Artem Oganov, Chairman of the VYZOV Prize Scientific Committee

The VYZOV Prize has expanded its international footprint in 2025, drawing applications from researchers across 40 countries and reinforcing its evolution from a national award into a global scientific honour.The prize, which recognises high-technology research with potential for practical application within the next decade, received 632 applications this year. The international “Discovery” category recorded the highest number of submissions, reflecting growing participation from outside Russia. Applications came from countries including the United States, China, India, Brazil, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Turkey and Iran, as well as Indonesia, Egypt, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Venezuela.“The VYZOV Prize is an important step towards international scientific unity. I would like to note the increase not only in the quantity but also in the quality of applications this year, particularly in the international category. Indian science and technology have a great history and a great future – we got quite a few applications from Mumbai and Delhi this year, and I’m looking forward to receiving many strong submissions from India next year,” said Artem Oganov, Chairman of the VYZOV Prize Scientific Committee.The VYZOV Prize features five categories covering a wide range of scientific fields. In the Engineering Solution category, Mikhail Skupov was recognised for developing industrial production of nitride nuclear fuel. The Breakthrough award went to Ilya Yampolsky for research into the molecular mechanics of bioluminescence, leading to the development of glowing plants with biomedical applications.The Scientist of the Year award was given to Stepan Kalmykov for advances in radiochemistry aimed at safer radioactive waste management. Vera Vil received the Future Prize for developing environmentally friendly chemical synthesis methods, while the International Discovery award went to Valery Fokin of the United States for pioneering click chemistry, a technique used in diagnostics and cancer research.Each laureate will receive a prize of $150,000.Organisers said the growing international participation highlights the role of cross-border cooperation in advancing scientific research. Applications for the next edition of the VYZOV Prize are scheduled to open in February 2026.

NEW DELHI: A Hindu youth was beaten to death by a mob and his body set on fire in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district on Thursday night following allegations of blasphemy, BBC Bangla reported, amid continuing unrest in the country and growing concerns over attacks on minorities and media institutions. The incident took place in the Dubalia Para area of Square Master Bari in Bhaluka upazila. Police identified the victim as Dipu Chandra Das, who worked at a local garment factory and lived in the area as a tenant.

“A group of agitated people caught him and beat him up around 9 pm on Thursday for insulting the Prophet. Then they set his body on fire,” Ripon Mia, duty officer of Bhaluka police station, told BBC Bangla. He said the attackers tied the body to a tree before setting it ablaze.Police reached the spot after receiving information and brought the situation under control. The body was recovered and sent to the morgue of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for autopsy. No case has been filed so far. “We are searching for his relatives. If they come and file a case, action will be taken according to the law,” Mia said.The interim government condemned the incident in a statement on X, which is also the first response to the ongoing unrest in the country. “We wholeheartedly condemn lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh. There is no space for such violence in new Bangladesh. The perpetrators of this heinous crimine will not be spared,” the statement read.The killing comes amid a broader wave of violence across Bangladesh following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a 32-year-old student leader and key figure in last year’s uprising. Hadi, who was shot by masked gunmen earlier this month, died in hospital on Thursday, triggering large-scale protests in Dhaka.Also read: Yunus govt reacts to lynching of Hindu man; urges for peaceSeveral buildings in the capital, including those housing leading newspapers Prothom Alo and the Daily Star, were vandalised and set on fire. Journalists were trapped inside smoke-filled newsrooms as firefighters carried out rescue operations. “I can’t breathe anymore. There’s too much smoke. I am inside. You are killing me,” Daily Star reporter Zyma Islam wrote on Facebook.Firefighters brought the blaze at the Daily Star building under control around 1.40 am, rescuing 27 employees. “For the first time in the newspaper’s history, the publication had to be halted,” consulting editor Kamal Ahmed told AFP. Prothom Alo executive editor Sajjad Sharif said the attack was “an attack on freedom of the press, expression, dissent and diversity of opinion”.The violence has drawn international concern. The Committee to Protect Journalists said it was alarmed and urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and hold those responsible accountable.In New Delhi, a parliamentary standing committee on external affairs said the situation in Bangladesh was “complex and evolving” and flagged continued attacks on minorities, media groups and intellectuals. “The political events of August 2024 have created significant instability and uncertainty with incidents of violence, attacks and intimidation of minorities, tribal communities, media groups, intellectuals, journalists, academicians, etc., becoming the norm,” the panel said in a report presented in Parliament.The ministry of external affairs told the committee that India remains concerned about extremism and attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, even as it continues engagement with the interim government and seeks to insulate bilateral ties from recent political developments.Police in Bangladesh have launched a manhunt for Hadi’s attackers and announced a reward for information leading to their arrest, as authorities struggle to contain unrest that has raised fresh questions about law and order and minority safety in the country.

