Indian-American Executive Ajay Anand Named To Leadership Role At Wharton

An Indian-American executive has been named to a leadership role at an inaugural programme at the prestigious Wharton School, bringing his industry-leading expertise to advise faculty and mentor students in the field of Artificial Intelligence and analytics.

Ajay Anand, Senior Vice President, Global Services, Strategy and Business Services, at Johnson & Johnson, has been named as the inaugural Executive in Residence at the Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative (WAIAI), a statement issued here said.

The statement added that the Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative is launching the exclusive Executive in Residence programme to bring industry-leading expertise into the heart of Wharton's AI research and student initiatives.

Each year, select executives from top organisations will work alongside faculty and students to bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI research and real-world industry challenges.

Anand and Senior Director ERP, Digital & IT Strategy, The Hershey Company Achim Welter have been named the inaugural Executives in Residence.

As Executives in Residence, the leaders will advise the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton faculty, helping shape AI research to align with business needs; mentor students, and guide future AI innovators in WAIAI-sponsored projects like the Wharton AI & Analytics Accelerator.

Share insights at premier conferences, contributing as keynote speakers and expert panellists and judge high-stakes AI competitions, including WAIAI Hack-AI-thons and the Venture Lab Startup Challenge.

The statement on Thursday from Wharton noted that Anand brings more than 26 years of “transformational leadership, driving strategic impact across consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and telecommunications. A dynamic force in business and technology, he has led global initiatives that redefine industries.” It said the breadth and depth of their “expertise make them uniquely positioned to shape WAIAI's future and mentor the next generation of AI pioneers.” Anand holds a Master's degree in Computer Science from Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, and an MBA from Drexel University in Philadelphia.

Beyond his corporate leadership, he is an influential voice in the data and digital transformation community, serving on the Global Editorial Board of CDO Magazine, where he shares insights on the future of healthcare through data and AI. Additionally, he serves as an independent board member for USA Table Tennis (USATT).

Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Anand said, “It is an honour to join the Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative as Executive in Residence. I am excited to collaborate with Wharton's esteemed faculty, talented students, and industry leaders to explore the transformative potential of AI and analytics.” In his role at Wharton, Anand will apply his extensive expertise in digital transformation and business services to further the Initiative's mission of driving the practical application of artificial intelligence and analytics in business innovation.

According to information on the Wharton website, the Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative (WAIAI) is advancing the exploration of cutting-edge technology and the development of analytics methods in modern business, with the keen understanding that artificial intelligence and data science are transforming how we live, learn, and work.

Led by Vice Dean Eric Bradlow — professor of marketing, statistics and data science, economics, and education — WAIAI spearheads innovative student learning experiences, faculty research opportunities, and partnerships with industry experts and practitioners. 

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

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Living Nostradamus Predicts WWIII Nearing With Hybrid Warfare Chaos

Athos Salome, known as the 'Living Nostradamus', has issued yet another warning about the possibility of World War III. Sharing the chilling insights, the self-proclaimed living psychic said the global war will be sparked by "sabotage and hybrid warfare" which has been triggered by events that have already happened this year.

The Brazilian, who has previously gained attention for his predictions of global events including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, told people to "pay attention to the signs" as the dangerous global crisis was unfolding in real-time.

He pointed out the destruction of the undersea fibre optic cable between Latvia and Sweden, earlier this year, which could be part of the hybrid warfare.

"These attacks continue to happen, which has led NATO to increase security measures in the area, while the European Union develops emergency procedures to protect critical infrastructure," Mr Salome was quoted as saying by Mirror.

"Submarine cables maintain the modern communications infrastructure as its fundamental elements. When these structures are destroyed, they produce digital blackouts that jeopardise military capabilities and also cause major economic instability."

Also Read | Chilling Prediction Made By 'New Nostradamus' With India Link Comes True

He added that the domino effect could lead to major confrontations whilst adding that tensions between China and Russia will rise in the future, especially in the South China Sea.

"Today, we live in an era of hybrid warfare, where the destruction of an internet cable can have just as devastating implications as a military attack. If the destruction of the cables in the Baltic really is an act of sabotage, what will NATO's response be? How will Russia react to a possible formal indictment? And, most importantly, how far could this escalation take us?"

Mr Salome has been nicknamed after Nostradamus, a French astrologer and physician who lived in the 1500s and predicted some of the modern-day epochal moments such as Adolf Hitler's rise to power, the September 11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Bangkok Ground Report: Rubble Mountain, 50 Trapped And A Race Against Time

Robots, heavy machinery, and rescue personnel continue to search for workers trapped under the rubble of a 30-storey collapsed building in Bangkok, around 40 hours after a series of earthquakes left a trail of destruction in Myanmar and Thailand.

At least 50 people are likely trapped under the four-storey-high pile of rubble of the skyscraper. Bangkok's Chatu Chak market, a major tourist attraction, remains the worst-hit part of the city, with around 500-600 buildings being inspected for damages after the earthquake.

Experts claim that only 10 per cent of Bangkok's buildings are earthquake-proof and hotels have issued notices to guests about areas under inspection and the possibility of evacuation if issues are found.

US special forces are assisting the Bangkok rescue operations. Scientists have sent robots for 3D mapping and special cameras to track those trapped under the rubble. Drones are also flying round-the-clock over impacted areas to monitor the situation.

Deepak, an Indian citizen living in Bangkok for 7-8 years, said his head started spinning when the tremors began. It went on for around 50 seconds, buildings shook violently and water splashed out of rooftop pools, he described.

A day after hundreds camped in a park, the rest of the city is now slowly moving towards normalcy. About 90 per cent of the train routes are now working and just two lines are yet to become operational. Malls too have started functioning.

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near the central Myanmar city of Mandalay early Friday afternoon, followed minutes later by several aftershocks, including one that was of 6.7 magnitude. Strong tremors travelled as far as Thailand and left 17 dead.

Authorities have cautioned that aftershocks might continue over the next two weeks.

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Ex-News Anchor Lifts Girlfriend By Throat, Slams Her To Ground, Arrested

A former South Dakota TV news anchor has been charged with domestic abuse against his girlfriend and will face a jury trial in June.

Shad Olson, 52, has been accused of assaulting his girlfriend at her Meade County home in February 2024. He repeatedly shoved her to the ground after grabbing her by the throat, according to the case affidavit.

Olson eventually backed out of a plea agreement. His jury trial is scheduled for June 5, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for May 22, KOTA TV reported.

In a probable cause affidavit, Mr Olson allegedly “kept calling his girlfriend of eight years a crazy b***h” and had her leave her house barefoot while he “chased her,” The New York Post reported.

The man “chased” the woman during the alleged attack, telling her not to “ruin his reputation” while he “continued to follow her.”

According to the affidavit, once the woman returned to the house, Olson “lifted her up by her throat” and “continued shaking her while her feet were off the ground.”

The former TV anchor “flipped her over and picked her up and threw [her] down on the floor” up to five times, according to the report.

According to the complaint, the girlfriend freed herself from Olson's hold and ran barefoot to her neighbour's house before a sheriff's deputy finally showed up.

The woman claimed Olson had previously assaulted her and that his drinking and his response to political events were among the reasons for the violence. He is allegedly “stressed over politics, and it makes him drink,” she claimed.

The affidavit stated that Mr Olson “doesn't work” and has “no source of income.”

The woman added that he “worries about the country” while she “pays for everything in the home,” adding that she thought “she was going to die.”

The felony charge against Olson was dropped by the Meade County State's Attorney's Office in November 2024. However, he was charged with simple assault-domestic violence, a Class 1 misdemeanour in South Dakota.

