercial operator. The community group would need £170,000, he said, as the government had spent on average £120,000 on the pool every year, plus £50,000 “major capital costs”.

Megan Davies 1 days ago

Technology

John Malone Stepping Down As Chair Of Liberty Media, Marking End Of An Era

ohn Malone, 84, is stepping down as chair of his media, sports and telecom empire after 50 years of dealmaking, the FT reports, the end of an era.

deadline.com 1 days ago

Technology

Heavy Rains Today As Cyclonic Storm Montha Moves to South Chattisgar

Visakhapatnam: Cyclonic storm Montha, which was positioned over coastal Andhra Pradesh, moved north-northwestwards at a speed of 15 kmph and weakened into a deep depression, lying centred on Wednesday over south Chhattisgarh.The system is likely to continue moving north-northwestwards and further weaken into a depression.Under its influence, on Thursday, heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated places over south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema, while heavy rain is expected at isolated locations over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam.Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also likely over north and south coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema. Gale winds with speeds of 60–70 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph, are expected to reduce gradually to 40–50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, across these regions.On October 31, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam.

K.M.P. PATNAIK 1 days ago

Technology

The Era Of ‘Soft Ambition’

Drive past Hyderabad’s glitzy HITEC City (aka Cyberabad), Bengaluru’s Whitefield IT corridor or Pune’s Hinjewadi IT hub or Navi Mumbai’s tall skyline, and you will see shining corporate offices, glowing start-ups, and nonstop ambition. But behind all this 24x7 hustle culture, a quiet change is taking place. More and more young professionals are stepping away from the corporate rat race and choosing a life that feels calmer, meaningful, and more human. Welcome to the era of ‘soft ambition.’ For decades, the career success mantra was clear: work harder, stay longer, climb faster. But there has been a noticeable shift now. Millennials and Gen-Z employees are increasingly rejecting the idea that professional achievement must come at the cost of personal well-being. Instead, they’re embracing careers that offer flexibility, balance, and fulfilment, even if it means earning less or bypassing the corner office. Voices Of Change “I used to think working 12 hours a day was the only way to succeed,” says Sunny Jadhav, 34, a content strategist from Mumbai. “But I burnt out. Now I work remotely with a smaller firm on projects that matter. I earn a little less, but my life’s much better.” Sunny’s story mirrors a wider shift among young professionals in India’s metros, where long hours are giving way to balance and fulfilment. Surveys show nearly 85% of Indian millennials rank work-life balance as a top goal, valuing it as much as pay. Gen Z, too, prioritises learning, growth, and meaningful work over money. “The old ‘work till you drop’ model doesn’t work anymore,” says HR lead G. Saikhede. “People are more productive and creative when their well-being is respected.” However, challenges remain. Salary expectations, societal pressures, and career progression can still create tension for soft ambition seekers. Not everyone can afford to take a pay cut or work in smaller organisations. Fu-rthermore, some industries remain highly competitive, where long hours and Aggressive targets are non-negotiable. Impact On Workplaces This shift toward “soft ambition” is quietly reshaping workplaces. Companies are realising that satisfaction, flexibility, and well-being fuel productivity and loyalty. HR professionals say the pandemic sped up this change, turning remote work and flexible hours from perks into essentials. In India, where success is often measured by paychecks and titles, this mindset challenges deep-rooted expectations. Yet more young professionals are choosing purpose over prestige. Chaitanya Bhavik, 29, a Hyderabad-based software developer, turned down MNC offers for a start-up that lets him work four days a week and mentor others. “My family questioned if I was ambitious enough,” he says. “But I’ve never felt more creative. I finally have time to travel and write.” Critics may see soft ambition as complacency, but experts say it’s not about working less — it’s about redefining what success and meaningful work truly mean. Productivity & Performance Workplaces are adapting to this new mindset with flexible schedules, hybrid setups, wellness programmes, and sabbaticals — not to cut productivity, but to build sustainable performance. Companies are discovering that balanced, valued employees are more innovative, loyal, and resilient. The rise of ‘soft ambition’ is also reshaping career choices. Many young professionals are leaving high-pressure corporate roles to pursue passion-led ventures — from content creation and sustainable fashion to wellness and social impact. They’re redefining success through creative freedom and purpose rather than paychecks. Beyond Metro Cities This shift goes beyond metros. With remote work widespread, people nationwide are choosing flexible careers and side projects — proving work should complement life, not consume it. Start-ups in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, and Gurgaon now highlight flexibility, mental health, and growth to attract talent. The Future of Work The momentum is undeniable. Soft ambition is redefining success, encouraging a generation to value mental health, balance, and purpose as much as prestige and pay. For professionals like Sunny and Chaitanya, success no longer needs to be loud or exhausting — it can be calm, creative, and meaningful. All Work, No Play · 85% of Indian millennials report that work-life balance is a top life goal (Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance) · 60% of respondents stated they would quit a job if they did not have a good rapport with their manager (Randstad India’s Workmonitor 2025 survey) · 58% vis-à-vis 44% globally have left jobs due to toxic work environments