India struck a crucial blow just after the powerplay as Reeza Hendricks fell just when South Africa were beginning to steady their innings. The breakthrough came through a moment of sheer athleticism in the deep, lifting the Ahmedabad crowd instantly. It was the kind of wicket that shifted momentum sharply in India’s favour.

IND vs SA: Shivam Dube’s one-handed stunner ends Reeza Hendricks’ stay

The dismissal arrived in the 6.3rd over, off Varun Chakravarthy, and it was as much about fielding excellence as it was about clever bowling. Varun slowed the pace of the delivery, and the ball appeared to grip slightly on the surface, stopping just enough to hurry Reeza Hendricks. Looking to chip the ball over midwicket, Hendricks failed to get full bat on it, mistiming the stroke under pressure. Positioned inside the circle, Shivam Dube reacted in a flash, sprinting swiftly to his left and launching himself with perfect balance.

With his body fully stretched and momentum carrying him sideways, Dube extended one hand and clutched the ball cleanly, completing a sublime one-handed catch that left both the batter and the crowd stunned. It was a high-difficulty chance taken with remarkable composure, showcasing Dube’s improved agility and awareness in the field. Hendricks, who had struggled to time the ball cleanly and never truly looked settled, departed for 13 off 12 balls, ending a tentative stay at the crease. The wicket reduced South Africa to 69/1 and gave India exactly the opening they needed at a crucial juncture, halting the visitors’ early momentum and underlining how sharp fielding can decisively influence a T20 contest.

Here’s the video:

India tighten grip after Varun Chakravarthy dents South Africa’s chase

Chasing a daunting 232, South Africa came out with intent, riding on Quinton de Kock’s explosive 65 to stay ahead of the required rate early in the innings. The opening stand threatened to take the game away from India until a decisive moment in the 7th over shifted the momentum sharply. Varun Chakravarthy’s slider stopped on Reeza Hendricks, forcing a mistimed chip towards midwicket, where Shivam Dube produced a sublime one-handed catch while moving swiftly to his left.

That wicket broke South Africa’s rhythm and opened the floodgates in the middle overs. Varun followed it up with a devastating spell, removing Markram, Ferreira and Linde in quick succession, turning a promising chase into a scramble. Jasprit Bumrah’s return further tightened the noose, as he dismissed de Kock and later Marco Jansen with clinical precision. Despite brief resistance from Brevis and Miller, regular wickets kept pushing South Africa behind the curve. At 177/8 in 16.1 overs, the asking rate has ballooned beyond comfort, and India now hold a commanding position with 55 needed off 23 balls, firmly tilting the contest in their favour as the match heads towards its conclusion.

Inside how Travis Kelce earned Taylor Swift’s family approval (Image via: Getty Images)

Taylor Swift’s Disney+ docuseries, Taylor Swift: The End of an Era, has provided fans with a behind-the-scenes look at how her relationship with Travis Kelce began. In episode four, titled “Thank You for the Lovely Bouquet,” Taylor, 36, and her mother, Andrea Swift, revealed the story of how the Kansas City Chiefs star first caught Andrea’s attention, ultimately setting the stage for the couple’s romance.The episode delves into the intricacies of being a celeb and having a relationship, showcasing the beginning of one of the most popular relationships within pop culture. Travis Kelce, at the age of 36, impressed people with his candor and even more so with a gesture that actually brought out his sincerity and integrity, winning over Taylor’s family even before this power couple began dating.