A former legislative candidate, Jodie Frye posted $5,000 bail after Mr Olson was detained and later released. He was eventually accused of a felony charge of aggravated assault-domestic violence.

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Kunal Kamra Roasts Sudha Murty With Narayana Murthy's "70-Hour" Suggestion

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra is facing a huge controversy over his parody targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In his latest "Naya Bharat" show, he has lampooned several high-profile figures including author and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty and her husband and Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy. In his 45-minute act, Kunal Kamra took swipes at Sudha Murty's "simple" lifestyle and Narayana Murthy's 70-hour workweek remarks.

Kunal Kamra talked about the types of wealthy people in the country, including those who "become rich but pretend to belong to a middle class". Sudha Murty, he said, was one of those, with her "claims to be simple".

"Among the rich people who pretend to be middle class, there is a great lady named Sudha Murty. She is the epitome of simplicity. That is her claim that she is simple. She has written 50 books on her simplicity. At any airport, you will find a book section dedicated to Ms Murty and every book's theme is that she is simple," he said.

To embellish his point, the comedian narrated a fictional story mimicking Sudha Murty. "Once, I (Sudha Murty) went to a mango seller, and he gave me eight mangoes for Rs 100. Then, one lady came in corporate attire and the mango seller gave her eight mangoes for Rs 150. I went to the mango seller and asked, 'why did you give me cheaper mango?' He told me that the lady has a modern corporate job in this international company called Infosys," he imitated.

"Now you understand why Narayana Murthy wants to work 70 hours a week? Sudha Murty would fry his brain with 'main simple hu' (I am simple). Narayan Murthy says, 'main ghar ke bahar hu' (I am out of the house)."

His remarks referenced Mr Murthy's widely-debated suggestion that employees should work 70 hours a week, which has sparked sharp reactions, discussions and memes on work-life balance.

Dwelling on Sudha Murty, Kunal Kamra continued, "For two years, she was the mother-in-law of the entire UK. How is this simplicity? She is going to Rajya Sabha, simply."

Kunal Kamra's show at The Habitat in Mumbai's Khar has triggered a massive political backlash because of his digs at Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde. On Sunday, Sena supporters vandalised the venue and issued threats to the 36-year-old comedian.

Kunal Kamra faces multiple charges, including defamation and statements conducing to public mischief. Mumbai Police has also registered a case against some Sena supporters for the vandalism.

The comedian has now approached a court for protection against arrest.

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Artificial Intelligence's Impact On Jobs, Tech's Touchy Topic

"Stop Hiring Humans" read a provocative sign at an AI conference in Las Vegas, where the impact of new artificial intelligence models on the world of work had sparked some unease.

"We're not worried about tiptoeing around. We're sparking the conversation," said Fahad Alam of Artisan, a startup, at the HumanX AI event.

The San Francisco company is promoting AI agents -- virtual sales representatives that identify potential customers, contact them, write emails, and schedule appointments.

AI agents, which are supposed to make decisions that are usually made by humans, have become the latest buzzword of the generative AI story that began with the release of ChatGPT in 2022.

With its offering, Artisan's typical avatar, Ava, costs 96 percent less than a human performing the same tasks, according to the company's website.

The startup's straight-to-the-point approach sharply contrasts with most generative AI companies, who tread cautiously on whether ChatGPT-like technologies will leave human workers unemployed by the wayside.

"I don't fundamentally think it's about displacing employees as much as better leveraging them for the things only humans can do," said Josh Constine of SignalFire, a venture capital firm.

Predictions can vary wildly. Goldman Sachs estimates AI could eliminate 300 million jobs globally through automation.

An 2024 Metrigy report found 89 percent of firms surveyed reduced customer relations staff in the previous year due to generative AI.

On the other hand, 70 percent of major companies surveyed by the World Economic Forum said they planned to hire workers with AI-related skills in the coming years.

"It's natural evolution," said Joe Murphy of D-iD, which offers video avatars and recently struck a partnership with Microsoft. 

"Like the car's invention, AI will create a new sector. Jobs will be created and lost simultaneously."

Supporting this theory, data from the US Department of Labor shows jobs for secretaries and administrative assistants fell from 4.1 million to 3.4 million between 1992 and 2023, coinciding with the rise of office computing.

During the same period, the number of computer scientists more than doubled, from approximately 500,000 to 1.2 million.

Still, given the sensitivities about replacing humans, some advise discretion.

"You're selling software that replaces a significant part of their team," said Tomasz Tunguz, founder of Theory Ventures. "You can't sell that overtly."

"Some clients candidly don't want it known they're using AI," added Alam.

'Inevitable'

There is little doubt that some kind of upheaval of the workplace is underway, but its precise impact remains uncertain.

Analysts predict job losses for programmers, call center operators, translators, and travel agents.

However, others caution against taking bold statements -- or reassurances -- by startups at face value.

"Technology innovators learn communication skills by overstating the positive, underplaying the negative," said Mark Hass, marketing professor at Arizona State University.

But many startups reject the notion they're misleading on job impacts.

"The majority of people we're talking to aren't doing this because of efficiency. They're doing this because of top-line revenue growth," said Paloma Ochi of Decagon, a marketing AI startup. 

"And when the business grows, that's good for everyone. There are going to be more jobs for humans within that business."

"Most customers don't want to let people go," said Joshua Rumsey, a senior sales engineer at Aisera, whose AI agents are used in finance and HR. Though they are "looking to grow without hiring new agents as existing ones leave."

Given the disruptions, Hass advocated for greater transparency, warning that surprising the public with negative impacts on livelihoods could lead to backlash.

"Talking about the implications doesn't weaken the case for AI, because I think it's inevitable. Not talking about it in a wholesome way creates the opportunity for misunderstanding," he said.

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

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Meghan Markle Releases 1st Clip Of New Podcast, Promises Fans Of 'Girl Talk'

The first teaser of Meghan Markle's podcast 'Confessions of a Female Founder', was released on Tuesday, and she has assured her fans that it will have some "girl talk" as well.

The eight-episode series with the Duchess of Sussex as the host will feature candid conversations with female entrepreneurs about their journeys, successes and challenges.

"We're diving into the highs and the lows, and the kind of advice that turns small ideas into billion-dollar businesses. And of course, we're going to get some girl talk!" the Suits alumna said.

The podcast will also provide insights into business-building and Ms Markle's own entrepreneurial experiences with her upcoming lifestyle brand, As Ever, which will sell products like her signature raspberry jam.

The trailer begins with the 43-year-old introducing herself. "I'm Meghan, and this is Confessions of a Female Founder, a show where I chat with female entrepreneurs and friends about the sleepless nights, the lessons learned and the laser focus that got them to where they are today," she said.

She added the podcast was not a place for entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas; instead, it would support people with a more friendly and encouraging atmosphere.

"This is not Shark Tank; think of this as 'dolphin tank.' These are very friendly waters; it's all going to be good," she added.

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A post shared by Cindy (@meg_harry_family)

Earlier this month, Ms Markle posted about her podcast on Instagram, writing, "I've been having candid conversations with amazing women who have turned dreams into realities, and scaled small ideas into massively successful businesses."

She added, "They're opening up, sharing their tips, tricks (and tumbles), and letting me pick their brains as I build out my own business, As Ever. It has been absolutely eye-opening, inspiring...and fun! (Because what's the point if we can't have some fun on this wild adventure?)"

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The snippet also featured a few sound bites from the podcast, where guests discussed their own business successes and setbacks.

"I'm broke, and no one is calling me," a guest told Ms Markle, while another said, "It just started climbing and climbing, and there were 5,000, 10,000 people on our website."

