News from November 18, 2025

Technology

Sectors unite to bridge gaps in health supply chain to realize UHC

THE promise of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law remains clear: equitable access to quality health services and essential medicines for all Filipinos. Yet, gaps in financing, procurement and data systems continue to slow its full rollout.In response, government agencies, the private sector, civil society and global partners convened in Makati for a multisectoral dialogue hosted by the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) and UHC Watch at the Asian Institute of Management.Representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), PhilHealth, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), local government units (LGUs), and international institutions, such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Health Organization, joined the discussions.PHAP Executive Director Teodoro Padilla emphasized that medicine access “is not only a health issue, it is a systems issue,” highlighting the need for strong financing, supply chains and regulatory systems to support UHC.Two key studies anchored the dialogue: ADB-ThinkWell’s “Strengthening the Medicine Access Pathway” and PHAP’s “Pathways to Inclusive Access.”Both underlined the importance of policy coherence, evidence-based decision-making and strategic public-private collaboration to strengthen UHC implementation.System reforms to unlock accessADB-ThinkWell’s analysis identified regulatory bottlenecks, fragmented procurement and supply chain vulnerabilities as barriers to medicine access.It recommended strengthening governance, modernizing FDA processes and building coordinated institutional mechanisms to overcome fragmentation. Meanwhile, PHAP’s findings highlighted the need to scale health budgets, use real-time data in procurement and apply real-world evidence to health technology assessments to accelerate patient access.Government officials echoed these priorities. DBM Undersecretary Rolando Toledo cited infrastructure investment and procurement reform as key to achieving UHC, particularly through the new Government Procurement Act (Republic Act 1209). The landmark law introduces digital platforms such as the eMarketplace, promotes pooled procurement and shifts government purchasing from simply selecting the lowest bid to awarding the most advantageous and responsive offer — one that values quality, innovation and transparency.Sofia Yanto-Abad of the Government Procurement Policy Board explained that the reform “is not about bureaucracy, but about building trust and ensuring every procurement decision leads to better health outcomes.”DOH’s Fides Buenafe shared updates on strengthening supply chain systems and expanding the Electronic Logistics Management Information System or eLMIS down to local facilities by 2026.PhilHealth’s Alfred De Dios presented the Yakap initiative, aimed at shifting the system toward preventive, primary care. DTI Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco reinforced that the framework for effective supply chain management exists and that the priority now is implementation and fast collaboration across sectors.The dialogue also featured breakout discussions on three priority areas: (1) financing and strategic purchasing, (2) procurement and supply chain efficiency, and (3) data-driven governance and regulatory acceleration.The financing group called for mainstreaming local investment plans for health, improving coordination between DOH and LGUs on devolution, and allowing greater flexibility in funding utilization.The procurement group pushed for the adoption of the new Government Procurement Act’s “Most Economically Advantageous and Responsive Bid” framework, along with pooled procurement and multi-year contracting. Meanwhile, the data governance group urged stronger interoperability between DOH, PhilHealth and DICT databases, centralized data standards and capacity building across government institutions to support evidence-based decision-making.Representatives from local governments such as Baguio, Makati and Bataan also shared their experiences in implementing UHC locally, underscoring the importance of leadership, accountability and adaptive systems that respond to community-level needs. Their stories reflected how policy coherence, real-time data and collaboration with national agencies can directly improve access to essential medicines and vaccines.Call to invest more, procure better and decide smarterClosing the dialogue, PHAP Executive Director Teodoro Padilla stressed that delivering UHC would require evidence-based policymaking, coordination and accountability.He emphasized three critical priorities: strengthening health financing and strategic purchasing, improving procurement and supply chain systems, and harnessing data for informed health care decisions.The call to action that emerged from the sessions urged stakeholders to “invest more” by aligning health investments at both national and local levels, “procure better” through the institutionalization of pooled procurement and strategic purchasing, and “decide smarter” by leveraging interoperable data systems for transparency and performance tracking.“Let us carry forward this call to action, to invest more, procure better and decide smarter,” Loreann Villanueva, PHAP Supply Chain Workstream Committee chair, said, adding, “Only then can we build a future where every Filipino has reliable access to the medicines, vaccines and services needed to live healthy, productive lives.”

