Breaking News
No breaking news posts found.
India’s highways to get AI dashcams: A high-tech plan to track potholes and road damage across 40,000 kilometres |
gbussiness702118@gmail.com Politics
India’s highways to get AI dashcams: A high-tech plan to track potholes and road damage across 40,000 kilometres |


India’s highways to get AI dashcams: A high-tech plan to track potholes and road damage across 40,000 kilometres

India’s highways are all set to get a tech boost. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) reportedly plans to install AI-based dashcam systems on approximately 40,000 kilometres of Indian roads. The initiative appears to be an attempt to make the management of Indian highways more data-driven and forward-thinking. Rather than waiting for complaints or accidents to occur, authorities will reportedly use cameras to detect issues. Surveys will be conducted every week, defects will be detected by cameras, and real-time monitoring will be done.

AI dashcams set to transform India’s highways with real-time road monitoring

According to PIB reports, Route Patrol Vehicles will carry the specialised dashboard cameras. These vehicles are expected to conduct weekly surveys across all major stretches. The cameras will record high-definition images and videos, which AI models will analyse for over 30 types of defects and anomalies. The main idea is to automate detection and reduce the need for manual inspection.A major focus of the system is pavement condition. Potholes, rutting, and severe cracks will be identified early. The AI models reportedly detect these issues automatically using advanced machine learning. Experts say early detection could reduce long-term maintenance costs and prevent sudden road hazards. It appears the system might even track the progress of repairs over time.

AI-powered road monitoring: How dashcams will detect potholes, cracks, and more

On India’s highways, they’re fitted to Route Patrol Vehicles to keep a constant eye on the roads. They will record high-resolution images and videos every week, but the real twist is that AI and machine learning systems analyse this footage automatically. These models will be trained to spot over 30 different issues, from potholes, rutting, and cracks to faded lane markings, damaged barriers, and streetlights that don’t work.

AI watches beyond the road: Safety, signs, and night checks

The AI system isn’t limited to the road surface. It will also cover road furniture such as lane markings, crash barriers, and streetlights. Faded or damaged components will be flagged in real time. Monitoring will extend to safety issues and encroachments. Illegal median openings, unauthorised signboards, and roadside encroachments will be recorded. Even illegal parking along highways may be identified. This makes the system more comprehensive than traditional inspections.NHAI reportedly plans at least one monthly nighttime survey for each stretch. Night checks are crucial for assessing road signs, reflective pavement markings, road studs, and highway lighting. These surveys could reveal issues that daytime inspections might miss. Officials say the addition of night data might improve safety for drivers who travel after dark.

AI dashboards and data zones make monitoring easier

In order to effectively handle this vast amount of data, the NHAI plans to subdivide the country into five monitoring zones. Each of these zones will have a specific IT solution to handle the data, run AI analytics on it, and display the results through interactive dashboards. Side-by-side analysis of the road conditions will reportedly help officials track maintenance progress. The results produced by AI will be integrated into the Data Lake solution provided by the NHAI.



Source link

Meet Nithin Hassan: Indian-origin techie who left Meta, to build his startup in India | World News
gbussiness702118@gmail.com Uncategorized
Meet Nithin Hassan: Indian-origin techie who left Meta, to build his startup in India | World News