"I knew in that moment that I'd rather stand for something than sell a whole ton of product and stand for nothing," said another interviewee.

Ms Markle signed a contract with Lemonada Media last year in February after Spotify chose not to continue with a $20 million deal for a second season of Archetypes.

Archetypes premiered in August 2022 and had 12 episodes. It featured guests such as Deepika Padukone, Serena Williams, Mindy Kaling, Paris Hilton, and Mariah Carey.

Confessions of a Female Founder will be released on April 8.

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BSEB Results 2025: Bihar Board Result 2025 LIVE Updates

The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) is set to announce the results of the Intermediate annual exam 2025 today. The results will be declared by Education Minister Sunil Kumar at around 1.15pm. Once announced, the results for the Class 12 BSEB exams will be available on the official website: interresult2025.com, interbiharboard.com 

Students will be able to access the results by entering their roll number and date of birth on the official websites.

Here are the LIVE updates on Bihar Board 12th Result 2025:  

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US Woman With Dementia Mauled To Death By Dogs, Daughter Faces Charges

Authorities have charged a 47-year-old Colorado woman after her mother with dementia was allegedly mauled by dogs residing in what they deemed 'unsanitary conditions.'

Jessica Hoff has been charged with criminal negligence resulting in death and 54 counts of aggravated animal cruelty, according to the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office. Her arrest on Friday followed a February 3 call reporting an unconscious woman.

Sheriff's deputies arrested Jessica Hoff, 47, on a felony warrant in connection with the death of her 76-year-old mother, who died as a result of dog attack in February. More at https://t.co/hssaeaNYVE pic.twitter.com/PRIQccv4lE

— PuebloCounty Sheriff (@PuebloCountySO) March 22, 2025

Deputies arrived to find 76-year-old LaVonne Hoff unresponsive, with multiple dogs roaming freely inside the home and two dozen more on the property. She was pronounced dead at the scene, NBC News reported. 

Investigators determined that Jessica Hoff had left her mother- who required 24-hour care for dementia-alone while running errands. During that time, the dogs attacked LaVonne inside the home. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as a dog attack.

Authorities later searched Jessica Hoff's home and a second property in Colorado City, discovering a total of 54 dogs and seven birds. Many of the animals were found in unsanitary conditions, with several dogs in poor health.

Jessica Hoff remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. Court records do not yet list an attorney representing her, the news outlet reported. 

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US Alleges Activist Mahmoud Khalil 'Covered Up' Working For UN Rights Body

The US government has alleged that Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian demonstrator Mahmoud Khalil withheld that he worked for a United Nations Palestinian relief agency in his visa application, saying that should be grounds for deportation.

The UN agency known as UNRWA provides food and healthcare to Palestinian refugees and has become a flashpoint in the Israeli war in Gaza. Israel contends that 12 UNRWA employees were involved in Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, leading the US to halt funding of the group.

The administration of US President Donald Trump on March 8 detained Khalil, a prominent figure in the pro-Palestinian campus protests that rocked the New York City campus last year, and sent him to Louisiana in an attempt to remove him from the country.

The case has drawn attention as a test of free speech rights, with supporters of Khalil saying he was targeted for publicly disagreeing with US policy on Israel and its occupation of Gaza. Khalil has called himself a political prisoner.

The US alleges Khalil's presence or activities in the country would have serious foreign policy consequences.

A judge has ordered Khalil not to be deported while his lawsuit challenging his detention, known as a habeas petition, is heard in another federal court.

Khalil, a native of Syria and citizen of Algeria, entered the US on a student visa in 2022 and later filed to become a permanent resident in 2024.

In a court brief dated Sunday, the US government outlined its arguments for keeping Khalil in custody while his removal proceedings continue, arguing first that the US District Court in New Jersey, where the habeas case is being heard, lacked jurisdiction.

The brief also says Khalil "withheld membership in certain organizations" which should be grounds for his deportation.

It references a March 17 document in his deportation case that informed Khalil he could be removed because he failed to disclose that he was a political officer of UNRWA in 2023.

The UN said in August an investigation found nine of the agency's 32,000 staff members may have been involved in the October 7 attacks.

The US court notice also accuses Khalil of leaving off his visa application that he worked for the Syria office in the British embassy in Beirut and that he was a member of the group Columbia University Apartheid Divest.

Attorneys for Khalil did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

One attorney, Ramie Kassem, a co-director of the legal clinic CLEAR, was quoted in the New York Times as saying the new deportation grounds were "patently weak and pretextual."

"That the government scrambled to add them at the 11th hour only highlights how its motivation from the start was to retaliate against Mr. Khalil for his protected speech in support of Palestinian rights and lives," Kassem said, according to the Times.

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

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MS Dhoni's 0.12 Second Act Stumps Cricket World, Not Just Suryakumar Yadav

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's lightning-quick reflexes behind the stumps to get rid of Suryakumar Yadav during an IPL match here have left former Australian opener Matthew Hayden gushing about the former Indian captain's abilities, despite not being in his prime. Dhoni, 43, is nearing the end of his career, having hung up his international boots five years ago and playing just as a player for the Chennai Super Kings after leading the team to five IPL titles.

However, Dhoni showcased his brilliance once again on Sunday when he whipped off the bails in an instant off Noor Ahmad's delivery, sending Suryakumar back to the pavilion.

"He (Dhoni) was on fire," Hayden, the former Australia batter and Dhoni's team-mate at CSK till 2010, said on ESPNcricinfo's T20 Time Out.

"I mean Noor Ahmad was firing down the leg side and it was just a movement across the ball. They're difficult when you're sitting there sort of partially obscured by the batsman.

"Then the stumping was just superb, just such quick timing, great hands, good vision. He's still got it." The stumping of Suryakumar (29) was a crucial moment in the game as CSK broke a 51-run stand and eventually restricted Mumbai Indians to 155/9. CSK chased down the target with four wickets in hand and five balls to spare at Chepauk.

"The stumping from MSD (MS Dhoni) was out of the world," said Noor during the post-match presentation.

"It feels great to have someone like Mahi Bhai behind the stumps, it is a great support for me." As per Star Sports, the stumping was executed in just 0.12 seconds.

Stumping in 0.12 seconds. At 43, Thala is still the king behind the stumps. Today's best. #Dhoni #CSKvsMI #msdhoniipl #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/sDpvkJH6xv

— Kumar Simon (@Kumar_Simon_) March 23, 2025

Piyush Chawla, former India and CSK spinner, believes Dhoni must have practiced with Noor during pre-season camp to perfect the stumping.

"It does happen, it is a challenge if you have not kept against somebody," he said.

"But I'm sure in the camp, he must have kept a lot of balls because if he's keeping for somebody new, he especially takes that person to the stumps and says, you bowl a few balls.

"(It has) not (happened) with me because I have bowled against him so many times and bowled to him in the nets also. But whenever somebody new comes, especially a wristspinner, he just makes sure he's keeping 10-12 balls so that he gets used to the wrist position."

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

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"Love...": Tiger Woods Confirms Relationship With Trump's Ex Daughter-In-Law

Tiger Woods took the unusual step of confirming his romance with Donald Trump's former daughter-in-law on Sunday in a brief post on social media.

Golf superstar Woods -- renowned for jealously guarding his private life over the years -- confirmed in a post on X that he is dating Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr.

"Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side," Woods wrote in a caption above two photos of himself relaxing with Vanessa Trump.

"At this time we would appreciate privacy for all those close to our hearts."

The post comes after weeks of tabloid rumors about the couple.

Vanessa Trump, who divorced Donald Trump Jr. in 2018 after a 13-year marriage, also posted a picture of her and Woods together on her Instagram account in what appeared to be a co-ordinated announcement.