Veda Pahurkar 1 days ago

Hurricane Melissa live updates: dozens reported dead in Haiti after river flooded by hurricane bursts banks

Mayor of a southern Haitian coastal town ‘overwhelmed by the situation’ as he pleads for government support

Tom Ambrose (now); Amy Sedghi and Ima Caldwell (earlier) 1 days ago

Technology

The Dolphins’ Week 9 injury report is trending the right way — and it could pay off for Miami on and off the field

Miami's Tuesday injury report offered two non-participants — safety Ashtyn Davis and tight end Julian Hill. Hill missed Sunday's contest against the Atlanta Falcons and spurred head coach Mike McDaniel to go "heavy" with a sixth offensive lineman for the first time in his head coaching career. It helped jumpstart a rushing effort that fueled a big Dolphins win. No Hill on a short week seems to indicate Miami will have to roll with a similar package again; that may not be a bad thing in protecting Mike McDaniel from himself. Miami did not practice Monday and held a walkthrough on Tuesday, so the designations appear to set an even more dire circumstance for forecasting availability for both players. The Dolphins enjoyed good play from rookie safety Dante Trader in Davis' absence. They should consider themselves in good hands with that transition. Notable injury statuses on Wednesday for Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins in Week 9 Ravens QB Lamar Jackson - Full participation Dolphins EDGE Bradley Chubb - Limited participation Dolphins SAF Minkah Fitzpatrick - Full participation Ravens OT Ronnie Stanley - Limited participation Dolphins TE Julian Hill - Did not participate The big developments for Miami are in who is trending well, too. The Ravens are set to welcome quarterback Lamar Jackson back to the lineup for this game, which makes the availability of all of Miami's best defenders essential for their hopes of bottling up the Ravens. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick? Full participation amid a thumb injury. Rookie corner Jason Marshall Jr., who could play in the nickel and free Fitzpatrick up to move around? Full participation.But it's the progress of edge defender Bradley Chubb that could move the needle the most. Chubb's not been the peak version of himself as a player this year amid a return from missing all of 2024. But he's been better in recent weeks despite the sack production dipping versus the first few weeks of the season. He's also a central piece of the trade rumors swirling around the Dolphins. Chubb was upgraded to a limited participant on Tuesday's report with shoulder & foot injuries — while also insisting earlier this week that he's going to play. “Yeah, I’ll be good. I’ll be good. It’s just one of those things, you’ve got a short week. Things flare up from the game before, you just want to make sure you get on it and correct it, but I’m all good to go," said Chubb on Monday. Miami will need him. And, if the trade phones ring, Miami will need him to be heathy then, too — as the Dolphins would be wise to hear out any offers for talent amid next week's deadline. Insiders expect at least one pass rusher to be moved, and Chubb being healthy (and putting on a display during a standalone game) could help Miami in more ways than one in the next six days. window.addEventListener('message', function (event) {if (event.data.totalpoll && event.data.totalpoll.action === 'resizeHeight') {document.querySelector('#totalpoll-iframe-426').height = event.data.totalpoll.value;}}, false);document.querySelector('#totalpoll-iframe-426').contentWindow.postMessage({totalpoll: {action: 'requestHeight'}}, '*')

