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Airspace closures continue: Qatar Airways extends flight grounding World News

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Airspace closures continue: Qatar Airways extends flight suspension

Due to the continued closure of the State of Qatar’s airspace, Qatar Airways flights remain suspended and passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they receive official confirmation regarding their flight. Operations will resume as soon as authorities declare Qatar’s airspace has been safely reopened.The airline confirmed that the grounding will continue while the airspace is closed. Operations will restart once Qatar’s General Civil Aviation Authority issues an official announcement confirming that the country’s airspace has been reopened and relevant authorities have approved the resumption of flights.

Sonu Sood offers free asylum to travelers stranded in Dubai due to US-Iran tensions

Passengers will receive another official update on the situation on March 7, 2026 at 09:00 AM Doha time (06:00 AM UTC).Qatar Airways is working around the clock to organize additional relief flights as soon as operating conditions allow services to be restored. These flights will be scheduled as soon as authorities confirm it is safe to operate again.Qatar Airways will contact passengers affected by the suspension directly to update them on their flights, travel arrangements and procedures to be followed. Travelers are also urged not to travel to the airport unless they receive formal notification of a confirmed flight.For passengers currently in Doha, Qatar Airways representatives will assist with inquiries about relief flights and travel arrangements at designated hotels.Passengers are also asked to ensure their contact information is updated so they can receive important notifications. Details can be updated via the Qatar Airways website or the airline’s mobile app.The airline reiterated that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its top priority, apologized for the inconvenience caused by circumstances beyond its control and thanked passengers for their patience and understanding as the situation continued to evolve.

How rich is Kristy Noem? Trump replaces Homeland Security secretary with Markwayne Mullin, look at her net worth and assets

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president Donald Trump Fired embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and announced her intention to nominate Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma as her successor.

Kristi Noem is the first Cabinet member to leave Trump's second term amid immigration enforcement challenges. (X/@ExDemMark)
Kristi Noem is the first Cabinet member to leave Trump’s second term amid immigration enforcement challenges. (X/@ExDemMark)

Trump announced the news via social media on Thursday, just two days after mentioned It was strongly questioned by Republican and Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Trump said he would appoint Noem as special envoy to American Shield, a new security initiative aimed at solving problems in the Western Hemisphere.

mentioned Becoming the first cabinet minister to quit during Trump’s second term. Her departure caps a challenging period in which the immigration enforcement strategy she managed faced serious protests and legal challenges.

Meanwhile, many on social media have expressed interest in learning more about Noem’s family and wealth. Here’s what we know about her net worth.

Also read: Kristy Noem Controversy: Key Corey Lewandowski Answers Revealed That Lead to Homeland Security Boss’ Fire

How rich is Kristy Noem?

mentioned His net worth is no less than $5 million, according to a Forbes analysis of property records and financial disclosures.

Noem’s investment portfolio includes mutual funds, index funds, exchange-traded funds and retirement plans and is worth between $174,000 and $560,000, according to financial disclosures filed with the U.S. Office of Government Ethics in August 2024. Additionally, her assets include cash savings that could be as high as $265,000 at the time of disclosure, as well as livestock and equipment estimated to be worth up to $100,000.

However, her husband Bryon Noem has a greater net worth. Bryon Noem’s commercial real estate investments are worth up to $500,000 and he owns an insurance brokerage called Noem Insurance, LLC, which is worth between $1 million and $5 million. His stock fund investments include ETFs and index funds, with values ​​ranging from $67,000 to $315,000.

How much does Kristi Noem make as Secretary of Homeland Security?

As head of the Department of Homeland Security, mentioned The 2026 salary of $253,100 reflects the standard salary for a Level 1 executive, an increase from the 2025 salary of $250,600. That amount is more than double the roughly $122,000 she earned annually as South Dakota governor.

While serving as a U.S. congresswoman from 2011 to 2019, Noem’s annual salary was $174,000, which has been the established salary standard for representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2009.

Shift from traditional farming to technology-driven farming – UP sees huge rise in farm productivity

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As the “breadbasket” of India, the agricultural landscape of Uttar Pradesh (UP) is quietly undergoing huge changes. While the state has always been a major producer, recent data shows the state is transitioning from traditional agriculture to a high-productivity, technology-driven powerhouse. This shift is not just about higher yields; This is related to the fundamental structural adjustment of the rural economy.

