New Delhi: The Gut Microbiota and Probiotics Science Foundation organized the 16th India Probiotics Symposium on March 27-28 in New Delhi under the theme ‘Gut Microbiota and Probiotics: Impact from Cradle to Centenarians’. According to the official press release, NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gauba in his chief guest address highlighted the critical role of the gut microbiome in immunity, metabolism and preventive healthcare. Expressing concern about the rapid shift in food habits in India, Gauba noted that urbanization, changing lifestyles and increased consumption of ultra-processed and refined foods, often driven by social media and fast commerce platforms, are steering people away from traditional, nutrient-dense diets. He warned that these trends could have serious long-term consequences for gut health, stressing that an estimated 56.4% of India’s disease burden can be attributed to unhealthy or unbalanced diets. He further warned that if ignored, “microbes can have macroscopic consequences.” Gauba places gut health within a broader development context, describing healthcare as the sector most critical to individual well-being and economic growth. He said that India’s demographic dividend can only be achieved if it has a healthy labor force and is timely prepared for active and healthy aging as the proportion of the elderly population increases. He stressed that investment in health is an investment in Viksit Bharat and cited initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, PM-JAY, PM Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which have significantly strengthened primary healthcare and financial protection. He pointed out that out-of-pocket medical expenditure fell from 62.6 per cent to 39.4 per cent between FY 2015 and FY 2022, saving families over Rs 125 crore. At the same time, Gauba acknowledged ongoing challenges in access, equity, affordability, quality, patient safety and shortages of skilled health care professionals. He emphasized that access to health care continues to be affected by socioeconomic factors. He urged health care professionals to take an active role, calling for increased prescribing of affordable generic drugs and greater use of digital health tools, telemedicine, data analytics and artificial intelligence to expand specialty care to underserved communities and serve as advocates for those without access to quality care. Speaking about the growing field of probiotics, Gauba noted that microbiome science has evolved from descriptive to mechanistic and translational research. He highlighted emerging frontiers such as next-generation microbiome-based therapeutics, synthetic biology, and CRISPR engineering of probiotic strains with targeted anti-inflammatory and metabolic functions to enable precision medicine. However, he warned of the increasing spread of misinformation and misleading advertising in the probiotic and supplement market, urging clinicians and researchers to use their credibility and media influence to spread accurate information, promote healthy eating habits and advocate preventive lifestyles, thereby reducing the need for costly diagnostics and surgeries. Highlighting India’s rich heritage in fermented foods and traditional food habits, Gauba said the country is uniquely positioned to lead the global probiotic movement by combining traditional knowledge with genomic and microbiome research to develop clinically proven probiotics. He highlighted the huge public health potential of probiotics in reducing the burden of infectious and chronic diseases, improving nutrition and enhancing population immunity. He also emphasized that strong collaboration between academia, industry and regulatory agencies is critical to transform scientific advances into safe, effective and easy-to-use products. Gauba commended the engagement of young researchers and innovators, encouraging them to adopt multidisciplinary and evidence-based approaches to address complex health challenges. He expressed confidence that the workshop will foster new collaborations and strengthen India’s leadership in microbiome and probiotic science.
Goat Tower: Why an Illinois farmer built this 31-foot tower specifically for goats | World News
A 31-foot-tall brick tower stands in rural Illinois and was built for goats, and yes, it’s totally real. The building is wrapped in a spiral of narrow ramps, allowing goats to climb, rest and overlook the surrounding farmland. What initially seemed like an outlandish or even ridiculous idea has actually attracted a lot of attention online. But beyond its unusual design, there is a practical purpose, combining animal behavior, farm innovation and a bit of creativity to transform an ordinary dairy facility into something more unique.
what is ‘goat tower ‘
The building, commonly known as the “Bar Goat Tower,” is located in Windsor, Illinois and was built by farmers David and Marcia Johnson. The tower is approximately 31 feet tall and constructed from approximately 5,000 handmade bricks, with a continuous spiral passageway consisting of hundreds of steps.The interior of the tower is divided into compartments where the goats can rest, while an external spiral allows them to climb to the top. The design is both practical and eye-catching, like a miniature fortress built not for humans but for livestock.At first glance, the idea seems outlandish. But goats are natural climbers. In the wild, they instinctively seek out high ground to monitor their surroundings and stay active. Flat farmland does not provide this stimulation.By creating a vertical environment, the tower allows goats to express these natural behaviors. Animal welfare research shows that this enrichment reduces stress, prevents boredom, and limits repetitive behaviors common in confined livestock. What may seem like an outlandish approach is actually a thoughtful adaptation of animal instincts.
