Latest news with #OperationSindoorIPL2025
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Meta appoints former Google DeepMind director Robert Fergus as head of AI Research lab
Representative image Facebook parent Meta has informed its staff that the company has appointed former Google DeepMind director Robert Fergus to lead its artificial intelligence research lab. According to a report by Bloomberg, Fergus will head the Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) lab at Meta. Fergus co-founded the Facebook AI Research lab (FAIR) along with Yann LeCun in 2014. Operation Sindoor IPL 2025 suspended as India-Pakistan tensions escalate Pakistan appeals for loans citing 'heavy losses', later says X account hacked Can Pakistan afford a war with India? Here's a reality check The unit takes care of AI research at the company. The FAIR lab creates models of advanced robotics, generate audio and further push boundaries of AI capabilities. As per Fergus LinkedIn profile, he was associated with Google DeepMind as a research director for five years. Before joining Google, Fergus was working with Meta as a research scientist. As per the report, Chief Product Officer Chris Cox informed the Meta employees that Fergus has joined FAIR labs and has succeeded Joelle Pineau , who announced departure plans last month. 'We're working towards building human-level experiences that transform the way we interact with technology and are dedicated to leading and advancing AI research,' Fergus said in a post on LinkedIn. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Vietnam (Take A Look At The Prices) Container House | Search Ads Search Now Undo According to a report from Fortune, FAIR led research on the company's early AI models, including Llama 1 and Llama 2. However, the report states that many researchers have departed FAIR for other startups, companies, and even Meta's newer GenAI group, which spearheaded the development of Llama 4. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Fully intact, undetonated Chinese PL-15 missile found in Punjab's Hoshiarpur
Missile (Screengrab) NEW DELHI: Remnants of a missile fired by Pakistani army was found in Punjab's Hoshiarpur on Friday, a day after Indian air defence systems intercepted all the missiles & drones Islamabad fired, reported news agency ANI. However, BJP I-T cell chief Amit Malviya and various other reports claimed that the missile was Chinese PL-15 in fully intact condition. Operation Sindoor IPL 2025 suspended as India-Pakistan tensions escalate Pakistan appeals for loans citing 'heavy losses', later says X account hacked Can Pakistan afford a war with India? Here's a reality check "A fully intact Chinese PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile was recovered in Hoshiarpur, Punjab—clearly launched from a PAF jet, most likely a JF-17. It failed to detonate," Amit Malviya wrote on X. The PL-15 is a highly advanced long-range air-to-air missile developed by China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) to enhance its beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capabilities. Designed to target aircraft from a distance of approximately 200 to 300 kilometers, the PL-15 is considered a significant leap in China's aerial warfare technology . It features an active radar homing guidance system and is equipped with a two-way data link, allowing it to receive mid-course updates from the launch platform or other sources such as AWACS aircraft. How it benefits India? If it turns out to be intact Chinese PL-15, India could gain several strategic and technological advantages. Studying such a missile would allow Indian defence scientists and engineers to analyse its internal systems — seeker, propulsion, datalink, and electronic counter-countermeasures. This could not only aid in reverse engineering and the development of more advanced indigenous BVR (beyond-visual-range) missiles like the Astra Mk-2 or Mk-3 but also help devise effective countermeasures. Understanding how the PL-15 locks onto targets and resists jamming would enable India to refine its electronic warfare capabilities and better equip its fighter aircraft to survive in contested airspace. Additionally, India could use this intelligence to enhance the readiness and tuning of its ground-based air defence systems like S-400 to intercept similar threats. There would also be value in sharing insights with strategic allies such as the United States, France, or Israel, possibly earning goodwill or gaining access to complementary technologies. From an operational standpoint, knowledge of the PL-15's strengths and vulnerabilities could help Indian pilots adjust their tactics in potential aerial engagements with Chinese jets like the J-20 or J-16. Overall, capturing and studying a PL-15 could serve as a powerful force multiplier for India in its ongoing rivalry with China.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sambhavna Seth opens up about getting replaced in a song from Welcome Back; says ‘I had shot for a week and I cried after learning about it'