A to Z Sports,Kyle Crabbs 1 days ago

Technology

Eyeing 2029 LS Polls Ticket, Uma Launches Cow Protection Campaign in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal: Eyeing a comeback to electoral politics in 2029, firebrand Hindutva leader and former chief minister Uma Bharti here on Wednesday launched the cow-protection campaign, proposed to cover every village in Madhya Pradesh over one and half years.Incidentally, the launch of the campaign turned out to be a show of the strong following she commanded among the Lodhi community she belonged to. Prominent Lodhi leaders of Madhya Pradesh including state minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, sitting BJP MLAs, Prallhad Lodhi and Pritam Lodhi, and ex-MLA Pradyumna Singh Lodhi were present at the launch of the campaign. Lodhis who fall under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category consist of 12-14 percent of the total population of Madhya Pradesh. The community has a significant political and social influence particularly in Bundelkhand region extending from Madhya Pradesh to Uttar Pradesh. Ms. Bharti has earlier declared that she is willing to contest from Jhansi Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh in the 2029 polls, if the party desires. She had won the seat in 2014 LS polls. She however withdrew from the parliamentary elections in 2019 and 2024 citing various reasons. Jhansi LS constituency falls under Bundelkhand region. By declaring her keenness to contest in the upcoming LS elections from Jhansi, she made her intention clear that she is not interested in Madhya Pradesh politics, sources close to her said. The former Union minister Ms. Bharti said that the key objective of her campaign is to generate awareness among the people particularly in the rural areas on the importance of protection and preservation of cows for the farm sector. The campaign was launched on the occasion of Gopastami, a Hindu festival celebrating the day Lord Krishna started herding cows, on Wednesday. The BJP veteran also declared that she would resume her Ganga cleaning campaign at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh on November four.

Rabindra Nath Choudhury 1 days ago

Technology

Continuous Rain Affects Cotton Farmers In North Telangana

ADILABAD: Continuous rains have severely affected standing cotton crops, causing cotton to fall from the bolls and get drenched. Several parts of Adilabad, Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, and Nirmal districts received heavy rainfall on Wednesday. Farmers are deeply worried about crop damage due to the rains triggered by the Montha cyclone, with fears that the cotton yield may decline further. The farmers’ hopes of getting the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹8,110 per quintal are fading as continuous rains have increased the moisture content in cotton. In this situation, cotton farmers are likely to incur heavy losses. Private traders are reportedly buying cotton at less than ₹7,000 per quintal, citing the high moisture levels. The erstwhile Adilabad district is one of the state’s largest cotton-growing regions, and heavy rains have lashed several areas in Adilabad and Komaram Bheem Asifabad districts. Farmers have already suffered losses as standing cotton crops were inundated during the recent floods caused by incessant rains. Now, the drenched cotton bolls are turning blackish, further reducing their quality. Agricultural labourers are also facing hardships in picking cotton during the first round of harvest, as the black soil has become slushy due to rain. Agriculture department officials earlier estimated a 25 per cent drop in cotton yield for the kharif season. However, with the latest spell of rains under the influence of the Montha cyclone, the yield loss may now rise to 35 per cent. Cotton was cultivated over 4.30 lakh acres in Adilabad district and 3.34 lakh acres in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district during the current Kharif season. Rythu Swarajya Vedika district president Sangepu Borranna said the unexpected rains caused by the Montha cyclone have dealt a severe blow to cotton farmers, especially in the erstwhile Adilabad district and other parts of north Telangana. He added that farmers are struggling to hire agricultural labourers for cotton picking as they lack funds, having been unable to sell their first harvest due to poor quality and high moisture content.

