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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Nearly half of technical posts in DGCA vacant
India's aviation safety regulator is operating with only 50% of its technical strength, with just 553 officials overseeing operations in one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, according to an internal document reviewed by HT. The regulator's sweeping remit includes airline operations oversight to airport certification, with the technical posts crucial from safety perspective — these teams are tasked to carry out airworthiness assessments and operational surveillance. (PTI File) The regulator's sweeping remit includes airline operations oversight to airport certification, with the technical posts crucial from safety perspective — these teams are tasked to carry out airworthiness assessments and operational surveillance. According to documents seen by HT, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has48%of its 1,063 technical posts vacant, hampering its ability to enforce regulations and conduct safety audits effectively in the world's third-largest aviation market. Of these, 400 posts were sanctioned and added in 2022 but remain to be filled. The staffing shortage comes at a time of close scrutiny of Indian aviation safety following the crash of Air India Flight 171 crash that killed 260 people in June. The sector has been booming, with India becoming the third largest domestic market after the US and China post the pandemic. The regulator's technical posts vacant include flight operations inspectors, who oversee airline safety compliance, airworthiness officers who ensure aircraft meet safety standards, air safety officers who investigate incidents, and aeronautical engineers who provide technical oversight. Chief flight operations inspectors (FOI) and senior FOIs lead these critical safety functions. The crisis extends to senior leadership levels. Currently, all 18 deputy director general posts in DGCA are vacant—some for over five years. 'The last promotions for some of the posts were filled three years ago. This delay is affecting not just current operations but also the next tier of leadership,' said a former DGCA official on condition of anonymity. Of the vacant deputy director general (DDG) posts, six are from the airworthiness directorate, six from operations, two from air safety and four from other directorates including flying training and regulation information. The former official quoted above added that the vacancies have a cascading effect. 'Since DDG posts are empty, there's no one eligible for promotion to joint director general (JDG) post, which requires at least three years of DDG experience,' he added. 'The regulator at present has one vacant JDG post and 'if the backlog continues, we risk having a stage with no JDG officers in the coming years,' he added. A former bureaucrat stressed on the sweeping nature of the regulator's work. 'These officers are required in safety oversight in their respective areas, grant approval as assigned to them and contribute to policy making,' said this person, asking not to be named. 'If you remove one link, it no more remains a chain to bind any organisation. It's like removing all DCPs from Delhi police and then thinking that it can function with commissioners and inspectors.' 'The shortage of staff not only impacts safety but also the efficiency of the country's aviation regulator,' said another former bureaucrat, asking not to be named. 'The DGCA is undermanned and requires more specialists.' These issues were discussed at a July 9 meeting on civil aviation safety by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture. Despite repeated attempts, the DGCA did not respond to queries. The ministry of civil aviation did not respond to requests for a comment. The second former DGCA official cited above added that the problem has existed for years due to 'slow recruitment procedures and lack of budget,' calling the shortage of trained personnel a major concern. The staffing crisis affects the regulator's core functions at a time when India is attempting to improve its International Civil Aviation Organization safety rankings. Despite being the third largest domestic market by volume, the country ranks 48, albeit an improvement from 102 in 2018. In other countries, regulators work with far larger workforces. The US FAA employs 46,170 people, although 14,000 of these are air traffic controllers, while the UK's Civil Aviation Authority has about 1,000-1,100 staff. The DGCA relies on around 70 contract consultants to bridge gaps, although it does not employ air traffic controllers (unlike the FAA), who are on rolls of the Airports Authority of India. Former joint director general JS Rawat said the government needs to attract qualified personnel from industry by making pay competitive with market standards. 'With the rate at which Indian aviation is growing, it is essential to keep up the pace. Manpower shortages lead to delays in the functioning of the regulator, such as granting airline approvals and conducting checks,' he added. Parliamentary discussions also touched on the DGCA's lack of independence. The regulator functions as a statutory body under the ministry of civil aviation with limited financial and staffing powers. In contrast, the FAA has moderate autonomy under the US Department of Transportation, while the UK's CAA and EU's EASA operate as highly autonomous entities. 'This lack of independence impacts DGCA's ability to make swift policy decisions and allocate resources effectively,' said an official aware of the discussions. 'Considering the country's growth trajectory, it's not just autonomy but also a long-term plan that is essential. The government must come up with a forward-looking strategy, including a structure that supports the sector's growth over the next 30 years,' the official concluded.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘My Ball' Is TikTok's New Favorite Nickname — Here's What It Means
You may have heard it on Love Island — or in your living room. From your teen or on social media. But chances are, you have heard Gen Z's latest slang term: 'my ball.' This viral TikTok nickname trend is everywhere right now, and while it's origins might be murky, it's meaning is fairly straightforward. Like 'babe,' 'boo-thang,' and 'bae,' 'ball' or 'my ball' is a term of endearment. It basically just means, 'that's my girl.' It was popularized by rapper DDG during his Twitch streams. In a video clip, DDG explains what 'my ball' means, per Parents: 'I would like to write a declaration in the lingo dictionary that this is not a disrespectful term,' he said. 'The synonym is not b*tch, it's saying my woman, my beautiful woman. Ball is an acronym for 'beautiful-a** little lady.'' He's also said it stands for 'beautiful aura lovely lady.' (Now he has a song out called 'That's My Ball.') More from SheKnows At 19, I Broke Up With Social Media - & Chose Myself Using 'my ball' has spread from there, including teens on TikTok using it and even men on Love Island calling girls their 'ball' or asking for 'my ball back.' Unlike girl or babe, though, 'ball' has a specific connotation that the person can be 'played with' or 'passed around' or 'collected,' which means it may not be as sweet as DDG says. The 'my ball' trend is just another iteration of the larger Gen Z dating culture that shies away from commitment. (A guy will ask you to be his 'ball' but not his 'girlfriend.') Just look at Love Island, a show supposedly about finding love but really about hooking up, becoming TikTok famous, and 'clip farming' to look cool online even while sacrificing real relationships to do it. Situationships are becoming more common, with two people 'talking' or 'hanging out,' even exclusively, but not being anything more serious than that. Teens are acting nonchalant and cool, like they don't care about anything, and that extends to dating. Dr. Caroline Fenkel, LCSW, DSW, Chief Clinical Officer and Co-Founder at Charlie Health, previously told SheKnows, 'Nonchalance as a trend among teens is deeply rooted in the current culture of detachment and self-preservation. For many teens, appearing unbothered or 'effortlessly cool' signals emotional resilience and self-sufficiency in a world that often feels hyper-visible and judgmental, primarily through social media.' 'I think it's essential for parents to recognize that nonchalance isn't always just a personality trait — sometimes it's a defense mechanism,' Dr. Fenkel added. 'Teens are navigating complex social environments that are more visible and scrutinized than ever before. Encouraging open conversations about feelings and providing consistent support can help them feel safe enough to express vulnerability.' Maybe then, will Gen Z be able to go from playing with balls to actually, genuinely falling in of SheKnows At 19, I Broke Up With Social Media – & Chose Myself AP Scores Just Came Out — Here's What to Do If Your Teen's Upset About Theirs Celebrate Freedom With These Perfectly-Patriotic Americana Baby Names
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Teen Boys and 'Love Island' Contestants Are Calling Girls 'My Ball'—Here's Why
Darling. Baby. Babe. Boo. Bae. Ball? Terms of endearment for a significant other have evolved and changed over time as the human vernacular tends to do, and the latest slang has TikTokers, teens, and Love Island contestants alike calling each other 'my ball.' But what does it mean, and why has your teen suddenly started saying it? Like many modern language trends, 'my ball' was popularized via the internet—this time on Twitch, thanks to Twitch streamer and rapper DDG—and spread quickly from there. "[These words] gain traction because they feel personal, funny, or shorthand for something bigger," explains Noël Wolf, a linguist and language teacher. Teens in particular pick up these new words and phrases quickly because they're 'deeply embedded' in online spaces. 'From there, the language spreads peer-to-peer, and suddenly it's showing up in group texts, in schools, and eventually even in adult conversations," she says. Has 'my ball' become part of your teenager's vocabulary seemingly overnight? There's a reason for that! Ahead, learn more about the trending slang, where it came from, and what parents need to know. While 'my ball' was inspired by basketball, it isn't actually referring to the object or the game itself. There are a few different interpretations and uses of the phrase, but the most popular is as a term of romantic interest. Saying 'That's my ball' can mean 'That's my girlfriend/boyfriend/person/love interest' in a loving, admiring way. It can also be used to establish dominance with another interested party; saying 'That's my ball' means you've called dibs on someone or they belong to you, so to speak, and the other person should back off. If teens are interested in someone, they could ask them 'Are you my ball?' to see if the feelings are mutual. Though 'my ball' had been used before, the phrase really gained popularity when DDG started using it during his streaming sessions, including during the massively popular Streamer University series. DDG said he first heard of the term via his social followers—a.k.a. 'the chat'—who took inspiration from a LeBron James quote that eventually turned into a meme, making an actual basketball reference into something romantic. The phrase has been criticized by some TikTok users who see it as negative or disrespectful, especially as balls can be 'passed around' to others or 'played with.' Others don't find it all that complimentary to be compared to an object. DDG has clarified his intent behind the phrase. 'I would like to write a declaration in the lingo dictionary that this is not a disrespectful term,' he shared. 'The synonym is not b*tch, it's saying my woman, my beautiful woman. Ball is an acronym for 'beautiful-a** little lady.'' He's also said it stands for 'beautiful aura lovely lady.' Younger audiences are extremely interested in streaming culture, and for many, streamers are their celebrities. Most of these streamers use Twitch to reach teens and tweens. Though Twitch began as a gaming platform, it has evolved to include so much more content, including 'day in the life' videos. According to a 2025 report, more than 40% of Twitch users are between ages 16 and 24, and the platform skews heavily male. In recent years, phrases like 'gyatt,' 'chat,' and 'Fanum tax' have become widely popularized due to streaming, trickling down from Twitch streams to group chats to classroom conversations. 'Streaming platforms are like living laboratories for language,' says Wolf. 'On Twitch or TikTok, influencers speak in real time, often inventing or popularizing phrases that capture a mood, reaction, or shared experience. And these words can explode basically overnight." 'My ball' quickly made its way through Twitch and TikTok, and even ended up on Love Island, a massively popular reality dating show. One of the contestants, Ace, used it to describe his partner Chelley, interrupting a conversation she was having with another male contestant by asking "Can I have my ball back?" DDG also turned the phrase into a song, the aptly named 'That's My Ball.' The song then spawned a TikTok dance where the male partner lip syncs the lyrics and the female partner 'bounces' like a ball. If your teen watches a lot of streamers, it's natural that they'd pick up on some of the language used, especially if it feels like every creator is repeating the same phrases. Because streaming is so popular, these phrases and viral slang terms—like 'aura farming" for example—catch on quickly. 'Language is evolving faster than we've ever seen,' Wolf shares. 'In the past, new slang might have taken years to enter the mainstream. Now, one viral video or meme can introduce a new term overnight. This accelerates the natural process of linguistic change and makes language feel more democratic. Instead of academics creating the new lexicon, teens and online creators feel more agency over the way we speak.' It may feel like your teen is speaking an entirely different language, but it's because they're picking up vernacular from different communities online. And while it might seem confusing, it's actually pretty similar to the way teens used slang in the past. Back in the AIM days, parents were confused with slang like 'ROTFLOL' and 'BRB.""In the past, new slang might have taken years to enter the mainstream. Now, one viral video or meme can introduce a new term overnight."Samantha Silverman, a licensed clinical social worker and CEO of Silver Linings Mental Health, says that as a parent of a teen, staying current with internet slang isn't just about keeping up, 'it's about understanding how my teen sees the world, and how they see themselves.' Slang has long been a way for teens to participate in the culture around them. 'Adolescence is a time when kids are figuring out who they are, often by trying on different styles, ideas, and even words,' says Silverman. 'Slang is one of the most immediate ways teens carve out space for self-expression and belonging. It helps them feel like they're part of something bigger than themselves, a shared culture that their parents don't fully understand—and that's kind of the point.' While 'my ball' is typically used to playfully express affection or romantic interest and appeals to Gen Z and Gen Alpha's specific, generational humor, it could also be used to show possession towards a romantic partner or love interest—and that's when parents might want to pay attention. ''You're my ball and no one else can have you' might be said jokingly, but the language of ownership can carry deeper messages,' says Silverman. 'As parents, we know that early romantic relationships shape how our teens learn to give and receive love. The way they talk about relationships matters because it reflects how they think about boundaries, respect, and emotional safety.'"'You're my ball and no one else can have you,' might be said jokingly, but the language of ownership can carry deeper messages."If you suspect that your child is using the trending term in a controlling or possessive way, it might be time for an honest conversation about healthy relationships. Here are a few easy ways to get started: Talk about relationships. Even if they're not dating someone, it's never a bad idea to bring it up, especially if their friends are dating or you think it's been on their mind. Silverman advises talking to your teenager about what makes someone a good partner, and how to set boundaries around crushes and relationships. 'Teens are still learning the difference between cute and controlling,' she says. Ask questions! Simply asking your teen about phrases like 'my ball' and what those things mean to them can open the door to genuine, productive conversations about the things they're dealing with, including dating and friendship. Let them express themselves. 'Remember, using slang is part of how your teen is figuring out who they are,' Silverman shares. 'You don't need to adopt the lingo yourself (please don't), but you can respect their need to experiment, question, and play, while still helping them recognize red flags.' Read the original article on Parents