Sunday's announcement would once have been unthinkable for Woods, who famously named his luxury yacht "Privacy".

Woods's private life was laid bare during the 2009 sex scandal that upended his career and led to the implosion of his six-year marriage to Elin Nordegren, the mother of his two children.

Nordegren and Woods separated amid revelations of the golf star's serial infidelity, with reports suggesting he had slept with as many as 120 women during his marriage.

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

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"Immoral, Baseless": Istanbul Mayor As Thousands Protest His Arrest

Huge crowds gathered outside Istanbul City Hall late Saturday for a fourth night of protests over the arrest of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who has blasted official allegations against him as "immoral and baseless". 

The demonstrations, which began in Istanbul on Wednesday, have since spread to more than 55 of Turkey's 81 provinces, sparking clashes with riot police in the country's worst street protests in more than a decade.

Imamoglu's arrest -- for "terrorism" and "corruption" -- came just days before he was to have been formally named as the main opposition CHP's candidate in the 2028 presidential race.

"Dictators are cowards!" and "AKP (Turkey's ruling party), you will not silence us!" read some of the placards in the Istanbul protest Saturday night, which appeared bigger and denser than the previous night.

Officers charged the City Hall gathering shortly after midnight (2100 GMT) using tear gas and forcing those who could to take refuge in the City Hall building.

Many were arrested, according to AFP journalists, but no official data was immediately available.

Riot police had earlier used rubber bullets, pepper spray and percussion grenades in clashes on the fringes of the rally, AFP correspondents said.

In the capital Ankara, riot police used water cannon to push back protesters, while in the western coastal city of Izmir police blocked a student march headed towards the local AKP offices.

CHP leader Ozgur Ozel, addressing the massed protesters in Istanbul, told them they numbered "more than half a million". 

He vowed the mobilisation would "defend" Imamoglu and march on the courthouse where the mayor had been taken late Saturday.

The mayor was taken to the courthouse, about 10 kilometres (six miles) away from the City Hall demonstration, with 90 of his co-defendants, protected by dozens of riot vans and a heavy police cordon.

According to Imamoglu's lawyers, his hearing on a "terrorism" charge concluded, while the hearing on a "corruption" charge was scheduled to follow in the middle of the night.

Police set up a tight security cordon around the courthouse while around 1,000 protesters stood nearby shouting slogans. 

Turkish lira slides

Earlier Saturday, the 53-year-old mayor denounced the accusations against him as "immoral and baseless" in a statement released by City Hall.

"This process has not only harmed Turkey's international reputation but has also shattered the public's sense of justice and trust in the economy," he said.

News of the mayor's arrest badly hurt the lira and caused chaos on Turkey's financial markets with the benchmark BIST 100 index closing Friday nearly 8.0 percent lower.

"We are here today to stand up for the candidate we voted for," 30-year-old Aykut Cenk told AFP outside the court, holding a Turkish flag.

"Just as people took the streets to stand up for Erdogan after the July 15 (2016) coup, we are now taking to the streets for Imamoglu," Cenk said. 

"We are not the enemy of the state, but what is happening is unlawful."

The unrest has spread rapidly despite a protest ban in Turkey's three largest cities and a warning from Erdogan that the authorities would not tolerate "street terror".

"For four days, they have been doing everything they can to disturb the peace and divide our people," Erdogan said on Saturday. 

"The days when politics and justice are guided by street terror are totally in the past," he added. 

Earlier in the evening, Istanbul Governor Davut Gul said the authorities would not allow anyone to enter or leave the city who was "likely to participate in illegal activities". 

Police have arrested 343 people since the start of the protests, the interior ministry said on Friday. 

Journalists 'targeted'

Turkey's Journalists Union claimed the police had "deliberately targeted" journalists, saying many had been "severely beaten, shot with rubber bullets and had equipment broken". 

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also denounced the "heavy-handed and completely arbitrary" violence against journalists, demanding those responsible be "severely punished". 

Despite Imamoglu's detention, the CHP has vowed to press ahead with its primary on Sunday at which it would formally nominate him as the party's presidential candidate. 

It has pledged to open voting to anyone, not just party members, in the hope of garnering massive support for the beleaguered mayor, who is widely seen as the only politician capable of challenging Erdogan. 

Observers said the government would likely seek to block the vote. 

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

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Indian Man, Daughter Killed In US Store Shooting, Left Gujarat 6 Years Back

A 24-year-old Indian woman and her 56-year-old father were shot dead at a departmental store in Virginia, US, where they had been working. The shooting took place on Thursday, shortly after the store in Accomack County opened.

Police have arrested George Frazier Devon Wharton (44) for the double murder. According to reports, the accused reached the store early Thursday morning to buy liquor and asked why the store was shut at night. He then opened fire at the father-daughter duo. While Pradeep Patel died on the spot, his daughter Urmi succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.

Pradeep Patel, his wife Hansaben and their daughter Urmi are from Gujarat's Mehsana district and moved to the US six years ago. They had been working at the convenience store owned by a relative, Paresh Patel. Speaking to WAVY TV in Virginia, Paresh Patel said the two victims were his family members. "My cousin's wife and her dad were working this morning. Some guy came here and just shot. I don't know what to do," he said. Pradeep Patel and Hansaben have two more daughters -- one lives in Canada, the other in Ahmedabad.

Accused Wharton has been charged with first-degree murder and other sections, including felony and arms laws.

The tragic incident has shocked the Patels' relatives back in Mehsana. Pradip Patel's uncle Chandu Patel said he went to the US about 6-7 years back. "We knew from local media reports and a viral video that they were shot dead. We spoke to his daughter and she told us everything," he said. 

The double murder has shocked the Indian community in the US. It comes months after Mainank Patel, a 36-year-old Indian-origin man running a convenience store in North Carolina, was shot dead during a robbery on the premises.

Inputs by Mahendra Prasad

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Donald Trump Revokes Security Clearances Of Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton

US President Donald Trump made good Friday on a threat to revoke the security clearances of his predecessor Joe Biden and several senior former White House and national security officials. The list of names stripped of their authorization to see state secrets included Biden, his family members, and former vice-president and Trump presidential rival Kamala Harris.

Former secretary of state and defeated presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was on the list, along with Biden's secretary of state Antony Blinken and national security advisor Jacob Sullivan.

In a memorandum to agency heads and distributed by the White House communications office, Trump said the named officials should no longer be allowed access to classified material.   

"I hereby direct every executive department and agency head ... to revoke any active security clearances held by the aforementioned individuals," Trump said.

"I also direct all executive department and agency heads to revoke unescorted access to secure United States Government facilities from these individuals."

Former US presidents and national security officials traditionally retain a security clearance as a courtesy, and some find it useful in seeking employment with private contractors.

But Trump, who continues to falsely claim that Biden schemed to steal the 2020 election, which he lost, has remained furious with his predecessor and lashes out frequently.

Trump was himself investigated for breaching security rules during the period between his first and second term in office, by storing classified White House documents in his Mar-a-Lago resort.

The investigation was wound up after Trump returned to office.

Many of the individuals on Trump's list were high-profile political appointees of his Democratic predecessor, but former Republican lawmaker and vocal Trump critic Liz Cheney is also named.

Fiona Hill, a British-born intelligence analyst who served under both Democrat and Republican administrations, including as an advisor in Trump's White House, is targeted.

She is joined by former colleague Alexander Vindman, a Kyiv-born retired senior officer in the US Army who fell foul of Trump after expressing concerns about White House contacts with Russia.

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

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How Melting Glaciers Threaten Biodiversity, Lives And Water Resources

The melting of glaciers -- a direct consequence of global warming -- is accelerating, with dramatic consequences for lives and livelihoods.

