Latest news with #Abdul
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Pralay missile ready for battlefield deployment with ability to evade enemy defence systems
BHUBANESWAR: Amid mounting cross-border tensions, another Pakistan-specific ballistic missile is allegedly ready for deployment, as the indigenously developed Pralay (literally meaning apocalypse) has cleared user validation trials during twin tests conducted over two days from a defence facility off the Odisha coast. Defence sources said two rounds of the tactical short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) were successfully test-fired from the Abdul Kalam Island-based launching complex-IV of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) on Monday and Tuesday. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the missiles precisely followed the intended trajectory, demonstrated mid-air manoeuvres and hit-to-kill accuracy with pin-point precision—meeting all the mission objectives and indicating maturity of the system for battlefield deployment. 'Two consecutive successful flight-tests of the Pralay missile were carried out as a part of user evaluation trials to validate the maximum and minimum range capability of the missile system. All subsystems performed as per expectations, which were verified using test data captured by various tracking sensors, including instruments deployed on ships positioned near the designated point of impact,' the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a statement. Powered by solid propellant, the canisterised Pralay employs state-of-the-art guidance and navigation to ensure high precision. The missile is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against various targets and destroying targets up to 500 km. It weighs around five tonnes. With a payload of 1000 kg, it can travel a distance of 350 km, and if the payload is halved, the missile can allegedly hit a target as far as 500 km. Pralay is part of the country's strategic Integrated Rocket Force, a dedicated wing of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC). Comparable with China's Dong Feng-12, Russian 9K720 Iskander, US Army's Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) and South Korea's Hyunmoo-2, Pralay is designed to deceive anti-ballistic missile interceptors. 'What makes the missile unique in its class is that Pralay can fly at hypersonic speed in a quasi-ballistic trajectory and perform terminal manoeuvres to delude ballistic missile defence (BMD) of the enemy,' said a defence scientist. The MoD has already cleared orders for Pralay missiles for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF). The missile, which fills the gap of a conventionally armed ballistic weapon system and remains unaffected by the 'no first use' nuclear policy, will be deployed with conventional warheads along the borders. It can target radar and communication installations, command and control centres, and advanced airfields. Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat congratulated the teams and said the successful completion of this phase-1 flight test paved the way for induction of the system into the armed forces in the near future. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented the DRDO, the armed forces and the industry for the successful flight-tests. 'The missile equipped with modern technologies will give further technological boost to the armed forces against threats,' he said. The system has been developed by Research Centre Imarat in collaboration with other DRDO labs, including Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Advanced Systems Laboratory, Armament Research and Development Establishment, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Research and Development Establishment (Engineers), and ITR, apart from industry partners like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited. The flight-tests were witnessed by senior scientists of DRDO, representatives of the users from the IAF and the Indian Army, as well as industry representatives. Photo caption: Pralay missile being test-fired from ITR off Odisha coast | EPS
Forbes
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
AfroFuture's U.S. Debut In Detroit Is Reshaping Festivals Forever
From Ghana to the Midwest, AfroFuture is bridging continents, culture and creativity with a festival experience like no other. Photo taken at AfroFuture 2024 AfroFuture For nearly a decade, AfroFuture – formerly Afrochella -- has built a cultural bridge between the African continent and the global diaspora. What started as a festival in Ghana has since grown into an international movement—one that celebrates Black creativity across music, fashion, art and entrepreneurship. Now, for the first time, AfroFuture is coming stateside with its inaugural U.S. edition this August in Detroit. I sat down with AfroFuture co-founder Abdul Karim Abdullah over a plate of authentic Ghanaian cuisine at Accra Express in Harlem—a fast-casual outpost owned by him and his family, who also run the flagship Accra Restaurant in the Bronx. With two locations across New York, the family-run business is as much about preserving culture as it is about feeding the community—a fitting setting to discuss the festival's journey, his entrepreneurial roots and why Detroit is the perfect city to host the next chapter of this global cultural exchange. Watch Full Interview Here Shot by Karston 'Skinny' Tannis AfroFuture's mission has always been about more than just a lineup of performers. 