Express Tribune
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
DDG calls out Apple Music over poop emoji search blunder amid viral 'Doo Doo Garbage' joke
DDG has publicly addressed Apple Music after users discovered that searching the poop emoji on the platform brought up his name and music alongside joke tracks like 'The Poop Song.' The rapper and streamer posted a screenshot on X showing the emoji-linked search results. 'Who at Apple Music trolling me since I dropped my new song?' he wrote, adding crying emojis. 'Apple Music fix this gang.' who at apple music trolling me since i dropped my new song? 😭😭😭 @AppleMusic fix this gang — DDG (@PontiacMadeDDG) July 3, 2025 The issue came to light on the same day DDG released a new song, further fuelling the reaction. He reposted a similar screenshot shared by Pop Crave and added, 'Noooooo not on the same day I drop my song.' The viral joke that DDG's initials stand for 'Doo Doo Garbage' resurfaced earlier this year. The nickname originated from YouTuber SoLLUMINATI in June 2023 and has since become a meme. At one point, a Spotify search for '💩💩' also linked to DDG, prompting more ridicule across social media. The situation escalated offline when a Dream Con attendee called DDG 'Doo Doo Garbage' in person, leading to a physical altercation involving his brother DuB. The incident was captured on video and later referenced during DDG's custody dispute with Halle Bailey. Despite the meme's popularity, DDG's name is a simple abbreviation of his full name, Daryl Dwayne Granberry. The rapper has made no secret of this, and continues to address the trolling with both humour and frustration. Apple Music has yet to comment on the matter.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
DDG vs Reggie (Lil Rodney Son) drama explained: All about the viral controversy between the two rappers
Image via @PontiacMadeDDG & @girlhefunny_1/X The internet's latest Twitch-tainment war is between none other than DDG and Reggie, aka Lil Rodney Son. What started as a casual reaction to a DDG album has spiraled into a full-blown back-and-forth involving music, relationships, fatherhood, and even the loss of family members. And yes, it's messy. Here's everything you need to know! It All Started With a Reaction Clip Reggie was doing what most streamers do: reacting to viral content. During a Twitch stream, he saw a TikTok clip of DDG discussing how people were faking support for his music. Apparently, DDG felt Reggie was throwing shade, calling his album mid, even though he'd previously praised it. DDG clapped back on his own stream, saying: 'You just listened to my old said it was hard, bro. Like, stop faking, bro.' He even told Reggie to 'watch full clips' before speaking on his name. Reggie Fires Back — And He's Not Holding Back Reggie wasn't here to play either. He doubled down saying he never said the whole album was good , just that maybe 'one or two tracks were decent.' He also called DDG out for being too pressed about a relationship situation that had nothing to do with him. His words? 'You're a grown a** man, bro. Like, why are you even worried about another man's relationship?' And then came the spice: 'Sometimes you got to mind your business.' Reggie Brings Up DDG's Family And It Gets Real Personal Just when we thought this might stay music-related, Reggie brought up DDG's son, Halo, and his relationship with Halle Bailey. In a now-viral moment, Reggie said: 'Where your son at, n***a?' He mocked DDG for being involved in Twitch drama while having father duties. He even said DDG would have to 'live with this s**t for the rest of your life.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beachfront Living in Mumbai at Sunteck Beach Residences Sunteck Realty Learn More Undo At this point, it was no longer about music — it was about life choices, family, and deep personal stuff. DDG Goes Nuclear From Italy DDG wasn't about to let that slide. From an IRL Twitch stream in Italy, he launched a brutal response with the title: 'REGGIE DAD GONE.' He told his viewers: 'I've lost all respect for that little a** boy… You bring my family into it, I'll bring yours into it.' Yeah, he went scorched earth. The gloves were off. No limits. Reggie Responds (Again), But Chooses Restraint Despite being furious, Reggie said he wouldn't go as far as dissing the dead. 'Mentally, you gotta protect your peace, gang.' He also called out DDG for using his late father as a background on stream, calling it 'lame' and 'unnecessary.' In an era where clout is currency, this feud blurred lines. What started as a music reaction ended up dragging in kids, dead parents, and real-life wounds. And while some fans are calling it 'content,' others think it went too far. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
