Latest news with #MOD
New York Times
a day ago
- New York Times
This Visual Timer Helps Me Get Things Done, Even on the Days My Brain Wants Me to Bed Rot
When I'm faced with any task that I suspect will take me longer than a few minutes to complete — folding the laundry, emptying the dishwasher, writing this very lede — I have a hard time getting started. Drumming up the motivation to propel myself into motion is often the hardest part. Rationally, I know that whatever it is I have to do won't actually take that long, but the part of my brain responsible for my executive functioning skills doesn't always get the memo. So when a deadline is looming, but beginning a task feels insurmountable, I reach for my visual timer. Compact, battery-powered, and available in pastel hues, this productivity tool can help you effectively manage your time. After I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, I set out to find tools that could better help me navigate the terrain of my neurodivergent brain. Visual timers offer an in-your-face representation of the passage of time, and for the past two years, I've been using the Time Timer Home MOD almost daily. It features a bold, colored disk that gradually shrinks as the minutes count down. Elissa Sanci/NYT Wirecutter Physically twisting the dial on the timer helps me shift my mindset. I find it's a lot easier to focus when I can see the time I'm wasting right in front of me. And once I do finally start a task, I usually find that whatever it is I've been putting off doesn't take me as long to complete as I thought it would. Every so often, however, the task at hand proves to be just as time-consuming or complicated as I'd suspected. In these moments, my visual timer is especially helpful; whenever I feel myself losing focus, I look to it for motivation. Whether I have five minutes or half an hour left, that visual cue is usually enough to propel me back into action. Sometimes, I even work harder to finish whatever it is I'm doing before the timer elapses. There's no thrill quite like beating the clock. Though any timer that shows a visual representation of time elapsing could work, I'm particularly fond of the Time Timer Home MOD. I first discovered it while scrolling on TikTok, and I was immediately drawn to its mid-century modern look and soft-pastel color palette. Time Timer offers several different models in a wide range of designs, colors, and sizes (all of which rely on the same intuitive visual-countdown system). I like the MOD because it has a sleek design, so it feels like a thoughtful piece of decor rather than just a utilitarian productivity tool. I also like that it's small, compact, and powered by a single AA battery (not included), so it's easy to carry from room to room while I tackle chores. And on the days I go to coffee shops or the library to write, I can bring it with me. The timer has an optional audible alarm, which I usually leave off because the shrill beep can be a bit jarring. When I was drafting this story in the library, I brought the MOD timer along to help. Elissa Sanci/NYT Wirecutter The MOD timer doesn't fix all of my problems, but it has certainly helped. When my to-do list feels overwhelming, and getting started is the hardest part, setting the timer for even five minutes is often the thing that gets me out of my head and nudges me into action. This article was edited by Megan Beauchamp and Catherine Kast. Streamline your home-office setup, get your desk organized, and find new ways to focus (noise-cancelling headphones for the win) with these picks. These notebook and notepad picks offer a satisfying writing experience with different types of pens and pencils. Of more than 20 to-do list apps we considered, Todoist is the best at adapting to your daily life instead of making you adapt to it.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Councillor ‘reported to cops for racial hatred' after asking if homeless vets will get same support as migrants in hotel
It comes after details of a billion-pound Government cover-up were revealed ASYLUM HOTEL FURY Councillor 'reported to cops for racial hatred' after asking if homeless vets will get same support as migrants in hotel Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A COUNCILLOR who asked if homeless veterans could also be housed in migrant hotels was allegedly reported to cops for "stirring up hate". Cllr John Edwards claims he was "smeared" after he questioned Bracknell Forest Council's decision to house more than 300 Afghan migrants in four-star hotels in favour of hard-hit locals. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Cllr Edwards said his reputation had been harmed, despite his claims of a cover-up turning out to be true Credit: Conservatives 5 The Government was forced to cover up the relocation of thousands of Afghans after a major MOD email blunder Credit: AP 5 Cllr Edwards called for migrants to be treated with 'respect and dignity', but admitted he was worried for residents Credit: PA The independent councillor, who serves on Sandhurst Town Council, was reportedly put under investigation after he called for more clarity when hundreds of Afghans were placed in local hotels. He was allegedly reported by Labour councillor Cherise Welch, who accused him of "stirring up hate" after he suggested that key information was being withheld from Berkshire residents. But it has since been revealed that the Government secretly relocated thousands of Afghans to the UK following a major Ministry of Defence email blunder. Writing on his Facebook in April, Cllr Edwards called for the migrants to be treated with "respect and dignity", but admitted he was worried for the knock-on effect for desperate residents. He said: "Bracknell is resettling over 300 Afghans in a local hotel—and I don't believe residents are being told the full story. "I'm increasingly concerned that key information is either being withheld or presented in a way that makes it difficult to see how unfair this scheme is. "I want to make it clear that everyone arriving on this scheme must be treated with respect and dignity. But I also believe it's completely reasonable to ask what impact this scheme will have on our area. "If the money is there to house Afghans