Pillalamarri Srinivas 1 days ago

Manchester synagogue victim died from single police gunshot wound, inquest hears

Adrian Daulby sustained shot to chest as he attempted to prevent attacker from entering synagogue

Mark Brown North of England correspondent 1 days ago

Where to start with: Paul Bailey

The novelist and poet, who died a year ago, left a huge body of work distinguished by its melancholy wit and warmth. These are some of the highlights

John Self 1 days ago

Technology

Border Patrol gets scrutiny in court, gains power in ICE

What happened The Department of Homeland Security is conducting its third major shakeup of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement leadership since President Donald Trump took office in January, replacing 12 of the 25 field office directors, The Associated Press and Axios said Tuesday. Half of the new ICE directors are reportedly from DHS’s more aggressive Customs and Border Protection branch. The controversial tactics of CBP’s Border Patrol unit were at the center of a court hearing in Chicago Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis ordered Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol sector chief from California overseeing Trump’s Chicago-area crackdown, to brief her nightly on his agents’ compliance with her order barring the use of tear gas and other riot control measures in most instances. Who said what The list of reassigned ICE field directors was compiled by Bovino and DHS adviser Corey Lewandowski, NBC News and Fox News reported. Trump’s top aides have “welcomed Border Patrol’s more aggressive tactics to secure arrests, such as rappelling into apartment buildings from Black Hawk helicopters and jumping out of rental trucks,” NBC News said, and have “become disappointed with ICE,” which typically narrowly targets migrants with criminal records or deportation orders. There is “significant friction within different wings of DHS,” Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin said on social media, and Bovino, Lewandowski and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem are in the faction that favors “aggressive tactics to arrest anyone in the U.S. illegally,” criminals or otherwise. “What did everyone think mass deportations meant?” a Border Patrol agent said to Melugin. “Only the worst?” Judge Ellis spent an hour Tuesday explaining her Oct. 9 order to Bovino, making sure he understood the constitutional rights of journalists and nonviolent protesters. She pointed to several recent violations, including last weekend, when “kids were tear gassed on their way to celebrate Halloween” in Chicago’s Old Irving Park neighborhood. “Kids dressed in Halloween costumes walking to a parade do not pose an immediate threat to the safety of law-enforcement officers,” she told Bovino. “They just don’t, and you can’t use riot-control weapons against them.”

Peter Weber 1 days ago

Technology

The Silent Kidney Crisis

It doesn’t begin with pain or swelling. There are no warning signs — until it’s too late. By the time most patients are diagnosed, nearly 90% of their kidney function is already lost. A recent study by nephrologists at Osmania General Hospital (OGH) has revealed a worrying trend: a rise in Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Origin (CKDu) among younger, non-diabetic, urban residents. Once confined to rural belts, CKDu is now surfacing in Hyderabad’s hospitals — and doctors are calling it a silent epidemic. A Disease Without the Usual Suspects “CKDu occurs in people without the typical risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, or prior kidney disease,” explains Dr P.S. Vali, HOD-Nephrology and Senior Consultant at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU). Unlike