Latest news with #BRC
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
547Agniveers inducted into Army after passing out parade at BRC
1 2 Patna: Bihar Regimental Centre (BRC) at Danapur Cantonment witnessed a proud moment on Thursday as 547 young recruits were inducted into the Indian Army during the passing out parade (POP) of its 5th Agniveer batch. The newly inducted soldiers participated in a grand passing out parade held at the BRC ground after completing 31 weeks of rigorous military training. During the POP, these Agniveers took an oath to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, placing their hands on holy scriptures. Commandant of the BRC, Brigadier Kamaldeep Jaspal, reviewed the parade and took the salute. Addressing the parade, Jaspal congratulated the Agniveers and urged them to serve the nation with unwavering sincerity, discipline and devotion. He reminded them of the sacred pledge they had taken under the national flag and encouraged them to uphold the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Among the newly inducted Agniveers, several were feted for their outstanding performances during the military training period. Dhurva Rajehwar Dilip was adjudged the best Agniveer in the firing segment, while Ramchandra Jojo received the best physical training (PT) award. Similarly, Premkant Vishwakarma was honoured for excellence in drill category and Shubham Tiwari was declared the best overall Agniveer of the batch, BRC official said. In addition, the passing out parade was witnessed by proud families of the Agniveers, senior army officers, and local dignitaries, marking a proud moment in the lives of the Agniveers as they embark on their journey in service to the nation, a BRC official said. It may be recalled that the Agneepath scheme was launched by the Indian govt on June 14, 2022. The scheme basically aims to recruit individuals between the ages 17 to 21 years into the armed forces for a period of four years, sources said. Patna: Bihar Regimental Centre (BRC) at Danapur Cantonment witnessed a proud moment on Thursday as 547 young recruits were inducted into the Indian Army during the passing out parade (POP) of its 5th Agniveer batch. The newly inducted soldiers participated in a grand passing out parade held at the BRC ground after completing 31 weeks of rigorous military training. During the POP, these Agniveers took an oath to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, placing their hands on holy scriptures. Commandant of the BRC, Brigadier Kamaldeep Jaspal, reviewed the parade and took the salute. Addressing the parade, Jaspal congratulated the Agniveers and urged them to serve the nation with unwavering sincerity, discipline and devotion. He reminded them of the sacred pledge they had taken under the national flag and encouraged them to uphold the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Among the newly inducted Agniveers, several were feted for their outstanding performances during the military training period. Dhurva Rajehwar Dilip was adjudged the best Agniveer in the firing segment, while Ramchandra Jojo received the best physical training (PT) award. Similarly, Premkant Vishwakarma was honoured for excellence in drill category and Shubham Tiwari was declared the best overall Agniveer of the batch, BRC official said. In addition, the passing out parade was witnessed by proud families of the Agniveers, senior army officers, and local dignitaries, marking a proud moment in the lives of the Agniveers as they embark on their journey in service to the nation, a BRC official said. It may be recalled that the Agneepath scheme was launched by the Indian govt on June 14, 2022. The scheme basically aims to recruit individuals between the ages 17 to 21 years into the armed forces for a period of four years, sources said.
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Businesses welcomed the UK-EU Brexit ‘reset'
Prime Minister Kier Starmer will be pleased about his catch in international diplomacy: a trade deal with the European Union, which the government hopes will boost the chances of achieving higher growth. In an agreement that hands EU boats continued rights in British seas until 2038, slashing red tape on food checks and increasing cooperation on defence and migration, businesses are getting a sense of whether this deal may be sweet – or sound all too fishy. For the opposition political parties, the Conservatives and Reform Party, the Prime Minister has utterly betrayed Britain's fishing industry. The right to control Britain's waters was a clear prize of Brexit. Yet, under this deal, British fishermen will never know what it means to manage the fisheries of an independent country. EU excess has been extended and the economic future of Britain's coastal communities has once again been sacrificed, the opposition say. Furthermore, the UK has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to sweep away the EU- originated rules that suppress innovation, productivity and growth. Yet, this deal binds Britain back into precisely those constraints on agriculture, preventing the regulatory freedom that would allow Britain to thrive as an agile, competitive economy. However, Business groups and their members have welcomed the deal, but professor Stephen Miller, director at the National Institute of Economic Social Research, said that, economically the cuts in red tape secured were not likely to put much additional cash in people's pockets. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer shakes hands with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, in this file photo. — Reuters 'This agreement is unlikely to 'shift the dial' in the sense that the gains are small relative to the single market or customs union,' he said. While the gains may be 'small', and despite agreements on areas such as a youth mobility scheme or defence lacking detail, industry groups are largely upbeat about the opportunities presented by EU and UK officials. The chief executive of Britain's biggest business lobby, the Confederation of British Industry, suggested the new deal was a 'leap forward' amid difficult times. 'The bleak global trading environment – from escalating geopolitical tensions to sluggish growth – has underscored the importance of deepening ties with trusted, like-minded partners,' Rain Newton-Smith said. This sentiment has been repeated by leading executives at the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) where leaders have said agreements will keep costs down and enrich British companies looking to import cheaper produce or export goods to European markets. BRC chief executive Helen Dickenson said the removal of veterinary checks on food would help secure supply chains and support UK competitiveness while FSB policy chair Tina McKenzie suggested that 'bottleneck at the border' could be cleared as a result of fewer checks being made. Managing director of M&S Food, Alex Freudmann also said 'pointless' bureaucracy in trade within the UK – between Great Britain and Northern Ireland – would be removed. But some elements of the trade deal were conspicuously absent. As well as the absence of progress of youth mobility, demands made by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) over the recognition of British qualifications, which are supported by other leading business groups, fell on deaf years. 'With elements not yet set in stone, there will be further effort required to ensure that what has been promised is delivered for the benefit of the UK economy, the business environment and wider business society,' said Emma Rowland, trade policy advisor at Institute of Directors (IoD). ING's James Smith suggested more negotiations on goods trade would have to be done for the OBR to raise its growth forecasts for the UK thereby easing concerns about extra tax hikes coming. 'Generally, we doubt this deal on its own will convince the OBR to change its outlook in any meaningful way,' he said.
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Tributes paid to martyrs of Bihar regiment battalions
1 2 3 Patna: Bihar Regimental Centre (BRC) at Danapur Cantonment on Sunday commemorated the foundation day of its 10th and 11th battalions with solemn ceremonies and heartfelt tributes to fallen soldiers who embodied courage and service to the nation. The 10th Battalion was raised on June 1, 1966 at Ramgarh Cantonment under the leadership of Lt Colonel L W Bingle while the 11th Battalion was established on June 1, 1971 by Lt Colonel R K Kala at Danapur. Both units have built a formidable legacy through their involvement in key counter-insurgency operations in Nagaland, Mizoram, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Assam, said BRC Commandant Brigadier Kamaldeep Jaspal. Brigadier Jaspal led a ceremonial wreath-laying on the BRC grounds, paying homage to the martyrs of both battalions. "These battalions have stood as bastions of strength in some of the most challenging terrains and situations in the country. Their contributions to preserving national security and peace are a source of pride and inspiration for all of us," he said. The event included a regimental parade and a commemorative session highlighting the battalions' operational achievements. Families of fallen soldiers, serving jawans and local dignitaries attended the ceremony, which a BRC official described as a reminder of the regiment's legacy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "As the BRC continues to uphold its proud traditions, the 10th and 11th battalions remain symbols of valour, resilience and unwavering service to the nation for the young serving soldiers of the Bihar Regiment," the official added. A two-minute silence was observed for the martyrs, accompanied by the army band's rendition of Vande Mataram, which stirred a deep patriotic sentiment. Patna: Bihar Regimental Centre (BRC) at Danapur Cantonment on Sunday commemorated the foundation day of its 10th and 11th battalions with solemn ceremonies and heartfelt tributes to fallen soldiers who embodied courage and service to the nation. The 10th Battalion was raised on June 1, 1966 at Ramgarh Cantonment under the leadership of Lt Colonel L W Bingle while the 11th Battalion was established on June 1, 1971 by Lt Colonel R K Kala at Danapur. Both units have built a formidable legacy through their involvement in key counter-insurgency operations in Nagaland, Mizoram, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Assam, said BRC Commandant Brigadier Kamaldeep Jaspal. Brigadier Jaspal led a ceremonial wreath-laying on the BRC grounds, paying homage to the martyrs of both battalions. "These battalions have stood as bastions of strength in some of the most challenging terrains and situations in the country. Their contributions to preserving national security and peace are a source of pride and inspiration for all of us," he said. The event included a regimental parade and a commemorative session highlighting the battalions' operational achievements. Families of fallen soldiers, serving jawans and local dignitaries attended the ceremony, which a BRC official described as a reminder of the regiment's legacy. "As the BRC continues to uphold its proud traditions, the 10th and 11th battalions remain symbols of valour, resilience and unwavering service to the nation for the young serving soldiers of the Bihar Regiment," the official added. A two-minute silence was observed for the martyrs, accompanied by the army band's rendition of Vande Mataram, which stirred a deep patriotic sentiment.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