in a four-star hotel, why aren't any of the Labour, Lib Dem or Conservative councillors asking why this hasn't been provided for Bracknell's veterans or residents first? "As a Town Councillor, I felt compelled to look into this and speak up, because no other elected representative was." In response, Cllr Welch suggested the post was "complete nonsense", adding she had reported him to "the MOD, Council and local police". Others accused the concerned councillor of "spreading far-right propaganda" and targeting "specific ethnic groups". Speaking to the MailOnline, Cllr Edwards explained he had not been contacted by the police, but said his reputation had been harmed, despite his claims of a cover-up turning out to be true. Defence chiefs braced for £1BILLION compensation bill over Afghan data leak scandal He added: "The council has fuelled a narrative that I'm spreading hate and misinformation, despite my claims being true. "Another councillor has said publicly they have reported me to the police for stirring racial hatred. "It's stressful and potentially very harmful to my reputation. 'It's a way to smear and silence me, and it has a chilling effect which amounts to, 'disagree with the council and you will be call a racist'." He posted pictures of the interior and exterior facilities in the hotel, blurring out the background to conceal the location. But he was also accused of identifying the hotel by posting the images, which he strongly denies. Earlier this month, it emerged that almost 20,000 Afghans had been secretly relocated to the UK after a major Ministry of Defence error. The February 2022 leak was caused by a Special Forces soldier who accidentally shared a list of 18,714 people who had applied to flee to Britain in the wake of the 2021 Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. The list also included names of their individual UK sponsors including SAS and MI6 spies and at least one Royal Marine Major General. The clumsy click has potential to be the most expensive data breach in history. A total of 18,714 Afghans were included on the secret list, many of whom arrived via unmarked planes which landed at Stansted airport. Although Defence Secretary John Healey has said that the cost of relocating the Afghans and their families will total £400 million, the final cost could be even higher. The information was kept a secret for 18 months through a superinjunction used by the MoD – the first time one had been used by the Government against the press. Around 100,000 were put at risk of Taliban death squads when their names or loved ones were revealed in 2022 — with the blunder then 'covered up' by the gagging order. Almost 900 Afghans on the 'kill list' email leak are ready to sue — with lawyers saying thousands more are poised to join them. Legal sources claimed victims whose lives were endangered could be entitled 'to five-figure payouts'. Councillor Welch has been approached for comment. 5 Cllr John Edwards was reported to the police for questioning the decision to house Afghans over locals Credit: Facebook / Cllr John Edwards
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Councillor ‘reported to cops for racial hatred' after asking if homeless vets will get same support as migrants in hotel
A COUNCILLOR who asked if homeless veterans could also be housed in migrant hotels was allegedly reported to cops for "stirring up hate". Cllr John Edwards claims he was "smeared" after he questioned Bracknell Forest Council's decision to house more than 300 Afghan migrants in four-star hotels in favour of hard-hit locals. 5 Cllr Edwards said his reputation had been harmed, despite his claims of a cover-up turning out to be true Credit: Conservatives 5 The Government was forced to cover up the relocation of thousands of Afghans after a major MOD email blunder Credit: AP 5 Cllr Edwards called for migrants to be treated with 'respect and dignity', but admitted he was worried for residents Credit: PA The independent councillor, who serves on Sandhurst Town Council, was reportedly put under investigation after he called for more clarity when hundreds of Afghans were placed in local hotels. He was allegedly reported by Labour councillor Cherise Welch, who accused him of "stirring up hate" after he suggested that key information was being withheld from Berkshire residents. But it has since been revealed that the Government secretly relocated thousands of Afghans to the UK following a major Ministry of Defence email blunder. Writing on his Facebook in April, Cllr Edwards called for the migrants to be treated with "respect and dignity", but admitted he was worried for the knock-on effect for desperate residents. Read more News He said: "Bracknell is resettling over 300 Afghans in a local hotel—and I don't believe residents are being told the full story. "I'm increasingly concerned that key information is either being withheld or presented in a way that makes it difficult to see how unfair this scheme is. "I want to make it clear that everyone arriving on this scheme must be treated with respect and dignity. But I also believe it's completely reasonable to ask what impact this scheme will have on our area. "If the money is there to house Afghans in a four-star hotel, why aren't any of the Labour, Lib Dem or Conservative councillors asking why this hasn't been provided for Bracknell's veterans or residents first? Most read in The Sun "As a Town Councillor, I felt compelled to look into this and speak up, because no other elected representative was." In response, Cllr Welch suggested the post was "complete nonsense", adding she had reported him to "the MOD, Council and local police". Others accused the concerned councillor of "spreading far-right propaganda" and targeting "specific ethnic groups". Speaking to the Defence chiefs braced for £1BILLION compensation bill over Afghan data leak scandal He added: "The council has fuelled a narrative that I'm spreading hate and misinformation, despite my claims being true. "Another councillor has said publicly they have reported me to the police for stirring racial hatred. "It's stressful and potentially very harmful to my reputation. 