'It was really about building a bridge,' Abdul shared. 'As a first-generation American born to Ghanaian immigrants, I always existed between two worlds. We wanted to create a space where we could bring both parts of our identity together and give others the same opportunity.' Launched in 2017 in Accra, the festival was initially a grassroots effort with limited resources. 'We didn't know how to run a festival,' Abdul admitted with a laugh. 'We knew how to throw events and build community, and we had the grit and patience to figure out the rest.' AfroFuture 2024 Ghana ALL RIGHTS RESERVED That grit paid off. What began as a 2,500-person event has since expanded to attract more than 15,000 attendees from around the world each year—drawing partnerships with global brands like YouTube, Instagram, and Hugo Boss. 'We realized that almost 49% of our audience was coming from the U.S.,' Abdul said. 'That told us there was a huge demand here—a diaspora hungry for authentic cultural experiences.' Why Detroit? Detroit's deep cultural legacy made it a natural choice for AfroFuture's U.S. expansion. 'It's a Black cultural Mecca,' Abdul explained. 'The city is rich in music, art, entrepreneurship and community. And it has one of the largest Black populations in the country.' AfroFuture Detroit takes place at Bedrock's Douglass Site, with the main entrance located near the corner of Beaubien Boulevard and Winder Street in downtown Detroit. Set for August 16–17 2025, the showcase is a dynamic mix of local and international talent. But beyond the music, the festival will offer: A pitch competition to fund Detroit-based Black entrepreneurs A partnership with the College for Creative Studies at Pensole Lewis College for a fashion and design showcase for a fashion and design showcase Art installations and wellness activations Collaborations with Detroit poets and cultural leaders Abdul and his team are committed to building long-term relationships with the local community. 'We're not here for a one-off event. We want to create sustainable programs and partnerships that continue to uplift Detroit even after the festival ends.' AfroFuture Festival Lineup of Superstar Talent AfroFuture Detroit boasts a genre-spanning lineup curated to reflect the full spectrum of the global Black sound. From Afrobeats royalty to electro-dance innovators, each artist brings their own cultural narrative and energy to the stage. Here's who'll be headlining the Detroit stage: AfroFuture Detroit 2025 Festival Headliners AfroFuture Davido Afrobeats Icon A commanding presence in global music, Davido returns as a headliner following his 2023 performance in Ghana, promising a show that blends hit after hit with undeniable charisma. Asake Afrobeats Rising Star After igniting the Ghana stage in 2022, Asake now brings his high-octane, crowd-thrilling energy stateside to Detroit, solidifying his place as a festival favorite. Kaytranada Electro-Fusion / Dance Innovator Known for his groove-heavy, genre-blending sets, Kaytranada adds a pulse of house, funk and futuristic beats that transcend borders. Ludmilla Afro-Latin Powerhouse The Brazilian superstar brings Afro-Latin soul, R&B, and bold stage presence, embodying the multicultural crossover spirit of AfroFuture. This sonic diversity is intentional. AfroFuture speaks to every corner of the diaspora—from the bass-heavy streets of Lagos to the dance floors of Detroit. Whether it's Afrobeats, Afro-house, R&B, or rap, the soundscape is designed to resonate globally while remaining rooted in community. 'Whether you're a hip-hop fan, an Afrobeat lover, a dance/house person, or just curious — we've got you covered,' says Abdul. Expect multi-stage performances, surprise drop-ins, Detroit-native talent showcases, and genre-bending collaborations that celebrate both local heritage and global rhythm. Main Stage Lineup AfroFuture's Main Stage in Detroit will feature an electrifying mix of global stars and rising talent, including Gims, Flavour, Lojay, Tee Grizzley, King Promise, KiDi, FAVE, Ding Dong featuring Platinum Kids and Noah Powa, Juls, DJ Obi, DJ Mo Beatz, DJ Prince, Ethan Tomas, DJ LAJ, and DJ RB Nice. AfroFuture Detroit 2025 Festival Lineup AfroFuture Culture Stage Performances The Culture Stage showcases the pulse of Afro-diasporic sound and dancefloor culture, with performances by DJ Maphorisa, DBN Gogo, TxC, Tyler ICU, Donavan Glover, Ethereal, Jeanine Styles, DJ Mohogany, DJ K-Dawg & EZ Pass. Beyond the Festival: The Future of AfroFuture Today, AfroFuture operates as Culture Management