After nearly two decades in the United States, a well-settled life in California and a high-paying career in Big Tech, the decision to return to India in 2023 marked a clear shift from stability to building something from scratch.Nithin Hassan, who left his role at Meta, moved back to Bengaluru to focus on building consumer brands, mentorship platforms and solutions around urban challenges.Nithin Hassan is the founder of Dolfyn Brands and B2I Elite Club, and a former big tech professional with over 15 years of experience. He grew up in and around Bengaluru in the late 1990s and 2000s before moving to the United States in 2006 to pursue a master’s degree in computer science.Over the years, he built his career across companies like AT&T, Cisco, Amazon, Microsoft and Meta, working on large-scale systems and global technology projects. Alongside his corporate journey, he has mentored more than 1,000 professionals, helping them secure roles in Fortune 500 companies and grow into leadership positions.Dolfyn Brands is a Bengaluru-based consumer brand accelerator launched in August 2025. The company operates as a modern “house of brands”, partnering with founders to build and scale digital-first consumer products.Dolfyn Brands focuses on improving product-market fit, managing performance marketing, optimising supply chains and building direct-to-consumer businesses. It uses data and technology to guide decisions and aims to create strong, globally competitive brands from India.The company also uses AI-driven systems, including supply chain modelling and vendor networks, to improve efficiency. A key learning from Hassan’s earlier venture, MyGardenEmporium, has shaped its approach to avoid over-diversification and instead focus on building a few strong, scalable products.Alongside this, he runs the B2I Elite Club, which connects founders, investors and professionals, helping them expand globally. Through his initiatives, he has advised over 1,000 careers and supported more than 500 businesses. He also works as a Fractional CTO at Business Kickstart Club, mentoring early-stage founders on product, branding and growth, and runs Career Kickstart Club for career development.Before starting his ventures, Hassan spent nearly two decades working across global technology companies. After completing his studies in the US, he worked at AT&T, Cisco, Amazon and Microsoft over a span of 13 years, focusing on network design, operations and large-scale systems.At Amazon Web Services, he led projects that improved deployment speed by 300 per cent and increased network bandwidth by 4.5 times while reducing costs, earning an Innovator Award. Later, at Meta, where he worked from 2021 to 2023 as Director of Strategic Planning, he led data centre capacity planning and helped scale infrastructure, including systems supporting advanced technologies such as AR and VR.Across these roles, he worked on AI infrastructure, product strategy and global expansion, contributing to platforms like AWS, Azure and next-generation AI systems.Apart from his work in business and technology, Hassan is also an author and speaker. He has written three bestselling books focused on careers and entrepreneurship.His book Interview Alchemy focuses on mastering job interviews, Strategic Ventures explores building sustainable and profitable businesses, and Return Journey is aimed at professionals and NRIs considering moving back to India.

Nithin's books

Nithin Hassan’s books

TEDx episode: Lessons on overcoming fear

In his TEDxYouth@NPSKRM episode, “Conquering the fear of failure – One small win at a time,” Hassan focuses on how fear often appears as logical caution, pushing people to stay safe and avoid risks, even when it leads to unfulfilling choices.He explains that confidence is not something people are born with, but something that builds gradually through small wins. These small steps, according to him, help people take bigger risks over time.

Watch

Conquering the fear of failure – One small win at a time | Nithin Hassan | TEDxYouth@NPSKRM

He shares a personal experience of preparing for a skydive at 15,000 feet, where fear nearly stopped him from jumping. A line he noticed on the plane, “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone,” pushed him to take that step. He connects this moment to larger life decisions, including leaving his role at Meta despite uncertainty.Hassan also points out that failure is not separate from success but part of the journey. Some of his own ventures struggled in the early stages, with one shutting down within six months and another facing financial pressure. These experiences, he says, helped him build resilience, not by removing fear, but by learning to work through it.His advice remains simple. Start small, even if unsure. Waiting for the perfect moment often leads to inaction, while taking small steps helps build clarity and confidence over time.



Source link

WI-W vs AUS-W, 3rd T20I Match Prediction: Who will win today’s game between West Indies and Australia?
gbussiness702118@gmail.com Cricket
WI-W vs AUS-W, 3rd T20I Match Prediction: Who will win today’s game between West Indies and Australia?



The Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown is set for a high-stakes finale as West Indies Women look to salvage pride against a dominant Australia Women side in the 3rd and final T20I. With the visitors already clinching the series, this match serves as a crucial litmus test for the West Indies before the ODI leg begins.

The hosts have shown flashes of brilliance throughout this series, particularly in the second T20I where they pushed Australia closer than many expected, yet the ability to finish off games remains a persistent hurdle. Much of their hope rests on the ‘Matthews Factor,’ as captain Hayley Matthews found her groove with a blistering 56 in the last outing; for the West Indies to secure a win here, she must bat deep into the innings.

While the high-profile return of Deandra Dottin has added much-needed muscle to the lineup, the middle-order stability depends on improved strike rotation from veterans like Stafanie Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle to keep pace with Australia’s relentless scoring rates. On the bowling front, the spin duo of Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack will be the tactical keys on this Kingstown surface, tasked with stifling the Aussie power-hitters before they can take the game away.