More than novelty: function meets design
While the tower served a practical purpose, it was also an unconventional building. Its spiral design and compact height are reminiscent of famous landmarks, giving it a unique visual identity.Over time it has developed into a local attraction. Visitors often stop to watch the goats walking on the slopes, turning a simple farm feature into a point of curiosity. In this way, the structure blends practicality with tourism, helping the farm gain attention far beyond its surroundings.The Goat Tower is not being built in 2024, although recent social media posts have suggested it is a new building. It was originally conceived in the late 1990s and goats were introduced shortly after its completion.Its resurgence online reflects the ease with which old, unusual structures can find new life in the age of viral content. Taken out of context, the tower looks almost fictional, which is why it’s popular today.
Thinking Bigger: Rethinking Farm Space
The goat tower highlights a wider shift in the way farm animals are cared for. Rather than focusing purely on efficiency, some farmers try to create environments that encourage natural behavior.Structures like this challenge the assumption that livestock space must be purely functional. Rather, they demonstrate how creativity and science intersect to produce designs that benefit animals and farmers while capturing the public imagination.
From curiosity to symbol
What started out as a practical idea has become more symbolic. The tower represents a blend of ingenuity, humor and care, proving that even in traditional industries like agriculture, unconventional thinking can thrive.In the end, “Goat Tower” lives up to its name, not just because it houses goats, but because it’s the greatest example ever of how the unexpected can work perfectly in the real world.
Is Peter Alexander a Republican or a Democrat? Who calls him a “bad reporter” — Biden or Trump?
Peter AlexanderRecognized as one of the most dedicated television news reporters in the industry, he announced to viewers on Saturday morning’s weekend broadcast of “Today” that he would be resigning from his long-time role at NBC News.
for many years, Alexander While serving as chief White House correspondent for NBC News, he also handles the complex logistics of co-hosting the Saturday edition of “Today.” His duties often require him to deal with sources washington all week before heading to New York City to fulfill his “today” commitments. He has spent a total of 15 years covering the White House and has been a member of “TODAY’s” weekend team since 2018.
In a heartfelt moment on Saturday, Alexander said he wished he could spend more time with his two young daughters after missing more than 200 Friday nights as he prepared for weekend duties.
While Alexander did not disclose his potential future employment opportunities, it is understood that MS NOW currently has an open anchor position on its Monday to Friday 11am radio show.
Peter Alexander’s role as White House correspondent: Questions for Trump and Biden
Alexander gained attention for asking key questions of President Donald Trump, which inexplicably sparked a backlash. For example, during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, Alexander asked Trump, who was serving his first term in the Oval Office at the time, “What do you say to the American people who are looking at you right now and are scared?” Trump shot back: “I said you’re a terrible reporter!”
The reporter revealed to Variety in 2022 that he had to work at a very fast pace through successive administrations. During Trump’s time in the White House, he experienced the feeling of being whipsawed by “a 24-hour news cycle every 24 minutes.” The White House correspondent still has her work cut out for her under President Joe Biden.
One of Biden’s early moves included a 45-minute background call with reporters, “where I could have given you 25 pages,” Alexander recalled.
When Alexander questioned Trump last spring about Qatar’s donation of a $400 million jet for use as Air Force One that would later be assigned to the Trump library, the U.S. president was not only hostile to him, but angry at NBC News and even Brian Roberts, the CEO of parent company Comcast.
“You don’t have what it takes to be a journalist. You’re not smart enough,” Trump fumed.
Is Alexander a Democrat or a Republican?
He once said: “I’ve asked tough questions to Republican presidents and Democratic presidents and been met with pushback from both sides, but in those cases my job remains the same.
While his political affiliations have not been confirmed, he said as a journalist, “I don’t consider myself a Republican or Democratic advocate, but I consider myself a champion of the facts.”
Alexander first became a member of NBC News in 2004, covering a variety of international and domestic stories. His job is to report republican He ran for president in 2012 and was appointed White House correspondent in the same year. After a period as a national correspondent from 2014 to 2016, Alexander returned to the United States White House Defeated in 2017 and subsequently named co-chief White House correspondent alongside Kristen Welker. He continued those duties when he was named co-host of Saturday’s “Today” and became sole head of the network White House reporter when Welker was promoted to host of “Meet the Press.”