Group, a full-fledged creative agency working with partners across Africa and the diaspora. In addition to producing AfroFuture's live events, the team recently partnered with the Basketball Africa League (BAL) to oversee entertainment programming and influencer engagement. Looking ahead, Abdul and his team hope to expand AfroFuture's storytelling capabilities through film, documentaries and digital content. AfroFuture Festival 2024 Ghana ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 'When you come to our events, you taste the food, see the fashion and hear the music. But we also want to tell the deeper stories—like the history of jollof rice or the nuances of our cultural traditions," adde Abdul. Family Heritage & Foundation The roots of AfroFuture were planted long before the first artist ever hit the stage—inside a bustling West African restaurant in Harlem, where Abdul Karim Abdullah and his siblings learned what it meant to build something for the culture, by the culture. Over a table filled with jollof rice, spinach stew, and waakye (Ghanaian rice and beans), he reflected on lessons learned from his father, who founded the family's beloved West African restaurant in Harlem nearly four decades ago. 'When we were younger, we hated having to work in the restaurant…but now I see how much it taught us about legacy and giving back to the community,' Abdul recalls with a laugh. AfroFuture Festival 2024 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED That foundation of service—one rooted in community, discipline and cultural preservation—became the blueprint for AfroFuture. Where once his family nourished Harlem with food, Abdul and his team are now nourishing a global audience through music, storytelling and immersive experiences that center the Black diaspora. 'We're not just throwing a festival. We're building a platform that celebrates Black creativity on our own terms—where we are the heroes of our own story,' Abdul said. Meet the AfroFuture Festival Team What makes AfroFuture not just enduring, but ever-evolving, is the team behind it. Abdul counts on a tight-knit crew, many who've been with him since the festival's inception in 2017: 2022 with executive team L to R: Akiya McKnight, Gifty Boayke, Akosua Ayim, Corein Carter, Kenny Agyapong, Khadijat El Alawa Less AfroFuture Presss Kenny Agyapong – CFO & Co-Founder of AfroFuture – CFO & Co-Founder of AfroFuture Akosua Ayim - Chief Operating Officer - Chief Operating Officer Ashley Grant-Henriques - Publicist + Communications Director Publicist + Communications Director Khadija El Alawa – Global talent wrangler, coordinating artists across Africa — from Kigali to Kigali to Morocco. – Global talent wrangler, coordinating artists across Africa — from Kigali to Kigali to Morocco. Plus, a skilled operations team executing logistics across continents. Abdul sums it up best, 'It's not just one brand or one sound. These people are my family; they share the same mission. There's no major investor — it's all been bootstrapped. We are organic, raw, rugged — true to ourselves.' This unity has allowed AfroFuture to scale confidently, partner with major corporations like Bedrock and Mastercard Foundation, and execute cross-continental events with authenticity and precision. 'This isn't a vanity project — this is built by people who genuinely love the work. Everyone on our team is a cultural architect in their own right, and the festival wouldn't exist without that kind of dedication. We move with purpose and passion, not ego.' Festival Invitation to Detroit Afrochella Festival Crowd Shot @Tetson100 As we wrapped our conversation, Abdul issued an open invitation: 'If you've never experienced AfroFuture, this is your chance. Come to Detroit. From August 11th through 17th, we'll have something for everyone—music, fashion, food, wellness, entrepreneurship. Most importantly, it's an opportunity to connect, to celebrate, and to learn.' With its Detroit debut, AfroFuture is poised to further cement its role as a leading force in global Black culture—one that honors the past while shaping the future. Hotel Blocks AfroFuture has partnered with local hotels to offer special room blocks, all within one mile of the festival grounds. Availability is limited. Roost Detroit at Book Tower 1265 Washington Blvd. Detroit, MI 48226 1265 Washington Blvd. Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown 333 E. Jefferson Ave. Detroit, MI 48226 Travel Partnership with Delta Air Lines AfroFuture Detroit has teamed up with Delta Air Lines to offer exclusive airfare discounts for festival attendees flying into Detroit. Restrictions may apply. Abdul expresses, "This isn't just a drop-in festival — it's an invitation to build. We're working hand-in-hand with Detroit leaders and creatives to make sure this experience reflects the soul of the city. It's about legacy, not just a weekend." Get your tickets for AfroFuture Detroit here. The festival takes place August 16–17, with community activations beginning August 11 thru August 17th.