The Manila Times 6 hours ago

Sports

Gavaskar Adds Fuel To Fire As Ashwin Questions India's Ability To Play Spin

The modern Indian batters look more accustomed to handling world-class pace bowling than spin. The Kolkata Test against South Africa laid bare India's troubles against spin bowling again, seeing the Gautam Gambhir-led team management's decision to demand a turning pitch backfire. Seeing India batters struggle, Ravichandran Ashwin didn't hesitate in suggesting that players of some Western countries are better than Indians at playing spin. The legendary Sunil Gavaskar has now explained why. "We are not the best players of spin going around in the world at this point in time. Most Western teams are better than India now because they come to India, they practice it a lot more, but we don't practice enough of it. But we are superior players of fast bowling in many other venues right now because we consider that as a challenge, but not this. That is the difference," Ashwin had said. Gavaskar, who has time and again advocated a return to domestic cricket, didn't hesitate in highlighting how Indian players shy away from playing the Ranji Trophy, even when they have time off. Hence, expecting excellence from them on turning pitches, which are also used in domestic cricket, would be too much. "A lot of our players do not play domestic cricket. If you play domestic cricket, you will get to play on such pitches, right? Because even at the domestic level, teams are trying to get the points so that they qualify for the knockouts of the Ranji Trophy, which means that there will be pitches where the ball will grip and turn a little bit," the India great Sports Tak. "But none of our players are playing that. None of our current players. How many of our current players actually deign to go down and play Ranji Trophy?" Gavaskar has also been a vocal critic of 'workload management' of players. For him, a player should be ready to play all games for the country, no matter when the call comes. Even missing Ranji Trophy games due to workload management isn't something that the batting great advocates. "No, they don't because there's this word called workload. Workload is the word. They don't want to play. They don't want to play. They only want to play in the Ranji Trophy if they are out of form. Otherwise, they don't want to play. So that is the answer. Maybe you want to look at, you know, preparing a pitch where the ball will grip and turn a little bit. Then you want to pick guys who are playing domestic cricket. We do not really want to play guys who are playing international cricket because they don't have the practice against such kind," he added.

Unknown 6 hours ago

World

When Is International Men's Day 2025? Date, Theme, History, Significance And More

The annual International Men's Day is set to be observed on Nov. 19, marking the positive contributions that men make to their families, communities and the world. The theme for International Men's Day 2025 has been finalised as 'celebrating men and boys'. This year’s theme for the global day focuses on positive role models and raises awareness about the well-being of men and boys.Besides focusing on improving the health and well-being of men and boys, this day also encourages initiatives to support better gender relations, while recognising the contributions of men and boys to society..According to the official website, the idea of celebrating an international day dedicated to men has existed since the 1960s. Some argued to establish a global day that recognises their contributions to society and issues faced by them, similar to International Women’s Day (March 8). Over time, the movement gained support, noting that men deserve recognition not just as a response to women’s day, but in their own right. "It wasn't until the November date, which was inaugurated in Trinidad and Tobago by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh in 1999, that International Men’s Day began to get international traction," the official website mentions.Notably, the celebration of International Men's Day on Nov. 19 also holds significance as the world observes International Children's Day a day later."On Nov. 20, we celebrate International Children's Day, which then forms 48 hours of celebration for men and children, and the special relationship they share," the website says..As per the official website, formed by Dads4Kids Fatherhood Foundation, an Australian charity organisation, the theme for 2025 is 'Celebrating Men and Boys'."Whether you’re a father, mentor, educator, health professional, or someone who cares about the men in your community, this event is for you," says the official International Men’s Day website.It appealed to all people to join its nine-hour live programme, where diverse perspectives from speakers worldwide will be shared. Global leaders in men’s well-being will offer real stories, research-backed solutions and practical guidance on supporting men and boys. The event can be watched live on the official YouTube channel:.According to the website, early pioneers of International Men's Day emphasised that it was never meant to compete with International Women's Day. Instead, its purpose is to highlight men's experiences and recognise their contributions. Today, the global event, celebrated in several countries globally, focuses on bringing attention to the unique challenges faced by men and boys.It's a day dedicated to encouraging balance and meaningful support for the well-being of men.

Ndtv Profit Trending Desk 6 hours ago

Health

High Intensity Exercises You Can Do At Home To Tone Your Thighs

With days getting colder and the air quality still in the "very poor" category in Delhi, people prefer staying at home. However, staying at home doesn't mean you don't exercise daily. It is important to stay physically active and exercise regularly as it benefits your health in numerous ways. Even if you can't go out, there are certain exercises that you can do at home.There are some exercises that focus on certain parts of your body. If you're looking to tone your thighs, there are some exercises which can help you achieve that at home, HIIT exercises being one of them. These exercises can help to strengthen and shape your thigh muscles, without any gym equipment.HIIT Exercises To Do At Home To Tone Your ThighsHere are some HIIT exercises that you can do at home that can help you tone your thighs.SquatSquats are the foundational exercise that helps to strengthen and tone your thighs, glutes and hips. Some variations of squats include air squats and jump squats. In a basic air squat, stand with your feet hip-width apart, stretch your arms forward, and lower your hips back as if sitting on a chair until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Then push through your heels to return to standing or squeezing your glutes at the top.Jump squats, on the other hand, add a jump when rising up, increasing the intensity and calorie burn. These moves directly target your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and inner thighs, helping to burn fat and build muscle.Lateral LungesLateral lunges work on the inner and outer thighs, which helps to sculpt the side of your legs and improves hip mobility. Stand with your feet together and hands on your hips. Take a wide step to the right and sink into a lunge, bending the right knee while keeping your left leg straight. Push off your right foot to return to the starting position, and repeat on the other side. This exercise strengthens your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and stabilises core muscles, making your thighs firmer and more defined.High KneesHigh knees are a fast-paced, HIIT exercise that increases the heart rate and tones the thighs, calves and hip flexors. Start by standing with feet hip-width apart and arms at your sides. Quickly lift one knee up towards your chest, then switch sides in a running motion, pumping your arms for momentum. This helps strengthen and define your thighs while burning calories and improving cardiovascular health. Keeping your knees high ensures the thighs are fully engaged.Reverse LungesReverse lunges are a great exercise that helps your thighs and glutes without adding too much strain on your knees. Stand upright, take a big step back with your right foot, and lower your body until the left thigh is parallel with the floor. Return to standing and repeat on the other leg. These lunges benefit the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles, helping you with leg strength and toning.Mountain ClimbersMountain climbers combine cardio and strength to work your entire lower body, especially the thighs. Start in a high plank position with hands shoulder-width apart. Drive one knee toward your chest, then switch legs quickly as if "running" horizontally. This exercise engages your thighs, glutes, core, and shoulders, giving you a full-body workout, especially leg muscles.Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

Debosmita Ghosh 6 hours ago

Politics

Shroom pilot will not spend any more time in a room contemplating his morels [Spiffy]

close dialog Advertisement close dialogSkip to content Do you have adblock enabled? Try Ads-Free Fark It's Not News, It's Fark How To FarkLog In | Sign Up » Forgot password? Turn on javascript (or enable it for Fark) for a better user experience. If you can read this, either the style sheet didn't load or you have an older browser that doesn't support style sheets. Try clearing your browser cache and refreshing the page. Discussion Entertainment Shroom pilot will not spend any more time in a room contemplating his morels (koin.com) More: Spiffy 306 clicks;posted toMain »on 17 Nov 2025 at 11:01 PM(1 hour ago) | Favorite | Watch | share: Copy Link 7 Comments Enable JavaScript for Fark in order to vote for entries. Log in (at the top of the page) to enable voting. View Voting Results:SmartestandFunniest (0) Funniest untoldforce (4) Funniest 43 minutes ago In all honesty, the current FAA policies basically forbidding any kind of mental health treatment for commercial aviators isn't doing us much good. It just forces pilots to hide potentially dangerous mental health issues and self medicate. This isn't the 50s. It's time for the FAA to catch up. (4) Funniest 42 minutes ago Looks like he picked the wrong day to not stop doing shrooms. Madman drummers bummers (1) Funniest 38 minutes ago He seems to be a fun guy. freakingmoron (0) Funniest 35 minutes ago 🎶Never saw the sun wanting to fight Never saw worms flying so high Noticing sky larvae squirming by When you're on drugs, my how they fly Glue days, all of them gone Nothing but Shroom skies from now on🎶 (0) Funniest 22 minutes ago It's easy to get claustrophobic in the jump seat. There's not muchroom there. (0) Funniest 20 minutes ago Pilots shouldn't fligh higher than the plane they are flying. 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Unknown 6 hours ago

World

This Nepal village has survived for 1,000 years. Now recurring floods threaten its future

Til, the remotest of three villages in the Limi valley on the Tibetan border, was already wrestling with a dwindling population but a series of natural disasters has led many to consider where their future should be

Words and photographs by Neelima Vallangi 6 hours ago

Business

Hosur Airport: Site Clearance Expected In 6-8 Months As Karnataka Plans Second Airport In Bengaluru

The Tamil Nadu government has formally initiated the approval process for a major international airport project in Hosur, submitting a site clearance application to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). However, the ambitious project needs at least six to eight months to get clearance from the centre, The Hindu reported.In the latest correspondence, the Tamil Nadu government has once again written to the Defence Ministry after an initial request in June was reportedly met with an unfavourable response. The Centre had reportedly pointed out that the Hosur airspace falls within the controlled operational zone of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).A source told the English daily: The airspace of Bengaluru airport and Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Limited (TAAL) already overlap with HAL airspace. The Chief Secretary has provided all the technical details to the Ministry again citing how it would be possible to do so with the Hosur airport as well, and there could be an arrangement in this regard. We have highlighted the reasons on how it could coexist. We are waiting to hear from them now, a source said.Hosur is just 26 kms away from Bengaluru. To counter Tamil Nadus plans, the Karnataka has planned the second airport in its capital and the hunt for the land is on. nbsp;Clearance Hurdles and an Eight-Year WaitSecuring the necessary clearances from the Centre is expected to be a drawn-out affair. Officials suggest that obtaining the initial site clearance alone could take a minimum of six to eight months, noting that the clearance for the Parandur airport took over a year. Once site clearance is secured, the state must then obtain in-principle approval, the report said. nbsp;Further complicating the timeline is a pre-existing agreement between Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and the MoCA. This covenant prohibits the establishment of any competing airport within a 150-kilometre aerial distance of Bengaluru airport. Consequently, even if all approvals are fast-tracked, the commencement of passenger operations at Hosur is effectively blocked for another eight years.Economic Rationale for the ProjectDespite the hurdles, the government is banking on the airport to serve as a catalyst for economic growth. Hosur, already a thriving centre for electronics and manufacturing, is rapidly attracting fresh investments. The new airport, with advanced passenger and cargo infrastructure, is intended to relieve congestion and dependence on the Bengaluru airport, thereby accelerating development and drawing more capital into Tamil Nadu.The state government has proposed a land acquisition of 2,300 acres, with approximately 650 acres already under government ownership. Initial designs for the airport include one terminal and two runways, with provisions to allow for future expansion as passenger and cargo demand increase.The proposed international facility, envisioned for the Shoolagiri taluk between Berigai and Bagalur, is planned with a capacity to handle 30 million passengers.