How Travis Kelce won over Taylor Swift’s family and became the perfect match

Andrea Swift actually spotted Travis through headlines and internet posts where he went to one of Taylor’s concerts with a friendship bracelet indicating his interest. She decided to inquire more through her cousin Robin, an expert on the Kansas City Chiefs, about the background of Kelce. Andrea’s attention was immediately drawn by the fact that Travis is “the nicest guy” and “the one who really loves his mom,” as described by Robin, a huge green flag for Andrea.Taylor confessed that she had hesitations regarding dating a sportsman as she had apprehensions regarding finding common interests. Andrea’s advice helped her overcome this apprehension. It was considered a heartwarming move on the part of Kelce as he brought a friendship bracelet. Their first date involved Travis explaining football to Taylor, whom he described as “violent chess,” sparking her curiosity and a newfound passion for the sport.The relationship quickly shifted Taylor’s energy and outlook. After two breakups earlier in the tour, she described Kelce as a “yes guy” who embraced life’s experiences and thrived in the spotlight. Andrea could see that he brought immense happiness into Taylor’s life, as well as into the lives of those around him, because he was among the happiest individuals Andrea had ever encountered in her life.Their engagement, which was announced in August of 2025, is a reflection of a relationship that is a mix of celebrity, sportsmanship, and a real connection, says the docuseries episode, which emphasizes the important role that considerate actions and approval by the families had in bringing these two worlds together.Also Read: Taylor Swift quietly joins Travis Kelce’s high school football reunion offering fans a rare look at life beyond the spotlight

Mumbai: A special court on Friday granted bail to court clerk Chandrakant Vasudev, who was allegedly caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 15 lakh on Nov 11. The bribe was purportedly meant for an additional sessions judge, Ejazuddin Salauddin Kazi, who is not arrested. The prosecution opposed the plea. Vasudev, 40, was a clerk-typist at the civil sessions court, Mazgaon. Kazi is accused, along with his court clerk Chandrakant Vasudev, of seeking a Rs 15 lakh bribe from a litigant for a favourable order in a property dispute. Recently, the Bombay High Court granted the ACB permission to proceed against Kazi.This was Vasudev’s second bail plea. Vasudev cited his month-long incarceration. He also submitted that his custody is not required for further investigations. The court ordered Vasudev’s release upon the execution of a personal bond and sureties (SB) of Rs 1 lakh. To facilitate his immediate release, the judge permitted the accused to furnish a provisional cash bail of the same amount, granting him a three-week window to finalise the formal solvent sureties. The Registrar of the Sessions Court was directed to accept the cash deposit even after standard treasury hours.While granting liberty, the court imposed several conditions. Vasudev must provide permanent address proof and his mobile number to the investigating officer (IO). Any change in these details must be immediately reported to both the IO and the court. The accused is mandated to attend the ACB office in Worli every Friday between 3 and 5 pm until the chargesheet is filed. He is prohibited from leaving the country without the court’s permission. Vasudev has been ordered not to make any direct or indirect inducements, threats, or promises to anyone involved in the case.The chain of events that led to the ACB trap began on Sept 9. According to the ACB’s remand plea, on this date, the complainant’s colleague attended a hearing in a long-standing property dispute. On Sept 12, Vasudev initially demanded Rs 25 lakh. He is alleged to have claimed that Rs 10 lakh was for himself and Rs 15 lakh for the judge. Vasudev continued to pursue the demand, eventually bringing the final bribe amount down to Rs 15 lakh on Sept 13. On Nov 8, Vasudev allegedly warned the complainant’s colleague that the case would go against him if the money wasn’t paid. Refusing to pay, the complainant went to the cops. tnn

Constipation, marked by irregular and hard defecations, is a common problem with respect to digestion that can occur in anyone. Though constipation may, at times, be a common occurrence, it can be a major life-altering situation if it is a regular occurrence. Among the best ways to ensure that this problem is avoided and eliminated is through food. It is important to remember that food can both be a source of solutions to this problem and, at times, be a cause of this problem. A balanced intake of foods that are rich in fibers such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, along with regular exercise, can help ensure that individuals have regular bowel movements.

Understanding how diet and fibre influence constipation and gut motility

There are several causes of constipation, and some of them include a sedentary lifestyle, dehydration, and some intestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Food is a crucial component, as fiber is a huge component of a person’s faeces. Fiber has numerous functions, including enhancing gut flora by promoting a good balance of gut bacteria. In addition, fiber enhances gut motility, defined as the coordinated contraction of muscles in the intestines that propel food through.

Fibre has two types: soluble fibre and insoluble fibre. Both help in the treatment of constipation.On the other hand, insoluble fibers work by adding size, passing largely unchanged through the colon intact, and can be found in foods like the skins and seeds of fruits and vegetables, leafy vegetables, nuts, dried fruits, and popcorn.Soluble fibre can be dissolved in water to form a gel-like texture, which makes defecation easier. These types of foods are oats, apples, bananas, vegetables, and grains. Certain foods, for instance, apples and potatoes, are high in both forms.