Productivity Leap: From Stagnation to Surge

The most striking feature of this era is the exponential growth of productivity. The average productivity of major crops increased slightly by 8.7% between 2001-02 and 2016-17. This contrasts with a 42.8% increase between 2016-17 and 2024-25.The best example of this surge is the state’s dominance in staple foods:

  • Wheat: UP is currently the major producer, accounting for 35.3% of India’s total wheat production, with production reaching a record 41.439 million tonnes in 2024-25.
  • Rice: The state accounts for 14.7% of the national reserves, with a production of 219.2 million metric tons.

The figures are a direct result of the government’s “meaningful and effective efforts” including the introduction of high-quality hybrid seeds, improved irrigation management and organic farming initiatives.

Diversification: The rise of cash crops and horticulture

A resilient agricultural economy requires more than just grains. The state’s focus on crop diversification is yielding historic results in pulses, oilseeds and horticulture:

  • Pulses and oilseeds: Productivity in these sectors has grown by 46.0% and 46.6% respectively over the past eight years. This is a huge leap from the near-stagnant situation of the past 16 years.
  • Horticulture: UP has emerged as a leader in fruits and vegetables. Currently, India produces 40.7% of potatoes and 18.8% of bananas. The integration of modern technology has increased overall horticultural productivity by 28.4%.

Sugarcane: the sweetener of rural prosperity

Sugarcane remains the mainstay of commercial agriculture at Northern University. In 2024-25, the state’s production was 245.35 million tonnes, accounting for 54.5% of the national production. Apart from production, the focus has also shifted to timely payments to farmers. A staggering over Rs 2,860 crore has been paid to sugarcane growers since 2017, which is about Rs 72,000 crore higher than the total amount paid between 2000 and 2017. This financial liquidity is critical to sustaining the rural demand cycle.

Institutional Support and Risk Mitigation

The “UP model” of agriculture is built on several pillars of institutional support:

  1. Market Integration: Authorization of FPOs (Farmer Producers Organizations) and adoption of e-NAM (National Agricultural Market) reduces the control of middlemen.
  2. Risk management: Expanded crop insurance scheme (Fasal Bima Yojana) provides a safety net against climate fluctuations.
  3. Infrastructure: Improved online mandis and timely MSP payments ensure farmers get a fair share of the country’s output.

Judgment

Uttar Pradesh is successfully transitioning from subsistence to commercial farming. By leveraging modern technology, quality seed varieties and strong market linkages, the state’s share of national production has increased significantly. However, the journey towards a $1 trillion economy requires productivity gains to be matched by a stronger food processing industry and global export linkages. The current “historic results” in the UP field prove that when policy meets precision, anything is possible.

‘Aqsa has filled Jadeja’s void well’: Gavaskar praises Patel’s ‘incredible’ defense

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'Aqsa has filled Jadeja's void well': Gavaskar praises Patel's 'incredible' defense at Wankhede

New Delhi: Indian Legend Sunil Gavaskar Praise for the vice-captain Axar Patel For his stunning defensive performance in India’s nerve-wracking T20 World Cup semi-final victory over England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Gavaskar even compared Aqsa’s influence on the battlefield with Ravindra Jadejasaid the all-rounder has stepped up to fill the void left by one of India’s greatest fielders.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!India had earlier piled up a mammoth 253/7, powered by Mammoths from India. Sanzhou Samson. However, England’s chase threatened to derail India’s hopes as Jacob Bethell scored a sensational century to keep his team in the game.

India reach T20 World Cup final: Small contribution makes huge impact

But Axar’s outstanding performance on the field repeatedly hindered England’s momentum.The first moment of magic comes early in the chase, when Jasprit Bumrah is tricked Harry Brooke Delivery is slow. Brook misfired over high cover and Axar sprinted back nearly 24 meters before diving forward to make a stunning catch inches from the turf.Also read: Axar Patel picks tougher from his two ‘one-of-a-kind’ catches – watch and pick yours“Axar Patel’s dismissal of Harry Brook’s catch was unbelievable. Brook can take away games and you have to take his wicket at every opportunity and Axar did that,” Gavaskar said on JioHotstar.“He ran 24 meters from his position, kept his eyes on the ball, kept his balance and caught the ball. It was unbelievable.”Al-Aqsa isn’t done yet. In the following games, when will jacks Along with Besser who threatened to push England closer to the daunting goal, Axar produced another moment of brilliance. Chasing a cut ball at deep point, he raced hard across the turf, caught the ball as he lost his balance near the boundary rope and deftly passed it to Shivam Dube, who completed the catch.“He also played a key role in the dismissal of Will Jacks. The Bethel-Jacks partnership took the game off course. But Axar ran to his left, latched on to the ball and passed it smartly to Shivam Dube,” Gavaskar added.Gavaskar believes Axar’s emergence as an all-round cricketer reflects the impact Jadeja once had on India.“With his batting and bowling abilities, Axar will go down as one of India’s greatest players. Before him we had Ravindra Jadeja and Axar fills that gap very well,” he said.