‘No seats vacant’: Congress to challenge Mamata as ‘big leader’ to contest all 294 seats in Bengal polls
New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday said it will contest all 294 seats in the state and will not shy away from fielding a candidate against the chief minister, signaling an aggressive push for the West Bengal Assembly elections. Mamata Banerjee In Bhawanipur.The announcement came after a meeting of the party’s Central Election Committee (CEC) in Delhi, where senior leaders held detailed discussions on the selection of candidates.AICC West Bengal chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir said the party intends to field candidates in every constituency, emphasizing full electoral competition.“Whoever contests from Bhawanipur will be an important leader for us. We are fielding candidates for all 294 seats and we will not leave any seat vacant,” Mir told news agency PTI.The high-level meeting was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Haq, former party president Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretary (organization) KC Venugopal and several leaders from West Bengal.Senior personalities such as Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and CEC members Ambika Soni, Madhusudan Mistry, Salman Khurshid, TS Singhdeo, KJ George, PL Punia and Amee Yajnik were also present.The move signals Congress’ interest in reasserting itself in a state that has struggled in recent years, even as the election battle is expected to be dominated by Democrats Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.West Bengal will go to polls in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
Salt steals the show with stunning one-handed catch off Ishan – Watch
Phil Salt shines on the field Ishan Kishanconcluded the intense showdown between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2026 IPL opener.Kishan’s 80 off 38 balls was a fluid knock and he looked ready for a century as he tried to drive the ball towards the boundary. The ball seemed destined to hit the ropes, but Salter had other ideas. He raced hard from the point of possession to his right, stretched out fully and made a one-handed catch for a stunning clearance that could be one of the catches of the season.This wasn’t the only moment Salt made an impact in the field. Earlier, he was involved in another crucial catch near the boundary. At mid-wicket, he settled for a lob but fell to the ground while completing the catch, raising doubts as to whether he had touched the pads. The decision was sent upstairs and after careful review the third referee ruled it clean, confirming the dismissal despite the obvious uncertainty. Heinrich KlassenFired, he walked away seemingly dissatisfied with the verdict.Kishan’s innings was the backbone of Hyderabad’s total. He led the team, scoring 80 runs off 38 balls with 8 fours and 5 sixes, and after an early setback, scored 97 runs for the fourth wicket with Klassen. Despite the powerful spell from SRH Jacob Duffy.However, Salter’s stunning strike turned the momentum in Bengaluru’s favor at a crucial moment. With Kishan gone, SRH lost some steam in the death overs and ended up with 201 for 9, a total that looked just below par considering the platform they had built.In a game that marked the return of IPL action to the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Salter’s fielding proved to be one of the defining moments of the innings.
Who is Nadine Swaney? Pro-Palestinian activist foils assassination attempt in New York
Nerdeen Kiswani is a Palestinian-American pro-Palestinian activist and organizer who recently found herself at the center of an alleged assassination plot that was foiled by U.S. law enforcement.Kiswani is co-founder and president of Within Our Lifetime, a pro-Palestinian activist group based in New York City. She has been an outspoken organizer of protests and demonstrations in support of Palestinian rights, especially since the recent conflict in Gaza. Her activism has made her one of the most high-profile figures in the U.S. pro-Palestine movement.The alleged plot against Kiswani was revealed earlier this week when the FBI and NYPD thwarted what authorities said was an imminent attempt on his life. A 26-year-old man from Hoboken, New Jersey, Alexander Heifler, was arrested after he was found with multiple Molotov cocktails and Molotov cocktail materials.Officials said the suspects discussed plans to attack Kiswani’s Staten Island home with an incendiary device. The plot was foiled when an undercover NYPD detective infiltrated a group chat where the suspect shared details of his intentions, leading to an arrest and disrupting the planned attack.The FBI told Kiswani and her attorney Thursday that agents learned there was an “imminent” threat to her life, but authorities did not immediately reveal a motive.The NYPD’s Racial and Ethnic Extremism Unit is credited with identifying and preventing the attacks before they occurred. City officials, including New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani and Police Chief Jessica Tish, condemned the planned attack and reiterated their commitment to protecting residents and political advocates.Kiswani has been involved in numerous protests and legal proceedings related to policing and political expression in New York. She said she planned to continue her activities despite the threats. Her organization Our Lives has played a prominent role in demonstrations and civil rights actions related to U.S. foreign policy and Palestinian rights.Authorities have charged Hefler with federal crimes, including unlawful manufacturing and possession of a destructive device, which could see him serve a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