Actress and dancer Sambhavna Seth recently opened up about a painful chapter in her career — getting replaced in a song from the 2015 film Welcome Back after shooting for nearly a week. Speaking candidly about the experience to Hindi Rush, Sambhavna revealed how deeply it affected her emotionally and professionally. 'I never really spoke about it,' she said. 'I had shot for six to seven days for that song. I was the main in that song. They might have thought something and I got replace d. Maybe someone else was the producer's favourite. We can only think — I can't go and ask, 'Why did you replace me?' They had already replaced me.' The replacement came as a shock, not just to her, but to her fans as well. 'People went to watch the film because they knew Sambhavna's song was there. Operation Sindoor IPL 2025 suspended as India-Pakistan tensions escalate Pakistan appeals for loans citing 'heavy losses', later says X account hacked Can Pakistan afford a war with India? Here's a reality check They came and told me I'm not there in the song. I was shooting for Razia Sultan back then. I was in Gujarat. The next day, I was supposed to go watch the film. I called Ganesh (Acharya) masterji and he said he had no clue. I hung up the call and cried a lot. You do feel hurt. I'm a human being. Those who do it, they don't feel it.' Despite the emotional setback, Sambhavna took it as a life lesson. 'These are life's learnings. They break you and mould you into a stronger human being. It will either make you a better human being and teach you patience, or turn you into a negative person. I have learnt from these experiences.' Sambhavna Seth is a versatile Indian actress, dancer, and reality TV personality known for her bold screen presence. She gained popularity through item numbers in Bhojpuri and Hindi films and appeared in shows like Bigg Boss and Razia Sultan.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Taylor Barnard marks Monaco pole win on Instagram: 'It wasn't the weekend we were hoping for'
Image credit: Taylor Barnard/Instagram NEOM McLaren driver Taylor Barnard was the first to taste success in Monaco, winning pole in Round 6 qualifying of the double-header. The youngest Formula E driver couldn't convert that success into a strong race result, but the 19-year-old still has plenty to be proud of. He has since shared a series of Instagram posts celebrating his pole win in Monaco, which comes on the back of three podium finishes this season. Taylor Barnard celebrates Monaco pole win on Instagram 'It wasn't the weekend we were hoping for in Monaco. Operation Sindoor IPL 2025 suspended as India-Pakistan tensions escalate Pakistan appeals for loans citing 'heavy losses', later says X account hacked Can Pakistan afford a war with India? Here's a reality check The package is really competitive, which we were able to showcase on Saturday with pole position and throughout the race, so a big thank you to the team. Lots learnt about the car in wet conditions on Sunday, but now we turn our attention to preparation for Tokyo! #TaylorBarnard #NEOM #McLarenFE.' His fans and friends, however, were full of praise for him in the comments section. One fan wrote, 'You always give your best!' Another said, 'You did very good this weekend and it was great to see you racing again, mate!! Let's keep pushing for the next ones!' Another added, 'You did so good in those circumstances. You learn from it and keep going.' An Instagram user even wrote, 'Always looking forward to seeing you in the top 10 and not losing trust—my best wishes to you, Taylor.' Another commented, 'You still drive mega in difficult circumstances. You will be back, Taylor—but still a good weekend with pole, just tricky conditions with the weather.' Many also encouraged him ahead of the upcoming Tokyo double-header. 'Bring on Tokyo, you got this,' read one comment. Recently, Barnard also shared pictures of his NEOM McLaren car on Instagram with the caption, 'Sightseeing in the Principality.' Also Read: Monaco E-Prix 2025 Round 6: Taylor Barnard takes pole, beats mentor Oliver Rowland in Qualifying Taylor Barnard is currently in an impressive 4th position in the Formula E Driver Standings with 54 points. He has achieved three podiums in seven races so far, including third place in the Sao Paulo race, third in Jeddah Round 3, and second in Round 4 E-Prix. Given Barnard's current form, it wouldn't be surprising to see him clinch the first win of his Formula E career this season.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India's inclusive growth playbook: SMEs, farmers, and infrastructure at the core
India's inclusive growth playbook: SMEs, farmers, and infrastructure at the core Dr. Arvind Panagariya , Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, recently called India 'unstoppable.' The foundations for India to emerge as a global economic power are firmly in place. India stands on the brink of a transformative decade—one that calls for a shift from incremental progress to exponential ambition. Realising this potential will require a vision powered not by diesel, but by rocket fuel—where infrastructure investment forms the launchpad for sustained, long-term growth. Since the early 1990s, China has significantly boosted its GDP India's inclusive growth playbook: SMEs, farmers, and infrastructure at the core from $360 billion in 1990 to $19 trillion in 2024 . India has shown bold leadership too, prioritising infrastructure and laying strong groundwork. Operation Sindoor IPL 2025 suspended as India-Pakistan tensions escalate Pakistan appeals for loans citing 'heavy losses', later says X account hacked Can Pakistan afford a war with India? Here's a reality check Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of India's market economy, stand to gain enormously. Representing the majority of private enterprises, SMEs drive innovation, patenting, and new product development. They are deeply woven into value chains, more dynamic than larger corporations, and critical to employment creation. Crucially, nurturing SMEs can help India avoid the 'middle-income trap' that has stalled nations like Brazil and South Africa. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You - See Tips Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Click Here Undo A focused strategy to strengthen SMEs—particularly their competitiveness in export markets—could be transformative. Yet SMEs face significant barriers, notably access to finance. Women-owned SMEs are especially underserved. The 2025–26 Government of India budget made important strides: establishing a venture capital fund, expanding credit availability, and launching credit cards for microentrepreneurs. However, with over 60 million SME s, government funding alone cannot meet the sector's vast needs. Budget constraints mean SME support must be primarily market-driven. Microfinance institutions have successfully provided short-term working capital to microenterprises, lifting millions out of poverty. However, they do not cater to larger SMEs or offer long-term growth financing—creating a critical gap. Given their scale, SMEs are not just part of India's economy—they are the economy. Harnessing their potential could drive national growth at an unprecedented pace. Infrastructure investment is not just critical in India's booming cities — it's just as vital in its villages. But building roads and power lines alone isn't enough. True transformation requires pairing infrastructure with direct support for small-scale farmers (SSFs), who together produce the vast majority of India's food. And the stakes are bigger than India alone. With the global population set to rise from 8 billion today to 10 billion by 2050, the world will need 70% more food. Developed countries, already farming at peak efficiency, won't be able to fill that gap. It's developing countries like India — home to one of the largest areas of cultivable land — that must step up to feed the future. Yet most Indian farmers work on plots smaller than two acres; marginaliszed farmers often have less than one. Small landholdings mean lower productivity — unless we find ways to close the gap. Connecting SSFs with cutting-edge technologies could unlock dramatic gains in yield and sustainability. The good news is that this technology already exists. The challenge is that funding flows heavily toward inventing new solutions ('first-mile' investment) but falls short when it comes to delivering those solutions to farmers ('last-mile' investment). Without strong channels to deploy proven technologies, innovations gather dust while fields stay underproductive. Changing this requires more than better tech; it demands new strategies, business models, and financing tailored to small rural enterprises. If we get this right, the impact will be profound: higher food production, stronger rural economies, new job creation, reduced poverty — and a brake on the rural-to-urban migration fueling overcrowded cities and widening inequality. Investing in small farmers isn't just an act of support. It's a strategy for sustainable national growth — and a critical step toward securing the world's future food supply. Dr. Arvind Panagariya Over the past two decades, India has invested over a trillion dollars in infrastructure. Projects like the Golden Quadrilateral (GQ)—linking Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata—have been transformative. Today, connectivity is being further enhanced through the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme and the PM GatiShakti Master Plan . Launched in 2021, PM GatiShakti fosters coordination across ministries and states to plan critical multi-modal infrastructure. Grounded in transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making, it aims to catalyze $1.2 trillion in private infrastructure investment over five years. By improving logistics and cutting transportation costs, GatiShakti especially benefits SMEs, which account for 45% of India's exports. Efficient supply chains can dramatically boost manufacturing competitiveness. However, financing future infrastructure—requiring trillions of dollars—remains a challenge. Attracting global institutional capital demands a two-pronged approach: innovative financial structures to assure investors of future cash flows, and a strong pipeline of bankable projects. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are essential. They must optimisze public commitments to unlock maximum private funding, allocate risks effectively, and ensure private incentives align with public goals. PPPs must catalyze transformative change—not just de-risk private returns. A robust banking system is equally critical, one capable of prudently financing SMEs and infrastructure through sound credit risk management and alignment with national priorities. Addressing issues like land acquisition, contract enforcement, and dispute resolution is vital. India's telecom sector, transformed after regulatory reforms, offers a powerful example of what's possible. The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) could be a game-changer if it innovates—especially to support SMEs. Drawing lessons from Brazil's BNDES, NaBFID can broaden and deepen India's capital markets, develop project bond markets to address banking maturity mismatches, and catalyze long-term financing. NaBFID could also provide credit enhancements for banks financing SME infrastructure projects, making it easier to attract pension and insurance fund investments. With strategic structuring, NaBFID can leverage its $2 billion capital to mobilize funding at over 1000 times that amount. Supporting SMEs is essential. With access to long-term capital, hundreds of Indian SMEs could scale into global companies within a decade, propelling broad-based growth and helping India escape the middle-income trap. Finally, India's demographic dividend offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Seizing it demands urgent, long-term investment, largely financed by the private sector through innovative, well-structured PPPs. Building on past successes, India must embrace a fresh, inclusive vision—one where infrastructure development and SME empowerment are hardwired into its financial systems to deliver equitable and sustainable prosperity. Contributed by Saud Siddique Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