Glacial melting can result in nuclear power plant shutdowns, agriculture and water resources being put at risk, and coastal cities being threatened by flooding.

To mark Friday's first-ever World Day for Glaciers, the United Nations' World Meteorological Organization (WMO) weather, climate and water agency, and its UNESCO culture agency, zoomed in on the impact shrinking glaciers can have on everyday lives.

Natural disasters increase

By releasing large amounts of water, the melting of glaciers can trigger natural disasters such as floods, landslides and avalanches.

The lakes that form risk overflowing, threatening towns and villages downstream, while the retreating glacier tongue reveals bare rock or sediments that can collapse, increasing the local hazard risk.

Such risks sometimes result in legal action.

This week in Germany, a Peruvian farmer is suing the German energy giant RWE -- one of the world's top emitters of carbon dioxide -- for "climate justice".

Saul Luciano Lliuya argues that RWE must pay towards the cost of protecting his hometown, Huaraz, from a swollen glacier lake at risk of overflowing from melting snow and ice.

Water resources in peril

The water released by melting glaciers will initially swell rivers and lakes -- but this source will eventually run dry.

"We think that the majority of catchments around the globe are going to reach this peak water within the century, and about 30 percent or more have already passed" the peak, said Michael Zemp, director of the World Glacier Monitoring Service.

The disappearance of glaciers will affect freshwater supplies, particularly in Central Asia and the central Andes, "where glaciers, in the hottest and driest months, are often the only water resource".

According to a report published Friday by UNESCO, mountains provide up to 60 percent of the world's annual freshwater flow. More than two billion people depend directly on water from the mountains for their drinking water, sanitation and livelihoods.

Half of the River Amazon's water comes from the Andes, noted Abou Amani, secretary of UNESCO's intergovernmental hydrological programme.

Biodiversity disrupted

The altitude of the snow line is rising, altering biodiversity.

Vegetation will be able to grow higher up in the mountains, while for some plants, "it will be too dry or too wet", said Zemp.

He said this could lead to major changes in the entire mountain ecosystem.

"The amount of change, and that the speed of the change -- this is going to be the huge challenge," he said.

Changing mountain lives

Water plays an vital role in many economic sectors, such as farming, forestry, tourism and energy production.

"In the Andean countries, 85 percent of hydropower is generated from mountain areas," says UNESCO.

For some high mountain communities, glacier retreat will alter pastoral practices, such as for the Aymara minority, many of whom are forced to leave their Andean villages for urban areas as their pastures degrade.

Electricity and transport impact

Glacier retreat also threatens hydroelectricity production and food security. Difficult choices lie ahead.

Globally, glacier retreat and reduced snowfall in the mountains will impact two-thirds of the world's irrigated agriculture, according to UNESCO.

Other water-dependent sectors are also affected.

For several years now in France, rising river temperatures during heatwaves, or low flow rates during droughts, can slow down production at nuclear power plants.

And in recent years, the low water level in Europe's River Rhine threatened waterborne transport.

"It happens sometimes now, but in the future, it might happen more and more often as hot and dry periods will increase, and the problems will be accelerated by the lack in glacial melt," said Swiss glaciologist Matthias Huss.

Sea levels rising

After seawater expansion caused by rising temperatures, glaciers are the second biggest contributor to rising sea levels, but they are expected to become the main driver "over the next decades", said Zemp.

Global sea level has gone up by 10 centimetres since 1993, according to NASA satellite observations.

"Each additional millimetre of sea level rise exposes an additional 200,000 to 300,000 people to annual flooding. So small number, big impact," said Zemp.

This can have far-reaching implications.

In 2011 in Bangkok, major flooding disrupted the supply of hard drives to computer manufacturers worldwide.

"That leads to increase of computer prices" and even challenges in car manufacturing due to the demand for hard disks, said Stefan Uhlenbrook, the WMO's water and cryosphere director.

"And you see in a globalised, interconnected economy, these changes are impacting everyone."

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

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Sunita Williams Joins The Top 10 For Longest Single Space Missions

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore set out on an eight-day mission aboard Boeing's Starliner. They ended up spending 286 days on the International Space Station (ISS) after their spacecraft suffered propulsion failures.

Launched on June 5, 2024, their mission was to test Boeing's first crewed Starliner flight and return home. With Starliner unable to bring them back, NASA had to keep them on the ISS until a safe return was arranged. On March 19, 2025, their SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon spacecraft splashed down off the coast of Florida.

Their time aboard the ISS places them among astronauts who have had prolonged stays in space.

From Valeri Polyakov to endurance pioneers like Scott Kelly and Pyotr Dubrov, here's a list of astronauts who spent the longest time in space on a single mission, according to NASA and Space.com.

Top 10 Longest Space Missions By Astronauts

1. Valeri Polyakov - 437 days: Holds the record for the longest single spaceflight aboard Mir (1994-1995), orbiting Earth over 7,000 times.
2. Sergei Avdeyev - 379 days: Spent 379 days on Mir (1998-1999) after an unexpected mission extension.
3. Frank Rubio - 371 days: Set the US spaceflight record aboard ISS (2022-2023) after a coolant leak extended his mission.
4. Vladimir Titov & Musa Manarov - 365 days: First to complete a full orbit around the sun while in space aboard Mir (1987-1988).
5. Mark Vande Hei - 355 days: Spent 355 days on ISS (2021-2022), contributing to research on muscle loss and space farming.
6. Scott Kelly & Mikhail Kornienko - 340 days: Completed NASA's "One-Year Mission" aboard ISS (2015-2016), aiding Mars exploration studies.
7. Christina Koch - 328 days: Spent 328 days on ISS (2019-2020), completing six spacewalks, including the first all-female ones.
8. Peggy Whitson - 289 days: Held the record for the longest spaceflight by a woman (2016-2017), with 675 total days in space.
9. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore - 286 days: Stayed aboard ISS longer than planned (2024-2025) due to propulsion issues with the Boeing Starliner.
10. Andrew Morgan - 272 days: Spent 272 days on ISS, performing seven spacewalks and conducting dark matter research.

Sunita Williams holds the record for the most cumulative spacewalking time by a woman, with 62 hours and six minutes, surpassing Peggy Whitson's 60 hours and 21 minutes.

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Virat Kohli's Ex Teammate Becomes IPL Umpire After Quitting Cricket

It's quite interesting how careers turn around in sports. From the day when he won the 2008 ICC U19 World Cup, Virat Kohli has gone on to become a world beater, one of the finest batters to ever play the game. But most of his other teammates from that Under-19 squad didn't find the cricketing career to be as rewarding. As Virat begins a new adventure in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), his former U19 India teammate Tanmay Srivastava will make his umpiring debut in the same T20 league.

According to a report in the Times of India, Tanmay landed an umpiring job in the IPL, at the age of 35. Incidentally, Tanmay was the top-scoring batter for India in the 2008 ICC U19 World Cup final. But his career didn't lead to the same road as Kohli's did.

Tanmay also earned a contract with Punjab Kings after showing his talent in the 2008 U19 World Cup but it all went downhill for him afterwards.

"I understood that was the best player I could be," Srivastava said in a chat with TOI. "I was nowhere close to playing the IPL. I had to decide if I wanted to prolong life as a player or have a longer successful second innings."

Tanmay ended his cricketing career at the age of 30 while he was still the captain of the Uttarakhand team, having previously played for Uttar Pradesh. He decided to try something else in cricket other than being a player. The decision was understandably a hard one. While Tanmay hasn't yet been given an on-field role in the IPL, he is keeping his fingers crossed.