Prakash Kl 6 hours ago

Technology

Bitcoin Falls Below $90,000 For First Time In Seven Months

Bitcoin extended its steep decline on Tuesday, dropping below $90,000 for the first time in seven months, as bearish sentiment gripped the cryptocurrency market. The slide marks a dramatic reversal from the record highs seen just weeks ago, erasing all gains for the year as reported by Bloomberg.The downturn began over the weekend when Bitcoin fell under $93,714 on Sunday, slipping beneath last year’s closing level. The token had surged to an all-time high of $126,251 on October 6, fueled by optimism over the Trump administration’s pro-crypto stance. However, the rally unraveled after unexpected tariff-related comments from President Trump triggered global market jitters, Bloomberg said.By Monday, the selloff deepened as Bitcoin breached $91,500, with traders rushing to hedge against further losses. Options activity reflected growing pessimism, with heavy demand for downside protection at $90,000, $85,000, and $80,000 strikes. Protective contracts expiring later this month saw particularly strong interest, according to data from Coinbase-owned Deribit, Bloomberg reported.In fact, traders have snapped up more than $740 million worth of bearish contracts set to expire in late November, far outpacing bullish bets. This surge in hedging underscores the conviction among market participants that the slide is far from over, as deep-pocketed buyers retreat from the market, Bloomberg said.The sharp reversal comes just weeks after Bitcoin’s meteoric rise, highlighting the volatility that continues to define the cryptocurrency space. Analysts warn that if the current momentum persists, the token could test even lower levels in the coming days, as per Bloomberg.In early November, Bitcoin plunged to around $107,000, nearly 15% from its all-time high levels, dragging broader crypto markets lower and souring sentiment among traders and investors. The slide was tied to the Federal Reserve's cautious stance following its interest-rate decision in the last week of OctoberWhile the Fed cut rates and signaled plans to end quantitative tightening by December, Fed Chair Jerome Powell made it clear that another cut in December was not guaranteed.That selling has created a psychological overhang: A market crowded with investors who are too deep in the red to buy more, but not yet ready to cut their losses, said Bloomberg.A sentiment indec compiled by data-analytics platform CoinMarketCap — tracking price momentum, volatility, derivatives, and more — indicates crypto participants are mired in a state of “extreme fear," Bloomberg said..Bitcoin Humbles Wall Street Faithful After $600 Billion Fall

Ndtv Profit Desk 6 hours ago

Sports

Alas U16 girls jump 17 spots to No. 25 in FIVB world rankings

MANILA, Philippines — THE Alas Pilipinas girls' under-16 team rose to world No.25 in the latest FIVB Girls’ U17 rankings after qualifying for next year’s world championship in Santiago, Chile.Alas jumped 17 spots from world No. 42 after finishing fifth in the 2nd Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship in Amman, Jordan, last week.The program started ranked No.57.“Awesome leap from 57 to 25! We didn’t realize that our small wins in the Asian Qualifying were that instrumental in raising our country’s standing to a higher rank,” said Alas U16 coach Edwin Leyva. “It just shows that the level of play here in the Philippines has improved and is slowly catching up with our top Asian counterparts.” Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara labeled the under-16 team’s achievement as “big” and stressed that the federation’s grassroots program has developed in the last four years.“We are now reaping the fruits of the grassroots program that the PNVF has started four years ago,” Suzara said.The PNVF was established in post-pandemic 2021 and has since nurtured the growth of volleyball—Alas Pilipinas Men and Women making impacts in the world and Asian levels, the country hosting the world championship for men and for Suzara, his election as president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and appointment as executive vice president of the FIVB.The youngest national team is now the highest-ranked Philippine volleyball squad, leading Alas Women at 46th and Alas Men at 80th place.Leyva said that despite the achievement, the work doesn’t cease.“Being in the top 25 is already a milestone. Why stop dreaming? Let’s train hard, play harder!” Leyva said. “We have the momentum and we are highly motivated. First, win a set or two, then work up from there. It’s up to us to keep the fire burning.” The Philippine U16 team earned 14 ranking points after a 25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 25-22 victory over Thailand to secure the last Asian ticket to the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship.China had qualified automatically as defending world champion even before the Final Four, while the other Asian representatives for the world meet are newly crowned AVC U16 champion South Korea, runner-up Chinese Taipei, and fourth placer Japan. The Philippines, against all odds, earned its rightful place among them.The world championship in the capital Santiago are set August 5 to 16. TMT