4 foods to consume to prevent constipation, bloating, and gas

According to John Hopkins Medicine, experts lists foods that helps to prevent constipation, bloating gas issues: Amongst the foods that can be relied upon for improving bowel regularity, oats reign because of the rich soluble fibre content, especially beta-glucan. When this type of soluble fibre enters the digestive tract, it mixes with water and forms a soft, gel-like substance that increases the volume of stool and adds moisture. That makes it easier to go into the toilet and push out with less need to strain. Besides, oats work like a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in the gut, which is essential for digestion and the formation of stools. Oats consumed regularly will help maintain proper bowel movements and reduce episodes of constipation.The combination of dietary fibre and sorbitol makes prunes uniquely positioned to help alleviate constipation. The addition of fibre provides bulk to the stool, and the sorbitol draws water into the colon to soften the stool and stimulate the urge to go. Prunes also contain phenolic compounds that may support intestinal function. Due to this combined effect, prunes have often proved more effective than fibre alone and are able to give gentle, predictable relief if eaten regularly in moderate amounts.

Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are examples of leafy greens that are rich in insoluble fibre, which is added to the stool for bulk and helps to accelerate the movement of food through the intestines. They also contain magnesium, an important mineral that relaxes the muscles within the intestines and promotes bowel contractions. Moreover, leafy greens have a high water content, further contributing to stool softness. Variety in different leafy greens at daily meals promotes smoother digestion and decreases constipation. Yoghurt with live probiotic cultures encourages a good balance of bacteria in the intestines, which is vital for one’s digestion. Some ‘good’ bacteria can digest food more rapidly and also regulate bowel movement. This will reduce gas production and bloating by influencing the gut’s fibre-processing patterns. Regular intake of this probiotic yoghurt will be especially helpful for those whose constipation is related to a disturbance in gut flora, thus bringing in both immediate digestive relief as well as long-term gut health.

How to increase fibre safely and use natural remedies for constipation relief

In the case of intermittent constipation, increasing high fiber diet may be adequate. However, in the case of chronic constipation, a planned effort with the help of a dietitian would be necessary. In such cases, women’s diet should consist of 25 to 30 grams of fiber, while men’s diet should consist of 30 to 38 grams of fiber. Too much fiber in the diet in a short time can lead to gas, distension, and cramps in the digestive tract. It is essential to increase the dietary fiber intake gradually.

NEW DELHI: For over a decade, Ashutosh Pandit lived as invisibly as a ghost.After allegedly orchestrating a Rs 17-crore fraud against Indian Overseas Bank in Pune in 2013, the director of House of Laptops, a private company, vanished into the ether.By the time CBI took over the case from the economic offences wing of Mumbai Police, the trail had gone cold. In April 2018, a court officially declared the Pune resident a proclaimed offender.

Pandit’s sudden disappearance was a masterclass in pulling off a Houdiniesque act. Seeking refuge in sun-and-surf-drenched Goa, he shed his past like a second skin. To his neighbours in a quiet locality of Bambolim, he was not a fraudster. He was Yatin Sharma, a law-abiding citizen.The transformation was thorough. Pandit successfully procured PAN and Aadhaar cards under his alias, effectively creating a paper trail for a man who didn’t exist. He even managed to obtain a passport from New Delhi, and when that expired, he confidently applied for and received a fresh one from Goa passport office.For 12 years, the forged documents served as an impenetrable shield, allowing Pandit to build a new life, even as the legal machinery in Pune remained stalled. In reality, though, CBI’s pursuit of him never ceased. The breakthrough came not from a physical tip-off, but through the digital dragnet of NATGRID (national intelligence grid) portal.This integrated intel framework began flagging subtle inconsistencies in data patterns. When investigators cross-referenced technical evidence with the inputs generated by the grid, Yatin Sharma’s facade began to crumble, and his digital footprints led them straight to Bambolim. The final act of this cat-and-mouse game was a clinical, coordinated raid. CBI officers, backed by foolproof technical surveillance and armed with years of investigative findings, recently converged on his residence. The man who spent 12 years believing he had managed to outsmart the system was caught off guard. Despite his new identity and address, the agency finally had their man.Pandit’s arrest brings a long-overdue sense of closure to a case that began in 2013 and seemed to have hit a dead end. “This serves as a reminder that in the modern era of integrated intelligence, every ‘perfect escape’ has an expiry date,” a senior officer of the agency said.