A true player never leaves the field—just changes the game.
Wishing Tanmay Srivastava the best as he dons a new hat with the same passion!#UPCA #IPL #UP #PrideOfUP pic.twitter.com/wrRoW31OG2

— UPCA (@UPCACricket) March 17, 2025

Tanmay is still in touch with Virat, whom he might get to meet in this IPL.

"I am still in touch with Virat, but I had to decide for myself and have a practical outlook," he revealed.

"I told Rajiv Shukla sir that I wanted to do something else in cricket other than playing. He was a bit taken aback since I was still just 30. Then we discussed what the options could be. I did my Level 2 course in coaching in NCA, but I knew the best I could become was fielding coach. I decided to focus on umpiring," Srivastava said.

He decided to take up umpiring, studied for its exams while also juggling different cricketing jobs, like being a talent scout for RCB and being one of the coaches at the National Cricket Academy.

"Studying for umpiring is tough. I used to stay up at nights. You have to study a lot to understand the laws and its implications," he said.

"There is certain relaxation for players irrespective of the level of cricket they've played. The board is encouraging young players to take up umpiring rather than heavily depending on older people with bookish knowledge," he asserted.

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"Proud moment For Space Community": Ex-ISRO Chief On Sunita Williams' Return

Former ISRO Chief Dr G Madhavan Nair on Wednesday said that returning of National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut Sunita Williams to Earth after nine months at the International Space Station for nine months is a "proud moment" for the Space community.

"It is a proud moment for all of us in the Space community. It is a successful completion of a rescue operation that lasted nearly nine months. The operation was planned in a very great manner, though it took time, but it was a very precise operation. I congratulate the entire NASA team and SpaceX for this great achievement. Sunita Williams has roots in India, she has successfully returned to India. And the last interview she has given from Spacecraft indicates how healthy and confident she is," Dr Nair told ANI.

Regarding the health concerns, he said, "You know there is no gravitational force. The entire blood circulation system and the way muscle operates is different. Also, the study indicates the bone marrow, which is very important for the production of white cells, sometimes also deteriorates."

Earlier today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his pride and admiration for NASA's Space Crew-9 mission, celebrating the safe return of astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow crew members.

Taking on social media platform X, Singh lauded the astronauts' resilience and hailed their achievement as a milestone in human space exploration.

"Delighted at the safe return of NASA's #Crew9 on earth! The crew comprising of India's daughter Sunita Williams and other astronauts have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in Space," Mr Singh wrote on X.

Delighted at the safe return of NASA's #Crew9 on earth! The crew comprising of India's daughter Sunita Williams and other astronauts have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in Space.

Sunita Williams' incredible journey, unwavering dedication, fortitude…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 19, 2025

The Defence Minister went on to praise Sunita Williams, calling her journey a testament to incredible strength and spirit.

"Sunita Williams' incredible journey, unwavering dedication, fortitude and fighting spirit will inspire millions across the globe," he added. Ms Williams' return, Mr Singh said, marked a moment of celebration not only for space enthusiasts but for the entire world.

The Crew-9 mission was the fourth flight of the Dragon spacecraft named Freedom, which previously supported NASA's SpaceX Crew-4, Axiom Mission 2, and Axiom Mission 3. The spacecraft will now undergo inspection and refurbishment at SpaceX's Cape Canaveral facility for future missions.

NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Sunita Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth at 5:57 pm EDT. Teams aboard SpaceX recovery vessels retrieved the spacecraft and its crew. After returning to shore, the astronauts will travel to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston to reunite with their families.

Crew-9's return follows the launch of NASA's SpaceX Crew-10, which docked with the station on March 16, beginning another long-duration mission.

NASA's Commercial Crew Program aims to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station and low Earth orbit. The program increases research opportunities aboard the ISS, supporting NASA's broader goals of human exploration of the Moon and Mars, NASA added.

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

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Israel Has Decided To "Sacrifice" Hostages By Resuming War, Says Hamas

Palestinian Hamas group has accused Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of "sacrificing" its hostages after fresh strikes jolted Gaza this morning, raising questions over future ceasefires to bring back the Israeli citizens still held captive.

Israel resumed massive strikes on Gaza shattering a period of calm negotiated during a January truce, after which Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq said it was a "death sentence" for the remaining hostages.

"Netanyahu's decision to resume war is a decision to sacrifice the occupation's prisoners and impose a death sentence on them," said al-Rishq, accusing the Prime Minister of using the conflict as a political "lifeboat" to distract from internal crises.

The strikes during the fasting month of Ramzan left at least 220 dead, including women, children, and the elderly, according to Gaza's civil defence agency.

The attacks cast aspersions on the ceasefire talks between the two sides to end the year-long conflict sparked by a Hamas attack on Israeli towns in October 2022. At least 59 hostages now remain in Hamas captivity after several were freed in exchange for political prisoners in the past two months.

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Balance, Vision Issues: What Happens To Human Body After 9 Months In Space

Bone and muscle deterioration, radiation exposure, vision impairment -- these are just a few of the challenges space travelers face on long-duration missions, even before considering the psychological toll of isolation.

As US astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams prepare to return home after nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), some of the health risks they've faced are well-documented and managed, while others remain a mystery.

These dangers will only grow as humanity pushes deeper into the solar system, including to Mars, demanding innovative solutions to safeguard the future of space exploration.

 Exercise key 

Despite the attention their mission has received, Wilmore and Williams' nine-month stay is "par for the course," said Rihana Bokhari, an assistant professor at the Center for Space Medicine at Baylor College. 

ISS missions typically last six months, but some astronauts stay up to a year, and researchers are confident in their ability to maintain astronaut health for that duration.

Most people know that lifting weights builds muscle and strengthens bones, but even basic movement on Earth resists gravity, an element missing in orbit.

To counteract this, astronauts use three exercise machines on the ISS, including a 2009-installed resistance device that simulates free weights using vacuum tubes and flywheel cables.

A two-hour daily workout keeps them in shape. "The best results that we have to show that we're being very effective is that we don't really have a fracture problem in astronauts when they return to the ground," though bone loss is still detectable on scans, Bokhari told AFP.

Balance disruption is another issue, added Emmanuel Urquieta, vice chair of Aerospace Medicine at the University of Central Florida.

"This happens to every single astronaut, even those who go into space just for a few days," he told AFP, as they work to rebuild trust in their inner ear. 

Astronauts must retrain their bodies during NASA's 45-day post-mission rehabilitation program.

Another challenge is "fluid shift" -- the redistribution of bodily fluids toward the head in microgravity. This can increase calcium levels in urine, raising the risk of kidney stones.

Fluid shifts might also contribute to increased intracranial pressure, altering the shape of the eyeball and causing spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), causing mild-to-moderate vision impairment. Another theory suggests raised carbon dioxide levels are the cause.

But in at least one case, the effects have been beneficial. "I had a pretty severe case of SANS," NASA astronaut Jessica Meir said before the latest launch.

"When I launched, I wore glasses and contacts, but due to globe flattening, I now have 20/15 vision -- most expensive corrective surgery possible. Thank you, taxpayers."

Managing radiation 

Radiation levels aboard the ISS are higher than on the ground, as it passes through through the Van Allen radiation belt, but Earth's magnetic field still provides significant protection.

The shielding is crucial, as NASA aims to limit astronauts' increased lifetime cancer risk to within three percent.

However, missions to the Moon and Mars will give astronauts far greater exposure, explained astrophysicist Siegfried Eggl.

Future space probes could provide some warning time for high-radiation events, such coronal mass ejections -- plasma clouds from the Sun -- but cosmic radiation remains unpredictable.