‘It’s like having a genie’: Fife in awe of Bumrah after India’s dramatic semi-final win

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'It's like having a genie': Faf du Plessis in awe of Jasprit Bumrah after India's dramatic T20 World Cup semi-final win
Jasprit Bumrah celebrates the dismissal of England’s Jacob Bethell. (Getty Images)

New Delhi: Former South Africa captain Fife du Plessis High praise for India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah The fast bowler’s decisive strike helped India beat England by seven runs in the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Dubbing Bumrah a match-winner in all formats, Du Plessis said having him in the team was “like having a genie”.Earlier, India posted a mammoth score of 253/7 with Sanju Samson’s 42-ball 89. But England threatened to chase it down, thanks to Jacob Bethell’s sensational century.

India reach T20 World Cup final: Small contribution makes huge impact

With England needing 45 runs in the final three overs and their team gaining momentum, the game took a dramatic turn when skipper Suryakumar Yadav handed the ball to Bumrah in the crucial 18th over.In a game where the bowlers were hammered all over the park, Bumrah conceded just six runs, effectively turning the tide around. England ended up with 246/7, still well behind despite Bethel’s 105.Du Plessis told ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show that India may not fully realize how lucky they are to have a bowler like Bumrah.

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Did Bumrah’s performance change the outcome of the semi-final against England?

“The Indian team doesn’t understand how lucky they are to have him in the team,” Du Plessis said. “That’s been proven time and time again, no matter the format of the game – you just give him the ball and he’s going to win the game.”“It’s a superpower that any captain would dream of. It’s like having a genie – you just rub the lamp and Bumrah comes out,” he added.Du Plessis stressed that even Bumrah’s occasional errors would be difficult for batsmen to exploit due to Bumrah’s unique movement and late release.“They knew the match was going to be full – a yorker or a slow over. He bowled two low fulls in that over and both times Sam Curran came in late. Any other bowler who lacked length like that would have scored six runs,” he explained.“His movement is so unique that it’s hard to tell how fast the ball comes out of his wrist. The mystery makes it hard to pinpoint him.”In one match, Bumrah finished with figures of 1/33 in four overs and produced a staggering 499 runs. As India prepares for the final against New Zealand, the hopes of a billion fans will once again be pinned on their ‘ball wizard’.

Summer is almost here: Appliances that make life in the heat easier

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Summer 2026 is approaching in India, and temperatures in many North Indian states such as Delhi and Rajasthan have already exceeded 35 degrees Celsius. Everyone is sweating it out, and now it’s time to bring some electronic gadgets into our lives to make things simpler. Summer usually means more laundry because clothes get dirty quickly due to sweating. You’ll also end up craving cold foods and drinks more frequently, and of course you’ll need some way to keep yourself cool.

An air fryer can help you cut calories and get a beach-worthy body.
An air fryer can help you cut calories and get a beach-worthy body.

Shaurya Sharma

Shaurya Sharma is a senior content producer at Hindustan Times covering consumer, gaming and AI technology. He has previously worked in well-known media such as CNN-News18 and Guiding Tech, and has nearly five years of experience in technology journalism. He enjoys cinematography, reading science fiction, and camping. Instagram and X: @barelysure

With that in mind, here are some products I’m looking forward to getting my hands on this summer. I think these should come in handy for a lot of people. Read this article and check if you need something to beat the summer heat.

Bosch has always produced high-quality products for the Indian market and the brand is known for its German engineering. This model also focuses on energy efficiency and has a 5-star rating. It has a 700 RPM motor, dual fluff filter, 5-fin pulsator, and Vario drum. As mentioned, the capacity is 7 kg.