The Manila Times 6 hours ago

World

Protecting Big Cats Ensures Human Future: Environment Minister At COP30

Belem (Brazil): India has urged global leaders to step up efforts to protect big cats, saying that securing the future of these species will ensure a safe, long-lasting life for mankind. Addressing the high-level Ministerial Segment on the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) at the ongoing UNFCCC COP30 Summit here on Monday, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav warned that a decline in big cat populations will destabilise the entire ecosystem. IBCA is an India-led global initiative to conserve seven big cat species: the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma. The alliance aims to promote collaboration among member countries to curb illegal wildlife trade, conserve habitats, and mobilise resources for conservation efforts. "Where big cats thrive, forests are healthier, grasslands regenerate, water systems function, and carbon is stored efficiently in living landscapes," Yadav said. He called for renewed global cooperation to protect big cat species and their habitats as part of integrated climate and biodiversity action. "Ecological challenges today are deeply interconnected and require linked solutions. Big cats are apex predators, regulators of ecological balance, and sentinels of ecosystem health," Yadav noted. The minister also highlighted that declines in big cat populations lead to destabilised ecosystems, weakened resilience to climate change, and loss of natural carbon sinks. "What we often call wildlife conservation is, in fact, climate action in its most natural form," he said. Yadav highlighted how conserving big cat landscapes directly strengthens carbon sequestration, watershed protection, disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation and sustainable livelihoods. He outlined IBCA's potential to support countries through technical assistance, standardised tools, capacity building, south–south cooperation, and mobilisation of blended finance and biodiversity-carbon credit mechanisms. Noting that India is home to five of the world's seven big cat species, Yadav shared the country's major conservation successes. "India doubled its tiger population ahead of the target timeline, and our Asiatic lion population continues to grow well," he said. The minister pointed out that India has built one of the world's most comprehensive wildlife databases through nationwide population assessments of tigers, lions, leopards and snow leopards, while expanding protected areas, securing corridors and partnering with local communities for conservation and eco-based livelihoods. He said 17 countries are officially part of IBCA, with over 30 others expressing interest in joining. Yadav emphasised India's ambition to bring all big cat range countries, and all nations committed to biodiversity and climate security, into the Alliance. Announcing that India will host a 'Global Big Cats Summit' in New Delhi in 2026, he invited all countries to share their experiences and strategies to save big cats and their habitats, and strengthen conservation partnerships. Calling for greater global cooperation, the minister stressed that the world stands at a moment of ecological realignment that requires unity and collaboration. "We must collaborate, not compete. We must find strength not in isolation, but in solidarity. Protecting big cats is protecting our shared planet. Protecting big cats is protecting our future," Yadav said. (This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

PTI 6 hours ago

Business

WeWork Shares Surge As Jefferies Initiates Buy Coverage - Check Target Price

Shares of WeWork India is buzzing in trade on Tuesday's trading session, with the stock seeing surge of more than 5%. The stock is currently trading at Rs 647, compared to Monday's closing price of Rs 618.Jefferies has initiated coverage on recently-listed WeWork India, offering a rather bullish outlook. The brokerage firm pointed out the company's strong positioning and how it is poised to capture the hybrid work model opportunity in the country.The firm has initiated coverage with a 'buy' rating on WeWork India, with a target price of Rs 790 for a stock that has gained 3.4% since listing on the bourses.In its latest note, Jefferies has pointed out the flexible workspace market in India, which is expanding at a CAGR of 17% - twice the pace of traditional offices.This is indicative of how more and more Indian companies are opting for the variable, plug-and-play model rather than traditional long-term leases. WeWork India, to that end, has a strong presence in this segment, with the company's focus on higher-end offerings helping it command a superior revenue per member than its peers.Jefferies also notes that WeWork India is funded adequately for expansion, thus allowing the company to deepen its presence in major cities by coming up with fresh offerings.The brokerage firm expects the operator to deliver a 22% CAGR in revenue and a 28% CAGR in Ebitda between FY25 and FY28.Jefferies further said that WeWork India's flexible, premium workspaces, improving operational metrics and expansion visibility, support the entity's valuation. Jefferies believes WeWork India’s momentum, supported by long-term structural drivers, leaves room for further upside as large companies in India continue shifting a portion of their office footprint toward flexible formats..WeWork Was a Family Affair, Until Things Got Complicated

Anas Ali 6 hours ago

Technology

Hiring Manager Reveals Which Nationality Cheats Most In Interviews

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has allowed software developers and engineers to not only ease their work but also take shortcuts during the hiring process. Now, a Redditor has divided the internet after claiming that developers from India cheated the most during interviews. In a viral post titled, "I took several tech interviews, and our Indian developers cheated the most', the user said Indian developers had earned a notorious reputation, owing to their behaviour.The hiring manager said they did not know the reason behind the trend, but suggested it was a common behaviour amongst the Indian workers."I am involved in hiring several developers (80+) across the globe, and one of the trends I noticed is that a lot of Indian developers cheat, sometimes blatantly, during these interviews, while developers from other places don't," the user wrote in the r/developersIndia subreddit."The situation is so bad at this point that we have earned a reputation that if a developer is doing well in the interview, they are suspected of cheating. This is definitely not helping and tarnishing our image."Check The Viral Post Here:I took several tech interviews, And our Indian developers cheated the most.byu/ireadfaces indevelopersIndiaAlso Read | Foreigner Reveals The 'Most Well-Designed' City In India: 'Not Many Know About It''The Reason For This...'As the post gained traction, a section of social media users agreed with the hiring manager's assessment, while others pointed out that their experience was not indicative of the entire population's behaviour."I'm new to the interview panel and took around 100 interviews so far. It's funny to see that candidates have no clue how easy it is to know if someone is cheating," said one user, while another added: "The reason for this is that young interviewers with less than 8 to 9 years of experience expect the developers to know everything."A third commented: "Bro interviews 80 developers and thinks the sample is enough to blame a country of 1.4 billion people."A fourth said: "Somewhat true this is, but also the it's the broken interview process. I have been with other panellists and most of them just ask the tape recorder questions. Forget ChatGPT, if you just read a set of 50 questions a few times, you can answer most of them."