RCB pays special tribute to victims during IPL opener at Chinnaswamy
Bangalore: Ten months since last indian premier league Cricket returned to the home ground of Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday with renewed vigor and a redesigned match-day experience for fans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.Yet amid the noise, memories of last year’s tragedy linger. The 11 seats dedicated to the victims of RCB’s victory celebrations stand out – enclosed within a picket fence and decorated with floral patterns against a white background – a quiet reminder amidst the tense atmosphere.Outside the stadium, the action started early. Spectators started pouring in as soon as the gates opened around 3.30pm, with many arriving early to get through the revamped admission system and avoid last minute hassles.The excitement isn’t limited to local fans. Curtis P, an Infosys employee from Florida, is one of five colleagues from across the US scheduled to visit during the competition.“I’m a huge cricket fan and have been coming to India to watch matches for a while now. We planned a work trip and timed it to coincide with this match,” Curtis said.For some regulars, the changes translate into a smoother experience. Vishwanath Reddy, a retired Army officer and long-time attendee, was impressed.“This has probably been the smoothest entry experience for us in over thirty years. The police are making sure only people with valid tickets are allowed in near the gate and keeping people moving and not letting crowds gather. I hope this becomes the norm,” he said.However, not everyone has a smooth start. For some, unfamiliarity with updated security protocols can be an inconvenience.Vinaya V, who came with her daughter Mirah, was frustrated by the restrictions. “We didn’t know electronic watches were not allowed. We had to walk a long distance to deposit them at the baggage counter and then return,” she said.RCB fan Santosh Udupa had a similar experience. “I was caught off guard when they said I couldn’t carry my keys. After some discussion, they allowed me to carry my house keys, but I had to store my car keys because of the sensors,” he said.Many others ignored the fine print on prohibited items and were stopped and discussed with security staff when bringing in items such as bags, perfume and cosmetics.Despite these minor issues, the overall arrangement has improved significantly. More than 2,000 personnel, including city police, CCB, traffic and civil defense personnel, were deployed to manage the crowd.Mock drills conducted over the past 10 days appear to be paying off, with entry points remaining largely glitch-free and security staff ensuring there is no loitering around the stadium. With traffic on Cubbon Road largely streamlined, Queen’s Road is no longer as congested as it is on match days.Before the game, the packed stadium paused to pay tribute to the victims. Teams and fans observed a minute’s silence and the message “Forever in our hearts” was displayed on the big screen – a moment of collective remembrance before cricket takes center stage.See also: IPL scores
Nancy Guthrie Update: Savannah Sends Sweet Message to Peter Alexander Following NBC Exit; ‘What a Heart’ — Watch
Peter Alexander On Saturday, he said goodbye surrounded by colleagues after 22 years at NBC News. The 49-year-old tearfully spoke about his old friend and colleague on the Today show Savannah GuthrieShe has not appeared on the show since her mother Nancy went missing in February.
Peter Alexander and Savannah Guthrie share sweet message
“We will continue to pray for her,” Alexander said.
Savannah, who will return to Today on April 6, admitted his sweet words. She commented on the Instagram post: “The pro of all pros. What a heart. We love you Peter❤️”
Emotional message from Peter Alexander
Announcing his decision, Alexander said the move was motivated by a desire to prioritize family.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, he wrote: “Some personal news today: After 22 years, I am retiring from NBC News and the Today Show. I have had the most incredible experiences at NBC News – from Baghdad to Banda Aceh, from Burbank to Beijing – always with the best, most professional and most dedicated reporters in the industry.”
“I’m so grateful to each of them and to the leaders and mentors here who believed in me and gave me more opportunities than I could have ever dreamed of. And of course, I’m grateful to you for welcoming me into your homes over the years.”
“It’s hard to believe, but I’ve been a part of the NBC family longer than I’ve had a family of my own.”
Read more: Peter Alexander: Why is he leaving NBC after 22 years? It’s all about his wife and daughter
“In this limited time before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me, I’m eager to strike a better balance between my personal and professional lives and challenge myself with something new. As I was taught, family comes first and the rest is the details.”
“Thank you for your trust and confidence, and thank you NBC News for allowing me to live through some of the most exciting years of my life,”
Where is he going next?
Alexander is expected to join MS NOW, the rebranded version of MSNBC, where he will reportedly host the weekday 11 a.m. show.
The 49-year-old reporter served as chief White House correspondent and covered multiple administrations, establishing a reputation as a top political reporter.
He first reported from the White House during Barack Obama’s second term (2012-2014), then returned in 2018 to cover Donald Trump. Prior to joining NBC News, he served as an anchor at the network’s Washington affiliate, WRC.
‘Committed to protecting people’: Rajnath holds review meeting on energy supplies during Iran war
minister of defense Rajnath Singh The Center said on Saturday it was “committed to protecting the people of India” as the government steps up surveillance of energy supplies and basic commodities amid the ongoing West Asian conflict.“An IGoM (informal group of ministers) meeting of several senior ministers was held today to review risks to continued post-conflict energy supply in West Asia, domestic supply of essential commodities, critical infrastructure resilience and robustness of India’s supply chains,” Singh wrote in a post on X after chairing a high-level review.“There was an in-depth discussion on all the measures being taken by the Indian government. The NDA government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to protecting the people of India from the impact of the conflict,” he added.The meeting marked the first formal review by the informal ministerial group, as concerns grow globally about conflict-related supply disruptions. While the government continues to reassure citizens about availability, officials assess the vulnerabilities of fuel supplies, logistics networks and critical infrastructure.Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a virtual meeting with chief ministers and lieutenant governors, focusing on preparedness and coordination between the Center and states. He called for vigilance and a unified approach, similar to how India has dealt with global disruptions like the Covid-19 pandemic in the past.The prime minister said the situation remained dynamic and required constant monitoring, noting that inter-ministerial mechanisms were already reviewing developments on a daily basis. He stressed that maintaining energy security, stabilizing trade and protecting citizens remain top priorities.During the discussion, Singh also pointed out the measures taken to ease the pressure on households, including ensuring timely supply of LPG and reducing excise duty on petrol and diesel. He urged states and union territories to work closely with the Center to ensure seamless implementation on the ground.The Center maintained that there is no shortage of fuel or essential commodities, while the Ministry of External Affairs continued to monitor the safety of Indian nationals in the area.
J.D. Vance calls UFOs ‘evils’ and vows to uncover government secrets about unexplained phenomena
J.D. Vance has said he believes UFOs may not be aliens at all but “demon” as he pledged to launch a long-promised government investigation into revelations of unidentified aerial phenomena. Speaking in a wide-ranging podcast interview, the US vice president made his case through religion while also pointing to efforts within Donald Trump’s administration to release classified material about UFOs and alleged alien encounters.
“I don’t think they are aliens… I think they are demons”
Vance made the remarks while attending a press conference. bennie showHosted by Bennie Johnson, he was asked if the government is any closer to releasing UFO-related documents. “We’re working hard… I’m going to get to the bottom of the UFO files,” Vance said. “I have three more years as vice president. I will get to the bottom of the UFO files.” He went on to describe his personal obsession with the subject. “I’m more curious than anyone else,” he said. “I’ve been at the top of the rankings for three years. I’m going to get down to it.” At the heart of the exchange was his interpretation of what the UFO sightings might represent. “I don’t think they’re aliens. I think they’re demons,” Vance said. He expanded on this idea, adding: “Celestial bodies are flying around and doing strange things to people, and I think the desire to describe everything celestial, everything otherworldly, as alien…” “When I hear about the paranormal, I think of the Christian understanding that there’s a lot of good out there, but there’s also some evil.” “I think one of the devil’s greatest tricks is to make people believe he never existed.” He also admits that he hasn’t fully studied the problem: “I haven’t spent enough time understanding it… I’m fascinated by it.” Vance said he had considered visiting Area 51 and New Mexico as part of the effort: “I had the thought a few times, we’re going to Area 51, we’re going to New Mexico, we’re going to find out the truth.”
Trump pushes for release of UFO documents
The comments come amid a broader push by the Trump administration to declassify information related to UFOs and extraterrestrial life. In February, Trump said he would direct federal agencies to begin releasing documents, writing on Truth Social: “Based on the overwhelming interest shown, I will direct the Secretary of War and other appropriate departments and agencies to begin identifying and releasing government documents related to aliens and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), as well as any and all other information related to these highly complex but extremely interesting and important matters. God bless America! “ The Office of the Director of National Intelligence later said on X that the documents would be declassified “shortly,” but that no specific release had yet been made. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency also registered two federal domain names, Alien.gov and Aliens.gov, on March 17. As of March 19, neither website was online. When asked about these issues, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said USA Today: “stay tuned!”
Obama’s remarks and political background
Interest in UFOs has grown in recent years, including through congressional hearings and the release of some documents under legislation signed by former President Joe Biden in 2023. The issue came to the fore again after comments made by Barack Obama on Brian Tyler Cohen’s podcast. “They are real, but I have not seen them, and they are not being held at Area 51,” Obama said. He later clarified his position on Instagram: “Statistically, the universe is so large that the likelihood of life out there is high. But the distances between solar systems are so great that the likelihood of aliens visiting us is low, and I have seen no evidence during my time as president that aliens have made contact with us. Really!” Trump criticized the remarks, telling reporters that Obama “gave in classified information” and “made a big mistake.”Despite decades of speculation, investigations into UFO sightings have yet to reach clear conclusions. Although governments have become more open in acknowledging the phenomenon of UFOs, some incidents remain unexplained