"Shielding is best done with heavy materials like lead or water, but you need vast quantities of it," said Eggl, of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Artificial gravity, created by rotating spacecraft frames, could help astronauts stay functional upon arrival after a nine-month journey to Mars.

Alternatively, a spacecraft could use powerful acceleration and deceleration that matches the force of Earth's gravity.

That approach would be speedier -- reducing radiation exposure risks -- but requires nuclear propulsion technologies that don't yet exist.

Preventing infighting among teams will be critical, said Joseph Keebler, a psychologist at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

"Imagine being stuck in a van with anybody for three years: these vessels aren't that big, there's no privacy, there's no backyard to go to," he said.

"I really commend astronauts that commit to this. It's an unfathomable job."

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

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"Lack Of Trust": Netanyahu Seeks To Fire Internal Security Agency Chief

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that he was seeking to dismiss the head of Israel's internal security agency, who swiftly called the move political and said the premier expected "personal loyalty".

Netanyahu and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar have been engaged in a public spat in recent weeks over reforms to the agency, which has been accused of failing to prevent the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that triggered war in Gaza.

At the same time, the Shin Bet has been conducting an investigation into some of Netanyahu's aides for allegedly receiving payments from Qatar even as the Gaza war raged, according to Israeli media reports.

"Due to ongoing lack of trust, I have decided to bring a proposal to the government to end the tenure of the Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar," Netanyahu said in a video statement.

Attorney general Gali Baharav Miara, a critic of Netanyahu, said the prime minister's move is "unprecedented" and its legality needs to be assessed.

In a letter to Netanyahu she said he cannot initiate the process "until the factual and legal foundation of your decision is fully clarified, and until the possibility of addressing the issue at this time is determined."

Netanyahu, in his statement, said that "there must be complete trust between the prime minister and the head of the Shin Bet," given that Israel is at war.

"I have had a persistent lack of confidence in the head of the Shin Bet, a distrust that has only grown over time," he said.

Netanyahu said Bar's dismissal "is necessary to restore the organisation, achieve all our war objectives, and prevent the next disaster."

Previously, he has accused Bar of being behind what he called "part of an ongoing campaign of threats and media leaks" aimed at preventing him "from making the necessary decisions to restore the Shin Bet after its devastating failure on October 7".

 'Personal loyalty' 

Following Netanyahu's announcement, Bar said he did not believe Netanyahu's decision was related to the failures on October 7, suggesting instead that the motive was political.

"I took responsibility for the agency's part (in failing to prevent the attack) ... it is clear that the intent behind my dismissal is not related to October 7," said Bar, whose term is due to expire in October 2026.

"The prime minister's expectation of a personal loyalty that contradicts the public interest is an entirely improper expectation" that goes against the agency's ethics, he said.

Bar has led the Shin Bet since 2021, but his relations with Netanyahu were strained even before the Hamas attack, notably over proposed judicial reforms that had split the country.

Relations worsened after the March 4 release of the internal Shin Bet report on the Hamas attack.

It acknowledged the agency's own failure in preventing the attack, but also said "a policy of quiet had enabled Hamas to undergo massive military buildup".

The attack resulted in 1,218 deaths on the Israeli side, mostly civilians. Israel's retaliatory response in Gaza has killed at least 48,572 people, also mostly civilians, according to data from both sides.

In his statement on Sunday, Bar repeated previous comments that a broader probe is necessary to understand the failure to stop the attack. 

Bar emphasised the need to "investigate all parties, including the government's policy and the prime minister, not just the IDF (military) and the Shin Bet". 

Bar's responsibilities appear to have been curtailed already.

Media reports say he was excluded from a recent security cabinet meeting and also the Israeli negotiating delegation for Gaza truce talks in Qatar. The talks are being led by Bar's deputy, known only as 'M'.

Bar had been involved in previous sessions of indirect negotiations with Hamas, including those that led to the current fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Israel's main opposition leader and former prime minister Yair Lapid, who's government appointed Bar, said his political party, Yesh Atid, would file a legal petition with the Supreme Court to appeal Netanyahu's decision.

Lapid said on X that the move to remove Bar was to "sabotage a serious criminal investigation into the Prime Minister's Office".
 

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

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Missing Indian Student's Clothes Found On Dominican Beach Where She Vanished

A white netted sarong and beige flip-flops believed to belong to missing Indian student Sudiksha Konanki were found on a lounge chair at a Dominican Republic beach where she vanished over a week ago, according to local reports.

Images obtained by CDN show the clothing undisturbed, with no signs of tampering. Authorities believe the 20-year-old may have left her belongings on the chair before heading into the ocean in a brown bikini.

Ms Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, was reported missing around 4 pm on March 6 by her group of five friends with whom she travelled to the Caribbean nation. Surveillance footage shows her walking towards the beach with her friends. The others later returned to the hotel, leaving her behind with 22-year-old Joshua Riibe, a senior at St Cloud State University in Minnesota, according to authorities.

A clip from the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana shows Ms Konanki walking arm-in-arm with an unidentified man -- believed to be Mr Riibe -- along a resort pathway, accompanied by friends. She was seen wearing a white T-shirt, shorts, and her hair tied in a ponytail.

Dominican police have since named Mr Riibe a 'person of interest' in the case, confirming that he was the last person seen with the missing student.

His parents released a statement to CBS News saying they hope she is "found as soon as possible."

While Dominican authorities initially suspected drowning, Ms Konanki's father has urged investigators to explore other possibilities, like abduction. The family also finds it unusual that Ms Konanki's phone and wallet were left with her friends, as she always carried her phone with her.

Authorities have deployed drones and AI-assisted surveillance to scan the ocean, while Interpol has issued a 'yellow notice' for missing persons. The University of Pittsburgh said it is working with the FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security in the investigation.

Dominican President Luis Abinader revealed in a news conference that Joshua Riibe reported a wave hitting them while they were on the beach, but no blood or signs of violence have been found at the scene.

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"My Fuel Tank Was Bigger...": Glenn McGrath's Huge Remark On Jasprit Bumrah

Legendary Australian cricket team fast bowler Glenn McGrath believes that Jasprit Bumrah needs to work harder off the field in order to prolong his playing career. The star India pacer has faced a lot of fitness challenges in the recent years, In a recent interaction, McGrath said that Bumrah has found some ways to manage his stress but because of his speed and technique, he needs to be smart in his approach. The legendary pacer even used his own example and said that he had a bigger 'fuel tank' than Bumrah as his speed was lower.

“He puts more stress on his body than the other bowlers. He has found ways to manage it, but unfortunately not all the time. He has done it before (making a comeback from injury), he will know better than anyone (about) the recovery time, the time in the gym. He is not as young as he used to be, so he has to be smarter about what he does,” McGrath told Times of India.

“He has to work even harder off the field. Being a fast bowler is like driving a car. If you do not top it up with fuel, you are going to run out of fuel sooner or later. My fuel tank was bigger than Jasprit's because I did not bowl as quickly as him. These guys know how they work at their best. If India are under the pump, they need him,” he added.

Bumrah is likely to miss the initial rounds of the IPL 2025 matches for Mumbai Indians as the star pacer is still recovering from the lower back injury that rendered him out of action since January.

Bumrah suffered the injury during the second day of the fifth Test against Australia at Sydney and did not bowl in Australia's second innings where they chased 162 successfully to emerge a six-wicket winner.

Bumrah, who had taken 32 wickets from five matches in that series, has been sidelined ever since, and has also missed India's victorious Champions Trophy campaign.

He was named in India's provisional squad for the ICC showpiece, but could not attain the optimum fitness level in time, as mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was drafted into the side.