Abhinav Singh 6 hours ago

Politics

Hakeem Jeffries Takes Hard 'L' After Yet Another 'Dems in Disarray' Moment Plays Out on House Floor

We brought you the story last Thursday of the tense Dems in Disarray drama that played out on the House floor shortly before the vote on whether to end the Schumer Shutdown began on Wednesday night. In a move that caused fuming from some House Democrats, including Minority Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), Democrat Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) put forth a privilege resolution calling on the House to condemn Democrat Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) for essentially rigging the system to ensure his chief of staff, Patty Garcia (no relation), succeeded him at the end of this term, which will be his last in Congress. In a nutshell, on October 27th, Garcia filed to run for reelection. Just minutes before the November 3rd candidate filing deadline expired, however, Patty Garcia also filed to run for the seat, sparking rumors that Rep. Garcia had abruptly decided against running for reelection, something he confirmed soon after, citing health and family concerns. This ensured Patty Garcia had no primary or general election opponent, a classic "Chicago Way" moment if there ever was one. READ MORE: The Spicy 'Dems in Disarray' Drama on the House Floor Pre-Shutdown Vote You Might Have Missed On Monday, a vote was held on tabling the resolution (the text of which you can read below): Ahead of the vote, Democrat House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) strongly argued for tabling it, predictably calling it a distraction and saying the American people's priorities were elsewhere and not the democracy that Democrats have spent the last five years arguing was in "danger." Jeffries, of course, wasn't the only Democrat who tried to invoke Democrat Privilege in defense of Garcia: Every single member of the Democrat caucus then stood up and condemned PEREZ for introducing the resolution-- not Garcia for corruptly picking his successor. Jeffries and the unhinged Democrats in the House did not get their way, however. The motion to table was defeated, with two Democrats, Gluesenkamp Perez and Rep. Jared Golden (ME-02), joining Republicans: SEE ALSO: Hakeem Jeffries Turns Into a Sputtering Mess When Grilled on Dem Lawmaker’s Jeffrey Epstein Texts Rep. Garcia's office has argued that other potential candidates were free to file at any time between October 27th and November 3rd, but as NBC News' Chicago affiliate pointed out, "other Democrats have since said they might have run for Garcia's Congressional seat if they knew he wasn't seeking re-election." The House could hold the final vote on this as soon as Tuesday. Stay tuned. Editor's Note: President Trump is leading America into the "Golden Age" as Democrats try desperately to stop it. Please help us continue to report on President Trump's successes. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your membership.

Sister Toldjah 6 hours ago

Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves Rout Dallas Mavericks 120-96

The Minnesota Timberwolves hosted the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. The Timberwolves routed the Mavericks 120-96 at the Target Center. Minnesota improved to 9-5, while Dallas fell to 4-11. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks Starters Monday’s game was a lopsided matchup but provided an opportunity for either team to win. But there appeared to be no ill will as Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell, who played for the Timberwolves from 2020 to 2023, exchanged pleasantries before tip-off. Minnesota’s starting lineup featured Donte DiVincenzo, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Goebert. Minnesota ruled out Terrence Shannon Jr. (foot). Dallas’ starting lineup featured Brandon Williams, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, and Moussa Cisse. Dallas ruled out Kyrie Irving (knee), Anthony Davis (calf), Dereck Lively II (knee), Daniel Gafford (ankle), Dante Exum (knee), and Ryan Nembhard (knee). Timberwolves vs. Mavericks Recap Monday’s game was a rivalry matchup. Both teams possess diverse strategies and player dynamics. Minnesota is known for its ability to overpower defenses, while Dallas excels in offensive effectiveness. The first quarter started slowly but gradually became a high-scoring affair. Dallas had an empty possession, but Cisse managed to get the loose ball back and get on the board in his first NBA start. DiVincenzo dazzled the home crowd with a deep three-pointer. Minnesota took a 34-21 lead to end the first. The second quarter resembled the first quarter. Washington nailed a three-pointer. Naz Reid powered through contact and threw down a dunk in the front of the rim. Reid finished the first half with 19 points. Minnesota took a 61-44 lead into halftime. The home team applied pressure in the third quarter. McDaniels nailed a three-pointer to improve to a perfect 3-for-3. Minnesota took a 98-66 lead through three quarters. Minnesota reached the 100-point plateau to open the fourth quarter. The road team picked up the pace but failed to get out of the abyss. Minnesota won 120-96 in regulation. Final Thoughts Minnesota concludes a three-game homestand against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast on FDSN. Dallas returns home to open a three-game homestand against the New York Knicks on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