I Overmoisturized and Felt a Tiny Pimple—Then Came a Devastating Diagnosis
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Getting out of the shower one day, I had poured far too much lotion into my hands. I'd already rubbed my arms, legs, and entire body, and I didn't know where else to put it—I was completely covered. So, I applied the excess to my breasts. As I was massaging the cream in, I felt the tiniest little lump behind my right nipple. It felt like when you have a pimple developing under your face, right before it breaks the surface. I thank God that my hands were lubricated because I don't know if I would have felt that lump with dry skin. At first, I thought it might just be premenstrual—after all, we get cysts and bumps around that time. But I trusted my intuition and, for peace of mind, I went to a world-renowned cancer research and treatment center for a checkup. Unfortunately, I was already too familiar with the hospital: my mom had been through breast cancer at 34 and again at 37. I think that's why I was so wary. An image showing Nicole and her sister Monica cuddling their mom as she underwent Cancer treatment. An image showing Nicole and her sister Monica cuddling their mom as she underwent Cancer treatment. Nicole Mikhael/Nicole Mikhael The doctor examined the lump, and I asked, "What are the chances of this being cancer?" At 26, she told me I was young and healthy, so it was pretty much out of the question. I really didn't think it was anything serious, but I decided to have a lumpectomy anyway. The mass was right behind the nipple and close enough to the skin for me to feel it, and my logic was that I didn't want it to get any larger and leave a bigger indentation in my breast. The surgery was easy, and the recovery was quick. I was left with a tiny, paper-cut-sized mark beside my nipple. I went in on December 29, 2016, and I was ready to start the new year with the whole thing behind me. I was a graduate from the University of Southern California and was studying for the Law School Admission Test. I was on my way to becoming a lawyer. But then, on January 3—a date that will forever be engraved in my soul—I had a routine follow-up to check that the incision was healing. As soon as the doctor walked in, I felt the energy in the room shift. I just knew she was going to say something unpleasant. When I looked at her, I could tell she was fighting back tears. They'd received the pathology report on the lump. She told me I had Stage I breast cancer. I didn't cry. I didn't even react. I was in shock. I just asked, "What's the plan? Where do we go from here?" If you had told me I'd be in that situation, I would have assumed I'd break down in tears. But I felt nothing—those emotions came later. My sister Monica and my dad, Ben, were on the other side of the curtain, I could hear them sobbing. The crazy part is that, just months earlier, in July, my mom had done the most recent round of genetic testing. Everything came back negative. I didn't carry the BRCA gene, a mutation that increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The hospital was stunned. People were confused—they didn't understand how this had happened. My mom and I had two completely different types of breast cancer and two different treatment plans. Once my doctor gave me the news, I didn't waste any time. From the day they told me to the day I had my double mastectomy, it was only two weeks. It's the strangest feeling to know there is something cancerous in your body. I just wanted it out. I wanted to move on with my life. I knew I had to have both breasts removed, and it was terrifying. I had naturally large breasts—I was a DD. People used to assume I'd had a boob job because I had such a petite frame. I was scared to lose that part of me, that part of how I looked. Questions rushed through my head: What are my clothes going to look like? What am I going to look like? A photo of Nicole before her double mastectomy. A photo of Nicole before her double mastectomy. Nicole Mikhael/Nicole Mikhael While my girlfriends were getting engaged and pregnant, I was over here deciding whether to keep or remove my nipple. I didn't even know you could remove your nipple. But I had to. The cancer was right behind it. If I'd done the double mastectomy and kept the right nipple, the cancer could have remained. I didn't want to return to the doctor every three months, living with uncertainty. I wanted peace of mind. I also opted to remove both breasts because I didn't want to live with the paranoia of waking up each day and wondering about every bump. Given my mom's history, I didn't want to risk it progressing to Stage III or IV and live with the regret of not having taken it all out when I had the chance. Nicole, Monica and their mom fundraising for a Cancer charity. Nicole, Monica and their mom fundraising for a Cancer charity. Nicole Mikhael/Nicole Mikhael On January 19, 2017, I went in for the double mastectomy. Honestly, I nearly walked out. I felt like I wasn't ready. Maybe I needed therapy—but no amount of therapy could have prepared me for that moment. Crying in the hospital bed, my dad wiped the tears from my face with a tissue. My nurse, Elizabeth—a fellow breast-cancer survivor who had also had a double mastectomy—turned to me and said: "We've all been through it. We've survived it. This will be another adventure in your life. And guess what? You have a life ahead of you. OK, we gotta do this. We gotta do this and get it over with and behind you." I recently shared her words from almost a decade ago on TikTok, and they resonated with so many women and nurses. The video reached more than 4 million people. The hospital had recommended support groups, but I couldn't relate to the women in them—they were mostly in their mid- to late-40s with life partners. It was hard to find someone in my shoes. I was in my 20s and single. I didn't know how I'd ever tell a future partner about the scarring. I woke up from surgery and had never felt pain like it. I realized how many simple things I used my chest muscles for—things I had taken for granted. Even pressing down on a soap dispenser hurt. They removed the lymph nodes, so I couldn't raise my arms or put on a shirt. A split image showing Nicole after her surgery and during her recovery. A split image showing Nicole after her surgery and during her recovery. Nicole Mikhael/Nicole Mikhael People would always say, "Oh, you're getting a free boob job," but that's such a misconception. Essentially, you're having your chest amputated from the inside—it's just not as visible. When you see someone who has lost an arm or a leg, it's obvious. With breast reconstruction, the lines get blurred. Of course, I signed the forms acknowledging the risk of postsurgery infection. But after everything I'd already been through, I didn't think it would happen to me. At a follow-up appointment, the doctor discovered a full-blown infection on the right side—even though I had no symptoms. I was rushed into emergency surgery. It was a huge setback for reconstruction. When I saw myself for the first time after that surgery, I had a "what the f***?" moment. I couldn't believe anyone's chest could look the way mine did. One implant was tiny and high up near my collarbone. The other was larger and had dropped. I was completely lopsided. I hid behind baggy clothes. I grew my hair even longer because I knew people would look at my chest first. My hair became a shield. Before, I was the girl with big DDs everyone thought were fake. Now, I had a double mastectomy and uneven implants. That was my breaking point. The pain didn't end there. Nurses came to my house every other day to administer meds through a PICC [peripherally inserted central catheter] line, a long catheter inserted into a vein for long-term medication. The meds were so strong that I could taste metal in my mouth, and I was constantly nauseous. At that point, I was nowhere near happy with my reconstruction. It looked like I'd had a double mastectomy—nothing more. I didn't know how I was going to wear my clothes again, or date. Eventually, I found a new plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, Dr Charles Galanis. He changed my life. I even used his handwriting for my survivor tattoo. Nicole's survivor tattoo written in her surgeon's handwriting. Nicole's survivor tattoo written in her surgeon's handwriting. Nicole Mikhael/Nicole Mikhael Insurance didn't cover the surgeries because they were considered cosmetic. I had to pay out of my own pocket. Even after everything, people still assume I'm just another girl in LA with implants. There are so many stereotypes and stigmas about what a cancer patient looks like—bald, weak, sickly. But I had hair all the way down to my butt. People never thought I was the one who had breast cancer. Cancer doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care who you are, what you look like, or where you live. In any language, "cancer" is a terrifying word. One year later, my sister threw me a surprise one-year cancer-free party. My new neighbors came over to celebrate. They had a son named Mason, who knew about the girl next door who had beaten cancer. Our paths crossed over a year later at a July 4 barbecue. As soon as I saw him, I thought, "This guy cannot live next door to me. This is going to be a problem." I'm such a homebody, and I have a lot of animals. My girlfriends always teased me: "Nicole, you never leave the house. You think someone's just going to show up at your door?" The joke ended up being that he moved next door. He was a bit caught off guard because he only knew me as the "cancer girl." You couldn't tell I was sick just by looking at me. It worked out for me, though—I didn't have to have that conversation about having had cancer. But, when we got into a relationship, I thought: How am I going to tell him about the scars? When do I say that? For the longest time, I'd shower with the lights off. I couldn't look at myself. I always locked the door. Eventually, there was a moment when I had to tell him. I had to admit my insecurities to him, and I'm so grateful I did, because he couldn't care less about my scars, he reminded me of the strength behind them and relieved me of the shame I felt as feeling less than. And now, five years later, although we are not together anymore, any confidence cancer took away, Mason gave back to me and I'm forever thankful for role he playing in my healing. Now, people can't tell at all—they just assume I had an augmentation. During my recovery, everyone started bringing me crystals. Honestly, I didn't understand them at first. But then I began planting succulents inside crystals as a therapeutic little project that I would gift to my family and friends who woud come to see me. That small hobby ended up turning into a full-blown business: crystalz cacti. We were doing incredibly well, and for the first time in a while, I felt like I was taking back control of my life—financially, emotionally, and creatively. It was surreal when even the Kardashians had some of my crystals. Khloe coincidentally posted to me the night before my surgery, and ultimately ended up paying for the procedure given how much my sales skyrocketed afterwards. Unfortunately, in 2020, when the world shut down, I could no longer import crystals from Brazil, and I had to shut the business down. But I didn't stop there. Last year, I launched a new business, called Mikhael. The first product is a luxury, multifunctional pet bottle, with a crystal, inspired by my deep love for animals and the comfort they gave me through animal therapy during recovery. A photo of Nicole having pet therapy with a dog after her procedure. A photo of Nicole having pet therapy with a dog after her procedure. Nicole Mikhael/Nicole Mikhael Now, 35, I feel called to advocate for other women not to be afraid, but to check themselves. And if something feels off, trust your instinct. Don't wait. Don't brush it off. Early detection can literally save your life. If I had waited until I was 30 or 40 to get a mammogram, my cancer could have been Stage IV by then. And remember—life goes on. Your circumstances don't define your destiny. This is just a chapter in your story, not the whole book.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
VAR-style cameras let shoplifters watch themselves steal
Retailers across the UK are deploying 'VAR-style' cameras at self-service tills in a bid to combat a record-breaking surge in shoplifting. Borrowing from football's Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, the technology records checkout activity in real time and replays moments where an item may have been missed, scanned incorrectly, or bypassed altogether. The goal: to make would-be shoplifters confront their actions in the moment — often literally watching themselves steal. Tesco and Sainsbury's are among the first major UK supermarkets to trial this technology, citing its potential to reduce theft and improve scanning accuracy. How VAR-style tech works at the checkout At the heart of the system is a small, AI-enhanced camera mounted above the self-checkout area. As customers scan and bag their items, the camera uses computer vision to track the movement of each product. If it detects that an item has been placed in the bagging area without being properly scanned — whether by accident or intent — the system automatically triggers a short on-screen video replay of the event. This is how shoppers 'see themselves stealing': the footage shows their own hands skipping a scan or misaligning a barcode, replayed just seconds after it happens. An on-screen message such as 'Looks like that last item didn't scan' accompanies the footage, nudging the customer to review their transaction. Even small items like packets of herbs or batteries have triggered the alert, underscoring the system's precision. Unlike traditional CCTV, which is reviewed after the fact, these systems are interactive and real-time — designed not just to observe but to influence customer behavior at the point of sale. Retail analysts note that the psychological effect of seeing oneself caught in the act, even in a replay, can be a powerful deterrent — especially when it's framed as a gentle correction rather than an accusation. Shoplifting on the rise: the retail response According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), police in England and Wales logged over 516,000 shoplifting offences in 2024 — a 20% year-on-year increase and the highest level since modern records began in 2003. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) warns that theft, along with associated abuse toward staff, has reached crisis levels. While major retailers collectively report tens of millions of incidents annually, many go unreported due to limited police response. The BRC estimates shoplifting now costs UK retailers more than £2.2 billion per year — including the expense of added security. In this climate, the rollout of VAR-style surveillance reflects a shift in strategy. Rather than relying on reactive measures like locked display cases or random staff checks, retailers are turning to proactive, tech-driven systems that engage directly with customers during checkout. Balancing security and experience Tesco and Sainsbury's both confirmed that the VAR-style systems are part of broader efforts to improve checkout accuracy while maintaining a smooth experience for honest shoppers. A Sainsbury's spokesperson said decisions about security technology take into account customer convenience as well as loss prevention. Tesco echoed that view, stating the system helps customers 'spot when something hasn't scanned properly.' Though official performance data is not yet available, early feedback suggests the technology is helping to curb both accidental and intentional theft. Retail experts believe its wider adoption could ultimately reduce the need for more disruptive security measures, such as locked cabinets for everyday items. As the industry continues to grapple with rising retail crime, VAR-style cameras offer a novel — and often jarring — way to hold people accountable. While privacy concerns may arise, many retailers argue that the ability to show someone exactly what they just did, in real time, is a practical and proportionate response to a growing problem. "VAR-style cameras let shoplifters watch themselves steal" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