"His recuperation is going well. But at this stage it is better to give him some more time to return to peak fitness, considering India's Test series against England in June," a source close to the development told PTI.

(With PTI inputs)

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Video: Man Throws Acid On Temple Worker In Telangana's Saidabad

A video, that has now gone viral, shows an unidentified man throwing acid on a temple workers in Telangana's Saidabad.

The CCTV footage from Saidabad Bhu Lakshmimma Temple showed an unidentified man stand at the table where Gopi, the temple accountant, is seated. As the latter works on some papers and talks to the man, the accused reaches for a container.

Soon, the accused throws the acid on the unsuspecting temple accountant and flees the premises. Meanwhile, Gopi, in pain, is seen trying to remove the acid from his body.

Gopi was rushed by the temple staff to Yashoda hospital in Malakpet, where he is undergoing treatment. A complaint has been lodged at the Saidabad police station.

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"A Green Card Holder Doesn't...": JD Vance Triggers New Immigration Debate

After US President Donald Trump's proposed 'gold card' initiative, which would create a new immigration pathway for wealthy foreigners, Vice President JD Vance's latest remarks on the rights of green card holders have triggered a fresh debate. 

Green cards, officially known as Permanent Resident Cards, grant foreign nationals the right to live and work in the United States. However, despite the name, "permanent residency" is not an absolute guarantee of an indefinite stay.

"A green card holder doesn't have an indefinite right to be in the United States," Mr Vance said. "This is not about 'free speech.' Yes, it's about national security-but more importantly, it's about who we, as American citizens, decide gets to join our national community."

.@VP: A green card holder doesn't have an indefinite right to be in the United States. This is not about 'free speech.' Yes, it's about national security — but more importantly, it's about who we, as American citizens, decide gets to join our national community. pic.twitter.com/gRGn1subOy

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 14, 2025

US law allows for the revocation of a green card under certain circumstances, including criminal activity, prolonged absence from the country, or failure to comply with immigration regulations. 

The proposed 'gold card' program would allow foreign nationals to purchase the right to live and work in the US for a $5 million fee.

"We're going to be selling a gold card," Mr Trump said from the Oval Office recently. "You have a green card. This is a gold card. We're going to be putting a price on that card of about USD 5 million, and that's going to give you green card privileges, plus it's going to be a route to citizenship."

The US President argued that the existing immigration system has hindered top international talent - especially from India - from staying in the US after completing their education at elite universities.

"A person comes from India, China, Japan, and other countries, attends Harvard or the Wharton School of Finance... they receive job offers, but the offer is immediately revoked because there's no certainty about whether that person can stay in the country," he said.

Under the 'gold card' initiative, companies could also purchase the cards to facilitate hiring foreign talent. Trump suggested that the program could generate billions in revenue and help pay down national debt.

The proposed program is expected to replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa, which requires foreign investors to create jobs in the US to qualify for a green card.

Recent data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shows that Indian nationals have been major beneficiaries of US work visas. According to official figures, 72.3 per cent of all H1B visas issued between October 2022 and September 2023 went to Indian applicants.

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"A Green Card Holder Doesn't...": JD Vance Triggers New Immigration Debate

After US President Donald Trump's proposed 'gold card' initiative, which would create a new immigration pathway for wealthy foreigners, Vice President JD Vance's latest remarks on the rights of green card holders have triggered a fresh debate. 

Green cards, officially known as Permanent Resident Cards, grant foreign nationals the right to live and work in the United States. However, despite the name, "permanent residency" is not an absolute guarantee of an indefinite stay.

"A green card holder doesn't have an indefinite right to be in the United States," Mr Vance said. "This is not about 'free speech.' Yes, it's about national security-but more importantly, it's about who we, as American citizens, decide gets to join our national community."

.@VP: A green card holder doesn't have an indefinite right to be in the United States. This is not about 'free speech.' Yes, it's about national security — but more importantly, it's about who we, as American citizens, decide gets to join our national community. pic.twitter.com/gRGn1subOy

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 14, 2025

US law allows for the revocation of a green card under certain circumstances, including criminal activity, prolonged absence from the country, or failure to comply with immigration regulations. 

The proposed 'gold card' program would allow foreign nationals to purchase the right to live and work in the US for a $5 million fee.

"We're going to be selling a gold card," Mr Trump said from the Oval Office recently. "You have a green card. This is a gold card. We're going to be putting a price on that card of about USD 5 million, and that's going to give you green card privileges, plus it's going to be a route to citizenship."

The US President argued that the existing immigration system has hindered top international talent - especially from India - from staying in the US after completing their education at elite universities.

"A person comes from India, China, Japan, and other countries, attends Harvard or the Wharton School of Finance... they receive job offers, but the offer is immediately revoked because there's no certainty about whether that person can stay in the country," he said.

Under the 'gold card' initiative, companies could also purchase the cards to facilitate hiring foreign talent. Trump suggested that the program could generate billions in revenue and help pay down national debt.

The proposed program is expected to replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa, which requires foreign investors to create jobs in the US to qualify for a green card.

Recent data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shows that Indian nationals have been major beneficiaries of US work visas. According to official figures, 72.3 per cent of all H1B visas issued between October 2022 and September 2023 went to Indian applicants.

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Struggling Chipmaker Intel Names Industry Veteran Lip-Bu Tan As CEO

Intel on Wednesday announced tech industry veteran Lip-Bu Tan as its new chief executive, boosting shares of the US computer chipmaker struggling to catch up in the AI race. 

Tan told the Intel team his focus would be on engineering, saying it "won't be easy" to overcome challenges faced by the company.

Tan, who was born in Malaysia, will start as Intel chief on March 18, according to the company.

Shares were up more than 10 percent in after market trade.

Intel is one of Silicon Valley's most iconic companies, but its fortunes have been eclipsed by Asian powerhouses TSMC and Samsung, which dominate the made-to-order semiconductor business. 

The company was also caught by surprise with the emergence of Nvidia, a graphics chip maker, as the world's preeminent AI chip provider.

Nvidia's strength is in chips for powering AI, which are coveted by tech companies competing in that technology.

Intel's niche has been in chips used in traditional computing processes being eclipsed by the AI rage.

Tan's predecessor, Pat Gelsinger, was forced out as Intel chief in December after the board lost confidence in his plans to turn the company around. 

Gelsinger's abrupt departure came just months after the company vowed to cut more than 15,000 jobs in a draconian cost reduction plan and paused or delayed construction on several chipmaking facilities.

"I believe with every fiber of my being that we have what it takes to win," Tan said in a message to his team, vowing that Intel will be an engineering-focused company.

"In areas where we are behind the competition, we need to take calculated risks to disrupt and leapfrog."

While chief of Cadence Design Systems from 2009 to 2021, Tan transformed the company and more than doubled its revenue, according to the Intel board. 

Former US president Joe Biden's administration last year finalized a $7.9 billion award to Intel as part of an effort to bring semiconductor production to US shores.

But Intel in February extended the timeline for completing two new fabrication plants in Ohio, saying it is taking a prudent approach to the $28 billion project.

"We will continue construction at a slower pace, while maintaining the flexibility to accelerate work and the start of operations if customer demand warrants," Intel Foundry Manufacturing general manager Naga Chandrasekaran told Intel employees at the time.

For the full year 2024, Intel recorded a net loss of $18.8 billion as the US chip giant continues to struggle to stake its place in the artificial intelligence revolution.

In Europe, Intel late last year said it was delaying its plans to build two mega chip-making factories in Germany and Poland as the company faces lower demand than anticipated.

Intel also said at the time that it would pull back on its projects in Malaysia.
 

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

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