India Today
2 days ago
- Business
- India Today
How UP is foraying into AI-based governance
The Uttar Pradesh government is making an ambitious push to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across sectors ranging from governance, education and policing to healthcare and agriculture. In recent months, it has launched a series of initiatives that, if carried out as planned, could turn India's most populous state into a key hub of AI innovation and of the most high-profile efforts is the plan to develop Lucknow as the country's first 'AI City'. Under the central government's IndiaAI Mission, a tech ecosystem worth Rs 10,732 crore is being set up in the capital, featuring an AI innovation centre, over 10,000 GPUs and language models designed to work in multiple Indian languages. The state government claims this will be the largest technology infrastructure of its kind in the state is also working on a draft AI policy, aligned with the Centre's Vision 2047 plan, and has trained officials from over 30 departments in the use of AI tools. In welfare delivery, AI is being used to flag irregularities in the direct benefit transfer (DBT) system and improve detection of major initiative is 'AI Pragya', which aims to train over 1 million people, including youth, teachers, gram pradhans, government staff and farmers, in AI and related technologies. The training programmes, run in partnership with Microsoft, Google, Intel and Guvi, focus on practical skills such as machine learning, cyber-security and data analytics, with industry certifications built in. The government says it is targeting 150,000 trainees per month. In law enforcement and surveillance, AI has already been deployed in 17 municipal corporations and Gautam Buddh Nagar. These systems include facial recognition, vehicle tracking, CCTV-based alert mechanisms and integration with the state's 112 emergency helpline. In 70 jails, an AI system called Jarvis is being used for 24x7 monitoring of is another focus area. Under the UP Agris project, supported by the World Bank and with a budget of Rs 4,000 crore, around 1 million farmers are being connected to tools like drone-based mapping, pest detection, smart irrigation and online market platforms. The project also involves 10,000 women's self-help groups as key the revenue and mining departments, AI is being applied to manage land records, reduce disputes and track illegal mining. Technologies such as satellite imaging, RFID tags and AI-enabled weighbridges are being used to monitor resource extraction across 25 healthcare, the state recently set up India's first AI-based breast cancer screening centre in Fatehpur. A memorandum of understanding with IBM has led to free AI and cloud computing courses being launched in 500 engineering colleges under the Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University. AI is also being tested for pharmaceutical research and analytics in public health state government claims to have positioned AI not just as a technology tool but to drive better governance, citizen engagement and economic opportunity. While many of these efforts are still in early stages or pilot phases, they reflect a broader shift towards tech-based solutions in how the state approaches effectively these AI-driven systems work on the ground, and how accessible they remain to people in smaller towns and rural areas will likely determine whether the state's experiment with AI becomes a long-term to India Today Magazine- Ends
Focus Malaysia
4 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
PMX extends olive branch to ‘Turun Anwar rally-goers': Have a safe journey home, be back to visit KL's historical sites