Ana Kieu,Total Apex Sports 6 hours ago

Technology

Lava Agni 4 Demo Campaign Lets Buyers Experience the Phone Before Buying

Lava Mobiles on Monday announced a new initiative that allows consumers to get early access to its upcoming flagship smartphone, the Lava Agni 4. Dubbed the Demo@Home campaign, it facilitates the visit of a Lava engineer to their homes for a complete walkthrough and a chance to try out the device's design and capabilities before they make a purchasing decision. The Lava Agni 4, notably, is scheduled to be launched in India on November 20. Lava Agni 4 Home Demo Campaign The Lava Agni 4 home demo campaign runs from November 20 to November 24, in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. Customers in the aforementioned cities can register for the invite-only experience by filling out a form. A limited number of participants will be shortlisted and contacted for an exclusive hands-on experience from the comfort of their homes, the brand said in a press note. This is claimed to be part of the Lava Agni 4 Elite Pass. As per Lava Mobiles, this will be a no-obligation demonstration, which means customers do not have an obligation to purchase the smartphone after the hands-on walkthrough.OnePlus 15R India Launch Has Officially Been Teased Lava said that this initiative is aimed at bringing product demonstrations directly to the user. Lava Agni 4 Price in India, Specifications (Expected) As per reports, the Lava Agni 4 could be priced under Rs. 30,000 in India. It is expected to sport a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The handset will be powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 8350 chipset, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. For optics, the Lava Agni 4 could get a dual rear camera setup, comprising a 50-megapixel primary camera with support for optical image stabilisation (OIS) and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. It is also said to get a 50-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. Connectivity options on the Lava Agni 4 may include USB 3.2, infrared (IR), and Wi-Fi 6E. The upcoming handset is also rumoured to pack a 5,000mAh battery that supports fast charging at 66W.

Ketan Pratap,Shaurya Tomer 6 hours ago

Technology

Watch: Six injured as LPG cylinder explodes in Siddipet

Siddipet: Six members of of a family sustained burn injuries when an LPG gas cylinder exploded in Akunur village on Tuesday morning. Shette Kavya attempted to light the gas stove when the gas started leaking out and it resulted in an instant explosion. Kavya, her husband Bhaskar, their three children Pranavi, Krithika, Harishini and Bhaskar's father Ayyallam sustained injuries. The house gutted as the explosion led to fire. Valuables in the house were reduced into ashes. The locals rushed to their rescue and the victims have been shifted to the government hospital in Siddipet after providing first aid in a local hospital. The incident left the otherwise calm village in a shock. [video width="478" height="850" mp4="https://media.telanganatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/VID-20251118-WA0006.mp4"][/video]

Telangana Today 6 hours ago

Politics

Running Old Vehicles To Get Costlier As Fitness Fees Jump Tenfold

The central government on Tuesday has introduced a sharp increase in vehicle fitness-test fees, raising charges by as much as ten times under amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. The new fee structure applies nationwide and is effective immediately.A key change is the shift in the age threshold for higher fitness fees—from 15 years to 10 years. The government has also created three distinct age categories for vehicles: 10–15 years, 15–20 years, and more than 20 years. Fees rise progressively with each category, replacing the earlier flat-rate structure that primarily applied to vehicles over 15 years old.The steepest increases fall on heavy commercial vehicles. A truck or bus older than 20 years will now be charged Rs 25,000 for its fitness test, compared with Rs 2,500 earlier. Medium commercial vehicles in the same age bracket will pay Rs 20,000, up from Rs 1,800.Charges for light motor vehicles over 20 years old have been raised to Rs 15,000, while three-wheelers in the same category will now pay Rs 7,000. For two-wheelers more than 20 years old, the fee has risen over threefold—from Rs 600 to Rs 2,000.Even vehicles under 15 years of age will see higher charges. According to the revised Rule 81, motorcycles will pay Rs 400, light motor vehicles Rs 600, and medium and heavy commercial vehicles Rs 1,000 for their fitness certification.The government says the updated structure is intended to accelerate the removal of old and unsafe vehicles from Indian roads and to strengthen the national vehicle scrappage policy. By significantly increasing the cost of maintaining older vehicles, the authorities hope to encourage owners to retire them or upgrade to newer, cleaner and safer models.The revised fitness-test fees are now in force across the country..HSBC Initiates Bullish Coverage On Tata Motors' CV Arm, Bets On Commercial Vehicle Sector Revival

Pratiksha Thayil 6 hours ago

Technology

CAT 2025 On Nov 30; Mock Test Link, Paper Pattern, Key Preparation Tips Here

CAT 2025: The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 will be held on November 30 across three sessions, with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode overseeing this year's administration. The admit card has been released, and candidates who have not downloaded it yet can log in to iimcat.ac.in using their user ID and password. Registration for the exam opened on August 1 and closed on September 13.The test is scheduled to be conducted in nearly 170 cities. CAT 2025 will follow a two-hour format for non-PwD candidates, divided into three 40-minute sections-Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Sectional movement will remain restricted, meaning candidates can proceed to the next section only once the allotted time has ended. PwD candidates will receive an additional 40 minutes.Mock Test and Exam InterfaceA mock examination designed to help candidates get familiar with the interface and question types has been activated on the CAT website. The sample paper includes selected questions from previous years and reflects last year's timing structure of 40 minutes per section for non-PwD candidates. The mock test interface allows early submission of a section; however, the actual exam will not permit switching before the full 40 minutes.The mock test links for general, PwD, and visually impaired candidates have been made available through the official website. IIM Kozhikode has cautioned that the mock paper is only an example and should not be taken as confirmation of the number or type of questions in CAT 2025.Security Measures and Candidate AdvisoryAdmit cards have been generated for around 2.95 lakh registered candidates and will remain accessible for download until the exam day. IIMs have also introduced additional security checks, including mobile signal jammers at select centres. Candidates have been advised to rely only on the official website for updates, as announcements will continue to depend on directives issued by the central and state authorities.Preparation Tips for the Final WeekWith one week left for the examination, aspirants are encouraged to focus on revision and timed practice. Daily mock test attempts can help strengthen speed and accuracy, particularly for DILR, where completing a set well within time is essential. Experts suggest reviewing previous year papers to understand question flow and difficulty levels, while keeping preparation aligned with individual study plans.Candidates should analyse their mock attempts closely to identify slow approaches or repeated errors, as completing approximately 22 questions within 40 minutes demands consistent pace.About CAT 2025CAT serves as the gateway for admission to postgraduate and doctoral programmes offered by the IIMs. Scores will also be accepted by several non-IIM institutions listed on the official website, although the IIMs do not participate in those institutes' selection processes.