Australia have remained predictably professional, seamlessly rotating their deep squad while maintaining a ruthless winning habit. This final fixture may see further experimentation, with 19-year-old left-arm quick Lucy Hamilton tipped for a potential debut as the visitors look to test their bench strength ahead of the ODIs. There is a slight cloud over the lineup as Ashleigh Gardner remains a doubt following her absence in the last game due to hamstring awareness, a loss that would offer a minor reprieve for the West Indies’ middle order. However, the emergence of Georgia Voll has been a standout narrative of the tour; her explosive starts at the top of the order have effectively stripped the pressure off established stars like Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry, making this Australian machine look as formidable as ever.

WI-W vs AUS-W, 3rd T20I: Match details

  • Date and Time: March 23; 10:30 pm GMT / 6:30 pm Local/ 4:00 am IST (March 24)
  • Venue: Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent

WI-W vs AUS-W, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Matches played: 18 | Australia won: 16 | West Indies won: 2 | No result: 0

Arnos Vale Ground Pitch Report

The pitch at Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown is a classic Caribbean surface that traditionally offers a balanced contest but leans toward the slower side as the game progresses. While the new ball typically provides decent bounce and carry for the seamers, the track tends to dry out and grip, offering significant assistance to spinners in the middle overs. Short boundaries can aid aggressive stroke play, yet the average first-innings score often hovers around 130–145.

Squads

West Indies: Hayley Matthews (c), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Jannillea Glasgow, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shawnisha Hector, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Eboni Brathwaite, Jahzara Claxton, Mandy Mangru, Zaida James

Australia: Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux (c), Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Alana King, Tahlia Wilson, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Carey

Also READ: Alana King steers Australia to series-clinching win over West Indies in 2nd Women’s T20I

WI-W vs AUS-W, 2nd T20I: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

  • West Indies wins the toss and bats first
  • West Indies’ powerplay score: 30-40
  • West Indies’ total score: 140-150

Case 2:

  • Australia wins the toss and bats first
  • Australia’s powerplay score: 50-60
  • Australia’s total score: 170-180

Match result: Australia to win the contest.

Also READ: West Indies vs Australia, Women’s T20I Series: Schedule, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



Source link

Koneru Humpy Exclusive after Candidates pull-out: ‘Would FIDE hold tournaments in Kashmir?’ | Chess News
gbussiness702118@gmail.com World
Koneru Humpy Exclusive after Candidates pull-out: ‘Would FIDE hold tournaments in Kashmir?’ | Chess News


Koneru Humpy Exclusive after Candidates pull-out: 'Would FIDE hold tournaments in Kashmir?'
Koneru Humpy (Photo by Lennart Ootes/FIDE).

NEW DELHI: In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global chess community, India’s veteran Grandmaster (GM) and World No. 5 Koneru Humpy has now officially withdrawn from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament in Cyprus. Citing a “Level 3” travel advisory and escalating tensions in the Middle East, the 38-year-old’s decision, which came late on Sunday evening through a post on X (formerly Twitter), bears a rare sight of a world-class athlete who has prioritised personal security over a direct shot at a World Championship title.The tournament, set to begin on March 28 at the Cap St Georges Hotel in Pegeia, is the sole gateway to the Women’s World Championship match. While India still holds a strong hand with R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh in the fray, the absence of Humpy, the runner-up of the 2025 Women’s World Cup, is being viewed as a massive blow to the nation’s title hopes.In an exclusive conversation with TimesofIndia.com, Humpy opened up about the “gruelling” mental toll of the decision, the potential fine, and her sharp critique of FIDE’s venue selection.