conventional chronic kidney disease that damages the glomeruli — the blood-filtering units of the kidneys — CKDu primarily injures the tubules, the microscopic ducts that carry urine. “In lab reports, we see high creatinine levels but very little protein in the urine — a hallmark of toxic injury,” says Dr. Vali. Kidney biopsies of CKDu patients, he adds, show tubulo-interstitial scarring, consistent with exposure to heavy metals, herbal toxins, or chemicals. “The cause is often environmental rather than lifestyle-related.” The Silent Progression CKDu advances quietly. “It’s asymptomatic in the early stages — no pain, no swelling, no obvious changes,” warns Dr Vali. Dr E. Ravi, Senior Consultant Nephrologist at KIMS Hospitals, adds, “In early disease, patients may only notice frequent urination at night or none at all. By the time creatinine levels rise or kidneys shrink on ultrasound, the damage is often irreversible.” Doctors say they’re now treating patients in their 30s and 40s with advanced kidney failure — a profile that was rare a decade ago. Environmental and Toxic Links Preliminary findings suggest that groundwater contamination, heavy metals, and unregulated herbal formulations may be driving the surge. “Substances like lead, mercury, or arsenic — often found in certain herbal or ‘detox’ products — can cause long-term tubular damage,” says Dr Vali. “People assume herbal means harmless, but that’s a dangerous myth.” Researchers note that similar CKDu clusters have been reported in Uddanam (Andhra Pradesh), Villupuram and Cuddalore (Tamil Nadu), Bargarh (Odisha), and parts of Maharashtra — all regions with documented exposure to agrochemicals and contaminated water. While Hyderabad’s outbreak is still under study, doctors say the city’s rapid industrialisation, polluted groundwater, and rising use of unregulated supplements are possible contributors. The Heat Factor Hyderabad’s rising temperatures add another layer of risk. “Prolonged heat exposure and chronic dehydration can repeatedly injure kidney tubules,” explains Dr Ravi. Those most vulnerable include construction workers, delivery riders, and outdoor labourers. “Not everyone who gets dehydrated will develop CKDu,” clarifies Dr Vali. “But when dehydration combines with toxic exposure and high heat — a ‘triple hit’ — the risk multiplies dramatically.” Who’s Most at Risk CKDu predominantly affects men aged 20 to 60, especially those engaged in manual or outdoor work. Unlike classic kidney disease, these patients typically have normal blood pressure, no diabetes, and no family history of renal disorders. “The clinical profile is distinct,” notes Dr Ravi. “Normal BP, bland urine, high creatinine, and small kidneys — that pattern should raise immediate suspicion.” Prevention Over Cure Since the exact trigger remains unclear, prevention and early screening are crucial. “Routine kidney tests — serum creatinine and eGFR — for high-risk individuals can catch early dysfunction,” says Dr Ravi. The Road Ahead Nephrologists are now pushing for comprehensive environmental studies to pinpoint causes and prevent further spread. “Urban doesn’t mean safe,” warns Dr Vali. “Pollution, poor water quality, and unregulated remedies are catching up fast.” CKDu’s rise is a wake-up call — not just for doctors, but for a city that that health begins with what we drink, breathe, and believe to be safe. CKDu in a Snapshot · Affects non-diabetic, non-hypertensive individuals · Damages tubules, not glomeruli · Causes high creatinine, minimal protein in urine · Linked to toxins, heat stress, dehydration, and herbal remedies · Silent onset, detected late · Preventable with hydration, safe water, and regular screening