It also offers several modes, such as quick wash, which is useful when your clothes are only lightly soiled by sweat. If you are a person who sweats a lot in summer and changes clothes frequently, then having a washing machine is very helpful. This Bosch model looks like a great deal, currently priced below $20,000 discount for holding the card. It has a simple design and practical quality-of-life features like a soft-close lid and a tempered glass lid that helps avoid scratches and improve durability.

What do buyers on Flipkart say?

This machine has a 4.3-star rating out of 576 ratings. Buyers claim that clothes don’t get tangled or crushed, and the cleaning performance compares well to other machines they’ve used before. However, some users also mentioned that the rollers are slightly on the small side.

Why choose this product?

If you’re looking for top-notch build quality and don’t want to spend too much $20,000, if you want a washing machine of about 7 kg, this one should be worth considering.

Sujata has been manufacturing quality juicer mixer grinders for a long time. In summer, there is no doubt that you need to drink cold juice throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially after going out in the hot sun or returning from get off work. Imagine coming home to a glass of ice-cold orange juice waiting for you.

This model comes with three jars. There is a blending jar with a capacity of 1750ml, a wet and dry grinding jar with a capacity of 1000ml, and a chutney grinding jar with a capacity of 400ml. The highlight here is the juicer attachment, which comes with a honeycomb filter designed to give you better juice yield and smoother juice. This means you can quickly prepare your juice at any time.

What do buyers on Flipkart say?

Customer reviews of this product on Flipkart are mostly positive. It has a consistent 4.5-star rating from over 9,000 verified buyer ratings. Buyers say the blades are of high quality and the product is good value for money. Some users have noted that this may result in slightly more wasted pulp from fruits like oranges, which is worth keeping in mind.

Why buy this product?

Sujata is known for manufacturing quality and reliable small appliances and this particular model comes with a versatile setup, good customer feedback and good basics.

You may be wondering why the air fryer is included in the summer appliances article. The idea is simple. Many people set fitness goals and try to eat healthier during the summer, and an air fryer can help reduce calorie intake because it requires much less oil than frying.

This model from Bosch is a natural recommendation based on our research and previous experience with similar products. It produces incredibly crispy chips and other snacks that traditionally require large amounts of oil. The air fryer has a capacity of 4 liters and comes with various preset programs designed for different types of food.

What do buyers on Flipkart say?

Buyers on Flipkart have given it a rating of 4.7 stars out of 26 verified ratings. Many users appreciate its performance and minimalist design, which wouldn’t look out of place in most kitchens.

Why buy this product?

Yes, its price is slightly on the higher side, approx. $6,700, you’ll be paying more compared to some alternatives, but it offers a premium experience with some nifty features like easy-to-operate touchscreen controls.

This Haier 1.5-ton split air conditioner stands out for its unique front design. It has a 5-star energy rating and comes with a 7-in-1 Intelli Convertible feature that allows you to adjust the cooling capacity according to your needs.

The company claims that it can cool a room even if the outdoor temperature is as high as 54°C. The AC is also corrosion-resistant, with a new plastic grille and aluminum coating for increased durability. It is powered by a dual inverter system which helps in efficient cooling and energy saving.

The unit comes with a copper compressor and has a dark mode feature that allows you to turn off the temperature display light so that it doesn’t distract you in dark conditions.

What do buyers on Flipkart say?

On Flipkart, AC currently has a 4.1-star rating among over 2,000 verified buyers. Buyers praise its quiet operation indoors and out, as well as its rapid cooling performance. However, its one drawback is that it doesn’t support Wi-Fi or app connectivity.

Why buy this product?

If you want a reliable and energy-efficient air conditioner $40,000 and don’t care about WiFi connectivity, this one should be worth considering.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has affiliate partnerships, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We are not responsible for any claims relating to the products under applicable law (including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act 2019). The products listed in this article are in no particular order of preference.

UP economy sees surge in credit allocation and industrial investment

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Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a historic shift in its financial landscape. Recent data shows a sharp increase in credit allocation, industrial investment and banking access, signaling a strong shift in the economy towards self-reliance and manufacturing-led growth.

1. Loan-to-deposit ratio: surge in financial momentum

The credit-to-deposit (CD) ratio is a key indicator of how effectively a country uses bank deposits for local lending and development.