‘Not an impulsive decision’: Humpy

For Humpy, the road to withdrawal was paved with sleepless nights.“It wasn’t an impulsive decision. I spent several days thinking through all aspects of professional commitment, personal safety, and my ability to perform at my best,” Humpy told TimesofIndia.com. “Given the prevailing uncertainties and the overall situation, I felt I would not be able to approach the event with the level of focus and calm that such a tournament demands.”She admitted that the phase was mentally draining. “As a professional athlete, you train for opportunities like this for years. Mentally, it was challenging because I had to weigh factors beyond just chess,” she added.READ ALSO: ‘Motherhood not a liability’: How India’s No.1 Koneru Humpy balances chess and family

The Kashmir comparison

Perhaps the most striking part of Humpy’s stand is her critique of Cyprus as a host during a regional conflict. Pointing to the Level 3 advisories issued by the U.S. and UK, which urge travellers to reconsider travel due to regional tensions and recent drone activity, Humpy questioned FIDE’s lack of flexibility.“I think decisions like this should take into account not just logistics, but also how players feel,” she argued. “Level 3 Travel Advisory issued by the US and UK Department of State urging travellers to reconsider travel to Cyprus in light of the ongoing tensions and the recent drone attack, I do not feel this can be a sporting venue for such a world-class tournament.”In a pointed comparison, she added: “If they feel [Cyprus] is right, they should also conduct tournaments in places like Jammu & Kashmir, which is also considered as Level 3. We do have beautiful locations, lavish resorts, hotels… is that what we need for a chess tournament?”Humpy believes that while the venue may have been fine when initially announced, the shifting geopolitical landscape warranted a shift in FIDE’s strategy. “Of course, when they announced the tournament, there was no issue. (But) they have to change according to circumstances. They should have asked players openly to share their opinion after the war started,” she asserted.

Koneru Humpy during her Round 11 match against Grandmaster Nurgyul Salimova at the FIDE Women's Candidates 2024 chess tournament, in Toronto, Canada. (PTI File Photo)

The financial implications of the withdrawal

Under FIDE regulations, a withdrawal without a “satisfactory reason” can attract a fine of up to €10,000 (approx. Rs 10 lakh). While the chess world debates whether security concerns constitute a “satisfactory” excuse, Humpy remains unfazed by the financial threat.“At this stage, my primary concern was taking a decision I could stand by. Matters like fines or penalties are secondary… but I am prepared to deal with whatever comes,” she said.

The sporting cost of the pull-out

Missing this Candidates tournament now means Humpy’s dream of becoming the Women’s World Champion is effectively deferred by years. It is a staggering price to pay for a veteran in the twilight of a legendary career.“It’s a big cost, there’s no denying that,” Humpy admitted. “But not everything can be measured only in terms of titles. If the conditions are not right to compete at your true level, then being there doesn’t make much sense either.”Humpy is not alone in her concerns. After Humpy’s decision, US Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura highlighted the instability in the region, writing on X, “It’s not a good sign when power goes out completely in parts of Cyprus and doesn’t come back for an extended period.” Furthermore, US Chess recently barred a delegation from the Pan-American Youth in Colombia due to a similar Level 3 advisory, mirroring Humpy’s cautious approach.While Humpy stays back, the rest of the Indian contingent, R Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali, and Divya Deshmukh, are reportedly proceeding with their travel plans.

Watch

Koneru Humpy Exclusive: Why the Chess legend hasn’t played since World Cup loss

For the fans who see this as a setback, Humpy offers a message of gratitude: “I understand their disappointment… Representing India is always a matter of pride for me. This decision was not taken lightly, and I hope fans can understand the circumstances.”

Banner Insert



Source link

‘Petrol Shortage League’: Pakistan’s PSL trolled after league reduced to two venues | Cricket News
gbussiness702118@gmail.com Politics
‘Petrol Shortage League’: Pakistan’s PSL trolled after league reduced to two venues | Cricket News


'Petrol Shortage League': Pakistan's PSL trolled after league reduced to two venues
PSL trophy (l), and PCB chief Mohsin naqvi

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revised the schedule for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), reducing the scale of the tournament after consultations with the government over austerity measures.Under the new plan, the number of host cities has been cut from six to two, with all matches now set to be played in Lahore and Karachi.The decision has drawn reactions from a section of fans on social media, with many criticising the reduced arrangements. The changes come amid an ongoing oil crisis, which has impacted planning for the tournament.

Watch

T20 World Cup: India humiliate Pakistan again

Apart from limiting venues, the PCB has also cancelled the opening ceremony and decided to hold matches behind closed doors in an effort to reduce costs. The league has also seen player exits, with some cricketers moving to the Indian Premier League as injury replacements.Some fans mocked the situation online.Iceland Cricket also posted a message on X. “The PSL is coming up and that is very exciting for many millions of cricket fans. We have always wondered what PSL stands for and it turns out it means Petrol Shortage League,” the post read.A user replied to the post by calling it the “Paisa shortage league.”The PSL is being held alongside the IPL this year after it could not take place in its usual window due to the T20 World Cup 2026. Players such as Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani and reportedly Sri Lanks’s Dasun Shanaka have left the PSL to join IPL teams as replacements.With higher earnings available in the IPL, players have opted for those opportunities.The changes, including fewer venues, no opening ceremony and matches without spectators, come at a time when the league continues to compete with other T20 tournaments.

Banner Insert



Source link

EXCLUSIVE: Less than a week before IPL starts, Mumbai Indians star Jasprit Bumrah reaches BCCI CoE | Cricket News
gbussiness702118@gmail.com Lifestyle
EXCLUSIVE: Less than a week before IPL starts, Mumbai Indians star Jasprit Bumrah reaches BCCI CoE | Cricket News


EXCLUSIVE: Less than a week before IPL starts, Mumbai Indians star Jasprit Bumrah reaches BCCI CoE
Mumbai Indians’ Jasprit Bumrah during a practice session ahead of an Indian Premier League match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. (PTI)

Less than a week before IPL 2026 gets underway, India and Mumbai Indians seamer Jasprit Bumrah has checked into the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). It is not certain whether it is for an injury-related issue or routine checks, but TimesofIndia.com can confirm he is at the facility in Karnataka and has not yet joined the five-time champions’ camp.Last week, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene revealed the four MI players in India’s T20 World Cup-winning camp were allowed an extended break. India had won the T20 World Cup by beating New Zealand in the final on 8 March.

Watch

Hardik Pandya & Kieron Pollard Address MI Fans in Aamchi Mumbai

“Every year, our aim is to get there (win the IPL trophy). But I know it’s a long season. So pre-season will start the way we usually start, working hard, getting new boys into the setup. And with our (T20) World Cup guys, we’ve given them a bit of an extended break so that they will join us next weekend. The overseas guys also flew in home and then they will join us. But they’ll have a good one week training with us before the first game,” the Sri Lankan had said during the closing ceremony of the MI Junior season at the MIG Cricket Club Ground.Mumbai Indians will play their first match of IPL 2026 against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29.

Banner Insert



Source link

‘Jan-jan ki sarkar’: Uttarakhand CM Dhami celebrates ‘4 saal bemisaal’ of development and heritage | India News
gbussiness702118@gmail.com India
‘Jan-jan ki sarkar’: Uttarakhand CM Dhami celebrates ‘4 saal bemisaal’ of development and heritage | India News


'Jan-jan ki sarkar': Uttarakhand CM Dhami celebrates '4 saal bemisaal' of development and heritage

NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday marked four years of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, emphasising its guiding mantra of Development as well as Heritage while fulfilling the dreams of the statehood agitators and the aspirations of the state’s 1.25 crore residents.

जन-जन की सरकार 4 साल बेमिसाल राज्य आंदोलनकारियों के स्वप्न को साकार करते हुए, सवा करोड़ प्रदेशवासियों की आशाओं और आकांक्षाओं के अनुरूप हमारी सरकार आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी की प्रेरणा और मार्गदर्शन में सशक्त, समृद्ध और आत्मनिर्भर उत्तराखण्ड निर्माण की दिशा में… pic.twitter.com/uALzWVsAKF – Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) March 23, 2026

In a post on X, CM Dhami wrote, “Government of the People 4 Unparalleled Years Fulfilling the dreams of the state agitators, in line with the hopes and aspirations of over 1.25 crore residents of the province, our government, under the inspiration and guidance of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is continuously working towards building a strong, prosperous, and self-reliant Uttarakhand. With better coordination between economy and ecology, we are committed to the sustainable development of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand and the welfare of its residents, guided by the mantra of ‘Development as well as Heritage’.”On Sunday, CM Dhami highlighted the state’s development achievements over the past four years.He said his government has taken historic and visionary steps to make Uttarakhand a leader in all fields, promoting growth, good governance, and prosperity.In a post on X, CM Dhami wrote, “Over the past four years, we have taken several historic and visionary decisions to make Uttarakhand a leader and number-1 in every field, through which new dimensions of development, good governance, and prosperity are being established.”On Saturday, defence minister Rajnath Singh lauded Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s leadership abilities, calling him “Dhurandhar Dhami.”Addressing a public gathering here on the completion of four years of the Uttarakhand government, the defence minister expressed pride and confidence in the government led by CM Dhami and attributed the state’s growth to him.“This gathering has been organised to mark the completion of Pushkar Dhami’s four-year tenure. During the elections, I had told him that the BJP would win under his leadership, and the BJP achieved a clear majority. I had said in a meeting once, ‘Our Dhami is not ordinary, he is Dhakad Dhami… now, he should be called Dhurandhar Dhami. Uttarakhand has secured a leading position in the country across several sectors,” he said.Singh also reminisced about his tenure as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, during which the state of Uttarakhand was formed.“The land of Uttarakhand is the land of the Gods (Devbhoomi). I also served as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand for 10-12 days. It was during my tenure as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh that Uttarakhand was created. Uttarakhand is a land of faith, spirituality, culture, and sages; it is revered as a place of penance,” the Defence Minister said. (ANI)





Source link

From 48-hour ultimatum to 5-day pause: Trump cites ‘productive’ US-Iran talks, halts strikes on energy infrastructure
gbussiness702118@gmail.com Politics
From 48-hour ultimatum to 5-day pause: Trump cites ‘productive’ US-Iran talks, halts strikes on energy infrastructure


From 48-hour ultimatum to 5-day pause: Trump cites ‘productive’ US-Iran talks, halts strikes on energy infrastructure

US President Donald Trump on Monday said the United States and Iran have held “very good and productive” talks over the past two days and announced a five-day pause on planned military strikes, signalling a possible de-escalation in the ongoing conflict.In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: “I am please to report that the United States of America, and the country of Iran, have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East. Based on the tenor and tone of these in depth, detailed, and constructive conversations, witch will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”Meanwhile, Iranian embassy in Kabaul said, “Trump backs down from attacking energy infrastructures after iran’s firm warning.”The announcement comes a day after Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, warning of strikes on its energy infrastructure if Tehran failed to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.“If Iran doesn’t fully open, without threat, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 hours from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various power plants, starting with the biggest one first!” Trump said earlier.Following the ultimatum, Iran said the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to all shipping except vessels linked to its “enemies,” referring to the United States and Israel.“We are ready to cooperate with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enhance maritime safety and protect seafarers in the Gulf. Ships not linked to Iran’s ‘enemies’ can transit the strait by coordinating security and safety arrangements with Tehran,” Iran’s permanent representative to the IMO, Ali Mousavi, was quoted as saying.“Diplomacy remains Iran’s priority. However, a complete cessation of aggression, along with the rebuilding of mutual trust and confidence, is essential. The Israeli and US attacks against Iran are at the root of the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.The conflict has intensified in recent weeks, with Iran disrupting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in response to joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28. Tehran has also launched attacks on Israeli territory and targeted Gulf states hosting US military bases.Iran’s Unified Combatant Command has warned that any attack on its energy infrastructure would trigger retaliatory strikes across the region. According to Iranian media, it said that if Iran’s facilities are targeted, “all energy infrastructures belonging to the U.S. in the region will be targeted.”The situation has entered a more volatile phase, with Israel confirming that Iran has deployed long-range missiles for the first time. Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said two ballistic missiles with a range of 4,000 kilometres were launched towards the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia.“These missiles are not intended to strike Israel. Their range reaches European capitals – Berlin, Paris, and Rome are all within direct threat range,” Zamir said.The conflict has resulted in rising casualties, with more than 2,000 people reported killed in Iran since US and Israeli strikes began, while Iranian attacks have claimed at least 15 lives in Israel. Recent missile strikes hit southern Israeli cities including Dimona and Arad, injuring several civilians.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country would continue its military operations, stating, “This has been a very difficult evening in the battle for our future.”“We are determined to continue striking our enemies on all fronts,” he added.



Source link

BTS make historic comeback with Seoul concert, new album ‘ARIRANG’: Fans call it ‘so awesome’ | K-pop Movie News
gbussiness702118@gmail.com Uncategorized
BTS make historic comeback with Seoul concert, new album ‘ARIRANG’: Fans call it ‘so awesome’ | K-pop Movie News


After years of anticipation, BTS is finally back, and this time, they didn’t just return; they exploded onto the scene. Their latest album, ‘ARIRANG’, shattered records, and their comeback concert in Seoul turned into a worldwide event, with millions tuning in. It’s not just another show; this was one of the biggest moments in music for 2026.BTS Fans, also known as ARMY, absolutely took over Seoul. Streets packed, light sticks everywhere, cheers so loud you could feel them. The seven of them, together on stage for the first time in almost four years, made the whole city feel alive. For a lot of people, this wasn’t just a concert. It felt like coming home.

Watch

BTS Meets Baseball: V’s Perfect First Pitch And Shohei Ohtani’s Cameo Send ARMY Wild

BTS comeback, with a bang

Back in 2022, BTS hit pause right at the peak of their global fame. The reason? South Korea’s mandatory military service. Every member: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, had to enlist, one after another.The group stopped performing as a whole, but that didn’t mean they disappeared. Each member went off and did their own thing: solo albums, projects, you name it. Even then, BTS never really left the charts. They kept breaking streaming records and stayed right at the top, even without group activities.Their last big show before the break, in Busan, felt more like “see you soon” than “goodbye.” Fans always knew they’d come back.And they did. On March 21, 2026, BTS stormed back onto the stage at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square. This was their first time performing together since finishing military service, and the city went wild. Over 260,000 people showed up in person, and millions more watched live on Netflix. Seoul just turned into a huge party, with fans everywhere, singing, waving their light sticks. The city had to close roads, and security was everywhere, just to keep up with the crowds.RM started things off with a simple, “We’re back.” That’s all it took: instant, deafening cheers, people crying, everyone feeling that sense of reunion after all these years.

Fans’ reaction to BTS big return

The whole event, ‘BTS The Comeback Live: ARIRANG’, was a spectacle. Gwanghwamun Square looked incredible, with lights and visuals lighting up the historic backdrop. The city turned purple, the color of BTS fandom. The setlist jumped between new tracks and old favorites, so fans got the best of both worlds. Even with a few hiccups, as RM had to sit out parts of the show because of an ankle injury, the energy never dropped.But the real story? The fans. The crowd brought all the emotion.Per popular outlets, Some people called the show “awesome.” Others just said it was “unreal” and “worth every second of the wait.” Fans came in from all over, Mexico, Japan, Europe, just to see it happen in person.According to The Guardian, there was Atsumi Shioya, just 18, who flew in from Shizuoka, Japan, with her mom, Ayako, a ballet pianist. They grabbed what tickets they could: impossible to get, since they sold out in minutes. Ayako managed to snag one, but Atsumi came anyway, just to be there. “Their voices, their dances. I think I’ll cry if I see all seven performing,” Ayako said, waiting for the show to start.Adelina Gainanova, 24, from Russia, found BTS before she ever set foot in Korea, and now she lives there. Seeing them live was “just amazing,” she said. She couldn’t believe how organized everything was, either.Then there’s An So-young, 41, an English teacher from Cheongju, about 110km from Seoul. She was still trying to process everything after the show. What stuck with her was a moment during “Body to Body,” when the traditional “arirang” melody suddenly appeared, clear as day. “The album is called Arirang,” she said. “So I’d been wondering how they’d include it.”

The spectacular comeback: All about it

BTS’s comeback concert wasn’t the only big thing happening. The band dropped their new album, ‘Arirang’, at the same time. It’s their first major album in almost six years, and fans didn’t waste a second. Per the New York Post, nearly four million copies were sold on day one. It shot straight to the top of the streaming charts, everywhere.‘Arirang’ isn’t just an album, it’s a statement. Named after a classic Korean folk song, it mixes up modern pop, hip-hop, and all kinds of experimental sounds, but still has that unmistakable Korean heart. Fourteen tracks, blending old and new, and during the concert, they played songs like ‘Body to Body’, ‘Hooligan’, and ‘Swim’ live for the first time, right alongside their classics like ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Butter’.During the show, per Euro News, member J-Hope admitted they had moments of doubt during the hiatus, wondering if fans would still remember them. That vulnerable confession felt real, and it resonated strongly, making the reunion feel even more meaningful. Jimin echoed the sentiment, saying they had always trusted that their sincerity would reach their audience. And they did! The night in Seoul stood as a testament to that.



Source link

MS Dhoni’s witty reply to Sivakarthikeyan’s ‘Play till 60’ question wins hearts
gbussiness702118@gmail.com Cricket
MS Dhoni’s witty reply to Sivakarthikeyan’s ‘Play till 60’ question wins hearts



For years, one question has followed MS Dhoni wherever he goes – how long will he continue playing? On Sunday evening at Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) grand ‘Roar 2026’ event at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, that familiar curiosity resurfaced once again. This time, it came from Tamil superstar Sivakarthikeyan, and as expected, Dhoni responded in a way only he can – calm, witty, and instantly memorable.

MS Dhoni’s humour steals the show at CSK’s ‘Roar 2026’ event

As the crowd cheered loudly, Sivakarthikeyan playfully suggested, “You can play till 60 also, Sir,” tapping into the emotions of millions of fans who never want to see Dhoni step away from the game. The remark drew huge applause from the packed stadium, reflecting just how deeply fans still believe in their beloved “Thala.”

Dhoni, however, stayed true to his understated style. With a slight smile, he replied, “It’s very difficult.” But the moment didn’t end there. As the actor continued to insist, praising his fitness and longevity, Dhoni delivered the line that quickly went viral: “It’s on the way down, it’s not on the way up… I can try.”

The crowd erupted in laughter and cheers. It was vintage Dhoni – honest yet humorous, acknowledging reality while still leaving a small window of hope. The exchange wrapped up with Sivakarthikeyan smiling and saying, “We have got the answer,” perfectly capturing the mood of the moment.

Here’s the video:

Dhoni’s legacy in franchise cricket

The light-hearted exchange was more than just a viral moment – it was a reflection of Dhoni’s journey and his unique bond with fans. Over the years, he has built a legacy that goes far beyond statistics, becoming the emotional core of Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Since the IPL began in 2008, Dhoni has been synonymous with CSK, leading the franchise through highs, setbacks and comebacks. Even during the two seasons when CSK was suspended, he continued to lead from the front with Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) before returning to Chennai and restoring the team’s dominance.

Under his leadership, CSK has lifted five IPL titles, cementing its place as one of the most successful teams in the league’s history. Although he handed over captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 season, Dhoni remains the heartbeat of the side – guiding, mentoring, and inspiring both players and fans.

His numbers for CSK are equally impressive. In 272 matches, he has scored 5,314 runs, making him one of the franchise’s all-time greats. Only Suresh Raina sits ahead of him in the run charts. But beyond the numbers, it’s Dhoni’s composure, leadership, and ability to deliver in crucial moments that define his legacy.

Also READ: ‘Before the legacy, there were these two’ – CSK inducts Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden into inaugural Hall of Fame

The ‘Roar 2026’ event also saw Dhoni celebrating the next generation of stars, as he honoured T20 World Cup 2026 winners Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, along with U-19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre. It was a symbolic passing of the torch – acknowledging the future while still cherishing the present.

As CSK gear up for IPL 2026 under Gaikwad’s leadership, fans know that every appearance from Dhoni now carries special meaning. His witty reply may have downplayed expectations, but it also carried a subtle truth – his journey is closer to its end than its beginning.

Yet, for the yellow army, even that hint of “I can try” is enough to keep the hope alive. Because with Dhoni, it has never just been about how long he plays – it’s about the moments he creates every time he steps onto the field.

Also WATCH: Suresh Raina turns back the clock with a towering six off Noor Ahmad, leaves MS Dhoni amused at CSK Roar ’26





Source link