Rahul Kumar 6 hours ago

Technology

Hyderabad Weather Today: Cold Wave Alert Issued In These Five Telangana Districts On November 18

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cold wave alert for five districts in Telangana on Tuesday, November 18. According to the latest IMD bulletin released at 7:57 a.m. on Tuesday, cold wave conditions are very likely to prevail in several parts across Telangana.Cold wave conditions are expected at isolated pockets in Adilabad, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, Nirmal, Sangareddy and Medak districts of the state, as per the IMD forecast.Apart from that, Hyderabad and its surrounding areas are likely to experience partly cloudy skies, along with mist or hazy conditions during the morning hours over the next 24 hours.The weather agency has also predicted cold wave to severe cold wave conditions across Telangana on November 19 as well, signalling a continuation of the chilly spell in the state..Chennai Weather: Yellow Alert Issued For November 18, Heavy Rain Expected In Several TN Districts.At a few places in Telangana, ⁠the minimum temperature remained below normal (-5.0°C to -3.1°C) on November 17.As of 8:30 a.m. on November 17, across the region, maximum temperatures ranged from 27.0°C in Nalgonda to 31.8°C in Mahabubnagar. The minimum temperatures varied more widely, from a chilly 8.7°C in Adilabad to 16.5°C in Badrachalam. Two locations, Adilabad and Medak, recorded minimum temperatures below 10°C, indicating a significant overnight coolness there.Other places like Hanmakonda, Nizamabad and Dundigal saw minimums between 12°C and 14°C. Many locations, including Khammam, Mahabubnagar and Badrachalam, maintained comparatively warmer nights above 14°C.This shows that while daytime temperatures stayed relatively moderate, night and early-morning conditions reflected the intensity of the cold wave across the districts..Adilabad: Max 28°C, Min 8°CHanmakonda: Max 28°C, Min 12°CHyderabad: Max 28.6°C, Min 13.2°CKhammam: Max 31°C, Min 15°CMedak: Max 29°C, Min 9°CNizamabad: Max 29°C, Min 13°CRamagundam: Max 29°C, Min 14°CAmid the cold wave alert across Telangana, residents are advised to take precautions, especially in areas recording sub-10°C minimum temperatures..The minimum temperature across the capital city is expected to remain below 15°C for the next few days, until November 22. Maximum temperatures will hover around 29 to 30°C.November 18: Max 29°C, Min 14°CNovember 19: Max 29°C, Min 14°CNovember 20: Max 29°C, Min 15°CNovember 21: Max 30°C, Min 51°CNovember 22: Max 30°C, Min 16°CNovember 23: Max 30°C, Min 17°C

Unknown 6 hours ago

Business

Indian Equities To 'Regain Mojo' In 2026, Says Morgan Stanley's Ridham Desai - Here's What He's Backing

In 2026, Indian equities will likely change its position as one of the worst performing markets among emerging markets in three decades, according to Morgan Stanley India's Managing Director Ridham Desai. The theme of 2026 will be stock-picking, compared to 'stock picking' in this calendar year. The long-term story is gaining strength with government policy in action. Policy pivot is backing the recovery in equities, Desai said. The Indian equity markets will likely reverse the worst performance relative to the emerging markets in 31 calendar years.In the next 12 months, earnings growth will go beyond mid-cycle slowdown experience as policy pivot has supported strong recovery in nominal growth, he said in the India Strategy note. The structural domestic bid remains intact. "Relative valuations are consistent with the improved forward performance," he said. .Goldman Sachs Expects Nifty To Hit 29,000 In A Year As It Upgrades India To 'Overweight'.Morgan Stanley forecasted 13% upside in the BSE Sensex index till December, 2026 in its base case scenario, said Desai. In the base case, the global brokerage also assumed that India will likely strike a deal with the US soon.It expects a 17% CAGR in the BSE Sensex earnings through financial year 2028. The brokerage also expects another 25-basis-point reduction in interest rate and a positive liquidity environment as the base case for monetary policy. Although retail investors will stay ahead of new supply, issuance will bunch up, Desai said in the note. .Greed & Fear: Jefferies Finds Property Stocks Attractive Amid Broader Valuation Concerns.Morgan Stanley recommends focusing on stocks impacted by domestic cyclical rather than the ones depend on external factors. The brokerage is overweight on Financials, Consumer Discretionary, Industrial, and Underweight Energy, Materials, Utilities, and Healthcare. .The biggest risk for India is a more-than-expected slowdown in the global economy, Morgan Stanley said. Although India can easily outperform a global sell-off given its low beta, but a slowdown in the global economy will cap absolute upside.

Ananya Chaudhuri 6 hours ago