  • Significant growth: Uttar Pradesh’s reserve requirement ratio has jumped from 43% in 2017 to 60% in 2024. This comes after decades of slow growth and represents a major shift in the state’s financial health.
  • Closing the gap: This improvement reflects improved access to credit and growing confidence in the state’s economy. To put this into perspective, the ratio reached an all-time low of 32.8% in 1990.
  • Banking Infrastructure: The state has significantly expanded its reach through:
    • 20,416 bank branches
    • 4,00,932 Mitras Bank and BC Sakhis Bank
    • 18,747 ATMs
    • Total: 4,40,095 banking touch points providing financial services across the state.

2. Industrial credit: Promote the development of manufacturing industry

The state’s success in doubling industrial credit in just seven years underscores its commitment to becoming a manufacturing hub.

  • Doubling investment: Industrial credit will grow from Rs 82,800 crore in 2017 to Rs 1.68 billion in 2024.
  • Policy Intervention: This growth is attributed to strong policy intervention, infrastructure development and active efforts to encourage investors.
  • Private investment: This sustained attention not only attracts large-scale private investment, but also boosts the confidence of financial institutions in the country’s industrial sector.

3. Total credit allocation: 3x available capital

The overall available capital in Uttar Pradesh has grown exponentially, empowering entrepreneurs and rural development.

  • Rapid Distribution: Uttar Pradesh’s total outstanding credit will increase from Rs 354 crore in 2017 to Rs 924 crore in 2024. It has grown 2.6 times in just seven years.
  • Historical background: In 1990, total credit was only Rs 72 billion, which reached only Rs 396 billion in 2004. The recent surge indicates a significant increase in credit absorptive capacity.
  • Supportive policies: Key drivers of this growth include:
    • Expand digital financial services and banking infrastructure.
    • Support financing and agricultural credit schemes for micro, small and medium enterprises.
    • Financial Inclusion: Initiatives like universal Jan Dhan account coverage, BC Sakhi Yojana to provide doorstep banking through women agents, and 2025 Gram Panchayat financial saturation campaign.

‘The ball was chasing me’: Axar chose the tougher of his two ‘amazing’ catches Pick Yours

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'The ball was chasing me': Axar Patel picked the tougher of his two 'brilliant' catches - watch and pick your catches
Axar Patel dives to catch England captain Harry Brook. (Arnie photo)

New Delhi: India vice-captain Axar Patel produced two remarkable moments on the field that turned the tide in India’s semi-final win over England at the Wankhede Stadium, and the all-rounder later revealed which of the two catches he felt was the tougher one.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!India leads England by seven runs in the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Mumbai after scoring a whopping 499 runs in two innings. While the batsmen dominated the match, Axar’s athleticism on the field also proved decisive.

‘Holi ki double khushi ho gayi’ Indian fans explode after win over England | T20 World Cup

The first moment of magic came in England’s chase as the dangerous Harry Brooke looked ready to attack. Brooke missed a shot that seemed destined to fall safely thanks to a slower delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. But Axar sprinted back nearly 24 meters from cover, tracked the ball over his shoulder and made a brilliant diving catch.Wankhede fans erupted as an early breakthrough halted England’s attacking start.Watch the first point:Aksa’s second brilliant performance came in the 14th inning, when England’s counterattack threatened the direction of the game. Jacob Bethel and Will Jacks formed a dangerous partnership, with Jacks chipping a long ball deep from Ardeep Singh. Axar sprinted to the left, grabbed the ball before crossing the boundary rope and passed it deftly to Shivam Dube in a stunning team effort.The run-out broke a 77-run winning streak and brought India back into the game.Watch Point 2:When asked to choose between the two fielding gems, Axar admitted that Jack’s catch was more critical in terms of game situations, but thought Brook’s catch was more difficult.“When I first caught Harry Brooke, which was a really good catch for me, it was tough,” Aksa said with a laugh. “But if you look at the situation and the way England were batting, Will Jacks’ catch was very important in breaking that partnership.”“If you ask me defensively, Harry Brooke’s catch was more difficult. Yeah, luckily today, I think the ball was chasing me,” he joked.Despite Bethel’s brilliant century, India eventually kept their cool and set up a summit meeting with New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

‘Khamenei’s son is a lightweight’: Trump shares Iran war latest, insists US should play role in choosing next leader

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After Venezuela, will Trump pick Iran’s new ruler? President drops big hint about Khamenei's successor

US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump said he wants Washington to play a role in choosing the next leader of Iran after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while denying the possibility of Khamenei’s son succeeding him.His remarks came as tensions in West Asia continued to escalate after the United States and Israel launched a joint military strike on Iranian territory on February 28, resulting in the death of Khamenei and other senior figures.