'It's a way to smear and silence me, and it has a chilling effect which amounts to, 'disagree with the council and you will be call a racist'." He posted pictures of the interior and exterior facilities in the hotel, blurring out the background to conceal the location. But he was also accused of identifying the hotel by posting the images, which he strongly denies. Earlier this month, it emerged that almost 20,000 Afghans had been secretly relocated to the UK after a major Ministry of Defence error. The February 2022 leak was caused by a Special Forces soldier who accidentally shared a list of 18,714 people who had applied to flee to Britain in the wake of the . The list also included names of their individual UK sponsors including SAS and MI6 spies and at least one The clumsy click has potential to be the most expensive data breach in history. A total of 18,714 Afghans were included on the secret list, many of whom arrived via unmarked planes which landed at Although Defence Secretary John Healey has said that the cost of relocating the Afghans and their families will total £400 million, the final cost could be even higher. The information was kept a secret for 18 months through a superinjunction used by the MoD – the first time one had been used by the Government against the press. Around 100,000 were put at risk of Taliban death squads when their — with the blunder then 'covered up' by the gagging order. Almost 900 Afghans on the 'kill list' email leak are ready to sue — with lawyers saying thousands more are poised to join them. Legal sources claimed victims whose lives were endangered could be entitled 'to five-figure payouts'. Councillor Welch has been approached for comment. 5 Cllr John Edwards was reported to the police for questioning the decision to house Afghans over locals Credit: Facebook / Cllr John Edwards 5 The leaked list also included the names of UK sponsors and MI6 spies who could have become targets of the Taliban in Afghanistan Credit: Getty
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
'Must Have India First Policy': Maldives' Ex-Defence Minister Bats For 'Closest Neighbour'
Mariya Ahmed Didi, who was the defence minister when India started helping Maldives build its new defence ministry building, said India had always come to the island nation's aid 'It is very sad that for political reasons alone, such a good relationship between both countries (India and Maldives) was put at risk, but fortunately, everyone in the government here has come to their senses and we are hopefully seeing a new trend to the relationship," Maldives' former defence minister, Mariya Ahmed Didi, told CNN-News18 in an interview. Didi was the defence minister when India started helping Maldives build its new defence ministry building, which has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his current two-day state visit to the island nation. A huge poster of PM Modi adorned the building on Friday. 'The MOD building took shape in my tenure. It is a symbol of good defence cooperation in our time," Didi, now in the opposition, said, adding that from time immemorial, India and Maldives had a great relationship. first responder with us. This is a big signal," Didi told CNN-News18. 'It is up to all of us and Maldivians to make this euphoria last. The government should come out and explain the importance of India to the people. The President himself should come out in the media and make the people on the street understand so that the misguided campaign is put to rest. India has been our development partner. Whenever we needed them, they came to help us," Didi said. She also described Modi's trip as a momentous one. 'Since the Muizzu government came to power in Maldives, we have not seen much contact between the two neighbours. We always had an 'India first' policy. Not only because India is the largest neighbour, but it is for the mutual interest of both our countries to keep the relationship as we have had it historically alive," Didi said. She said both nations hold dear the ideals of history, geography, culture, cuisine, race, democracy, political ideology, and human rights. 'Our strategic vision is peace and stability in the region, and an open and free Indian Ocean. Our security interests and concerns over maritime security and terrorism are also the same," she said. Didi told CNN-News18 that Maldives must have an 'India First' policy as within his 'Neighbourhood First' policy, PM Modi sees Maldives as a priority. view comments First Published: July 26, 2025, 12:18 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
India fires missile from drone, Rajnath Singh calls it ‘major boost to defence capabilities'
India on Thursday successfully tested the upgraded version of a precision-guided missile launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), marking a key milestone in the country's push for indigenous defence technologies. A UAV-developed missile being launched during a successful DRDO-led operation in Andhra Pradesh.(MOD) The flight trials of the third-generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3) were conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at the National Open Area Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The missile, designed to engage a wide variety of targets in both plain and high-altitude regions, was fired from a UAV developed by Indian start-up Newspace Research Technologies. Defence minister Rajnath Singh called the successful launch of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3) a 'significant boost to India's defence capabilities.' 'Congratulations to DRDO and the industry partners, DcPPs, MSMEs and Start-ups for the development and successful trials of the ULPGM-V3 system. This success proves that the Indian industry is now ready to absorb and produce critical Defence Technologies,' defence minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X (formerly Twitter). The system was developed by DRDO in collaboration with several of its labs, including RCI, DRDL, TBRL, HEMRL, ITR and DLRL. Private sector firms such as Adani Defence and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) participated as development-cum-production partners. Over 30 Indian start-ups and MSMEs also contributed to various components of the missile. Here are the key highlights of ULPGM-V3:
