New Study Uses Math to Decode Creativity and Idea Formation

A new research study has examined the mathematical principles governing creativity and innovation, shedding light on how novel ideas emerge. By analysing data across different domains, researchers have identified patterns that could refine the understanding of how individuals and societies generate new concepts. The study investigates two types of novelty—discovering an entirely new element and forming unique combinations of existing elements. The findings could be crucial in fields such as science, literature, and technology, where innovation plays a vital role in advancement.

Mathematical Framework for Creativity

According to the study published in Nature Communications, researchers introduced a framework to model how new ideas emerge. Led by Professor Vito Latora from Queen Mary University of London, the team focused on higher-order novelties—combinations of familiar elements that create something new. Speaking to Phys.org, Prof. Latora stated that the study is part of a broader effort to understand the mechanisms underlying creativity, aiming to identify factors that contribute to the success of ideas, products, and technologies.

A mathematical model called Edge-Reinforced Random Walk with Triggering (ERRWT) was developed to simulate how people discover and combine elements. Unlike traditional random walks, which assume equal probability for each step, ERRWT strengthens frequently used connections and triggers new links when novel combinations occur. This process mirrors real-world discovery, where repeated exposure to certain elements increases the likelihood of making new associations.

Analysing Patterns Across Domains

The research team applied the ERRWT model to three distinct datasets—music listening habits from Last.fm, literary texts from Project Gutenberg, and scientific publications from Semantic Scholar. The findings revealed that while individuals might have similar rates of discovering new elements, the sequences in which they arrange them differ significantly.

For music listeners, certain users developed unique listening patterns despite discovering the same number of new songs. In literature, writers frequently created new word pairings rather than introducing entirely new words. Scientific papers, particularly titles, demonstrated a higher tendency for novel word combinations compared to narrative texts.

Predicting Innovation with Heaps' Law

The study also highlighted that the process of novelty creation follows Heaps' law, a power-law relationship describing how new elements and combinations emerge over time. By applying this principle, researchers could predict different rates of innovation across disciplines. The results indicated that while some fields prioritise the discovery of individual elements, others focus on recombining existing ones in unique ways.

Implications for Future Research

The findings suggest that understanding how creative processes unfold could help refine strategies for fostering innovation. Prof. Latora noted that studying novelty creation is essential for identifying factors that contribute to the rise and decline of trends, products, and ideas. Future research aims to expand the model by incorporating a social component, which could provide insights into how external influences shape creative developments.

 

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'Airlines To Cut Fares By 50% For Maha Kumbh': Minister's Big Announcement

Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu has announced a 50 per cent reduction in airfare for passengers traveling to the Kumbh Mela. The new reduced fares came into effect starting today.

The government has already directed airlines to cut the ticket prices. Three meetings were held with airline companies before implementing the fare reduction.

Airlines were reminded that such a grand event happens once in 140 years, and they must be mindful of the significance.

At the same time, the government has ensured that airlines do not suffer financial losses due to the fare reduction.

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Indian Astronaut To Pilot Private Spacecraft Axiom-4, Do Yoga In Space

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, set to become the second Indian to go to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's journey on board the Soyuz T-11 in April 1984, will take on the role of pilot on the Axiom Mission 4, or Ax-4.

The Ax-4 will go to the International Space Station (ISS) from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Kennedy Space Centre in Florida no earlier than spring 2025, NASA told reporters on Thursday.

Group Captain Shukla, who is serving in the Indian Air Force (IAF), has also been chosen as an astronaut for India's Gaganyaan Mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was ISRO that sent him to NASA for the Ax-4 mission to the ISS.

Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the private Ax-4 mission, while Group Captain Shukla will serve as pilot, the American space agency told reporters.

"I am really excited to go into microgravity and experience space flight on my own. The tempo for the mission has been building up each month. I think we are at a stage wherein all the pieces are kind of coming together. I'm extremely excited to see how this unfolds in the coming months and for the actual space flight as well," Group Captain Shukla said in response to a question by NDTV.

The Axiom 4 Mission team speaks to NDTV Science Editor Pallava Bagla

"We have been training for the past four-five months. We now understand the entire CONOPS, the concept of operations, and going forward from here it would mostly be repetition of the things that we have done. So we are ready and confident in our abilities to execute this mission successfully," Group Captain Shukla added.

On whether he would perform yoga as was done by Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in space, Group Captain Shukla said, "Yes, now that you have said so, I would probably demonstrate a few poses of yoga while we are up on the station."

"But a more important aspect is that we need to practice while we are on the ground so that we have a healthy body which can house a healthy mind and allow us to execute this mission in our full spirits, truly," Group Captain Shukla said.

He added in Hindi, "I am very excited about this mission, and I think the kind of training we have done so far makes me confident in my abilities. We will be able to execute this mission very well. Thank you."

The Axiom 4 Mission team

Ms Whitson praised her team which has a diverse composition.

"These guys are very intelligent, so they absolutely listen to me," she said. "It is an interesting challenge to bring a diverse group from different countries together. I had that opportunity on the previous Axiom mission. And even on the NASA missions, we work as a very international team. But that is what I love to do. I love to bring people together and to build a team. And so that is kind of my main goal of this mission is to build that elite team. And I think I have got it here."

The first private astronaut mission to the ISS, Axiom Mission 1, lifted off in April 2022 for a 17-day mission aboard the orbiting laboratory.

The second private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 2, also was commanded by Ms Whitson and launched in May 2023 with four private astronauts who spent eight days in orbit.

The most recent private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 3, launched in January 2024; the crew spent 18 days docked to the ISS.

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NASA SPHEREx Telescope to Map the Universe and Search for Life’s Ingredients

A groundbreaking mission designed to enhance understanding of the universe's origins and the potential for life within our galaxy is set to be discussed in an upcoming NASA briefing. The SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) mission will be previewed during a news conference scheduled for 12 p.m. EST on Friday, January 31. The telescope, which is planned for launch no earlier than February 27, promises to offer critical insights into cosmic history and life-forming molecules.

Insights from the SPHEREx Mission

According to NASA's SPHEREx mission details, the observatory will survey the entire sky using near-infrared light. Its goals include exploring how galaxies evolved, understanding the structure of the universe, and locating water and organic molecules in regions where stars and planets are formed. Over 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars in the Milky Way are expected to be studied, providing vital data for researchers.

The spacecraft, developed by BAE Systems, features three concentric cones to reduce heat and light, ensuring precise measurements. Contributions to the mission include a cryogenic test chamber supplied by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute.

Mission Experts to Lead Briefing

As reported, opening remarks will be delivered by Laurie Leshin, Director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where the news conference will be hosted. The briefing will also include Shawn Domagal-Goldman, Acting Director of NASA's Astrophysics Division, along with project managers James Fanson and Beth Fabinsky from NASA JPL. Principal Investigator Jamie Bock of Caltech and Cesar Marin, SPHEREx Integration Engineer, will also share their insights.

Launch and Collaboration Details

The observatory will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, sharing its ride with NASA's PUNCH mission. Data gathered will be made publicly available through Caltech's IPAC, enabling further analysis by the scientific community. This mission, managed by NASA JPL for the agency's Science Mission Directorate, aims to answer profound questions about the universe's creation and the ingredients for life.

 

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Over 30 Million Years Old Pre-Historic Fossil Stolen From Meghalaya Village

A rare pre-historic fossil, possibly 35 to 40 million years old, has been stolen from a village in Meghalaya, leaving people in shock and outraged. The fossil was discovered in May last year in the state's Tolegre village in South Garo Hills.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) had examined the site last year and collected samples. Following this, the villagers were safeguarding the remaining fossil by restricting access to the area, officials said.

The fossil is possibly from the extinct Rodhocetus or Ambulocetus - early ancestors of modern whales.

A case has been filed at the Siju Police Station and the police are on the lookout for the culprits, officials said.

According to Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam Sangma, the state government was planning to build a museum at the site.

"The villagers informed me...They have filed an FIR. This is very unfortunate. It should not have happened...A portion of the fossil has been cut and taken away. This fossil is an asset to the state and the country. We will find and arrest the culprit," he said.

"This site is located in Tolegre under my constituency, under Siju Police Station, South Garo Hills, Meghalaya. Geologists from abroad had discovered it. The state government was considering constructing a museum at the site, and as the local MLA, I was planning to push for it. Now, we will have to see how things unfold. The police will conduct an inquiry," Mr Sangma added.

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Astronomers Discover 19 New Quasars Using DESI Legacy Surveys Data

A significant discovery has been made in the field of astronomy, with 19 new quasars, including strongly-lensed, dual, and projected types, identified through analysis of data from the DESI Legacy Surveys photometry catalog. This breakthrough highlights the potential of quasar observations in furthering our understanding of the universe. These objects, known for their extreme luminosity and powered by supermassive black holes, have long been pivotal for research into astrophysics and cosmology. Observations were conducted at the Palomar Observatory in California.

Findings of the DESI Legacy Surveys

According to the study led by Zizhao He of the Purple Mountain Observatory, the investigation confirmed two strongly-lensed quasars, six dual quasars, and 11 projected quasars. Observations were carried out on October 15–16, 2023, using the P200/DBSP instrument. The study noted that the lensed quasars, designated J0746+1344 and J2121-0826, were observed at redshifts of 3.1 and 2.39, respectively. J0746+1344 displayed a unique configuration, with the lensing galaxy positioned beside the brightest image—an anomaly compared to typical observations.

Dual and Projected Quasars

As reported by phys.org, the six dual quasars identified showed redshifts ranging from 0.59 to 3.28, with separations between their components varying from 50,300 to 73,500 light years. Among these, J1929+6009 stood out due to a remarkably small redshift difference of less than 0.0001 and a projected separation of 62,800 light years.

The 11 projected quasars demonstrated separations spanning 35,700 to 123,400 light years. One such system, J0422+0047, was previously thought to be a gravitationally-lensed quasar system, though further analysis indicated a chance alignment of projected quasars with an intervening galaxy, complicating its classification.

Implications of the Discovery

This research underscores the importance of advanced observational techniques in uncovering unique cosmic phenomena. By analysing the behaviour, redshifts, and configurations of these quasars, astronomers aim to expand their knowledge of the universe's structure and the dynamics of supermassive black holes.

 

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Pothugadda OTT Release: Where to Watch Raksha Veeran’s Telugu Thriller Online?

The highly anticipated Telugu thriller Pothugadda, directed by Raksha Veeran, is set to make its OTT debut on January 30, 2025, after facing several delays. Originally scheduled for release in November 2024, the film's premiere was pushed to align with the Pongal festival before being confirmed for its digital debut. The film combines a gripping love story with a politically charged plot, following a young couple whose romantic getaway turns into a fight for survival after their bus is hijacked, leading them into a world of danger and intrigue.

When and Where to Watch Pothugadda

The movie will premiere exclusively on the OTT platform ETV Win. After facing multiple postponements, the thriller is now ready for streaming on January 30, 2025. The delays, attributed to undisclosed reasons, heightened audience anticipation, making this release a notable digital event.

Official Trailer and Plot of Pothugadda

The trailer of Pothugadda offers glimpses of its intense and layered storyline, promising a rollercoaster of emotions. The narrative intertwines a romantic journey with a political conspiracy, leading to high-stakes drama. The story unfolds as a young couple embarks on a trip that takes a sinister turn when their bus is hijacked by mysterious individuals. What begins as a romantic escapade evolves into a desperate fight for survival, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and danger. The tagline "A Tale of Love" highlights the emotional depth of the film, which complements its action-packed sequences.

Cast and Crew of Pothugadda

The film features Shatru and Prasanth Karthi in lead roles, supported by newcomers Vismaya Sri, Venky, Prudhvi Dandamudi and Aadvik Bandaru. Director Raksha Veeran also penned the screenplay, while Anupama Chandra and Sharath Chandra Reddy produced the project. Rahul Shrivastav handled cinematography, with Shravan Bharadwaj composing the music. Marcus M provided the background score that enhances the suspenseful atmosphere of the film.

 

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Why's 'Fit' Shami Not Playing vs Eng? Team Insider Says, "Gambhir, SKY..."

Pacer Mohammed Shami is not facing any fitness concerns but the call on him playing the remaining games in the T20I series against England will be taken by the captain and the head coach, India's new batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Monday. Shami, who has not played for India since the ODI World Cup final in November 2023, has been picked for the ongoing five-match series, the following three ODIs and the Champions Trophy. The 34-year-old not being picked for the first two T20s raised questions over his fitness but Kotak said the veteran pacer has no issues on that front.

"Yes, Shami is fit but something about him playing or not playing, I am not the one who can answer," Kotak said when asked if the bowler will feature in third T20 here on Tuesday.

Kotak added that it is up to captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir to manage Shami's workload in the lead up to important events like the Champions Trophy beginning on February 19.

"There is definitely a plan (for Shami) for coming matches as well and One-dayers, but the coach Gautam and obviously Surya will take a call. And fitness, definitely not a problem depending on how they are planning to build this load," Kotak added.

Shami had undergone an ankle surgery in February last year.

There were calls for him to be included in India's Test squad for the Australia but he was not able to regain full fitness for the series Down Under despite playing domestic cricket in the shorter formats.

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China's AI Startup DeepSeek Hit By "Cyberattack", Limits New Registration

Chinese AI sensation DeepSeek on Monday said it was limiting the registration of new users due to large-scale cyberattacks on its services.

The company, whose chatbot took over OpenAI's ChatGPT as Apple's top downloaded app on Monday, cited "large-scale malicious attacks" for outages and its inability to take on new users.

DeepSeek, which was developed by a start-up based in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has shown the ability to match the capacity of AI pace-setters such as Nvidia.

Its success on the US app store sent shares in AI-linked tech giants plummeting on Monday.

The low-cost Chinese generative AI venture is thought to have matched US companies in its abilities but at a fraction of the cost.

Analysts had long thought that the United States' critical advantage over China when it comes to producing high-powered chips -- and its ability to prevent the Asian power from accessing the technology -- would give it the edge in the AI race.

Available as an app or on desktop, DeepSeek can do many of the things that its Western competitors can do -- write song lyrics, help work on a personal development plan, or even write a recipe for dinner based on what's in the fridge.

It is however subject to the censorship seen in other Chinese-made chatbots like Baidu's Ernie Bot that are very limited on how they interact on political topics.

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

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NDTV Explainer: Symptoms Of Guillain-Barre Syndrome And How To Prevent It

A man in Maharashtra, who was suspected to have Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) died in the Solapur district today while the number of cases of the immunological nerve disorder crossed 100 in Pune.

This is reportedly the first death in Maharashtra due to GBS. The 40-year-old man, a native of Solapur, had come to Pune, where he is suspected to have contracted the disease.

The Union health ministry has sent a team to Pune's Sinhgad area, where the outbreak is currently concentrated.

Symptoms Of GBS

GBS is a neurological disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. This is part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord. The onset of GBS is quite sudden and unexpected.

The first symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome include weakness or tingling sensations. They usually start in the legs and can spread to the arms and face, states the World Health Organization. 

Many people have back pain or pain in the arms or legs. A nervous system exam usually reveals a loss of all deep tendon reflexes. 

For some people, these symptoms can lead to paralysis of the legs, arms, or muscles in the face. In approximately one third of people, the chest muscles are affected, making it hard to breathe, WHO said.

The ability to speak and swallow may become affected in severe cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Patients with GBS need immediate hospitalization and the symptoms can develop over a few days or a few weeks, with the greatest weakness occurring within the first couple of weeks after symptoms appear, states Johns Hopkins Medicine.

How To Prevent GBS?

The state health department in an advisory shared that one can prevent GBS up to a certain extent by taking general precautions such as drinking boiled water/ bottled water, washing fruits, and vegetables thoroughly before eating, properly cooking poultry and meat; avoiding raw or undercooked food, especially salads, eggs, kebabs or seafood.

It also suggested keeping raw and cooked foods separate, disinfecting kitchen surfaces and utensils after handling raw meat, as well as adopting general hygiene measures like frequent hand washing with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

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UK Man Cleans Graves As Side Hustle, Earns Enough To Buy His First Home

A 31-year-old man from Harlow, England, has turned an unconventional yet profitable side hustle—cleaning graves—into the means of fulfilling his dream of buying his first home. Shaun Tookey, who launched his business in May 2023 while working full-time as a tree surgeon, has since renovated over 300 graves. His services range from deep cleaning and repainting lettering to adding decorative chippings.

According to the New York Post, Shaun Tookey was able to save for a deposit and secure a mortgage by earning between $187 (over Rs 15,535) and $562 (over Rs 46,673) per job. This allowed him and his family to move into their first home in December 2024.

Reports state that Shaun spends his weekends and time off working on his side business, "The Grave Cleaner," where he cleans two to four graves each day. His transformation videos are popular on TikTok and Facebook, where he shares his work under the account @thegravecleaner.

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A post shared by Shaun Tookey (@thegravecleaner)

"I'm trying to run a successful business and offer a service most people can't provide," Shaun told the New York Post. "It's very satisfying and rewarding to help people who don't know how to care for their loved one's gravestones."

Shaun's determination enabled him to save enough for a down payment and get a mortgage, fulfilling a dream he once thought was out of reach. "This job has given my family stability, especially with how tough things are right now," he shared.

Shaun credits his business success for enabling his family to move into their new home in December 2024, saying, "In a way, it has made us financially independent. It was a huge accomplishment for me."

He customizes his services for each client, considering factors such as the size of the grave, type of inscription, and whether paint or gold leaf is needed. While social media plays a significant role in promoting his work, Shaun also uses business cards and leaflets. He adds that the business has provided both financial security and personal fulfillment.

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England Captain Jos Buttler Sets Massive T20I Record vs India

England captain Jos Buttler etched his name in the record books by becoming the highest run-scorer against India in T20 Internationals. The milestone came during the second T20I of the India-England series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, where Buttler surpassed West Indies star Nicholas Pooran to claim the top spot, as per Wisden. After losing the first match of the series in Kolkata by eight wickets, England sought a comeback in Chennai. Winning the toss, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav put England into bat. England's innings got off to a shaky start, with Phil Salt dismissed in the first over, bringing Buttler to the crease.

The England skipper wasted no time in taking on the Indian bowlers, smashing 45 off 30 balls before falling to Axar Patel. He scored a half-century in the previous game in Kolkata, highlighting his form in the series. England managed to post 165/6, but their efforts proved insufficient as Tilak Varma's unbeaten fifty guided India to victory.

During his innings, Buttler crossed the 600-run mark against India in T20Is, becoming the first player to achieve this feat. His current tally of 611 runs surpasses Nicholas Pooran's 592, with Buttler achieving the milestone in four more matches than the West Indian batter.

Buttler joins an elite group of players who have scored over 500 T20I runs against India, including Glenn Maxwell (574), David Miller (524), and Aaron Finch (500). He also becomes the 13th player in T20I history to score over 600 runs against a single opponent. Only Virat Kohli (794 vs. Australia) and Babar Azam (880 vs. New Zealand) have managed to cross the 700-run mark against one team.

Buttler was delighted with the aggression his side exhibited to turn the moderate chase into an exhilarating affair, even though his side fell to a 2-0 series deficit.

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

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Barcelona vs Valencia LIVE Streaming La Liga: When And Where To Watch

Barcelona vs Valencia LIVE Streaming La Liga: Barcelona will be hoping to return to winning ways in La Liga, as they take on relegation-battling Valencia. After a superb start to their league campaign, Barcelona have failed to win their last four La Liga games. However, the Catalonian giants have been excellent in cup competitions, winning the Supercopa de Espana and securing qualification to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. They will once again rely on their front three of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal to guide them to victory. On the other hand, Valencia sit 19th in the table, four points adrift of safety.

Barcelona vs Valencia LIVE Streaming details La Liga 2024/25 LIVE Telecast: Check Where and How to Watch

When will the Barcelona vs Valencia, La Liga match take place?

The Barcelona vs Valencia, La Liga match will take place on Monday, January 27 (IST).

Where will the Barcelona vs Valencia, La Liga match be held?

The Barcelona vs Valencia, La Liga match will be held at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona.

What time will the Barcelona vs Valencia, La Liga match start?

The Barcelona vs Valencia, La Liga match will start at 1:30 AM IST.

What TV channels will show the live telecast of the Barcelona vs Valencia, La Liga match?

The Barcelona vs Valencia, La Liga match will not be televised live in India.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Barcelona vs Valencia, La Liga match?

The Barcelona vs Valencia, La Liga match will be live streamed on the GXR World app and website.

(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)

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Watch: Saif-Kareena Step Out For The First Time Since His Attack

On Sunday morning, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor were spotted outside their house, amid tight security. This marked the couple's first outing since the attack on Saif on January 16, after which he was admitted in Lilavati Hospital in Bandra, Mumbai. 

The couple were spotted by the paparazzi outside their Bandra home, as they walked out and got into their car. They were also surrounded by police, who have been deployed following the attack on Saif. 

In the video, Saif and Kareena are sporting a casual look. While Kareena is seen in a casual grey sweatshirt, with black track pants and a baseball cap, Saif is wearing a navy blue t-shirt and a pair of denims. He paired the outfit with dark sunglasses. 

Watch the viral video here:

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For the unversed, Saif was attacked in his Bandra home around 2:30 am on January 16. He sustained six stab wounds. Post his admission, he underwent emergency surgery at the hospital, where he was treated. 
 

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From Ex-Chief Justice To Grammy Winner, Full List Of Padma Awardees

Padma awards - one of the highest civilian Awards in the country - were announced today. The awards are conferred in three categories - Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. For this year, President Droupadi Murmu has approved the conferment of 139 Padma Awards including one duo case (in a duo case, the award is counted as one).

Grammy award-winning musician Ricky Kej, who received the Padma Shri, and former Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar, who was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, were among the notable winners of the 2025 Padma awards. 

In the field of sports, top athletes such as former men's hockey captain PR Sreejesh and recently-retired cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin were honoured with the Padma Shri.

Contributions in various fields such as art, social work, public affairs, science, engineering, trade, industry, medicine, and literature are honoured through the prestigious awards.

From top business leaders to creative artists, the Padma awards celebrate excellence across diverse fields.

Here's the complete list of the winners:

Padma Vibhushan

1 Shri Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy - Medicine

2 Justice (Retd.) Shri Jagdish Singh Khehar - Public Affairs

3 Smt. Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia - Art

4. Shri Lakshminarayana Subramaniam - Art

5 Shri MT Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous) - Literature and Education

6 Shri Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous) - Trade and Industry

7 Smt. Sharda Sinha (Posthumous) - Art

Padma Bhushan

1. Shri A Surya Prakash - Literature and Education - Journalism

2. Shri Anant Nag - Art

3. Shri Bibek Debroy (Posthumous) - Literature and Education

4. Shri Jatin Goswami - Art

5. Shri Jose Chacko Periappuram - Medicine

6. Shri Kailash Nath Dikshit - Others - Archaeology

7. Shri Manohar Joshi (Posthumous) - Public Affairs

8. Shri Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti - Trade and Industry

9. Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna - Art

10. Shri PR Sreejesh - Sports

11. Shri Pankaj Patel - Trade and Industry

12. Shri Pankaj Udhas (Posthumous) - Art

13. Shri Rambahadur Rai - Literature and Education - Journalism

14. Sadhvi Ritambhara - Social Work

15. Shri S Ajith Kumar - Art

16. Shri Shekhar Kapur - Art

17. Ms. Shobana Chandrakumar - Art

18. Shri Sushil Kumar Modi (Posthumous) - Public Affairs

19. Shri Vinod Dham - Science and Engineering

Padma Shri

1. Shri Adwaita Charan Gadanayak - Art

2. Shri Achyut Ramchandra Palav - Art

3. Shri Ajay V Bhatt - Science and Engineering

4. Shri Anil Kumar Boro - Literature and Education

5. Shri Arijit Singh - Art

6. Smt Arundhati Bhattacharya - Trade and Industry

7. Shri Arunoday Saha - Literature and Education

8. Shri Arvind Sharma - Literature and Education

9. Shri Ashok Kumar Mahapatra - Medicine

10. Shri Ashok Laxman Saraf - Art

11. Shri Ashutosh Sharma - Science and Engineering

12. Smt. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande - Art

13. Shri Baijnath Maharaj - Others - Spiritualism

14. Shri Barry Godfray John - Art

15. Smt. Begam Batool - Art

16. Shri Bharat Gupt - Art

17. Shri Bheru Singh Chouhan - Art

18. Shri Bhim Singh Bhavesh - Social Work

19. Smt. Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara - Art

20. Shri Budhendra Kumar Jain - Medicine

21. Shri CS Vaidyanathan - Public Affairs

22. Shri Chaitram Deochand Pawar - Social Work

23. Shri Chandrakant Sheth (Posthumous) - Literature and Education

24. Shri Chandrakant Sompura - Others - Architecture

25. Shri Chetan E Chitnis - Science and Engineering

26. Shri David R Syiemlieh - Literature and Education

27. Shri Durga Charan Ranbir - Art

28. Shri Farooq Ahmad Mir - Art

29. Shri Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid - Literature and Education

30. Smt. Gita Upadhyay - Literature and Education

31. Shri Gokul Chandra Das - Art

32. Shri Guruvayur Dorai - Art

33. Shri Harchandan Singh Bhatty - Art

34. Shri Hariman Sharma Others - Agriculture

35. Shri Harjinder Singh Srinagar Wale - Art

36. Shri Harvinder Singh - Sports

37. Shri Hassan Raghu - Art

38. Shri Hemant Kumar - Medicine

39. Shri Hriday Narayan Dixit - Literature and Education

40. Shri Hugh and Colleen Gantzer (Posthumous) (Duo)* - Literature and Education

41. Shri Inivalappil Mani Vijayan - Sports

42. Shri Jagadish Joshila - Literature and Education

43. Smt. Jaspinder Narula Art Maharashtra

44. Shri Jonas Masetti - Others - Spiritualism

45. Shri Joynacharan Bathari - Art

46. Smt. Jumde Yomgam Gamlin - Social Work

47. Shri K. Damodaran Others - Culinary

48. Shri K L Krishna - Literature and Education

49. Smt. K Omanakutty Amma - Art

50. Shri Kishore Kunal (Posthumous) - Civil Service

51. Shri L Hangthing - Others - Agriculture

52. Shri Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer - Literature and Education - Journalism

53. Shri Lalit Kumar Mangotra - Literature and Education J

54. Shri Lama Lobzang (Posthumous) - Others - Spiritualism

55. Smt. Libia Lobo Sardesai - Social Work

56. Shri MD Srinivas - Science and Engineering

57. Shri Madugula Nagaphani Sarma - Art

58. Shri Mahabir Nayak - Art

59. Smt. Mamata Shankar - Art

60. Shri Manda Krishna Madiga - Public Affairs

61. Shri Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli - Literature and Education

62. Shri Miriyala Apparao (Posthumous) - Art Andhra Pradesh

63. Shri Nagendra Nath Roy - Literature and Education

64. Shri Narayan (Bhulai Bhai) (Posthumous) - Public Affairs

65. Shri Naren Gurung - Art Sikkim

66. Smt. Neerja Bhatla - Medicine

67. Smt. Nirmala Devi - Art

68. Shri Nitin Nohria - Literature and Education

69. Shri Onkar Singh Pahwa - Trade and Industry

70. Shri P Datchanamoorthy - Art

71. Shri Pandi Ram Mandavi - Art

72. Shri Parmar Lavjibhai Nagjibhai - Art

73. Shri Pawan Goenka - Trade and Industry

74. Shri Prashanth Prakash - Trade and Industry

75. Smt. Pratibha Satpathy - Literature and Education

76. Shri Purisai Kannappa Sambandan - Art

77. Shri R Ashwin - Sports

78. Shri R G Chandramogan - Trade and Industry

79. Smt. Radha Bahin Bhatt - Social Work

80. Shri Radhakrishnan Devasenapathy - Art

81. Shri Ramdarash Mishra - Literature and Education

82. Shri Ranendra Bhanu Majumdar - Art

83. Shri Ratan Kumar Parimoo - Art

84. Shri Reba Kanta Mahanta - Art

85. Shri Renthlei Lalrawna Literature and Education Mizoram

86. Shri Ricky Gyan Kej - Art

87. Shri Sajjan Bhajanka - Trade and Industry

88. Smt. Sally Holkar - Trade and Industry

89. Shri Sant Ram Deswal - Literature and Education

90. Shri Satyapal Singh - Sports

91. Shri Seeni Viswanathan - Literature and Education

92. Shri Sethuraman Panchanathan - Science and Engineering

93. Smt. Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah - Medicine

94. Shri Sheen Kaaf Nizam (Shiv Kishan Bissa) - Literature and Education

95. Shri Shyam Bihari Agrawal - Art

96. Smt. Soniya Nityanand - Medicine

97. Shri Stephen Knapp - Literature and Education

98. Shri Subhash Khetulal Sharma - Others - Agriculture Maharashtra

99. Shri Suresh Harilal Soni - Social Work

100. Shri Surinder Kumar Vasal - Science and Engineering Delhi

101. Shri Swami Pradiptananda (Kartik Maharaj) - Others - Spiritualism

102. Shri Syed Ainul Hasan - Literature and Education

103. Shri Tejendra Narayan Majumdar - Art

104. Smt. Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi - Art

105. Shri Tushar Durgeshbhai Shukla - Literature and Education

106. Shri Vadiraj Raghawendracharya Panchamukhi - Literature and Education

107. Shri Vasudeo Kamath - Art

108. Shri Velu Aasaan - Art

109. Shri Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar - Art

110. Shri Vijay Nityanand Surishwar Ji Maharaj - Others - Spiritualism

111. Smt. Vijayalakshmi Deshamane - Medicine

112. Shri Vilas Dangre - Medicine

113. Shri Vinayak Lohani - Social Work

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All You Need To Know About Mamta Kulkarni's Journey

Mamta Kulkarni has embarked on a spiritual journey. The actress has renounced the glitz and glamour and assumed a new identity of 'Mai Mamta Nand Giri. 

Mamta Kulkarni has been honoured with the title of Mahamandaleshwar. She even performed her own Pind Daan, a symbolic ritual signifying the renunciation of worldly ties.

For the unversed, the Kinnar Akhara is a spiritual order established by eunuchs and functions under the Juna Akhara, one of the largest and most prominent Akharas in Hinduism.

As Mamta Kulkarni made a significant move in her life, let us delve into her journey – exploring her personal life, debut project, top 5 films, her final movie and the reasons behind her decision to step away from acting.

Personal life 

Born in 1972, Mamta Kulkarni never got married. Over the years, there were rumours linking her to Vicky Goswami. Several reports also claimed that the two were married. 

In a candid conversation with India Times last year, Mamta Kulkarni dismissed these speculations, labelling them as “completely untrue.”

Mamta Kulkarni said, “People should be more mindful about speaking negatively about someone they know little to nothing about. For instance, rumors in the tabloids about Mamta Kulkarni being married to Vicky Goswami are completely untrue - I'm not married to anyone because I've never had the time for that.”

She added, “I sincerely request people to stop using titles like 'husband' or 'wife' in connection with me. I don't know what else to say about these baseless rumors. Some suggest I should pursue legal action or send notices, but I have no intention of doing that.” 

Debut project

Mamta Kulkarni made her debut in 1991 with the Tamil film Nanbargal. In the Shoba Chandrasekhar directorial, Mamta was paired opposite Neeraj. Interestingly, Nanbargal was later remade in Hindi as Mera Dil Tere Liye, which served as Mamta Kulkarni's entry into Bollywood. 

Top 5 movies

1.  Tirangaa

Mamta Kulkarni was part of the iconic patriotic film Tirangaa, directed by Mehul Kumar. The movie featured Raaj Kumar and Nana Patekar in lead roles, with Mamta Kulkarni playing a supporting role as Varun's love interest (played by Harish Kumar).

2. Karan Arjun

Do not call yourself a Bollywood fan, if you can not recall Rakhee Gulzar saying, “Mere Karan Arjun ayenge.” In the film headlined by Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, Mamta Kulkarni played the role of Bindiya, Arjun's (played by Shah Rukh Khan) love interest.

3. Kabhie Tum Kabhie Hum 

This was Mamta Kulkarni's last Hindi film. Charuhas Shidore, Anjan Srivastav and Vijayendra Ghatge were also seen in the Roop Dutta Naik directorial.

4. Aashiq Awara

This romantic drama marked Mamta Kulkarni's breakthrough in Bollywood. The Umesh Mehra film also featured Saif Ali Khan .

5. Baazi

Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, this film featured Aamir Khan in the lead role. Mamta Kulkarni played Rajeshwari, the love interest of Aamir's character. Their on-point chemistry made this movie a must-watch.

Last film

After over a decade of delivering hit projects, Mamta Kulkarni bid farewell to acting in 2003. Her final appearance was in the Bengali film Shesh Bongsodhar. Directed by Abhijit Sen, the film also featured Victor Banerjee, Ronit Roy, Anuradha Roy, Chinmoy Roy and Rituparna Sengupta in pivotal roles.

Why did Mamta Kulkarni leave acting?

Mamta Kulkarni, in a conversation with IANS, opened up about her decision. 

"The reason for me leaving India was spirituality. In 1996, I got inclined towards spirituality and during that time I met Guru Gagan Giri Maharaj. After his arrival, my interest in spirituality increased following which my penance started. However, I believe that Bollywood gave me a name and also fame. After this, I quit Bollywood too,” Mamta Kulkarni said.

“From the year 2000 to 2012, I kept doing penance. I was in Dubai for many years, where I lived in a two-bedroom flat and remained celibate for 12 years," Mamta Kulkarni added.

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Second Time In 148 Years: WI Bowlers Make History Again, With Bat In Hand

As West Indies suffered another batting collapse on Day 1 of the second Test against Pakistan, it was their bowling unit that stood up and delivered with the bat in Multan. After losing 8 wickets for 54 runs, West Indies managed to add 116 runs for the final three wickets, with the likes of Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach and Jomel Warrican scoring 55, 25 and 36 runs respectively. In doing, so West Indies repeated the historic feat they had set in the first Test against Pakistan, making it only the second instance in Test cricket history. 

It was only the second time in the history of the game that the last three batters of a team managed to score the biggest individual knocks in that innings. The first instance was the opening Test between Pakistan and West Indies which the tourists lost.

In the match, Pakistan's left-arm spinner Noman Ali also etched his name into cricketing history by becoming the first Pakistani spinner to achieve a hat-trick in Test cricket. 

Noman's hat-trick placed him among an elite group of Pakistani bowlers, making him only the fifth in the nation's history to achieve the milestone in Test cricket. He followed in the footsteps of legendary bowlers like Wasim Akram, who was the first Pakistani fast bowler to take a Test hat-trick in 1997, and Naseem Shah, the last Pakistani to achieve the feat in 2020 against Bangladesh.

Coming on as the first-change bowler on a spin-friendly Multan track, Noman began dismantling the West Indies batting order with precision and guile. His first breakthrough came in his second over when he dismissed West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite, delivering a blow that deflated the visitors' morale.

Noman's hat-trick unfolded in the 12th over of the innings. He first dismissed Justin Greaves, who attempted an expansive drive only to edge the ball to the slip cordon. Then, Tevin Imlach fell victim to a failed sweep shot, trapped plumb in front of the stumps. For his hat-trick delivery, Noman showed tremendous skill and composure, tossing the ball up to invite an ambitious drive from Kevin Sinclair. Sinclair edged the ball and Babar Azam, stationed at gully, completed a brilliant low catch to seal the historic moment.

With IANS Inputs

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Furious Sabalenka Breaks Racquet After Losing Australian Open Final. Video

Madison Keys on Saturday finally claimed her long-awaited Grand Slam title, defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka to win the 2025 Australian Open women's singles title. The 29-year-old American triumphed 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in a thrilling final under the lights of Rod Laver Arena, lasting two hours and two minutes.

With this victory, Keys etched her name in history as the first woman to defeat the world's top two players at a major since Svetlana Kuznetsova at the 2009 French Open, and the first to do so at the Australian Open since Serena Williams in 2005.

At 29, Keys is one of the older first-time major champions. She becomes the fourth-oldest behind Flavia Pennetta, who was 33 when she won the 2015 US Open, Ann Jones, who was 30 when she won Wimbledon in 1969, and Francesca Schiavone, who was 29 when she triumphed at Roland Garros in 2010.

Sabalenka was furious after the loss and smashed her racket. 

Belarussian star #Sabalenka ( who won 20 Australian Open matches in a row ) seen smashing own racket in disgust of her defeat#belarussiangirl #belarusia #sport pic.twitter.com/jqFVXb5z6O

— Ali Shunnaq (@schunnaq) January 25, 2025

Aryna Sabalenka was asked about throwing her racquet after losing the Australian Open final:

"I needed to throw those negative emotions at the end just so I could give a speech. I was just trying to let it go & be a good person, be respectful"

pic.twitter.com/BS1ejILnKP

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 25, 2025

Keys enters the history books not just for her victory, but also for her impressive form leading up to the tournament. Her 12-match winning streak, which includes the Adelaide title two weeks earlier, is the longest of her career. Interestingly, this final was the first between players who had both won lead-up tournaments since the Australian Open shifted to its January calendar position in 1987.

Two-time defending champion Sabalenka had come into the final on a 20-match winning streak at Melbourne Park and with an 11-0 unbeaten record in 2025 after lifting the Brisbane trophy three weeks ago. She had been aiming to become the first woman to seal a hat-trick of Australian Open titles since Martina Hingis in 1997-99, and owned a 4-1 head-to-head lead over No.19 seed Keys.

The Australian Open marked Keys' 46th Grand Slam main-draw appearance. Only two players have taken more appearances before winning their first title -- Flavia Pennetta with 49, and Marion Bartoli with 47.

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Joe Biden Removed From 'US Presidents' Search Results, Google Responds

Former US president Joe Biden's tenure at the White House was completely omitted from Google search queries that included "US Presidents", "United States Presidents" and "US Presidents in order", a report in The Independent has claimed. For a brief period on Thursday (Jan 23), social media users complained that Mr Biden was not featuring in the list of presidents to have served the USA.

The list showed President Donald Trump to have served as the last two presidents of the US with Mr Biden's name nowhere to be found. However, prior to the Republican leader's 2016 tenure, the list showed correct results, naming Barack Obama, George Bush, and Bill Clinton, and going back to George Washington.

Users posted screenshots of their results, showing how Mr Biden had been removed. It is not clear how long Mr Biden was written out of Google search history but the glitch was fixed around 2 am ET (12:30 PM IST).

.@Google so if I type in US Presidents I get a list of US Presidents in order of when they were in office except there's no @JoeBiden.

Anyone know why? @searchliaison what's going on? #SEO @BARRY pic.twitter.com/BX9XKTl0Ab

— Kristine (@schachin on Threads) 🇺🇦 (@schachin) January 23, 2025

More WTF is happening...

When you Google "US President 2020-2024", it's all tRump...Biden's name only appears on the Wikipedia results on the search page.

Who paid Google to initiate this SEO bullsh*t to help erase an entire presidency? pic.twitter.com/UVbD9sOKzI

— KJ Bennett (@KJBennettBeauty) January 23, 2025

Google responds

Quizzed about the issue, Google acknowledged the mistake and said it had been caused due to some "data error".

"There was a brief data error in our knowledge graph," a Google spokesperson was quoted as saying by CNBC. "We identified the root cause and resolved it quickly."

Internet reacts

Before Google deployed countermeasures to sort the situation, a section of social media users claimed omitting Mr Biden's name was big tech's latest attempt to cosy up to President Trump.

"If this stands, this will be one of the boldest and most dangerous moments in the existence of the internet, as it will be a clear show of force that those in opposition will disappear completely," wrote one user, while another added: "Google United States Presidents and Biden is not on there. This is bigger than social media."

A third commented: "Who paid Google to initiate this SEO bullsh*t to help erase an entire presidency?"

Notably, Google was among the several big tech companies to have donated money to Mr Trump's inauguration fund. The search engine giant donated $1 million to the fund with CEO Sundar Pichai holding a prominent standing position on stage alongside other tech CEO's at the ceremony held on Monday.

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Two Mountains 100 Times Taller Than Everest Discovered Deep Beneath Earth

Earth's biggest mountains, more than 100 times taller than Mount Everest, have been discovered on the boundary between Africa and the Pacific Ocean, a groundbreaking research, published in the journal Nature, has confirmed. The two peaks lie deep beneath the Earth's surface and reach heights of around 1,000 km, far bigger than the 8.8 km height of Mount Everest. Researchers estimate that the mountains are at least half a billion years old but could date back to the formation of Earth four billion years ago. 

"Nobody knows what they are, and whether they are only a temporary phenomenon, or if they have been sitting there for millions or perhaps even billions of years," said head researcher Dr Arwen Deuss, a seismologist and professor of Structure and composition of Earth's deep interior at Utrecht University, as per The New York Post. 

According to the research, two monstrous structures sit on the boundary between Earth's core and the mantle, the semi-solid area beneath the crust, beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean. They are surrounded by a massive "graveyard of tectonic which have been transported there by a process called 'subduction,' where one tectonic plate dives below another plate and sinks all the way from the Earth's surface down to a depth of almost three thousand kilometres," said Dr Deuss.

Scientists have known for decades that there are massive structures hidden deep within the Earth's mantle thanks to seismic shockwaves rippling through the Earth's interior. Large earthquakes cause the planet to ring like a bell, and it will sound "out of tune" when it hits anomalous objects such as the supercontinents. So, by listening carefully to the tone that arrives on the other side of the planet, scientists are able to build up a picture of what lies beneath.

"We see that seismic waves slow down there," said Dr Deuss while discussing how they happened to discover the underground mountains, which are referred to as "Large Low Seismic Velocity Provinces" or LLSVPs for this reason.

Also Read | Scientists May Have Finally Solved 50-Year-Old Mystery About Martian Surface

According to the research, the new structures are hotter than their neighbouring tectonic plates. Scientists were thrown for a loop when studying the so-called damping of seismic waves, which is the "amount of energy that waves lose when they travel through the Earth," explained Dr Duess' colleague Sujania Talavera-Soza.

"Against our expectations, we found little damping in the LLSVPs, which made the tones sound very loud there," she said, adding, "But we did find a lot of damping in the cold slab graveyard, where the tones sounded very soft." 

This was unlike the upper mantle, which was expectedly "hot" with damped waves, researchers said. Ms Sujania analogized the phenomenon to going for a run in hot weather, explaining, "you don't only slow down, but you also get more tired than when it is cold outside."

Ultimately, the study suggests that the mountains are made up of much larger grains than the surrounding slabs since these wouldn't absorb so much energy from passing seismic waves. 

"Those mineral grains do not grow overnight, which can only mean one thing: LLSVPs are lots and lots older than the surrounding slab graveyards," said Ms Sujania. 

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'Man On CCTV Doesn't Look Like My Son': Father Of Saif Ali Khan's Attacker

Md Ruhul Amin Fakir, father of Mohammed Shariful Islam, the man accused in the recent attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, spoke exclusively with IANS on Thursday. He defended his son and called into question the allegations. Mr Fakir insisted his son had been wrongfully implicated in the incident.

According to Mr Fakir, the images from CCTV footage showing a suspect with long hair do not match his son's usual appearance. "From what is shown in the CCTV... my son never keeps his hair long. I believe my son is being framed," Mr Fakir asserted, denying any connection between his son's typical appearance and the person seen in the footage.

Shariful, who is from Bangladesh, had moved to India due to the political unrest in his home country.

To a question from IANS, Mr Fakir explained: "He left Bangladesh and came to India for one reason — the political unrest in Bangladesh... He was working where he received a salary, and his employer even rewarded him..."

Mr Fakir went on to describe his son's life in India, painting a picture of a man simply trying to make a living in a foreign country.

"The salary in Mumbai's hotels is higher than in West Bengal. The hotels there are quite large, and the salary is also higher," Mr Fakir noted, suggesting that Shariful moved to Mumbai for better job prospects in the hospitality industry.

Despite the gravity of the accusations against his son, Fakir insists that he hasn't received any communication from the police.

Asked if the local police had contacted him, he said: "No, nothing like that has happened. No one has come from anywhere. We don't know anyone in India. We have no support in India."

Mr Fakir reflected on his last conversation with Shariful, recalling their regular exchanges.

"My last conversation with my son was on a Friday evening," he said. "He (Shariful) used to get his salary after the 10th of every month... After that, he would talk to me."

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

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China's 'Artificial Sun' Breaks Nuclear Fusion Record with 1,000 Seconds of Continuous Plasma Loop

China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), referred to as the "artificial sun," has achieved a new milestone in nuclear fusion research. The reactor maintained a continuous loop of plasma for 1,066 seconds, surpassing its previous record of 403 seconds. This breakthrough, reported on January 20, 2025, represents a significant step towards realising nuclear fusion as a near-limitless clean energy source. The achievement highlights advancements in sustaining plasma, a high-energy state of matter crucial for fusion reactions.

EAST's Latest Milestone

As reported by Live Science, according to Chinese state media, EAST operates as a magnetic confinement reactor designed to sustain plasma for extended periods. The recent success was made possible by upgrades to the reactor, including an enhanced heating system with double the power. Song Yuntao, Director of the Institute of Plasma Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, described the experiment as critical for future fusion power plants. Speaking to Chinese media, he emphasised the need for stable plasma operation over thousands of seconds to achieve continuous power generation.

Understanding Fusion Reactors

Nuclear fusion mimics the sun by fusing light atoms under intense heat and pressure to form heavier ones, releasing energy in the process. Unlike the sun, where immense pressure aids the reaction, Earth-based reactors rely on extremely high temperatures. Despite the promise of abundant and clean energy, fusion reactors currently consume more energy than they produce.

Global Efforts in Fusion Technology

China is a participant in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) program, a multinational initiative aimed at advancing fusion research. ITER, located in France, is expected to begin operations in 2039 and will test sustained fusion. Data from EAST's experiments will support ITER and other global projects.

The milestone achieved by EAST marks progress in fusion technology, though decades of research remain before its application in power generation becomes feasible.

 

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Seismic Data from NASA’s InSight Might Solve the Mystery of Mars’ Dichotomy

Recent seismic data from NASA's InSight lander could provide answers to a 50-year-old puzzle concerning Mars' unique structure. The planet is divided into the northern lowlands and southern highlands, separated by significant differences in elevation and crust thickness. This phenomenon, referred to as the "Martian dichotomy," has perplexed scientists for decades. Clues from seismic activity suggest ancient processes within the planet's interior may have caused this division, as opposed to external impacts like asteroid collisions.

Insights from Seismic Data

According to a study published in Geophysical Research Letters, seismic waves recorded by InSight were analysed to uncover differences between the planet's hemispheres. Situated near the boundary of the dichotomy, the lander captured how seismic waves traveled through the mantle beneath both the northern and southern regions. Researchers observed that seismic energy dissipated more rapidly in the southern highlands, suggesting the mantle beneath is hotter than in the north.

The study points to ancient tectonic activity on Mars as a possible cause. Scientists believe that movements of tectonic plates in the planet's early history, along with molten rock dynamics, could have shaped the dichotomy. When tectonic activity ceased, Mars transitioned to a "stagnant lid" structure, preserving the dichotomy over time.

Internal Processes or External Impact?

Lead researcher Dr. Benjamin Fernando noted in The Conversation that the findings support the theory of internal processes being responsible for the dichotomy. He explained that magma beneath the southern highlands was likely pushed upwards, while magma in the northern hemisphere sank toward the core. This difference aligns with the observed variations in crust thickness and mantle temperature.

Though the study favours an internal origin, researchers stress the need for additional seismic data and advanced planetary models to confirm these findings. External impacts, such as asteroid collisions, remain a possibility according to recent studies.

Further exploration of Mars' geological history will be critical to definitively solving this enduring mystery.
 

 

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Why Trump's Claims About Americans Splitting The Atom Angers New Zealanders

Imagine a newly-elected president of a country claiming the legacy of someone as foundational as Thomas Edison. That's the kind of appropriation New Zealanders are witnessing.

The recent inaugural address of President Donald Trump has sparked a heated debate over the origins of a groundbreaking scientific achievement: splitting the atom. Trump's claim that American experts were responsible for this feat has been met with swift correction from New Zealanders, who proudly assert that their native son, Sir Ernest Rutherford, was the true pioneer behind this discovery.

Rutherford's achievement in 1917 at Victoria University of Manchester in England marked a pivotal moment in the history of nuclear physics. His work not only earned him a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908 but also led to the discovery of radioactive half-life and the understanding that radioactivity involves the transmutation of one chemical element to another.

Nick Smith, the mayor of Nelson, near Rutherford's hometown, has invited the US ambassador to visit the Lord Rutherford memorial, emphasising the importance of preserving the accurate historical record. Smith expressed his surprise at Trump's claim, stating, "I was a bit surprised by new president Donald Trump in his inauguration speech about US greatness claiming today Americans split the atom when that honour belongs to Nelson's most famous and favourite son Sir Ernest Rutherford."

Trump's remarks have also drawn criticism from other New Zealanders, including Ben Uffindell, editor of The Civilian, who wrote on social media, "Okay, I've gotta call time. Trump just claimed America split the atom. That's THE ONE THING WE DID."

Okay, I've gotta call time. Trump just claimed America split the atom. That's THE ONE THING WE DID.

— Ben Uffindell (@BenUffindell) January 20, 2025

Rutherford's legacy extends far beyond his scientific contributions. He remains one of New Zealand's most beloved sons, and his face still appears on the country's $100 bill. As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of scientific discovery and national pride, Rutherford's story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving accurate historical records and honouring the achievements of pioneering scientists.

In the realm of nuclear physics, Rutherford's work paved the way for numerous breakthroughs, including the discovery of the neutron and the development of nuclear reactors. His influence can be seen in the work of other scientists, such as John Cockcroft and Ernest Walton, who successfully split lithium atoms using artificially accelerated protons in 1932.
 

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra With Snapdragon 8 Elite Chip, 200-Megapixel Camera Launched: Price, Specifications

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra was launched on Wednesday as the company's flagship model in the Galaxy S25 series of smartphones. At its Galaxy Unpacked event on Wednesday, the South Korean firm showed off the handset, which is powered by a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, along with 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. This year's model has an upgraded 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, and the smartphone is capable of recording Log video, just like Apple's iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models.

Like the other two models in the updated lineup, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with One UI 7, which is based on Android 15. It also offers support for a new Now Brief feature, which offers personalised summaries, and a new Now bar on the lock screen that surfaces important information inside a coloured pill. The company's apps have also been updated with support for Google's Gemini AI assistant, allowing users to interact with apps like Samsung Notes while using another app, like YouTube.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Price, Availability

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra price is set at $1,299 (roughly Rs. 1,12,300) for the base model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of inbuilt storage. The handset is also available in 12GB+256GB and 12GB+512GB variants that are priced at $1,419 (roughly Rs. 1,22,700) and $1,659 (roughly Rs. 1,43,400), respectively.

The newly unveiled Galaxy S25 Ultra will be sold in Titaniium Black, Titaniium Gray, Titaniium Silverblue, and Titaniium Whitesilver colour options. Customers can also pick up the phones from the company's website in exclusive Titanium Jadegreen, Titanium Jetblack, and Titanium Pinkgold colourways.

Searching inside apps using Galaxy AI
Photo Credit: Samsung

 

Preorders for the smartphone start today in the US, and Samsung says the phones will be available starting February 7.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Specifications, Features

The dual-SIM Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra runs on Android 15, with the company's new One UI 7 interface on top. It also comes with support for Galaxy AI features and is slated to get seven years of Android OS and security updates. The handset is equipped with a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, accompanied by 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of built-in storage.

Samsung has equipped the Galaxy S25 Ultra with a 6.9-inch (1,400x3,120 pixels) Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a 1Hz-120Hz variable refresh rate and up to 2,600nits peak brightness. The display has Corning Gorilla Armor 2 protection. Unlike its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has slightly rounded corners.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers support for Samsung's S Pen
Photo Credit: Samsung

 

The handset has four rear cameras, including a 200-megapixel main camera with 2x in-sensor zoom, optical image stabilisation (OIS) and an f/1.7 aperture and an updated 50-megapixel ultrawide camera with 120-degree field of view and f/1.9 aperture. It also has a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom and OIS, and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and OIS. On the front, the sports a 12-megapixel selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture.

There's support for 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, UWB, GPS, and a USB Type-C port. The handset also supports Samsung's S Pen stylus, and it has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Like its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra packs a 5,000mAh battery that can be charged at 45W (wired, charger sold separately). It also offers Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W) and Wireless PowerShare support. It measures 162.8×77.6×8.2mm and weighs 218g.

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The Smile Man OTT Release: Sarath Kumar's Crime Thriller Premieres on January 24

Sarath Kumar's crime thriller, The Smile Man, is set to make its digital debut after its theatrical run. Directed by the duo Syam and Praveen, the film follows a veteran cop grappling with Alzheimer's while investigating a string of murders. With a compelling narrative and a focus on psychological and investigative challenges, the film has captured the curiosity of crime thriller enthusiasts. Its OTT premiere has been confirmed for January 24, offering audiences a chance to watch it online.

When and Where to Watch The Smile Man

The Smile Man will be available for streaming on Aha Tamil starting January 24. The film's OTT release follows its theatrical run, which attracted significant attention due to its unique premise.

Official Trailer and Plot of The Smile Man

The trailer of The Smile Man introduced audiences to a seasoned police officer battling Alzheimer's while handling a complex serial killer case. The killer's modus operandi involves a chillingly similar pattern, adding layers of tension and intrigue. The protagonist's cognitive struggles, interwoven with high-stakes crime-solving, form the core of the narrative. The trailer hints at an intense blend of psychological depth and suspense, drawing viewers into the film's gripping storyline.

Cast and Crew of The Smile Man

Sarath Kumar leads the cast, marking his 150th appearance in films. Supporting roles are portrayed by Kalaiyarasan, Ineya, Sijaa Rose, Sri Kumar, George Maryan, and others. The technical team includes music by Gavaskar Avinash, cinematography by Vikram Mohan, and editing by San Lokesh. The story was crafted by Kamala Alchemis, further enhancing the film's dramatic and suspenseful elements.

Reception of The Smile Man

The film opened to mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While its unique premise and Sarath Kumar's portrayal were appreciated, some critics felt the film fell into predictable tropes of the genre. It has an IMDb rating of 8.5 / 10.

 

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"Golden Age Of America Begins Now": Trump Returns To White House

Donald Trump took oath as the 47th President of the United States Monday, capping a remarkable turnaround in fortunes that nosedived after the riots in Washington, D.C. in January 2021 and hit rock bottom in May 2024, when he was convicted of felonies by a New York court, including charges relating to falsifying business records to cover payment of 'hush money' to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actor.

Trump's deputy, JD Vance, was sworn in as Vice President just before him.

Almost immediately after Trump was sworn in, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his "dear friend" and wished him a successful term. "I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries and shape a better future for the world," Mr Modi said on X.

Donald Trump is now the first convicted felon to be President of the United States. He was already the first ex-President to be convicted of felony crimes - the jury found him guilty on all 34 charges, including those in a scheme to illegally influence the 2020 presidential election, the loss of which led to the riots.

He has announced he intends to pardon many of the convicted rioters. 

Minutes after being administered the oath by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Trump - who survived assassination attempts - declared, "The 'Golden Age of America' begins now".

In his first remarks after being sworn in Trump referred to the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July and declared he had been "saved by God to make America great again".

"The 'Golden Age of America' has begun, as of right now. We will become the great nation we were again. The rest of the world will envy us," he said to raucous cheers from supporters.

"Not so long ago, during the election campaign, I was targeted in an attempted assassination attempt, when a bullet pierced through my ear. But God saved me... because my purpose is to make America great again," Trump, who at 78 is also the oldest American President ever, said.

Trump had vowed to sign a flurry of executive orders, including announcing stringent curbs on immigrant and mass deportation of illegal migrants, as well as banning transgender athletes from women's sports, and undoing his predecessor's directives on diversity and oil drilling.

The president will also declare a national emergency at the Mexico border, send armed troops there, and resume a policy forcing asylum seekers to wait there for court dates, officials said.

He will also seek to end so-called birthright citizenship for U.S.-born children whose parents lack legal status, a move some legal scholars have said would be unconstitutional.

In total, Trump - whose second term, critics and 'allies', including Europe and NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, fear, will push the limits of executive power - expected to sign around 100 orders, many of which will aim to reverse decisions by his predecessor, Joe Biden.

Several, if not all, of these executive orders will face legal challenges.

With input from agencies

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New Soil Carbon Measurement Method Could Boost Trust in Carbon Credit Markets

Direct soil carbon measurement techniques are being explored as a method to improve accuracy in carbon credit markets, especially in agriculture. Measuring stored soil carbon rather than relying on predictive models can provide solid data on the effectiveness of climate-smart agricultural practices. It is believed that this method will enhance the reliability of carbon credits, offering greater confidence to buyers and better supporting global climate goals. Soil carbon measurement is also being recognised as a tool to boost soil health and agricultural sustainability.

Reliable Verification of Soil Carbon Changes

According to a study published in Environmental Research Letters, using direct soil carbon measurement methods alongside epidemiology-based study designs could address the challenges of verifying carbon storage. By sampling approximately 10 percent of fields across large areas, the research team demonstrated that carbon storage could be accurately measured over extended periods. These findings indicate that scaling up direct measurement techniques may offer a cost-effective alternative to predictive models in carbon credit markets.

Expert Insights on Soil Health and Climate Benefits

Mark Bradford, E.H. Harriman Professor of Soils and Ecosystem Ecology at Yale School of the Environment, noted in the study's findings that direct measurements could extend beyond carbon markets. When talking to phys.org, he highlighted their potential for validating greenhouse gas accounting and supporting national emission reporting. This approach could also improve soil biodiversity, nutrient retention and resilience to extreme weather, leading to enhanced food security.

Technological Tools Supporting Farmers

To assist farmers, Eric Potash, research scientist at the Agroecosystem Sustainability Center, developed an open-source application enabling users to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of soil carbon projects. This tool helps calculate profitability based on variables like project size and sampling strategies.

As noted by the study's authors, addressing measurement concerns is key to supporting policies and investments that protect soil health. By ensuring accurate and scalable carbon storage verification, this approach aims to strengthen confidence in the environmental and economic benefits of climate-smart agriculture.

 

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