After Venezuela, will Trump pick Iran’s new ruler? President drops big hint about Khamenei’s successor

“They are wasting time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in this appointment, just like Delsi [Rodriguez] Axios quoted Trump comparing political developments in Venezuela to his involvement in January.He described Mojtaba Khamenei as “unacceptable” and said he preferred a leader who could bring “harmony and peace” to Iran, warning that continuing his father’s policies could lead to another future conflict with the United States.“A Khamenei son is unacceptable to me,” the US president added, according to Axios. “We want someone who can bring harmony and peace to Iran.”Trump also said Iran had sought talks with Washington amid continued attacks by the United States and Israel, but added that the request came too late.“them [Iran] On the phone; they said, ‘How do we make a deal?’ I said, ‘You’re a little late.’ Now we want to fight more than they do,” Trump said at an event with the Inter Miami football team on Thursday (local time).As the conflict entered its seventh day, Tehran responded to the attacks with drone and missile attacks targeting U.S. military bases in several Arab countries and Israeli assets in the region. Israel has also continued its attacks on Tehran while expanding operations into Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah.Trump said the U.S. military was working closely with the Israeli military to target Iran’s missile and drone capabilities in the ongoing Operation Epic Fury.“U.S. forces, along with their outstanding Israeli partners, continue to eliminate the enemy well ahead of time and at a level never seen before. We are destroying more of Iran’s missile and drone capabilities every hour,” ANI quoted him as saying.He also claimed that the Iranian air force and navy suffered extensive losses in the attack.“They don’t know what happened… Their navy is gone, 24 ships are gone in three days… Their anti-aircraft weapons are gone, so they have no air force… All their aircraft are gone… Their communications are gone, their missiles are gone, their launchers are gone, about 60 percent and 64 percent respectively,” he said.The US president also warned Iranian troops to surrender, saying they would be granted immunity.“I once again call on all members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, army and police to lay down their arms. They will only be killed. Now is the time to defend the Iranian people and help take back the country,” he said.“Accept immunity; we will give you immunity or you will absolutely face death,” he added.Trump has also urged Iranian diplomats abroad to seek asylum and help shape what he calls a new future for their country.“We also urge Iranian diplomats around the world to apply for asylum and help us shape a new and better Iran with great potential,” he said.“The United States will ensure that no matter who leads this country next, Iran does not threaten the United States or its neighbors,” Trump added.

Study warns of surge in metabolic diseases in Asia Pacific after World Obesity Day

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New Delhi: A day after the world marks World Obesity Day, a new international study has issued a stark warning: Metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol are rising rapidly across the Asia-Pacific region, with countries like India among the worst affected.The research is published in the journal metabolismanalyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2023, tracked the health impact of key metabolic disorders over three decades and projected trends through 2030.The analysis shows that hypertension currently represents the largest disease burden in the region, resulting in approximately 138 million years of healthy life lost and more than 6.2 million deaths in 2023 alone.Obesity is emerging as another major driver. Last year, high body mass index was associated with approximately 55 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and approximately 1.3 million deaths in the Asia-Pacific region.Meanwhile, the diabetes epidemic continues to deepen. Researchers estimate that approximately 310 million people in the region currently have type 2 diabetes, resulting in approximately 49 million years of healthy life lost and more than 1.1 million deaths.India, China and Indonesia are among the countries with the largest share of this burden, reflecting the combined effects of large populations, urbanization, sedentary lifestyles and rising obesity rates.Co-author Dr. Anup Misra of Fortis Hospital said India has one of the highest metabolic disease burdens in the region. “Our analysis based on the latest GBD 2023 data shows that type 2 diabetes in India was responsible for more than 21 million DALYs and nearly 580,000 deaths in 2023 alone,” he said.Dr. Misra pointed out that metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol and fatty liver are closely related and are largely caused by unhealthy diet and low physical activity. “These diseases can ultimately lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, cirrhosis and many types of cancer,” he added.Studies show that the burden of these metabolic diseases has increased dramatically over the past three decades, with the burden of different diseases increasing by 1.7 to nearly four times since 1990.Scientists warn that metabolic disorders rarely occur alone. Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol often interact to significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death.This trend is unlikely to reverse anytime soon. Most metabolic risks are expected to continue to rise in the region until at least 2030, prompting experts to call for stronger prevention strategies focused on healthier diets, increased physical activity and weight control.