WITHOUT even attempting to dispute or downplay exorbitant claims of a '500,000 turnout' at yesterday's (July 26) PAS-inspired Turun Anwar rally, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instead wished outstation attendees a safe return to their respective destinations. With a tinge of sarcasm, he even reminded them to return to Kuala Lumpur (KL) in the future as domestic tourists in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY 2026). This came about as PMX expressed his gratitude to all security personnel – from the police, firefighters, medical teams to volunteers – who have served with agility, discipline and high dedication to ensure public safety and order as well as the smooth running of the rally. 'To all attendees – whether voicing opinions, showing solidarity or coming from afar – I wish you a safe return to your respective destinations. May your journeys be eased and protected,' penned PMX on all his social media pages. Saya rakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan kepada semua petugas pasukan keselamatan; dari polis, bomba, pasukan perubatan dan sukarelawan yang telah bertugas dengan ketangkasan, disiplin dan dedikasi yang tinggi menjamin keselamatan dan ketenteraman awam serta memastikan… — Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) July 26, 2025 'And if you have the opportunity in the future, don't forget to return to KL. Historical landmarks around the capital, including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building at Dataran Merdeka is currently undergoing large-scale preservation to boost tourism and support the economy in the Federal capital in conjunction with VMY 2026.' On a more serious note, PMX who is also the Finance Minister reiterated that he remains steadfast and consistent in upholding democratic principles, namely freedom of speech and the right to express criticism. Peaceful rally 'Criticism and differing views should not be seen through the lens of hostility; rather, they should continue to flourish and thrive as the heartbeat of a mature, progressive and sovereign nation,' he asserted. 'What matters is that it must proceed in an orderly, peaceful manner and in the spirit of love for the homeland.' At the same time, PMX also subtly took a jibe at opposition leaders with tendency to absent from Dewan Rakyat proceedings. 'The same principle has been instilled through the Prime Minister's Question Time (PMQT) session in Parliament whereby MPs are free to directly pose any questions and raise objections to me as PM,' he justified. Thank you Awani sebab sebut puluh ribu je 🤣#TurunAnwar — Kak Ton (@AzfarinazAmran) July 26, 2025 'I urge you to continue pressing MPs to actively participate in all sessions, especially the PMQT.' Though his gesture of extending an olive branch received widespread praises from Madani backers with some even described it as 'masterclass', those who are more neutral reminded PMX that the opposition deserved to be credited for staging a truly peaceful and civilised rally 'unlike the past when even the police car was overturned'. 'As promised by the organisers, the purpose of the rally is not to bring down the government of the day or to stage a riot and far from damaging public assets, but simply to ask the PM to resign,' recounted s commenter. 'This action is completely different from the previous street protest groups such as BERSIH and anti-government (anti-BN) groups.' While praising PMX for his goodwill gesture to the opposition, another commenter apologised for having to caution PMX before 'matters fall further astray'. 'Please don't take the rakyat's opinions and voices lightly. Don't listen to the bootlickers around you. Keep working for Malaysia. ✨' – July 27, 2025
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Sabah GOF seizes illegal timber worth over RM1.1mil, two detained
KOTA KINABALU: Timber worth over RM1.1mil were seized en route to a wood factory in Ranau district. During the raid codenamed Ops Bersepadu Khazanah, General Operations Force (GOF) personnel had noticed two trailers along the Tambunan-Ranau road, near Kg Rondogung at around 1.30am on Thursday. Sabah GOF commander Datuk Abdul Rani Alias said the drivers were instructed to pull over, and inspections on the trailer led to the discovery of a total of 59 timber logs worth over RM1.189mil. 'The male drivers, aged 43 and 59, failed to produce permits for the timber and are believed to have breached the Sabah Forestry Department regulations,' he said in a statement. The two suspects were nabbed while the logs as well as the vehicles worth RM2.68mil were seized and handed over to the Sabah Forestry Department for further action under the Sabah Forestry Enactment 1968. Abdul said they believe the timber was taken from Tomani Tenom, and headed to a factory in Lohan, Ranau. He said operations against illegal logging and other crimes will be strengthened, he added. Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