Swati Sharma 1 days ago

Technology

Polish 'stalker' who claims to be Madeleine McCann tells court she is '50-50' on whether or not she is missing British toddler

Polish 'stalker' who claims to be Madeleine McCann tells court she is '50-50' on whether or not she is missing British toddler LISTEN: The Trial of the 'McCann Stalkers'. Listen to the latest on this Daily Mail podcast By ANDY DOLAN, GENERAL REPORTER Published: 15:28 GMT, 29 October 2025 | Updated: 15:28 GMT, 29 October 2025 A Polish woman accused of stalking the parents of Madeleine McCann told a court today (WED) that she still believed she may be their missing daughter. Julia Wandelt is said to have bombarded Kate and Gerry McCann with phone calls, letters and messages – and even confronted the couple at their home in Rothley, Leicestershire, to demand a DNA test. Prosecutors say the 24-year-old carried out a 'well-planned campaign of harassment' against the McCanns that lasted almost three years, and was later joined by 'supporter and confidante' Karen Spragg, 61, who 'adopted her claims with gusto' from last year onwards. Wandelt also told the court today that a relative of a Post Office scandal victim had at one point offered to pay for a DNA test because 'I'm a victim of a miscarriage of justice as well'. Leicester Crown Court has previously heard DNA taken when she was arrested and tested against a sample from Madeleine's pillow case 'conclusively' proved she was not the McCann's child. Giving evidence in her own defence, Wandelt said today that she 'still didn't know who she was'. But under cross-examination from Michael Duck KC, prosecuting, she told jurors she was '50-50' when asked if she 'entertained the belief' she was Madeleine – claiming she hadn't seen all the paperwork around the negative DNA test. She added: 'It is neither yes nor no. Julia Wandelt, 24, denies stalking Kate and Gerry McCann. Pictured in a photo on Facebook Kate and Gerry McCann have both given evidence during the trial in Leicester 'It is very easy to provide me with the documentation, so if I am not her and it really is negative I would like to see the documentation, and I would say 'Yes'. 'Now I am 50-50. What is the issue with providing me the paperwork?' Asked again by Mr Duck, 'Do you, Julia Wandelt, believe you may still be Madeleine McCann?', she replied: 'It will be neither yes nor no. It is not yes, and not no, because I am in between.' Then quizzed by the prosecutor as to what was 'ever going to satisfy her', Wandelt broke down and sobbed as she replied: 'The investigation into my disappearance, into what happened to me, why am I here?' Wandelt also told the jury she had memories of being abducted as a child, and said she thought Gerry McCann may have been involved in Madeleine's vanishing. Asked by Mr Duck what this was based on, Wandelt told the court: 'Mostly based on memories, also based on the way he came across, not letting Kate tell anything. 'The memories are the main reason I think that was the case. Being in the room before it happened is the first thing. 'Second thing, saying this is the only way to help your parents, repeatedly. 'I didn't want to say the thing that would incriminate him. I don't want to say anything bad about them.' Wandelt told jurors Ms Johansson 'took over my Instagram account even before she came to Poland'. LISTEN: The Trial of the 'McCann Stalkers'. Listen to the latest on this Daily Mail podcast The exchange came after Wandelt said she thought Kate McCann may not have replied to her multiple messages because she was being threatened, either by Gerry or by officers from Operation Grange. Asked by Mr Duck why it was that she thought Gerry might be threatening his own wife, she replied: 'I would have to explain my memories, and I don't feel like it.' Earlier, Wandelt said she 'never intended' to cause significant harm or distress to Mr or Mrs McCann – or thought what she was doing would. Instead, Wandelt said she was asking 'for help'. Adding that she had felt 'different to her Polish family' since around the end of 2020, Wandelt said she 'still didn't know' who she was when asked by her barrister, Tom Price KC, if she had 'discovered her identity now'. Wandelt also claimed that if police had carried out a DNA test comparing her sample to one provided by the McCanns in 2022 when she first contacted officers, 'None of us would be here today'. She told jurors: 'I think with all the millions they received for the investigation and financial resources, the cost of DNA would not be huge. 'I will never understand why this case has such big funds when there are hundreds of missing children.' She went on to say the husband of a sub-postmaster caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal had paid for her to undergo a DNA test at a laboratory in Cardiff and a flight to the UK, because he 'believed she was a victim of a miscarriage of justice as well'. And Wandelt agreed with a suggestion from Spragg's barrister, Simon Russell Flint KC, that 'what she and Karen Spragg were doing was investigating a crime – the taking of Madeleine McCann'. She replied: 'Yes. Because no-one wanted to help me.' Asked by Mr Russell Flint about Kate McCann's reaction when she and Spragg confronted her outside her home last December, Wandelt replied: 'She was crying. 'From what I saw and what Karen saw, the moment she started crying was the moment she saw me, almost straight away. 'The impression I got was that she was crying because of the emotions, the chance of me being her daughter… I don't know how she could feel distressed because she wants to find Madeleine.' Wandeltalso told the court she has concerns for her safety, especially after someone in prison allegedly 'slipped something' in her drink days before her trial. When answering questions Spragg's barrister Simon Russell Flint KC, Wandelt said: 'Even in prison, a few days before my trial, someone slipped something in my drink and the officers didn't want to help. 'I have been concerned about my safety since I told my story.' Wandelt's alleged actions also included unwanted attempts to contact Madeleine's younger twin siblings, Amelie and Sean McCann, via social media – and even an appearance at a vigil on the anniversary of the disappearance in a bid to speak to the family. Madeleine vanished from the McCann family's holiday apartment in Praia Da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007. Four years later the Metropolitan Police launched Operation Grange – a large-scale investigation into the disappearance. The probe's senior officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, told the trial 12 women, including Wandelt, had claimed to be Madeleine – but all had been ruled out. Wandelt, of Lubin, Poland, and Spragg, of Cardiff, each deny one count of stalking involving serious alarm or distress between June 2022 and February this year. The trial continues. Share or comment on this article: Polish 'stalker' who claims to be Madeleine McCann tells court she is '50-50' on whether or not she is missing British toddler

Andy Dolan,Editor 1 days ago